These days not many people use perfume/cologne anymore because of other peoples alergies.

Shalimar is the name of a perfume that i have loved for a long time. Don’t spend money on it anymore …. but it also reminds me of a scent i got in a little wicker sachet at EXPO 67 world’s fair …. i still remember it all these decades later …. lovely, exotic … i think from the India booth.
The memory of those scents still makes me smile. I actually still have a Shalimar soap that i use in my clothes drawers.

Shalimar /a.k.a Christel

It’s only day 1 …. and i already had a long nap in the afternoon. I was feeling a bit sick …. probably because the BSD plan is already working!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!

Just got throught the morning on coffee with cream … even had a short walk to the library before i ate.

Coffees with cream …. 3 …. 180 calories 6 carbs
3 eggs with a bit of chopped ham …. 315 calories 6 carbs
few slices cucumber, 4 grape tomatoes, small bag of snap peas …. 150 calories 22 carbs

Total so far: 645 cals and 34 carbs

I was going to cook up some drumsticks … but i will leave that until tomorrow … i think i will be tempted to eat them

I may have a few more cucumber slices later instead

HUGS HUGS HUGS everyone ….we are doing soooooooooooo great!!

Morning all, day three of BSD and day two of the headache, arghh. Also a sleepless night but TBH I’m putting that down to the first night in a long while where I haven’t had a few glasses of chardy. On the plus side, despite the headache, I do feel more energetic this morning. Sending positive thoughts to you all for a good day.

Just saying “Hi!” Joined and got my book today! This looks like a great group! I just turned 69 like Sneakysnooper! I love that name!

Ouch! I ate my omelette before plugging it into my CalorieKing app and it has a lot more calories than yoghurt with berries! I know eggs are good and filling but a total of 259 cal for breakfast including tea is a big chunk of my daily allowance. I see my huge lunch salad shrinking! I think I prefer a smaller breakfast and more food later in the day.

Good morning to Day Three!

I have a headache again but not as bad as it was. I’ll make sure to keep the fluids up. Today’s plan:
B: two-egg omelette, cucumber
L: warm steak salad (strips of steak on grilled asparagus, grilled capsicum, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, snow peas, shavings of Parmesan and a dressing of balsamic vinegar and sesame oil).
D: roast lemon chicken with roast veges (no potato!)

Cup of soup and two cups of tea with milk, lots of water with a squeeze of lemon.

Feeling strong!

Thanks for all yr replies, so much fun to read..and sometimes it explains a lot!
LANGERHANS i agree with how you visualised the word as a child! Gives me the same feeling ..and reminds me somehow of a friend i had on another forum who called herself Isle of Hue..had that same mystical feeel – and also sounds like I love you!
NATALIE were you on fast forum as Cupcake? I regret being Yowzer,..sounds like a grumpy old man! 😄

My GPs reaction – initially not that interested, & thought I was being optimistic about the amount of weight I intend to lose, but pleased I’d lost some; about a stone at that point, and HbA1c result had dropped from 112 to 62, and all other issues (fatty liver, cholesterol etc) back in the normal range.
Following the next HbA1c result two months later, after dropping metformin, my BG was back in the normal range at 38, and she seemed far more interested, pleased with the results, and described my diabetes as being reversed, which I understand has been an issue with others’ doctors on this forum. Confirmed that I had made a sensible decision in dropping metformin.
We had a conversation around my being taken off or remaining on the diabetic register; I agreed I’d prefer to stay on it for a couple more HbA1C tests, to check my levels stay in the right range for a long period of time, but probably not bother with eye tests while BG levels remain normal.

The reaction of the diabetes Nurse at my GP practice have been more worrying – seems totally unfamiliar with BSD/Newcastle research, and uninterested. She was pleased that my blood sugar results have come down – but seemed happier with another patient who’d reduced BG levels but still had high HbA1c results but had been “following a proper diet, not a silly one like yours” and being compliant with medication.

