Hi Vikki
As Igorasusual says, you might well have carb withdrawal for awhile, but stick with it, it does pass and you will probably be surprised how good you feel once it does.
My advise is not to try to replace carb high breads etc. with low carb versions, but to start to think outside the box about how you can use your 800 cals most effectively without processed foods. I have tried the konjac products and they are okay. The smell is a little off putting though and they have an odd texture, but they are filling and so can be useful, particularly in the early days. You will find though, that by opting for full fat versions of things and adding olive oil to salads and so on, that you will feel fuller sooner and stay feeling that way for longer too. It’s counter intuitive, given the past propaganda fed to us has been low fat, low fat, low fat, but don’t be scared to go full fat. It helps to kick start the fat burning too.
Sounds like you have set yourself a huge weight lose target and I personally would set incremental goals, to avoid become discouraged if things don’t move as fast as you hope or you hit a dreaded plateau, which is quite common, even on the BSD.
It sounds like you have done plenty of prep work and planning, so good luck as you take your first steps towards a new you. Don’t forget to keep us posted on progress and shout out you need support, because someone here will certainly respond.

Doh, I have a problem. I am hungry and need to eat. The Duck and vegetables are cooked and ready but OH is not here yet. I have been working in the garden all day. I didn’t have breakfast because I chose to fast. For lunch I had home made fish and vegetable soup. Then strawberries and cream. To drink I have had plenty of water, also coffee and tea. Whilst waiting to eat our evening meal have had a small piece of Cheddar cheese, 2 glasses of rosè (unplanned, drat), 3 large glasses of water, two coffes and I have been nibbling on blueberries. I hope he is home very soon or I am going mad or I will eat without him. At this rate I may even eat his food.

No problem. I have had so much support from the good people on the forum, that it’s only right to do my bit too. Drinking enough has always been a failing of mine and I have to make an effort to make sure I’m drinking enough on the BSD, so I make sure I have a glass of water every time I go into the kitchen. I also have a little chart on which I draw little cups and glasses at the beginning of the day and then I cross them off as I go.
Hope you see some results soon.

SunnyB
Thank you , I think I am not drinking enough , just had the light bulb moment. 💡💡💡so kind of you to reply X Collie

Hi I have logged on to my fitness pal but do I have to pay to enable the calorie carb counter – I am not very technical, iPhone savvy
Dee

Hi Judith,
When you had that awful reaction to the brownie, how did you get yourself better, I have been feeling awful, although this afternoon I have felt a bit better, I’m hoping I have seen the last of the upset tum, it’s a bit like when I have a diverticular episode, and I remember you have had that trouble in the past, my usual method of recovery is to eat bland food, rice and chicken and white bread toasted! I think I have cracked it then it rears its ugly head again, it’s been getting me down at times! It’s the first time since starting the diet that I have had anything remotely similar to diverticulitis!
I hope you have recovered from your holiday, silly really to say ‘have you recovered’ however I always need at least a week to get myself back into the swing after a holiday, you will have felt it too as you were returning from Australia! Anyway I hope you are ok and have got your garden a bit tidier now? It’s a shame you couldn’t get someone to look after it while you were away? Angela is doing that for a friend of ours who is going away next week, she will be in her element!
Hope alls well with you too with your weight lose etc.
Christine

Hi Boomer – yes Im in Andover UK not Andover Mass.! 🙂 As word spreads about this life changing plan you will find local people who would benefit from support. In the meantime, this group of marvellous people are supportive, positive and motivated! Good luckx

Hi sunnyB,
Thank you, I’m sure I will be back on track soon, I must say I had a bad start this morning, I had 100g fage yogurt and a passion fruit, then had the stomach cramps, however, since I had my lunch, (two egg omelet with 50g cheese) I have felt better! Tonight have had a simple salad. Again no after effects, so hope it’s the beginning of the end of this awful tummy upset!
I hope you start to lose again soon.
Christine

Hi manxsprout,
I agree, when I finally found fage yogurt in morrisons I was really pleased, it is a really lovely and creamy taste, I am really cross if there is none on the shelves! I then have to rely on other (really good) yogurt but not my first choice!
How long have you been doing this diet? Any tips you have found useful?
Christine

