Welcome Annadongela! Take a brave pill and give the BSD a go – you’ll be amazed how quickly you start to look and feel better. Plumptious and I are at the end of the 8 weeks but it has been a revelation to the extent that both of us will make permanent changes to our lifestyles long term. The forums are here to support you as well as giving advice or making you laugh. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your input it has been really helpful. I cleared out all the cupboards today and went shopping to stock up on the things I think I am going to need. I’m really excited to start on this life-changing journey and hope I do as well as so many others on this site seem to have done. I’m looking forward to cooking again and have found so much inspiration on here already.

Thanks SunnyB

Glad you had a good holiday, and that you’re back on track 😃

It’s a lot easier on the BSD than any other ‘diet’ I’ve been on to either stick to it on holiday, or to get back on track afterwards. And any weight gained on holiday seems to disappear quickly to! 😃

Well done captainlynne! Little envious you managed to lose even whilst away, but it just goes to show what can be achieved, even when you are enjoying yourself. I’m back on the 800 again and have lost half of the weight I gained while way, so I’m back on track again I’m pleased to say.

Hello, sorry to jump in on your conversation but I just wanted to say WOW!! well done! I heard about this diet on radio 2 the other day and the book arrived today and I’ve read it. Was feeling all positive (8 weeks til my holidays) but I am such a picky eater and also have food intolerances I’m now back tracking before I’ve even started 🙁 No good!! it has to be done, and reading what you have achieved in such a short time is amazing. You must feel fantastic. Thank you for sharing your journey. I am planning to start on Friday 🙂

Hi Happy! I didn’t know that about the hair dye I guess you could have some posted from the UK if you wanted some though!

I am on a bit of a mission for sure and I keep having more ideas about how to arrange the loft and what to create up there. I wish I could get it done straight away but it won’t be too long I am sure. I am so full of ideas I am so looking forward to having a bit of the house that is just mine. i also got a bot more done in the garden this evening 🙂

As for my son his nappies are 50/50 in the mornings sometimes dry and sometimes wet so we were lucky last night!

my frozen chicken curry pasties were nice I just warmed them in the micro but I don’t like them cold so no lunchbox addition of those, but it’s good to know I could make a batch and freeze them.

Frog you had me lolling at ‘badger’ hahaha I know what you mean though some shades of grey look amazing! I hope the new hair products work out for you 🙂

Frog

A few years ago I was in the USA, in a town where everything was deep fried. On the menu was deep fried chocolate brownie😱 You’re doing really well 😃

Thanks Judith. Good to see you back 😃 Update – another 2 pounds off means I have now lost 5 stone (70 pounds).

Two interesting conversations yesterday and today. Yesterday the Health Educator came to speak to the ladies’ group, bringing an exercise lady with her. We started off with ‘healthy eating’. From our conversation beforehand I knew she was happy with what I was doing and is amazed at my weight loss to date. But when they were talking to the group she was singing from the official hymn sheet. Later I told her Indidnt agree with some of what she said, but kept quiet.

Today I went for retinopathy check (still wearing sunglasses as Inwrite this😳). Was told I’m a ‘good girl’😱 The lady seemed to know about Prof Taylor and Dr Mosley and was interested in what I’m doing. I told her about the petition too. She said that so many diabetics she sees in the department do nothing to help themselves.

Next interesting conversation will either be on 14th July when bloods taken or on 21st July when I go for results and diabetes review. 😳

Frog, both Aldi & Marks & Spencer sell mackerel in small quantities( about two portions for me) with herbs, lemon etc dressing as well as plain.

Hi Switzerland, thanks for asking. I’m alive and kicking and returned from my wonderful holiday in Oz.

