I’m with you petal – gotta get to grips with this maintenance lark – although I am only 1lb below what I was on Xmas Eve (so basically have maintained) my weight has been REALLY up and down and I can’t take the emotional stress of that, so hoping that I can find what works to keep down the massive fluctuations (have gained and lost about 8lbs in the last four weeks)

On a 20 hour fast today – and then going to have about 500 calories in that 4 hour window – trying 5:2 of sorts….

All is calm today after the weekends battle with my carb monster. Have double checked lock on cage this morning. BSD is back on track. I love this forum – you can be in the depth of despair, feeling like a failure but 10 mins with you lovely people and your back on track again. I had not considered naming the little critter ( will consider this while drinking my coffee with cream later) . I like -shutthedooronthewayout – it made me laugh. I need to laugh more. Any more suggestions?

Hi Magmart , thanks for reply and your own feedback great result for you well done , seems to me like the effect of Merformin isn’t enough to really lower the sugars , certainly not more than low carbing & exercising , what has been your Doctor’s response ? as I haven’t told him yet ?? well done on getting off the meds , my main worry was that I head heard it has cardio benefits ?? from taking it

I was feeling disappointed with myself, until I checked back at the figures. One pound lighter than 27/12/16, one pound heavier than 24/12/16. What’s the matter with me? Why do I beat myself up so easily? I’m supposed to be maintaining my weight and that’s what I’ve done.
I think the problem is that I’m so terrified of putting the weight back on, as I always have done in the past. So I’m super elated if I record a loss and super depressed if I have a gain. Even if it’s only ounces either way. I must try and find a way to lighten up a bit (sorry for the pun) and cut myself some slack.
Rant over. Calm, happy Bissell. Grip firmly got.
Well done everyone who has hung in there, whether you have lost, stayed the same or gained.

I will also add that even though DH was a complete tosser at the start, when he sees me losing weight his ears will prick up because he’s far too heavy as well. He won’t like being the fat one for a change 😂 so I’m looking forward to that <wicked>

That’s really helpful Sue – I should use the slow cooker more but I’ve got out of the habit. I will dust it off I think.

Last night I had a big bowl of veg curry leftover I was planning for dinner, but when I got in my husband had left a bread cod fillet in the oven for me. I had enough calories for that, and a lump of cheese for afters, along with the curry so I really felt full. I think cold turkey on carbs is easier than small portions, and I don’t feel so foggy and lethargic. Love it 🙂

Congrats! Fantastic results

Hello, I stopped taking Metformin as soon as I started the diet on Jan 9th. I’d been taking it for 10 years, and my sugars were usually around 7 when I had annual check ups. When I checked 10 days in to the diet, I was delighted to find my sugars were 5.5, lowest since first being diagnosed in 2004! BUT, just checked today, and they are up at 8 🙁 my feeling is that I need to exercise more – I’ve had a heavy cold, so not been walking my usual amount. I am determined to make this work and stay off meds… Have found the diet remarkably easy to follow and have not cheated at all! I am doing it with my partner, which is a great help. We both love cooking and find all the recipes a delight! Who knew dieting could be so enjoyable? Keep up the good work!

Hey Angela06,

I started on the 1st and am also down 4kgs but I haven’t lost anything for over a week.
A couple of times I have mucked up and lashed out to 1500cals for the day but otherwise I have been steady. When I have broken it, it was because I was so physically pooped so I re assessed my protein intake which was too low. Although I am disappointed with the slow weight lose I have dropped 9cms around my waist.

I am wondering if my new physical fitness program I have followed from day 1 is slowing the actual lose of weight

I have been going to the gym every second day and walking up to an hour every other.
At the gym I do HIT for 30mins and weight resistance for 30mins which includes stomach crunches and squats.

Does anyone know if it is true that muscle weighs more than fat ?
If so, when will my weight start to drop again or am I doing everything all wrong.

