can some one just educate a stupid man as people are saying use full fat milk BUT i love my skimmed milk (fresh not uht) is that not a good thing?

We treated ourselves to a pudding today with the rhubarb & ginger recipe served with some Creme fraiche & it was delicious so highly recommended. It is an unusual recipe with coconut oil & some ginger in syrup but very good!

Hello Ziggy
We have Tanita weight scales that have the option of measuring visceral fat, water levels in the body as well as weight. There are different buttons to press to show this after weighing. I think it’s measured by a pulse sent from the pads you stand on that measures different levels of resistance in the body.
I think lots of scales have these options!

So my little fluffy friends,

Lost one and a half pounds this week.
So after several weeks, nay, months, I am still losing.
GOT UP AT 6am
Cycled,
Went the gym cross country machine, rowing machine etc
Weights
Swam
Showered
Cycled back
And started my day then
I get it out if the way.
I tend to ease up on the bs rules on a Saturday,
Sunday through Friday inclusive I am all over it.

I enjoy having a variety, I may eat a piece if toast,
Or pasta
Or rice
But only one item a week.

Salad for breakfast? Me? Who would gave thought it.

Love Lucia
Xxxxx

hi all, just catching up on the week as I don’t have chance then. Everybody seems to be doing so well! Congratulations! This is the last day of my first week and I have found it alright really. I am missing my coffees so am limiting myself to three for the milk element. I didn’t weigh myself until Friday morning when I had access to some scales, so will wait til then next week with bated breath.I enjoyed to curry this week and the bolognaise. Drinking lots and that is okay. I do have a hungry feeling which I am taking as a positive sign that something is happening!! I do two lots of one hour exercise in the mornings which suits me. I am determined to follow this for 7 more weeks and then see what I want to do then. Hoping this is the diet to get my horrid weight off once and for all! Bravo to all of us for being here! x

Well done Apatch! Fab news!
Love hearing all the success stories alongside the struggles – shows we are not alone.
I had everything bad last night at friends for supper, but back on it today and I didn’t pick at the children’s food either (less a handful of crisps earlier).
Weight loss is around 2kgs since Monday, with about 6kgs to go but I know it will slow down considerably.
Just have to say I did the prawn courgetti this evening from the book and it was so delicious. I’m also a big fan of the grilled pepper/feta combo. Anyone else got any favourites from the book(s) they’d recommend? Glad to hear the falafels are nice, I’m planning on doing those next week.

Porridge is still high in carbs, which on the 800 cal diet is not advised. Polenta is off limits too.
Maybe try full fat Greek yogurt, or poached eggs on a grilled portobello mushroom? They both fill me up really well.

hello Teapotcosy i too thought about cooking for one so if you have overcome some of theses problems i would love to hear them

thanks for the replies so far all useful , and i did the shopping list in the search bar that was very useful

Good evening all (good morning to our southern-hemisphere friends),

Beginning of week 2 and I’m still positive. I’m expecting that this week’s weight loss might not be as productive as week 1 for me from the various forum posts and the book. I weighed myself this morning andno change from yesterday – did not despair tho :-P. Why? Because I put on a T-shirt I had in the wardrobe which used to make me look 4 months pregnant, and now it doesn’t as my belly is a whole lot less bloated than 8 days ago and my bra fitted better.

Sometimes it’s the little things that count – having more energy; sleeping well; other people noticing slight changes in you; you noticing slight changes in yourself; not having to pee every hour during the night! All those are positives too.

Like Fairyface – I too liked having a cuppa and some biscuits or ‘something sweet’ whenever the urge hit and all that mounted up to being 92kgs before October. Now I’m under the dreaded 200lbs, the BSD and this forum keeps me motivated.

Keep counting and carry on.

I started on September 26th too, /’d have been reading everyone’s progress with interest.
It’s Day 13 today and I’m really struggling. I have period cramps and feel rough – I am dying for a bar of chocolate! It’s my period-blues-banishing stand-by.
I have a massive amount to lose, but my real consideration is getting my blood sugar in order and both my blood pressure and cholesterol down. My GP wants me on pills but I’ve persuaded her to give me 8 weeks to try and correct it.
So far I’ve lost 5kg and 2 inches from my waistline.
As long as I’ve planned I’m finding 800 calories ok, although my love of lentil soup can push my carbs above 50g a little.
How do others cope with cravings at difficult times of the month?

