Hello
I started the BSD at the end of September after coming home from a girls holiday at centre parcs and feeling thoroughly fed up with myself . I read the book and cut out potatoes , pasta rice and bread . I had porridge for breakfast most days and full fat yoghurt with fruit or a salad for lunch . Evening meals were basically the same as what I would normally eat for example chilli , spag bol ,curry , fahitas , steak ,gammon or salad . Just switched the carbs for extra veg or salad . I found it really easy my sugar cravings have vanished and my fasting sugar levels have improved . I was probably pre -diabetic as my fasting sugar was often over 7 , its now usually 5. I bought a copy of the book for my mum who is a type 2 diabetic on insulin – shes doing great too her HBac 1 has come down significantly and shes lost some weight too . Im a community pharmacist and have many customers who are diabetic I have challenged a couple of them to try the diet . One who was due to start insulin at the end of November is now following the diet and will not need insulin anymore he is losing weight and his sugar control has improved dramatically .My husband started the diet when I did and has lost 2 stone !!

Hi and a happy new year to all! I started the plan today – did it last summer and felt great, losing 7 kilos…and then life got in the way and I’ve put it all back on and more. Why do I do it to myself?! Anyway, new year and new job so am determined this time to make a change for life. Glad to see so many other new starters.
Good luck all!
Kirsty
x

Happy new year to friends old and new *waves*

Roxanna – I did 800 calories (and low carb) until I reached the weight I had set as my original target. Then tried to gradually increase calories (but not carbs) to maintain – but dropped another stone before seeming to settle at my current weight.

Antigone – sounds like you’re doing great. Do you still have much to lose? Glad your DH is joining you. 😀

KrysiaD – it rained here earlier but ok now. Went for a walk after church – normally would stay in, on computer, watching TV etc. Only a short walk because not feeling 100% – feeling more like a weeble! Still, more walking than I would have done. I’m counting all walking (round shops, at home, etc) and recording sheet is on fridge door. The Facebook group for the challenge seems really friendly and supportive.

Since starting the BSD almost a year ago, I have found that I really don’t miss alcohol and am content to only rarely drink these days. However, like others have mentioned here, the pressure to drink on social occasions bothers me, especially as I used to be known as something of a drinker. This sets an expectation I suppose, making me feel a little awkward if I don’t ‘join in’.

That said, I have managed my alcohol intake prudently throughout the festive season, including a get together attended last night to see in the new year. Have avoided all hangovers and have only gained a pound back.

Happy new year to everyone!

I totally agree with Orchid and SunnyB that seeds do provide lots of fibre. My favourite is ground flaxseed which I either add to soup or mix with Kefir or yoghurt or just sprinkle in a stir fry. They have lots of fibre and not many net carbs. Inulin is the other fibre that I take daily added to yoghurt and Kefir.

They don’t work, however, unless you also add water which is equally – or even more important when it comes to banishing ‘slow transit’. I have definitely found you need both the fibre and the water.

Some very helpful tips TumtumP Thank you and thank you for telling me about protein pots too very good for staying on track in busy times.
Ive weighed myself again today down another pound so good progress so far. Hope everyone is doing good too take care.

I wanted to write this down on here.
I am not diabetic, but I was overweight and SW had failed to change that. I had been ill for a while, and asthma that was barely controlled spiraled, I was diagnosed with a fungal lung infection and that meant antibiotics and steroids, biopsies and feeling unwell by the end of the long treatment plan I just wanted to curl up, but I knew if I did that I would be old at 38.
I started this journey at 108 kilos at the end of October and my goal was to reach 95 kilos by Christmas
I came close (I lost and found the same kilo several times) and weighed in at 96.4 kilos on the 23rd, I did a mix of the mediteranian plan and 800 days, and when I fell off the wagon I did 24 hour fasts, I do need to up my exercise now and for the first time in years my chest feels enough in control for me to have the confidence to do that.
What I wanted to share was the success of this diet, not just in kilos dropped but in terms of energy- I have a lot more now, asthma my symptoms are more manageable than they have ever been since I was a teenager (and that is the diet not the weight, I was a size 8 chronic asthmatic and steroids are what pushed me up the weight mountain, mixed with a fungal chest infection the last 2 years in particular have been hard) I feel I get a lot less annoyed.
I did jump off the wagon for a few days over Christmas because I thought I wanted to enjoy it, but my asthma brittle flare ups returned really quickly (which has been helpful in identifying triggers) and my attitude took a tumble.