Would be grateful for a response 🙂

Welcome Shrinkme and well done on your results so far 🙂
I’m up to wk 2 day 3 and I must say this week is definitely easier than last week! I work full time but my 4 kids are all adults now and only 2 live at home. I do the majority of the cooking at home, and we’ve all been eating pretty much the same thing, just my family’s portions are bigger and include potatoes/pasta/rice.
Being organised is definitely helpful. I’ve been using my slow cooker to make bolognaise, curry, chilli etc – it’s lovely coming home and most of the cooking is done. I’ve also been making extra and freezing portions so I’ve got a supply on hand to take for lunches or to use when I don’t have time to cook.
I plan each days food the day before and enter it all into My Fitness Pal. I also make my lunch the night before.
I’m not a naturally organised person but it’s definitely making things a bit easier!
Good luck!

Welcome Shrinkme81 and well done for coming out of the closet.

Hard luck that your O/H is so unsupportive, it will make it more difficult for you, but so pleased you are not using him as an excuse and have jumped in with both feet – and well done on your initial loss. My O/H eats and drinks for England without ever putting on an ounce (still the same weight as when we married over 40 years ago) but, as long as I don’t restrict his diet he is happy and supportive of my attempts at losing weight. No way that I would even think about restricting his food intake because he gets REALLY grumpy when he is hungry – he eats 4 meals a day and snacks virtually non-stop between them – my sons have always said he doesn’t have worms, he has ruddy great snakes!! I seriously think he is the reason I am overweight – when you enjoy food, it’s REALLY difficult to cater for such a hearty appetite and not be tempted oneself. 🙁

I am on day 9 and to date have lost 3.6kg (managed to resist weighing myself today for the very first time 😉 so that was yesterday morning’s end of 1st week weigh in) and you are on track to do likewise.

I think one of the things about this WOE (we seriously need another acronym!! Anyone?) is that it forces us to think and enjoy what we are eating which, I think most of us would agree, we have not been in the habit of doing. All the food is really really tasty, and I do think that is one of the things that makes it easier to stick with, as so many diets are boring and bland. I am a big fan of adding lots of pepper / herbs / chilli / garlic etc (or whatever turns you on) to increase the taste value and then I find I am really conscious of everything that goes into my mouth. Big fan of good balsamic vinegar too, as it makes both salads and veg extra tasty! Eating slowly also helps.

Being so busy, you may even find the BSD way of life easier – when I am really busy, I tend not to think about food until my body actually screams out for it. On the other hand, when I am idle the thought of food can often pop into my head unbidden and there lies disaster…………………

Good luck in your journey, you will find SOOOOO much support here.

Ah sorry if I wasn’t clear – it’s a day off work, so I’ve had time to cook something nice rather than just shovel a spoonful of yogurt down my throat and wash it down with a handful of blueberries!

For those new to, or about to reach, maintenance and are feeling a bit of trepidation. A four week thread starting 27th Jan and ending 21st Feb 2017 to support each other through our first tentative steps and keep ourselves on track. “Old timers” we’d welcome your contributions and insider knowledge too!

Hello Shrinkme81, welcome to the wonderful world of BSD and well done on your results. To say you are on a day off today, you seem to have had a very healthy calories counted breakfast. I’m sure you will find a thread that interests you, just jump in and join any of them.

Hi Sunshine – Girl thanks for quick reply

I’ve been taking it for around 10 years along with uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes , anyway I’ve managed to shift around 70 pounds and started researching properly and the jury seems well and truly out although not with my Doctor who say’s I will be Type 2 For Life ( quite deflating that as I feel fitter in my forties now than I did in my Thirties

Obviously I need to take the decision for myself , so stopped about 10 days ago on my meter it has went up slightly from in the sixes to low sevens ?? my last HBA1C test in November was 5.3 and was wondering if my next one would be back up because of not taking metformin ??

There seems to be a big argument on not taking it with not many outwith the docs saying keep taking it

Cheers

Thank you so much for your positive post 🙂 – I CAN DO THIS! AND WILL! – I just feel in despair at the moment as I feel I’ve had 7 years to ‘do something about it’ and the years have slipped by and no improvement. I do generally tend to eat healthy and have been cutting my carb intake down now for a few weeks but then Xmas came along, I stopped testing and just indulged a bit and then when I went back on track after Xmas, lo and behold my FBG started to rise (they used to be in the lower 7’s but am now getting lower 8’s) so that’s when I decided I have to do something and quick before it gets too out of hand. I have my next diabetic review in a couple of weeks time and I need to lose something in that time so that I don’t get the GP saying he wants to increase my meds (last time he wanted to increase my statins but I said No). Am going to do a good clear out of cupboards this weekend and a shopping list. I will keep you all posted.

