Well done Verano – I am only 3 weeks in but find the wisdom of those who are longer term forum members absolutely invaluable. It is helpful to hear that this is not a quick fix diet that will begin and end but a permanent change. That is something I need to get my head around for when it comes to maintenance. I wish you well with the journey to come and look forward to more of your insightful posts.

Morag x

Yay Verano!!! This is wonderful news!
Spring, daffodils, new challenges — and healthier you to enjoy all of it. Digital toast of bubbly!

Thanks everyone.

Strangely enough SunnyB I’ve not be doing happy dances etc in fact for some odd reason I feel a bit ‘flat’. It’s almost as though ‘I’ve done it, so now what?’. I know that I just need to make a plan for the next few months and that will motivate me again.

I can’t believe that I come across as so ‘disciplined and organised’ it just shows how dangerous the internet is …. you can be ‘who ever’ you want to be!!! Nonetheless I’m glad that I’m helping others on this journey but it’s a two way street and we are all pushing and pulling each other along.

Sunshine-girl we have to ‘keep on keeping on’ it just wouldn’t be the same doing anything else! Glad you’re still travelling along the same road and as for new challenges … now that I’m starting to feel like my old self and the first daffodils are about to blossom our thoughts turn to spring …. there are endless possibilities!!!

It’s just lovely to have such a great bunch of BSDers on this journey to health and fitness.

Congratulations from me too Verano and thanks to you for inspiring us with your attitude and approach to this way of life.
X B

Congratulations Verano. 😀💐

Best wishes for your continuing success.

Hi Everyone!

I’m a newbie on my 5th day of the BSD and I need some advice about working out.

I’m training for a 10k run which is in about 2 weeks but my energy levels have been so low the first few days of this diet that I haven’t been able to do any exercise as just getting through the day with the hunger pangs has been difficult. I absolutely have to do a big run this weekend and was wondering if i should up my cals slightly, not run or just grin and bear it with 800 cals.

I’ve been eating about 900 cals a day at the moment because I was getting light headed standing and needed more energy.

I’m not diabetic or pre-diabetic but I have PCOS so have a higher risk of developing it in later life. I’m 5 ft 8 and 13 st 2 currently. I was 14 stone 2 on January 1st 2017 so have already lost a stone from sticking to 1200 cals and hard exercise 5 times a week and hope to lose another 3 before summer with the BSD.

Any advice about hard work outs/ long runs on this diet will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

I’m sure it won’t be too bad wizbit, remember there are going to be times when you can’t be perfect!

I started the diet on Monday so am 5 days in, this is the first day I haven’t been ravenously hungry, all day long. Fingers crossed this is how it stays.

Wow, well done! Great work.

I started this week Monday so am waiting to see my results on Monday (although weighed in Thurs morning as couldn’t resist and seemed to be 4lbs down already).

Keep up the good work!

Congratulations Verano. I agree with what others have said, your attitude and support are inspirational.

Make friends with herbs and spices and get a little creative, to keep the interest going.
Add lime, lemongrass, fish sauce and ginger to give a dish a slightly Thai flavour, or cumin, coriander, garlic and ginger, to invoke an Indian bent.
Try making a rub for meat from smoked paprika, fennel or caraway and some salt and pepper – great with pork or chicken.
Foil wrap salmon with a couple of rings of onions, a squeeze of lemon, a little butter, a few sage leafs and bake.
Cook mixed green veg in a chicken stock, pour 3/4 away at end of cooking and add a tablespoon of cream with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Add mint and/or basil to salads, chopped coriander to soups and cook lamb on a bed of rosemary.
Make a salad dressing with a spoon of yogurt, a squeeze of lime, some chopped herbs and may be some mashed roasted garlic.

Hope some of that might be of help. The BSD gives a great opportunity to think outside the box and be creative with food.

It is all a question of balance and it can take some time to get used to limiting to 800 calories, but including fats too. Think the way to think of it is small portions of high fat foods, so things like nuts, seeds, cheese, cream etc., just a few grams per portion. Hope that helps a little.