I think and hope this is just me from now on. That I will get back down to a healthy weight and I will eat in a very different way. We aren’t a traditionally unhealthy family, but there was lots of carbs in our food- pasta bread rice potatoes. My son has started to notice that I am eating differently to them but I say it is just because of my allergies
I discovered a while ago I have an allergy to wheat, I had never known that before- I knew lots of external triggers but had never been tested for wheat, and it was a trigger for my asthma and my eczema but I was so used to having symptoms my avoidance was patchy. Following this diet I can see more clearly what causes flare ups-and friends I haven’t seen since the summer have noticed the difference in my breathing- just my breathing.

I know it is the blood sugar diet- but really it is a diet that so many people could try to see if it helps with weight, allergies and even other health conditions. This is my story, it wont apply to everyone, but if someone wanted to try this diet who wasn’t diabetic I would say don’t be put off by the title!

Sorry to hear you have been poorly during the festive season. That couple of pounds will soon disappear again, so don’t stress about it.

Yes I have used the bare naked rice, as well as similar products. My tip would be to rinse the ‘rice’ well to help remove the ‘fishiness’. The texture is a bit strange, but not awful and found that it made a good alternative when serving curry or bolognaise.

EILEEN27 Welcome to your new life 🙂 you are in for a treat. Everybody’s journey (oh no, I used the ‘J’ word) is different, but usually contains highs and lows. I have found it easy to stay away from carby/sugary things, giving them up cold-turkey with no problem at all; the shock for me was the er, minimalistic calorie intake. It took 10days or so to adjust, but when my body did finally get it, WOW, so much energy, I honestly feel 20 years younger (I’m 61).

Following Christmas calorie increase I’m in the process of easing back down and upping my exercise to shift the Christmas gains, and reach my final goal of 8st 12lb (which is only 5lbs away) by my Dr appt in just over 2weeks time!

Wishing you great success EILEEN, I hope you grow to love this way of life as many of us already have. Keep posting on the forum, and stick with it even if it gets tough, you won’t regret it !

SUSIEB, the penny just dropped for me regarding more fat rather than more protein – SO counter intuitive to those of us from the low-fat myth generation! I too will change my percentages.. woo hoo, more cream for me! (Or butter, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil, etc) 🙂

Grains are high in carbohydrates and so many of us have cut them out completely for this reason. Some people find that they can get away with including a small portion of oats for breakfast though, so it is very much up to the individual how they approach using grains or not and still keeping their carb intake down.

Chia seeds are a great help with constipation and I also include inulin in my daily supplements. These two together, have really sorted my sluggish bowel, which has been an issue for my entire life, not just since being on the BSD. Inulin does have a tendency to increase wind though, so I also take charcoal to counteract that not so pleasant issue. Orchid is correct about making sure you are well hydrated, as this is an important factor for good bowel function. Finally, a magnesium supplement taken at night, can also help get things moving too.

Hope you manage to find a way to get your bowels functioning well again soon.

Hello everyone, welcome to 2017!

My Indian meal went almost to plan last night, but a quarter of a poppadom and half a chapati and a spoonful of rice snuck in. Two glasses of champagne at home and 1 quality street. It was naughty but I logged every mouthful and wasn’t too bad at 110g carbs total (much better than my ‘normal’ way of eating) and happy to say not gained this morning. Phew!

