Thank you for the encouraging words and the cautions. Since I posted I have been on a quasi version of the diet, gone off metformin, lost 1.5 kg and my BGLs are significantly improved (2hrs – 90=120) except for the morning when the reading is still high 130=139. I’ve been suspicions for sometime that the 500mg of metiform was not very effective and I think this confirms it but will monitor closely. I was feeling rubbish on day 4 and cold but that may be due to something else as so many around me are suffering from a cold.

I’m still looking for a good record keeping method/form but that too will be solved.

I’ve stocked the fridge, will be making a huge pot of soup tonight, increasing my 1k daily walk to 2k and cancelled all social engagements until Nov 29 and I’m ready to give it a go.

Cheers, and again, thank you for the advice.

Kjandtheboys 🙂

You asked if the rapid weight loss causes excess skin issues.

Does anyone know??

PLUS …. would say 80 pounds of weight loss over the period of about a year cause excess skin issues??? I am worried about that …. so after 8 weeks i’m going to do 5:2 for a little while … just so i don’t loose the whole 80 pounds too soon … i am hoping to be up to more exercise by Christmas.

I’m new to this program and have been waiting for all my ducks to line up before starting ‘properly’. The ducks are still out there but coming into alignment slowly. In the meantime I’ve been reading posts here to get me kick started and I would like to make a comment about those bathroom scales, which for me have been my downfall many many times. They can be so depressing.
I know I’m overweight and I really don’t need to know HOW overweight I am each and every day. If I’ve lost a bit then that gives me the green light to have a ‘treat’ (which isn’t really a treat, more like a sabotage) because I’ve lost according to the scales. And if I’ve put on weight – shock horror… I’ve been sooo good how did this happen – then I feel depressed and a failure. Should the dreaded plateau occur… well this clearly isn’t working and I might as well go back to my old ways! I know Dr MM says to weigh in daily, but I would encourage you to ditch the scales for a while (a week at least) and just trust yourself. If you’re having 800 calories you must lose weight even if you’re a couch potato – which I’ll bet you aren’t.
As for the fruit… full of sugar (very addictive) and carbs. Fruit is part of a healthy diet, but we are doing this to lose weight and in the process will hopefully kick the sugar addiction.

Hi captainlynne.
Thank you so much for your truly inspirational log of your BSD journey.
I’m relatively new in this road to health…. In week 3 and down 14lbs. I’m using the MFP app to log my calories and carbs etc. Like you I’ve done SW and WW and low GI and various others.
I’m happy with my progress so far and feel in control of my eating etc. I’m intrigued to know if after the original 8 weeks you just carried on with the same 800 fast diet? Also it seems you dropped steadily but quickly ( I read your profile- it seems you dropped about a stone every 4-6 weeks). Did you have a consistent loss ie 3lbs per week or did you plateau and then have bigger drops?
So far this week I’ve plateaued but I’m not disheartened I accept its possibly my body just stabilising.
I have a long way to go still 40lbs but am feeling like I will get there…..at some point…… I’m aiming for another stone by the end of week 8.
Also wondering if the rapid weight loss causes excess skin issues…………. This is a worry for me…………….Any advice would be gratefully received. Well done on your amazing transformation….. I bet people don’t recognise you when you pass them!!

Day 2 reboot

926cals /52 carbs and steps 4250 very busy today so didn’t count before hand, so will be more restrained tomorrow, but scales this morning had gone down .4 kg so getting there.
Anyone else out there using the jawbone up to count steps. Good night BSD peeps.
💤💤💤

I have a paperback book called The Diabetes Counter by Nolan and Heslin.

It’s basic …. can give you a reasonable count on calories, fat, carbs, sugar and fibre.

It has some Brand Names. I usually use this book first … there are plenty of online sources. I do like MyFatSecret. Sometimes i just google the food item … even a recipe like corn fried catfish with the word calories carbs …. and i usually get something i can use.

😄 got it on the euphemisms. Great little story. Sleep well Yowzer

Ps just recalled a funny true story..many years ago i had a colleague who used to own a wool shop. One misty winter evening,she was closing up at teatime and to her shock horror,her nine year old son appeared in the doorway,wrapped up warmly in his coat and gloves,but with a sanitary towel across his face and hooked over his ears.
He explained,its foggy MUm,so i borrowed this scarf out of yr drawer.! 😄

Sorry NUMI and folks! I thought TOTM was in common usage here,but i think actually its over on the fast day forum..
Also known as Aunt Flo or having the painters in..sorry if thats TMI ( too much information!)
Choc is deffo needed at such times! XX
Night night and sleep sweet everyone xx