The best thing has been eating nuts, avocados, olives, oil, coconut cream, sundries tomatoes, full fat hummus – all things I’ve loved and sacrificed on every diet of my life. I feel like I’ve spent 15 years struggling on a high carb low fat diet, and I had it wrong all along. I’m still on a vegan slimming world group and I feel like trying to convert them all but then I’ll get thrown off it and it’s a nice group so I won’t 🙂

Hi! I’ve been vegan 3 years and been following bsd since new year; have lost 11lb in less than 6 weeks, with no calorie counting and no cravings. so happy with this lifestyle and keen to meet others following a similar route to share recipes and ups and downs

Hi I’ve followed high fat low carb before. This diet is slightly different though as it’s 800 calories. I get confused on my focus. Low calorie usually means high sugar but if I go for full fat then that’s high calorie. What should I be looking for?

A week today since we started the diet and I have lost 6.5lbs and my other half has lost 9.5lbs and we are both over the moon.
Can honestly say that I haven’t felt hungry at all, which is not like being on a usual diet when all you can think of is how long is it until the next meal. We have chosen meals from the book for breakfast lunch and dinner and I have weighed every thing. The meals are so tasty and enjoyable and a couple of evenings we also had a glass of red wine which I know is not allowed and we have still lost weight .
Thank you to all of you for your encouragement and tips on this forum

Okay, well that is progress in the right direction, Angelsand. No more dwelling on the wobble, like I said, chalk it up to experience, learn from it and move on. Don’t panic about the w/e, you are already back in control, so you just need to stick with it. I’m sure you will see more positive results soon and it won’t be long before you at back at 9st 12.5 and wondering what the fuss was about.

I do that , too: start the BSD in the morning and fail by the evening. Like today, pretty good until about 7 pm when I had 2 lemon butter, special edition, Scotch finger bickies.
I did not buy them!
It’s all this unwitting sabotage by others that gets me.

Thats incredible. Well done to you both ! I am on day 5 of going sugar free and the headaches are horrendous but like you I’m not hungry. I found this site last night and orderd the books so I will start properly once I’ve read them and know what I’m doing.
I am a compulsive weigher so today I know Iam 8 pounds lighter than I was on Monday . I’m flabbergasted. I have about 2.5 stone to lose.
xx

I took met for over 10 years and stopped in 2011 after losing about 5 stone. I lost 12 stone altogether and am now classes a in remission. That means no meds but I still have to have my annual check and diabetic eye screening, I didnt just stop but followed my docs advise. I’ve put 2.5 stone back on and started eating loads of sugar-not a good plan and hence me joining here today for support.
I felt great coming off the met but was in a really good place with being really focussed on the weight loss and excersizing regulalry. I really think we need both elements to get to that official ‘remission’ status.
xx

Well done, Verano, that’s great news for your health and for your mojo! As others have said, your attitude and support are so inspirational. Without knowing your ‘back story’ my mental picture of you over the past three or four months has not been one of person experiencing bumpy ride, but of a rather disciplined, organised, positive and supportive person, and the forum would be a lesser place without you. So pleased you’ve reached your target, and hope you’re feeling better after your recent health blip. MK x.

I followed the recipes religiously for 2 weeks so I got the hang of it and now freestyle it – I personally have eggs for breakfast most days as I find 2 poached eggs at around 150 calories really fills you up better than anything else of equivalent calorific intake then either meat or fish with some greens for dinner (stir fry with greens and beansprouts (but no noodles) is a very easy and satisfying meal with low carbs and relatively low calories). I snack on cheese and nuts when the hunger pangs strike!

Hi Eveyone,

I started on Monday (6th Feb) so this is my 5th day and it’s the first day I’m not ravenously hungry- hopefully this is a sign of things to come. I think I may have been eating more like 900 calories a day as I was just feeling too faint on 800, despite having lots of protein and fats. I have been experiencing a lot of feeling hunger, feeling cold and headaches (despite drinking 3-4 litres of water a day) but have done research on keto-flu and know that it should pass.