Back on track today – had a lovely brunch of stir fry sprouts, spring onions, chopped back pudding and ham with a fried egg on top. Delicious!
Cooking a leg of pork this evening with crackling. No roasties for me just veggies but I shall enjoy the crackling without guilt!
I can’t believe I’ve logged all this already on MFP plus a dessert of blueberries and double cream and it still only comes to 717 calories and 39g of carbs! I think it really helps just having the 2 meals.

I’m taking note of what others have said on another thread about increasing fat ratios and lowering protein. I have been trying to keep my protein high as I worry about losing muscle mass but I am going to change my macros to 25% protein, 25% carbs and 50% fat to see if that moves things along better.

Hope you all have a lovely relaxing New Year’s Day! xx

Love the determination and positivity here – keep with it and you’ll definitely achieve your goals!

Happy New Year Everyone. Ive been off plan for a couple of days,starting my days with great intentions but snacking a lot especially in the evenings .Its emotional eating . I have now solved the issue(argument with hubby)and I’m keen to keep going .Today 84.4KG and fasting sugar 6.1.
Ive decided to skip breaky for a couple of days, just have a coffee.This should allow a few calories to have when out with friends.the weather is expected to be very hot 37degrees tomorrow so Im planning a very early trip to the beach and home before it gets too hot.
I wrote my new goals in the diary today and researched a few free exercise groups .unfortunately everything is closed till mid january .I also got the book out to reread.its very motivating.
Maharani. I hope you feel better soon.Ginger tea with honey is our go to cold medicine.cheers to all

Hi
I think being vegi is a bonus with this diet as veg has fewer calories so you can really bulk up your meals to fill your tummy and stave off hunger pangs. Do you eat Quorn? I brought the recipe book but didn’t see much I fancied in there so I’ve made my own recipes based on what I like to eat. I thought of the ingredients I wanted to use and used ‘MyFitnessPal ‘ app to work out the calorie content. I made up 10-15 recipes per meal and then just slotted them into a menu plan for the week. Have a go- it was surprisingly easy. I’ve got curry, bolognaise ( no pasta but served in peppers) tortillas – little gem lettuce leaves instead of the wrap, stew . By knowing calorie content of 100g of my most used ingredients I’ve been able to mix and match to get to 800 calories knowing I can both cook it easily and enjoy it. I can also bulk cook so that the family can eat the same by multiplying the recipe accordingly. I really hope this helps. Lots of love and luck xx

My first min-goal for 2017, will be to shift another 7lb. Have maintained well over the Festive Season and am starting just a pound heavier than I was before Christmas. Hoping to achieve the 7ld loss before April 9th when we go away for a long vacation, so I will be back to the 800cals/50g or less carbs a day.

Good luck everyone and I hope 2017 brings lots of good things your way.

My plan is to resume BSD tomorrow. My husband is cooking our main meal tonight as he usually does on New Years Day. Tonight’s dinner is chicken Jalfrezey with basmati rice. I am like most of you keen to get back to the BSD diet as I felt so well on it and of course because it worked.
we have all done so well considering Christmas got in the way! I am hoping the Christmas eating has done something to my metabolism so that when I start BSD again it will show great fast results!!…..well I can hope😂😂😂
Keep on keeping on for 2017
Miss Ziggy

What would we do without you Lynn? After a few weeks off BSD it is so good to see you here with your new thread. Tomorrow I will step on the scales again and then return to the fast 800…There is still tempting food and drink around but I’ll just have to deal with it. I reached 26bmi and have confidence that the BSD can get me down to where I need to be. DH is planning on joining in too! Happy new year everyone 🙂

I’m starting the diet on 9th Jan. Must lose one stone followed by another! I have trouble sticking to diets and my problem is portion size and hunger. I can eat even when I’m full. It’s my 70th year this year and I must keep to it. I would really appreciate help and support from a group would be just what I need. I managed it with stopping smoking and giving up the alcohol but this one always defeats me.

