Hi Lucia

Mushroom soup for me this week – has helped me to lose another half kilo. I am still around, just a bit too busy for my own liking.

All – enjoy your weekend when it comes tomorrow. I am going to try to brave a 10k run on Saturday, first time ever. Just for the hell of doing something different from my normal 5k (see the Lucia influence here?!)… and then another concert to play in at night.

Lucia – you should try making gazpacho, nice cold soup for the summer months!

Julia (pity I cannot change my user name. The 18 kilos to go have now become 6.4 kilos!)

I’ll only be having the odd one or two and probably one 2 or 3 times a week. Other than that, the only carbs I’m getting is from veg, quinoa, bulgar and the other one that you have to cook for hours which I can’t remember the name of at the moment!

Edit: Actually that’s a lie, I’m also getting it from some fruit, and a tiny amount of rolled oats I’m having sprinkled onto my yoghurt with nuts every other morning!

I happened upon this diet purely by chance when Dr M was on Radio 2 a few weeks back and something intrigued me about it, so I bought the book the same day. I’m not a fan of “diets”, but have been interested in the Mediterranean paradox for years, so this sounded right up my street.

I’m a 6’4 man aged 39, and when I weighed myself on Monday morning I was 99.5kg (15 stone 9), and it’s a weight that I’ve flirted with a for a few years now. When I was in my 20s and up until I had kids at 27 (and had a 6 pack!) I was around 13 stone and that is the weight that I want to get to again. You might think that that is too skinny, but I’m naturally and ectomorph (think swimmer) so that is what I’m targeting.

I’m not diabetic and as far as I know I’m not pre-diabetic, but I think I’m a prime candidate as I carry most of my weight around my middle and moobs. No more! My diet has always been fairly good although I’m partial to the odd flapjack or millionaire slice, but by far and away by biggest vice is booze, and I’ll freely admit that I have regularly consumed far more than the recommended amounts, which obviously isn’t sustainable.

I started the 5:2 on Monday with my first fast day yesterday (Wednesday) and I was absolutely shocked to see that my weight had dropped to 95.5kg when I weighed myself this morning. I suspect that the majority of this is water retention but it’s also quite nice to see quick results.

I’m keeping up my fitness regime which at the moment is a mix of running and weights and I intend to work swimming and cycling back into the routine shortly too. My goals are to get lean (flat belly and no moobs) and the be fit enough to beat my triathlon record which is currenly 1hr 42 for a sprint distance. I want to get it to sub 1hr 30 mins, and there is no chance if I’m carrying around 2 stone of blubber with me!

I had a look at the nutrition info. It’s only 7g carbs less of which very little is sugar, I would suggest they’re okay as long as you don’t go over the carb allowance 🙂

I’d like to know this also as this is basically the only crispy/crunchy thing currently on the menu for me!

One thing that you need to bear in mind is that cardiovascular activity can put you in a catabolic state which means that your body will go looking for an energy source and if none is available through what you eat, then it might first and foremost go for the muscle. A way to make sure that this doesn’t happen is to eat the right thing at the right time. I’m not an expert on this, but a partially informed layperson, so I would suggest speaking to an expert in the context of doing the BSD also which makes in quite difficult!

As a general rule, I believe it would be advisable to eat whatever small amount of carbs you are consuming a few hours before you go running. Although as I said, please get this checked out by an expert first and don’t rely on what I said!

I have been at 12st for three days now and have been looking forward to measuring uner 12st and today … … I weighed 12st 1lb. DOH.
No panic onwards and downwards.

Sorry but I laughed at the rice name being KONJAC maybe it should be Conyou. Silmrice sounds very manufactured. I haven’t tried cauliflower rice yet and yesterday bought a large cauliflower ready for the trial. I don’t have a food processor so will try using a hand vegetable chopping machine. I have used this before to chop cauliflower finely to add raw to a mixed salad.

I have been able to arrange for a physiotherapist to visit my mother at home to help with mobility excerises. This was via her GP. Perhaps your doctor can help put you in the direction of a physiotherapist. In the meantime just keep moving in whatever way you are able. Enjoy your day.

Hi Stodge – if they are the ‘uncut’ type then you are fine to use them. As Frog says – use in moderation.

Hi CC
My head is pounding! Crying out for its sugar fix! i agree, I love the posts and find its nice to think of a group all around the world working away at this.
Hope the head improves
B67

Hi Patrice, B67, Science Monkey, Izzy and all!