Huge well done Shopgirl!
You are really owning this and making great progress. I have just returned from ten weeks away and whilst I did allow myself some transgressions, I found it quite easy to stick with the spirit of the BSD and was pleased to come home to just an increase of 2.8lb. I’m back to the programme now and hoping to drop a stone by the end of September. It has been quite easy to slot back into doing the BSD properly again, so I’m sure you won’t have any problems after your holiday.
Your menu looks quite similar to my typical day, I tend not to snack though, but do make myself drink a glass of water when ever I am in the kitchen.
Go get yourself a swimming costume and make the most of the opportunity to swim each day while you are away. My mind set is always, ‘I won’t have to see these people after my holiday’ and just do it, wobbly bits and all.
Have a great w/e and keep us posted on progress.

Hey Collie
Welcome to the forum.
Firstly, plateaus are normal and can happen at anytime on the BSD. For me it seems to be carbs that are the main issue, that and sometimes not drinking enough.
Don’t worry about the full fat, it is a must on this programme. I know it is counter intuitive, given all the past propaganda we have been subjected to, but the full fat means you need less to help you feel full and stay feeling full for longer. Make sure you are drinking enough as well, as this is important to keep things moving.
Watch out for the carbs in fruit, as some of them can be surprisingly high. And with vegetables, try to stick with those that grow above ground, as they are lower in carbs than root veggies. Why not try making a broccoli or cauliflower soup? You could even add a little stilton if you like. Or a mushroom soup with a little crème fraiche stirred through. Or a tomato soup perhaps, flavoured with some basil. Or maybe a celery soup.
Hope something there might spur you on to get creative with your soups and keep them low carb.
Good luck and have a great w/e.

Living on the IoM, limited choice to Tesco or Waitrose Greek Yoghurt and Fage Total Greek. Although it is more expensive, I’m sticking with Fage Total Greek Yoghurt, it is absolutely delicious and rich.

Definitely a fan of my fitness pal…I’ve used it a little before and like the fact it will tell you your carb could etc too.

Meal plan for tomorrow sounds great Vikki. Planning ahead makes all the difference I think. I’m going to loosely follow the menu plan in the book for a week or so, or until I find my feet with it all.

It sounds lovely, but as you say… A bit of a faff! Have you tried the aubergine stuffed with lamb mince in The BSD book? Very similar but less complicated!

Hi Butterlover & Igorasusual
I weigh daily and it helps me stay focused on the task at hand. I agree about the clothes though. While I was away, I used a pair of cropped trousers to help keep measure how I was doing. Historically, I had had to leave the top button undone, but for the duration – and still – the button does up and is comfortable.
I had done seven weeks on the 800 before I went away for ten weeks, now I’m starting again, having gained 2.8lb during the ten weeks and hoping to drop that and more – eventually.

Vikki

Welcome. You may feel a little hungry to start but this passes quickly.

If you been eating lots of refined carbs you may notice the effect of stopping. Keep on through that. It will also pass quickly.

Drink lots and lots and lots. Find a drink you like – fizzy water is filling

Keep the carbs low. If you can, get an app like MyFitnessPal and log what you eat (even if you have a fail!). You will see excellent results if you can keep carbs under 50g per day.

I have lost more than 12% of my starting body weight even though my 22lbs target wasn’t too big.

Just about to finish my 8 weeks with 9 stone in sight. Triumphant and feeling much livelier than ever before. As is other half (who is Type 2) who is leaping out of bed in the morning and 2 sizes down and just 4 weeks in 🙂

Very good luck with your journey. Enjoy!

