Many thanks for that reassurance, I thought it was just me !
I will give it a go and get back to you

Hi JuJu68 – that’s great news, well done!!

NancyB – inspired by your omelette I had scrambled eggs with mushrooms, spring onions and Parmesan cheese for brunch. Nom.

Hi Sunshine girl… don’t think any of us were meant to have stomachs like mill ponds! I still have a bit of a puku (Maori word for tummy which I think sounds nicer!!) despite having lost 10.5kg!
Celebrate your body with all of its curves & wobbles ……& I f all else fails… wear spanks!!

Thank you 😊

I have no idea what the menu is tonight, although I’m expecting a soup starter, meat and veg main and stodgy pudding which I’d planned to skip anyway. So it shouldn’t be too bad, and I’ll have a couple of drinks but probably G&T and far fewer than I would have in the past!

I’ve cheered myself by planning some cookery – a friend (a low carb friendly one) is making curry for tomorrow night so I’m making some onion bhajis to bring. And I’ve made a huge pot of delicious garlicky mushroom soup. I was in such a cookery rut before I started this so that has been a lovely change – using my imagination much more and trying new things.

I’m going to walk the dog then dye my hair and have a long soak in the bath in preparation for tonight. I *will* be smiling by this evening!

Hi everybody!
Day 11
Made first batch of cauliflower rice. Really enjoying cooking the delicious recipes.
Making the beef stir-fry with asparagus and sesame seeds again tonight but with tofu for my vegetarian friend.
Diabetes symptoms – second wee in the night not nearly so urgent, some improvement there.
Feeling lighter on my feet.
Nancy x

My carb counter says 100g porridge made with water is 9g per 100g serving, 13g made with milk,
oat so simple is 64g per 100g . Processed stuff is usually chock a block with hidden carbs – I think they put a lot milk powder in this. If you do decide to use it, the flavoured ones are exactly the same carb count. MKx

I may be wrong but I think that the microwaveable treated and powdered porridge can raise blood sugars and the preferred option is more the rolled, whole grain oat (steel cut, I believe in the US). You can soak these overnight and warm them relatively quickly for breakfast.

I don’t like microwaveable porridge so I’m not really the expert

Verano – A well deserved treat.

I can’t remember whether I posted this but I went out for an Indian a couple of weeks ago and had what was effectively a tandoori mixed grill (chicken, lamb, prawn and kofteh) It was lovely but I had to bring back some of the lamb and kofteh as I couldn’t finish it – yes that’s me, not being able to finish an Indian – shocking!

Also indulged in an inadvisable level of lime pickle.

It is truly amazing how BSD can change your appreciation of portion size.

Aaaaaah Sunshinegirl, don’t be harsh to yourself!
SSB xxx

Hi
Does anyone know if the basic unflavoured OatSoSimple made with water and microwaved is ok?
I’m into my first week of the 5:2 and am very surprised and pleased to have shed a kilo already.

Gill

WOW!!! Sorry I had no idea Black Cohosh was so dangerous. I took it many years ago without any side effects but I would never have recommended it had I realised there were so many contra-indications.

Thanks for pointing that out sunshine-girl.

Ah, m&m, I bought some nice things in a size 14 a couple of weeks ago, just after the TV thing. So I have great stuff to wear that looks nice, and fits for the next few weeks, at least..
TV definitely puts on lbs which is why everyone you meet from that world is teeny weeny tinier than you thought, so I suppose there’s a bit about context too. Was at the BBC for a radio interview last week (I have a GREAT face for radio!) and met a TV presenter who looks like an Amazon on the programme she presents, beautiful, tall and looks very different next to her colleagues when on screen – she towers over her male co-presenter. In fact, I was astonished to find she’s 5’4 max, petite with tiny hands and feet and I imagine a size 8!

