Hi all,

So I finished week 2 a couple of days ago, with my weight loss standing at 18lbs at that point. I am really pleased and very encouraged to continue. The weight loss is slowing down, no doubt, but I think 3-4lb a week going forward is achievable, so I’m targeting somewhere around a 36-40lb loss at the end of week 8, which would hit the 15% body weight loss recommended in the BSD book.

I have also now had my formal fasting blood glucose test and met my surgery’s diabetes doctor and nurse, who were really nice and encouraging.

The great news is that I have seen improvements in both my Plasma fasting glucose level (the one that’s a snapshot of your current blood sugar level, such as you get using a testing monitor at home) which had dropped from 6.4, teetering on the brink of being “diabetic, down to a very “normal” 4.4. More exciting is that my HbA1c level (which has been described to me as like a 3-month average reading which the doctor is most bothered about) has already dropped from 59 to 54 (10% down in less than 2 weeks!), so well on the way to a level of 48, where I would “only be” pre-diabetic and on course for 42 or lower which is “normal” ie non-diabetic!

All I can say is that I am really excited that this appears to be working so far and that it seems that I will be able to reverse away from this damaging condition.

What was great about my diabetes doctor is that she had heard of the BSD and Prof Roy Taylor’s work and she actually clapped her hands together in happiness when I told her about my low carb diet and my weight loss to date. She said that she and her nurse were always pleased to meet well informed and motivated patients who really wanted to beat this thing.

Finally, she also said one other really encouraging thing, which was she already has several patients who have followed a low carb path, successfully reversing their diabetes and who are managing to stay that way. I was sent away with no medication and an appointment for a fasting glucose blood test in 3 months, a request to keep up the good work and a target of a HbA1c reading of 42 or lower in May 17 🙂

At this stage, I could not have asked for anything more.

All the best everyone and into week 3

Hi I just made the Chocolate kidney bean cake in the BSD recipe book for a dinner party and they turned out really well. I halved the recipe (eg 3 eggs instead of 5; 8 dates) and made 9 muffins size cakes. No one guessed they weren’t the real thing. Had a nice dark chocolatey flavour. I also froze 1 cup of some mixed berry I blended with a splash of coconut milk in an ice block tray and served those with them and a mint leaf for deco. Very nice! Also gluten free for those guests sensitive to gluten. I saw this recipe is similar to the Chocolate surprise cake placed in an article re BSD in daily mail.

I saw it mentioned on another thread as a possible reaction to the full fat dairy, so maybe try alternatives like almond milk/coconut cream/yoghurt for a while and see if that helps.

Hi Trelawny, the Salt Bar sounds very interesting, I think it’s the place that used to be a meadery briefly, but I have never eaten there. Harry’s Cali style is also new to me and I do have a weakness for spicy food. Choices, choices. I have eaten at the Old Quay House and Trevaskis many times and fancy something different this time so one of those first two mentioned I think. I’ll let you choose. We will probably be getting into town on the Sunday (last Sunday in February), so will be available any weekday or the following Saturday if you are working during the week. There aren’t too many piccies of me at my biggest, but I am sure I can find a few to show the contrast. OH found a piccie of young me in a bikini the other day, I probably weighed more then than I do now, but the tummy was flatter! First job at the new house is get a proper bed delivered and built so we are not trying to sleep on air beds or futons. Then try to work out where the leak is coming from in the dining room. Still we should get some time for some healthy walks on the beach.

Hi All! I’m starting on the 20th Feb too so would love to join you too. The is the first time I’ve done this diet so I’m hoping it goes well. I’ve done Atkins in the past but have become a bit bored with it. I’m hoping to lose about 10kgs. I’m 164cm and currently weigh 72.5kgs. BMI 27. At 44 I’m finding it tougher to shift the midriff flab! Good luck everyone!

I should have added that the smug feelings on the good days increase with time too!