Thank you all so much for your encouragement – I found the first day a bit tough but also quite exciting in the sense of trying new ideas and was of eating. I had quite a bad headache yesterday but found that drinking more water helped with this. Izzy have you been doing the 800 cals programme for the time you have been changing your eating? I love this forum its so inspiring and great to get the support from like minded people 🙂

CC

Thanks, Nettle, for your considered response. South Island is a great place. Our first grandchild is a Kiwi, so we have lots of trips to N!. (Returning in August)
Hubby is the soupmeister, so soups are definitely on the menu. Also, lots of kumara as they took over the garden this year.
Just have to get back on the low cal wagon, complete with a good mineral water for special drinks instead of the Martinborough pinots!
And I love dressing like a lamb. Haven’t been able to do it for so long!!
Beetroot and feta salad tonite as the sun has come out after all the terrible storms.
And may God defend size 12 New Zealanders 🙂 Good luck with the thyroid. I had it briefly, but seemed to cure itself.

Thank you Julia.

Spoke too soon, been an up and down last few days

Monday day 107 weight 9st 11lbs (another pound lost) -19lbs
Blood sugar 8.4

Tuesday day 108 weight 9st 11lbs
Blood sugar 8.8

Wednesday day 109 weight 9st 11lbs
Blood sugar 8.6

Thursday day 110 weight 9st 12lbs (so up slightly again)
Blood sugar 8.0

Blood sugar overall is loser than it was, I have been getting more done around the house but also spending more time outside on the sun lounger while the sun shines. I have also been buying some clothes, I am normally a leggings and jumper person, but I have been wearing some very short denim shorts and short dresses and have ordered some very skinny jeans. I feel like I have a new lease of life. I am working through my wardrobe and giving away my clothes that are too big,which is both a bit sad as I like them, but liberating as I no longer need them. ☺☺☺

Try this combo:

25g Cheese
60g Ham
10g walnuts
10g chutney

This is the closest I can get to 290 calories.

I too was worried about the No Carb Pougmans, so did some research and it get the whole meal close to the calorie count quoted, this is what I came up with:
25g Cheese
60g ham
10g walnuts
10g chutney

I use the best tasting cheese and ham I can find. Depending upon the exact brands you use, this comes out at about 310 calories and up to 19g carbs. But I never eat all of the chutney, so I figure I’m under 300 calories…

Hope this helps.

Lucia you will make the headlines yet withb your world domination.

My god!
The website has told me I move too fast and to slow down!
I must be pressing the buttons too quickly.😀😀

I must get support to remove this, it should be saying go faster!
Love Lucia
Xxx

Oh and I have got someone else on the band wagon in work.
Ha, today my building , tomorrow the world!
Love Lucia
Xxx

Well, the weather doesn’t know what to do with itself.
Yesterday evening it was misty or slightly foggy.
Washing on the line was damp.
I cut the lawns again and then came in to do a bit of sewing before bedtime.
Hubby got a book from Amazon and has had his nose in it. Won’t see his face until he finishes it today!
A game of thrones book, base on a hundred years before the series.

Anyone still making soup in this weather? It’s a great meal. I do one with frozen mixed veggies, some stock and one of those herb bags, they look like a tea bag. Then bring to the boil and simmer for six months.
I then freeze it.
I have put a chicken breast diced into it, but I don’t like keeping it out for 24 hours.

How are things with you ?

Love luciaXxx

Welcome to the newbies 🙂

I’ve been distracted as my son got up early so haven’t time to post a proper update, I’ll be along later though.

Have a great day everyone.

Hi everyone. I’ve just passed week 16 and thought I should log back in for more inspiration. I started 14 Feb 2016 and my journey so far has been bumpy but still relatively successful. I’m no where near as consistent as many of you. I started at 156.5kg (24.6 stones) and am now down to 137.2kg (or 21.6 stones) [I’m deliberately ignoring that the scales jumped up 3kg yesterday!!! Read more on that below]. I have a long long journey before I could be considered overweight!! My congratulations to those of you that have made that transition – you must feel amazing!

I’ve been reading some of the posts and have been heartened by the similarities in our stories. Some people say I look amazing, some pretend not to notice (or perhaps just really don’t notice) and one woman at work keeps talking about how pretty my eyes are (not sure if that’s a euphemism or if she’s only just noticed them now that they’re not so hooded). Yes – my underwear is baggy, and for some reason (can someone please explain) keeps crawling up my bum!! My lovely work clothes are getting too big, but I don’t want to get more just yet. I cannot buy clothes here in HK so I have to get them tailor made which is just too expensive if I am only going to fit them for a few months. I did buy some clothes off the internet recently – I’m looking ahead and so have ordered size 20 for Christmas!!

