Basic rate of metabolism is defined by genetics and gender, it does/can vary with exercise and there is a perhaps mistaken belief or not that yo-yo diety can foster changes and help one store rather than burn energy. The BSD is not like the traditional calorie controlled slimming diets. It is about changing the way we eat and the foods too by replacing carbs with more nutritionally effective foods of protein and fats and oils. Calories of course may be used to produce energy, to store fat or just to run the body’d basic metabolic rare. This is why counting calories alone does not always help. It is the carbs that affect the insulin system and obesity is derived from the body becoming insulin resistant and developing metabolic syndrome or syndrome X leading to obesity and T2 diabetes. So stick to Dr M’s guidelines and shrink like the rest of us without worrying too much.

Thanks everyone for the feedback….
first week done and dusted…. managed 2.8kg loss…. a win is a win….Im actually very impressed with how im feeling…slight headaches first days… Lets do this !

Hi Clarrisa! Welcome to the BSD! You are going to laugh at yourself in six weeks when four nuts will seem like a truly decent snack! Don’t give up — in the beginning it just seems like there’s not enough food, but by week 8 you will think it’s just about right! Keep a journal — I love going back and reading what I thought In the first few weeks of the diet — I have come as far mentally (with food and food issues) as I have physically.

Many of us fast from around early evening to breakfast managing 14 hours. hard cases report 16 and eat only in the 8 hour period. It seems that over 12 hours is more or less essential and longer is good. Dr M explained that when we fast our bodies switch into a kind of repair mode rather than storing fat, especially when food is scarce. So 800 cals and a long fast does the job. We need to up our fats and protein when we reduce carbs to a low level and wait for our bodies to switch to fat burning. My blood pressure reduced significantly since I started. I am in week 18 now but no longer counting anything and since I added a magnesium supplement ( I am over 60) I have been transformed in terms of energy that was a bit lacking recently to a point where some days I would be exhausted.

I like wine too much also. It was one of the biggest issues for me as I started the BSD. So my coping strategy was to buy cases of sparkling water (I like Pellegrino or Gerolstein) and keep at least 3 or 4 bottles really cold in the fridge. When I think I want wine, I first pour a huge bubbling ice cold glass of sparkling water and drink it. Usually that makes me happy enough but if I decide after that to have wine, I make myself wait until dinner is on the table, then I pour a very small amount and eat dinner. I usually can resist more wine after that. My theory is that wine works so well and is so attractive because when I have low blood sugar (ie I’m really hungry) wine is a very fast sugar-delivery system.

Hi, Madmare – you could be writing about me.
Wine is also my downfall and I hold it fully responsible for my 43 inch wine belly. Not pretty.
I have also been attempting this 8 week diet for the last 3 months but find I’m having to start again every Monday as I just can’t get out of my bad habits.
I don’t have a sweet tooth either – just carry all my fat around my middle which is why I need to do this.

A lot of people swear by Becks Blue as a substitute, it’s low calorie but has 9g carbs.

I am going to join you in starting properly again tomorrow and try and give myself a break from the wine to try and establish new healthier habits. It doesn’t help that I work at my own restaurant and bar in the evenings – I just need to leave the building without the obligatory ‘wind-down’!

I’m growing my own mint at the moment so I’m going to try virgin mojitos and see if that does the trick!

Good luck to us both!

Good I should think – I can do late or skipped breakfasts, but I’m rubbish at eating early in the evening.

The BBC did an experiment on their “trust me I’m a doctor” series a few months ago; its not on iplayer any more, but there’s an article about it on the BBC website – the group that had long overnight fasts did better than the control group. Micheal Mosley is in the series, but didn’t present that piece.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/zBx3JZJCKfNBrWgT0Qyj93/the-big-experiment-could-i-lose-fat-just-by-changing-my-meal-times

Hey there, I’ve come to the end of my first week, following as per guide and cut out all starchy carbs & alcohol and lost only 1.5kg. I did expect a bigger loss given the book repeatedly says you will loose a lot of weight fast on a VLCD. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a good loss but I did expect more. If I compare it to something like 12WBT, people are loosing the same on 1200 calories a day, so I had a different expectation. Will stick with it. Headaches only on Day 2. Drinking 2-3 litres water a day. Snack only on a few almonds, blueberries, grape tomatoes or celery & homemade almond paste. Really missing bread, but forging through without it. Reading others losing far more a week so just wondering if I need to do more. Thanks

No idea wobblebottom – but your name reminded me of a cheese farm that I’ve bought from in the past, and had the cheese in restaurants – Wobbly Bottom Farm in Hertfordshire. Really nice cheese if you see it for sale.