One really serious side effect is that the pharmaceutical companies lose lots of money and will put a hit out on you.

Seriously, I don’t take Met but do take Glycizides and insulin and I have reduced slowly slowly. It depends on so many things, how much do you take, for how long, why do you want to stop, is it because you are seeing really low BG after following this plan. Just a few questions needing answers. Lots of others have reduced or stopped Met and I am sure you will get some better answers.

Have a good day,

Hello!

I’ve been lurking for a few days now and wanted to come out of the closet. Today is day 4 and as of this morning’s weigh in I’d lost 2.4kg, which is astonishing! The thing about fast weight loss is I’m worried it’ll get disheartening when it slows down, so I thought I’d prepare myself by joining in the forum.

I’m 35, and my starting weight was 98.1kg. At 5’3″ that’s very, very bad. I’ve never been slim, always been a carb addict, and over the last couple of years I’ve noticed my appetite becoming greater and greater. I’ve got two children ages 6 and 9 and I work full time including some very long days (12+ hours sometimes without real breaks), and my husband works shifts, so life is chaotic at times. But that’s not an excuse, it just means I need to up my organisational game. I need to get a handle on my eating and this makes so much sense to me.

So far it’s been very manageable, and I even passed up an offering of chocolates at work yesterday. My husband was shocked when I turned down a chocolate egg last night (although he doesn’t know I’m doing this because he was entirely unsupportive when I suggested the book to him, so he is in my bad books!).

Day off today and I’ve enjoyed a delicious 200cal breakfast of a large grilled mushroom topped with pesto, cherry tomatoes and a slice of Gouda all melted and bubbling. I’m enjoying paying attention to myself, and to food.

Thanks to all of you who post – your stories and experiences are inspirational.

Wow TC, what an excellent result! You must be really happy with that loss – especially since Saturday – how close does that get you to target? The scales were kind to me this morning, but as I only take the end of week weight as that consolidated I’m not banking on it for now. Thanks to my new Nutri-Ninja, so I’m drinking juice today and only eating this evening with OH. Plan to do that most of this week and hoping to show something good next Monday for the end of week weigh-in.

Guess you must feel quite frustrated with that increase Cassandra, but sounds like you are getting to grips with it again with a better reading this morning. Hope you have continued success during the week. Good luck at your next end of week weigh-in.

Hi , What if any are the side affects of suddenly stopping Metformin altogether if any at all ?

Verano – thank you for setting this 4 week fix up for us. Well done everyone!
Despite a tumultuous last four weeks (eating-wise), I have managed to lose 7lbs (my X and NY gain). Without this challenge I am sure I would have put on another 7-14lbs in January so I am delighted to have returned to my pre-festive weight.
Will be keeping ‘keeping on’.

Mrs Pink asks can you drink too much water and the answer is yes, you can completely deplete the body of electrolytes is you take it too far. As a rule about 2 litres of actual drinks is about right and your body will absorb another litre or so from food. Your body naturally adjusts its electrolyte balance under normal circumstances and if you are drinking lots of water and peeing lots the only thing you need to think about is adding a little salt now and then. Unless you are losing gallons of liquid either by extensive exercise or severe diahorrea it is not necessary to take anything else although something like Diarolyte should only be used now and then or it will have the opposite effect of sending your electrolytes too high. Trust your bodies once it gets used to the increase in fluid it will adjust.

Valentines Day!!!??? Damn, I forgot that was coming up.

Hi everyone, how are we all at the end of this challenge. I gained 4.5 lbs over X and NY and today I can report I have lost taaaadaaaa 4.5 lbs in 3 weeks. So I am back to my pre-holiday weight of 11st 6 and 3/4 lbs. That is also back to 10% of my starting body weight. This morning BG was 4.7, super happy.

Now it is time to set some new goals and, hopefully, Verano will be giving us a new thread to keep up on track. Hope everyone else is doing well.

