Hello both, thanks for your replies. The ones they’ve made for me in the past consist of already liquidised fruit (in those mixer things), and ice, cream is swirled inside and on top. I’ve seen them do the cream, it’s whipping milk that they shake up.

Hi Baristagirls

If you’re in the UK the cold, creamy drinks served in Costa & Starbucks are full of sugar. Last year I watched one being made and I couldn’t believe how much sugar was added to the mix😱

I’d definitely avoid them!

A search on their website should tell you how much sugar/ how many carbs are in each drink.

Hi

Just because a number of courses are available, we don’t have to eat them all.

It used to be desserts I looked at first, fitting the rest of the meal round them. Now I’ve learned to ignore dessert completely.

If you don’t want a course, don’t eat it. Make the best choice from what’s available. Most restaurants are used to catering for various dietary requirements today and can substitute veg or salad for potatoes etc.

It’s quite possible to sit with a glass of sparkling water while others eat. And still sociable.

I’ve eaten out at various hotels & restaurants, as well as friends’ houses and eat what I can from what is available. It is possible to eat out while on the BSD – just be careful 😃

Hi again, SarahDawn,
You sound like you’ve really prepared – that is vital, go in with a plan. You mentioned in your original message that exercising is a bit difficult for you but cycling sounds great (I was too fond of falling off my bike as a kid, so it’s walking for me). Anything you can do to up your activity levels will help.

I’ve heard something about this phenomenon of an “eat up” day… it’s something I have noticed myself, I can have a large meal and it doesn’t adversely affect my weight. It’s successive large meals that cause a problem! 🙂

Really good luck to you – I’m sure you will achieve enough weight loss to get you back to where you want to be. Like I said before, don’t be disappointed if you find things are slow – the people who’ve had spectacular results with BSD probably had far more weight to lose to start with.

Take care,
Rose

JCH187 – When you mention continental breakfast what does this normally consist of ?

Thanks everyone for the good advice reference Yogurt, Sarah Dawn – I plan to start the plan next Tuesday as still need to get my head around it all and lots planned until then, need to start as I go on.

Onwards and upwards, a little scared I am going to be hungry but lots of motivation from others to keep me going.

All keep up the good work 🙂

Good decision, I need to get used to wearing new but now baggy clothes that I bought when I thought I was an OK size, still shrinking week 18. Well done, by the way…

Yes, thanks, the link works and it is about time a proper bit of science got into the media along the lines of the recent publication of Dr M’s books and some recent reports including Prof Taylor’s.

I am happy to say that I do not know what you are talking about. What is a creamy cooler? I have only visited said firm once and walked out after they refused to serve me a proper hot coffee. I would never pay myself for any of the milk products that are now being sold on the high street, but then I am over 60 now and am perfectly happy with milk and/or water with a teaspoonful of instant coffee. Perhaps I should not have commented but single posts look a bit lonely on a forum!!

I’m hypothyroid and am half way through week 3, I’ve lost 11lbs so far. Also feeling fine, no hunger or cravings now and feel settled into my new eating regime :). The only thing I would say is that’s I’ve felt quite cold!!

I started a thread on the Starting The BSD page called “How Are My Fellow New Starters Doing?” there’s lots of new folks posting on there, sharing experiences.

Like you I planned, read the book and did my food shop prior to starting so I was starting off on the right foot. The recipe section is great as I’m not much of a cook, I’ve found some great meals on there and the freezer is fully stocked too!

Good luck x

Hello again General, I hope that my sharing was seen as a criticism last week but it sounds like you will be successful in the end. Healthy eating took me some time to get used to but I am “cured” now most of the time. I can eat all sorts and occasionally have to adjust a day or so but I am maintaining my new lower weight in week 18 with any major problems. All the very best for now…

You could also try the continental breakfast of meat and cheese as an alternative.

That does sound like an underactive thyroid. My legs have felt weak/wobbly while I’ve been on the diet so I started on magnesium and it’s helped, it hasn’t gone completely but it is better.

