Thank you wayoflife.
Any encouragement is gratefully received. So far so good, Had the Cauliflower and red pepper soup for lunch – delicious! Not doing quite so well on vast quantities of water, but still passing loads of it strangely. Shall carry on regardless.

Well done for the steps and gym, jmarie. As a matter of interest how long does it take you to get to 10,000 steps? And do you know why 10,000 is the magic number?
Good luck with the rain..the problem is that when it rains heavily after a drought, the rain just slides off the land. We have to have big tanks buried in the garden for new builds so rain that falls on your garden stays on your garden.

My peak for yesterday is a loss of 1.2kgs since Monday…am delighted. The exercise really helped me to lose the Christmas weight and then some.

Pit The morning was ok but felt very washed out after lunch, lacking in energy and with a mild head cold. Not very bad just enough to take the shine off the day.

I too am back to work on Monday. I teach a few hours a week but it would be nice to stay at home and focus on reinventing myself 😉

Have a good day!

Even more things I know nothing about ;).

I had my first fitting for my new suit this morning and the chap said that, as I was aiming to lose another couple of stone he would put “floating” ( he may have said “flying”) darts into the suit. I just nodded appreciatively.

Hi Iwanttobeslim,

But what would you do? Ban them? We already have a food regulatory process which bans or limits products, for example the reduction in trans fats in the US, again evidence based.

Like most things (alcohol, red meat, saturated fat, licorice allsorts, whatever etc.) they should be consumed in moderation and, as such, it becomes a matter of personal choice and responsibility. The alternative is a nanny state. telling you what you can and can’t eat and good luck enforcing that. I’m old enough to remember when red wine was bad for you, then good for you, then OK in moderation.

People simply have to be responsible for what they consume. What BSD does require is the self-discipline to stick to a structured and somewhat restrictive diet. I’m guessing for all of us who are and/or have been overweight, no-one forced us to eat or drink what we did. I take full responsibility for my weight and for the impact on my health. The fact that cakes, pies or whatever are available is neither here nor there, as it was me who consumed more calories than I burned.

Getting the wake up call in July last year gave me the spur to change my ways of eating and lose more than five stone. The products are still there so I would suggest that they are a mere sideshow.

What are your experiences on BSD?

So I’m approaching the end of Day 2 and I can’t stop weeing. Literally, as frequently as hourly and always a good volume. I’m not aware of drinking more (although I suppose its possible), I’m definitely not pregnant, and a seimens dipstick is not suggestive of infection. No (sorry but gross) odor, burning and nice and pale, with good quantities produced each time…. is this a carb thing?

Oimadam, leather is easier to work with than you might imagine. If you are taking it in down the seam with the zip just proceed as you would with fabric (using stronger thread and longer stitches). You have two options for sewing 1) Sew on the machine as you would with fabric or, 2) make guide holes by sewing on a machine with no thread and then handsew using the holes created by the machine. If the seam won’t lie flat afterwards it’s advisable to use a thin layer of glue to stick it in place. If I was doing it I would probably go for method 1 for the seam and method 2 to replace the zip. Hope that helps.

Hi everyone. Just about to finish my first week. Started well then my son came home with his girlfriend so that meant meal preparation and cooking was a challenge. They’re going home tomorrow so hope to get stuck into the programme.
I read some posts about ginger. I’ve found frozen cubes of ginger in Tesco ( along side Asian food) . Really good for adding to cooking. I use fresh for my morning half apple and half pear juice which I have every day. I always add an inch of fresh ginger, tsp of ground flaxseeds and tsp lecithin. Sometimes use other fruit or berries. But stay from exotic sweet fruit. I find this juice every morning helps to keep colds away.
I notice on BSD website there is a a 12 week plan starting on Monday. Has anyone followed this? Is it a good idea to join?? Thanks for your inspirational posts. X

Are there any plans in the near future to translate the The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet and the The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet Recipe book iinto German?