I have some questions about exercise- I’m training for a big run so have been running a lot but my lack of energy this week has meant I’ve steered clear of exercise almost altogether. I need to go for 2 big runs this weekend (between 6-10km for each) and wondered if I should eat a few more cals if so to stave off exhaustion and help my muscles recover? Anyone have any advice?

I’m 26 and not diabetic or pre-diabetic but I do have PCOS and think low carb diets work well for me (I’ve already dropped 4 lbs in first 4 days so feeling positive).

Any advice warmly welcomed!

Thanks
Rhiannon

Hi Verano,

Please let me add my congratulations. A real tribute to you and your common-sense and practical attitude that is such a benefit to everyone on this site.

Happy to report weight loss starting again after a 1 week plateaux – so anyone experiencing that frustration – don’t give up!

Now week 5 day 4
Start 103kg now 92k – 11kg (24 pounds) loss
Waist down from 45 – 41 inches.
BP down from 140/90 – 120/70
Blood sugar down from pre-diabetic to bang normal

That is on 1000 a day give or take plus some cheating with booze (wine not beer) at weekends. Followed the book menu plan for first 2 weeks but now devise my own meals using same principles – protein, fat and carb light veg – 2 small meals a day oh and 2 – 3 litres of fizzy water a day!

I have always been sceptical of “fad” diets. But boy does this thing work! Even with a bit of cheating.

Hi Natalie and LindaA, I too am lucky enough to have a pool but right now we had frost this morning, it is closed for the Winter. We will be opening it around mid April when I wont be warm enough to swim but will give the pool a couple of weeks to breath and get clean with the right water chemistry – although it is a salt pool. Around the 1st week in May I will be swimming again but it will still be bl—dy cold as we don’t have a heater. I spend the first 10 minutes getting in and getting used to the temperature with a few aerobics, then I swim for at least half an hour wondering why I found it so difficult to get in as it now feels wonderful and invigorating. It will get warmer as the year goes on and in the very hot weather, our normal summer is 30ish to 35 but we have had 42, I sometimes have to stay out as it has no shelter and you can easily burn but I can cool down early morning and late evening.

We are sooooooo lucky and I never forget that. As Robbie Williams says in his corny song ‘I love my life’

Good luck on making a great start, RobsyG. We’ll look forward to reading your positive results soon.

Hi Verano, our stories are very similar. I have lost 10% of my start weight but at just under 13 stone that is only about 18lbs and I am just starting my 8th month of the plan. I too have had breaks but rarely eating a bad carb just a few glasses of wine being my main downfall. With all the ups and downs I have never given up and like you, see this a way of eating for the rest of my life. I might not cure my diabetes and I am not massively overweight so I am happy to do it slowly so I can continue to ‘have a life’ but going without white carbs is not a hardship for me. My goal now is to stop having to inject daily and get rid of any diabetes medication. I might become a diet controlled diabetic but still diabetic but that is okay because it means I am 100 times better than I was 7 months ago.

I am getting their slowly and also want to reach a 15% loss which is another 8 lbs but in the meantime I want to be 7 lbs lighter by the time I go on holiday at Easter, I also have a blood test due and want to be 5.5 instead of 5.9, but even if I was still 5.9 that would be with less medications so getting closer to my ultimate goal (no injections). Like you say, this is not a diet but it is also not a race to see if I can lose more than others, I judge myself by my own standards, not others. I have seen people come and go, lose 20 lbs in 3 weeks and then disappear, so we don’t know if they are still losing or maintained. Then we get people who come on and say ‘why didn’t I lose 20 lbs in 3 weeks like them’ and then they give up because they feel like they have failed. You have never failed if you just keep on keeping on…. Must get a new catch phrase.

Anyway Verano, I am so happy you are still here and you can count on me to stick with you through this and any challenges. Any ideas coming up.

Congratulations, Verano!!!! You must be doing cart wheels and happy dances – what a brilliant achievement! You are absolutely right about not thinking of the BSD as a diet, but as a way of life and tailoring the eating plan to suit our bodies and lifestyle. Think it is those that manage to do this, that will successfully keep the weight off and stay healthy. Keep going and I’m sure you’ll be reporting great success again soon.