Lonnie, those sound like symptoms of an underactive thyroid – have you been tsted for that?

I’ve been feeling hot – but I think that’s more my age than the diet!

JCH187, I emailed tech support and they said it was their spam filter being a bit overzealous so they approved the posts and altered something so that my posts should appear without any further problems 😊

Any plain yoghurt which isn’t fat free is fine (sometimes it’s hard to find full fat) Just don’t buy any sweetened ones – all the flavoured ones seem to contain sugar, sweeteners or both.

I really like it with passion fruit or pear and coconut shreds, strawberries (with or without blueberries) or apple and almonds. You can add any berries, nuts or seed combinations you like though. It’s just as quick to make as a bowl of cereals and much healthier.

Poached eggs on a slice if smoked salmon is also good (if you like smoked salmon).

Hi Mags- I am anout to start (tomorrow- Wed 9th), and have been shopping / planning too. When will you officially ‘start’? Maybe we will be starting on the same day?

I have just bought tons of yogurt: plain sheep yogurt, organic, from waitrose ( i don’t like cows yogurt) some plain Alpro yogurt- low carbs, but has a little sugar in it, and soya yogurt completely plain and very low carb from my local health food shop. None of which were very expensive. I plan to have with berries, flaxseeds or nuts each day. Boilled eggs with smoked salmon is a good brekkie too- Lidl do smoked salmon without sugar. I take my brekkie to work and so will aim to have it later an ‘break-fast’ about 10/11am to prolong the overnight fast.

Also, further to frogs comments the BEST baked beans in my opinion are Earthfoods bran- no sugar at all, just sweeetened with fruit juice. Holland and Barratt sell, as do Waitrose – and they are cheaper there. Even a ring pull can for on the go!!

SarahDawn

Hi, Madmare,

You are certainly not alone in struggling with this habit – it’s a craving like a sugar craving and we need to change our routine and find some sort of distraction until the craving passes.

For a vigin mojito, finely chop some fresh mint and put into a nice-looking tall glass with ice. Squeeze a wedge of lime into it and drop it into the glass then give it all a bash (I use the handle of a wooden spoon). Top up with cold sparkling water. If you prefer it sweeter you can use diet lemonade or half and half.

Stay with me on this, Madmare. This is my day 2, or will be if I get past tonight!

Today is not my day. I just long for a packet of flavoured crisps and sit here drinking black coffee instead. Doesn’t help that I gained weight this morning and have aching legs and a headache!

HI Rose and Imogen- thank you so so much for your prompt and kind replies, I really appreciate it.

I have done some shopping and some planning out of meals, and protein/carb ratios etc. so that I am all set to start tomorrow – Wed 8th. Which for me is important to think about starting properly, and with a good head on rather than just lauching in, in a panic with all and nothing thinking!

Thanks for your share on your journey Rose- it was helpful to hear about your weight loss/time period/ life too-reassuring. And by the looks of the forum and both your feedback this is a good place to get tips/ write about progress and also issues.
So again, thanks for taking the time to write your messages, much apprectiated . I start tomorrow, I’ll keep you posted!!

SarahDawn 🙂

P.s. – Rose- One thought I had when you commented aon how your weight loss slowed was that i have also read about an ‘undulating protocol’ whereby successful weight loss requires often increasing calories the lower your weight goes, to keep weight loss happeneing. And that it is especially important for women to have an ‘eat up’ day once a week to reset metabolism when eating a defecit calories. Don’t know if you know about it- I read up on the ‘Venus Index/ Venus factor’ before finding this diet…..

Strawberries are too sweet😱

After lunch had 2 strawberries – nothing on them – and they were just SOOOOO sweet. Couldn’t eat any more😱

My taste buds really have changed!

Thanks Patsy.

