Riley’s – Mmmm!

SSG – as ever, spot on. My Diabetes Nurse, who is a star, always says that she is amazed at the number of people who turn up with no interest in the condition and who just want a pill to make it all go away, or simply to fend it off and let them carry on as usual.

Y, como dices, ya veremos.

PS – If I get sock-puppeted again, I’m going to blame you ;).

Just looking back at my notes and horrified to find that when I was first diagnosed I was taking 4 glicozide tablets a day. Now one is too much. 4 Metformin. Now 2 is enough. In 3 months. That seems like such a long time ago, though.
Note to self. Just look at how far you’ve come!! MKx

Maharani kitten – the dietician at the patients meeting last week said very much the same words – that it is too hard to do for most people.

So could it be that we have superhuman powers that enable us to succeed where everyone else fails? Actually I really doubt that. Of course you all may have superhuman powers but as a serial (or cereal) failed dieter I know this way of eating is just brilliant and reasonably easy to follow and to succeed with.

A haemorrhoid! Snort! Snort! Just spat my cinnamon tea over my keyboard. 😂😂😂

Nigel Slater did a scrummy looking courgette ribbon, garlic, chilli, pine nut and olive oil plate while I was watching and ironing yesterday. Small glug of oil, crush garlic and cook gently, add chilli flakes and 25g pine nuts, toast lightly, add courgette ribbons done lengthwise with potato peeler. 3.5g carbs by my reckoning, looked lovely, trying it tomorrow. Love Nige, lots of his stuff low carb. I think it’d be good with cauliflower or broc too.

Also, Nigella’s Meatza – essentially a pizza with a minced beef, onion, egg, oregano and pepper base (she put breadcrumbs in but I’d leave those out) cook in oven 20 mins till browned,, put beef tomatoes mozzarella and basil on top. Nice with salad if you’re a bit hungry and a lunchbox contender in slices. Very low carb though cals would need care. Mkx

Jules, I agree with what you say, quoting Prof Taylor is better than some diet fad that is going around. My doctor is also with yours on statins, when I moved to France I was on 60mg and nothing could bring my cholesterol down, they should have realised something else was going on and tested me for diabetes, I had all the symptoms but was diagnosed with stress and given antidepressants, which I threw in the bin. When I arrived in France doctor insisted I had full blood works (it is routine here for new patients, especially with no medical records to refer to). He discovered I have diabetes and also cut the statins to 40mg which is the max dose allowed in France. He has since cut to 20mg and would prefer me not to be on them at all due to my suffering from cramps – now my cholesterol is right down to 3.7.

However, we must remember that we have gained so much knowledge and carried out our own research. To be fair to doctors most patients don’t have a clue, don’t want to know and prefer the easy route of taking meds. Also, not many people with diabetes would be willing to give up their beloved chips and mash or a Chinese with sticky rice. My doctor said he could not ask a French person to go without their baguette.

MK yes I object to being called a diabetic, it is as if I am defined by that label. I read someone saying if I had haemorrhoids would I be called a haemorrhoid, a person who has had a heart attack is not called a cardiac and so on. I try to refer to myself in terms of the illness as a person who has diabetes, for now. When I say the ‘for now’ bit people look at me as if I have 2 heads. Hey Jules, on verra.

So it should MK. It was always drummed into us nurses never to say ‘a diabetic/epileptic/any other disease’ but rather a person with diabetes/epilepsy etc. No one should be labelled by their health. Semantics to some, but I think it’s really important.

Don’t let the b*st*rds grid you down! 😀😀😀

@theodora – I am from the North East so I love Newcastle and I was working in Tynemouth which is really lovely – some great restaurants including a fabulous fish restaurant in a shack on the beach, however – the sunshine is certainly lacking up there! 🙂

Yes, it will be a trial to have my first alcohol since NYE but not go too mad, I seem to be fine when I quit completely (like dry Jan) but not sure how I will get on when I let myself have some but not loads. I did consider keeping up the no booze ban for a whole 3 months but I realise that it isn’t realistic to fly long haul and also stay in the wine region and not drink at all! I think as long as I keep the food good I could count any days that I do drink as my day in a 5:2 type plan….. Fingers crossed! 🙂

Also, does anyone else get as cross as me to be described as ‘a diabetic’ ? I see this as a temporary state and I simply hate being labelled. Even though I know that technically, this is what I am….