This recipe is provided by our guest chef Sabrina Ghayour.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Vegetable oil, for frying

1 large onion, finely chopped

500g minced lamb

2 tsp turmeric

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the yogurt sauce

200g Greek-style yogurt

2 tbsp ground coriander

Juice of 1 lemon

4 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper

For the harissa oil

1 tsp rose harissa

1 tbsp olive oil

To serve

4 tortilla wraps (or more, if desired), each cut into quarters

½ small packet (about 15g) of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

4 spring onions, thinly sliced

For the cumin-roasted aubergine wedges

3-4 large aubergines, cut into wedges (ensure the skin sides are 5cm wide)

100–150ml olive oil

5 tsp cumin seeds

6 tbsp Greek-style yogurt

4-5 tbsp pomegranate molasses

75g toasted pine nuts

50g pumpkin seeds

½ small packet (about 15g) of fresh coriander, leaves and stems finely chopped

100g pomegranate seeds

Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper

Method

For the loqmeh, spiced lamb kebabs

1. Combine all the ingredients for the yogurt sauce in a small bowl, season to your liking, and mix well.

2. In a very small bowl, dilute the harissa in the olive oil to make the harissa oil. Set aside.

3. To cook the lamb mince, heat a large frying pan over a high heat and drizzle in enough vegetable oil to coat the base of the pan. Fry the onion until golden brown, then add the minced lamb and mix well to break down the meat and combine it with the onion. Add the turmeric, cumin and cinnamon and mix well until the spices evenly coat the meat. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the meat is brown and cooked through, then take the mixture off the heat and set aside.

4. To assemble the kebabs, spoon 1-2 tbsp of the lamb on to each quarter of tortilla, add a dollop of yogurt, a little drizzle of harissa oil, sprinkle over some fresh coriander and spring onion and serve.

For the cumin-roasted aubergine wedges

1. Preheat the oven to 220C, Gas Mark 7. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

2. Using a pastry brush, brush the exposed flesh sides of each aubergine wedge with a good amount of olive oil. Arrange the wedges, skin-sides down, on the prepared baking tray, then sprinkle liberally with the cumin seeds, ensuring some seeds land on the exposed flesh of the wedges.

3. Roast for 45-60 minutes or until the aubergine wedges are golden brown, with dark, burnished edges. Arrange the wedges on a large, flat platter and season well with salt and pepper.

4. Give the yogurt a good seasoning of salt and pepper and dilute it with a little water if it is too thick to drizzle. Drizzle the yogurt over the aubergines, followed by the pomegranate molasses.

5. Sprinkle liberally with the toasted pine nuts and pumpkin seeds, followed by the chopped coriander.

6. Lastly, sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds and serve immediately. If you have leftovers, they are great eaten the next day, served at room temperature.

this tea !!! a lot of faffing at min !!

I like MyFitnessPal too.

I check daily to plan my meals, and can tweak to reduce carbs and increase fat.

Hi Butterlover

There is no problem in checking each morning except that weight varies by at least a kilo up and down depending on your body. And if you get “hooked” on weight, then the plateaux which do occur can be really discouraging.

I found that my weight wasn’t moving but I could see I was slimmer and clothes started fitting/feeling loose.

So my recommendation is to treat weight alongside measurements and don’t allow yourself to depend on weight losses because they may stop/slow down during the 8 weeks.

Keep looking at clothes!

Hope that helps.

Thing is, he’s diabetic, but there would be absolutely zero point in telling him because he’s so hardheaded and knows everything but knows nothing. You’re right, or he’d probably know someone who had tried it and it didn’t work, so he wasn’t trying it. I remember trying to cook for him and there’s no way he could adapt to these sort of recipes. God knows what he’s surviving on to be honest. Not my problem any more. I am not mentioning meat knots. Or it would probably start them off comparing their… meat knots or something, surprised it hasn’t happened yet, there’s time still. He’s going… going… gone. Hurrah 🙂

https://elanaspantry.com/crispy-chocolate-chip-cookies/ There you go Tokyo. I substituted coconut oil for Palm shortening, mainly because I have no idea what it is! I reckon the coconut sugar could be reduced or maybe even removed entirely/replaced with a tiny bit of sweetener.

Your lamb dish sounds lovely. I am hooked on Harrissa paste thanks to the Moroccan chicken recipe in the BSD book and sneak it into several dishes at the mo.

Oh Lucky… Stay calm and think of Tempranillo or Rioja in Mediterranean sunshine. Alternatively, you could stun them both by soap-boxing the benefits of the BSD, weightloss, health benefits blah blah. Altho of course it’s possible your ex may have already been doing it, for twice as long as you, with three times the success! Hahaha. If all else fails, ask him if he knows what a meat knot is 😉

That sounds lovely Tokyo!

