Hi spox;

well- the pound I gained is slowly coming off. I’m keeping protein at about 60 grams- I think this will be realistic for me and would not want to do less than that. Closely watching carbs- keeping them at about 30- 40 grams.

The fasting window is actually going OK. Not really too much of a hardship for me and continue to hope it will help. The evidence for doing it is quite good.

I do hope for success like you have had. Bottom line though is I feel much better already. My energy levels are better, mood better, and I do “feel” my body changing in a good way. Very happy about that! And will be thrilled when the next 10 pounds come off also.

Hang in there spox! and it seems from the other posts that these little speed bump gains happen, or a plateau happens, then we go on losing again.

Somebody told me this is true. Was in hope some kind person may already know the answer. Would love to be able to ask beloved ! Dr Mike Mosley. Thank you in advance! for any and all help.

Go Frog!! I love it when clothes start to get loose! Wonderful affirmation!

I’m trying not to buy too many new clothes – I know that I have so many in my lock up storage unit that I need to retrieve – certainly lots of size 18’s – and probably 16s, although I did go into a big Sainsburys yesterdays, and bought a pair of work trousers that were reduced to £3!
As with the thread on the ‘jeans window’; the other week, stuff doesn’t actually fit for too long, so I’m trying not to buy stuff until I’m my target size 12 – and I know there won’t be any of those lurking anywhere!
The other week I found a brilliant pair of M&S jeans that I used to love. Leaving aside that the leg shape is a bit dated, they fitted brilliantly when I first found them – they’re not yet in the too loose category, but definitely going that way.

Thanks all – I have never been able to stomach eggs despite trying many times over my 34 years on this planet. I would love to be able to eat eggs but alas I cannot and have come to the conclusion that I just have to listen to my body and move on.

Thanks for all your suggestions – although yes it has turned in to an egg loving post haha. I will just stick with what I have been doing all these years and swap out for other protein rich foods instead. Guess there just aren’t too many non-egg lovers out there 🙂

Cheers to you all and all the very best on your BSD.

Hi Mishkalala

Eggs are great,( wish I had my own chickens Timmy. ) but cheese and beans are also good, especially chick peas or whatever you call them where you are, garbanzos? All meat and chicken and fish of course. There is one very inspirational poster Happy Life who eats fish every day – my ex-English husband would be very happy with that!

Seeds and nuts in small quantities are also good

Good luck – I am on day 10 and am quite pleased with myself so far as I am a lousy dieter

Ruth

Hi Izzy
sadly not on the haberdashery front!
There is a local market stall that does some stuff, one or two suburbs that I know better have one – but in central London I guess the rents are too high – John Lewis is OK, but pricey. I end up buying online, but sometimes I really like to see things first.
The lovely shop I found in Canterbury I bought replacement buttons for the jeans I found that I’d obviously worn until they were so tight that the buttons popped off, then shoved at the back of the wardrobe.
What made me think of it earlier was that they had the most amazing looking sewing cabinets – but it sounds as if you’re doing really well improvising.

Thanks for the replies. I have copied the details for the VLCD shake I am using below. Normally out some blue berrys and strewberrys in it to make it taste better. Will stick it and see how I go. Have been drinking a lot try and get through at least 2* 750 water bottles plus 3-4 cups of green and black tea so fluids are up

Qty Per Serving (40g)
Energy 618Kj
148kCal
Protein 17.1g
Fat (Total) 1.0g
Fat (Saturated) 0.2g
Carbohydrate (Total) 17.7g
Sugars 16.0g
Sodium 362mg
Potassium 667mg
Vitamin A 200μg
Vitamin C 25mg
Thamine (Vitamin B1) 0.5mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 0.7mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 6mg
Calcium 210.5mg
Iron 6mg
Vitamin D3 1.7μg
Vitamin E 4mg
Vitamin B6 0.7mg
Folic Acid 133μg
Vitamin B12 1μg
Phosphorus 265mg
Iodine 50μg
Magnesium 117mg
Zinc 5mg
Copper 0.4mg
Biotin 67μg
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) 2.9mg
Manganese 0.6mg
Chromium 27μg
Selenium 7μg
Molybdenum 33μg

Hi Chocky Holic – probably nothing!
Lots of people report experiencing a plateau at some point in the first few weeks – for me it was quite early, I think day four or five, and continued for about ten days – but even though my weight wasn’t shifting, I did notice clothes getting looser.
I know there’s a feeling of disbelief that only 800 calories, more exercise, no bread.potatoes etc etc… how can you not loose weight! But it will kick in again, stick with it.

