thanks everyone for your advice. appreciate the support.

Thank you for your support, I really appreciate it. Hopefully, this will be the last time I fail at a diet! It seems that everyone has had a good outcome from following this way of eating. I’ll post my weight loss next week. Here’s hoping 😊

Ha! Just sat and read these, laughed my way through them all.. as my name is Claire, I’ll name my monster Claire….! 😊
🍻🎂

I’ve reading this I think my carb monster is Coco, a little chattering monkey-like creature.

Hi PommieRach
I tracked every day whilst I was losing and stopped cold turkey once I hit maintenance. I often fast by either missing breakfast or lunch and once dinner as I now eat only when I’m hungry, not when everyone else says I should eat. My longest fast so far is 24 hours. Seems to be still working!
Cheers
Linda

Some days I do eat more if I’m really craving something or feeling physically weak. I’ve had a couple 1200 calorie days. It hasn’t slowed down my weight loss at all. I just make sure to stay within the diet. They did recommend to take supplements if you do this for more than a couple weeks. Maybe you’re needing something like that? Good luck! I hope you are able to find a good solution for you.

If I’m tempted to eat carbs I imagine my carb monster (Caroline) sitting in the corner, watching me and laughing triumphantly. She looks like a my old head girl from school, a nasty piece of work then, and now.
She tried to give me some buttered sourdough toast on Sunday by asking my OH to bring it to me in bed (having a rare lie-in as still a bit kn*ckered after fighting off virus), took one bite to please him, saw Sweet Caroline laughing and clapping her hands, and threw it out of the window for the birds when he went downstairs.
She’s a wily opponent, always on the lookout for a moment’s weakness, but I know can thrash her ass, just with the power of my will. MKx

Thanks Linda, That is very good advice and something I had not considered. I will talk to her beforehand.
I love this forum!
Chrissie

Hi WilLuck
Some great suggestions from LizV but be careful of the carrots as they are high in carbs and can trigger ‘sweet’ cravings.
Cheers
Linda

I found a really great recipe (easy to make and store as well) in the Glycemic Load Diet cookbook by Rob Thomas and Dana Carpender: Salmon and Asparagus Casserole. It keeps me going a long time and is very satisfying. We also like the Simple Egg Muffins in the BSD companion cookbook. I freeze those and then we can just pop them out and warm them up.

Hi Cavegirl
Aim to have approximately 1 – 1.5g of protein per kilo of IDEAL body weight per day. Much more than that and the excess your body can’t use as amino acids will be converted to glucose.
Cheers
Linda

Hi Ebs
Be careful of the sauces in Asian foods, most of them are full of sugar/carbs. If you’ve got any bottles at home, check out the labels, you’ll be very surprised!
Linda

Hi Chrissie
Would would you like to happen if the situation were reversed and you were the host? I’d like to know ahead of time and be able to cater for my friend.
Cheers
Linda

I have just started the BSD a few days ago but what I am finding particularly with the recipes that their is no size portion given for the protein, e.g. fish, meat, chicken, etc. The recipe gives the final number of calories but I do not know how to work out what the size of
the protein should be. I know for cheese it should be the size of a matchbox but would like help with the sizes please.

My husband and I both work at home and use the hot beverage trick. (I read that hot things like tea and soup can make you feel full.) I try to wait as long as possible to eat breakfast in the morning. (I usually make it until 11 or 11:30). I have two cups of coffee and sometime even go for a walk before breakfast. I make a big pot of tea in the afternoon to tide me over. I hope you find what works well for you!

Veggies like cucumbers and carrots are pretty low calories and have a good crunch if that helps.

Hi Laska

My scooter is due tomorrow. Am very excited but it’s rather frosty and icy here and I’m having to take a bit more care as my cough is still lingering from Christmas and seems aggravated by cold air. But the first good day, and I’ll be out! Mkx

Chrissie,
Oooo, that’s a tough one. If your friend is one who likes to feed people you might want to tell her ahead and ask her not to say anything. OR You could have one glass of red wine and really make it last. Or add fizzy water to half a glass so that you can make it look like you have two. You could not eat all day and then eat what you need to. You might go over a little in calories but the extended fast beforehand would make up for it. Good luck!!!