Sounds like a great day. Let’s celebrate together. Write down your victories and plaster post it notes or similar on the bathroom mirror, fridge door and wherever. Seems a bit juvenile but works both to motivate me when wavering and to encourage me. We think what we do is hidden… even a voice message on your smartphone you can play to yourself in tough moments might help encourage you to stick with the principles. Nothing like a friendly boot up the backside when you really need to hear it in voice form. I am good at silencing my inner conscience otherwise!
I do sympathise as I am just expert at scoffing a whole tub of ice cream /large bar of chocolate /packet of biscuits/extra chips. Today my kids tucked into garlic bread and mozzarella sticks then pizza at a really nice place where it’s not produced for the masses. And me? I sat with them and smelled it, inhaled it, looked at it. I had one stick, 1 tiny bite of garlic bread (it really was tiny, about 1cm square) just to see if it tasted as good as it should… and dear reader, I stopped right there.
And when their pizzas arrived, I ate my bun-less burger and the salad I had asked them to swap the fries for, and the coleslaw. And guess what, I was satisfied. So it can be done, even with a past like mine! A couple of months back I wasn’t in that place though. Do it how it works for you. And if it doesn’t just pick yourself up again immediately. We are all here to help each other.
Good weekend to all!

Thanks Julia! I did succeed in swerving all the usual junk and bought plenty of vegetables. I’ve made it through the day without overeating, I think I’ve probably had about 1500 calories. Over on carbs, too – but still vastly improved on my usual consumption. I’m aiming at Fast 800 so that I make more effort, if that makes sense, but realise I’m not one of those who can stick to it exactly.

I’m feeling some hunger pangs but nothing unbearable. Just one day means an amazing success for me.

Jpscloud I hope that the shopping trip was a huge success. Power to you!
I am getting better at resisting the wrong stuff – it does get easier with time. It’s when I am mega stressed that I succumb. But trying to keep things in perspective and for now it’s working.
Lucia, I send you greetings. Worrying about your absence here. Big hugs going your way. And some hula hoops being chucked to lassoo you back here!
Humankind – hope all’s well your end too.

Verano – the Green & Blacks 85% chocolate is in my Sainsbury’s supermarket. The ginger was my addition – I was just thinking last night (salivating!) over how to get the ginger kick and chocolate kick without the carbs.10g of 85% is 2.25g carbs. 62 calories and 5g fat. And fresh ginger slivers are near zero everything, what’s not to like 😆
Works for me.

Hi Suse97! I’m going to try to get as close to doing the Fast 800 properly as I can but this time I’m going fairly easy on myself. I should probably just do the Med diet and would certainly lose weight on that, but if I aim for the Fast 800, even if I fail a bit, I will try harder than doing the Med diet. Not sure if that actually makes sense to anyone but me!

Some people on these forums have had amazing success and it’s so inspirational just being around them and reading their stories. Lots of great advice too, and I am totally convinced this is the right way to go.

Re me Bol from last night, I had broccoli With it- can’t stand courgette, cucumber or melon, all wRey yuk tasting to me.

Think I’ve had too much dairy with the full fat Greek yoghurt as eczema has come back- just 1 patch on my arm 🙁 I’m going to perhaps cut out cheese and see if that helps as I do love Greek yoghurt and berries

I caved on the chocolate tonight- I was too scared to scan ans see- but I did- I only had 1 70% hotel chocolate baton, 43 caps ans 3.6g carb

Think I can incorporate as a Friday treat 🙂

Hi everyone, I’m starting on Monday too! I’m one of those who has tried repeatedly to loose weight and am getting pretty desperate now! I store most of my fat around my middle which I know is the worst place for it. I’ve got young kids and I need to be healthier. Really want to stick to this so need as much support as possible please! I need really quick meal ideas, particularly for the evenings. Happy to help others with ideas too if I can. Good luck everyone!

Hi Linda, thanks… yes, carbs are too high today. No, I’m not weighing and measuring everything at the moment. I am fully aware that I am over consuming. I used a generous amount of olive oil in making the soup. I am doing my best with a weak will and an eye on the early grave that awaits me unless I get back in control.

Hi jpscloud
Welcome back!
From what you described food wise, you seem quite high in carbs.

Are you weighing and measuring everything and calculating how many carbs are in those foods just from today?

