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 ✊😀

Hi Cornish Claire

I’m on week 21 and the BSD is a way of life now — I to had a lot to loose 6 1/2 stone and already lost 4 1/2 stone and now in the overweight BMI category and just bought some size 12 jeans!!! — a bit snug at the mo but in January I was buying size 22!!!

So stick to it it’s abit hard in the first two weeks but very worth it— no food tastes as good as a pair of size 12 jeans or improved health — I know I’m shallow putting size 12 before health but it’s been along time since I’ve bought clothes happily!!

You can do it Claire.

Patrice

Hello Flower55 🙂 Temptation is one of the most annoying things isn’t it! Crisps is my weakness also, but never really drank much alcohol. But crisps! Try and look at it from the point of view that you have to resist temptation in the supermarket too. At work there is always a basket of crisps and I have to stare at them emotionlessly each day! And you’re doing this for you. The foods on the diet are really tasty.
In a funny way, you almost get a kick out of knowing you can resist while others eat. Actually, my sister has started more healthy eating over the last few days, not the bsd, but no doubt a result of watching me and my mum do BSD!
Congratulations on your 5lb weight loss in 2 days! that’s really fantastic!

Started the BSD mon 6/6/16 & doing quite well. My starting weight was 15st 9.5lbs & 8.1mmol/l & today 8/6 it’s 15st 4.5lbs & 4.8mmol/l so really happy 😊 I live with my partner & father-in-law & the latter has a really sweet tooth so there’s sweets choc biscuits & cake around 😯 Also crisps which is my total weakness. It would be so much easier if I lived on my own as there wld be no temptation. How does anyone else cope with this when you have other members of family eating lovely but naughty food 😉 Also missing my wine/rum & coke 🍷🍸

Try the indian popadoms – you can get a pack of 50 from tesco, ocado etc. Just microwave for 30sec. Made from lentil flour but really satisfy that need for crunch.

Sue1234 this is brilliant news! You have done so well to keep at it through the tough times, I really hope that this is the home straight!
Julia

Hello Butterlover, thanks for the advice, since this morning I have been having revelations that it is probably candida die-off as I have/had candida very badly and have probably shocked it with this diet. I am going to try cocunut oil to see if this helps and if anyone else has advice or experience I’d be interested to hear. Still rather puzzled about the weight gain though.

Hello Frog, I’d love some advice on how you cracked the plateau?

Hi GrannyR .I was measuring the meat portion at about the size of the palm of my hand.When I got the scales I found that two very small lamb chops were 200 calories and I usually eat at least 3.So now I’m more conscious to weigh and measure. I’m not following the recipes in the book exactly,rather using them as a guide.But I also found that I was underestimating portions for fish.That’s presuming the scale is calculating correctly.Im enjoying trying to eat things which are part of the famly meals just missing the carbs add extra protein and Veggies
Hi Baristagirls.I hope you are feeling better, If not you might want to see your doctor,its possible that your illness is not related to the diet and you have something else wrong.cheers to all

Hi everyone … Into week 2 and going ok … It’s so rewarding seeing the loss daily . it’s going to be worth it …
Just out of curiosity , on this thread people are saying they are not losing it quick enough .. Just a thought if you don’t have much to lose will it take longer like regular dieting .. That last stubborn kgs/lbs are harder ??

Hi All,

I have just started my journey today for a healthier me! I have a long road as I am 7 stone overweight and very unhealthy – but you have to start somewhere?! Just to say I have read through all your blog post and they are really inspirational, motivating and helpful to a newbie…..thank you for sharing your journeys!

Claire

Feltwicked you have excellent news. Well done, congratulations. Thank you very much for sharing.

Are any of you disabled with mobility issues? I walk with crutches (painfully!) and fall easily (balance issues) MY knees and back are ruined. I can’t get on the exercise bike unless hubby s home as I cant get on without help. What exercises are you doing that overcome these obstacles?

Wonderful news Feltwicked! And great to hear of a doctor who listened to you and gave positive feedback.

Hi Stodge – MM recommends not using commercially prepared oats on the 8 week BSD. For those who are trying to control diabetes, they spike the blood sugars. If you are in that group – then check your BS readings to see if they cause a spike. If you use the search function on the top right and put in ‘porridge’ or ‘oats’ you will get a lot of info on those who think it is fine and others who do not.
What the books says is use with care and use only rolled (uncut) oats, the type you need to soak overnight as these release the carbs more slowly.
Well done on getting to the end of week one and on your weight loss!

I went from 2 normal sweeteners to just 1 stevia for a few weeks and now I drink my tea with no sweeteners at all. I think some of the sweeteners are more sweet tasting than sugar. I count a cup of tea with whole milk as 7 cals. Same with yoghurts. I never thought I would eat Greek yoghurt! Now I have it every day and love it. Tasted my daughter’s Muller yoghurt and it was just too sweet.

Hi Collie,
There was a post from Cherrieanne a while ago suggesting seeds ‘fried’ in Tamari – sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds – dry roast slightly, then add Tamari Sauce to them – they caramelise and all stick together. Once cool – separate and store – lovely snack and crunchy!