🌸🌻🌸🌻 when it rains,look for rainbows..when it’s dark,look for stars 🌸⭐️🌸⭐️

Hi Greenjanet, I knew there was someone who had started at the same time as me. I’m not surprised I got you and Yowzer mixed up, you both have the same lovely positive attitude.
I’m doing well, thank you. Like you I seem to have had a bit of faffing around time. I was feeling a bit disgusted with myself about not sticking so closely to the 800 calories when I first started my faffing. But then realised that I was still losing, just more slowly, and that my choices were staying pretty reliably good. So I’m feeling much more relaxed about it all now. I keep on having days where I push to be more strict and days where I just go with the flow and I’m starting to trust my own instincts more. I try very hard not to get stuck in the ‘oh no, I could have lost much more if I’d stayed stricter’ trap. As I look at it, I’m going to be eating like this for the rest of my days so I have to learn to balance it up instinctively. Sorry, I’m sure you didn’t want an essay 😄
I hope you are feeling good about your progress at the moment too 😊

I use CalorieKing.com too, they also have a book with calorie/carb/etc counts which I think I bought at a chemist?

Thank you Mixnmatch. Your advice to listen to my body is very thoughtful and helpful. Grateful for your advice.

Hi Jan
I was confused – searching thru other posts I think TOTM is “that time of the month”

Thank you all so much for your replies – they’ve been great ideas and I’m going to try a few and see how we go! 🙂

Yay Krysia great news about the thin clothes! I can imagine how that horrible teacher made you feel all those years ago – I’d have been devastated.
Frog – sounds like a fab restoration. Well done for your epic weight lift at the gym…just think you were carrying that around with you!
Today’s stats
Cals:786
Carbs:24
No loss (or gain)

Yowser what on earth does totm mean re chocolate

Hi tired, how are you doing? xx

Hi Numi

I’m also a June the 29ther that was a good day wasn’t it, currently doing a reboot to get to 3 st down, as I’ve faffed around for about 7 of all those weeks. 😬😬😬 how are you doing.
🙋🙋🙋

I’ve loaded a couple of the Ethiopian recipes from yesterday – the lentil one is carbier than I thought.
I got the nutrition from loading the recipes into Fat Secret, then just copying and pasting here.
There were lots of differing database entries for lentil nutrients, (and the recipe was in cups) not 100% certain I’ve got it right.

I’ll post the veg and salad ones another day!

It’s calorieking.com.au

Hi Lynski – I find calorieking very easy to use online.

Plateaus don’t last forever, and even while you are not losing weight the composition of your body can change, so keep measuring, trying on test clothes to check looseness, etc. And don’t worry about it. Stress hormones can affect weight loss, so try to just stick to the plan and listen to your body.

Hi fellow BSD followers. I’ve just finished day 11 of my 800 calorie a day regime and feeling pretty good. I’ve lost 3 1/2 lbs so far. I’ve found plenty of variety in the 8week BSD recipe book, but would like to know if anyone can recommend a simple calorie count book so that I can start to make up my own recipes?

many thanks,

I’ve noticed this too, every now and then it strays below 50 into trained athlete territory as well. I’ve even taken to doing the measurement standing up sometimes rather than a true resting heart rate to get more ‘normal’ looking values.

Lost 18 lbs in first 3 weeks but now no weght loss for a week! I am keeping my eyes on the big picture of good health but actually losing lbs helps my visualization of myself at my goal weight. I keep track of my food, calories, exercise. From your experience, will the weight loss resume? …..Feeling a bit down so any words of hope will be appreciated and hopeful. Thank you.

Glad to hear you are all still with us. Someone, somewhere wants you to keep on keeping on with the BSD Tattiescone!! Glad you’re feeling better. Jackieppp how’s it going? And thinking of you Natalie.
Jocadari how are you, have you joind our ranks?
Another good day, lunch – beetroot and carrot salad with walnuts and feta and salad, dinner -bacon wrapped chicken in tomato and veg sauce with peas, snack – greek yogurt and a plum.
Goodnight everyone x

Since children do tend to run around a lot, especially during recess and after lunch, I think a banana, apple, mandarin orange, a few grapes … that type of thing is okay. They also might like some those small grape tomatoes, snow peas, sugar snap regular peas, or any other vegetables they like … those all have a satisfying crunch and some fresh sweetness … and fibre. I also like the individually wrapped portions of cheeses like cheddar cheese. If you can find a kind of cheese your children like you can wrap up individual portions your self. You also might try and find some low carb crackers and try different ones to see what is liked — crackers with flax seeds and honey and such like.

Dear Nickix
I don’t know if you have already considered using Senna or it’s also called Senakot it’s a longstanding herbal remedy sold in chemists & is gentle or glycerine suppositories? both help to move things along in the morning when used/taken before going to bed. Plus drinking lots of water.
Hope that helps.