It’s partly about ageing, partly about seeing something in the mirror that seems infinitely less true in real life, partly about the ‘selfie’ culture and this constant focus on how you look, not what you are. I hate being sucked into that, which was why I was so annoyed with myself. MKx

Well done CaptainLynne – amazing and inspirational. Week 3 weigh in day for me tomorrow. 🙂

Morag x

I’ve been sticking to the plan pretty well this week,although have been over the 800 calories some days.The weekend is always a challenge though.My sons and their friend came last night,made dinner for them but said I couldn’t have any as I’d had my calorie allowance for the day.Of course that led into how many calories I was having,they couldn’t believe it was 800,worried about me starving myself,how did I have energy to do anything etc.I explained about the BSD in a nutshell,that I don’t feel hungry and have loads of energy.They couldn’t believe I’m doing 2 gym classes back to back on 15 almonds!I said it’s all about mindset and organisation,says me who doesn’t stick to it 100% but I’m trying.Got on the scales this morning,down a pound from Tuesday,it’s coming off much slower than I hoped ,it’s going to be a long time before my goal weight is reached !I’m motivated reading all the posts,thanks everyone.

Thank you for all the good advice its much appreciated. I have stuck to the low crabs but struggling to get my head around the eating fat bit! Mixnmatch I will have a look at that web site and Linda I will get my husband to work all that out for me.
Many thanks Sharon

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven’t been posting much, but I have been keeping up to date with everyone else’s posts and am impressed by the successes so far. Reading this thread is really keeping me motivated!

Natalie / MixnMatch – am with you on the changed mindset this time round, I caved and had two small slices of pizza last night on top of my daily calories, but have just logged it and moved on to today as a new day, rather than using it as an excuse to go off the rails, or worse, abandon the whole eating plan (I’m refusing to call it a diet, LOL!)

I’ve dropped 5.5kg since 30th Jan, and although the scales show a 0.3kg gain in the last two days I’m going to up my water intake and carry on with the plan as it’s obviously working.

Have a lovely weekend all, and if it’s snowing where you are (it is in the south east of the UK!) then wrap up warm!! xx

I could do with a face lift for my jowly jawline and baggy eyes – at least you can cover your tummy – I might have to wear a balacalava ***

LindaA, while you are checking out Black Cohash you might want to look at the side effects and problems which are – QUOTED DIRECT FROM MEDICAL SITE –

***Black cohosh can cause some mild side effects such as stomach upset, cramping, headache, rash, a feeling of heaviness, vaginal spotting or bleeding, and weight gain.

There is also some concern that black cohosh may be associated with liver damage. It is not known for sure if black cohosh actually causes liver damage. Researchers are studying this. Until more is known, people who take black cohosh should watch for symptoms of liver damage. Some symptoms that may suggest liver damage are yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), unusual fatigue, or dark urine. If these symptoms develop, black cohosh should be stopped and a health provider should be contacted. People who take black cohosh should talk with their health provider about getting tests to make sure their liver is working well.***

Sounds to me it can cause more problems than it solves, particularly the mild effect, cramping, vaginal bleeding, WEIGHT GAIN.

Soya products are not really good for women and the oestrogen in it encourages belly fat and weight retention.

I think the answer is to deal with the symptoms with say a cool shower before bed, keep the room cool, wear natural clothing like cotton and natural bedding. Don’t let it worry you too much, it will pass.

Thank you Sunshine girl – trust me – I would even dream of any kind of cosmetic surgery – I read your post about the tummy tuck – definitely not worth it!
Yes, I’m guessing more abs work will be needed; I’m just frustrated that the rest of me is looking so much better but the tummy spoils it.
SSB X

Lynne – sorry to hear about the laryngitis. Am glad your voice is coming back – resting voice and body is the only way to get over it – although it looks as though you have been too busy to rest that much. Hope your voice will be ok for tomorrow evening. Your 8st 5lbs is brilliant.

My problem is flabby arms, bingo wings and flabby inner thighs, if only you could tell the body where to lose fat. Depending on your age and the fact you were not massively overweight you might have to try exercise to tone the muscles, not much else can be done. Dont even think of a tummy tuck or I will direct you to my previous post about that and soon clear up that it is not a quick and easy fix.

Hi Monty, I will say what a always do in this situation. You need to have a small snack before bedtime, something like a piece of cheese, slice of ham or chicken. Something which you have saved a few calories for so an not to upset your goals. What you are experiencing is the Dawn Effect (Phenomonon really but I cant spell it) where the liver sees you have not had any food for a long time and decides to give you a boost by pumping out glycogen (sugar) to help you through until breakfast. This happens at around 5am but you dont have to get up at 5 and eat, just make sure you dont go to bed on a empty stomach. You can Google is and read about it for yourself for a fuller explanation. Good luck.