Just been busy dealing with the jungle my garden had become in 5 weeks of neglect, catching up with folks etc etc 🙂

Lynne! 68lbs!!!!! Utterly amazing! 🙂

Hi I have just come back from a lovely long holiday in Oz. You won’t have any trouble and you will not believe the size of some of the tubs of greek yoghurt you can get – more like buckets!!
You will have a great time
Hashimoto

Hi Busybee52
Hopefully your first day went well and you are feeling quietly pleased with yourself. Just thought I would offer a welcome to the BSD forum, wish you well on your quest and offer a little input.
My tips are to make sure you have plenty of above ground veg/salad in stock; eggs, full fat yogurt, raspberries, nuts and seeds are all make good convenience foods. Make sure you drink plenty, have plenty of fat in your diet – olive oil on salad is excellent – and keep an eye on carbs, it’s best to keep them around the 50g mark if you can.
Make sure to post your results and shout out if you have problems, someone will respond and offer support. Good Luck.

Brilliant news with the sheets!
Nice colour – I stopped colouring mine years ago – I used to work with someone who had the most amazing white hair, it was stunning. We were both in our 40’s, and thought mine would look as amazing as hers. – It didn’t, It doesn’t, ten years on it’s still ‘badger’ – still dark in the centre!
But – I had brazilian blow dries for years, which worked brilliantly, then almost a year a year ago I had one that went very wrong, and my hair got even frizzier and broke off a lot in places. I’ve finally found a new shampoo/conditioner combo that seems to be working – only two washes in, and a lot better today, so fingers crossed.
I decided today that when I get to or near my target weight, and crucially no longer have a fat face, I might get it cut very short all over (not shaved, just short)! Have fun deciding on your new style.

I love the Lidl Turkish Style Yogurt, which is thick and creamy, comes in a 1liter bucket for just £1.40-ish. 100g is 125kcal with 4.2g carbs. Makes a delicious base for breakfast or a snack.

Hi Bubblesdevere. Thanks! Great idea for a support group. It seems a lot of people here are from the UK. I guess that is where MM and the book originated. I am from Ohio in the US. Anyone else from Ohio? An in-person support group would be super. Everyone keep pushing onward!

Happy Birthday to Switzerland’s son 🙂

I had some really nice customers today.

I keep having new ideas and feel happy.

I have more than I need, of everything.

From a little reading, I think the problem is associated with not just rapid weight loss, but also rebound weight gain after rapid weight loss.

I confess I occasionally use some shop bought products, but ALWAYS read labels before purchase. Watch out for those hidden sugars and be sure to check the carb values. Try to stick to things that aren’t over processed and pick those that have as few ingredients as possible. This regime is a great opportunity to get back in touch with real food though and getting creative with it just seems to follow automatically. I am enjoying the creative culinary process again and there is a lot that can be done without fancy equipment.

3 weeks in and 10lb lost.
First time below 16 stone since I don’t know when.
Trousers are looser and a new hole punched in my belt to avoid embarrassing fashion mishap
Survived my son’s birthday party and a piece of birthday cake without putting on the 10lbs lost! (Still felt guilty though for being unable to resist temptation)
No pasta , rice, potatoes or other refined carbs for 3 weeks (apart from the cake mentioned above).
This doesn’t feel faddy or dangerous

On a less positive note I am still waiting for someone to comment on the new me that is emerging.

Oh, and I forgot, buying two pairs of cropped trousers as size smaller than I have been wearing and they fit properly, look good and are comfortable – Yay!!!

Today’s positives are:
1. Already lost half of the weight gained while I was away, in just two days.
2. Happy all my friends in Turkey are safe and well and weren’t near Istanbul airport.
3. Looking forward to a romantic BSD friendly meal with my OH tomorrow evening.

Hi custardslover
Yes my husband used to do that, what I did was expect him to do it, I’e try to sabotage me, and have a scripted blurb, like oh that’s so kind but I really don’t fancy a pudding blah blah, it’s when the unexpected crops up that we have to give in, so expect it, and you will be armed. It worked for me. Now I get miffed because he doesn’t bother as he knows I will say no.. Lol 😹😹😹

Thank you for the comments, I am feeling so well, and so good.

I was feeling run down, tired and so lethargic.

People tell me I look so well, and I am getting my bike out to go cycling this weekend.

And all through this diet, refined sugar and refined carbs are the enemy.

Keep going and you will be so happy.