The yoghurt can add up quickly from the lactose, blueberries are quite high (depending on how many you have), lentils are very high as are carrots and not sure what vegetables you had in the casserole for lunch, but some are quite high, even without things like potatoes.

What are the ingredients on the tins you have (is there any added sugar) and what are the carbs per 100g and how many grams did you eat? How much fat have you had, it doesn’t seem enough.

If the carbs are too high, it’s going to make you feel hungry as will the lack of fat. Let us know.
Cheers
Linda

Hi topcac
I’ve been maintaining since September and my BMI is about the same as yours.
I average 75-125km per week of walking, that and yoga is all I do, and I’ve simply increased my fat until I am satiated. I have not increased my carbs at all and I’m afraid I’m one of those that if I had chocolate or anything else sweet, I wouldn’t be able to stop, so I gave up cold turkey in April last year.
For breakfast this morning, I’ve just scrambled 2 (double yolk) eggs in butter, added 2 teaspoons of double cream, added 30g of parmigiana cheese and a piece fatty bacon fried in butter (I added the fat and a load of salt as well). I’m about to go on a 3 hour bush walk (which I do about 4 days a week), then play 2 games of softball this afternoon. By lunch, I’ll find that I’m still full from breakfast and won’t bother eating till dinner.
Seems to work for me! Oh, in case your wondering, I’m 57!
I had my cholesterol checked and my HDL is up and my triglycerides are down and I have a fabulous ratio between the 2 just in case anyone is worried that I’m going to drop dead of a heart attack!😀

Please could someone help me since starting this diet 9 days ago which by the way is fab but my eczema has got worse alot worse I’ve had it under control for months and it had disappeared but the last four days its back in all its normal places I’ve changed nothing else only going on this diet can anyone think of why this would be happening? I thought sugar made eczema worse but not by looking at me now help some please I really don’t want to have to come off the diet as I’m loving the recipes thanks x

Hi Keid, I’m starting today so will join you. I have a lot more to lose than you do, but I am very prone to relapses and have failed many times. I’m not giving up though, and have spent some time preparing to start Fast 800 again, so hopeful this time I will make it.

Good luck!

Starting Fast 800 again today. I’ve been trying on and off since my first attempt almost a year ago. It’s more like 1000-1500 cals for the moment, but I’ve carefully set myself up for this attempt by gradually weaning myself off junk food for a few weeks and increased vegetables/reduced carbs for the last fortnight.

Today I had Fage yoghurt and blueberries for breakfast, home made vegetable and lentil casserole for lunch, and chicken in white sauce (tinned) with heaps of broccoli and some broad beans for dinner. I have quite a few tins of this in, and need to use them up but they are reasonably low carb.

So here I am at the scary moment, when I’ve had my dinner and would normally start visiting the kitchen for more and more snacks. I have some celery and carrots in so will make crudités, but I will try not to eat between meals, as this can lead to losing control by past experience.

It’s also half term hols for me, so it will be quite a test of my determination. I’m ok with small slips, but I want to avoid the major relapses that are characteristic of my attempts to be in control of my eating.

This time I feel a little more determined – I’ve seen my blood sugars gradually rise while my diet has been out of control, and I’m of an age where I’m becoming more and more aware of the risks my weight brings. I’ve always had the fanciful idea that one day I would naturally just not want to overeat, and would naturally also just choose healthy food. Sigh. If only! It’s going to be hard work but the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about.

That explains all my leg cramps this week and the fact I’ve up my water intake and tonight I’m thirsty.
Thank you. This forum is fabulous x

Shanshu
cmawp is right, don’t drop the salt, this way of eating without processed foods and additional water means that we need to consume more salt, not less.
I aim for 2 teaspoons a day and when I don’t get it, I find I suffer from cramps in my legs.
Cheers
Linda

Hello all, anyone starting on the 20th Feb like to keep me company. It’s my birthday 22nd April so I’m hoping for a real change by then. Only got a stone and a half to lose but it’s been there for few years so it’s quite stubborn!!!

Shansu, what you’re experiencing in week 3 is very normal.

Your body has just finished purging water and glycogen from your muscles and is about to get in gear for ketosis. You’ll find yourself becoming thirsty quickly, so up your water intake and stay on the 800.