Stacey I should have just had a few glasses of Proseco so by the sounds of it :-))))

Hi Switzerland,

I though I would update you about the fasting, I found it easier than what I though when I break the fast I would want to eat all the pastries and everything but I couldn’t even finish my dish and I feel light after breaking the fast which make it really nice. today i found that I lost 3 pounds so excited about that. but I still broke the fast on a date with walnut. So the main thing is it is quite easy while fasting still hasn’t done any exercising yet but planning to do some this week and will see how my energy level goes.

keeptrying
I know the answer to that one – my ‘need’ for the first glass is nothing to my NEED for the second
Thank you made me think!

Rozydozy
I will try substitutions – I just need to think about the sugar not about how good the wine will taste and imagine the muffin top disappearing……

MrsG27715
Thats me!!
I need to learn to savour not slurp;_ a glass not a bottle!!

susieb
Its like looking in a mirror – lose weight all week then put it back over the weekend!
We can do this!!
Could you share the virgin mojito recipe – it sounds one to try!!

Californiagirl
I like the idea of the cold Pellegrino – I am calling at the supermarket on my way home to stock up
and the low blood sugar – that really resonates – I go far too long without eating – I never thought that its a quick sugar fix….

GillyD
and here I am blaming the night sweats on the menopause – have wondered why I dont get them in the day…..

Jnette
You give me hope!!

these posts are so positive – it really makes a difference.
Also made me start to analyse why I drink like I do
Thanks again everyone

I can see both your posts 🙂

The other thing you can do is check what your carbs are within your calories – MyFitnessPal does this – and then if you can keep carbs below 50g per day, you might kickstart more weight loss.

30-50g of carb, with then more fat and protein to make up the calories, seems to be helpful. Has been for me!

Good luck!

Frog, you gave me an idea about the horrid beans when you mentioned draining off the surplus sauce (which I’m sure you’re right, that’s where the disgusting taste and extra carbs are). I had 3 tins left, having bought a 4-pack…..I emptied them all into a sieve and rinsed off all the nasty sauce, then mashed them in a bowl. Shredded and boiled half a small Savoy cabbage. Fried a thinly sliced onion in a small amount of butter and oil. Mixed the whole lot together, with plenty of chopped sage, salt & pepper….a sort of Colcannon, without the potatoes. I’ve divided it up into several portions and frozen most of them….will have one tonight. So thank you for that idea.

A family member has just been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Normally, that sort of thing would have me falling (jumping) off the wagon and stuffing my face….the emotional eating thing. Not this time though – it’s made me more determined to stay on plan and lose weight, seeing as obesity is one of the causes of cancer (so I read on the Cancer Research website).

Yoghurt – anything plain and full fat – add berries or other fruit yourself.
Fage Greek Yoghurt is apparently lower in carbs than other brands- I have some in the fridge now, but most supermarket have own brand stuff.

I have low sugar baked beans with egg in the morning – I find the branston ones taste better than ordinary ones, and I mix them with cannelini or haricot beans to bring down the carb count. Something I wouldn’t eat normally, but my toast replacement.

Bacon or smoked salmon are good, I also make a frittata/omelette thing with spiralised courgette – the courgette bulks it out, so it’s quite substantial, where a one egg omelette would look stingily unappetising.
At the weekend I had poached egg with asparagus and smoked salmon and a spoon of cottage cheese – delicious!

Hi Lin
my weight loss was really slow after the first couple of days – it’s progressing now. I made a real effort to increase the amount of fluids I was drinking – and more exercise, but it sounds as if you’re pretty active already.
If you’re not sure about the calorie count of recipes, just calculate it for yourself for the individual ingredients that you put in. Sites like myfitnesspal can be a bit variable, I often use sites like waitrose or sainsbury

I wouldn’t worry about the odd lapse – I ate cake yesterday, just a one off treat – I included it in my calorie count, and a bit over on my carb target. I don’t know about you, but my excess weight has been there a long time, it will take a while to shift it, but as long as its going in the right direction that’s good.

