Sorry to hear about Bills troubles, hope he is still taking good care of himself. When I commented on people disappearing from the site I was talking about those that get to around week 3 having lost loads of weight then plateau then disappear. Maybe they reached a short term goal or decided they could do it alone without group support. But it is disheartening for those who dont lose loads and think they have a problem and blame themselves, give up and disappear. The secret of this site is to stick with it.

As for the view that you can cure your diabetes and then go back to eating as you did before. That is like saying you were fat, you lost weight now go eat loads of cake and chips and stay slim. What got you fat or diabetic in the first place (and that is not a blame thing, we didn’t know about carbs) will do it again. I am sure if we get our cure one slice of bread or roast potato on our monthly meal out will not reverse what we have done but going back to 3 time daily carbs will. But for some it is a bit like being an alcoholic, one drink can get you started again or in our case one slice of bread leads to a loaf. I dont go overboard on chocolate and can eat 1, 10g square every other day but my brother can get through 5 bars of F&N in one sitting. We are here to learn as well as lose weight or improve our health and by staying on the site I can learn something new most days. Let just keep on……

Mature goat Gouda sounds amazing! There’s a local cheese here in Scotland that ‘s like a soft Wensleydale wrapped in nettle leaves. And when in Greece a special kind of mature feta that is so salty and delicious, absolutely lovely crumbled on their spring greens – Horta – served with olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Very BSD!!

Loving the diet but not the muffins-I made 20 out of the mixture and put the lot in the bin. That’s a first for me to throw food away!!

Captainlynne, very sorry to hear your news about Bill. I wasn’t here when he was, but his thread, which I read from start to finish some months back, has been referred to so many times that he obviously contributed a lot. Sad that he should have felt forced out.

I’m the one with with the addled brain obviously….. I wouldn’t recommend Spanx for the face….and I’m sure your face is lovely anyway…. life without wrinkles is life never lived and never laughed 😉

There are very few cheeses I don’t like (mostly those stuffed with dried fruit wensleydale hybrids), my favourite since I discovered it is the mature goat gouda from Waitrose, but I commonly have half a dozen or so different ones in the fridge.

Krystal – sorry to say the sick friend died quite soon after moving in with Bill.

I think there have been lots of changes in folk posting. Some have stopped, for whatever reason, and others have started. Some ‘old timers’ felt there was nothing they could now contribute and that it was time to pass the baton to the newbies. I suspect it can be difficult for some, with a combination of diabetics, those with different health issues, and those doing it ‘just’ to lose weight – all with their own perspectives on the BSD.

If I read something I don’t like, don’t agree with, or frustrates me, I usually ignore it and scroll past. But I left the BSD Facebook group because of comments on there – and I know that Bill – and from memory, others also left that group for the same reason.

I haven’t tried Headspace, but have just picked up a fascinating book called the Headspace Diet, which isn’t a diet book per se but is all about mindful eating techniques, and deconstructing all the emotions and feelings behind why people eat too much. I did think the mindfulness element was the thing I was weakest at when it came to starting my maintenance, so will be interested to give these techniques a try.

Busybee – how thoughtful of you to think of giving your chocolates to your elderly spinster aunt.

Mixnmatch – I agree about the cheese. Stilton or mascarpone are a real treat.

As the adaptation gets more complete you may find that you are perfectly fine just on the 800. While I am not a runner I was doing two, hour long sessions of badminton, which is about 600 calories burnt, on an 800 day and not experiencing any weakness or problems. In the earlier days I would hit a ‘wall’ and just feel weak at the end of the second hour but this went totally after a few weeks.

Cheese is absolutely a treat!

Norfolkgal
Your holiday sounds wonderful and how nice that there was so much BSD friendly food.

Your new dog sounds lovely. My dogs are 6 and 11 and they do get us out on days like today when the weather is horrible. I love the puppy stage – except for having to limit their walking for the first few months to protect their joints, and the chewing. One of my Labradors destroyed our phone and the other one ate the connection box to the phoneline and disconnected our phoneline and internet..