Sorry! You are right,
Friday 3rd Feb – I was 9st 12 1/2
Thursday 9th feb- 10st 11!!!
Friday 10th Feb – 10st 8 3/4

Still can’t believe the damage in six days but only I am accountable for that xx xx

Checked back, but couldn’t see where you mentioned what your weight was with the gain, so can’t judge how much progress you have made. I’m trusting that 10st 8 3/4lb is an improvement though, as you are sounding much more positive and seem well focused again. Good luck for making excellent progress to the weekly weigh-in point and looking forward to reading your results.

Although not considered a stimulant, sugar and refined carbohydrates can interfere with sleep. Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrate and eating irregularly can cause a reaction in the body that triggers the “fight or flight” part of the nervous system, causing wakefulness. Eliminate alcohol.

This morning I when I weighed I had reached my original goal of losing 15% of my body weight!!!!!

I started my journey on July 5th 2016. I was diagnosed with symptomless diabetes in 2012 and, along with many people, my first reaction was disbelief followed by anger and lots of other emotions. I was given the usual 3 months to try and improve my blood glucose, by losing weight, before being offered metformin. Needless to say with the dietary advice on offer I struggled to lose any weight. So three months on and I started taking metformin.

My diabetes has never been out of control really. I started with a HbA1c of just over 7 and whilst I’ve been on metformin it’s stayed in the mid to low 6’s.

So what prompted me to change my life? I was, and am, really overweight. I had been for many years but it wasn’t a problem until my mobility became challenged in 2007 and over the next few years I put on even more weigh. Still I carried on, head in the sand for most of the time, until last year.

My friend has uncontrolled diabetes and in 2015 had a toe amputated. That made me think a little. Then last year another of his toes was compromised but fortunately was ok. That made me really sit up and take notice and around the same time I found ‘The Book’.

I read the book from cover to cover and it just made so much sense. I realised that I ‘just’ needed to lose 15% of my body weight to improve my BG and possibly avert problems from diabetes in the future. That was to be done by cutting out simple carbs. No problem! So I started the journey!

After quite a short time I realised that 15% was a really tall order so I reduced that to 10%, which seemed more manageable. So to my journey….

Unlike some people I was not totally focused so my journey hasn’t been the smoothest. The first month or so was great I never had ‘carb flu’ or any nasty side effects and really wasn’t that hungry. I found fatsecret and filled it in religiously. All was going well and then life got in the way … a holiday! Still I managed to lose a very, very small amount of weight that month and carried on.

Three months had passed by now and my first diabetes review since starting BSD was due 4 weeks later. So that gave me the impetus to carry on and sure enough my next HbA1c had reduced from 6.4 to 5.5. I was delighted. It was now November and I started to rest on my laurels because my next review was 6 months away. The next 2 months were hit and miss with ‘life’ getting in the way again …. holiday, birthday, Christmas etc. All good excuses and no damage done really just a very small weight loss.

This year has been better for me despite, or maybe because of, an illness and I’m now back on track but in a far more relaxed way. I don’t really count at the moment but I do check new foods for their carb content.

I think one of the reasons for this post is to encourage all those who aren’t losing vast amounts very quickly. It can still be done in time. This way of eating has become part of my life now and I very rarely eat simple carbs I just have a few too many ‘indulgences’ now and again!

Also, I would really like to thank the many travellers who have kept me company on the ‘challenges’ over the months. Without you all, and the challenges, and these forums, I know I would have given up ages ago.

If I have learnt one lesson over the last seven months it’s that this is not a diet to be started and finished, it’s a change in lifestyle and to be sustainable it has to fit into ‘life’. We each have individual and different demands on our time and so we each have to tailor this way of eating to fit our individual circumstances. If that means losing weight less quickly then so be it. It’s the arriving that’s important, the journey is just a means to an end. At the end is a new way of living!

So where to now? I would still like to lose another 15% of my original body weight and I know that may take some time. Life won’t stop being lived but I will keep on keeping on and I will get there in the end!