Hi Grammie,
The end of week one -well done! I agree with Switzerland – have a look at what you have been eating. The BSD book says do not get too hung up on 800 as some days it will be 750, others 850 and it evens out over the 8 weeks.

What I found to be more important was the amount of carbs and fats in by diet. When I started I used premade shakes for 3 meals a day – they have skimmed milk added to them. I was hungry a lot and it was only that I noticed I was losing weight (no more than I would have expected from a ‘normal’ calorie restriction), but I was losing the weight disproportionately from my bust and hips and less from my waist, that I checked the carbs in the shakes and they were very high in carbs and low fat as I was using skimmed milk. I was taking in 90-120g carbs per day so not getting rid of the fat around my middle.

Once I moved to full fat yogurt, dropped the shakes and started cooking from scratch – the weight shifted at around 2kg a week thereafter plus the cms started coming off of my waist and I now am back to a normal shape.
Personally I found 60g carbs per day works for me – I am veggie so it is hard to get below that and still get enough protein. Most people are going for 50g per day or lower – you need to find out for yourself what works for you. Too low and you may well get cramps. This diet focusses on low carbs and high fat to get the calories you need and full fat keeps you feeling full.

Other tips – allow 50 calories a day for things to nibble on – a few nuts, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, small pieces of cheese or adding milk to coffee of tea makes the coffee and tea more filling. Having them around when you get a hunger pang stops the need to raid the fridge and for me, stops me bring forward by an hour my next meal!

MIndfulness also helped me – see the mindfulness forum for ideas.

Good luck – it gets easier week on week will by week 3 or 4 you forget that you are eating very little and it is the norm and satisfying.

My husband has been type 2 for 12 years and his entire family all have it. I have only recently been diagnosed as type 2 but not on any meds. You would think I should know more about type 2 because of hubby but he has never gone low carb or watched his sugar intake with the exception of Pepsi Max! Reading the BSD was a bit if a revelation. As I have only just read the book (finished last night) I have been making adjustments to our meals already, cutting out the ridiculous amounts of bread, rice, potato and pasta we normally gorge on. It will take a little time for hubby to adjust but he is determined to get some control over his eating as do I. The next grocery run is going to be very different!

It is great to have this forum to bolster you while you are on a life changing journey that will have good and bad days. As I have to lose half my body weight, I am worried about the long term – what I will do at the end of the 8 weeks, how will I stay motivated and on track? I am hoping the contributors here will be able to help me with advice and coping mechanisms for the long haul.

Oo thanks for that link Frog. I tried cauliflower rice with herbs just cooked in a pot already and it was filling anyway… not sure if much else ;-)) Think the baked version might be a big improvement though, will try that one next. I definitely found it tasted a bit better then next day actually – had it for lunch.

I made this pizza base before BSD days so will have to work out the numbers but it was really tasty! Might be worth a go.
http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/green-pizza-with-a-cauliflower-base/

Orchid I love spiralising too – courgette so delicious with garlic and lemon and pepper!

Great news! Very well done. I bet you’re stoked, you should be! 🙂

Hi Frog, Thank-you for the BBC link to the Cauli Rice – interesting to see the different ways of cooking it. I have not yet made it from scratch as it always seemed to take too long. I did find some premade that I bought and used – it was nothing special and I would rather do without and have more veg with sauce than use it again.
I will try the cauli rice again from scratch with the info from that link – not adding salt till after plus the difference in microwave to oven cooking is good information. I have also just started using a spiralizer – I was very sceptical that courgette could be made to be interesting. The only think I ever used it for before was to add to Ratatouille – it was not a veg I particularly liked. I had expected to use the spiralizer for carrots which I love grated, but decided to give courgetti a go – it really is a revelation and a quick and easy meal if you just add some flavoured olive oil to it.
Clarissa – glad you got through day 2 – personally I do add in the herbs and spices – but I don’t think it is necessary. I just do it for completeness sake, and also to check I am not getting some carbs I did not know about! I would still use the herbs/spices even with extra carbs as it adds flavour making the food enjoyable, but would know to adjust somewhere else if I was going to my daily carb target!

Hi Lucia,
I hope it rains enough for you to jump in the puddles – great fun!
…..of course ‘voila’ means something to eat that will make you more crazy. Have a great day.

Hi Collie,
I usually resort to peppers, radish, etc for a bit of crunch. Wish I liked celery but I don’t! ! A few nuts here and there.
I have an unopened 100g bag of Waitrose crunchy & spicy ciabatta croutons with black pepper and sea salt.
A quarter of the bag, 25g, is 114cals/15.4g carbs – which is why they’re unopened as I’m type 2!
I suppose a few croutons wouldn’t hurt – you could also break up a ryvita for the same effect. (Week 14 for me and still at it!).

Hi

Thanks everyone – it is a big milestone to get out of the obese category and it has given me a big lift. I tend to be quite strict with the diet Monday – Wednesday which are the days I work and then I am more flexible the rest of the week. I buy the low GI bread from Lidl and have that as a bit of a treat sometimes (when I crave a bit of toast and marmalade !). Yes, no footie and not having to watch my husband eating Chinese take-away will be good.