Thanks TumtumP!! Best of luck to you too!

Hi Ebs. That sounds challenging. For me the worst part is the smells of all the yummy food, so the Chinese restaurant would be tough. Eating the fruit and cream sounds like a great plan for dessert! Good luck! Let us know how you do!

Oh dear Ebs you certainly have some challenges lined up. I guess if it were me I’d probably not count calories on those days (it would stress me out too much!) BUT make healthy choices, watch my portion sizes, and stick to the BSD principles around carbs.
Some suggestions for Chinese – when I did Weight Watchers a few years ago I remember Beef in Black bean sauce was diet friendly, but just have the smallest bit of plain rice with it. Other suggestions – veggie stir fries (e.g. Satay Vegetables, Vegetables in Oyster sauce), an Omelette, or soup. I love combination short soup as it seems so healthy with the clear broth and all the lovely fresh veggies and slices of meat, prawns in it – I’m not sure of the carb count for wontons though! Just steer clear of the deep fried ice cream lol 🙂
Alternatively eat half of your meal and take the rest home to have the next day?
I think I’m going to have ‘calorie amnesia’ on Australia Day and just go back to counting calories on Friday.

Hi from NSW Ebs!
You are braver than me, but I’m only in my 2nd week. I am facing a social engagement soon with lovely friends who are big eaters and drinkers and I’m tossing up whether or not to tell the hostess about the BSD before I go. What do people think? Should I tell her or just eat what I can from her lavish and carefully planned spread? There will only be 6 of us so it will be noticed. i don’t want to be a subject of conversation tho. I’m trying to be a bit under the radar except for my nearest.
Sounds like you are going to have a lovely week. I don’t like meringue so pavlova would be the perfect dessert for me! Use the willpower you have. Don’t expect yourself to have more than a normal human amount of it tho.
Best wishes,
Chrissie63

Weigh in this morning a tiny tiny loss of 0.1 kg, not surprised, however its a loss and not a gain. Half way through the diet, another 4 weeks to go. Dinner tonight at a Chinese restaurant friend’s retirement party then Australia Day which is my husband’s birthday, breakfast at a local cafe in Fremantle then dinner at a friends in Perth to watch the fireworks. The Chinese will be hard, breakfast is OK with eggs but dinner will be difficult, hubby wants a pavlova for a birthday cake, will eat the fruit and cream. Its going to be a difficult week, so tonnes of willpower needed. Guess its the hardest thing for everyone, those social engagements involving food. Good luck to everyone, you are all amazing with great losses, will let you know how I go.

Hi! I too am in Australia, but I will follow you to give you any support that you need. I admire your courage and strength. Although I have lost only 6 kilos, I need to shed another very stubborn 7! I am 5’9″ and wear a size 40 shoe, so I’m close to a good weight but would prefer a ‘safety’ area. This way of eating really works and the weight drops off quickly so be prepared to have plenty of clothing changes! I wish you well and hope that you find lots of encouragement and support on this thread!

Mrs Pink you can buy Dioralyte from the chemist or a health food shop also some sport shops sell concentrated electrolytes to place in drinks. I take a magnesium tablet at night to prevent twitchy legs and cramp.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I must say that people seem to care how you do on the programme. I have a Vivofit and the diet record app, so now I just need my 2 books. Hopefully, they will be here tomorrow. Well done on your amazing journey. I hope I can be as successful 😊