The Diabetic Nutritionist (healthy diabetic living and eating course for diabetics provided by a local charity) has been interested in the diet, but has made odd statements, such as “nobody can survive on less than 130g of carb a day, it affects their brain”

Loved reading all these. I’m afraid Natalie is just my real name! On a different forum once upon a time I called myself Cupcake but I felt that was giving off negative vibes when we’re not allowed to eat them!

Really enjoying reading all your posts.
I lost 5lbs the first week ( though on Sat the scales had a mind of it’s own). Came out with an itchy rash and then panicked that I had a ketosis rash so upped the carbs. Have now decided to relax, enjoy the meals ( daughter loved the cauliflower and broccoli gratin ) and count calories instead of carbs for a bit.
I made the flapjacks but cut them into 16 instead of 24– oops but instead of beating myself up, I thought a) eating healthy foods b) far less calories than I would usually eat and perhaps most importantly I can follow this and lose weight even if it is a slower process.
As you say onward and downward .

We are trying out different recipes from the BSDiet recipe book & can highly recommend the beef stir fry with asparagus. It was delicious but I did adapt it with the ingredients I had so we had thinly sliced broccoli & green beans instead of asparagus & some flageolets beans however we will certainly have it again & it is very filling!
We so far have managed to keep around 800 daily calories but are finding now it’s better to not eat breakfast but have a larger lunch & supper. So far so good but my scales this morning only showed I had lost 2ozs! hopefully it will increase to pounds by the end of the week!
You all seem to be doing brilliantly even with a few ups & downs along the way😀

If you are following the eating plan in the book then it is not necessary to watch your carbs any further, as many people have done this and lost weight. I don’t have the book so am improvising, and find it useful to look up ingredients I want to use and keep my carbs to below 50 g. I have used recipes from this and other sites, and the Daily Mail recent series, but most of the time enjoy making up my own.

Hi 1960 – I am struggling to get back in the rhythm too. But getting lots of comments as I see people after a while so still celebrating the 2 st loss even if not getting any further for now.

Today wandered into Asda when on way home from a job the other side of town – they were having a clothing clearance and included some keep fit stuff – at those prices It was worth trying, and I fit in, and don’t look horrendous even though lycra! So at my next Parkrun, when I get a saturday I can go, I can look like I belong.

So need to get focused again to finish the job…

A few more tips. When you feel hungry, try a drink first, as sometimes thirst masquerades as hunger. If this is the case, or it is a craving not true hunger then it may be relieved, by a drink of water, or a hot drink. Distraction can also work miracles. Keep your fat intake up, with the good fats, and this will keep you fuller for longer. Make sure you are at least aware of high carb foods even when they appear in the book, so when you start using them in different meals you know to be careful of portion size. Above all, if you fall off the wagon, dust yourself off and climb back on, we’ll help pull you up.

This has been posted before, but to add to sunshine-girl’s very sensible thread here:

My OH had Type 2 for some years.

He went to Doctor and said he was going to take action with diet (waving BSD book) and asked for doctor’s support in having monthly HbA1c tests to monitor his results. He would have done the BSD whatever she said, but you will note didn’t ask for her permission or approval to do it, just requested her support in his taking action.

He was able to demonstrate BS reductions to normal levels in July and August, came off Metformin and September’s test replicated the results. Doctor had forgotten she had taken him off Metformin in August and was therefore doubly impressed by September, but also by the fact he intends to maintain the low carb and keep being tested to make sure he doesn’t slip up. She marked his record Type 2 “in remission” so he will continue to get the optician/podiatrist follow up.

However, it has not been suggested that he discuss his success with either the ‘diabetic specialist’ doctor or the ‘diabetic nurse’ in the practice, which I think is a shame. He’s just had another blood test this week (October’s) and will be meeting the doctor in a couple of weeks, so I’ll suggest to him that he asks if he can help in any way.

I’m on day 7 today so don’t have my official weigh in until tomorrow.. I’ll let you know. Already my jeans are definitely loser. 🙂

Hello Lucky Maneki, and thanks for this thread, your writing is awesome and hilarious, look forward to hearing more!

Thanks also for the chickpea pancake link… am going to try that NOW. 🙂

I loved reading this thread, so many great stories behind the names. I love a good story.