Well said, Jules, my view exactly.
I’ve spent a bit of time this pm making notes of the things I want to raise and how I’ll frame them.
Interestingly when I first saw the more ‘helpful’ GP he mentioned the Prof’s research but said it was too hard a path for most. So he knew about it. However, he put on my notes in December ‘ask Mrs Kitten how she’s got her numbers down so quickly’. I told him and he seemed more convinced. And impressed. But obviously not on my notes if the locum’s response is anything to go by. MK x

Yay well done TC!! Glad to hear the chocs have gone, even if you did end up eating a few more before ditching them. Here’s to achieving that 1.5lb loss this week – hope you have a good week and can report in at target next Monday – good luck!!

How’s everyone doing on Weigh In Day?

I’ve just completed 2 weeks, really strictly, but I am disappointed to say that both my scales and my tape measure record nothing at all lost in week 2 🙁

A little discouraged, but will keep on keeping on in the hope of better things this coming week.

Nowt wrong with Newcastle, Fraggle – fabulous city, just love it and visit on any occasion I can (which is many as my lovely son and his wife live there) It’s got everything anyone could ever want, except perhaps the sunshine 🙁 And vineyards of course 😉

Enjoy your trip to SA – just don’t be tempted by too much wine.

Make that 11 chocolates before I finally managed to dispose of the rest…..

Crikey, Clarity, what a fantastic loss in just three weeks – I’d be happy with that at the end of my 8 weeks!!!

I am only on day 1 of week 3, and I had a great loss of 8lbs in my first week, but I’ve hit the wall since my week one weigh in and 8 days later haven’t lost any more, not even inches, despite being really strict. Everyone hits a plateau at some time or other, and I was prepared for this, but wasn’t expecting to hit it after only one week, so you have been lucky that you got to week 4 before it hit!

Sadly no advice on how to break through again, other than hydration and to keep on keeping on, which is what I am doing, in the hope that this week I will see another good loss, particularly as I go away next weekend for 10 days.

But congratulations on your loss so far – as Topcac says, totally bonkers amazing 🙂

Hi Topcac – many fond memories of Pittsburgh in January – unbelievably cold, but really great people and a lovely atmosphere.

I have to go to Durban over the next few months, but I’m stalling a bit until it cools down a little.

Sorry, Verano, just seen your post on the other thread.

Mackerel is lovely in an omelette. Probably nicest if you keep the omelette a bit soft, or even runny. It can be tastier if you put a bit of curry powder on the mackerel and fry it off in a bit of butter before you add the eggs.

Hi all
Weighed in today at end of week 4 and a bit disappointed with just a 1lb loss and nothing off my waist. Sticking rigidly to diet and under 50g CARBS so hoping it’s a plateau. I’ve averaged 4lb a week so 17lb off but only 5lb since week one. Feeling abit impatient as I’ve 4 stone to shift but going to keep at it. Good luck those weighing in today

That sounds good Verano. Are you counting the Calories and Carbs or do you just ‘know’ by now what each portion contains?
Or maybe you are just restricting the Carbs. Would be interested to hear how strict you are with the counting. Thanks
x

Not from the BSD book, but Jamie’s caponata is great warm or cold (depending if you’re freezing in the cold North or sizzling in Terra Australis), on its own or as a base for fish. Particularly good in a tub for a work lunch on day 2.

Great! Thanks Verano. Count me in for this. I need all the best ideas to keep me on track. Will get over to Fab Food for Feb straight away. x

I’ve got to agree. I used the term “Newcastle Research” and that seemed to hit home with the GP as I guess it focusses on the medical side rather than the “media” side of BSD. I still don’t reckon my GP cares that much and in an ideal world would have me on Metformin, just in case.

Interestingly he seems to be far less convinced about Statins and actually said he opposed NIHCE’s decision to reduce the QRisk recommendation for Statins from 20 to 10 as he believes that it now just covers too many people.

I’ve said this before, but I’m reaching the age where repeating myself is expected, but you only have one health so you should decide what’s right and go with it, accepting help and opinion from the medical profession, but the responsibility and final decisions must be your own. I think a bit of context helps. GP’s are simply middle ranking civil servants.

Following on from a few recipes on the 4 Week Fix I thought it would be nice to share some food ideas this coming month. Put a bit of zing back into BSD.

I’d be really interested in any recipes from the new recipe book that have been tried and enjoyed.

I will definitely try the ‘pork in mustard sauce’ but use chicken instead.

Tonight I have a Mary Berry recipe of haddock with puy lentils in a tomato sauce. Think I’ll add some courgette ribbons and some green beans with it too. Love one pot meals!