Just signed up to the 1000 miles on 2017, I shall try and run a few but I guess that counts. First mini goal of 2017 is to survive a trip away without getting any heavier! I know that’s only minimal but there’s a lot of temptation in those buffets!

Hi Everyone,
newbie here too! have spent most of my adult life overweight and i really need to take back some control as im over 16 stone at 5,8″. i lost loads of weight on slimming world years ago but it didn’t really teach me anything about portion control and i just ate mountains of pasta and rice. As soon as i went off plan the weight piled back on 🙁 I use food as a huge emotional crutch and am far too dependent on alcohol.
reading the BSD book was a huge eye opener for me, it makes so much sense and i can understand now why i was never satisfied and constantly craving sweet treats. i also checked out my fasting blood sugar at work and it was 9.6! eek!
So im determined to do this. starting today. Im sure its going to be pretty tough initially as im so carb addicted and alcohol dependent. but i have to do it. im so glad that i found some like minded people and hopefully we can support each other. im off to record my starting weight and measurements now, this is not going to be pretty….

Yes me too. On my cruise until Jan 22nd so not starting again until then but will try to maintain and go for it then. Happy New Year!

Happy new year everyone, there are so many good news stories that I think everyone needs congratulations, whether it’s for sticking to it all through or the resolution to re start. I am a smidge lighter today than when I woke up on Christmas Day, so at my lightest this time round. 19lb to the ‘normal’ bmi target I have set. I got a Running watch for Christmas and it bleeps every hour and says ‘move’, although sometimes it does it when I have been chasing my two year old grandson so I think it gets a bit confused. More than 10000 steps every day this week so far and a real effort to be strict for the next few days because on the 5 th I am going to be away on a tiny ship with no gym and not much walking space but tons of food. It’s Norwegian though so there will be loads of fish which will help. Thanks again for setting this forum up and to everyone who shares.

Happy New Year everyone! I am excited about this support. Thank you for all the great tips and thank you MeresithP for the links!

Hi Dreams come true ( love that!)
I feel a bit scared too !! Starting tomorrow (2nd) I have read the books and cleared out my cupboards . I have weighed and measured myself and even got my blood sugar checked at the local chemist ( normal range thankfully but won’t stay like that if I carry on eating as I am)
I have tried and failed on so many diets and used every excuse imaginable not to see things through. I desperately want this to be different and will need to take a one meal at a time approach . I am hoping that if the weight starts to shift a bit quicker this will give me some confidence and self belief that I can succeed. I have around 4stone to shift so need to be in this for the long haul. Sending good wishes to all you lovely people for success and happiness in the coming months !! Xxxx

Hi there.
Just sitting down for a near year sort out and decided to come online whilst doing the diet in January. I did a few weeks before Christmas to ease me into it – lost 4 kg without really going for it but now wanting to do it properly. I found starting the days with eggs was a real hit for me as staved off carb cravings at work and didn’t feel hungry, and also putting sugar stuff away into cupboard ( I have 2 small children so not able to rid of completely) really helped. I am veggie too so will look into that book suggested for more ideas.
Lovely to meet you all and look forward to the next few weeks and beyond. 2016 was not the best for me so wanting to start the year off with some positivity. To sugar free and beyond…Good luck everyone.
Louise

Have just completed an online food shop based on the books recipes and suggestions .
Not having to go into food shops is a bonus as I don’t want to be tempted by foods that are not good healthy choices .

Hi everyone,
Newbie here also !!
I’m diabetic type 2 also !! On insulin !!
I want to do this diet and look forward to feeling better and have better control of my blood sugar!! I want to give it a go myself !!
Good luck everyone xx
Mari

After trying to lose weight from 1985!, doing it seems all the diets invented I really believe this is the one that makes the most sense. Looking at past comments on your forum there are certainly huge results posted from so many. It is extremely encouraging and although I didn’t start on 27th Dec- too much Christmas food in the house – I ask to join you today. New year, new challenge, hopefully new me- before I hit 70 ! 2.5 stone off by the summer would be fabulous. Weigh in day today/Sunday.
Congratulations to all those who have lost so much weight. You are an inspiration.

