Welcome to the posts Bells! You’ve come to the right place — no matter how much you need to lose. This way of eating is going to change your entire mindset about food but it is going to take a bit of time. My best recommendation is to not overthink it in the beginning — don’t evaluate it, just follow the guidelines. We are very quick to analyze things but I found just keeping on doing the plan, without too much critical judgment is what works best. So put those thoughts about how much you need to lose in a little space in the back of your mind and just focus on today and how to eat right for this day, this week. Over time, the way you look at food is going to change, for the better and for permanent. Keep trying to stick with the recommended calories (but consider any day a success even if you were a bit high), stay as low carb as possible (it gets easier with practice), add some salt to your food (helps with “carb-flu”) and most of all, never quit. It is the day to day, just keeping on, that finally does the trick. You are going to amaze yourself. I will look forward to your posts!

This is all really good to hear 🙂 Iv set a goal of 8stone in my head but realistically I need to loose 13! My husband and I have decided to have a baby but after getting on the scales today it needs to wait until Iv lost at least 8 stone. I don’t want to but myself or a baby in any danger! I have never been so motivated so fingers crossed I can stick to it for the 8 weeks! I then plan to introduce the 5:2 once this 8 weeks is complete.

Hi Bells

I’ve lost more weight since I was interviewed for the article. Now I’ve lost 6st 12lb, taking me 5 pounds under my original target at the top of my healthy BMI. I’ve now got the 100 pound figure in my sights!

Hi there, have fallen from grace after loosing 1st a couple of years ago. Found your thread on Thursday and read the posts and thought this support group is just for me:) Love the Beach Boys!!!!! Wow the skill of those surfers! Sunday 25th; I shall weigh and measure and record. My key motivations are getting rid of the jelly belly, increase energy levels and improve my health stats for much later in life, as the NHS sure can’t afford us to be ill! I am without doubt a sugar junkie, like no other and my mature bod just doesn’t burn the cals like she used to 🙁
Your results are epic – I can’t wait to join the results record! I have read the website, the book and made key notes to keep me on track. Just received the new recipe book produced by Michael, looks god on first skim. Have he next 2wks as a good window to get on track and in the groove.

Firstly I want to say how amazing the posts are. I’ve just read the daily mail article whilst in Marks & Spencer cafe with a large “skinny” latte and a fruit iced bun after a sugar craving I Walked over to WH Smith and bought this amazing book.

I confess to being a sugar addict. I get light headed and shaky when I have went too long without food or sugar. I find myself hunting for some sweet grapes or jelly babies!!

I have very high cholesterol (12.8) and I weigh 14 stones. I am not even five foot but say I am lol I have attended Slimming World on and off for years and to be honest I have went from a 22 to a 16/18. I am sick to death of pasta rice and potatoes which are all good on SW along with digestive problems that come with it.

I am sure that this is the plan I need but I have no idea where to start. I am not good with eggs salmon or oily fish but I am keen to try. I like the idea of the shakes as I am a very lazy eater.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated as I go on holiday too in 7 weeks and even if I lost 7 pounds I would be ecstatic. I feel I have been brainwashed to eat low fat yogurts, fry light? Rices and as much potatoes as u can eat.

I am going to read the book over the weekend and I am going to stop eating carbs! I have downloaded an app to track my carbs too.

Good luck to everyone. The results are amazing on the forums and I hope to one of them soon.

Thanks Natalie 😃

When I started I had an extremely daunting 9 stone 4 pounds target to lose to reach what I had decided was my healthy weight, six stone of that has now gone. I am in Size 14 clothes again after decades in larger sizes. It hasn’t all been plain sailing, after initially losing 3 stone last year I went straight back to my old habits at the end of the year and put on a stone in three months. The difference this year has been discovering the existence of the carb monster and realising just how much the cravings and unconscious habits it feeds drove me to put on weight. I have lost four stone this year so far and will be tackling my first Fast 800 8 week program from next week. It won’t be too much of a step up as I am already doing 5 days a week at 800 calories. Some people had more weight to lose than me, but I can’t think of very many people of any starting weight it hasn’t helped. As Avila said, this journey starts with the first step, which in this case is simply deciding to do it.

Hi Dona Rosa.

I’m the wrong person to ask about being semi-vegetarian on the BSD – sorry. But someone will be along who can help with that.

The only exercise I do is walking. I live in a small village and don’t drive so either have to use the limited public transport or walk. A programme a couple of nights ago recommended 30 minutes brisk walking a day, 5 days a week, as being beneficial for health.