Thanks for the congrats. I am a Nurse (44yrs at the coalface!) I was very shocked (not surprised if that makes sense) at my Diagnosis. Denial is not a river in Egypt as they say. I have Nursed many, many people in the past through their limb amputations and this was my motivator. I suddenly realised that this was getting too ‘real’. At present I don’t have any loss of sensation, foot problems but I don’t want them. Was really shocked that unfortunately there are a lot of amputations being carried out in the UK every week ( I don’t work in that area now). I personally don’t like feet! but I am now taking really good care of them. I now see Sugar as a poison and am actually frightened of it. I recommend doing a Mindfulness course. Did one last year (for helping with depression)was lucky to have it funded by my GP. It is a great tool and I have used it to help with sticking to my new eating habits. Good luck everyone else trying to get to grips with this.

Hi Jess what an amazing loss well done. I’m on week 3 with 8.6 lbs off. Nothing like yours and others with huge losses, but I’m very pleased. I have never once cheated by the way. I have another 60 lbs to lose, so after the 8 weeks is up I’m going to do the 800 on two days a week (Monday and Tuesday) and1200 the other days. I might repeat a 2 week stint on the 800 again in a few months if my weight stalls. I don’t expect to reach my goal until November, but I have Mini goals in April and July to keep me motivated.

I have found a good boost if weight sticks is to drink extra water, and reduce the calories in the evening meal, weighting them more to meals earlier in the day.

Well done everyone.

Hi Paul, l’ve just made a marinade with garlic, lime juice and a hint of chilli mixed with a little olive oil ( don’t like food too spicy myself). Works well with chicken or prawns and tastes really good

Update in Fast 800. I’ve lost 12lb. Of course I’ve done enough diets to know that most of that is water and it will slow down but I’m so happy. Blood sugar also down to top end of normal.

So first proper weigh in is tomorrow! But so far 4lb down!
Had my first moment of feeling like I was going to pass out and had to eat at work this morning, grabbed the only thing which ingredients looks sort of safe which was some veg crisps! literally veg and oil but it was root veg so not as good as I had hoped for.
Ate them and feel a ridiculous amount better but then looked at the dietary info and crazy amount of carb and sugar! I am gutted but my first slip up in a week so not going to be too hard on myself! Aiming rest of day on plan and to try and still finish on 800 cals!

wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed I don’t now have a 3lb gain 🙁 x

Hi There,

My 4 week weigh in yesterday and despite my Japan based blip, super happy to report a 1 stone and 3lb loss and 9 cms off my waist! Super pleased so far, and now intending to step it up for the next 4 weeks with exercise in the hope that this continues.
I have found this week I’ve been a lot more tired and quite achey – not sure if this is leftover jet lag or related to BSD. Also found I have very achey legs, but have seen a few salt based cures for this on here so will try adding more salt to things.

Snack wise, have you tried apple slices spread with crunchy peanut butter? Very filling, good fats and not very high in calories or carbs. I’ve mentioned it before but I find a few squares of green & blacks goes a long way too when you want that instant hit, also options cadburys hot chocolate is only 38 calories when made with water and is actually very nice! I’ve been using this in the evenings if I’ve still felt hungry.

Does anybody have any tips for making sure the remaining 4 weeks are a success? Also have many people continued past 8 weeks to get to their goal? I still have 2 stone to lose – ideally 2.5 so am thinking of continuing before going onto maintenance.

Jess x

Brilliant results, Maccy. Weight loss does tend to slow down, so don’t get disappointed if it does, but what a fantastic start. You must be really pleased. Congratulations to you and your husband.

I so agree about the interesting and tasty foods – I’m quite mad about those chia seeds – made a delish chia pudding just with coconut milk – made the night before – mixed with fruit for breakfast – surprisingly sustaining!

Hi All,

Happy Friday to everyone, I hope you are all doing well and getting the results that you want!

I am looking forward to this weekend, another Sunday of batch cooking. I am also going to try and keep of the Alcohol, or at least try to keep it to two Gin&Tonics only (56 Cals and 0g carbs for 25ml of gin!)

Weekends, specifically Friday and Saturday Nights are my biggest downfall! I have been a steady 14st 10 lbs for a while because the weekend caught me off guard but this week i dropped to 14st 5lbs and i am desperate not to go up again!!