From experience I wouldn’t take salt out of your diet. In fact with the increase in water consumption, you’ll need it more than ever.

It’s one of the counter-intuitive requirements of BSD. You need a new way of thinking, so you must let go of the ‘salt = bad’ way of thinking

Day 6 today.. this is the longest I have been without any sugar/hi carbs. Going well.. Headaches have settled. Not feeling hungry all the time. Howz everyone else doing? Any positive results as such?

Sorry to hear that Manyana, but please do what’s best for you. All the best for your future endeavours.

Just made chicken korma with cauliflower rice was delicious. Used low fat Greek yogurt too (didn’t differ much in sugars to full fat). Also cut back on the oil and used olive oil spray oil too, didn’t bother with the onion rings though.

Ah, Verano, I’m realistic about how I look and getting older – the things I value in myself aren’t outwardly visible!

And don’t even start me off about being a lifelong teetotaller in Scotland. If one more person tells me ‘you can’t trust a person who won’t take a drink….. Clearly I’m destined to be a kitten who treads her own path … !

Might be giving all nuts a miss then!

So managed 5 days as do feel better- not sure if I have lost any weight as I don’t own scales- never have and never will- I will know I am on target when I can fit into a certain size of clothes- weight doesn’t bother me, a bit like age but I have weight to lose and a wedding dress to fit into !

Am going away for the weekend am think diet may go out the window with alcohol but I know this and I’m just gonna roll with eat- try and eat healthy when we eat out- fish and veg and still avoid bread and pasta etc-

Hi SweetpeaHun, welcome to our current challenge.

As the title says we finish this one on Tuesday 21st by weighing and posting or results and/or comments.

By then I will have opened another challenge for us to move into. Don’t want to do that too early, finish this one with a blast first. Stick with us until then.

To join in, just post. All welcome. Tell us a little about your goals, or whatever you want. The title to look for will be:
CHALLENGE FOR THE CHANGING SEASONS: 4 WEEKS UNTIL 21st MARCH

Hi Sweetpeahun – look for the title:

CHALLENGE FOR THE CHANGING SEASONS: 4 WEEKS UNTIL 21st MARCH in the forum over the next few days (probably Monday/Tuesday). Just state what you want to do over the four week challenge, whether that be weight loss, exercise goals, maintenance through a busy social time and that’s it. Done. Then keep posting your progress so we can all support you 🙂

Hi Maccy

It’s quite common for blood sugars to do what you describe. But then they go down again and stay down. Mine started at 10.9 but soon dropped to normal and stay there. No medication at any point.

Stick with it and you should see results.

No worries Snoop, will keep on posting, keeps me on the straight and narrow. hope to see you posting after your brake, they say talking to your self is the first sign of insanity, though according to my wife, its always been the case anyway….Went to the beach this evening with oh and dog for a stroll , even managed to keep up with the dog. Its a shame these forums dont enable you to post pics, had amazing sunset today. Take care all till next time.

Hi Can I join you ladies.

I just completed my second week on Fast 800. I lost 12lb in week 1 and 5lb in week two. Starting weight was an embarrassing 18stone .7lbs. Bmi 46. Got a looong way to go but heading in the right direction.

My fasting blood sugar started at 6.7 then week one was down to 5.5 but this morning it was back up to 5.8??? Not really sure why. I’m drinking plenty. Sticking to 800 calories and always under 50g of carbs.

I don’t mind though still lower than my starting results and weight loss is great.

Well done everyone on your fantastic losses too.

Hi 1960smp

The online program is quoted in Australian Dollars ($150.00 equates to approximately 95 pounds).

We have had hundreds of people successfully complete the program, and it is great if you are looking for/ find you need a bit more support and direction to complete the BSD.

Happy to answer any further questions you have. Michael has also written a letter explaining why the online program was created (found here: https://thebloodsugardiet.com/12-week-online-program/) which also may help answer any further questions you have.

I hope you have a really great weekend!

Calypso

Hi,

I’m new to all this, how do I find out when the next 4 week challenge is?