I was 4 lbs up this week, not surprising as I have been over eating and definitely not tracking carbs, 1 lb down today after just one day off the carbs so definitely back on track. Going running at lunchtime today to try and keep my metabolism up, it has come to a halt recently

carina62, hi there and welcome. Yes, you can do something about your diabetes, read the posts on here they are all true, real people, real struggles and real results.

When I started the BSD my FBG was 190 or 10.5 and had been that high for around a year after a nutritionist put me on a high carb diet to stop me from getting low readings (as I usually had). My HbA1c went from 5.5 to 8.2 in 6 months and I was in despair. Then I heard about this plan (it is not a diet it is a lifestyle) and ordered the book, read it, spent a couple of days clearing out my kitchen of any junk, sat down and planned a menu (using the ones in the back of the book) then did a big shop of all the things I would need. Within 2 weeks my FBG was down to 136 or 7.5 and 2 weeks later 120 or 6.6. I have been on the diet for 7 months and, although I have not lost masses of weight (I was 12st 10 now 11st 6) I have got my HbA1c down to 5.9, not only that but I have also reduced my insulin from 38 units to 22 units. My cholesterol and trigylicerides (fatty liver) have also improved to better than normal and my blood pressure is down too.

Get the book, read it and follow it is my advice. Even if you just stop eating what we call white carbs, starchy carbs or devil carbs (bread, potato, rice, pasta, breakfast cereals and other cereals as well as sugar and any processed foods). It might sound like a big ask but you will soon get used to it and find things to replace them like cauliflower rice, mashed celeriac, spirillized courgette.

My advice to you is, just do it. Keep reading posts and keep posting, nothing you ask won’t have been asked before, no-one will judge or criticise here. You have just joined a wonderful community of people who have chosen this way of life.

Good luck.

Just thought I’d check in as today’s weigh day saw me drop 3.25lbs since Saturday – I’ve given up trying to understand my body but I am assured that it WASN’T the coffee beans….lol

Something worked (or everything worked) – so the combo of laying off the peak stuff at the gym, yesterdays 20 hours fast and a small mountain of chocolate coffee beans resulted in a 3.25lbs loss and a new all time low weight.

Note to self – don’t assume it was the coffee beans……..:)

Now to try and get to grips with this maintenance lark…again….lessons I’ve learned
1. Don’t weigh every day, or more than once a week
2. Don’t go crazy in the gym – focus on HIIT
3. Relax!!!!

Le Scooter est arrive!!!

Needs some assembly but will be popping down to the post office after lunch on my new steed. Thanks for the idea, Laska, this has really put a smile on my face after a pretty grim January so far. Though what am I saying. Have lost 7lbs in 4 weeks! But this horrid coughing virus really got me down.

But now I can scoot all my troubles away!! MK x

Morning from me and my two fluff balls – Millie and Daisy – hope your books arrive today – we are all ‘watching’ you eagerly and spurring you on in virtual space 🙂

Morning all

Yes, Jmarie, they were dark chocolate covered and absolutely delicious – I ate so many that I basically didn’t sleep all night either lol.

Peak for today is that I am down 3.25lbs since Saturday – despite ‘Bean-Gate’. I did a 20 hour fast yesterday and only ate 480 calories so I’m fairly sure that helped!!

No pits yet but it’s early days!!

Good Morning all and a happy Tuesday to everyone. Wow, great weight losses all round. Well done SueBlue, Chrisula, Claire, Theodora. Weigh in for me was yesterday – 4lbs! Happy with that! The weekend was a challenge, however managed to keep to BSD all the way! Evenings were a really struggle but I think I’m overcoming that now as did not feel the need to snack last night at all.

Since Xmas my FBG has risen and now I feel I need to do something about this diabetes once and for all. I have been diabetic for 7 years (T2) and also have fatty liver. I have now come to the point where if I don’t do something about this I will just end up on more medication and possibly insulin (which I don’t want to do). My question is – is this possible still to try and reverse my diabetes and fatty liver by doing this BSD? what would be best for me? the 8 week continuous BSD or the 5:2 BSD? any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Morning all – just back from the gym (check me out!).

After my coffee bean fiasco on Sunday, I did a 20 hour fast yesterday and I wasn’t hopeful on the scales this morning but blow me down if I haven’t lost 3.25lbs since Saturday!!! I’ve have totally given up trying to figure out my body – I’m leaving it to it’s own devices.