We were hoping to go to Oxborough hall tomorrow to walk around the grounds and see the snowdrops but the weather looks to be really horrible so we may go later in the week. We are looking forward to going as they now allow dogs in the grounds which is great as we love taking our dogs with us.

Weigh in today at end of week five and I was a quarter of a pound lighter than last Saturday. I decided only to get weighed once a week but on reflection I am going to weigh myself every morning for a week to see if there are trends and fluctuations. My weight loss after five weeks is 12.75 lbs which is great for me. I have bought a fitness band and am going to try to do 10,000 steps each day- I am very lazy and have a sedentary job. . I am going on holiday in June and my aim is to lose another stone before then. I am still very motivated and really enjoy reading the posts and encouragement on this site. Thank you everybody for sharing your BSD journey. It really does help.

Well done, Busybee!
Mr Kitten went out earlier today and bought that offer as ‘a Special treat because you’ve not been well’.
I’ve had to feign lack of appetite because literally none of his choices (his favourites, naturally!) are BSD friendly, so it’s interesting to know that there were more suitable things. His choices were all pastry and sugar!
On seeing the sugary puds I said ‘oh, did they not have cheese?’ – which is what I’d usually choose – he said ‘CHEESE isn’t a treat!’ Hmmmm. MKx

Hi Lynne – you are right about Bill. I have just remembered that he was also supporting a close friend or relative who was seriously ill. So with a new granddaughter and a sick friend it is totally understandable that he is no longer on this forum.

I also remember that a couple of members of this forum (who are no longer posting) were a bit cross with him for saying that we would most likely need to stay with this way of eating once we had reversed diabetes. Their view was that you did the BSD – reversed diabetes -and then could go back to all the carbs and that Bill was wrong. I did wonder if that had put him off posting.

I am so pleased you are still posting as it really does help.

Mixnmatch- thanks for your advice! I think it was definitely correct as I burnt 800 calories on the run itself so definitely needed some extra low carb calories!

HI Both,

Thanks for your advice! I’m not diabetic or pre-diabetic. I am just trying to lose weight and have PCOS so have a higher likelihood of getting diabetes later in life if I’m not careful. I’m only 26 at the moment so want to get my weight and carb addiction under control now to head of potential issues in the future.

I stood on the scales this morn and had still lost so I think once in a while it will be ok!

Appreciate the help!

Hi All
We are back from Jamaica – great holiday – good hotel, lovely beach and gorgeous weather. Bonus is I weighed in this morning at exactly the same as before we left, 9st 9lb, so I must have made sensible choices in the restaurant! There were lots of good BSD friendly options – cooked breakfasts, huge range of salads, cold meats, cheeses etc. I did sample a few desserts, fruits, a little wine and some rum, but didn’t go mad. Lots of swimming & sunbathing, so very relaxing.
Our new dog is lovely, just a big black fluff-ball at the moment. I can see he will need a lot of attention, plus several walks a day, so that’s all good too.
We have nasty wet sleety weather here today, I am so looking forward to the spring.

Hi Krysia

I think Bill had some non-BSD problems that got in the way. I’ve not heard from him in ages. I think it was when his granddaughter was born.

I keep on posting, even if not as often as before, because it helps me keep my motivation so I’m glad it helps others.

Hi Verano

It’s probably when I’m in a coffee shop that I notice the changes in me. Before BSD it would have been a large latte, often with a sandwich or pastry. Now it’s usually either an espresso (with or without cream), a macchiato or an americano without milk. And nothing to eat.

The other major difference for me is the residential conferences. Those 3-course meals. Before BSD I’d have eaten just what I wanted. Breakfast would have been cereal, the cooked breakfast and lots of toast with butter and marmalade. Biscuits with mid morning coffee, then lunch would usually be cooked meat and salad (usually those using up leftover veg in mayonnaise), followed by dessert. More biscuits with coffee at the break. Then a 3-course dinner. Whatever starter and main I fancied, followed by some nice dessert. Once I did try the cheese instead of a dessert – with grapes and crackers – but there was enough for a meal in the serving! And don’t forget the biscuits and chocolates left in my room!!!