Good morning Day Five!

Urg I got up early because I have to fast from 7:00 am. Weighed myself, exactly the same as yesterday, two days in a row without loss! Despite “perfect” compliance with diet. My stomach isn’t awake this early (I often breakfast at 9:00 after the kids have left for school) so forcing down bacon and a few strawberries was a bit of an ordeal – but I felt I had to because I won’t be able to eat again until dinner time! Then, depending on how I feel, I’ll have the steak and salad husband is cooking tonight for the family, or just some chicken soup I’ve already made.

I didn’t have time to finish my cup of tea before the clock stuck 7 and turned me into a pumpkin. It has milk in it, so not allowed. I can have water, black tea, or apple juice. What??? Why Apple juice? No lemon in my water, but I can have a cup of liquid sugar.

Well I’m a little tired and cranky right now, I’m going to crawl back into bed!

Hi Verano
I have only just noticed your reply – I actually use an iPad and really must learn how to copy and paste!
I have found the recipe under search and will print it off.
Many thanks
B

Hi NeNe love your post it was as if you was writing what is in my mind that is exactly how I feel. We can do this I have just come back from my daughters graduation ceremony she is now a qualified community nurse very proud of her, made sure I had the cooked breakfast before I went sat and had a coffee while the rest ate lunch. We all went for dinner the only healthy option for me was a Caesar salad. The dress I had in my mind (the only one that fitted me 2 weeks ago) was too big hurrah. Managed with ease to get into a dress I brought in the summer but never fitted I am very pear shaped. Weighed myself this morning 9lbs down since 1.10.16 never ever been able to lose the weight like this before. I am definitely in this for the long haul currently as of today 15 stone 7lbs lightest I have been this year would like to get to 11 stone if it suits my age and figure. Onwards and downwards everyone big hugs.

Nick is have found linseed in my book 1tbs 2 carbs 55 calls sorry cannot find chia seeds xx

Thats a great idea Mixnmatch. I will try it. Thanks very much.

Thanks yowza49! That’s great help too 😄 I did see those on the shelf today. I’ve got cod liver oil tablets already. The woman in holland and barrett (there great aren’t they!) advised to soak the linseed and chia seeds over night then add to a smoothie or porridge or whatever as it goes slimmy so may try that too! Especially for the future. Hopefully something will happen soon Especially after the tin of prunes! Lol 😂 I may go over my calories today but onwards and downwards everyone 🙃 Good luck

Thanks julesmaigret that’s a great help and reassurance 👍

I’ve just made Nigella’s cauliflower and chickpea salad (available on google) for tea. Cheap, nutritious and delicious and the portion size means I’m sorted for lunch tomorrow as well. Since starting BSD I reckon at least a third of my meals are now vegetarian and I have a new found respect for cauli, spinach and fennel. I too don’t feel hungry.

Remember “if meat is murder, is Quorn wasting police time?”

I threw out all the bigger clothes that wouldn’t ‘do’ anymore, after a mammoth trying on session. I just need a very good belt to hold up some of the size 20’s, luckily although the waist has shrunk dramatically I still have my ‘pear’ hips so can get away with some of the better fitting pairs.

I have about 10g of chia and 10g of flaxseed with my breakfast yogurt and berries. However, they do contain just over 2g of carb but add up to nigh on 100 calories so not bad as long you factor that in!

Ah well, now that I have your permission Yowzer, I’ll know what to do next time I’m tempted 😜
So pleased to hear that the tablets are helping you feel a bit better 😊
And it was an iron rule wasn’t it! That’s what makes it feel a bit miraculous to be free to eat infrequently and only when genuinely hungry. I haven’t had this relationship with food since the first time I was pregnant

I’ve lost six stone already with Slimming World but struggling to lose my last 20 lbs. Have always felt carbs were my problem and the book has confirmed this. With a father, sister and brother who are all Type 2 diabetics I’m delighted to say my fasting glucose level is now 4.5 (though at my heaviest it was 5.8) End of Day 2 and must say I’m really enjoying this plan … I dont normally eat much Quorn but dont want to stray too far from the book so substituted Quorn Ham for real ham etc. Not eating quantity of melon and oranges is strange but I’ll get used to it. Got to say haven’t felt hungry at all !