Today’s food yoghurt and strawberries, lunch cheese and salad, dinner … dunno what to call it lol. Bolognaise mince layered with cabbage leaves to make a kind of lasagne with cheese on top.

Still feeling a bit crappy, argued with husband earlier, but had a long walk with friend too so not all bad.

Sleep time now.

Initially I was sleeping a lot better, but the last few days I really increased the volume I was drinking, and kept waking up needing the loo – I must try and drink huge volumes in the day, rather than late evening!

Hi Maryphil
It’s going OK thanks for asking – so you’ve lost nearly 9kg altogether – that’s fantastic!
I stayed at around the same weight for ages, but it’s finally started shifting – On Sunday I did an eight mile walk, and really increased the volume of water that I drank (+ a couple of diet cokes!).
Today was day twenty – so when I weighed myself this morning 19 days – I’d lost 4.7kg – not brilliant, but OK.
I haven’t measured myself again, I’m saving that for 1 month, but today I fished out old jeans that I don’t think have fitted for about five years. Much more comfortable than the old ones that I had to keep hiking up every five minutes.
My sticking point for the last few years whenever I’ve dieted has been 100kg; I hovered around 98-99 for about ten days, but now nearly 97kg, so really pleased to have cracked that.

I ate a piece of cake today – but didn’t have lunch and ate less for supper, so a bit high on carbs, but I think within 800 calories still. I didn’t walk as much as yesterday, but around six miles – so hopefully that will counteract the cake! Kayaking and a gym induction tomorrow – I really want to keep up the exercise quota.

I love wine too Madmare. Red wine in particular! I can forgo crisps, sweets, chocolate, cakes, biscuits etc, and haven’t craved them once in the 6 weeks I have been on this diet. But wine is my downfall, and on Saturday night I thoroughly enjoyed a bottle to myself after getting so fed up with the slow weight loss. I’m back on the diet 100% now – not giving up just yet.

I have always loved how wine makes me feel. Suddenly, after a glass or two, the world seems a better place, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to completely give it up. I have succumb to the fact that I need to lay off it in order for me to get to the weight I want to be, and after that point I know I will have to be careful with wine. But I’d like to be able to introduce it back into my life as something to savour, rather than something to take the edge off a stressful life!

I already exercise, and drink plenty of water, and neither of them hit the spot quite like the wine does!

Hi Lucyja, I had exactly the same in the first couple of weeks and am experiencing it again now as I’ve just restarted after a two week lapse. For me it’s because of how active my mind is, almost as if it’s buzzing, when I’m on the BSD, which is great during the day when can I get loads done but bad at night when I want to sleep. I found the insomnia gradually disappeared around the third week.

Hi Maryphil
Another Aussie here!
I’ve lost 11kg in 7 weeks😀
The first week was 4.6kg and last week was 0.4kg and the weeks in between have been anywhere from 0.9 to 2kg.
I’m pretty much doing the same thing week in, week out, it’s just what happens. Please don’t get discouraged, follow the plan and it will happen.
Good luck
Linda

Hi,
Can adhering to the fast 800 slow metabolic rate?
I did the Cambridge diet back in the day (330 calories a day) and didn’t have a problem when I returned to every day eating.
I’ve always thought metabolism was effected more by exercise.
Can anyone clarify?
Many thanks

Hi Clarissa,
Welcome on board. I found the first two weeks were the hardest for wanting to keep eating between meals, but after that I rarely looked for anything between meals. That coincided with me starting on full fat not low fat products as well – full fat yoghurt was a revelation. If you have not made that move – and it was the hardest thing I did psychologically over the 8 weeks, then stop the low fat dairy and take full fat instead. Calories are not much higher and it keeps you full for much longer.
I snacked on almonds and cherry tomatoes or a piece of cucumber – which is a slow eat, very few calories and refreshing to eat.
I also went back to cooking from scratch so was spending more time cooking, making soup and freezing some for another day) which kept me busy. Soups are also a great thing to keep you feeling full for a long period and very economical calorie-wise.
As collie said, keep occupied and the cravings do go.
Good luck with the journey!