Hi SunnyB
I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. I think taking a break has renewed my determination and enthusiasm,sounds like you are doing well.
I noticed some people are only weighing weekly. I weigh every morning on rising then do a BGL before coffee and I find it helps me to plan my meals. Today I lost 0 .3 of a kg so I know the extra meat that I had last night was too much and I set the goal to be more strict. That was going well,until I had a stressful event,old habits emerged and was looking for food,any food.I was out so I had a coffee Latte and a small brioche bun .Managed a good dinner but felt hungry later so ate two slices of havarti cheese. I thought I was being good to not have crackers, Then weighed the cheese, two slices. 190 calories.oops Note to self, weigh first, eat second.its all a learning curve.This is the first diet on normal food that has worked for me so I am not discouraged, I will keep going till I loose 10kg and My BGL is below 5 .Does anyone else set daily goals?

i will take the 10 years old review so please post said cookies ( not literally!!)
off to to cook mince lamb( bit like kebabs me thinks!) with persian spices roasted aubergines and luckys wraps as there are now known in this house !

They’re currently trying to outdo each other as to whose car has the worst problems, and which are going to be the most expensive to fix. I kid you not. Lord I could do a big glass of red right now. A bottle. Box. Ah great, now we’re starting on how many miles to the gallon their cars get. Kill me. Now.

Glad the cookies were a hit! Go easy! But seriously, kill me. Now.

Hi Vikki

I use fitness pal. It does let you count your carbs as well as your calories. I already had this app so it was a no brainer for me.

Hahaha real life is so much more entertaining than soap operas! Plumbers are so hard to find, I’d definitely have kept him onside! My ex tends to take over cooking on Saturday evenings. I’m ashamed to say the stepdaughter actually requests his curry over mine 😱 My OH can’t cook but feels that sharing his beer is a fair trade! Drum kits Lucky? Really? These men are trapped in the psyches of 15 year olds 🙄 Deep breaths…

***BREAKING NEWS*** cookies have been deemed ‘yummy’ in the 10 year old taste test. I’ve just had another one to make sure he’s right. Better stop now Janey; just because they are healthier doesn’t mean they are calories free…

I’m starting tomorrow. Going on holiday the week after next so not ideal timing but didn’t want to wait until I get back as there’ll always be a reason to put it off, so instead decided that during the holiday I’ll switch for 1 week to 5:2 with med style eating the other days.

Tomorrow’s meal plan consists of brunch (bacon, egg, tomato, mushroom and 1 slice low carb bread), and for tea thin sliced pork steak with gravy, apple sauce made with stevia and an assortment of veg. If I need to snack then there’s carrot sticks in the fridge and I’m going to make some tomato and basil soup.

What app’s (if any) are you planning to use to record food? I quite like the look of my fitness pal as I can create recipes but I’m not sure if there’s any others around?

It is. I am currently 15 minutes in. Within 30 seconds of him coming in, hubby says ‘Did I show you my drum set?’ and then it was ‘Well, I have drums too and mine are…’ Fgs. Mine doesn’t even have a trade I can squeeze freebies out of, Tokyo! Lol.

this is like bring you ex to work day !!! i too have an ex husband but my son went to uni came home and has left to live with his girlfriend so thankfully the days of intermingling are very few and far between !!
when my ex left i would have walked over hot coals to see him but that was many years ago and although friendly
( hes a plumber and were can you get a plumber who charges nothing and will do the job!!!) its just a cordial relationship now and like you lucky always glad when he leaves !!

I really hope I both take to it as well as you have. I’ve seen lots of comments saying how it’s been surprisingly easy…but its only 800 calories so I can’t quite wrap my head around that. I guess it will be a case of wait and see.

Decided to start on a weekend so I don’t have to be at work for 2 days in case I get hangry.

It feels very “real” now that I’ve said on here that I’m starting tomorrow, even more so than doing the food plan/online shop.

I can’t do mine sans garments as my scales are in the utility room and I think I’d scare my children when they were eating their breakfast!!

Keep at it, that 0.8 will be gone in a jiffy.