How lovely to see you back Carb- Addict.

I feel really motivated and happy with this way of eating so its a bit onwards and downwards for me.
Only about another 7 stone to go:-/

Happy New Year everyone

I went for my first walk yesterday, in proper exercise sneakers but my elderly socks slipped down a bit at the back and after only 20 min walk all the skin was rubbed off my heels. Ouch! My skin is so girly-tender, which looks nice and youthful but it can be inconvenient. Need to toughen up, princess. Bandaid-up and onward march!

Just had my breakfast 2 eggs scrambled with a little smoked salmon and a pint of water. 😇

Thank you lynne I Ami trying but not quite getting there yet. Just wanted to know are you doing the 800 Cals?

Sunday 1st January 2017
Welcome back Sarah & everyone else joining in this New Years Day start to another eight week Blood Sugar Diet stint. We can do this again!
Our day will be somewhat modified carb wise because of some left over Jasmine Rice to eat with our left over Thai Fish & Sweet Potato curry cooked in coconut milk. But the wine & chocolates have been relegated to out of sight places😎 But will try to keep to 800 calories today & drink more water.
My starting weight is 12 stone 10.5lbs so I’m pleased my weight gain hasn’t taken me up beyond 13 stone because it felt a real achievement getting below that. I need to reach between 9 to 10 stone for my ideal weight & judging from my past experience I can lose 15 lbs in an eight week stint.
I am planning eight weeks on 800 daily low carb calories & one week inbetween more relaxed to see how I’ve done & to give my will power a bit of a break🤔
What are you all planning to do?
Good luck everyone & here I go!
Margaret xxx

Welcome back Janet!

Hi Krysia it’s good to look back over achievements. I just need to keep 2016’s successes in my mind to keep going this year. Would like to be looking back in 12 months being happy to have reached this year’s goals. Can do it!

Nice to see you Igor! Hope 2017 is good for you.

Hi Yowser.

Good lyrics, happy new year 🙋

HAPPY NEW YEAR IGOR and everyone!
Good to see you Igor…sorry to hear about the family member’s illness…hope they are improving now
here’s to a happy healthy 2017 for us all x

Hi JAN, FROG and BSD pals old and new….
Here’s to a positive and happy 2017,losing more unwanted lbs and inches and feeling better every day!
As Natasha Bedingfield sings in her song Unwritten…
“Today is where your book begins,The rest is still unwritten!”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TtGY4G7II6s

Lyrics :-

I am unwritten
Can’t read my mind
I’m undefined

I’m just beginning
The pen’s in my hand
Ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Oh, oh

I break tradition
Sometimes my tries
Are outside the lines

We’ve been conditioned
To not make mistakes
But I can’t live that way, no

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
To the years where your book begins
Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
To the years where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/natasha-bedingfield/unwritten-lyrics/#PA1iXEjQeArx2r8T.99

Great stuff Frog.

So we are all back on it, courgettii here I come ahhh can’t say I’m going to relish the next couple of weeks, but I need to get a grip, and fall out of love with all the refined carbs again 😂 and get back to feeling well again. 🙋

Hi all, I’m starting today, and I’m really looking forward to being healthy and fit from here on in! Good luck to you all!

Sara

How lovely to see you all on what was meant to be a flying visit to record my 1st of the month weight – have lost the recording thread and will have to have a good look for it!

Glad to see the successes and the determination continuing. I am 122 lbs this morning after a family Christmas which has included many many carb rich moments – interesting to see what still calls to me and it’s the desserts, though the roasties were also great.

But I have included most days of at least 14/16 hour fasts – only coffee in the morning and a very late lunch.

And serious sickness in the family has left me worrying and not so keen on food at some points.