I found I lost a lot more in week 2 and 3 than week 1 but just keep going and my top tip

If ever you feel hungry then review what you have been eating, some carbs have got in

As an example if I have one apple I am fine, if I have two I am hungry an hour later…

Enjoy the journey and enjoy the weight loss…

Oh, and just incase you are pre diabetic, I was getting blurry vision and feeling very thirsty, my eyes are back to normal and no thirsty days any more.

Hi Catherin80
You should be able to make good progress in 7wks and as long as you keep control of your carbs while you are away, you should find that you don’t gain too many pounds back while you are way. I returned a week ago today, from ten weeks way mostly in Turkey and had only gained 3lb in that time. Started back on the BSD on Monday and have already lost half of my gain.
Good luck with your quest and keep us all posted on your progress. Don’t forget to shout out if you need help or support, because someone will definitely respond.

Well done, Stewart, what a fabulous loss – 26+ bags of sugar now stacked up somewhere else and not on you!

Great idea about 800 cals to spend each day, and your best meals sound great too.

Very best of luck with your continued journey – keep us posted! 🙂

Hi Aria.

I have also started today. So far so good, I plan to loose 7st 1 lb, so I’m in it for the long haul. I am planning on using the site to keep me inspired, we can all do it together. Just wish I had discovered this way of eating years ago. Look forward to chatting here.

spcox
Thank you for your post i agree with you. defo do not try to replace the ‘nortys’. They are there for treats on special occasions. Thanks

Bril I expect you are feeling on top of the world. Your thread is very helpful I am on day 1 week 1 so all inspiration is very helpful. Keep up the good work.

Have been to the posh town near by to get all the lovely ingredients I need for recipes for the next few days. I noticed when walking around the supermarket, I zoom in on high cal things, I spied some stacks of Pringles, and I was aware I zoomed in on them. But they are not interesting any more, my ingredients are far more desirable. Very strange experience. I managed the shop without eating something, or buying anything outside of my list. When I looked in my trolley I was so impressed, it looked like a slim persons trolley. I know I do way to much people watching. I live in an area where majority of the people are relatively slim, and always have this sort of contents. Hence why they are slim. So all good at the mo and have done about 4500 steps.
If you haven’t found the fitness pal app yet, then seek it out it’s a lifeline. Makes this so much easier. Side effect, lots of water so lots of visits, to the little room.
I’ve also worked out in my tea I have a tbl sp of skim milk, so I can enjoy as long as I have my spoon with me.

First tool for the healthy eater ( learning to be ) tablespoon. iPad and fit pal app.

Of to cook a lovely dinner.

Thanks Janey CD! Sounds like you’re going great guns too.
Your rollerblading sounds great fun -but I don’t have grace or good balance so would be a bit like Frank Spencer’s famous performance lol!
No , definitely not stopping at the end of the 8 weeks. My plan is to have a treat on the last day….of half a sliced banana and some strawberries (cor …in the old days that would be several Bombay Sapphire gins and full fat tonic plus nibbles and/or a box of chocs!!) then start again until I get to that normal BMI measurement range.
Not sure about the other half yet. He had less to lose than me plus was fitter and has lost 1 stone 8lb’s so far. Depending on how he feels we probably will continue the way we are now but he will increase intake a bit. He is desperate for some new potatoes dripping with best butter ( home grown from our allotment) so that will be his celebration treat.

I just wanted to share my experiences.

Today marks 8 weeks on the 800 calorie a day diet.

I have lost 54lbs.

My waist has gone down 6 inches.

My top tips

Think of the 800 calories as money to spend wisely, don’t feel deprived just enjoy allocating and spending those 800 calories each day
Get used to not feeling hungry
Get used to eating less, when I started I was eating loads of tomatoes, king prawns and celery as I was used to eating lots.
No I am used to eating a lot less

Best foods

Steak 8oz and salad 450 calories
King Prawns
Hot and sour soup
Chicken breast
Ratatouille
Eggs (Hard boiled are delicious and only 70 calories)
Subway do amazing salads

What next

1000 calorie weekends.
800 calorie weekdays

I want to ease off a little but hope I can keep loosing, I am weighing every day (FitBit Aria Scales) and will monitor carefully I want to loose at least another 40lbs so want to keep up the weight loss.