OK – fraggle, feel slightly better about the fact that I get to go to Pittsburgh…I’ve never seen the sun shine there…

Hello all – my extremely challenging target came a pound closer today – just 1.5 pounds to go. That will make me 8st 10lbs – lighter than I’ve been since I started weighing myself in 1857 (well that’s what it feels like lol).I was made up when I jumped on the scales and, as it’s a Monday, that’s ‘official’ for the next week. So what did I do – ate 6 chocolates!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!!!

Back on it – draw a line – throw away the rest of the very expensive chocolates that I should never have opened……

Thanks!

All this talk of food is making me enthusiastic about BSD again and just can’t resist a new thread
‘Fab Food for February’

Please post recipes etc over there! Particularly interested to know how smoked mackerel works in an ‘omelette ‘ !

Great loss Clarity!!! If you are still struggling in a week or so, try checking your carb intake, as some foods you wouldn’t expect to be, are surprisingly high in carb. Also make sure your hydration is okay.

I wouldn’t panic though, you have done tremendously well to date and it will come right again soon.

Good afternoon fellow BSD peeps!! So good to see some familiar names in here , Frog, Jan, Sunny, Yowzer…cant remember others ( apart from Captain Lynn) been some months since I was in.

Decided after a hospital appointment earlier, I best get my act together and get back on track…not sure what my weight is etc but knowing how much pain my knees are giving me, to the point of needing steroid injections, I’d say am in a dire need of losing lots.

Will re read MM book tonight, plan and shop as I know ONLY that way is going to work for me!! No use trying to do it any other way.

Will follow his recipes, and advice ( despite the fact I know some calorie counts of the meals are way off ) and see what happens.

@topcac – I am very lucky on this occasion, but it is not usually the case! I am usually sent to Solihull or Newcastle! 😀

Fraggle – I want your job…..

A stall in weight loss is completely to be expected. It’s just your body adjusting and we have virtually all been through it at one point or another in the first 1-6 weeks – 25lbs in January is completely bonkers amazing so give yourself a break and let your body catch up – good luck and stay strong

🙂

‘fraid sunshine and Esnecca are right, ALL pasta is a no-no on the BSD800 and hanging on to it, will make it harder to get rid of the carb cravings and impede your weight loss. Best to ditch all the simple carbs straight off and use veggies and protein to fill the gap.

Hi Yvey-fights back – most of us try to keep carbs below 50g per day, but some will find they can increase that level and still see good weight loss. We are all a little different, so it’s a case of trying and seeing how you body reacts. The same will apply to the maintenance levels. I have not been on maintenance counting carbs, as the maintenance periods I have done, have been whilst on vacation, when I have neither counted calories or carbs. For me though, I’m thinking that I will always need to control the carbs more than the calories.

Hopefully someone else will have a more definitive answer for you. Good luck with your BSD quest.

Hi AlexandraUK – some excellent advise here. I’d just add that good hydration is very important – as has previously been stated – and making sure that there is enough fat in your diet, as this helps with the feeling make you feel full more quickly and for longer. Controlling the carbs really helps, as I find if I eat too many, these cause hunger pangs to follow later on.

Hope you get to grips with the 800cals – let use know how you get on, good luck.

Hello everybody

SusannahD – if you have a Morrisons in your area they have jumbo oats – I find them in the cookery section in my branch. Not sure how widespread Morrisons is – I am in Norfolk.

Seasidenana – I was disappointed with my first week’s loss which was similar to yours, but at the end of 3 weeks I have lost a stone – so keep on! I haven’t yet got into the exercise. Started on the exercise bike building up the HIT thing, but then life came and whacked me sideways, like it does, and I haven’t done it for a few weeks. Hope to get back on me bike later this week.

Well done to all of you with your fantastic results. Thank you to those who have been brave enough to tell us of their falls from the wagon and for getting back on track again. It is so encouraging, knowing I am not alone This WOE certainly works and is the easiest eating regime I have ever done, but then I do have an enormous amount to lose………….. Baby steps as Lucia would say.

Kate

Sarah…..I cannot add anything more than what has been said by Wendy1947.
I am sure I speak for all the people on here in that we are here to hold you hand as you make some difficult decisions.

Take carex

Verano another meal we like is the pork in mustard sauce. It will work with chicken. We have it with asparagus and anything else we have in thats green. I sometimes add an onion softened in olive oil.
Enjoy.

Eileen27 mackerel and mushroom frittata is my favourite meal out of the BSD recipe book. We have it with peppered mackerel fillets. Its really tasty. We have it with either watercress and tomatoes or a mixed salad. Yum yum….Enjoy

Hi Mumofcrazynamedkids!