I think I might need Captainlynne to hold my hand! I bought the book, watched the series, read the book, started and then got sidetracked by visitors. Now the final visitor of the year arrives tomorrow and leaves on Thursday. I want to shift this weight. I same age as Captainlynne – at present semi vegetarian although I eat fish and chicken occasionally. I love vegetables and cooking. I will need advice and kicking from time to time I am certain. How much exercise do you do? I am not a fan of it although once said visitor has gone back, intend to go back to walking the beach in the mornings for around 20 minutes.

That’s amazing Brightspark, you must be so chuffed. And hopefully your determination and success will be passed on by your GP to others, giving them hope and a sense of what can be achieved!

Hi Bells,

Welcome, there are lots of people here at a range of weights, those with more to lose tend to extend the 8 weeks, others ease across to the 5:2 version for a slower ride.

put captainlynne into the search – she was in the article and lost a lot, very encouraging and inspiring poster.

Biggest journeys all start with the same single step…. and all that stuff – the decision is a step, I planned a week before I started, it allowed me to de-carb the house, plan meals and shop for the right kind of foods. It can be so demoralising finding you don’t have the diet plan foods in the house and the pizza in the freezer is calling you…. Once you have a week under your belt and some confidence in the plan it then is easier to resist.

Lynne and Frog: Thank you for posting the link for me. I was looking under health so that was why I couldn’t find it.
You look so beautiful Lynne. Oh I live in central New York near Syracuse. About 4-5 hours from NYC.
After reading that article and seeing all of the results of everyone only encourages me more to stick with this plan. Thank you all so much for being here to help everyone new to this way of eating.

No crisps… It’s a deal…. For at least a week. I am looking to lose about a stone, not type 2 but on the edge so trying to avoid it with the right tools, knowledge and help. Overall goal is to be fit, healthy and within bmi and avoid type 2 as long as possible. Got my menu planned out, tomorrow will refine the fitness plan ready for the big start on Monday. 😊

Hi Gibbette

I am currently on day 3 of the bsd and have been migrainey on and off since day 1 – however there is a “regularly occurring” reason for that. I think I’ll be able to judge it better in about 6 weeks or so. I also tend to get a migraine at ovulation so I am interested to see if the bsd affects the migraines in any way. I am suspecting not – I have had migraines for many years. The only thing that helped me was anti epileptic medication however this caused weight gain. I am making sure I drink 2.5-3 litres a day as dehydration can bring one on.

I don’t feel too bad at the moment though. Hope yours has gone.

That’s amazing Vikkia. How long have you been going and how much more do you want to lose?

I had a weird day yesterday. Went on a 6 mile walk with my wife and ordered some food at the pub for lunch which was presented in a burger style so I could only eat the salad while my wife ate the rest. I had a Diet Coke, an apple and some nuts then the usual low carb meal when I came home.

Despite all that I put on a pound???

Weird huh.

Down 7 kgs, need a belt for my jeans and tops are getting loose.. Loving it! How’s every one else going??

Hi happyitsworking

Please give my love to NYC 😃

This is the link – hope it works.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3804919/The-amazing-stories-women-lives-transformed-revolutionary-regime.html?ito=email_share_article-top

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3804919/The-amazing-stories-women-lives-transformed-revolutionary-regime.html?login#readerCommentsCommand-message-field

Lynne: I’m from New York can you give post a link so I can see you on the Daily Mail. I don’t know how to find it on line.
Thanks…….

If it hadn’t been for that article, there would have been numerous other reasons Avila. Liz Jones. Samantha Brick 😂 Katie Hopkins…

I am 57 minutes away from leaving! Eeeeek! So excited! I was just telling Janey that ogling suited and booted sportsmen negates both calories AND carbs. Who knew? That’s the story I’m sticking to tonight anyway. I doubt the meal being massive anyway, not when the hotel ends in the word ‘lodge’ and breakfast isn’t included in the room price 😑

Well done again
Lynne and everyone enjoy their Saturday!

well done Andy – that’s great
I spotted that Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs on TV schedules when I was looking for something to watch when I got in one evening, but didn’t watch it, I’ll find it on Iplayer

Thanks Marilyn😃

Have just checked the DM article online. Captainlynne, how very elegant you look. I’ve followed your progress for a little while and found your attitude to be so positive and friendly. The article and photos reflect that. Congratulations.
Best wishes, Marilyn

Hi Natalie
None of us is perfect – but if you do stick to BSD for long enough, you will start to control the carb cravings and change the way you eat.
I did the 8 weeks for that and a bit longer, fairly strictly(ish), and lost about a kilo a week – then I haven’t really been keeping to it as well for the last month or so – but I haven’t gone back to wolfing down giant portions of cake, chocolate, bread…. so I’ve not lost any more, but I haven’t put weight back on either – and I did do a ‘kick start’ at one point and shifted about 3 kilos in a week.