Thanks for BBC link Frog. I tried once to bake in oven and had to throw away about half as it got burnt at edges. Will try again maybe with cooler oven or smaller tray so layer is a bit thicker. Liking some of the variations ideas in the comments with the recipe.

Week 3 is not my week. I feel iller than usual, more brain fogs than before starting the diet, difficulty passing much despite drinking plenty of water and 2 coffees daily. My legs are often painful, tired or tingly. And I gained weight.

Great news Felt wicked, thanks for letting us know.

Glad to hear the Dr listened and was pleased. I have a feeling we are pioneers on the edge of THE NEW way of treating a few conditions. The medical professionals will have to take notice once the evidence mounts.
Nettle

Hi BSD’ers
I’m craving some crunch in my food any suggestions. Lettuce , cucumber just doesn’t do it. It may be a desire for Norty carbs . My day is ;
Breakfast – omelette
Lunch- Yoghurt full fat berries chia
Supper- protein salad/ veg

Need to mix it up a bit I used to love crisps toast etc I do miss that mouth feel. Looking into changing habits and it can take up to 200 days to change oh my!!!
I like to be inventive but am struggling.
Just bought my first batch of raw whole organic milk. Must be better for us , at least cows have grass under their hooves.🐄
Losing inches first then pounds follow ,feel good ,getting comments on how well I look , I have to try not to be too zealous in telling people. Just cannot believe how much rubbish is in supermarkets bring back local shops please Ie green grocers 🍓🍎🌶🍆🍋🍳
Thanks for your support love Collie 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Hi feltwicked, Wow! You’ve done so well. Congratulations! I’m on week 14 now of the BSD and have an appointment next week for my annual bloods (I’m type 2). Hope my results are as good as yours.

Butterlover, how much meat should I be eating? Your posts are very useful, thank you.

Hi all,

I went to my usual doctor a few days ago and asked for a print out of my HbA1c (Haemoglobin) and other blood/urine tests done over the last couple of years. I also requested a new full blood/urine test for an update.

I got called in to his office this afternoon to have the results explained. He was very pleased as my HbA1c had dropped from 47 (SI units or 6.5%) in July 2015 and 44 SI (6.2%) in Feb 2016 to a staggeringly low 35 SI (5.4%) today June 2016. My Albumine/Creatine count also fell from 11mg/L & 23.3 mmol/L in 2015 down to an amazing <3 mg/L & 9.6 mmol/L at this reading.

I then mentioned about the BSD and that I had stopped taking medication a month ago. He was surprised, although giving a warning about crashing at the end of a diet – about which I reassured him that this is a lifestyle change not a fad diet. He cancelled all further specialist reviews and shook my hand in congratulations, whilst advising me to keep checking my fasting blood.

I’ve also dropped to 93.1 kg (down from 98.4 when I started).

I am so stoked, I had to share with the team of fantastic supporters here – and I’m only in my 5th week of the diet.

FeltWicked

1 week into the diet and I am confused. I have always had a bowl of proper jumbo oat porridge (no sugar but a little salt and pepper to taste) when I get into the office (around 7:45am) and I don’t eat again until lunchtime. I leave for work at 6:30am and can’t face breakfast at that time in the morning.

I always thought that porridge was a good breakfast and being low GI would be OK on the BSD.

Please advise.

On a less confused note – 5lbs lost and really motivated by this new way of life!

thanks Switzerland – I’ll look for the pizza base recipe
I found one for gram flour pizza base that I made on a previous diet and liked – a bit carby, but not too bad compared to standard pizza, but a cauliflower one should be even better.
I need to have a plan B for when I get a real pizza craving!

Lucia, Hi there. Oh yes I am so going for it. Today I have some brown shrimps lined up for lunch. I am about to go to an hour Pilates Class. My weight has been stable for a few days now. I am so happy with how well I feel. A fog has lifted. 😀☺😊😄😇🙌
My favourite word is enjoy.
Enjoy your day.
Enjoy your plans.
Have fun and enjoy.
regards Sandie

End of week three – 96.7kg, 5.3kg gone
I seem to have cracked the plateau problem – regular loss of around 0.3kg a day
If that trend continues through the next few days, I should achieve 1 stone loss by the weekend,
I think I drank a bit less yesterday, probably two litres of water and 1 litre of tea, and a coffee.
but a fair bit of exercise – boat club in the morning, gym in the afternoon and around 8,000 steps
midnight snack of a couple of oatcakes – wonder if t would have been more without them?

I am up and ready to go to my Pilates Class. It lasts for one hour. I do this at different times thrice a week. Each day I dog walk of varying lengths. Usually between a mile and up to 5 miles. Once or twice a week I do a Body Pump class. This class has really helped with body toning and shape; especially around my tummy area.
What ever excersie you do enjoy it and every now and again change your routine so your body gets a surprise.
ENJOY

Hi sandie,
Thank you so much.
Your profile said you are going for it
Are you still?
What have you gone for this week, I need details?

Also, I remember , you are the crayfish tails lady. I thought you were so posh eating that compared to my shrimps 😀

Do you have any hints and tips?
I am always needing them myself

Love Lucia
Xxxx