Yehthanks NUMI the medication is really helping..ive been slightly dizzy/disorientated for years due to other health probs,and its wonderful to actually at last feel like i am solidly and firmly on the ground! Wdnt mind staying on them long term – but wd love to reduce my bp meds, fingers crossed.
I think i started a bit after you..july 13 ish..am on day 93 week 14! Me too,just wish i knew about BSD soooooo long ago..wd have saved a lot of yoyo dieting. I love the feeling of being so distanced from bread,cakes,biccies..the things that ruled me..i was under the iron rule of the Carb Monster for so long!
Have Kicked the Carbs to the Kerb and it feels good!
TOTM choccy tho…you HAVE to have it then!..its the law! Well, everyone needssomething to get thru those days!
XX

NICKIX Those beans might do the trick!
I take a flaxseed capsule most days and dont add it to cal/ carb count..i choose to believe nice lady in Holland and Barrett years ago who told me that the cals in them dont count! Whether thats true or not I dont know but it does help to keep thinks moving and i think in general is a healthy addition.. Sometimes i buy starflwoer oil or evening primrose instead. I imagine linseed wd be the same or better than all those,and i doubt a sprinkle of chia seeds will do any harm to yr diet. Hope you get a result soon !X

P.S. …. when i said Metformin was a crutch …. i just meant that it is for me …. because i can control my blood sugar when i keep to the BSD …. when i overeat then my blood sugar is not controlled.

Thanks Yowzer, and I hope your unpleasant dizzy symptoms are improving. And that they turn out to be nothing more than the fact you need to come off your bp meds, I’m guessing you would be thrilled to get off tablets. I think I remember reading somewhere else that you started about the same time as me, June 29th? Or am I getting confused? It is certainly a life changer and while I could wish that I’d known about this WOE about twenty years ago so that I hadn’t had to spend so long hating my figure, I am delighted to be one of the fortunate people who has discovered it in time to stop the rot, as it were, from going any further. I feel younger than I have done for such a long time. I really understand your comments about feeling as though there is a big mental aversion to lots of the refined carb foods. That is how it feels for me too, a sort of sense of ‘who would even put that in their mouth’. Doesn’t always work, (chocolate at ‘that’ time of the month still seems tempting although I’ve resisted so far) but it is a useful reaction which helps me out loads of the time 😊

MIX I like yr approach! And its a good name!
I agree re new clothes..i too want to hold out..but in the meantime its not as plain sailing as i thought..many tops that now fit over tum,hips etc,seem a funny shape around neck/ have too long sleeves
Some of my trousers in smaller sizes look wrong somehow on thighs..too baggy and make me look fatter! Plus some trousers i’ m dragging out from where theyve lurked a long time have bust zips from past efforts to get into them! Not someone who can replace a zip and so i have to ponder..are they worth paying my local dressmaker to rezip or shd i just get rid! Also i have finally realised i dont suit bootcut trousies coz i have short legs and bootleg makes them look shorter….grrrr..i used to beleive they balanced out my big hips!
so i dont have quite as much to wear as i thought..but am enjoying mulling over what to wear each day! X

Well i wish to confess! I’ve just had a small slice of toast! I hadn’t eaten today as still having problems not going to loo! Up’d my water to 3 bottles plus herbal tea and coffee. Tried sweetcorn 4 days ago which I’m still waiting to see! Lol the physillium husk’s but nothing’s worked and my stomachs so distended! I haven’t been hungry! Anyway I’ve been told by Dr I need to eat melon – galia is in recipes. Kiwi fruit which are ok but got to try prunes now? Are they ok?? Got so down I’ve just had some bacon beans a poached egg and half a slice of toast!!! 😞😞 I so want to do this but having sjorgens syndrome I don’t produce secretion through my body. I may need to have linseed and chia daily plus prunes. Anyone know if I can still do it but include them in my diet? Sorry to unburden myself on you all. Good luck folks 👍 X

I chose my name especially for this forum as it matches the somewhat patchy way I am addressing myself to losing all this weight. I take different elements from lots of diets like Sirt and Whole Approach, and also in cooking I always customise depending on how I feel. It seems even more appropriate now as I am wearing a mixture of different sized clothes, from size 20 to size 10 as I will not go and replenish my wardrobe until I have discovered my ideal weight and am stable at it.

Hi all
Tattiescone – glad to hear you’re feeling better.
Natalie – good luck for your op tomorrow.
can’t stop at the mo as cooking tea!!! Busy today catch up with you all later. Good luck with the BSD
bfn

BUTTERFLY MOVES! So pleased for you..such a good feeling isnt it! Well done! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
* thunderous applause* xxx!

Hi Marilyn MARSIE good to meet you! Glad this thread is giving you a smile! X

Hi NUMI and welcome..this is my fave thread too! X i love all of them tho,coz this is a great place for friendship andmutual support,so i’ m glad you’ve jumped in after lurking awhile..the more the merrier!
Well done on yr weight loss and getting down into the merely overweight category! X 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