Ay Caramba that’s all I’ll say!!! :-)) Yes, you are a star patient – one who looks after themselves! Congratulations!! :-))

Congrats re the dry sheets Izzy! I love your hair color choice! I hear UK has much healthier hair dye than we have here. Much stronger rule on things that would hurt your body.
Good luck with the loft. Sounds like you are on a mission which is always fun as you progress.
Have a happy day!
💜

Wow congrats everyone and to ay caramba for the great results!!
💜🌷💙

Thanks – very reassuring to hear!

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments

Hey I’ve had several dexa scans for bone density at my local hospital but am afraid I don’t know what they showed picture wise. The first operator gave me immediate feedback but the second could have worked for MI5 and refused to give me any indication until I got the analysed results. I think the machines are fairly common in general hospitals but I don’t live in your area.

I would ring around if I were you – the private patients seemed to use the same machine so I guess they are too expensive for Bupa to put in all their hospitals

Hope this helps

Hi Nysilver! I did two rounds of eight weeks with about a week in between, during which I was not very careful about my choices of food — I found myself eating improperly so I quickly put myself back on another eight week plan. My second eight weeks were easier and I lost weight even more quickly than the first eight. I don’t remember if the very first week was fast — just overall my body seems to have reset metabolically the longer I have stayed on the diet. Now i am 17 weeks (more or less) and I am working more calories back in, but very slowly and this time I don’t seem to have the same problem I had after the first eight week period (eating too much/wrong stuff). good luck with your second round! It just gets better.

Oh, congratulations, ay caramba! What fabulous news, you must be so excited and happy!

You are an inspiration to others, not only for the blood sugar results (surely you must be on the verge of coming off metformin totally, and will see this after your next test) but for the weight loss and your new healthy lifestyle which you’ve established after less than 6 months!

So great to hear these success stories! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Hi Alanhypno
Well done on your good news. Need to report mine to add to this good news topic.
Just had the news of my latest blood sugar test which was 5.5% (normal range).
Was diagnosed with T2 diabetes at the very end of January and started BSD immediately. (Think the reading was 8.6%).
Week 21 on the diet for me. Have lost around 3 stones in weight and am now a couple of pounds away from my healthy weight.

Managed to book a phone appointment with a Locum Doctor who agreed that she was happy for me to come off or reduce my Metformin. We agreed on a reduction from 3 x 500mg to 1 tablet per day to test the effect.
She said it was highly unusual for someone to reduce their blood sugar like this and told me I must be a star patient!!! LOL.
She then asked me how I had managed to lose this weight and achieve these results so she could put it down on my records.
Of course I told her BSD 800 and MM.

Thank you so much Michael Mosley. This has worked for me.
Not sure if I have reversed my T2 yet but everyone out there. Listen up ….. this can work.
Happy days.

Cherry8
Well done! That’s good news. I will let you know how I get on. I am afraid I resorted to castor oil to clear the blockage – very unpleasant. But at least things should get moving now, in both senses!

FiFiP, I will try to find MM talking about diet drinks on the radio online, thank you.

Frog, good to know. I was reading about the salt thing too. It’s odd as it goes against what you’d assume, that is that salt would dehydrate you.

LMAO
Poster boy ???
Poster decrepid old fart more like but hey, you just made my day 😀

Hi this is my first time posting on this thread which is actually most remiss of me as this is my 13th week on the bsd!! Starting weight was 17st 13 and is now 15st 3. No change from last week but plateaux are part of the diet it seems!! Am now not really counting the calories just carbs. Having said that I log everything in MFP and most days it seems to come in around 1000 calories so not too bad. Onwards and downwards!!

Hi everyone! I’m Aria. I’m 36 years old and way too heavy for my 5’4″ frame.

Between 2012 and the end of 2014 I lost 40kg by quitting take-out, and as of January 2016 I had maintained that weight loss for a year, with a variance of five or so kilos. I had a breast reduction and brachioplasty to remove a huge amount of excess skin on my arms in January 2016. Prior to surgery I weighed 106.6kg; post surgery I weighed 103.3, and have not gained any further weight.