So, challenge wise I’ve dropped 3.75lbs in the last four weeks (but in that time I cumulatively gained 4.75 and lost 8.5) and now weigh a pound less than I did on Christmas Eve – I call that a victory! WOO HOO!!!

As for me, I really need to try and get a grip on maintenance now – my BMI is currently 21.2 and I really need to adjust to this new weight – but not go any lower (already looking ‘slightly haggard’ – thanks mum!). I’ll join you Daisiesmum on your maintenance thread but love this 4 week challenge thread and would love to continue to contribute what I can – dare I suggest a challenge entitled – ‘Over the Valentine’s Day hump’

Have a great day all xx 🙂

Hello, my reply has disappeared into the ether for some reason…will catch up later!

Have a good day.

Well done everyone. Having stuck with bsd800 I stalled most of January but lost one pound in the last two days. I have three stones to go.

Seasidenana: as Iwanttobeslim said, not eating breakfast is perfectly OK if you’re more comfortable with it.

Shyshihtzu
I agree with everyone who has posted – this really does work. I had T2D and was on Lantus insulin for nightime and Novorapid fast acting insulin after eating anything but still had diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema. Diabetes is now in remission and eyes are absolutely normal – no retinopathy.

The carbs are the key for me and I haven’t had one mouthful of sugary or starchy carbs since May when I started. This has made it so easy because I don’t have any cravings for carbs as long as I don’t eat that first mouthful.

It’s so good that you are doing this with your husband. Although my husband doesn’t have diabetes he has supported me 100% which has really helped me.

Good morning all. I can hardly believe this 4 week challenge is over. Thank you VERANO for setting this up.

My goals for this time were: to reach my ultimate weight goal; to have my bp meds reduced; to get into a better exercise routine. Despite having a very rocky start and it taking about 10 days to get focused (during which time I gained a few lbs) I am happy to report mission accomplished!

Having a Dr’s apt 3weeks into the challenge really helped me to focus. I am still not satisfied with my level of exercise and I hope to eventually come off my bp meds completely, so that is now my goal. I have blood tests and a follow-up Dr’s apt in a few weeks. Hopefully my sore back won’t hinder my exercise plans too much!

Maintenance is new territory for me and I’m feeling my way carefully. I notice several of us are there or nearly there. Later today I’m going to open a thread in BSD Way of Life called “New Maintainer Seeks Similar for Mutual Support and Help” . Let’s see if anyone bites!

This one has been a bumpy ole ride and it has been a pleasure sharing it with you all. The ups, downs, joys, sorrows and frustrations are all better when shared with like minds.

Here’s wishing everyone well as we continue to learn a new way of life.

Marsie – hope you continue to get better – the chest infection sounds horrible.

Eileen 7lbs in 3 weeks is brilliant. I agree that exercise combined with the BSD is an unbeatable combination for weight loss.

Goal this week to lose the quarter pound I gained last week but over shot and lost 2lbs instead. So now 9 stone 4.75lbs. BMI 21. Not quite sure how because I didn’t cut calories that much.

So it looks as though, as long as I keep off the bad carbs and tackle any small gains immediately, maintenance isn’t going to be as hard as I thought. I do feel a bit sad that I never realised before that going back to my so called ‘normal’ diet after losing weight was a recipe for disaster. Especially when my first diet was in the late 1960s.

But I suppose ‘better late than never’ is the best way to look at it as never finding this way of eating would have been the true nightmare.

No need for early breakfasts. I find that the earlier in the day I start eating the more I eat. Take your breakfast with you and have it for lunch. Only habit you really need to tackle is refined carbs, sugar or starch

3lb off! And another half inch on the tummy. Total of 1 stone 2 LB gone and 6.5″. Pretty chuffed and I can see the next stone weight not too far off. Will be a huge boost to get my weight down into the 15s!!!

I don’t think my carb monster has any friends, otherwise she wouldn’t be hanging around so long trying to get my attention. Not thought of a name for her yet, but she is definitely female, with her ‘oh go on, just one won’t hurt’ prodding.