I swapped milk for Soya this week as 100mls is only 39 cals with 2.5g carbs and have been eating more pickles and salad as a snack instead of nuts.

Has anyone learnt of any helpful swaps that have worked for them as a weight loss boost after stalling? I would love to hear about them 🙂

Thanks,
Libby

Thanks Lucia – I did do some rebounding and managed to keep overeating reasonably limited in the evening so my intentions were followed through and I feel as though I’ve had a small victory.

Today I’m going to get more vegetables for soup and lentil casserole making.

Just a quick update. Feeling much clearer this mor nine and did hop on the scales.. 10st 8 3/4 after one day. So just keeping on the right tracks ad enjoying my breakfast. Will see what I am on Sunday.

Enjoy your day everyone xx

I know what you mean about the texture of aubergine, Verano, it’s just a bit slimy. However I persevere because it’s useful!

Just a correction to the Ratatouille portions. The last batch I made did in fact make 6 full servings and I had two spoonfuls for breakfast. Practically free food…..

If you add red pepper you’ll need to adjust the cals and carbs!

Have a good Friday!

Hi j p s cloud

I know how ahard it is to stay positive with the whole world on your shoulders.

At the moment, I am not scheduling stuff.
When I realise what I am up to, I do some lunges. Or squats.
Or if in bed, I do yoga.
Every little counts.

I think that once I got a tiny bit fit, the next step came a little easier etc.

Keep going and have fun.

Love Lucia
Xxxx

Hi

Angela06 no problem with strawberries and cream in moderation but I must admit I like them with Greek yogurt now, especially Total although the Lidl Milbona?? isn’t bad.

Ratatouille is something I have never made. I remember having aubergine many years ago and hated the texture so have never eaten it since. I did try a few months ago, bought a small aubergine, left it in the fridge, then put it in the bin!!! Might try again someday.

Roast chicken for us tonight just have to think of something interesting to go with it. Maybe sprouts in tomato and garlic. Will give it some thought but really do need to try new things.

Have a nice day.

Hiya….well survived the first week. Battled through the headaches and grumpy but wasn’t hungry really. A few times my stomach growled but not heard that in a while so I don’t mind. Was a tough emotional week as my grans funeral was on Tuesday and being an emotional eater was tough but I stuck to it 100%
Yes yes get on with it Maccy. Well I have lost a massive 12lb….how is that possible. I’m so pleased I got on twice to check. Hubby lost 11lb😲 . My blood sugar is down from a pre-diabetic 6.6 to top of the normal range 5.5 I’m so happy. It’s given me some hope.

Thanks for your support this week it’s kept me encouraged. Your all very lovely good luck everyone.

Yes Natalie, in Melbourne Zilch meets low carb ice cream rules. At Leo’s near me. Think there are some outlets in Sydney.

Hi Natalie
We’re fortunate enough to have a pool but it’s 46 deg C at the moment (at almost 6pm). 5 mins after getting out of water, I’m hot again!
I haven’t walked all week, I’m just not prepared to take the risk in the heat and the days where the temperature was cooler, it was raining!
Trying to drink copious amounts of water and to increase my salt intake. My night time cramps have come back so I suspect I’m sweating or peeing out the electrolytes.
They’ve cancelled our weekend softball games already due to the predicted temps over the next couple of days so I’ll guess I’ll be hanging around the pool some more😀
Stay cool Sydney siders, don’t take any risks.
Cheers
Linda

Hi everybody!
Day 10 for me.
Week 1 loss: 8lb
Been awake since 4.30am, been up three times to wee and it was my very dry mouth which woke me up for good at 4.30am – so no improvement in my diabetes symptoms – yet. Had planned a sleep in today as not working so rather frustrated.
Started taking cod liver oil couple of weeks ago for arthritis in my right hand – but just read that cod liver oil raises blood sugar levels and a diabetic should consult a doctor before starting to take it. Oh well if I stop taking it will save a few calories.
Looking forward to a 2-egg garlic mushroom omelette for brunch.
Nancy x