Do give it another go – as you’ve said, the wider impacts of uncontrolled diabetes are scary, it isn’t just abut weight, smaller clothes or looking and feeling good, but they do help!
I’ve found using an online food, weight and exercise tracker, such as FatSecret or My Fitness Pal, really helpful, as well as using this forum – LOTS
you’ve not said whether you’re taking medication – why not arrange to see your GP and/or get some blood tests done if you don’t have any recent ones, then you’ll have those as a yardstick to measure your progress on BSD. (BUT don’t put off starting BSD until you’ve done the tests!!)

Yes, you are in charge of your own life, and responsible for the choices that you make – but there is lots of help and support out there (and here), and it’s equally your choice to engage with that and make the most of it.

Lots of luck

Just started today, after reading article in the paper and downloading the book. I have got on the scales for the first time today in months and cried. It’s given me even more motivation. Has anyone here been EXTREMELY over weight and found this has helped?

On 16th June 2016 I found out that I was a Type2 Diabetic, my HbA1c was 62, cholesterol was 4.9 and BP 144/92 and I weighed 13 Stone 13 lbs (88.4 Kg) with a BMI of 30.2. I was sent off with a bag full of pills (Metformin & Statin) and a booklet about Diabetes. Needless to say that was not the best news I ever had. So I took my pills and read the booklet, which still suggested that I can have loads of carbs and some sweet stuff!
I decided to do a bit of my own research and soon found lots of information on the Internet, some good, some bad and some controversial. I found the Ditch The Carbs, Blood Sugar Diet by Dr Michael Mosley, Sugar Free by Karen Thompson and these lead me to look at a whole host of others including Diet Doctor (Andreas Eenfeldt MD), Professor Tim Noakes, Professor Roy Taylor, Dr David Unwin, Emily Maguire, Ted Naiman and Dr Aseem Malhotra. All these wonderful people have websites and social media that support diet and exercise and a LCHF or real Mediterranean Diet to improve your health.
After spending some time reading their websites and tweets I decided to give it a go and try Low Carb. I stopped the bread, pasta, potatoes and rice and started including more vegetables, some fruit (Berries, Apples, Pears ) and trying out some of the recipes from Ditch the Carbs. I also started some basic exercise; I walked for 30 mines a day. Pretty soon began losing weight and feeling better. I mixed up my menus taking my inspiration from Karen’s Sugar Free book, Libby’s Ditch the Carbs website, Andreas’s Diet Doctor Website and the BSD book by Michael Mosely.
Over the last 3 months my cooking has had interesting results as somethings I cook really well other were a bit of a disaster (Down to me not the recipes  ) I have become a big fan of cauliflower rice and I am now enjoying butter, eggs, cheese and some full fat yoghurts, cream and nuts and I am losing weight. Much to the bewilderment of family and friends. I have even now increased my exercise and I’m doing HIIT sessions from the fabulous Joe Wicks (Freely available on YouTube) whose 15 minute low impact workouts are fantastic and fun.
It’s now 24th September and I’ve had a 3 month blood test to see how I am getting on. The results are in!
HbA1c is now 39, cholesterol is 3 (LDL=1.3, HDL=1.3) I now weigh 11 Stone 9 lbs ( 75 Kg ) and my BMI is 25.6. At my review they have kept me on Statins and I am now down to 1 Metformin and my BP is now 131/84. With my Diabetes Nurse I have agreed a target weight of 11 stone and another HbA1c test in 3 months. I’m also now trying to get my BP down a bit more so I’m going to start some Qigong and Mindfulness exercises.
I’ve had a fantastic journey over the last 3 months. I’m no saint as I have had a glass of red wine and a couple of squares of 85% dark chocolate during the last 3 months (But not every day!!)
I’ve found a supportive and vibrant community on the Internet who keep posting their recipes, research and hold forums discussing the latest developments in LCHF and Diabetes. I’ve managed to watch The Big Fat Fix and the Fixing Dad (Documentary about reversing a Type 2 Diabetes by Anthony and Ian Whittington) and I’ve just watched the fantastic 2 part program by Dr Chris van Tulleken – The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs. I’m now looking forward to the next few months of my new journey.
A big thank you to everyone in the LCHF community and to the Doctors who are supporting and researching this way of life. As Albert Einstein once said “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we create them”

Keep posting and tweeting.
Andy @Crixus1963

wow – a very bright and cheery outcome Brightspark – well done, that’s great

Great results Brightspark 😃💐

Good to hear your GP is so positive too!