And in a way, that’s a little depressing as well. I have calculated that even once I have been on this diet for a year, I’ll still only be about two thirds through my journey. But, at least I’m on the journey (about a quarter of the way there) which is better that being at the beginning – so I choose to look on the bright side!!

I mentioned that my road has been a bit bumpy. I tend to stick to the diet Monday to Friday and then have a few meals where I’m a bit less strict on the weekend…… And one night I’m permitted alcohol too. I also travel a lot for work, and that can be tricky. If I come back with no weight gain then I am happy!! So far it’s worked. But where I struggle is with discipline when I eat out lately. I was celebrating with my husband for his Birthday on Monday and found myself eating crisps over cocktails (I had to ask the waiter not to refill the bowl after the third time), the bread they bring to the table in restaurants (two slices no less) and then ordering a chocolate dessert (which I justified on the basis that the book suggests that chocolate has loads of antioxidants)!!!

But I am determined to get to the goal at the end of the journey. I was inspired by CaptainLynne describing how people would no longer categorise her as fat. That would be nice. Like Lynne, I do a lot of presenting for work and yes there are those awful photos that get posted at work!!! It will be nice not to be worried about the photos. It will be nice not to be worried about bus/train/aeroplane seats (even Business Class was getting a bit tight when I was at 156kg) and not to be worried about finding a parking space where I know I can open the car door…..but the absolute best thing will be to go unnoticed…

So – that’s me. Hi everyone – I’m very pleased to be a part of the “over the 16 week line” club!

Cheers, V

PS It’s my birthday today, so I’m going to try harder to resist the bread basket and dessert at dinner tonight!

I’ve been surprised at how much I find myself eating and still being within my boundaries. Keep experimenting with different foods and vegetables, adding seasonings etc to spice things up. Courgetti and cauliflower rice have been welcome additions for many of my meals 🙂

I didn’t have time for my lunch the other day and I didn’t get hungry so it’s true you do get used to eating less and notice much less.

Hi Marg
glad to hear that its going well
barbecued chicken – if you mean barbecued in the sense of grilled on a barbecue – no different to chicken grilled on a regular grill
Barbecued chicken as in chicken slathered in sweet and sugary barbecued sauce – best give it a miss.
If you’re asking because you have some ‘barbecues’ chicken from a supermarket, look at the label – or if no label, the supermarket may have nutrition info on its website. If the sauce is only on the on the outside, you could consider eating the inside and abandoning the skin.

Hi GeorgiaRose
I think you answered your own questions, wine and cake. Don’t make them the bad guys, remember our thinking has to change… moderate, enjoy them, but less often. The success so far is the driver, it is possible to feel this good relativity easily. I am not diabetic but Thyroid issues kept me overweight and under powered for years, BSD has seen to that! I love it. This is week 13 for me and I am really cruising so intend to stay on a few more weeks, then do the 5:2. I am thinking I may even try a 2:5, two of anything, within reason, then 5 of the 800cal, then gradually convert to 5:2. MM does 6:1 I hear. What ever works, at least we now have options.

I am in the South Island in NZ, winter is a treat, snow on the alps, brisk walks. Soup has replaced salad. I have bought two fast diet cook books, great ideas in them, all the counting done too.

Jeggings is a new word around here, not just jeggings I remind all who will hear, SIZE 12 jeggings. Who cares if I am mutton and they are designed for lamb!

Here’s to your 5 BS results returning. 🙂
Australians all let us rejoice….I hold both passports.

Nettle

I have just started and am on day 3. I am finding it really good so far and apart from the first day haven’t really felt hungry. Was wondering if barbecued chicken is O.K. to use

Thank you

should be fine in moderation then!
I make up 30 grams of oats in water, soak them overnight, no sugar or sweetener, other than fresh fruit. the brand I have is 111 calories and 17 grams of carb. Its probably one of the carbiest things I have on a regular basis.