MK, well done binning the sabotage bag, that was a really powerful moment and I appreciate how you must have felt on seeing that interview. I have always hated seeing myself on camcorder pictures, they seem to exaggerate weight a lot compared to mirrors. Go get some nice clothes, even if they are an intermediate size from where you want to end up, they won’t be wasted if you look and feel better in them in the meantime.

It is interesting you have been discussing sleep as that was supposed to be my focus for this week of my challenge, and although I technically hit my target on five of the days, the quality of sleep was worse. I am changing the last part of my personal challenge too. I was going to do another super low carb week, followed by a practice week of not logging or planning food before my holiday but I have realised that my eating pattern has fallen naturally into a reverse diet so am going to continue with this to try to ensure my metabolism is prepared for maintenance. I am on week 4 now, looking at the past few weeks, and in another 5 weeks I should be eating at a level slightly above my ideal TDEE. I am not putting weight on, in fact my target was actually hit for the first time in week three so it seems to be working. My weight at today’s weigh in was 10 stone 12, and I have averaged 1880 calories this last week, with one day at 2200. I’ll keep you all posted how it goes.

Hope you avoided the bug Angie.

It’s funny how many people have telephoned to ask if I’ve got my voice back!

Still talking as little as possible, need that voice tomorrow evening.

The weather is awful, so I don’t even want to go out. It would have been great this past week just to stay in and rest, but life didn’t work that way. Too many deadlines meaning I had to sit at my office computer. I had to ring for help setting something up on the network so I was glad my voice was a little stronger. They took pity on me and did some of it remotely!

Peak – voice almost back to normal, and another pound lost. Now weight 8st 5lbs.

Pit – still feeling yucky because of the virus.

Well, it’s now 22 weeks since I reached my original target weight of 9st 7lb – although I missed that and hit 9st 6lb.

Today I weigh 8st 5lb. That’s a lot of wriggle room!

I think I’m officially revising my target weight to 8st 7lb, planning in some of that famous wriggle roomthe bottom of my healthy BMI is 7 stone😱 so perhaps staying between 8st and 8st 7lbs! The alternative of Smart BMI gives lowest healthy weight at 5′ 1″ and 66 years to be 7st 7lbs, so 8st to 8st 7lbs should be ok.

Don’t want to lose much, though, otherwise my new (to me) clothes won’t fit!

Another skirt I’ve just bought has to go back to a charity shop! It fits perfectly. Problem is, I think you’d call it a “wiggle skirt”. Live it. Can walk,in it. Just can’t get on a bus or train in it! And I do need to be able to do that. So, with regret, it has to go. Oh, well, we live and learn. Perhaps if it had been shorter it would have been ok, but it has a kind of ‘fishtail ‘ at the back so can’t be shortened.

Well, it’s now 22 weeks since I reached my original target weight of 9st 7lb – although I missed that and hit 9st 6lb.

Today I weigh 8st 5lb. That’s a lot of wriggle room!

I think I’m officially revising my target weight to 8st 7lb, planning in some of that famous wriggle roomthe bottom of my healthy BMI is 7 stone😱 so perhaps staying between 8st and 8st 7lbs! The alternative of Smart BMI gives lowest healthy weight at 5′ 1″ and 66 years to be 7st 7lbs, so 8st to 8st 7lbs should be ok.

Don’t want to lose much, though, otherwise my new (to me) clothes won’t fit!

Ha thank you and to Julia too .
Am imagining when you have to call the dogs in a park or public place – brilliant!
Slinky Malinky is a great name too

Hi Mungbean
Great weight loss! Well done….. your approach is obviously working. Toby101 is spot on… one size doesn’t fit all ( although I wouldn’t describe myself as a large active bloke!!!)
I have a confession though… Harley is my lovely pointer dog.(closest I ever got to motherhood !!)
Enjoy the eggs 😀

Hi

This has happened to others. It seems it’s the way our bodies react, just objecting to the dietary changes we’re making. But it does come back down, and stay down.

My fasting bloods, and HbA1c have gone from diabetic to normal, and have stayed there. Although I’m now at maintenance and not watching the calories too much, Im still keeping my daily carbs low. What is your daily carb amount?