Hi Shyshihtzu
Welcome! I’m a champion yo yo dieter and this one works!
I’m 57, 5’6″, shoe size 41, live in Sydney, Australia and have lost 32kg over about 6 months and have now been maintaining since October last year.
Stay low on the carbs – less than 50g per day, less if you are T2D or insulin resistant and only the good carbs ie green leafy vegetables etc. don’t go too high in protein (any excess your body doesn’t use converts to glucose) – 1-1.5g per kilo of ‘ideal’ body weight per day is plenty and don’t be afraid of fat. If you buy low fat/lite products, you’ll find the carb levels go up and they won’t satiate you like full fat does.
Drink at least 3 litres of water per day and try and get in 10,000 steps per day.
That’s the basics, there is more, but we don’t want to overwhelm you!
Just ask if you’ve got any questions! We are all more than happy to help.
Cheers
Linda

Another ‘all or nothing’ girl here!
If I’m out and about and can’t control what food I’m given, like a wedding, I simple leave the carbs on the plate. I was at a restaurant last week and asked the waitress not to bring bread and not to put the carbs on the plate. For dessert, I asked for the cream brûlée that came with berries and asked them to hold the brûlée and only bring the berries! As soon as I told her I don’t eat carbs or sugar, she was more than happy to accomodate my requests and actually increased the amount of berries to make up for the lack of brûlée.
I’ve been doing this since April last year and so far have not had a situation where I couldn’t find a work around.
My rule? Just don’t eat the sugar and carbs, no excuses! It’s not worth it.
Weighed in this morning (as I do most mornings) at 57.2kg – pretty much bang in the middle of my goal range of 56-58kg. It can be done folks. Just say no!
Cheers
Linda

Hi,
I’ve enjoyed the spelt bread from the recipe book. Haven’t experimented with different flavours yet but on the agenda for the next time I make it are:
– dried tomatoes
– garlic & rosemary

We’ll see how they go.
Regards,
Rose

Thanks, cmawp, for the baselayers/Sports Direct tip & JulesMaigret for your tip. I actually have several Damart thermal vests which are getting much use at the moment! And some thick walking socks, coupled with trainers & boots with thick soles. We eventually warm up, kind of around lunchtime when the sun hits us! The building where I work is rather old & the heating isn’t great – we have more climate zones than the Eden Project! 🙂 Rumour has it the Powers That Be may spend some dosh on new flooring and possibly more efficient heaters… We shall see.
Feeling the cold didn’t used to be a problem – I suppose the 2stone of blubber I lost last year did have its uses! 🙂
Anyway, I made some courgette & tomato soup (from the Recipes section) today – enough for several helpings.

Hi Lizv

I’m 5ft10, started at 17st8 with a waist of 43.5″ I’m a life long pear shape and my BMI was 35.2. I’ve had some health issues in the last year which has contributed to my weight gain. The insulin resistance was the last straw but also the kick in the bum that I needed!!! I have to get my weight down,no two ways about it. I’ve been trying out some recipes with protein powder. I’ve made wraps and bread. The wraps have been a particular success-a bit like across between a pancake and omelette. Have a look on Protein Pow. The wrap has about 75 cals and 6-7g of carbs. I’m limiting them to twice a week -trying to develop new eating patterns. I wish you so much luck x

Mrs Pink
Put salt on your food. Works for me!
Cheers
Linda

Le Manoir sounds wonderful Mary !. (am morethat slightly green with envy)

Thanks for the article link Angela, thats really interesting and something I have thought maybe the case before..

Well my first weekend didnt go as well as I hoped , and I ended up a lb and today hasnt been easyeither as Ive felt so cold in this freezing fog we have had all day .. so I have eaten more tha 800 again today.. but I am being kind to myself , even if I end up only a pound down it wil be something . and perhaps I’ll treat last week as a pre-8 weeks ease-in session! .

Marahani .. has your scooter arrived? waht did you get ? its been far too icy here to scoot sadly..

Mum and TumtumP, Wow! Thank you so much for the encouragement! Mum, when I started, day 4&5 were the worst for me. I totally get that! People here encouraged me and someone gave me the tip to make sure I get enough salt and fat. That really helped me get through it. I still eat more fat than carbs or protein every day. It really helps.