Well I was just reading another thread that mentioned blood sugar level effects on eyesight and numbness in toes… Scared me… No more excuses… Writing my meal plan for the week now.

Just wanted to share…
Had a visit to my GP this week as a follow-up to my chat with her at the start of this journey…
She was wowed. Actually she didn’t recognise me at first which was fun!
Had the results of my bloods etc back and she was sooo impressed and pleased for me, I felt quite chuffed.
Weight down 45lbs
Blood sugar down to 5.1
Cholesterol down to 5.1
Blood pressure 120/70
BMI 27
So, although I’m aiming to lose another 14 lbs or so I’m so pleased with all that’s happened. My GP is actively encouraging patients in need to follow the diet and has a copy of the book I gave her on her desk. She was quite emotional when we discussed the changes and I’m so glad she told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to take responsibility for my health and welfare.
Since I’ve started this I’ve had no joint pain, no reflux or heartburn and I look and feel 10 years younger. I’m wearing size 10 / 12 clothes and my husband calls me Skinny-minny!
My husband and I have found the diet to be life-changing and it’s paved the way for a healthier, happier future.

Congratulations on your weight loss and your inspirational fame, Captain!

I’m so torn at the moment. I need to lose weight for all the usual reasons, and I know I feel better if I’m eating well. When I was having a really bad week recently, it seemed reasonable to put off getting healthy. I mean, I’ve got pain, right? Oh, and it’s school holidays now with hungry children home. And we’re having people over for lunch tomorrow. I’ll start Monday, or in three weeks, or next month, or at some point in the future with the planets align and conditions are perfect. Because that will happen, right? On that day, the perfect day, it will suddenly become easy to get out of bed and NOT eat toast and put sugar in my tea. Or actually I can usually do that for a couple of days anyways, but when life is perfect I will be able to side through day three carb flu and sugar withdrawal with a mere “yes I had a bit of a headache but I just had a herbal tea and I was fine” like other people seem to. Instead of “it suddenly got hard and I ate a family-size block of chocolate”. Arg! Sick of failing. Do I try again tomorrow morning, do I wait til after my operation (which might not make any difference, I don’t know), I am at a loss.

Don’t worry I don’t expect you to solve my problems for me! I am in charge of my own life. I just don’t seem to be able to get a handle on this and sometimes other people’s success stories are depressing instead of inspiring.

I was probably one of the first people in the world to get the BSD book, before Christmas last year, I saw the staff in the bookshop putting price labels on it, it wasn’t even on the shelf yet. I started the fast 800 BSD 27 Dec, this website wasn’t up yet. The forum didn’t exist. So why aren’t I at goal weight? Why do I weigh almost as much as I did then? Because I don’t stick to it, and I don’t really understand how other people can: this diet or any diet. How do you NOT give into temptation? It’s like a secret other people know and try to tell me but I don’t speak the language.

Well sorry for the depressing post, but this is how I feel tonight.

Hi everyone

I’m recovering slowly from the shock this morning 😱

Thanks for your kind comments – I’m still waiting to hear from my family and my boss!

I’ll try to answer your questions/comments.

sunshine-girl and Christine – I was told they had struggled to find people prepared to speak to them! I met two of the other ladies, and they were saying that they (the 4 others) all knew each other – from another group, the Facebook group. There was mention of a man, but I don’t know if he’ll appear later in the week or if he dropped out. So, sorry everyone, it seems I’m the only one off these forums!

orchid – glad you finally managed to find all the photos. I thought lots off here would have volunteered but it seems I was the only one who did. And I thought long and hard about it, including one sleepless night. I checked with our media department and boss, who both told me I could go ahead. It’s a very strange feeling!😱

Switzerland – I love that quote😃

Hope that answers your questions. It has certainly been an interesting experience.

Johnnyboy, my eyesight started to improve as my b/g went down, big panic, will I have to fork out for new glasses again. However, with a steady b/g things have settled down and I have had a professional test done just a few weeks ago so know everything is as it should be.

But Lynne – you are a loyal DM reader, following the DM’s diet – you must be, it says so!!! 🙂

Well done…two number celebration soon! That’s great.

I am just back home today. Very tough week, funeral and staying away from home.
So have had about 10 days off. Have put a bit on but not all yay……so starting again tomorrow like its day one. 114.8 kg. Target 100 kg by end of November.