Oh Timmy, wish it was so, but I follow the same regime myself – up, in the loo, and then weigh myself sans garments. Only difference is a ketostick check while I’m in the loo. So I can’t pass this off as anything other than being 0.8lb heavier than I was on Thursday morning.

I’ve started today. Made the raspberry smoothie for breakfast and it was surprisingly filling. Don’t think I’ve had enough for my lunch though – 2 iceberg lettuce leaves, a quarter of a chicken breast cooked in water, 2 slices of cold streaky bacon and half a teaspoon of mayo. Calories are probably there but not filling ones so I daren’t eat something else til later. Off to drink another glass of water :$ Good luck everyone. 🙂

Hi Christine
Since I started, overall I have lost a stone and my aim is to lose another stone and if I get that far, may be half a stone more. It’s been a slow process for me though. No startling losses, just the odd pound here and there. I did 7 weeks on the 800 before I went away for ten weeks and lost 13lb. I have just stated again this week having gained back 2.8lb while I was away. Even with todays blip, I am less than I was on Monday, but I’d really like to be at least 2lb down by Sunday weigh-in.
You have done brilliantly to have made such a big change in such a short space of time. I’m sure you will be seeing positive results again soon.

What’s the old saying, a pint of pure water weighs a pound and quarter. Could be as simple as the timings of when you last went to the loo that makes that difference!

My weigh in is always the same. Wake up, go to the loo, weight myself in my pants! This is before I have anything to eat or drink.

Good luck Jayla. Let me know how you get on.

Hi Dave,
When I first started the diet in February It was recommended that I try Fage total Greek yogurt, it seems it’s lower in carbs than other yogurts, I have used it ever since, its in a round tub rather than a tall tub, see if you can see it next time you do a shop? Make sure you get the total, not the 0%.
Christine

Hey – glad that you are having a better day, let’s hope the only way is up from here. Have had a blip today, as the scales showed a 0.8lb gain this morning. Not a great way to kick the day off, but I know of course it’s probably just a blip. Struggling a little today though, even though I’m hopeful of weighing in at the end of the week on Sunday with an overall loss.
Anyway, have a good w/e. Look forward to news next week.

Hey Happy, I hope you haven’t done any real damage to your hand and that you find some relief soon. As for the weight loss don’t worry it’s still almost 1lb this week for you, and you’ve done so well on BSD. There are bound to be some slower weeks now and then 🙂

Loopylou – snap on finding a clear 8 weeks that’s quiet! I’ve got something going on every weekend this month but I figured I’m always going to be tested in life at some point so I might as well bite the bullet and go for it! I’m in the same boat as you; wanting to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and that means losing 4 stone. I’ve tried and tested every single diet out there over the years and am well and truly fed up. I’ve read the BSD book over twice and am feeling inspired and motivated; it makes sense, it’s backed up with all the science, and it works. Onwards and upwards!

switzerland your stories are lovely!

Sunny I lose things like that all the time!

Today…

The kids assembly was brilliant.

I’ve had my hair cut and love it.

I’m about to lock myself in my bedroom for a couple of hours and leave my husband in charge of our kids. I’ll be busy writing/painting/creating – I’ve not decided yet but regardless I will enjoy my hours!

Hi sunnyB,
I hope you are feeling better about yourself, and I’m sure you will start losing again soon.
How much have you lost so far, and what is your target weight?
I have been doing the diet since February, I lost two stone in two months, then since then I have yoyoed up and down! Been ill and struggled, had a few lapses, however I have stuck to the main principles and I hope my weight will start going down again soon.
Like Bissell has said, you can do it, keep on keeping on!
Christine

Thanks Bissell, you are right of course, but sometimes the mind doesn’t co-operate the way you’d want it to. As long as I weigh in on Sunday at less than I was on Monday, I’ll take it as a win. I am determined to make this regime work for me and I have proved to my self before that BSD works and so know it will work again. Had a break for a ten week trip away – although I did eat more or less to the plan throughout – now I’m back to being serious and trying to drop the 2.8lb I gained while I was away plus several extra ones as well.
Have a good w/e Bissell and well done for getting to the maintenance phase.