TumtumP, I have a lot to lose. I’m 6’0 and in mid-Dec weighed 19.2 stone (269#) with a BMI of 35, belly measured 49″. That’s when I realized that I need to make some drastic changes and found out about this diet.

Tips, hmmm. I tell myself constantly that I am doing an amazing job. Especially on days when I go over, I try to dwell on how nutritiously I’m eating and how well I’m treating my body.

I really don’t want to lose the muscle I’ve earned by hauling around an extra 100# every day so I’m trying to increase my exercise levels to compensate. My husband is losing about half as fast as me but he doesn’t exercise. He faithfully hits 800 calories per day but only gets 1-2,000 steps. (I do 10K+ steps.) So I think that’s a big factor. He has less to lose though!

I have been absolutely firm to sticking with the diet. (I’m with you on that!) I go up and down on calories but nary a piece of bread or pasta has passed my lips. 😀 I occasionally have a corn or low carb tortilla along with fats & protein. I REALLY want to get over my insulin / blood sugar problems so I am committed to it. I’m definitely looking forward to getting to a place when I can add those things back in though!

Good luck with your weigh in tomorrow!

Thanks for your reply. How do we replace electrolytes?

Hi all , well my first weekend back on BSD was fine until yesterday evening (and today I havent done too well either) , it has felt so cold here (freezing fog which hasnt lifted all day) that all ive wanted is to eat warm things! So I am definately up both days (but at least ive stayed off the carbs. = ok there was little bit of v dark choc last night .. .)

I had lost 3lbs yesterday morning ( but this morning 1lb back on and hopefully wont be up again tomorrow ) but at least that is a loss for my (nearly) first week .. I think ill think of it as a ‘Training’ week!!

So yes, New Kathy I’ve fallen off the waggon also ! First week and all…

Sue Blue . I’m still thinking of whether it should be two meals. I think before I tried to hang out breakfast until after 10, then miso soup for ‘lunch’ (just so that I had ‘something’ ) then dinner.. However its so cold in my office right now (we are not allowed the heating on much sadly because of the ‘cuts’ so I need something warming right now .. I perhaps need to make some ‘light’ but tasty soup ..
But I also need to walk away from the cupboards after dinner! .

Not more than 4 I wouldn’t have thought, and make sure to replace electrolytes as well as the diet depletes them with the high water consumption and the lack of rubbish carbs and ready meals etc. I don’t think major problems start until you are well over 4 litres.

Don’t normally do early on Mondays but had a 9.30am meeting at a (nearly) local school. Had thought I might walk back – a long walk. But decided against it. Had to be back for another meeting and needed to be focussed.

So it was the bus and a quick trip to the supermarket for a few items in case I don’t get time later this week. Then I find out that my only (at that point) free day is no longer free – another 9.30am meeting on Thursday at another school (slightly further away than today’s school).

Should have buyout tonight but catching up on admin. Has to be done some time! Will try to stay awake to watch the new episode of NCIS at 9pm, then bed.

This past few months have been so hectic! It’s occurred to me that I’d never have done as much as I have if I’d been carrying all that weight around. Someone said to me last Wednesday that his wife had said it wasn’t me, but he said it was. Then said I was looking well. YIPPEE! He added it must have been like carrying a heavy sack on my shoulder. My response (without thinking) was that it was like carrying another person. I’m not sure how much the twins weigh. But just seen that average weight for a 9 year old is 62 pounds. I’ve lost around 105 pounds, so roughly the weight of the pair of them put together (they are very slim). There’s no way I could pick the two of them up at the same time! Funny how things suddenly register with you. Last time was trying to carry a suitcase to and from the airport! It weighed a lot less than I had lost and I really struggled to lift it on to the train.

Next trip coming soon. This time I’m only taking carry on luggage. Never negotiated the Italian railway network before so want to make life as easy as possible for myself.

topcac~ So glad you are joining us! Great news on getting your steps in today. It was worth that 45 minute walk at lunch. Those chocolate coffee beans sound good. Are those the one’s that are a coffee bean with a chocolate covering? If so, did you get energy from the caffeine? My husband loves those too!