The UK government limit for total sugars is 90g, the American limit is for added sugars and about 25g or 6 teaspoons. The NHS guidelines for added sugar are max 30g or 5% of total calories. I can’t find a WHO figure from that quick look. Suffice it to say, no-one following BSD principles, even the way of lifers who no longer count calories or carbs will be running into any problems with those limits.

I assume that limit is free or added sugars otherwise as you say it must be impossible. I get more than that from milk. I will have to do some looking but thought the limit was quite a lot higher than that.

Congratulations Carb -Addict on your 500g weight loss.

Weighed in today and I am the same as last week.

100.2

Out tonight for a party. Tomorrow is another day.

Happygirl, enjoy your family visit. Yes, we all need a certain amount of flexibility or this is not sustainable long-term.

I exercised the flexibility option tonight btw. Having had an apparent mild 24 hour stomach bug pass through since last night I was left hungry but also mentally ‘off food’ today. Has it stopped me eating? Umm, no. Dry toast would be the normal option but there’s no bread in the house and I know exactly what carb-carnage would have happened if I had popped out for a loaf. So I had my usual BSD soya yoghurt brekkie and made the lentil daal from the book for lunch.The thought of my regular fish and veggies dinner made me want to throw up however, so I scoured the cupboard, which is intentionally quite bare. Tonight has been a compromise as I felt I needed some bland carbs to settle my tummy, so I opened a packet of ready-made so-called ‘healthy’ apple and cinnamon pancake mix that I bought for the first time pre BSD then shoved to the back of the cupboard. As a result I’ll be going to bed 1000 kcals down (not awful) and a whopping 101g carbs consumed (eeeeeeeeek).

Is anyone else monitoring their sugars? The WHO guidelines recommend no more than 5g a day for an adult. Even with sugar-free yoghurt, a small number of hazelnuts and the home-made daal for lunch I had hit that level. (Again, let’s not mention the pancakes.) 5g is a day is near impossible!!!

I thought I’d add my day 1 starting weight…. a bit of motivation to keep me focused.
Currently 150lb- 30lb ish from my 1st target weight (I’m only 5ft)

Ooooh – and Verano. Forgot to say – definitely donate all the bigger clothes to charity and treat yourself.
You deserve it! X

I always get really excited hearing stories about dropping clothes sizes. It is such a positive experience and I love it more than just losing weight. Even comfortably wearing something that used to be too snug is a bonus and such a pick-me-up on a grey day.

Daisiesmum, as a trained dress-maker, I wonder if you could give me some advice. I have. A gorgeous leather pencil skirt that I wore over 30years ago. It is now a little too big, and it has a slight tear below the back fastening zip, so I was wondering is it salvageable? How easy is it to repair/alter a leather skirt? Will it be possible to just take it in along the back seam (in order to remove the tear)? Not sure if you are able to advise. Thank you.

Tea-related – anyone tried liquorice and fennel by Tea Pigs. Stupidly expensive I know, but well worth it for a tasty treat. And if you are a tea-bag-slag like me, you can always re-use the tea bag again. I know! How common!!!! X

Vegetarians often struggle to stay under 50g, it may not be a problem if you are slightly higher than this, if you are still losing weight. If the weightloss stops then you may have to continue the struggle, but try 60g net carbs as i believe some other vegetarians have and see how it goes. Just keep the quality of carb sources high and you could still be okay.

MrsTLC – how about tofu scramble for breakfast? Ideal with your garlic mushrooms too! I’m going to make lentil dahl for dinner.

Welcome back both of you 😀 I think i started at about the same time as you Janeycoughdrop, in May ish, don’t remember an exact day as it was a gradual process. I am still a little heavier than I want to end up, but very fit now. A recent scan told me I have the metabolism of someone 15 years younger which can’t be a bad thing. When I have reached my goal weight I will still be looking out for hints and tips on maintaining so keep posting if you can.