Now breakfast is just the cooked option. No biscuits. Lunch (if I eat anything) is a slice of cooked meat with a little tomato and cucumber. Dinner – when I get the menu to choose from at breakfast time – immediately delete the dessert. Then look at the options for starter and main. Sometimes the choice is easy if there’s something I don’t like. Once I’ve chosen, I delete anything I don’t want – croutons, Yorkshire pudding, etc. Staff are usually very good – they’re so used to people asking for substitutions these days, and so many people have cut out gluten.

After the first time I did it, its become second nature and the skills I learned there have translated to other social eating situations.

The Italian ice cream cafe last year was tricky. It was easy enough to refuse the gelato, but I was worried about offending the family who’d invited us. But I needn’t have worried. And other meals over there have opened up conversations if people have noticed what I’m eating or not eating. Most times I’d just be happy with the starter of sliced meats and cheeses.

As well as food choices, I agree that portion sizes have also shrunk. Typing what I used to eat amazed me – how could I eat all of that in one day, especially when the day was spent sitting listening to people with no exercise.

Verano
I can hardly believe that I have maintained since 10th December. That is two whole months – I don’t think I even managed two weeks maintaining before. But this is different from all those other times I was on a diet as this is a way of eating that I will keep to for the rest of my life.

I do hope that it will be second nature before too long. The bit that has become second nature is keeping low carb and not eating any of the bad carbs and sugar. I have absolutely no inclination to eat the stuff and when I see it I just think how shockingly bad it is for us.

The bit that is not second nature is portion control. I am still as bad at judging portion sizes as I was before I started the BSD. Although I can’t eat really big portions anymore I still have to weigh the high calorie stuff because I am so bad at judging the weight of things like cheese, nuts and Fage Yoghurt.

Lynne – I think your ‘awkward head’ has been really useful. I also find that if anyone says that the BSD won’t work it just makes me more determined to stick to it.

I am so pleased that you stayed on this forum. Your posts were so inspirational when I was struggling and great to see that you effortlessly moved into the maintenance phase of BSD. I learnt everything about maintenance from your posts and other successful maintainers on this forum. I followed Bill1954s posts and was so sorry that he got to target and just left the forum. So I think it is great that maintainers stay posting. For me – continuing to read the forums every day and post does help to keep me on track and keep the weight off.

Yes a good Indian meal really does fill the gap now and again and it can be BSD friendly. I just find that every now and again I have to have something really spicy.

It is amazing JM how our appetites change after while. I actually find that all my portions are much smaller than they used to be and that can’t be bad! Although occasionally I do feel really hungry so I eat a snack and that usually does the trick.

MK, your post saved me from caving today.
I went to M and S and looked at the Valentine meal deal. Ther was a lot to choose from to keep to the BSD except for the desserts and mini box of heart chocolates – oh and the bottle of Prosecco! I spent some time fighting with my carb monster as to whether I should give in and “treat” myself to the lovely looking puds – it’s a long time since I was so tempted.
In the end I chose a very large box of strawberries which looked just OK but gradually I began to feel more in control.
I decided that my lovely hubby and I didn’t need sugary things to celebrate Valentine’s Day (we have never really celebrated the day in our 45 yeas of marriage.) and decided we will have a glass or two of the fizz, enjoy the nice food and give the chocolates to an elderly spinster aunt who I suspect has never been given chocolate for Valentines Day.
Thank you!
X B

Verano

Thinking about it again just now, I think that my “awkward” head came in to play.

So many people told me along the way that the BSD wouldn’t work and that it wasn’t sustainable that I was (and still am) determined to prove them wrong. Add to those people the ones who think I’ve lost too much, and those waiting to see it all pile back on again and I just don’t want to prove any of them right.