Yowzer49 already knows where my name comes from. I have been in an overeating fat cocoon while healing from a bad work relationship. Now I want to pull a butterfly move and wriggle out of all this fat and fly away. 🙂

Yes, Yowzer49, I do feel sorry for them too. The best moments in life are ones born of true friendship and vulnerability. Narcs will never know these things.

Thanks for your support, and yours too Avila. It’s given me another shot of energy to DO this thing.

Hi Butterflymoves
Thanks so much for the tips, I am quite excited about getting started not sure why as I am already dreading the cravings lol.
Sounds like you have already made a good start. How much have you lost in the first week?
I will definitely be planning my meals as you have advised. I will keep you updated, I’m now off to download my fitness pal.

Well,ultimately they do us a favour i guess…these people help us grow! do they do much growing themselves.?
Not as far as i can see so in a way i feel sorry for them.
AVILA…sending hugs to you and to BUTTERFLY..boy those days with a narcissist are a miserable roller coaster..BUT hard times make us stronger!..just like how the caterpillar has to go thru a hard time to then emerge so beautifully!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
PS! Glad you like the quotes BUTTERFLY! X

They are AWESOME quotes, Yowzer49! I think my email signature needs updating!🐛

Thanks Avila! Seems that there are far more Narc Sharks out there than I ever imagined! Sorry that you had to suffered that kind of emotional manipulation when you were already vulnerable. I think Narcs have a sixth sense for people who are struggling and therefore easier to lure with flattery. I had a pretty bad childhood which sapped my potential for self esteem. So I was easy to hook.

That was then and this is now. I can tell that this is the right time. So pumped for change.

PS ..this is the quote i loved…
~ Your time as a caterpillar has expired..your wings are ready! ~
Another good one :-
~ If nothing changed,there’d be no butterflies ~ x

Oh I’m so sorry to hear that you were unfortunate enough to tangle with a Narc- Yowzer49. They are the worst! Glad you got out so soon, some people get trapped for so long. So hard to make sense of it while you are on the inside.

Thanks for complimenting my writing, you are sweet. 😊 Writing helps me make sense of things. So glad for this safe space!

hugs,

I am 8 years on from a situation with a superior/mentor that had similar tactics of the hot and cold – talking up my potential and treating me as a useless failure, where I simultaneously craved their affirmation yet destroyed by their undermining, and the fact they had power over my progression in my role. I had a breakdown – I was affected with depression before so it may still have happened but it was certainly triggered by this relationship and the toxic nature of it affected my ability to recover which only happened once I was in a different setting.

Recognising what has happened – and the love/hate tensions that get developed which makes it hard to emotionally untangle – is a huge step. Moving on from that is a huge achievement, and you will achieve the weight loss too. You are an achiever not just a survivor.

Hi @ Yorklass59. I haven’t read that in the book either. No need to make it complicated. I actually don’t even count calories either and I’m losing weight.

Hi butterfly! As i was reading yr story the words narcissist and gaslighting were going thru my head! And then you wrote those words! Was with a man like this when i was in my twenties..and like you,had a huge sense of relief when i finally got free of him! Like a weight taken off my shoulders…He was a musician as well 🙂
you write really well..and i love yr butterfly analogy..i saw a lovely quote about butterflies the other day..will try to refind..
Good luck on BSD! Plenty of good folk on here always ready to offer support/ the benefit of their experience,and to share the good days and the bad,so just shout if you have any questions x

I haven’t finished my first week, Brownsugar2016, but I already know that if I don’t plan every single calorie right at the start of the day I will get myself in trouble and either over eat or go to bed hungry.

Things that are working for me so far:
-planning ahead
-removing temptation from the house(wine and chocolate!)
– bulk cooking and freezing meals that I know the calories and carb count for
-coming to this forum daily for support
-tracking everything on MyFitnessPal
-Using cider vinegar and lemon juice as a dressing so I can fill up on salad easily
-eating a couple of walnuts 15min before a meal to stave off hunger signals and slow me down to enjoy the meal

I’m sure there’s so much more to learn- all the best for your journey!