Hi MrsTLC13,
Great to have you on the forum! Lack of carbs when you are not a meat eater is scary as the tendency has always been to fill up with pasta and rice, and all the lovely high carb vegs! However…. the big change this in this approach is that it is not low fat. Avoiding everything that says low fat as it has usually been replaced by sugar – so low fat, high carb. I am veggie not vegan, so I suddenly could eat cheese and full fat yoghurt and olive oil dressings – and that is filling and tasty.
For a vegan approach then nut yoghurts or soya yoghurt would work well, I got some Almond milk yesterday and found one with almost no carbs, but good fat and protein.
For breakfast I have 60g yoghurt with 30g blueberries plus 3g sunflower seeds, 3g pumpkin seeds and 3g linseeds, 3 almonds and a splash of cinnamon all mixed together and I find that filling. I have recently added in 3g chia seeds as well. Soups are a great way of managing lunch.
Take care with oats as they are borderline ok. Pinhead oatmeal (the type you need to soak) is fine as that releases the carbs slowly into the blood stream, but the ready porridge oats is very high carb and gives sugar spikes.
If you are monitoring you carbs in grams daily then aim for about 60g per day, below that and you will struggle with protein and keeping full. I had been aiming at 45g a day protein based on an article I read, however I read something yesterday that gave a different approach – the UK recommended daily amount is .75 x your body weight in Kg’s. The 45g a day is fine if you are 60kg which I am not….. I need to find another protein source now to add into my daily intake :-(.
The search engine in the top right corner is a good way of finding out recipes that others have added if you type in butterbeans there is a recipe given by newstart in the thread https://thebloodsugardiet.com/forums/topic/vegetarian-800-and-52-recipes-good-website-and-tips/#post-24853 (22/6/16) that is tasty and easy to make as well as filling.
Hope things go well….

Happy to report that weight is stable at 8st 7lb, give or take a pound either way. *happy dance*

I’ve also been walking more. So far this year I’ve walked 15.8 miles towards the 1,000 mile challenge.

TLC – forgot to say, 7 st loss last year is superb!

Hi Mrs TLC and vegan Sarah and thanks orchid.

TLC /Sarah – Great to have fellow veggie/vegans starting at same time.

Had same brekkie as you vegan Sarah. Quite enjoyed it 🙂

Weight stable at 8st 7lb, give or take a pound. *happy dance*

Been trying to walk more than usual and have clocked up 15.8 miles towards the 1,000 mile challenge.

For me, I go down a dress size for each stone lost. When my uniform skirt started to slip down yo my hips I did take it in (said skirts are expensive!) until I just couldn’t wear it anymore. The matching jacket had the buttons moved across until they couldn’t be moved anymore. The new uniform I bought in August is now on the bug side, but will have to do for now.

Trousers have been my major problem. Too big, straight to the charity shop. Skirts can be more easily altered (I have a few waiting to be taken in (and possibly shortened). Tops mainly go straight to the charity shops – too much hassle to alter, and they don’t look right afterwards.

Only being 5′ 1″ I easily look ‘swamped’ in baggy clothes so have to be careful.

Most of my coats are big but, still this time of year, that leaves lots of room for layers.

Size 18 was June this year, I think I had lost about 4 1/2 stone at that point, will tell you exactly when I get back to my spreadsheet 😊 size 14 was September if I remember correctly and at six stone off. It was all rather sudden compared to my earlier diet experiences.

Hi happyitsworking

Your question is a bit like ‘how long is a piece of string’? I have lost 30lbs and have about 10 lose to get back to my ‘old’ normal weight. Then I have to start on the many more pounds if you see what I mean!!! Some of my clothes that looked ok but a bit skimpy now look really nice, others are still a bit skimpy and some that I bought when my weight was at it’s height are just too big. I think its a case of every now and again just go through your wardrobe and try stuff on.

I find that a lot of my tops are actually fitting instead of gaping at the bust button or squeezing my boobs so I have a double boob, also helps that my bras fit better too.