Hi Lynne

I can’t believe it’s 22 weeks since you reached your target. LCHF way of eating must just be second nature to you now. I guess you probably still get the odd moment when you have to think twice about eating something but I’m sure those moments are few and far between now.

You certainly have enough ‘wriggle room’ to keep you at your new healthy weight. It’s good that you still post because we all want to know what it’s like ‘on the other side’!

Krysia it’s good to see you still maintaining that’s what it’s all about. If you can do it in the winter the summer should be a doddle and it won’t be too long before it’s just second nature and you no longer think about it.

Rosebery I just love that saying. I’ve written it down in my journal to help me keep going through the rough times! WE have all started and we WILL all finish!

Nice Information ! Thanks

Furniture Rotan

Hi Lynne

I think you’re right about needing a new focus, As I’ve not reached my ultimate goal yet I still do have a focus but I can see how difficult it could be to re-focus once you get to maintenance. I don’t think any ‘maintainer’ is boring, even if you think nobody wants to keep reading the posts, most people are still happy to have that extra push now and again of reading about somebody who has succeeded. I think it’s far more difficult to maintain, as you say three people all put the lost weight back on with in a few years. BUT that’s because they were on ‘diets’ and hadn’t changed their lifestyles!

I am trying to refocus to start my next push on Tuesday. Tuesday has always been my weigh-in day and until then I’m just logging my food to see exactly what I am eating since I stopped counting! Today is actually not too bad. The carbs are around 75g and the calories nearer to 1000. That for me is quite acceptable. I’m finding the fast 800 a little too severe in the winter.

Anyway, it’s a case of just keeping on keeping on!

Bless! I’m sure you don’t!
SSB

Great, MK, I am still wearing some of my size 14 stuff, even though my top half is now 8-10, I can’t afford to replace an entire wardrobe just like that (although the local charity shops have probably never had such a good customer). I agree with your feelings on the selfie culture and obsession with appearance rather than substance. Good luck going onwards and downwards 😀

Harleysmum, its not me with the tummy it’s saltyseabird, i’m the one that needs a facelift 🙂

Thank you for your help. Your input has made the decision for me! 😉

Thank you Sunshine Girl. It’s not that tasty really either so maybe I’ll just ditch it. Have a number of packets in the cupboard from pre this diet! It’s not worth wasting that many carbs on one meal.

Thank you so much for your help. I think I’ll ditch the OatSoSimple stuff!

Hi ShrinkMe81

Feels to me, like you are setting one huge goal for yourself, which from time to time must seem almost impossible. Could I suggest that you join the ‘mini-goals’ thread and set yourself a mini-goal? Doing this means that when you hit the mini-goal, you are rewarded with a sense of achievement, which helps with fostering a positive state of mind.

If you don’t track your carb intake, perhaps take a look at that, as when I plateaued adjusting my carb intake was the answer. Check you are drinking enough, as this is very important and also make sure you have enough daily fat intake, to help boost the fat burning process. Don’t panic about eating out, just stick as closely as you can to the BSD principles.

Finally, use your dog walk and pampering for a little mindfulness, reflect on all the positives in your life, including you great BSD results so far. You really have made good progress and that should be celebrated. Have a great w/e.

Thank you SunnyB, that’s a good idea. I did yoga for about 20 years but stopped when my teacher retired. I will look for a Pilates class.
SSB

On the bright side the sachet is only 27 grams so a total of 23 carbs but still a bit too carby for this diet if you want to keep under 50g.

Verano, I only know because someone recommended it to me when I was in the menopause, anyway, what is your new thread and when does it start. I am 4 weeks from my HbA1c so need to get serious again.

de rien

For toning I would recommend Pilates, as it helps you to retrain your body, so that you benefit from good posture as well as toning muscles – especially the core muscles. I’m trying to get back to doing Pilates myself, as toning would certainly help.

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