If you counted the calories and carbs you can eat whatever.

There are no forbidden foods …. you just have to count the calories …. and try and eat healthy foods as described in the book …. and on this site … in the headings above.

You may not want to spend your calories on tomatoes all the time … but you do need some variety.

Hi. Evergbody .
JUST FINISHED MY FIRSDT WEEK AND LOST 5.5LLBS. WOW. – so pleased and i found it OK after the first few days. However I woke up this morning craving something spicy for supper. I have made a simple chicken curry with loads of vegs and pasatta ( sieved tomatoes ). I am going to go only slightly over 800 so pleased with that, but, wondering if pasatta is OK???

danames …. when you reach your goal …. you can go on a low carb mediteranean diet … also in the book. This is not just an increase in calories … you still should be eating healthy foods.

Also … you can do the 5:2 plan ….. 800 calories 2 days a week and the low carb mediteranean diet the other days

It’s all explained in the book in more detail … the 8 week Blood Sugar Diet. It’s mainly a plan to try and reverse diabetes not just another diet.

I got my original copy of the book from the library … if your library doesn’t have access you can order it on interlibrary loan. It really is helpful

Now officially resplending again in Size 12 Jeans this time! Fitting me nicely as well. 😀 plus found a size 10 top in the charity shop that also fits perfectly. Onwards and downwards!

Wendy 1947 Thank you I am so pleased. I really feel as though this is going to work. My weight has stopped me from doing so much socially over the years but thats about to end. Been out today and seen a lot of people who I have not seen for a while. They will not have noticed I have lost weight but they will next time I see most of them (end of November) 😉
Whilst I am not diabetic or pre diabetic as far as I know. I was/am worried about the visceral fat around my organs. This has so motivated me to sort myself out. It has made it easier my husband is following the diet and is helping with the planning and shopping. I am so lucky to be so well supported. I won’t say I have lost the desire for chocolate, bread pasta etc. But its not as strong as it was.
Just makes me realise what bad habits we got into. Pudding and then cup of tea and a couple of biscuits after lunch and dinner, and then a bar of chocolate or cake for supper. This is making me cringe just typing this out. Anyway congratulations to everyone who has lost weight this week. So looking forward to getting on the scales next Saturday. Although we are going away for a few days so might have to pack the scales and take them with us:-)

Today ended up rather more experimental than I thought it would, I have just had my first food of the day at six o’clock. Still to work out how many calories it is as well so will post later as well. Sitting here, pleasantly full, in my new size 12 jeans though, and reflecting on a good days shopping 😊

Hello Tom

Not a silly question at all. I have started the BSD today – but planned it all a few days ago. I was in the same predicament as you – loved the look of the recipes, but what do I actually buy ?

I found it easiest to work out my meal plan for the first week, then drew up a shopping list of all the ingredients that I needed to buy in for it. It took a little longer – but some of those ingredients won’t be on the list every week – a few of the bags of nuts and the seasonings and some of the cheese. I think after this first week’s shop it will be a little easier. Also – if you are on your own – try and buy frozen chicken breasts and frozen cod fillets for example. then you won’t end up throwing away any fresh stuff because you didn’t use the pack up in time. I took a chicken breast out of the freezer last night. thawed it out in the fridge overnight/today on a plate in the fridge. And I have just cooked the Chicken in Parma Ham dish, which was very easy and totally delicious !

Good luck with it all.

So glad you are feeling better. HUGS!!!!

danames …. the 800 calories is for everyone on the 800 calorie plan … men/women/short/tall.

Just spend the calories on healthy foods as outlined in the book. If you don’t have the book …. there is information on site …. see the above tabs … Blood Sugar Diet, Get Started, Get active, …. FAQ.

Most of us try to stay under 50 g. of carbs as well … healthy complex carbs.

And …. no you can’t add calories to the plan if you do some exercise (another frequent question).

Thank you shalimar.x

Thanks everyone! Feeling fighting fit today.

I only had chicken broth, water, and Powerade yesterday. Surprisingly kept under 800 even with the sugary drinks. Went WAY over in the carbs though. BS showed it before bed last night for sure.

Thanks again!

Deb

Thanks Fairyface …. and many congrats on your weight loss!! HUGS!