HI Frog, Izzy and Mooloc
I was wondering how you are all going? Frog I hope you are into the swing of it now and losing some weight. MOoloc I’m a bit like you at the moment – my weights coming off slowly and seems to go up and down day by day. I am glad I came back to the forum because I see on May 11 I had lost 3 kg and now I’m down 5-6 kg more. Which means it is working and my clothes are looser. At the moment I seem to be hovering around 84/85 kg – I’m going up and down between these weight. 85 kg is my nemesis – I want to get past it once and for all!! Has anyone else had this difficulty with stalled or very slow weight loss? I’m going to keep on with it and hope it will starts to come off again soon. Anyway I hope you all are going well and keep positive – Maryphil

Hi Clarissa
Make sure you have plenty of fat in your diet, don’t have any low fat or ‘lite’ products, everything has to be full fat, and drink at least 2-3 litres of non calorie drinks per day. Also get in the habit of walking. I haven’t done any more exercise than that and I’ve lost over 11kg in 7 weeks. Once you’re over the first few days, you’ll find you won’t be hungry.
Good luck and post if you need to😀
Linda

Hi,
I often skip breakfast and eat between 10am and 7pm which leaves a 15 hour fasting period.
Is this likely to have any impact, positive or negative on the outcomes of the diet?
Thanks

Hi Clarissa, I don’t have any great secret for feeling full, just drinking plenty, which seems to help. I have got a few hunger pangs now, but I figure I’ve nearly made it through day 1 so I’ll hang in there. now. I hope you’re evening is going to plan and you’re feeling proud of taking the first steps. X

Thank you Collie for your kindness, I do feel a bit better, slightly hungry but I think your right it’s a bit of boredom and I’m used to much larger portions and a huge amount of carbs!
Looking forward to the change in lifestyle and myself…… And hoping I wake up a size 14!! X

Hi captainLynne,

That sounds delicious, may try that for dinner tomorrow…just finished an omelette and salad😊

Thanks for the suggestion!

Imogen🌻

Hi Lucia,

A perfect dozen…what???😉

Imogen🌻

Clarissa
Hang in there, if like me you are used to eating big amounts and carbs it will take time to adjust. Drink water, fruit tea, take a bath, read keep busy. It does pass with time and now I have moments when I really need food but mostly its just my mouth hunger. I often feel slightly hungry going to bed but am not when I wake up. We are all different but at some point everyone will have had to overcome something on this new way of life. I no longer think it is a’diet’ . I can honestly say I now feel better being off the carbs. I have mental clarity and am achieving more, less bloating, sluggishness etc. I am just starting week 6, have had set backs but not gone completely off course just ate more than 800. I took a long time to get this fat and I reckon it will take a year to shift it all (5 stones).So its not a race ,try to take one meal at a time , tick the box that meal done etc. Wishing you much success, research says it takes time to change habits.
xx from Collie

Hello 4stonetolose!

I am back on the wagon, the first day is always the hardest so now I’m through this I know I will be ok.

Had a really nice tea tonight. Garlic fried, add anchovies and courgetti. Just before serving add capers. Serve with a poached egg.

Hi Sarahdawn,

Just checked for ‘blood sugar testing kits’ on threads..just type that into the search box and you will find a couple of replies to an earlier postee….

Hope it helps

Imogen🌻

Question
A friend began this a week ago but lost very little in first week BUT the week before he started he ate and drank beer in super large amount.
Would this extra take awhile to come off through his body and be cause of bad first week.
He is following the plan religiously now .
Alanhypno

I finally found some scales and I think that I’ve lost about 3lbs..in a week. I’m a bit disappointed as I have been very good and kept my portion size down and allowed and naughty carbs to pass my lips. I’m also walking – 7000 – 10000 a day and yoga every other day. You all seem to be doing much better. What am I doing wrong??