I made the drop from size 22 going on 24 to about size 18 without any problems other than a sudden awareness that I had to start wearing belts or my trousers would fall down. At that point I had started buying a few new items, although usually in sales, or from charity shops, and putting any that didn’t fit yet into my box of the future. I think it was size 14 jeans day, one of my biggest mini-goals when I started, when I first did a big clear out, trying everything on and just keeping those that didn’t look ridiculous. I still needed work clothes. I still have the odd polo neck that is size 22, but that was very stretchy, now it just drapes a bit. Likewise I still have a couple of XL tee shirts, but can get away with those being baggy.

Battle of Northern (Marmite) vs Southern (Vegemite) Hemisphere begins😄.

I’m going to experiment with a buckwheat and spelt pizza crust. I had some spelt bread recently that was a great texture so I think it might be doable. I am still staying away from wheat as much as I can as I have discovered it is the main cause of my cravings. I can happily live without rice and potatoes except in tiny quantities, and when I have those tiny quantities they don’t make me want more. Bread and pasta is far less dangerous if I steer clear of the wheat varieties.

Hello Veggie Vegans! I’m vegan and started this yesterday! I originally started a clean diet last January and lost 7st in weight…. put two stone over the last 3rd of the year and so the customary January diet begins again. Only have 2st to lose until a normal bmi, but I am a typical apple shape and all of my weight is stored around my belly. … last year was a high carb year as it was my first vegan year (nobody ever asks a vegan where they get their carbs from… only protein… it’s funny that 😂😉) so I think I became thin on the outside fat on the in…. this year I was to be healthy. My fbs have always been borderline so I’m now doing my best to get them down…

I down loaded the recipe book on my kindle and pleased to see a lot of vegan dinners are present…. breakfasts seems to be a bit of a challenge though…. I think it’s mainly going to end up being porridge or avocado. I’m sort of OK ish with eating the odd egg as I can get these from a friend who keeps chickens (and quite frankly they have a life of Riley)… but generally will try to avoid.
So far, the last three meals I’ve eaten have all been garlic mushroom based… the house stinks 😂
Slightly jittery from the lack of carbs I think. Low calorie diets I don’t find too difficult, but the sudden loss of carbs is going to take some getting used to!

Mixnmatch or anyone else who have lost enough weight. How much weight did you have to lose before you noticed that you really had to donate them? Even when I have lost around 22 pounds in the past I still could wear the same size clothes. I’m short 5′ 1.5″ so I don’t know if that made a difference. Plus my weight is all over, not in one stop only. I need to lose around 80 pounds.
Thanks…..

Welcome on board VeganSarah!

I have a big pile left of clothes that I tried on and were too big for me, but I kept because I wanted to see if they would ‘do’. I think i am going to have to try them all on again with a more critical eye and send the vast majority of them with the next few bags going to the charity shops. I think only some of the raincoats may get a reprieve, on the grounds that it is just more room for jumpers, and if it is raining that hard no-one will notice.

I started today too 😀 Hello! Have read the whole thread and found it really helpful, thanks everyone for sharing your advice. I had Coco yogurt, blueberries and nuts for breakfast, and made an amazing Tom Yum soup for lunch, feeling full and happy!

On the topic of being restrictive on vegetables, I don’t feel like that at all. Yes quantities have to be managed better, but if you don’t have the vegetables you love you don’t learn what a suitable portion of them is for the rest of your post fasting life. I am regarding this whole period as a means of educating myself about portion control, and it is working to the extent that I can cut a piece of cheese and guess how much it weighs within 5 grams. I have eaten sweetcorn, sweet potato (a great source of potassium) and even non-wheat grain bread and crackers, usually rye or spelt, and have just counted the calories and carbs and carried on. These things don’t cause me to experience any cravings, whereas I still get that from the ‘white stuff’. It is a bit different on the 800 calories a day, but I would have thought still worth the occasional treat.