Shalimar….what a positive outlook you have. I think this forum needs a like button like Facebook and the ability to just reply to one person. I do hope you remain positive and happy. Best wishes

Reading the mini goals is really inspiring – you are all doing so well!
I’m on day 12, lost 5kg and 2inches. My next mini goal is to lose another 2kg which gets me down to a round number. I hope by October 20th to have done it.
I’m struggling a little with some foods I desperately miss (Camembert on oatcakes with a big glass of red wine) but I’m trying to be positive – there’s been real progress in such a short time.

I am about to start the BSD, however, I am 4″11″ female and assume that the calorie allowance is based on that of a woman of average height (5’4″). What would the calorie requirement be for someone of my height?

Also, once the eight weeks is over and, hopefully, having reach one’s target weight, would it be advisable to stick to the principles of the BSD whilst resuming an increase in calories. I would truly like a healthy eating program.

Oh god yes, my daughter has left her husband, not me leaving mine, though come to think of it…….

Hi Wendy

How do you work out how much visceral fat you have lost?

ZIggy

The whole of my BSD journey seems to have gone quickly!

Yes, it’s much less hassle too – no carrying solution etc. Easier when travelling. When I had gas permeable lenses it was two bottles of solution to carry around. And the lenses lasted at least a year! Much prefer the daily disposable ones 😃

Hi sunshine-girl

Oh yes LOL I remember this’d white underskirts!!!! Actually the rest of the outfit sounds interesting too!!!’ I’m sure you’ll have a great time!!

Will be really good to get below the 74 even by a smidgen. You’ll definitely do it before your trip.

Is the ‘minus one’ your daughters?

Thanks FROG x i’ ll get some in and keep in fridge
When i was a kid,you knew you werent well if yr mum bought a big bottle of Lucozade! Used to be wrapped in yellow cellophane.
Sorry you’ve had a few dizzy spells too..i’ m always a little dizzy coz of other health probs but not usually so dizzy things start going dark and i think I might faint.anyhoo just had a shower coz have come to the conclusion i WON’T faint! It just feels like i might.
Exhausted after it,was cursing getting dried and into clean pjs! 😄 Hope Youre enjoying the weekend ..beenon any Nordic walks.
Ps funny Ziggy story! DD emptied his toy drawer coz now he prowls outdoors at night he doesnt bother withhis toys ( he used to flip the drawer handle when he wanted to play) Anyway she put his toys in a shoe box,put the lid on and stuck it under a chair til she decided where to keep it. Got up next day and the box was open and the toys all over the floor!😼😼😼 x

My fridge is full of courgette, cauli, red pepper, green pepper, mushrooms and spinach. My favorite lunch is roasted chicken breast served on a bed of spiral courgette (not spaghettied but very fine slices) with roasted red pepper and roasted asparagus with a dressing made from greek yoghurt, lemon and a little olive oil. Yes, don’t forget the Greek yoghurt, full fat, none of that low fat low calorie rubbish, a bottle of olive oil, the best you can afford, a bottle of rapeseed oil, better and cheaper for cooking with. Chicken, pork chops (no fat here), lean mince, steak and eggs That’s just to start with. You know when you are doing well when the salad drawer has little or no salad (cucumber and lettuce are just water and tomatoes are high in carbs and sugars) and your veg takes over the fridge. Forget about fruit for now, maybe some frozen berries, they are really good mixed in with yoghurt.
Ooops nearly forgot the cheese and cream cheese.
Good luck

That four weeks seems to have gone quickly!!

Glad you’re getting used to the lense. I wear daily disposable and find them so much better than the monthly ones. I also think they are better for your eyes because I think there’s less chance of infection. Good luck with it anyway.

Hi Yowzer, sorry that you’re not feeling great.
the only times I’ve felt odd since starting BSD is a couple of times when I get out of the bath – happened again yesterday, and I had flashing lights for a few minutes, laid down and it passed fairly quickly.

My Father’s diabetic nurse recommended he kept lucozade for when he had hypos. Hopefully you won’t need them often, but it’s something you could safely keep in the house and not feel remotely tempted – it is truly disgusting.
I was made to drink some in hospital about five years ago when I had a really bad migraine when coming out of anaesthetic – vile stuff. But his nurse did tell him it was a fast way of getting the sugar.

Hope that you feel better soon.

best way to get the best out of these forums is using the search box, top right of the screen – “Shopping list” will bring u[ numerous previous threads

to get started with shopping, eggs, full fat dairy (yogurt, cottage cheese) a selection of low carb vegetables and whatever fish or meat you are planning to eat. Olive oil if you don’t have any.