Hello all, Did the eight weeks from 1 March with 15 kg weight loss. New jeans, leggings. Yea! Now comes the tough part. Past month weight has plateaued. Been eating low carbs, no sugar, back to one glass red wine, probably a bit too many nights. Now Blood sugar has gone up this morning to 7.7 (Aus) after weeks in the 5’s and dropping nighttime Metformin (with doctor’s approval). Must be the paleo apple cinnamon cake I made yesterday. Had a bit of honey.
How do people go with the 5:2? I think we (hubby very helpful) must start portion weighing and calorie counting again. Winter here in Aus now and fewer salads!
Others in the same boat?
I was hoping to get off of BS meds completely, but won’t go back for next blood test until my readings are down again for a while!
Cheers, g

Yes they are rolled and uncut like grannie used to make rather than “ready-brek”.

well done Smith, round it up & that’s a stone!
I’ve just finished three weeks and a bit less than that – 5.5kg, but still pleased with that – fitting into trousers and jeans that I haven’t been able to wear in ages!

Hi Stodge
Read the packet, but I think Jumbo oats are usually rolled and uncut
It’s those crappy fine milled just pour on some boiling water ones that are evil!

thanks Izzy – nearly there! Sorry to read that you’re not feeling great – hopefully you’ll sleep OK & feel better in the morning.

I went to a knife skills course this evening, which was fun (main learning point was to buy decent knives and keep them very sharp!)

Baristagirls – I did three things all at the same time, so not sure whether it was one of them, or a combination of the three:

1) Drastically increased my activity and exercise levels
10-11 thousand steps a day – have also started wearing trainers more, and carrying smart shoes to change into if I need to – I know I walk faster in trainers, I don’t have a fitbit, but a fairly good pedometer that calculates aerobic steps as well as ordinary ones, so trying to up the percentage of aerobic steps
2) Increased the volume of liquids I’m drinking
Previously 1-2 litres of tea, and maybe two or three glasses of water – now I’m aiming to drink at least two litres of water.
3) Taking a senna tablet when I think I need it.
there is a thread on constipation if you search for it – varying suggestions, but I know that I detest the texture of psyllium husks. Maybe I should just go back to the original version of metformin, rather than extended release one!

Hi Cornish Claire and all other
This is my morning to start too and like you things couldn’t be more grim in the weight dept. I’d like to think I wasn’t starting BSD out of desperation but a bit of me is scared how quickly weight can pile on, particularly as one hits middle age! I only logged in to the forum four days ago and it’s a little treat to read about people’s daily lives!

So best wishes for your start too CC and we will see each other along the way

B67

I agree with Izzy that you should ideally get some advice from a qualified professional. Can your doctor recommend anyone?
Personal trainers are fine, but of course they’re not necessarily medically qualified, so a proper physiotherapist could be the best idea.

It would be worth investing in a consultation, as good advice now would be worth its weight in gold.

Science monkey, I hypothesise that the plateaux are when the visceral fat is shifting so possibly the measurements alter, but not necessarily the weight. This is what seemed to happen to me when my waist was shrinking, my ketostix told me I was burning fat, but the weight clung on.

However when the plateaux happen, you do have to KEEP TELLING YOURSELF THIS!!

😉

Tyvm for the advice, I approach this like an experiment and weigh everything and calculate the calories for every meal.

In fact, one of the reasons I went on the BSD is that it is grounded in science and supported by pre-clinical and clinical data. There is even a valid underlying hypothesis for why the diet works, for all those that love journal articles and metabolic pathways 🙂

thanks Patrice and Science Monkey. As for advice for the plateau… just ride it out. I’ve had two now and the weight will move again soon. Just make sure you are on top of your portions and logging everything you eat honestly, drink your fluids and try to get a few extra walks if you can 🙂

Hiya Izzy,

I hope you feel better soon, but I reckon that’s the after effects of a Maccy D! And in a very late reply to you; yes, I am of the Jockense persuasion, but I left Scotland in 2000 and since 2011, I’ve been in Belgium and I love it here 🙂 You nailed it about the BSD too, in that it is as much or as little as you want on the website and you can get the mutual support you want on the web without paying a weekly fee for platitudes that don’t work for you.

Cornish Claire, welcome aboard and I hope you reach you goals. In my experience, the first week might be a bit of a stretch as you get used to the way of eating, but you can get past this and then it becomes plain sailing and you become used to doing the diet and way of eating.

I’ve dropped a bit more weight; now almost 11kg down in 5 weeks, but I seem to have hit a plateau (exactly the same weight for 5 days now……). Anyone have any suggestions?

Science monkey (ook ook)

Hiya Izzy,

I hope you feel better soon, but I reckon that’s the after effects of a Maccy D! And in a very late reply to you; yes, I am of the Jockense persuasion, but I left Scotland in 2000 and since 2011, I’ve been in Belgium and I love it here 🙂 You nailed it about the BSD too, in that it is as much or as little as you want on the website and you can get the mutual support you want on the web without paying a weekly fee for platitudes that don’t work for you.