Hi ShrinkMe81

Congratulations on your results so far.

Your set dinner tonight – if you tell us what the menu is, we may be able to offer some suggestions. But, in general, I’d suggest making the best BSD choices possible. If it’s three course you could decline the dessert altogether. Sounds weird, but the reality is that others are so busy eating their own food, and talking, that they won’t notice. And waiting staff are accustomed to requests to leave something off the plate. And jus because it’s put in front of you, it doesn’t mean to say you have to eat it. But we can give more specific advice if we know the menu.

Many on here have experienced plateaus, you can go to the search box top right of this page.

You’re already seeing the benefits of doing this, so keep on posting. There ususomeone around who can offer advice and support.

Verano – I know just how you feel about reaching target (whatever that might be) and thinking “I’ve done it. So now what”. That’s how I felt – and sometimes still do.

It might be something to do with all those years of visiting slimming clubs, seeing the praise and excitement when someone reached target. Often a physical reminder for target members, sometimes just a change of status. But then what?

A recent newspaper article showed three folk who’d lost large amounts of weight at slimming clubs, then gained it back within three years. I think most, if not all, of us know how that feels. It seems so much easier to work towards a target than to stay there. There’s the excitement of recording our weekly progress. On these forums that means sharing both our good and less good experiences and results. Nobody on here condemns or criticises! Each of those mini goals along the way are like this, then we move on to the next.

But when we reach our ultimate target, what then? We try to settle into the new reality. The BSD, as so many say, is a permanent way of life. We can be happy with our new weight and clothes size. But we no longer see the weight dropping – the line on the graph would be almost horizontal, showing very slight variations rather than a drop. So perhaps we need to find a different focus at that point.

Sounds like you have good plans in place. Like me, you had a ‘trigger moment’. Now I’ve got an interest in clothes again. So much has gone to charity shops. Durham has about six charity shops, and I always have a look when I’m there. Sometimes I’m lucky and find something, other times not. Even when I buy something, I might get it wrong. Recently bought a skirt that I loved. But when I got it home I realised that although it fitted perfectly it was completely impractical. You’d probably call it a ‘wiggle skirt’. I could walk in it, that wasn’t the problem. But no way could I get on a bus in it!!! So off it goes to a charity shop!

Perhaps lots of those who reach their target disappear off here because they feel there’s nothing for them to say. We can get bored with saying “maintained ” and think nobody wants to keep reading it.

You are doing really well. Looking forward to reading your continuing story. 💐

Hi Linda.
It was very low dose Amitripteline which is a pretty kick ass antidepressant when prescribed in full dose and technically not licenced for the purpose but my (female) GP said there was significant evidence it lessened symptoms and restored good sleeping habits for women with night sweats. It shows how desperate I must have been because I wouldn’t usually touch that type of drug with a barge pole! But because of my medical history I couldn’t have HRT and I think she saw I was wild eyed and mad through sleep deprivation. Anyway, it worked, she supplied me a couple of months worth at the lowest dose and the sweats went and didn’t come back.

Looking through the bathroom cupboard I noticed I still have two weeks worth – tempting to give them a go! I still remember the utter joy of sleeping through the night after weeks and months of getting up, changing soaking wet nightclothes and sheets… Just like having a new baby in the house! . You have my sympathies. I didn’t have any side effects but might be worth a chat with the doc. MKx

MK, just catching up on your post.

It’s lowering, I know, to be disappointed in yourself, and your reaction to go and buy sabotage food was, I think, completely natural (too many of us have experienced this in one way or another). But, MK, hats off to you, pats on back, hearty cheering in your direction, for your next steps. I am so full of admiration for the way you evaluated as objectively as possible then made positive plans. AND THREW THAT SABOTAGE FOOD AWAY!! Like it or not, MK, that is role model stuff…….this is now the standard I aim for….stare down the bl…y sabotage moment! Wishing you well with your health and your plans.

Theodora, catching up with your holiday post also.