Of course Yowzer 👍😃. I’ll put them with the coat we’re using as big top 😃

Thanks shalimar and Rozy

Your words have helped. I need to write today off and accept I probably won’t lose anything for a few days now.
Thx

I am a 54 year old man so I know this sounds a little strange to ask for help on shopping BUT i was wondering what to start out with freezer or cupboard stock for the BSD i have read the book and looked at every page at the recipies but don’t know exactly where to start , i will add i like everything so am not bothered if anyone has any unusual suggestions , again its easy to do a “normal” shop but i want to begin on the right track and as we all know even after the weight has been lost and blood sugar levels reduce will by then be on the right track to stay healthy. One thing i have done is to order a spiralizer from Lakeland (wow i hear you all cry) as i love the idea of dumping pasta for a more healthy way. So once again any tips would be appreciated then i can plan and carry it out, and what about Christmas that’s due all that temptation ,any healthier recipes all welcome. Thanking you all in advance….. oh i assume it is ok to use frozen items so as they keep longer than the fresh

Ohh thats great LYNNE..can i take some to make curtains for our caravan windows when we’re on tour with our circus pls! 😄 X

Thanks LYNNE ..yeh lots viruses at the mo..i have had a tummy bug twice over the last few weeks that is doing the rounds!
Will deffo get doc appt if not better by Monday x thought might be hyper or is it hypo glycaemic earlier today ( very low blood sugar) but i dont think so now..think its poss an ear infection if not a bug x

Nedds Mum, I’ll just add my hugs to Shalimar’s!
I’m an inveterate comfort eater, sometimes stress & other crap just gets the better of me in spite of my good intentions. We are only human.. We’ve all made the occasional slip. As Shalimar says, be kind to yourself. Using this forum as a confessional is great for getting things out of your system – then you can focus on getting back on track.

Very well done Fairyface what a great weight loss!

Yowzer – sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. It sounds like one of the viruses that are going around. I’d suggest drinking plenty of fluids. As Janet says, try slow-release carbs. If it doesn’t improve, please get medical advice.

Thanks Yowzer 😃

LOL I’ve already got some trousers that the clowns can borrow😱

Thanks Verano

Been on maintenance 4 weeks today.

I’m getting used to wearing one contact lens😱 It’s surprising how quickly the brain adjusts to one eye being corrected for distance and the other being for reading! Fortunately the first time I had contact lenses, it was one eye distance and the other reading – but I needed both eyes adjusting. Took me a while to get my head round it. But I’m loving the soft lenses and getting them in and out is getting easier and quicker 😃

Hi Jim! Welcome to the forums and the BSD! I struggled with hunger through my many weeks (did about 24 weeks, now maintenance) — some weeks were better than others but it was a definite issue for me. I think it is really important to keep your carbohydrate intake very low if you are prone to hunger — I seemed best on about 20-30 grams of carbs per day — pretty much cut out all breads, root vegetables, sugars, most fruit, grains etc. Fill up on leafy greens, spinach, chard, all vegetables except corn, peas, potatoes — eat full fat yogurt, cheese, meats. As you go along and find your hunger is in control you can add back in healthy carbs like small servings of beans and a few fruits. If your hunger grows, cut back again — I had to experiment to find my own functional carb intake level that would control hunger (I am probably high insulin). The rule of thumb is “carbohydrate-drives-insulin-drives-fat”. I would also say “carb drives insulin drives appetite drives fat”. I always recommend Gary Taubes book “Why We Get Fat and What To Do About It” as the best primer on carbohydrate and fat — it is research out of Duke University in the U.S. Good luck on your journey! This diet works brilliantly for us “always hungry” types — for the first time ever in my life I can control my eating. It has been a revelation and a huge relief.

Weigh day for me and I have lost 7lbs……..rock on!

Sometimes it slows down a lot.

As far as i know …. the first week is usually the biggest weight loss.

the amount of weight loss can vary a lot. For instance … if you have to loose 200 pounds over all … it is likely to be more loss per week than if you only have 20 pounds to loose.

Nedds mum …. HUGS.
Sorry you are feeling low.
You are not letting yourself down … you are just coping as best you can today. Be kind to yourself.

HUGS.

Feel low today.

Unwell + father in law staying = high stress levels.

High stress levels = chocolate consumption. Have let myself down.

😞😞 apologies for being so negative but feel better just for typing this!