Angela~Congrats on enjoying your last piece of Epipthany cake and then being able to toss the rest away! I can see why you are proud of yourself. That isn’t easy to do! Well done!!!! Also, it must feel good to have normal readings on your blood work.

Sorry to hear about your backache! I hope that improves quickly. For sure it makes a person not want to go to work. Did you do something to aggravate it? Is it a new pain or a chronic one?

I ended up not going in this morning for my blood work. I went to bed early, about 8:30 pm and slept until 10:30 pm, then I was awake until almost 1 am. I slept until 3:45 am and of course by then I was sound asleep when the alarm went off. I wear my fitbit to bed and it wakes me up with vibration on my wrist. My backup is my iphone that I set for 5 minutes later than the fitbit. So far (knock on wood) I’ve never slept through the wrist vibration. Anyway, to make what should be a short story, longer (ha!), I didn’t feel good and was wanting coffee with cream so I decided to put the test off until Wednesday. I don’t have to work that day so I’ll plan to drive down there and get it done as early as I can but I won’t have to get out of bed on Wednesday at the “crack of dawn”.

I feel like my cholesterol will be higher since I eat more meat, cheese and nuts now. It will be interesting! I’m more concerned about my A1C and hoping it is lower than last time I had it taken.

PEAK: Went for an hour walk yesterday with my husband in the nature preserve near our home. The huge amount of rain we’ve had, has filled up all the streams and even created new ones. The water is really running! It’s so pretty. The hills are so green.

PIT: Kind of a PIT but worth every minute–After our walk, we went to the golf course grill also near our home and had lunch and shared a bottle of wine. It was raining and we were the only outside guests but we sat under the porch and they had heaters there to keep us warm. It was so nice and we had a great time! Probably should not of had all that wine as once again my weight was up this morning and it probably contributed to me not sleeping well.

Hi bmmorag
Well done for starting-that’s the hardest part. Your meals sound great. Lots of people, myself included, try to stay below 50g CARBS. I use My FitnessPal ( MFP) to track them. Because of that I avoid things like porridge. Yummy and nutritious but high carbs. Please don’t let that put you off-not everyone sticks to under 50g carbs and they have great results too. The book doesn’t mention thisand is based on the low carb, Med diet. Measure your waist ( and other bits if you fancy it) so that you can see all progress not just weight loss. Try to find some things you like to eat that can grab and go and are quick. This will help if you haven’t had time to plan-although planning your meals and shopping sensibly will be the most helpful thing you can do. I always have lots of cherry tomato packs and sugar snap peas in fridge to grab, I measure out 4-5 bits of cheese that weigh 25g so I can grab in a hurry. No drain tuna and olives, almondsand miso soup sachets are my handbag stand by. Are you vegetarian? Quorn is great-the sliced meat very filling, low calorie and can hold a filling like a wrap. Make sure to reward yourself in a non food way when you can-you are amazing and on the way to better health. Good luck x

I’m naming my carb monster”GoodRiddance” or maybe it should be “Shutthedooronthewayout”. Either one is fitting — I’ll tell it to look up Clarence and Cyril. They can hang out in Nevertown together!

Hi guys
I was wondering how much water you all drink every day? Are you supposed to drink more the bigger you are, and is there an optimum amount? Can you drink TOO much, such that it causes the body to “lose” anything it shouldn’t, IYKWIM?
I am drinking about 3 litres a day.
Cheers.

Another all or nothing girl here.

Never thought of giving my carb monster a name *puts thinking cap on*.

What I’ve learned is that I daren’t let him (yes, he is male – whatever his name is) back into the house. Past experiences remind me that it is so easy to revert to the bad old ways so, at this point, I’d just as soon not risk it.

Was thinking of calling him Fred. But then thought Clarence and carbs both begin with the same letter. So – my unwanted, unloved and homeless carb monster has his name …

Clarence!