Day 2 nearly over and pleased to say just a slight headache today so feeling ok also feeling less bloated so all good! I might have a sneaky peak at the scales tomorrow! Finished on 791 cals and 39.7 carbs and doing well with my steps at over 12,000! Roll on day 3 and hope everyone has a good day hopefully anyone suffering with carb flu should start to feel better!x

SierraValley- my house is only clean because I’m procrastinating from doing my tax report!!

You ARE doing so well Fairyface, we are playing a long game and the biggest battle is to stay positive (which is the best fuel injection for willpower) and you have that COVERED.

Onwards and downwards indeed!

Some people on here recommend this to calculate the ratios. It gives you the reorient level so you can adjust the fat:carb values
http://keto-calculator.ankerl.com/

I hope it’s ok to post a personal journal here. Let me know if not, and I’ll cease and desist! I find that I’m constantly here at the forums looking for some kind of intangible support. But there isn’t always something I can genuinely comment on. So I figured if I started a journal of my experiences I could get some help or encouragement along the way, or help someone else by expressing something relatable?….🤔🙄

So…how did I get here?

… I was married in 2010. I was a healthy BMI, just settling into my first home with the best man ever. Things were really good. Then I started to work regularly with a local musician, an incredibly charismatic guy who could play the guitar like no one I’d ever heard before.

I felt so lucky, he was so charming and flattering and I felt special around him. Before long we started writing music together, which was, in my experience, one of the most intimate things you can do with someone while keeping your clothes on. But then he suddenly started getting out-of-proportion furious with me for no good reason. The silent treatment, rages and I’d have to pull out all the stops to smooth it over.

Over the next year and a half I sank into a constant state of anxiety and started to comfort eat like crazy and the weight crept on. I just wanted him to treat me well again and looking back he had complete control of me. I couldn’t turn to my husband because he was a man my husband instinctively disliked and didn’t want to talk about. In retrospect I don’t think he was comfortable with how obsessed I was with the relationship.

Finally after 18 months of hell I was finally able to admit to myself that the relationship was completely toxic. I was grieving and gathering strength to leave when he did it the dirty work for me in a short, brutal email. He told me (in much more visceral language) that while he respected my musicianship he thought I was a horrible human being and he was hoping to never see me again. I was devastated but simultaneously SO RELIEVED.

The next four years were spent trying to rebuild my sanity and understand what had happened. I had completely lost confidence. Scared to write, create and be myself. I really started drinking a lot and eating like crazy, putting on 45lbs/ 20kg from my wedding weight in 2010. He took on pseudonyms and sent me abusive, threatening messages online for the next couple of years but he always gave himself away.

The fatter I got, the more depressed I felt and the more his dismissal of me seemed almost fair… until I read a Facebook post last year about ‘gaslighting’ and other tools used by people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder to control their supply. I suddenly recognised our relationship in this article, all the alternating flattery then unexpected abuse, the silent treatment, hoovering… all the signs! I felt sane for the first time in my life.

So I’ve had a year now to work through this. To let go and know that I’m not all the awful labels he gave me. The guitarist I work with now is also amazing. Not so technical, but he plays from his heart. He is also a great human who genuinely likes playing with me.

It’s time to come out of my fat cocoon of healing and pump some blood into these wings.

I know you all have some great tips out there. Come on I want all the helpful advice I can get to get started and keep me on track. I will checking in daily for replies .thanks

Judiejudes is my MFP username. Feel free to add me.

Having a good day 2…… Life is throwing me a few curve balls though!
Pensioners pop in have a lunch where I am based at the moment and I was offered sausage mash and Yorkshire pudding followed by cherry sponge and custard……. I said no thank you – I have a lovely home made soup in the fridge. Aggghhhhh….cherry anything is my fav. Feeling quite proud!
Just been to aquafit – feel peckish but resisting.
The coffee with cream is sounding good…..would baileys work? Lol

MFP friend request sent.

I’m almost a week in and it’s been a roller coaster….!

I had never heard of the blood sugar diet a week ago. I was trying to lose weight on Tim Ferris’ Slow Carb diet for over a year but the cheat days would always undo me. Once I loaded up on starchy carbs I would get all my carb cravings back, no matter how well I did during the week, and cheat days almost always became cheat weekends. In reality I was slowly gaining weight.