Hi all the newbies and all the ‘oldies’ – I’ve not posted for ages, but I’ve always been here, keeping up with all your ups and downs, it mostly keeps me on track! I have been on maintenance for about the past 3 weeks – even though I’ve still got about 100 lbs to go !!! My eating and drinking has been a little out of control, a good day followed by a day of uncontrolled gluttony, but my head has got back to where I want to be, so I hope now to be back on track and start losing again.
I’m posting to make myself accountable. Almost at 2 stone lost since the beginning of starting in October, I know how well this works when you stick with it. SO, no more messing about, no more ‘days off’ !! For my healths sake, just get on with it, eat well, drink water, walk!!!! ( Sorry, this is a shout at myself!)
Thanks everyone for all the tips, recipes etc and especially for the person who recommended the rose hip oil, I can’t remember who it was now, but I got some and it’s fab! Also the white onion and mustard soup recipe, finally got round to making it, very tasty!
Best wishes to all, and a very Happy, healthy new year – Andi xx

Thanks Daisiesmum I’ve just seen your post! You have made my mind up for me. Looks like the charity bag is calling!!

A pot of hurrah to welcome you back Tokyo! 2017 will be the year of chia seed experimentation I think 😂

Hi Michelle
My OH is Type 1 and I’d like him to do this but didn’t think it would be safe/suitable. Can you share how you are managing? He was diagnosed 30+ years ago so is carb centric- works on the advice given then which was CARBS and more carbs. I’d really like to know how you are doing it, adjusting insulin etc.
Good luck on your journey xx

well goodmorning janey !!
yep i am back too like you i reached where i wanted to be round august last year having started in june and continued to maintain it all the way up to carby christmas( as i am calling it!!) then in the past two weeks ate all manor of carbs!! although no where near as much as last christmas however i find a good few kg have arrived unannounced so back to good old bsd to reboot and maybe a new goal!!
i found maintaining this weight loss the easiest ever it just became second nature
like you i made good friends on here so would be good to hear from those ( who like us laughed our way to dropping pounds!!)and back to the lighthearted banter that got us through the first round ( we didnt take it too serious and still got results didnt we!!) infact we had a good old laugh to say we were ” dieting”😀
so like you back on it the hunt for new and exciting carb free menus commences
and the many trials and errors of diaster puddings shall commence
bring it on !!!😀😀

Thanks Bissell and Mixnmatch.

I can do minor alterations myself but the top needs shoulders raising, darts making and shortening …. almost remaking!!! I had Krysia’s experience in mind when I tried the outfit on. She has said about the number of people commenting on how much weight she’s lost since Christmas but it’s just because she’s dumped the baggy stuff. I must admit I do feel a bit like a bag lady with the ‘baggy’ top and trousers, which also need taking up! You know maybe life’s too short and it will probably still look awful …. shame because it’s a lovely pale khaki green colour which looks great with a tan!

Hi all
In the book it doesn’t mention at all about staying under 50g CARBS and loads of the recipes have that or more in one portion! I’m struggling to stay under 50g and eat what I think is a good amount of vegetables. I’m starting to drift towards too much cheese and Quorn ( I’m vegetarian) as they have very low carbs. I was hoping to add more pulses but carb content is too high. Can you suggest anything?

Hi Daisiesmum, at least with the skirt it was just two invisible tucks at the waistband. I can only imagine how difficult it would be with a top, or trousers for that matter. I made a pair of very simple cotton cropped trousers once when I was a teenager (mint green and white vertical stripes, oh how my tastes have changed) but remember what an absolute pain they were.

I don’t think there is any limit as far as the diet goes, but listen to your body to see if it is too much caffeine. If you are okay with the caffeine then the black coffee has its own good effect on the metabolism, one apparently removed if you take it with milk, in the Sirtuin activation effect. Coconut water is fine as you say in small amounts, and somewhat controversially I also have fruit juice in small quantities (but slightly larger than a tablespoon, usually around 50ml, diluted with fizzy water). Like a natural cordial if you like. As long as you count it really anything goes, just go for moderation if it contains sugar, particularly fructose.