It’s such a trap, isn’t it, when the wine glass is taken out of your control. I overcame this a while back by stating quite firmly and loudly at the start of the meal, gathering, whatever, that my wine glass was not to be topped up, not even out of kindness, to please let me choose when to refill. Strange looks my way, couple of forgetful (?) moves, but, as I was more watchful I just put my hand over the glass. They soon got used to it, good friends do. They rarely comment now on me not having wine at all these days. Used to really enjoy it, not so much now.

And I’m sure all that walking will stand you in good stead. Good luck.

As one who has tried many a diet including the body sense diet, is time of the month at play here? perhaps you can monitor and have ingredients on hand to make a comforting dish from the book next time,

Glad you enjoyed the Indian takeaway Verano 😀.

Was going to say I can’t remember the last time I had a takeaway but then remembered I had a kebab (only the meat and salad) from local takeaway – not as good as I remembered! And had kebab meat and salad in Italy last year when friends had pizza. *thinks* – perhaps I need to try Indian takeaway at some point!

Nothing to lose! – except weight!!!!! 😀

Keep it up, Maccy, that’s brilliant! Keep up with the forums – there’s always someone to help and inspire when needed.
Sue

Hi folks
W4D1 for me. I’m feeling a bit down today, combination of factors. My overall loss is 7.5kg so far, so I mustn’t grumble. I have a night out tonight so hopefully squeezing myself into a dress and making myself pretty will help.

Well done all of you for your fabulous motivation. You’re all inspiring.

Hola everyone its me, i’m still here😊, just returned from sunny Tenerife after our hols and am soooo happy to report no weight gain😎. Dont panic Susannah it can be done and yes I definately did more walking so i’m sure that helped. The main thing I’m so delighted about is that BSD is changing lifetime eating habits for me and I feel more confident in making eating choices, so I’m not thinking of it as a diet. I’ve loved catching up with the forum and have been amazed and encouraged by all of the weight losses, both great and small, and most importantly how everyone is feeling healthier, including myself. Even though I have another 2st to lose my clothes feel so much better and I know I can do it this time. Have a great weekend everyone and keep posting!

It gets really hot where I am too, but fortunately it cools down a lot at night, so rarely have difficulty sleeping. And yes, I can understand why camping wouldn’t work for you. A cruise sounds altogether better.

Thanks Linda, that’s really helpful.
A few weeks in you can get a bit complacent so its a good idea to step back and have a look at what you’re consuming. I’ve had my first week with a stall but I know why – the old adage fail to plan, plan to fail!! This week I’m going to pay a lot more attention to planning my menu and not allowing myself to follow my urge to overeat because I’m hungry and unorganised.
Sue

Congratulations Verano 15% is a real achievement and good luck for the next 15% – when I am down because I am slow at anything, particularly running, I think of what someone once said to me, coming last beats did not finish, and even did not finish beats did not start!

Hi MK
I’ve been to my doctor a few times over the last few years (this had been going on for over 5 years) and was given the standard HRT tablets, they didn’t agree so changed to the patches and they didn’t agree, so decided in the end that the night sweats weren’t as bad as the drugs and gave up nearly 12 months ago. Winter wasn’t so bad, but summer is a pain! If you find that packet, it would be great to know the name.
I’ve got a different doctor now, so I’ll take your advice and bring it up when I go next.

Thanks Verano, I haven’t heard of Black Cohosh, I’ll check it out.

Hi AnnieW
I’m afraid soya products are something that I won’t consume anymore due to them being so highly processed and high in polyunsaturates. Thanks anyway for the advice and I’m glad it worked for you.

I’ll see what the doctor says.
Cheers
Linda

I have lost over a stone and now have a BMI of 21.4 which sounds fab but I still have considerable belly fat (which is why I started the BSD in the first place). Has anyone else experienced this and has anyone successfully managed to regain a nice flat tummy?
Thank you
SSB

Congratulations Verano on your superb achievement to reach your original goal. Your plan for the coming months sounds really sensible and achievable. What a good idea not to set a timescale.

Your threads have really motivated me and I am so pleased you are now recovering.

In celebration of reaching my 15% body weight loss we had an Indian takeaway last night! It was very BSD friendly chicken tikka with salad and mint and yogurt, maybe a bit of sugar, and just a very small onion bahji as a ‘treat’. I really enjoyed it but I’m finding that a main meal portion is far too big now so next time I think I may just have a starter size.