Doing pretty well here, especially considering last week I was away with work so eating out for every meal and having a cooked breakfast in the hotel each morning. I didn’t manage to stick to the calories but I did keep to the eating plan (probably doing more like maintenance for the week). It seems to have worked as on Week 4 Day 1 I am down nearly 10lbs which is incredible for me so I am happy. I have this week to do well and then I fly down to South Africa with work for 3 weeks so my eating will get a little crazy again. I intend on eating mostly to plan still but I am not the greatest flyer in the world and I am staying in the wine region in SA so I think some wine will be consumed but I will try and keep it to as small an amount as possible to keep the weight coming off!

My clothes are feeling looser but I really want to get out of a 16 altogether and be firmly back into size 14 and that seems a million miles away at the moment! 🙂

Hope all the rest of you are still doing well!

Thanks sunshine girl, mixnmatch and fib for your replies. I shall give the 800c a go. I’ve never cut back on carbs before so it will be interesting to see the effect. I think my tiredness is linked to my diet and craving for carbs and given so many people in my family have diabetes, I need to get ontop of overall health…

Hi all, how you doing? Beginning of week 4 for me, 15 pounds down, hoping for another 3-4 this week. The goal is to lose 3 pounds per week for the remaining 5 weeks. That will mean I will have lost just over 2 stone. Which should get me to 11 stone. Then I can do maintenance and see what happens, and hopefully shift the remaining half a stone.

Looking forward to more of my clothes fitting, I have one very sexy black jumpsuit I am dying to get into with a flatter stomach, I need to do the bloody sit ups!

Only joshing, SG. I can’t do weak and silly, (difficult anyway at 5’10 and 12 stone 10!). My default is quietly assertive and informed! My PE experience taught me not to struggle on until I was too weak to fight back!

Anyhow….bs stable at 5.2, no glicozide before lunch and I feel great. I think that’s called evidence based medicine… MKx

Thanks, SunnyB! Not in panic mode – after all, I still weigh more than 2stone less than I did a year ago (so something’s gone right). My self-imposed target of 9.5stone was chosen since it would mean a loss of exactly 3stone and place me well inside the Healthy part of the BMI for my height. Going under 10st 2lb is good, going under 10st is better. Being 9.5stone again would be amazing after all these years but it is just a number – the important thing for me is being in the “Healthy” sector and staying there. Just want to make sure I have a bit of wriggle room. I expected the last few pounds to be more difficult to shift – let’s face it, I’ve been carrying them around for too long, they’ve got a good grip! It’s clear to me that I need to keep an eye on things and not let things slide like I did towards the end of 2016. Roll on the warmer weather when salads will seem much more appealing.

Thanks Inka13. Will give that a go. Having smoked mackerel and mushroom frittata this evening with lots of green salad. Has anyone tried this? I’ll let you know how it goes. X

Hi

After Xmas we did bag up all the sweets & biscuits we had been given & my husband took them to work.
Unfortunately this rogue bar of chocolate escaped the clear up. I had bought it to make a chocolate fondue & never got round to it.
I really wished I had thrown it away but my upbringing stopped me. Never throw away good food was my mothers mantra , just as eating everything on your plate was !!!

Anyway, its done, I eat it & there is no going back. Time to move on . There are no more goodies in the house to tempt me.
I have virtually no will power, which has always been my downfall.

Could anybody advise on what your carb limit should be per day 50g ? 75g?
Also after the eight weeks, on maintenance what should you aim for then? The calories I understand but the carb limit would be useful. Thanks in advance.

Annie2 why not give away stray chocolate bars rather than binning them ? I gave away quite a lot of food when I started my diet. Bread from the freezer, biscuits, chocolate etc. People are usually very happy to receive it, especially if they are hard up. You could also take it to your local food bank or homeless shelter.

Hi All,
I was very good all weekend and tried some of Sunshine-Girls meal plans. I am pleased to say when I weighed myself yesterday I have essentially maintained my weight after the high calorie and carb slip up. Monday 23rd I was 14 st 10.7 and Today Monday 30th I am 14st 10.4lbs so a minimal loss over the course of my week.

I am disappointed because on Wednesday I got down to 14st 7lbs – BUT looking at it overall it could have been worse.

Last night I batch cooked from the book – Bolognese (170 cal/5g carbs) Lamb Tagine (420/16) Hungarian Goulash (350/27) and a Mushroom Soup (190/4) so I am hoping to have a significant loss this week!!

Thank you all for your advise!!