I have been absent. I have been hibernating from the cold, biting wind with bread and cake!!! All my wonderful intentions gone out of the window. Haven’t even read the forum. I was doing so well, what went wrong?!!! Mixmatch you are down soon. Cafes in town ‘Harry’s Cali Style’ or ‘The Salt Bar’ or of course ‘Trevaskis’ or the Quay House Pub along the Causeway. Let me know which you fancy, have a geek on line. Then let me know when and where and I will be there. You can give me a good talking to and get me on the straight and narrow again. Bring piccies please. I went to yoga on Tuesday and overstretched so have had the last 2 days in bed with a bad back!!! One of the reasons I went on an improved lifestyle, lose weight, exercise get my old bones moving better and then like a bolt out of the blue!! So serves me right for going off the straight and narrow. But I was doing Yoga so some consolation, lol!! But back at work today, taking things slow and doing okay. Look forward to hearing from you Mixmatch.

Unfortunately I have had to drop the intensive 800cal. diet as my health is not up to it . I have been advised to just do the fit for life if I want to lose a few pounds. Wishing you all the best on your journey and will have a check in to see how you are all doing in the days ahead.

I found that same with his book ‘Why we get fat and what to do about it ‘ – desperately want to read it but halfway through and getting nowhere fast with regards to progressing to a conclusion. If he uses the phrase ‘calories in versus calories out’ once more I think I'[ll scream! 🙂

Hello all

I’ll be joining the next 4 week challenge because, even though I am officially maintaining now, I’m not sure how long that will last since I appear to have woken my carb monster and am having trouble putting him back to sleep (it’s definitely a him – no name as yet but
Satan seems about right at the moment!)

I don’t know if anyone on here can help with this but I have upped my exercise quite a bit in the last month and it’s playing havoc with my appetite. I few weeks ago I succumbed to a rather large amount of chocolate and when I thought about it I decided that I needed to up my fat. I am assuming this because I am also assuming I have very little fat stores since my BMI is under 21 so if I want to exercise I thought it was the answer. It doesn’t seem to have worked. It may be that because of the chocolate I’m just craving it now and will have to go cold turkey again and reset but any advice would be welcomed.

As an indication I usually exercise about 3/4 times a week, either running, rowing or swimming, sometimes all three. To date this year I’ve covered 75km.

On other things, good luck with the eye test MK, keep Grizelda locked away if you can – maybe we need to also create a BSD fairy that sits there polishing her halo when we are being good….have a good weekend all
TC xxx

yay, new official weigh in day at the end of the week feels much better, so have now lost 1.5 stone/21 pounds/9.5 kg since the 9th January

3 pounds this week, I am 2/3 to goal, hopefully with the new gym membership, I can up the rate of loss, or at least inches loss, if not weight. unlike others i don’t seem to have lost as many inches, only 3.5 from round my waist, 1.5 to go to get to the ‘safe’ recommended 31.5″

Happy weekend everyone, my friday night includes a pilates session followed by taking the kids to the pub for dinner, and it will definitely involve a large glass of wine!

I think I’m ready to start the fast 800 now. Usually Friday- especially one before half term like this one – would mean a shopping trip full of very poor choices. Half term is normally also off the wagon. Let’s see if this is the right time for me to take the plunge!

Shopping for vegetables, total yoghurt, and fast 800 friendly stuff in a bit.

Lol Verano. That freezer plan sounds great but I literally have zero control over this particular treat. All I can say to that plan is…microwave.
. I’m not kidding, my sweet tooth is so pervasive that in the absence of sweeties in the house, I once licked the melted chocolate from my God-daughter’s face – she’d scoffed my secret packet of chocolate buttons.
*kitten peers cautiously around broom cupboard door and picks up car keys*
I WILL NOT drive to the lovely choc shop. Even if Grizelda the carb monster is hiding in the boot of my car…
Walk done – tick – gorgeous day today. Happy weekends everyone.

Thanks Laura78 and SunnyB.

Reading around I can see it’s not just me which makes me feel a little better about things. Will drink more today and see how it goes tomorrow. I might also looking at reducing my salt intake and if that doesn’t work then up my carbs temporarily.

Still sitting at 73kg but BG down to 5.8 (105), still a bit high but within reason. That is it for today folks…..