So my final weigh in of this challenge, and the attack of the carb monster over the weekend has almost undone all my previous good work. Of course that is only the scales talking (11 stone 3.2 today, so four pounds up on last Tuesday) but yesterday’s fast day at least saw 2.8 pounds drop back off after my excesses. Clothes still fit the same as they did, so I can be quite confident that very little of the added poundage is fat, and will just get straight back to trying to find a happy medium calories target that will allow me to lose the final pounds slowly over the next couple of months.

6lbs lost of the January Blues excess, so almost back to pre Christmas weight!!. On track once more, feeling good. Even went to a zumba class last night! Great to hear everyones news and thanks to you all for the fantastic support and encouragement that is ‘keeping us all keeping on’. Onward and downwards girlies! Have a great day!

Hi. 7 lbs lost despite battling horrible virus till last week, that’s 43lbs since 10th October.. BMI now well on the way to normal and I am glad glad glad to be no longer obese.
Blood sugar control is my key objective and due to illness, I think, that’s been all over the place all month. My first near-hypo requiring fruit juice and a sandwich to sort,(weird feeling) as blood sugar went sub-3 with no reason, some inexplicable much higher fasting readings than I’m now used to. One day I woke to 10.8 – no reason for it that I could see.
Had planned a better exercise regime but illness and horrible weather have curtailed brisk morning walks (cold, damp air aggravates chest) and rowing – no energy.
So all in all am pleased with the loss, a bit disappointed with how I got here, it all seemed a bit out of control. Worried these higher bloods will mess with my blood tests and maybe persuade GP that meds should be upped again.
Next 4 weeks will be all about carb control. I have 16lbs to lose so I’ll also be looking at exercising properly and planning a slow glide in to target and a maintenance plan I can live with long-term. MKx

This is a great thread I’m finding it really helpful as I’m only on Day 4. I’m doing BSD 800. Yesterday was the first day I managed to get the balance right on MFP I wasn’t having enough protein at first. I was not at work yesterday so spent the day batch cooking and freezing so I have a head start for working days this week. I work long hours, so it’s going to help that I have meals ready for my late return. I’m taking salads with me. I am not good at eating early breakfasts, (I tend to skip and go to work) but trying to make myself eat and change my habits.

I have not yet managed to weigh myself as my scales need batteries ! Hoping to get some today and face the weigh in ! I’m guessing at 200lb as I have gained since my last weight check a few months ago when I was 194. Time to do this and avoid future diabetes and liver damage. (I was drinking too much wine).

I’m going alcohol free for 8 weeks. Tough as I’m single and have a good social life !

Thank you tumtump for your reply. I had not seen the 50g carbs anywhere but will keep a better eye on it. Myfitnesspal said 64 for yesterday. I am not strictly vegetarian but avoid meat. I am trying to stick to 3 meals a day and no grazing – the hunger pangs have not been too bad and I have had only a mild headache. Day 3 today – playing badminton tonight – more a triumph of effort than skill, and the 60-80 year olds that we play with run us ragged! They’re great! xx

So Tues morning 24th January. Swings & roundabouts over this 4 weeks. I’m 1.2kg less than 27th December but 2 weeks ago I was 2kgs less than the start date. Managed to go below 62kg for a couple of days but haven’t managed to stay there, or go further to reach normal BMI.

Well, the only thing to do now is to take the positives. I’m lower weight than I was 4wks ago. I’ve been quite unwell, rotten chest infection since Boxing Day, but this week feel as though I’m about 90% right. Hoping GP this afternoon will agree that a 4th course of antibiotics is not necessary.

Well done to everyone who worked through this challenge, and thank you for all the encouragement and inspiration flowing through these posts. xx

Good morning January BSDers,

Chrissie63..there’s a thread called Etiquette about telling the host/ess that you have changed your eating habits. I remember that the consensus was that it’s better to tell in advance.

I’m finding weight loss slower this time round, I’m down a kilo this week, just under 4 Kgs since 3rd January.
I’m walking more and have given up breakfast so I think I must be eating too much cheese and walnuts, my favourite thing at the moment.
I still haven’t cracked the desire to graze. I wish I could as I think that will be the key to maintenance. But still I have a long way to go yet before that!

Well, that’s enough about me, how are you all doing out there? It’s gone quiet on this thread….

Have a good day and make good choices!