I read the BSD 800 calorie book and was totally ready to change my eating habits firstly to get my BSL lowered, secondly to reduce my medication and thirdly to lose weight. Within 2 days I had reduced my blood medication by half, yes half even my GP was shocked! I have been doing the diet for 5 1/2 weeks. My BSL have dropped, I reduced my insulin and my weight has come down a little. I am very active at work, lifting heavy boxes and pushing cages with stock and pulling pallets so it is like going to the gym. When I get home I am also my feet except for eating dinner and going to bed. I have stuck to the diet exactly and it was only today that I broke the diet and had a guilt free brownie from the book. So what am I doing wrong? I read on 1 of the forums that the recipes in the book have the wrong calories? Is that right have I been having too many calories? It’s hard to stay positive when I read how fantastic everyone is doing on the diet in the forums . I have to just remember it is about the BSL levels and medication and maybe one day there will be better weight loss!

Hi MREY,
Just to let you know that I spotted some ready spiralized veg in my local Tescos Extra, check them out, certainly saves time when cooking!!!!

and this
http://www.tottering.com/product_info.php?cPath=39_80_113&products_id=1510

I am about to start the BSD and a very fussy eater, just wondering what to have to kick start the day, was thinking of yogurt but not sure what is the best type, any suggestions – I know they suggest eggs, but not sure I could just eat this on it’s own.

Would appreciate your advice fellow dieters.

Mags

I did not manage to have an alcohol free night last night but only two glasses and lots of tonic and a tiny amount of gin….

But as Scarlett O’Hara says tomorrow (or in my case today) is another day!
Thanks to all of you for such wonderful support
I am really bad at admitting that I need help and it so wonderful that you can be honest and not be judged
I am getting a bit teary here so here is something that makes me laugh

BTW this is me!!!!
http://www.tottering.com/product_info.php?cPath=18&products_id=128

Hi Lucia,

So that was the perfect dozen…you had me imagining all sorts of things!

Congratulations, 12 weeks gone in a heartbeat – what a fantastic achievement.
I am in my eighth week now ( I had lost track, amazing how time has flown ) and will be keeping on keeping on with the BSD life cos it feels so good… and… I have lots of weight to let go of.

Keep on posting girl, you remind me to have fun! 😄😄🙌🙋

Imogen🌻

Congratulations Lucia,
Wow, 12 weeks on the BSD. That’s a great achievement.
Do you want to share with us how you feel now compared to 12 weeks ago?

Posted last week that I was disappointed with results… me only eating an apple during the day with hot water to keep me going … got replys which told me I was wrong!! have taken advise to heart and have now started to have fruit and natural yogurt for breakfast, a small hard boiled egg with beetroot tomato and carrot sticks at lunch time and tonight having a stir fry (of sorts) with a small pork chop, then a small glass of Coconut Milk at supper time … not sure about the coconut milk yet but at 20cals for 100ml think I might put up with it! Wish me luck have a long way to go with weight loss as well as getting sugar levels in the safe zone but I have the confidence that I can do it!!

Hello All, I have a real fancy for a creamy cooler, I know cream isn’t banned on this diet but I wondered if anyone could advise which would be the most BSD friendly, or if they would have them on this diet! I’d be grateful for advice, many thanks.

Hi Linda and frog Thankyou for your words of encouragement – it does make a difference when others share their experiences and thoughts. It is great when clothes you had trouble even doing up before now fit, Keep up your good work and look forward to hearing about your achievements.

Thanks for the welcome and the tips Frog. I have something similar to a spiralizer from Germany but will pick up a more up-to-date one later on today. They’re popular in France. Not sure you’d find anything like courgetti available in the ordinary supermarkets here though but I usually shred or strip mine – other half won’t eat them if not, other than as a soup.

Thanks for the encouragement and info fifty! I froze my carrot cake in slices so it will last a while lol. I will definitely look at that recipe because I love carrot cake!