The only other thing to think about – quite a lot of people report problems with constipation – of that may be an issue, use the search box in the top right of the screen, there are several threads on the subject.

good luck

I am on day 16 and weightloss has stopped. My bsl’s were way down, between 5 and 5.5 fasting and under 5 post meals. I had a ‘normal’ day on friday and since then my bsl’s have been over 7 fasting and between 6 and 7 post meals. I know these arent ‘bad’ numbers but I’m intrigued and wonder why a ‘day off’ has impacted my bsl’s. That was 5 days ago. Only eating 50g carbs or less (from veges only) and doing 16:8. Calories definitely below 800. Weightloss not happening after initial fluid loss of 2.5kg. Am I doing something wrong????

I have definitely gone to bed earlier a few nights to avoid the cravings. I’m also sleeping really soundly since starting, so the combination of the cravings and the good sleep has made it very appealing to sleep earlier.

I think today, for the first day, I’ve had my first real feeling of elation since starting. I woke up to very good news on the scale and I’ve started to get in the habit of walking a lot. I pushed myself very hard to be active all weekend and that is paying off.

My biggest struggles right now are no booze (I love a glass of wine with dinner) and no snacking at night (I love to snack on carby junk late in the evening). But I think my body is really trying to acclimate to the new routine!

Keep up the good work, Hush! Hopefully this passes and you feel better tomorrow!

Thanks Plumptious, Igorasusual and Vickitum for your kind comments….It’s a great feeling to have lost 2 1/2 stone… I am feeling and looking the best I have for at least 5 years and am looking forward to teaching my next goal. But for now I am going to enjoy my holiday glad that I have worked blooming hard ! 🤗

🙂

I did that n it worked a treat thanks. I’m addicted to farge! I’ve had it twice today. Finished on 759 cal
Hubby ate pizza n I wasn’t even bothered!

I blame Timmy!

I think we should rename him…

Troublesome Timmy (TT for short)

As for alternatives to eggs I can’t really think of any direct replacements, but agree with the others just make yourself a plan based on what you do like however reach out and try a few new things if you can. I never used to eat much courgette but I’ve discovered I LOVE courgetti.

Frog you’ve done so well avoiding the hi carb nibbles!

it’s great to feel clothes getting looser isn’t it? Perhaps it is time for shopping.

Hi. I reckon you need some fat..looks a little on the low fat side. Add some avocado or a bit of cheese. Keep going. I am 20 weeks in and my life has changed so much. 🙂

I would have thought you could get anything in London lol. I’ve never been I really should visit London sometime.

Well I *was* going to bed early but… I got a bit carried away. I have built a 6ft long workbench in my loft using the old cabinet that was destined for the skip, some legs off an old table that were destined to be burned in my chimnea, and a few other bits that were kicking about. I’ve also used other parts of the cabinet to make two shelves, and fixed up a long piece of wood to use to hang clothes from. It’s certainly come a long way up there in just a few days and so far the only cost has been the flooring. everything else is recycled which kind of feels right somehow – given what I want to use it for 🙂 My poor cordless drill only just made it tonight before running out of juice! I’ve got it charging now but I probably won’t need it for much if anything for a while.

Tomorrow – I will hoover up all the sawdust and bring some things up. I have a chair that was in my bedroom and another lamp. I’ve really enjoyed creating the space, so I hope I enjoy using it as much too. My first project list is already long lol. I have my coasters to finish painting, I have a picture I am painting as well, the mermaid tail thing for my daughter, and yes- a few clothing alterations to make! Also I want to continue adding to the space, more shelves, and some decor. How am I going to fit in time to work?

Hi EliseB,
Well done! Your approach sounds very similar to mine – I’m 5 weeks in and have lost a stone (I have a bit more than you to lose though!).
I now find it second nature to plan meals without carbs, and green beans are a great go-to alternative to have with meat or fish. I find eggs are great for a fast meal with mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, and cheese if you feel like it.

Keep on doing what you’re doing!

Hi Oldtyke

Welcome in. You will find this journey easier than you think. After the first week of your body getting used to YOU being in control you will see the magic. QUIT THE GUILT, life’s too short. Embrace the full-fat experience because it works. Don’t binge on it, measure and enjoy every bit of it, because it works. Did the years of strange-tasting Frankensteinian low-fat stuff work???

Your OH will need the odd red wine to toast your rapid, on-going and sustainable progress.
N.

Everyone is different and we lose weight or change our shape at different rates. Temporary plateaux are not unusual. I have lost 4.6kg in 4 weeks. Not able to exercise due to disability but am eating 800-900 cals a day and drinking 3-4 litres a day. I am happy with a slower progress. You have done really well, keep it up.