Hi Natalie,
I would lift the carpet out and lay it over a line under the carport or eaves or trees.
Once it’s dry, you have to get air through it. Or near a heater.

It’s not easy. My car carpet was glued in, and to put an extension cable in it, with a convertor heater, blowing hot air. It took a few days .

Love lucia
Xxxx

So no one asked me about my perfect dozen.
Disappointed people, thought you would humour the crazy one.
Oh well at least I had fun with it.

Love lucia
Xxxx

Am in second week of BSD and all going well to be fair -main problem is I’m not sleeping well, waking up a lot more than usual and struggling to get back to sleep. Has anyone else had this problem and did it resolve ?? Any advice?? Thanks

Hi Clarissa,

Welcome to the BSD. Congratulations on your first day…

Can I suggest that you look to increase the proportion of fat in your diet whilst keeping the carbs low…so use whole milk, full fat yogurt etc. The fat helps you feel full for longer.

Also, have you got access to an app like myfitnesspal (i use fatsecret uk) to keep track of your foods + proportions? Can be helpful.

Sometimes it is not hunger, but the carb addiction calling!!!

Imogen🌻

Hi Mooloc,

All dried fruit contain higher sugar levels than fresh fruits, maybe best to avoid for now😕

Imogen🌻

I started today too, and I’m starving, I need your secret to feeling full??
Congrats on your first day

New to BSD and have a huge amount of weight to lose, I made hummous for lunch with crudités, I’ve had chilli this evening, I snacked on cherries x10 and 15 almonds. Now I’m watching tv feeling a bit headachy with yet another glass of water……….. I’ve never thought about food so much and it’s only day 1 😩

On MyFitnessPal it says this fabulous sounding treat is 150 cals for a 60g serving. Depending on whether you are trying to keep your carbs low this serving is also 15g of carbs,, 12 of which are sugars.

I fear to tell you that figs are probably too sweet to be a regular BSD permitted fruit – sorry – but as a one-off you’re probably OK.

Hi all,
I think we’ve all found that an open packet of anything (biscuits, ciggies) or opened bottle of plonk is the biggest temptation, sending out invitations we really don’t need. I am reminded of something that someone said to me as I embarked on the BSD:
Resist things ONCE – in the supermarket.

I tend to hit food when problems get the better of me – like you, Madmare, I have a penchant for crips! It doesn’t help that there’s a Tesco Express just round the corner from me.

Good luck, Madmare, you’ve recognised the problem. If you can wean yourself off wine you will undoubtedly lose weight because of all the sugar you won’t be consuming – that’s a pretty good incentive to cut out the vino. Find something to use as a substitute, maybe extra exercise, a glass of water….

Welcome Sarahdawn,

As RosyDozy says you are in the right place. We are all here to support and guide each other – just dip in and out as often as you feel comfortable!!
The BSDers are a really helpful, friendly and supportive gang – so no reason to feel that you are doing this alone – just post.

You can also use the search topic box to find other/previous forum threads which may give you more detailed information on specific queries…not sure if there is one on blood sugar test kits😕

Wishing you great success,

Imogen🌻

Hi everyone, I woke up this morning slightly nervous about starting the BSD today but I’ve been genuinely amazed at how full I’ve felt all day. I still have the evening to go, which can be a danger, but I’m feeling confident at the moment ! It has been lovely to read the messages of support people have posted through the forums so I felt compelled to join in. 😊

My weight loss has tailed off too – almost the same losses as you and then finally I have moved a pound after staying the same for s week or more. I just keep thinking that it will all pay off and sticking with it.
All the best with getting the protein/ fat balanced – I still find it a bit tricky especially if I’m not being organised with my shopping!

not quite the same as alcohol, or perhaps it is
but I know that giving up massive biscuit binges was easier when I realised that my ‘need’ for the first biscuit was nothing compared to the NEED for the next one!!

next time, if there is one, that you have that first drink, really try to recognise if it satisfies a need, or just increases it

Just bought a marvellous treat from Waitrose – Puglian figs with buffalo mozzarella which I brought home & devoured all 250 calories of it without pause!
Now wondering if actually I shouldn’t be having figs at all?! They were semi dried. Any advice? Thank you!