Hello all 🙂

Well my mid-week weigh in is suggesting a plateau, how dare it!?!? Oh well I don’t care because all is well in the world of Izzy. I had a minor wobble last night with some invasive negative thoughts but I managed to chill a bit with my husband and they passed again.

Today we attended the leavers assembly to see my daughter and her classmates perform the last assembly of their primary years. Lots of people cry at these things and I confess to having a lump in my throat at one point but in all honesty although I am nostalgic I’m really just more excited for her, to see her continue to grow and evolve. Then it was lunch at the school – the kids made the sandwiches yesterday and she told me that she didn’t make me one as she told her teacher I would bring my own lol. She didn’t want me to eat the wrong things when she knows I don’t eat bread anymore, so I took some crackers and cheese and tomato with me and enjoyed my munchies when everyone had their sandwiches. My son did steal some of my cheese though!

After that it was onwards to the hairdresser for me. I did decide to let it grow so it’s all nice and tidied up now, and with the colour I put on the other day it’s looking good. I noticed at the hairdresser – ladies will get this- when you’re sat there after having your hair washed all trussed up with the towel on your head, we all look pretty rubbish. I always hate that moment, seeing my face staring back at me, naked and unframed by the pulled back hair. Today however I see the difference in me. I’m definitely less chubby in the face as well as the rest of me. I still wasn’t stunning with my hair in the towel but definitely a better sight than I once was lol.

I’m wearing another of my size 12 skirts today as well and feel very comfortable and like I am growing back into myself. I like my hair, I like my clothes, I like my creative inner child who is gradually escaping. I like myself. I’m calmer, nicer, more patient. All of the things I felt I had lost during the worst of my depression.

My pack of wooden coasters for painting arrived so I may well do some of that over the weekend although I have about 6 million projects now haha! I love it, I’ve not been for loft flooring yet I’m going to wait until I can pass one day when I’m working as it will be easier to fit it into my van. Although I am impatient I also recognise there really is no need to rush. there is plenty I can be getting on with before I have the loft done.

In other news, I asked at the hairdresser today if they had a beautician appointment to get my eyebrows tidied up, I’ve really felt much more conscious of them since I got my glasses. So I’m getting that done tomorrow morning.

Busy busy busy!

so, I had an almond milk shake for breakfast, crackers and cheese for lunch, not sure about dinner yet.

Lidls Turkish style yogurt is 10% fat, thick and creamy and is only £1.40ish for a litre tub. Its delicious and makes a great base to which you can add berries, seeds etc. Definitely keep a close eye on the carbs, as they can sneak up on you and hinder progress.

Don’t be downhearted, it’s only a blip, you know you can do this and you are back on track today, so that’s what really matters.
And the reality (for me, at least) is that these changes in the way I see food and eat food need to be permanent, even though I have increased my calories now I am in 5:2 maintenance phase. So life will intervene now and again and I need to take the long view! So be kind to yourself, you CAN do it.

Best wishes Bissell

Twatter was a typo… right? :-O

Just about, Janey, but I had to read it three times 😉 My friend has a similar set up, but with two children from two different ex’s, current husband who she has no kids with, but he has two, one ex has other children and a girlfriend (who is not the mother of the other children), and another has a wife. They even spend Christmas day together, all around a massive table. It’s all about the children at the end of the day, and it’s nicer to get on if you can. She’d love you and your extended set up. I have to admit my ex is very good to my children on birthdays and Christmas. But it still makes me cringe a bit, to my very core. And I can’t wait for him to leave.

Hi SunnyB,
I am having a quieter day, if that is possible with three grandchildren around me, they are off school today! I have been and had my hair cut while hubby took the girls to the park then a drive thru McDonald’s! I had a cheese omelet for lunch, no gripping pains after, which is good, for evening meal we are having a simple salad, I am hoping it will be ok too!
Thank you for thinking of me! It’s appreciated.
I hope you are doing well and losing too? Good luck anyway.
Christine

1. Making plans to have our youngest grand daughter to stay.
2. Have found a gift for some friends, which I have some how mislaid in the house. Had put it somewhere safe!
3. Have almost caught up with post holiday wash at last.