Cornish Claire, welcome aboard and I hope you reach you goals. In my experience, the first week might be a bit of a stretch as you get used to the way of eating, but you can get past this and then it becomes plain sailing and you become used to doing the diet and way of eating.

I’ve dropped a bit more weight; now almost 11kg down in 5 weeks, but I seem to have hit a plateau (exactly the same weight for 5 days now……). Anyone have any suggestions?

Science monkey (ook ook)

Hi Smith

Great result😃 I’m in week 24 now, on holiday in Italy. Up to the day I left on holiday I’d lost 62 pounds.

Staying with friends and visiting folk is interesting now I’m on the 800 BSD. I’ve managed to stay low carb though. And tried to be careful with portion sizes. Back home late Friday night so will post results as usual on Saturday.

Folk I’ve been eating with have asked how much I’ve lost and about what I can eat. Strange to be in Italy and not eating pasta, pizza, ice cream etc. One trattoria we ate in, the only main course I could eat was sliced pork in a cream sauce (scraped off most of the sauce). But the antipasti are great – sliced meats and cheese. Would really do me as a main course. Another trattoria, they specialised in horse meat😱 I had lamb😃

Hi izzy

You have had a rough day– snuggle up in the duvet and hope you feel better soon.

Patrice.

there are many stories here to draw from, my own experience is that once I got started it’s been much easier than I expected and the time has flown by.

I’m in week 8 myself and many people choose to continue beyond the 8 weeks. I’ll probably do that myself but allow a day here and there where I will have more calories but still stick to lower carb foods.

My advice would be to plan your meals, use an app to count your calories and carbs, search for recipes on here and elsewhere that you might like to try. I’ve really enjoyed some of the new things I’ve tried and it keeps my food interesting.

Good Luck to you both, I’m sure you will do well.

Hi Frog you’re doing well I hope you crack that stone soon!

My friend has one of those reclining exercise bikes that might work for you but I don’t know if it is any easier for you to get off and on it.

You could maybe do some strength training with your arms provided that would be ok on your back but I think you might do better to get some professional advice from a trainer. If you can afford it maybe a session with a personal trainer would help, many of them work mobile and could come to your home to advise.

I’m sorry I have no better advice for you I hope you find something that works for you.

Hi Claire I’m happy that you have enjoyed my diary. I had 4 stone to lose to begin with but it doesn’t matter how much you have to go BSD will work if you keep at it. Don’t let a week of no loss/no loss get you down and make a plan 🙂

Like Patrice says up there it becomes a way of life really, and well done to Patrice for losing 4 1/2 stone! I’m jealous about the size 12 jeans! I will get there too though and so can you Claire!

Well I’ve had a funny sort of day. I was picked up at 0700 and my colleague drove us to the training that was 2 hours away. We stopped off at Macdonalds and I had an egg and bacon wrap! at 27g of carbs I knew I’d need to be careful the rest of the day. When we arrived at the training I skipped the bacon rolls and drank a few cups of tea and glugged down my water. Then at 12, we began the journey home and soon after I felt sick and we had to stop so I could get some air. I’m not usually travel sick but I had been looking at my phone so I think that caused it.

I got home about 1400, had some soup and although I felt better still not right but went out to do some work anyway, felt gradually worse and was glad to get home at 1715 but I can’t face dinner. I’m sat here with a hot drink of Almond milk, in bed watching x-files at 1800 🙁 I still feel a little sick, headachey, tired, and stomach cramping. (could that be the wrap? not sure. Maybe I’ve caught a bug)

I’ll be trying to sleep early in the hopes I feel better for work tomorrow.

Hi Tallyhoo,

How are you doing ?I am almost three weeks in and I have lost 13.5lb so pretty happy : ) still learning – doing a meal plan for each week is crucial for me ! dot find it much of problem to be honest & enjoying the results

Hi Bill 1954,
sorry for the late response – thanks for your advice – I am finding this forum incredibly useful !
I think I am doing pretty well = about two & half weeks in and have lost 13.5lbs waiting for it to slow down which will be sad ! still learning & hunting the recipes down.
How are you doing?

Hi Captainlynne – been quiet on here like to read how everyone is getting on – but doing good 13.5 lb in just over two weeks so couldn’t be happier – still learning & recipe hunting – but I am doing good thanks.
How about yourself?

Thx Baristagirls I know it’s a matter of willpower like any diet & I have to keep strong ✊😀