I have just started the diet today. I am am fit but have over the last year put on over a stone after a hysterectomy. This all makes sense to me as I have a terrible addiction to sugar.

Can anyone tell me whether I’m in for a rough ride coming off sugar and carbs? If so how long and coping strategies to help? I have a 15yr in the house so can’t completely get rid of everything unhealthy..

Hi Jules, I’m a Jules too! I think you need to check your protein targets as I suspect they should be nearer 70g. If youre trying to get to 194g it explains why you’re not fitting in enough fat. Well done on the 12lb loss, that’s fabulous.
The other Jules x

Hello Sarahdawn,
Welcome to the club!
The great thing about this diet is that while it’s great for T2 diabetics, non-diabetics can do it as well. I wasn’t T2 or pre-diabetic but my weight was going up and, like you, I didn’t feel good at the weight I was at. My weight really started going up after an operation and, like you, I went from being active to having to work up from 5 mins exercise a day! I was too fond of sugary things and what made the decision to go BSD for me was the “sugarberg” drawing which is somewhere on this this website – I realised that I was eating so much stuff with hidden sugars. You can go the whole hog (i.e. the 800cals per day/8weeks) or you can adapt to something that suits you better. So, yes, it’s safe and very maintainable. (I’ve lost about 1.5 stone since mid-January.)

How you spread the calories through the day is up to you. However, it’s worth maybe saving a few calories for the occasional emergency snack/late night munchy if you feel desperate. Keep hydrated – very important. Your body will go through a period of adjustment – you may feel grotty for a few days, you may feel hungry at times (I know I did). You may start off with good weight loss and then things slow – you are NOT failing, so don’t beat yourself up (your weight loss may be slower than others since you are not terribly overweight). You may even fall off the wagon and pig out on off-limit foods – we’ve all done it – you just dust yourself off and resume.

Can’t answer about blood sugar kits – I’ve never used one.

As for a place for support – well, you’ve already found it. Any questions, just post a message – someone somewhere will probably be able to answer, offer support/advice. Lots of kindred spirits here!

Good luck!
Rose

Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum but started the 800 cal plan 3 weeks ago for weight loss, I have a lot to lose! After finding the forum and all the good advice I realised that I needed to watch my percentages of Carbs/Fats/Protein so the goals I have set in MFP are C-35g/F-55g/P-194g.
I have lost 12lbs in these 3 weeks and I’m delighted with that but whilst I’m managing to keep my carbs more or less on target I’m struggling to meet the fat & protein targets and still keep close to 800 calories. I was overjoyed to find the advice to have full fat dairy and have stocked up on yogurt and Stilton today but even planning a couple of days menus using these I’m still only averaging about 30g and my protein intake is regularly less than half my target. Because I have such a lot of weight to lose I’m a bit paranoid about sticking to the 800 cals, especially as I’m finding it so easy to do!
My weight loss has tailed off each week, 7lbs then 4lbs and 1lb this week so I wonder if I should be focusing more on the nutrition goals rather than obsessing about the calories in order to keep losing effectively? Any advice would be gratefully received.
I should stress again I am delighted with my loss so far!

How did you do it?
I have tried ( may be that’s the issue I am already using the language of failure) rather than saying I am going to
I have just remembered something my boss told me when I was a teenager
I asked how he gave up smoking and he replied he just stopped having the first cigarette of the day!

So that’s what I need to do just not have the first glass

I’m an all or nothing type person with quite an addictive personality, I used wine as a coping mechanism and ended drinking a bottle of wine a night to “help” me through a rough 6 months. After continually waking up feeling rubbish I decided to have a 3 month detox, 5 yrs 6 mths later I still haven’t touched a drop, don’t miss it, don’t need it. Why don’t you try giving it up for a month, see how you feel and take it from there?