I’m a bit confused – I wrote a post on here about an hour ago but it seems to have disappeared into a black hole 🤔🤔🤔. Oh well, I’ll try again.
It’s day 7 for me today and 2nd weigh-in. Having started my period on Saturday and feeling bloated because of it I wasn’t expecting to have lost any more this week. However, I’m over the moon to report that I’ve lost another 3lb – that’s half a stone in a week!!! It’s quite an achievement because up to now I’ve always gained weight around my period. The other big thing I’ve noticed since starting is that I haven’t had to take an indigestion tablet at betime all week – something I was having to do every night previously.
Good look to you all on your individual journeys xxx

My weight has been hanging around 71.5-71.9kg for the last week since hubby was home and I havent been as meticulous with weights and measurements. How this though, I had a date night that didnt involve food but did have bubbles and cocktails and the next day I dropped 1kg!! I thought it would go back up but its been 3 days and it hasn’t 🙂 so this week I weight in at 70.8kg a huge 9.2kg lost since April and almost have a 6 at the front of the scales. I’m thinking I should drink champagne and cocktails next time my weight stagnates hahaha

Hi All
Well it’s day 7 for me today and my 2nd weigh-in. Having started my period on Saturday and feeling quite bloated because of it I wasn’t expecting to have lost anything – I have always had a slight gain around my periods previously. However, I was over the moon to discover I’ve lost another 3lb – that’s half a stone in a week!! I know a lot of that will be fluid (the bathroom is my second home at the moment 😂) so I don’t envisage getting such a good loss every week (although it would be nice).
I honestly never thought such a low calorie diet would be so easy to stick to – apart from a few hunger pangs on the first couple of days I’ve not had any carb cravings at all – even when my kids were eating chocolate in the same room. Chocolate has always been my downfall and I absolutely love it so for me to be able to resist it in this way is quite an achievement! The other big thing I’ve noticed is that I’ve gone a whole week without needing to take indigestion tablets before bed – something I was having to do daily before! My BM’s are slowly coming down too. All-in-all so far so good. The big test will be this week as I’m back to work today after a 2 week break – I work shifts and have 3 12hr night shifts this week. I struggled to fit the slimming world diet around my shifts but I’m hoping, with a bit of planning, that I’ll do better with this diet. Fingers crossed.
Good luck to you all with your individual journeys xxx

Especially, it’s good to hear you still had gfun while sticking to the diet.

Thanks, Frog. Will try your recipe next time I really want pizza. They have to be a better option than ones with wheat flour.

No change for me this week either but will keep it up and not too discouraged!

Managed an amazing weekend away and had a great time even while having salads while everyone had chips, and sparkling water while everyone else was knocking back Prosecco! :-)) Didn’t make any difference to the fun though. Did a lot of extra sea swimming and walking and horse riding so am hoping maybe some of it is muscle… though suspect that I just have to keep strictly to the 800 calories if I am to continue losing as I was. Didn’t keep track of calories and probably ate a few too many cashew nuts and a few extra apples than usual. Also had a small amount of dark chocolate, one piece of soda bread and I made healthy amond biscuits (almonds, bicarb of soda, ginger, maple syrup) before I left, to share, which may not have been the best idea. Though then again they probably prevented me eating worse things! It’s kind of amazing though considering what I ate and what my friends ate!! It’s kind of luck of the draw in some ways – it can’t just be simply about only what you eat as some people eat soo much of what’s considered the not overly healthy stuff, and lots of the good stuff, and just never put on weight!! Anyway, glad I didn’t gain anything and will continue on this path for another week! Wasn’t able to drink as much water as usual and I think that made a difference too – definitely important to keep it up, and it’s an easy enough one to do. 🙂

I need to go shopping for smaller panties. I am going to get some pretty ones instead of the big black ones the were so necessary.

Week 4. Unbelievable, I never thought I could stick to a diet like this and definitely didn’t believe my husband would stick to it, but here we are, 4 weeks in and feeling good. I’m over my third week hiccup and tackling it with renewed vigour. Thanks for the positive support everyone.