KrysiaD…. I am so sorry to say this but reading your comments has really perked me up.
I have been on this way of eating since 1st October last year and this week feel as though I could have eaten everything in massive portions. I am struggling not to cave in:-/

My husband normally does the meal plan for the week but yesterday I checked what we have been having over the last few weeks and noticed we have been having meals which have been high in carbs (out of the recipe book). So I have now done the meal plan for next week and he has the shopping list;-) This morning I have written out all three meals for today with calories and carbs. Well under on carbs which will allow me to have a spoonful of yoghurt this evening should I want/need it. I think I need to do this daily for a little while to see how I get on along with how much weight I lose. I have mostly lost 400-500g a week so I should not complain.

This forum is fantastic.

Hi Chelle, just in answer to what to serve with bolognaise – zucchini noodles (zoodles/courgetti) are great. I make mine with a spiralizer and it’s only about 16 calories for a small bowl full. I also love bolognaise served on a bed of steamed broccoli.
As to the macadamia nuts I looked them up on My Fitness Pal and 28g (which is about 1oz from memory) is 200 calories and 4g carbs, not sure how many nuts that would be? 1oz of almonds is 160 calories and 6g carbs – and that is 24 almonds according to MFP.
I carry around a small snack bag of almonds, and sometimes have those on the way home from work – even eating just 3 or 4 almonds satisfies me – well it bridges the gap till I can get home and have dinner!

Am in the same boat where I’ve experienced 2lb weight gain this week (3rd week started Monday) after losing 16lbs in the first two weeks. Totally agree that’s it’s very disheartening but I’ve had a few posts of support in the thread I’m tracking my weight loss in – plus I’ve read this and a few other similarly titled posts which suggests that I’m not alone and that I’m not doing anything wrong per se – it could just be normal fluctuation.

Today I’m going to drink more water and add less salt to my food. Given that Fitness Pal says I should be aiming for 2300mg of salt per day and I’m generally logging more than that just from my raw ingredients (not counting my seasoning) then perhaps my salt intake is affecting things. Anyway – no more seasoning (*quietly weeps*) and more water and we’ll see how that helps.

I also need more water – although i’m having 2.5L a day – water is all I drink generally. So either I need to add some herbal teas to get it higher or I need to drink more water I think.

Good luck JanneB, Carol Miller and Natast – let us know if there is any change and I’ll do the same xx

Hi natast – try not to judge you achievement against the success of others, as some of us are slow losers and that’s just how it is, but that doesn’t diminish your achievement. I also lose slowly and though it can be a little frustrating, I am still pleased to see the scales showing any kind of positive result.

I don’t understand the attitude of your medical advisors, as the accepted NHS party line is that weight loss should only be at a rate of approx. a pound a week anyway. It is also hard to imagine what alternative solution they might offer which could increase the rate of your loss, given that we all now know that their high carb/low fat diet advise is what has got us all to the point where we desperately needed to lose weight in the first place and have been on the treadmill of failed diets over the years.

As LindA says, there are lost of folks on the forum – captainlynn is a prime example – who have been on their BSD journey for many months and achieved wonderful results.

Stick with it, drop your carb intake, be sure to stay well hydrated, eat enough fat and I’m sure you will be posting positive results soon.

Hi Sahanshu – As Laura says, there are many reasons plateaux and even small gains happen. Weight loss isn’t linier and there will be small bounce back along the way. However, I have found that it can help to occasionally up your carb intake and this somehow seems to kick start things again and get things moving in the right direction. Try upping you carbs to a bit above the 30g mark for a day or two and see if that helps.

MK – that carb monster is so persistent – which is so scary.

A couple of times this week I have dished up some ice cream for husband. The carb monster keeps whispering that just one spoonful of ice cream will be absolutely fine and I will no longer be tempted to eat the rest of the tub – even though ice cream has always been a major problem for me in the past. I thought that the carb monster had been completed banished from my life but obviously it is still lurking and waiting for an opportunity to lure me back to the carbs.

Score so far is KD 2 carb monster 0. KD wins this time but husband has to get his own non-BSD food next time.