Well another weekend and another food challenge for me. I find the weekends more difficult than other times. So tonight will be the roast chicken we were going to have last night with some courgetti spaghetti. I think I will experiment with a ‘cream’ type sauce tonight. I have some crème fraiche so I think I will try a mushroom and red pepper concoction. Nothing to lose!

Have a good weekend.

Hi LindaA I know lots of people don’t agree with this but I had great success reducing hot flushes to almost nil by using unsweetened soya milk, Alpro plain soya yoghurt (with frozen berries a la The Total way) and tofu. I did this for some years, and at the end of last year gradually reduced my intake to mainly in my tea about 3 times a day and stopped using altogether as the flushes stopped. I was lucky in that my actual menopause started when I was 54 (didn’t do the soya thing til I was 58 as I didn’t know about it) and apart from the flushes, some poor quality sleep (which I still get) and occasional low moods, I consider myself to have got off lightly (my mother went through some horrendous years). If you’re not averse to trying this you can always just add soya to your diet and see if it helps. I used uht milk as it was cheaper and 1litre lasted around 4 days.

MK you are an inspiration! You have come a long way and your new plan sounds brilliant – you really are worth it you know.

Hi, I am on week five,, I was 205kg and now 90kg brilliant weight loss and sticking to the plan, I am doing 14000 steps a day that are up hill and down dale. For the last week my fasting bloods have gone from mid 90’s to 118, I am drinking plenty of water, no alcohol and sticking ridgely to the diet, any thoughts please…help!

SIx week weigh-in this morning. Another 2 lbs lost making a total of 20.5 lbs! Very pleased, but slightly disappointed that the rate of loss is dropping a bit, but may be to be expected.
A bit of ‘man-flu’ this week so maybe less moving around had a part to play. Also my daughter and I made the delicious chocolate, pear and brazil nut brownies (we used pecans instead of brazils – allergy in the family) which went down well with everyone. I only had one, with a small dollop of greek yoghurt, but still around 200 calories I probably shouldn’t have had. It would have been rude not to try one though.
Still haven’t bought any new clothes as I am reluctant to until I reach my goal weight, but Coco the Clown springs to mind when I wear any of my trousers at the moment. Smaller waist trousers that I kept in the wardrobe have long since been donated to charity.
Starting weight – 13 stone 11.5 lbs. Current weight 12 stone 5 lbs. This week’s goal would be to lose 3 – 4 lbs, and the goal for the end of the 8 weeks would be to below 12 stone. My end goal weight is 11 stone, although before started this diet, I would have said 11.5 stone was fine.
Keep going everyone, lots of inspiring posts across the forums.

LindaA I used Black Cohosh when I was menopausal and I found it worked for me, but then I guess it depends how bad your symptoms are. Mine weren’t horrendous but I did go and see a ‘herbalist’ who gave me a ‘concoction’ to drink that was so vile I actually preferred the symptoms!!

I think it’s a case of trial and error and you could always take HRT if all else fails.

MK you have really taken ‘the bull by the horns’.

It’s so difficult to pick yourself up in difficult times, and I imagine feeling so bad about your appearance, when you’ve done so well in losing 40+lbs, it’s even more difficult. BUT you have done it!! You’ve made a plan. The bag of sabotage food may have been your first response to your current situation but your ‘inner knowledge’ won the day. You know this is the best way to go ‘despite’ your OH.

I know what it’s like to almost do BSD ‘in secret’ too. After 7 months my OH is now happy to forgo a simple carb with our main meal but that doesn’t stop the sandwiches, sweets and biscuits during the day! I’ve got to the stage now where it really doesn’t bother me, apart from occasionally, the smell of toast!! Sorry not helping!

Maybe ear plugs for the snoring! On a more practical note there is a new feature starting in the Daily Mail today, fpr a week, about insomnia so that may be worth a look.

So many of us women do just as you and put everybody and his dog before our own wellbeing. There’s nothing wrong in that but you do really have to make time for yourself and your own wellbeing as well.

OK so you have a plan exercise, hair, make-up, facials and clothes so now you just have to stick with it. Don’t worry if you don’t manage 100% every month, don’t be too hard on yourself, but at least make sure you make 50%+ and you will then really be on your way to being kind to yourself …. you deserve it!