Strange – was going to say Cecil, but typed Clarence! Then remembered that my daughter and I once nicknamed a pesky seagull Clarence. So that seems to be the name for an annoying seagull or carb monster.

Wonder if Cyril and Clarence are friends.

Hi Shyshihtzu

If you click on my name on this post you’ll see my profile, with my story so far.

I’m female, now aged 66. Slightly taller than you at 5ft 1ins. Living in England. Shoe size 5 (think that’s 38).

Any questions, please ask.

Best wishes for your BSD journey.

Thanks. That’s essentially what I had planned to do but wondered if there was more to it 🙂

Hi, I am a newbie, starting at 184lbs, but just needing to feel better than I have been. Had porridge with soya milk and berries for b/fast, salmon and salad for lunch and veggie sausages, brocoli and cauliflower with a spoon of creme fraiche and 15 g cheese for tea. Would welcome any advice on whether I am on the right track? Drs on Wednesday for a BP check – hopefully it will have settled.

Lizv your results are AMAZING!!! Any tips for the rest of us? Do you mind me asking if you’ve got a lot to lose-I’ve got4 stone and hoping to be there by May.
Week 3 finishes today which is amazing -going so fast and still enjoying it. Not hungry either.ive had a chest infection this week and haven’t had much appetite-all I wanted was some white toast!! But I’ve not given in, was surprised to have a carb craving though. As always nervous to weigh and measure tomorrow. Hit a plateau last week and worried if it carries on I’ll lose motivation. I can’t afford to do that-insulin resistant so I have to do it. I haven’t noticed much difference physically- smaller around my ribs but the rest seems unchanged. On and up.

hello!

I’ve recently discovered this diet & suffer from PCOS- have done for 8 years now. I’m desperately looking for some advice and people to share my journey with! Has any PCOS casters had success with weight loss on this diet? if so any tips, advice, moans, groans & secret answers are welcome 😅xx

Wow! Lizv that is a phenomenal result! Brilliant! you are definitely a great role model for Bsd! Very inspiring. Makes me.want to try doing it every day and not just 5 days ( I have attempted this twice and failed…third time lucky maybe!)

Put up a sign asking the carb monsters to kindly vacate the house, tell the sugar animal he is no longer welcome in the house and move on.

My sugar animal (Cyril to his friends) has spent the day knocking at the door – he is most displeased that he has not been given access to my office or the house. Poor Cyril is a homeless soul – but don’t any of you give him house room he is a wee terror once he gets his feet under the table!

Back at it everyone….. so what are your monsters and animals called?

Hi everyone! Congratulations on your progress so far and thanks for all the tips. You’ve saved me some trouble along the way!

Week Three check in:
Have lost 23.8 # (1.7 stone) and two inches around my waist. Down a pant size and this one is feeling baggy. Feeling good energy during the day. My body wants to move.

Concerns:
-I’m worried I’m not getting enough iron. Starting to feel fatigued at night. Going to start taking supplements for that.
-On days I exercise a lot (10,000 steps + yoga + swimming), I don’t feel that I’m getting enough, so I’m eating more (1,000 – 1200 calories). Hopefully that’s ok!
– General doubts about this seeming to good to be true. I have read the literature and I believe it, but it just flies in the face of everything I’ve been taught for so long. It seems so easy for the results I’m getting. I feel skeptical sometimes.

Hi, Granny I think I’ll try the boiled egg standby.
Juliet, apples have always been my downfall. I don’t stop at one but can munch my way through 2 or 3 or even 4 especially if I’m reading or watching tv. So I haven’t bought any lately until I can find a way of stopping at 1. Too high in carbs as well for the moment.
Granny the needles and hooks are working overtime. Going to bed dreaming of the next project. Better than food. Lasts for much longer too.
Don’t know about everyone else in UK, but shops here haven’t any courgettes. Thought the town was full of BSDiers and they’d bought them all until I saw a notice saying there’d been flooding in Spain so none for the time being. I use them in ratatouille .
Well done everyone and have a good week.
M