But to those who wonder if they will keep their weight loss, it can be done enjoyable as Captain Lynne says, and knowing the secret of how to do it – and feel really well – is wonderful

Happy New Year to all!

In terms of movement – I have downloaded the app Fast Exercise which can get you moving slowly. The other thing is my chiropractor told me to start doing some tai chi every day (I’m really burnt out!). So I found this 8 minute Youtube tutorial I can easily fit into my morning routine – “NOTIME” is never going to be my excuse this year.

https://youtu.be/PNtWqDxwwMg?list=PL4Jg0sycPcbqunVPp_NZkAAELK45wvGtd (edited with correct link)

I have an exercise bike and the BSD consultant that did my dexa scan told me about interval training. Here’s the link. It’s also a short time span.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-17177251

Good luck – my official thing doesn’t start until the 9th but I am starting a ‘practice’ week on Wednesday when I head back to work.

Happy New Year

Lynne – I also find it so helpful to log everything now I am on maintenance.

When you posted sometime ago that you were logging all your food on maintenance it was a ‘light bulb’ moment for me and I immediately realised why I had always failed at maintenance before. This time I really believe that I will be able to maintain this weight successfully and keep the normal blood sugars.

Your new diary sounds perfect – plenty of room to log everything.

The 1000 challenge sounds such a good idea and I am going to join it today. Just waiting for a bit of a lull in the torrential rain here to do my first walk of the day.

Hi everyone, I had done a couple of days before Christmas and like some, then pigged out and undid the good work! I am back on it for 8 weeks from today and will keep going this time, as I know the benefits will definitely outweigh any challenges.

I need to lose 7 stone this year, but aim to get most of shifted by July. It’s will be tough sometime, but being in good company like this will help :0)

Good luck everyone and wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2017!

Hi everyone and Happy New Year! I’m a complete newbie going to start on Wednesday 4th but a bit scared that I will last about 5 minutes :@ I’m brilliant at making plans but not so good at following them through. It’s as if by the act of making them the weight will drop off and I’ll suddenly magically be slim and fit again. But I’m now in my fifties and the weight has gradually crept on and as others have said earlier something has got to change. I hope that by checking in here regularly I can keep going and also help encourage others to do likewise. Thanks for all the tips so far and see you soon …….

Oh, that makes me feel better Jan – I also maintained a steady weight for months, but was horrified that I had put back on nearly 4 kilos in a couple of weeks!
I was actually pretty good on Christmas itself, the last few days have been really rubbish – an entire box of stollen reduced to 30p, and a similarly a chocolate Father Christmas – it was Lindt, but milk chocolate, I felt a bit sick even when I ate it.

I have a fridge full of vegetables and smoked salmon now – and a rather large ham that has mulled fruit in the middle. I just checked and it has 5g of carb per 100g, so not too horrendous.

Hi Nedds mum and everyone else. I’m still posting on the thread started by a bunch of folk on 29 August. I won’t be doing Verano’s latest challenge. Might join in on a later one depending on where my head’s at. Best of luck to everyone and Happy New Year.

Hi bloke41. You’ve done really well. I’ve gone even further backwards. But it was to be expected after yesterday’s blow-out. Today’s weigh-in: 80 kg. Can only go down from here on in! Well, from Tuesday on as I’ve got lunch with friends today. Healthy food but bound to be too much grog.

Happy New Year to everyone. Anyone thinking vaguely about restarting in January… you know where we are. Looking forward to seeing you all again.

Thanks natalie, we did so well last time and as you say time to refocus, know we can succeed this time.
Hi Angela06, would love to know what the 1000 mike walk is, never heard of that one, my initial aim is to achieve 10000 steps EVERY day. Good choices today everyone.

Good post neddsmum, i tried the BSD for 6 weeks before christmas and felt great, then of course the obligatory pig out😒, why o why do we do it😖, so……….change of mindset from today, onwards and upwards, happy new year all BSD’ers x