Hello everyone!
I have family over from Ireland on a visit and am thoroughly enjoying the time being spent together.
New year’s resolution: Enjoy the good times for life is short!
That being said, the diet is out the window but I am not going to beat myself up about it.
I will start again on Tuesday.
This is a lifestyle change which needs to contain a certain element of flexibility if it’s going to work for me!
It was lovely and gratifying to hear all the wonderful compliments I received about my weight loss when they arrived as I hadn’t seen them since August.
We all must be doing something right !!
So good luck everyone with your continued plans, don’t lose heart with fluctuating results. We’re all in it for the long-term. We will lose!!
Cheers

Hey all – day 5 today and feeling good. Resisted temptation at a buffet lunch and at an Indian meal last night and am still on track with dry January (the hardest!)…

Had a bit of a battle with myself today as tried some clothes on in the shop and wasn’t successful but it’s reinforced why I am doing this. I’m 4lbs down in 4 days so let’s keep going.. next time… those gorgeous blouses.. in BRIGHT COLOURS will be mine!!!!

Have a great day all, I’m off to make michaels lentil and feta salad for lunch! Yummo!

Much love,
Rebecca xxx

Verano, as a trained dressmaker, I too would advise new rather than altered. It’s not impossible, but altering tops can be very difficult and expensive because it’s almost like making from scratch, ditto dresses. I would only suggest it if it’s a garment you adore, and even then wait until your weight has settled. Just my two cents worth 🙂

If you can alter clothes yourself it may be worth doing, or know someone who can. I bought a skirt when I was on the way down, a size 14, which seemed reasonable at the time as that was the main size I remember being before I married and started piling weight on. It is a beautiful silvery grey long skirt, with black embroidery. I wore it on Christmas day (mum and I always like to dress up) but mum took it in at the waist for me, the bad news is she has now borrowed it off me along with the top I bought to go with it. 😊 The top I wore at Christmas was a beautiful medieval style greeny grey velvet top that I bought in a little shop in Hayle when I was still size 20 on the optimistic grounds that it was ‘one size’, and at the time I could sort of squeeze into it but couldn’t do up any of the lacing, it has been one of the longest surviving unworn residents of my box of the future in the wardrobe. The ‘one size’ is clearly size 8-10 for it to look any good. Luckily my top half is currently size 10, with the comfortable size for jeans and trousers mostly size 12. Maybe this latest push on the diet will take a little of the remaining fat from my ‘pear hips’ 😀

Hi everyone, thanks for all the encouragement, it really does help!

I have learned I have to take control of my own eating choices which means saying “no thank you” on occasion; as it happens I’ve only had to say it twice in nearly 3 months! I have also learned if I don’t make a song and dance about it nobody notices what I’m eating at all, or cares! Just yesterday I met a friend who also eats low carb, I had NO idea! At 63 she looks 50 or younger, and is as fit as anyone I’ve met, great encouragement!

BEAGLER I am SO feeling it. I too am an evening incessant snacker and a former carboholic (nothing to do with that infant school soap!). Be kind to yourself, faltering is not failing, it’s learning. We are all learning to heal our bodies, recover our control and re-train our minds, it’s a new skill and can take time. Eventually we will be able to “hear” our bodies and respond accordingly. Personally I find it best to avoid refined carbs altogether, especially wheat.

Yikes! As I was returning my Christmas music CDs to their storage shelf I came across a HIIT DVD that I must have purchased way back when. So, on it went, 10 minutes of “HIIT 101” – how hard can that be? Ha ha ha….nope! I will stick to running like the clappers on my rebounder for now 🙂

Tea! I bought some of the Taylor’s Rose Lemonade and Rhubarb teas (monkey see, monkey do me!), they smell delicious! I used the rhubarb to flavour my 2l jug of water, yum!