Hi Lucia,
Good advise! thanks! Well today went well. I spent most of the day on my feet! After a lovely sunny walk in the woods I went to The Hampton Court Flower Show! And was I tempted by all the foodie smells???? Not I wasn’t! Not even an ice cream or a cheeky Pimms! No I waited until I got home and had my dinner with hubby!

I’m going for another walk in the morning followed by my gym sesh.
Out to cinema in the evening but will avoid the usual snacks and just take a bottle of water.

Tomorrow is another day!
Sleep tight and I hope your limbs aren’t too sore after you yoga tangle!!

love Hels

I’d say you were on your monthly and retaining water but with a name like Jeff that’s probably not the case!

Other than the shake which as Izzy says may not be as low carb as you want, yr diet looks good. Water water and more water. And it will shift . I have had a slow down in week 4 but I know I have had a few too many carbs last week. Am back on it now.

Amazing changes in your blood sugar readings. I do despair of medical nutritionists. Just been visiting my type 2 diabetic dad who is in hospital recovering from his hip op and they are giving him toast, cake, sugar puddings. And are surprised his blood sugars are romping out of control. I hope to persuade him to join me on this diet. I may be hoping for too much. Keep on going…will be interested to see your progress. I am not yet diabetic but pre..and with a big family history of it so determined to get myself sorted. It really works.

I started on 29th! About 30lb or so to lose, 5lb gone in first week 👍🏻

Hi everyone, first time poster here, but have been enjoying and appreciating all your posts in my first week.

Pleased to say I’m 5lb down in first 6 days which I’m very pleased with, in context of about 2 to 2 1/2 stone to lose (5’6″, was 12st12.4lb, now 12st7lb). Fully expecting slow down but as long as it goes in the right direction it’s good for me. Keep telling myself most of this weight went on in years so it’s going to take a little while to get it off again!

I’ve been following principles of BSD but all my own food recipes and combos rather than any book recipes. . Favourites have been naked fajita and super cheap super quick super easy creamy broccoli soup. Calories have been anything from 850 – 1100 and carbs anything from 35 – 80 but all natural foods eg high carb days when I had apple, or tin of chickpeas as part of supper. Oh just the one exception – had a press lunch on Friday at a tapas restaurant which actually would have been ok-ish with jamon, cheese, tortilla and the best part of a whole plate of padron peppers (must find them in a shop/market for home snack emergencies) but did indulge in several spoonfuls of potato bravas and two croquettes (you had me at “deep fried breadcrumbs…!). It was early days.

Almonds and fruit tea and sparkling water have been keeping me going in tricky times. I roasted some of my almonds in the oven and put them in a jar for the week and it completely changes the taste – makes them much more savoury tasting which mixes it up from the “normal” ones. Sparkling water with fresh lime and lots of mint leaves is a winner, especially if you are out at a bar or restaurant.

I have ME at the moment so exercise is very difficult but have been walking about 6000 + steps a day to and from station when commuting.

Oh and final trick – brushing my teeth after dinner stops some of my evening snack cravings !

Amazing weight loss. Keep at it!

I am doing my Fast Days at the moment by having a light protein breakfast then my main evening meal at around 7pm. How do others do others do it? Wondering if I should skip breakfast and just have a light lunch or could I alternate? Thanks

Think I might have spoken too soon in my earlier post about not having any lightheadedness or hunger………… since 4pm today, nonstop thoughts of biscuits have been doing the conga around my brain. Have also, for the first time, experienced hunger pangs and a rumbling tummy together with some light-headedness.

I’ve drunk a lot of water but it hasn’t really helped. It’s only just after 9.30pm but the only thing I can think of doing to avoid the carb cravings is head to bed.

Anyone else experienced a tough day recently?

Thanks everyone. So great advice and tips there, I shall endeavour to follow them.

Nil desperandum

Hi Everyone.

My friend has early onset/young Alzheimer’s Disease and his family have discovered Cytoplan and are very excited. Does anyone here know of the product/products and/or have any idea as the the reliability or efficacy. The website seems extra-ordinary (9 out of 10 improve/get better!!) and I am very sceptical about Cytoplan. Am I wrong?

“https://www.cytoplan.co.uk/blog/about-cytoplan/”
““Of the first ten patients tested, nine showed subjective or objective improvement. These included people with memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease and/or varying degrees of cognitive impairment. All six patients who had given up or severely limited work, returned to work or were able to work without difficulty.
And now over 100 patients have been treated, with unprecedented results. A clinical trial is planned in the USA and UK.””