I used to be a gymnast, so am not afraid of my muscles, and I know that I’ll always weigh in heavy for my height because of them – but I’m so unhappy with the excess weight I still carry. I’m tired, have digestive distress, and though all my health tests come back normal (no problems with organ function, thyroid function, or cholesterol), type 2 diabetes is in the family, and my BMI is through the roof. I currently wear Australian ladies clothing in a 16 on the bottom and 12 or 14 on the top, but my BMI says I’m morbidly obese. I firmly believe this is because it ignores my muscle mass. That aside, I am still overweight. A lot overweight. I’m hoping to say goodbye to 30kgs or so.

I started the BSD two days ago, but only just now joined the forums. I’ve already lost a kilo…

TL;DR? 8/800 come at me! Healthy choices, controlled calories, new lease on life – bring it on!

Hi everyone, I’m a newbie that has been reading what everyone is saying but hasn’t posted until today. Just started last week on Wed, but I didn’t weigh myself until Fri, it’s been busy and I don’t think I wanted to see the number on the scale. Even with that I have a loss of 4 lbs. 🙂 I’ve done low carb eating before and had great losses, but also had great gains when I have quite and went back to regular eating. I hope to make this a reality now and I’m sticking to the 800 cals as close as possible.

Thanks for whoever suggested stirfries for supper because that has been my go to meal and it’s been great. 🙂

Hello everyone. So, I had a successful first round of Fast 800, managed to lose 21lbs and reduced my blood sugars immensely. For some reason I seem to panic when I get down to 179lbs – so I’ve spent the past three weeks gaining a couple of pounds so am going back to round 2 on Monday morning. Ironically, I find a great deal of freedom in knowing that I need to stick to 800 calories – it was when I ended my first round that my decision making became a little (ahem!) cloudy, to say the least.

Interested to know whether others who have started round 2 after a couple of weeks off have had the same type of week 1 results, or is the weight loss slower the second time around?

Thanks

Hi – when I was 29 I was diagnosed (after 5 years of symptoms) with Hypothyroidism – once on Thyroxin I was told that I would be back to being a whippet! As the only overweight person in my family I was relieved to hear it – it didn’t work like that and now – 26 years later I am even more overweight and a diabetic to boot. I didn’t eat too much and cut down on fats and ate far too much of what I thought were the foods that were good for me.

I am waiting for a really horrible abdominal operation that has been put back and back due to my weight. Almost by accident I read about this diet and began it four weeks ago. One stone down and my insulin has been cut by a third already. I may just have found a way to live with this! My aim is to lose another 5 stone and suddenly it doesn’t seem quite so difficult – I am so relieved and overjoyed. I have to ask though – why oh why was I not helped like this by the countless number of doctors and diet experts I’ve seen over the years?

Can anyone help ? I think I can get a referral from my GP to have one done but I need to know what hospitals/ reputable places do a DEXA Body fat scan. I am prepared to pay to have it done privately.

I am also not sure if it is entirely different from a bone density scan which is what the DEXA scan is, I think, usually used for. If you have information on this topic please let me know.

Thanks

Well done Boomer that is a great start. This is a fantastic site. I am converting others to the plan and think I may start a support group in my area. Has anyone else done that?

I have followed the recipes to the letter, and although they might be a little higher than what the book says I have still seen huge results.

It depends in what you are trying to achieve, if you need to lose the weight and lower the blood sugar, due to medical advice, then being as rigid as you possibly can, is a good idea.

However, if you are doing it for general health and well-being, following the recipes will still result in losing weight, and improving all the other stuff.

Once you have finished a couple of weeks, and realise you have a ton of unused veg in the fridge, make a soup, and have that for lunch, I haven’t counted a calorie, but i know that it wont be more than 200 calories, so i guesstimate, and then follow recipes from the book for breakfast and lunch.

not massively scientific, but the principles remain.

The biggest change i think you will find after a week or two, is how you dont seem to feel the need to snack during the day, as the food you are eating fills you up correctly.