Hi Switzerland 😃

Enjoy your time relaxing 😴😴😴😴😴😃

Congratulations Stewart 😃🎈

I wasn’t aiming for that figure, and reached my target after 91 pounds. But 100 is such a nice, round figure. And now I’m only 4 pounds away from it. 😱

Hope to join you soon 😃

Thanks everyone. They provided the dress!

*comes out of hiding with paper bag over head*

Thank you everyone for your kind comments 😃💐☕️

I’ll try to answer your questions/comments.

Antigone – I should be emailed some photos on Monday. They couldn’t do that until the article was published for copyright reasons.

Yowzer. – the shoes, clothes, and even the tights were provided! I was asked beforehand what size Clothes and shoes I wore. I have never in my life worn 4″ stilettos, and I don’t remember wearing ‘nude’ shoes either! The first outfit was a skirt and blouse, then the second was the dress. I had no say in what I wore, or which outfit was used in the final photo. Sorry, but the interview was before we started the circus😱💐

ruthdownunder – if I had done the interview in my professional capacity it would have been very different. I had discussed it with our media people as well as my boss. I know from bitter experience how careful you have to be when talking to journalists and it was safer to do this in my private capacity. Apologies to any media folk on here.

Avila – they positioned me in a variety of poses😱 Seeing photos in the Mail since, I noticed how often they use just a few poses! Legs crossed, or one knee bent in seem particularly popular. Hands by side or hand on hip. Stand on angle or front facing.

I was told that it had been a struggle to find anyone prepared to speak to them, and I understand that I was the only one off these forums. The others seem to all know one another from the Facebook group. It was mentioned that there may be a man appearing – that could be next week, if he decided to proceed.

Hope this helps. It was certainly an experience going for the photo shoot😱😃

Hi Lynne,
Great article, and great photos of you, well done, it would be interesting to see what you wrote and how it was changed for the paper by the journalist?
Plus I agree with sunshine-girl, who and where are the other successful woman who were featured, are they not on the forum?
Christine.

3. above should have read BSDers.

1. School holidays – time to relax as well as getting work done around the house (with helpers of course).
2. Relaxed enough to sleep in today.
3. Feeling joy for BSD in England that have featured in the Daily Mail.

…pulling up a chair ready to welcome you to our new 100 Club – clubhouse!

I have been working out how to celebrate, a dance, a bike ride, a walk in the sun.

No longer do I even think of a nice meal!

I hope those food addicted days are behind me.

Off to put my cycling/dancing/walking boots on.

Congratulations Stewart! 😀 I just worked out how far short I am of joining the club and it’s 16 pounds. I like the new clubhouse, and look forward to joining you in here soon, perhaps after my first Fast 800 8 weeks cycle which is due to begin next Monday.

Hi captainlynne,
Fantastic! Just looked up the Daily Mail online so I could read the article from afar. There’s not much left to be said, but in Walt Whitman’s words “OCaptain! my captain! our fearful trip is done, the ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,…….”
Have a great week-end Lynne. Best wishes.

Hi Penny
there are lots of threads on alternate breads, as well as the cloud one – as Igor’s said, the search box is invaluable, and will bring up a wealth of comments.
Personally I tried hard to get away from having bread with everything, and don’t think I had any at all in the first 10 weeks or so.
Habbit/Addiction is not totally broken – I was eating out last night, carefully ate the smoked salmon starter and left the sourdough toast that it was served on.
Before the plates were taken away, I tried a tiny bite
then another one…..
slippery slope
Thankfully, it was only a very thin, small slice

When I started BSD, I’d have different carbs to replace bread
So where I really missed toast when I had egg for breakfast, I’d have it with a small portion of low sugar baked beans. After the first couple of weeks, I felt less of a need for that, and now I have the egg with avocado, and either smoked salmon, ham or bacon – and shopping yesterday I came across some tasty looking asparagus, so will have that for brunch.

Hi Captainlynne, I have just managed to get the on-line version to show all the photos – earlier this morning I only had the ‘before’s’. Great to see the difference and all the positive publicity it is generating. Well done for volunteering!

OATS
Used to hate them. My mom made them mushy and soupy.

I use the large flake oats and just pour boiling water over them and let them sit a few minutes. I usually add cinnamon … andy anthing i like .. . nuts, fruit, applesauce unsweetened, unsweetened coconut and a few cranberries taste like cherries, flax seeds chipped in a coffee grinder, chia seeds … any and all of the above.

A friend also likes soaking them in milk/water overnight and then add goodies.

Instant oatmeal gives me chills … because you don’t really need to cook it … i like my oatmeal al dente!!