Grateful for any authoritative support.

Frog that’s great. Ill-fitting, but great.

All my jackets do up comfortably, and the tops which were snug fitting and I didn’t risk tumbledrying are now loose.

Are you off clothes shopping? It is the Summer Sale after all …….

No worries – worth a shot – I hate throwing stuff away.

A couple of times when I’ve been out of London recently I’ve come across the most amazing haberdashery and craft stores – I can’t think of a single one in London.

Congratulations on getting the loft finished so speedily – happy sewing (is your first job taking in all your clothes?)

Went to a seminar/networky thing this afternoon – in the pre-event coffees, the biscuits were labelled with a calorie count (101 for a not very large shortbread, the chocolate cookies were higher)

sadly the calorie counts didn’t extend to the canapes, but I stuck with teaspoons of roast guinea fowl – very pleasant, don’t think I’d eaten that before, on a pea puree, and teaspoons of salmon mousse, which I think was fairly innocuous. Fairly disciplined with wine, so everything went well until I found myself next to a bowl of extremely good roasted nuts (and a boring delegate) moved to another table!

I found some trousers to wear that I bought about six years ago for my graduation – they were far too tight then, and I got fatter after that, so it was the first time in ages I’d worn them. The waist felt as if it fitted when I tried them on, but once I was out, I realised that they were sitting extremely low, and the waist is easily 3 inches too big, and the hips, on trousers designed to be fitted, were flapping around with a spare fistful of fabric on each side. My jacket, that I purchased earlier this year, when I first wore it in March, sort of fitted, but was sort of edge to edge and not quite meeting to do up, now overlaps by about five inches.

A few baby plum tomatoes? 6 is 16 calories and 3 carbs. Eat them v e r y slowly. Mmmmm

I’m craving sweet today. I’m on week 2. I fell off this a bit at the weekend life got in the way but I’m back on track now. Any tips other than gum for sweet cravings

Yay! 🙂

Whoops I take it back everyone, I have lost 1.5 inches off my waist in the last few days. Hooray! :):)

wow Timmy, your own eggs, that’s brilliant
I occasionally rent a cottage on a farm, and always come home laden with as many eggs as I can feasibly get through while they’re still fresh.

Apologies Mishkalala – we’ve hijacked your “non egg eaters” thread with aren’t eggs brilliant!

Hi Alan — I recommend the book by Gary Taubes, “Why We Get Fat” for an excellent discussion of carbs/diet — it is my best reference. Good luck going forward!

Hi everyone! I started yesterday. OH said he would join me,but his idea of the diet is just giving up the red wine! I haven’t been hungry, and have been enjoying my meals. My main problem is feeling guilty for having full fat yoghurt, and full fat dressings on my salad.For tea I had fish with cauliflower puree,(with cheese and butter in it) It was delicious, and checking on MFP, I have had 33g of carbs, and under 900 cals. I need to up my water and fibre though, or I will seize up .

Yes I definitely will be posting some of my recipes as soon as I get the measurements right.

Lynne,

Looking forward to the inaugural 1st August weigh-in.

For my own info, I always weigh myself every day – I find that not only does it keep me on my toes, but also helps me understand how variable my weight can be over a couple of weeks, often for no apparent reason. I don’t get too elated by a particularly good reading or depressed by a bad one. As long as I sticksthe rules it comes out ok in the end.

Like you, I’ve been trying to decide what my target really is.

The figure which has haunted me for 35 years is 11st (or 154 lbs). I never considered my weight until I was about 30 – then noticed a certain rounding out (This was in the wake of a divorce – probably others may have a similar experience?). I bought some scales and found that I was 12 stones. I decided to lose a stone, and when I found myself down to 11 stones I thought that looked about right. About the same time I took up fitness running, which I found enabled me to eat quite a lot without too much weight gain. However, I rarely got back to 11 stones and as the running came and went so the yo-yo dieting took hold. Over the years, I’ve had several major weight losses, but always in the end piled on even more afterwards. The heaviest I ever got was 16 stones. This year I kicked off at 205 lbs.

The only 2 occasions I’ve ever got back down to 11 stones were a) my (2nd) wedding in 1988, and b) after 5 days in an isolation ward with severe dysentry (not a recommended way to lose weight, but damned effective)

So, I guess that I won’t be happy until I’ve hit that magic 154 lbs figure. However, I’ve lost about 2″ in height since my 30’s, so I guess that I really ought to be aiming for 150 lbs now.

I think that in the long run, one cannot have a single figure as a target – but rather a range. Once I’ve hit the 150 figure therefore, my aim will be just to keep under 160 for keeps.