Then I was cruising the forums on MFP looking for other slow carb-ers and found all these mentions of BSD which I googled and found all of you here. I bought the book on kindle and read it ravenously for 2 days. I wasn’t even through it before I started the diet.

I was excited! Finally the right tool? I really hope so..

BILLINGEBABE thanks for heads up on Cold Feet..glad two more to go..yeh me too re David! X aw how lovely to have twin GC! Enjoy the trip x
SHALIMAR!optician told me eating lots veg,specially green,slows down cataracts growth. But get it done if you can…you will love the difference! I feel so lucky i had both my cataracts done on NHS a few yrs ago..my friend has just had one done,but they wont do the other coz of NHS cuts – which is all wrong! – but i still appreciate our NHS services – miracles are performed every day.
I dont know if i had new procedure or old one but it was very quickly carried out..first time, the doc was the image of John Denver which was a bit surreal! 😄 I was half expecting him to break out into a chorus of Annies Song! X

Hi all
I will be starting on Friday when my book arrives. Im looking forward to getting back to healthy eating plus of course the weight loss. I hope to lose 18lb by Christmas or no pudding for me Christmas Day!!!!
I need to get into the LBD, so need loads of help and diet tips.
Looking forward to all the posts

Is this Facebook group a legitimate one?? There gave been lots of problems with BSD members of this group being ‘locked’ out if so far Facebook grouos

I was doing so well Getting my life back. I am determined this diet is going to work for me. I have felt so positive, I FEEL so positive just cannot believe what I have done. Tomorrow is another day:-)

Hi Fairyface don’t beat yourself up tomorrow is another day we can do this just take one day at a time. I am determined to make this life style change work I am going to lose my weight don’t mind how long it takes as long as it does.
Shalimar enjoy your visit to VON big hugs 😊
I too am struggling with the carb amounts looking at the receipe book going through the menus but as long as I am keeping to the 800cals happy for the moment. Never really liked cooking much preferred snacking hence my weight but I am starting to enjoy it have been doing some batch cooking which helps plus I love my slow cooker chuck everything in and dish up when I finish work.
Onwards and downwards as we are saying

What a wonderful report Sneakysnooper! It’s great to hear that we do have some control over our own health. Good for you in taking a journey to better your life that I know hasn’t been easy! You inspire me.

Hello Shimmerling! Just sent s request to join under the name of Liz!
Cheers!

Hello!
I sent you an invite, Tony. My username on MFP is LizFrencham and I am also looking for MFP buddies who are doing BSD. The more the merrier!

Yikes–put in 23 hours of OT so far this week, but still managed to lose a little. Calorie intake yesterday was a little over 800, but not bad compared to what I used to eat 🙂 And I broke down and had 2 Dark Chocolate Dove Squares. I didn’t feel guilty and luckily I stopped there.

Good Luck to all of us today!

Yes, ButterflyMoves–I feel like I really want to clean my house–and believe me it needs it!

Hi all, I’m getting along quite well just choosing the meals from the book, but I too seem to have missed the bit about how many carbs are allowed? I just thought it was 800 cals and that was it?! I’m losing weight anyway but not sure how much. I made the Cauliflower Cheese but didn’t really enjoy it; but I did like the Cauliflower rice idea. I’m meeting a friend who wants to lose the same weight as me only she is on weight watchers, in two weeks, so if I can stick to it until then, that’s my first goal. Christmas is the second goal. I need to set small ones so that I remain confident that I can reach them. The end goal is something in my head and not spoken about as I think it scares me as I have not been that weight for so many years. Does anyone else think like that?

Hello All

Been great reading your posts. I started on Sunday so on Day 3. Lost 4lbs so far, can’t quite believe that it is working already. Mind you I have a long way to go…..

I have requested to join the FB group. I need all the help I can get!!

I have been drinking water and increased my step count by the the increased number of trips up and down stairs at work to the toilet!
I have been using the recipes in the BSD recipe book. Have been impressed with the flavours etc so far.