John

Day 1 was quite easy, but at the end of the day I had only eaten 645 calories. Needless to say I woke up with one heck of a headache this morning. Lesson learned….be sure to eat the prescribed 800 calories each day! I had a sugar free 100 calorie muscle milk and the headache finally settled down.

Struggling a bit today. I had some chocolate mint cookies in the kitchen….one of my favs…calling my name so I put them down the garburator! Problem solved.

Tomorrow will be a bit of a tough one. We have to go to an Eid celebration where there will be lots of food and lots of pushing of food. Don’t really want to discuss the fact that I’ve started another diet so will have to look for acceptable foods to eat. My 11 year old son and I made a ton of homemade chocolates yesterday to take to the party and I will have to resist eating any of them. I am really determined to get through tomorrow!

Good luck to everyone else who is struggling or dealing with functions…we can get through this. It will only get easier as each day passes and we see results. I will not give in. I will be living in a bathing suit when we head for Mexico August 20th….if that isn’t incentive I don’t know what is.

Hi Gayn55

I was also a vegetarian prior to starting this diet, and I thought about it for weeks before starting, and decided I needed to make it as easy as possible, so I have reverted back to organic fish and meat for the time being, until I get to target. This decision was very hard as being a vegetarian is for religious reasons, as well as chemical and humane reasons. But I need a healthy body to keep working and needs must. I admire anyone who tackles this diet as a vegetarian. So keep up the good work.
Regards
Jan

Hi Shopgirl0423, it sounds like you have been to hell and back with the lymphedema. Firstly welcome to the forum, and our growing gang of newbies !! I am doing really well, everything is slotting into place, I feel the best I have been for years, and I’ve only been on this plan for 5 days !. As this plan is based on low carb/healthy fats with good and clean/wholesome foods, I’m sure this is just what your body needs after your ordeal. Just a quick post as I’m at work, but well done for starting the plan, make sure you post regularly to let us know how you are getting on ?.

Day 7 weigh day tomorrow, feeling quite hungry today, not properly hungry just the oh I will just have that sort of hunger, so munching on pickled gherkins while I cook dinner.
Breakfast fate and fresh raspberries
Lunch prawn salad
Dinner will be chicken cooked on a bed of lentils with fennel, red onion, and steamed mange tout all baked in stock. Never had fennel before. Not sure I’m going to like it, vegetables shouldn’t taste of aniseed.

Getting through loads of pelegrano mineral water, which my boxing son informs me is one of only 2 mineral waters that actually replace the minerals you are flushing out of your kidneys. Tastes good, so good enough for me, with a slice of lemon.

Also got used to only having a tablespoon of milk in my tea, cannot tolerate full fat milk in drinks. Looking forward in a very nervous way to what the sales reveal to me tomorrow. Here’s hoping. Everything crossed, even the slimmers halo.

Hi Lucia,

Confession;-

‘Fraid I’m not going to be able to rise to your challenge of upping the exercise just yet – the chassis is proving not to be up to it! Since trying to do more I’ve been getting niggling strains, tight calves etc. so I’m just going to push on with the regular regime and try again later.

For the record, my current programme is as follows:

Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri:
11 mins calesthenics and running on the spot + 25 mins brisk walking

Wed – as above but without the PJs (for a bit of recovery time)

Sat – 25 miles bike ride – reasonably hilly (usually about 1,300’ of climbing in all) – about 2 1/2 hours
Sun – 15 miles bike ride – mostly on the level – purely for fun 🙂 about one hour

I think that averages out at about 55 mins a day.

You wanted my age in minutes (seems a bit rum that one has to do more the older one gets!) which is currently 67 so just another 12 mins to fit in as and when.

Will that do for now Ma’am.

John

I have just finished week 1 and my bg has gone from 11 to a more normal 6.5. Today I had a leisurely swim for half an hour and checked before I got in pool, 6.1, but had dropped to 3.3 when I got out. To me this is a scary number and I felt shaky and sweating. Question: What should I eat when this happens – it was asking a nutritionist this question that ruined my numbers as she told me to eat BREAD or SWEET JUICE. I don’t expect anyone on this site to tell me that.

What I did was have a slice of ham, still felt shaky so started to munch on the raw veg I was preparing for dinner (curry). Was that okay and when is ‘low’ seriously too low.

Many thanks

Day 6
Strawberries and fate to start the day.

Tuna salad for lunch

Dinner chicken salad.

Tomorrow do something different, but I must admit I love salad. Quite happy with meals. Not hungry no side effects.