Wow Orchid. You have done some impressive walking during the last week. Take care of your back though.
Know that Eureka has done her Marathon as well. So that is great.

Well done everyone who tried a MyMarathon challenge, especially if they sent a donation to BHF. Thanks for trying a new challenge.

Managed to do 4 and a half Fitbit Marathons in May….failed to do the 5 I’d hoped for.
Wanted to complete the return migration of the Emperor Penguins but I’m about 20 miles short so it looks as though I will be stuck in the Antarctic for the Winter now. Donation flying to BHF anyway of course.
Been really pleased with what I have achieved this month…..even caught myself running up the stairs…..phew!!!!
Been too busy to be able to do much walking in the last few days. I’m away for the next couple of weeks.

Anyone got any ideas for jolly exercises in June????

Switzerland – thanks and well done to you too!
I see now on the Weigh In forum that you crossed the line and lost a lot on the way. Good luck with the continuation.
I will also go for the 5:2 with 800 cal rest days. On those days I think I’ll use the book recipes with an occasional veg juice instead of lunch. I’ve also seen your hints elsewhere about guilt-free brownies and 85% choc which may well come in useful!

Chinagas – thanks for the comment and input. Congrats to you on the successful 10 weeks and reaching your target weight. I am quite enjoying the novelty of loose clothes and fitting into much of my wardrobe that was saved for a brighter day – today!

I’ve been a lifelong exerciser from football and rugby at school through rugby and occasional rowing until I was around 35. Then gym through the years and spin around 4 /5 years ago. I previously found I was getting a bit bored with the gym without any focus. Since starting spin for cardio and core strength I find that gym is complementary for strength. I only exercise nowadays if I enjoy it and find 3 spin followed by 3 strength gym workouts is plenty, along with an occasional bike ride. I burn around 800 – 1000 calories on exercise days so that helps, but I proved to myself that you have to control carbs/calories since weight [and visceral fat] creeps on. I reckon it was from 50 onwards when my metabolic rate must’ve slowed through aging and I couldn’t burn all I ate – at one point I was doing 5 x spin. I’m 60 next month so glad to have worked out the right balance.

I’ve thankfully never needed to work on being muscly but like being leaner. I’ve enjoyed the LCHF balance on the 800 and if my blood results are normalised then I’ll stay similar. So I like your idea of normal calories for five days and 800 on two, though hadn’t really planned out what I was going to do after the 8 weeks. This fits with Dr MM’s advocacy of fasting days and the 800 is a very comfortable figure.

If you read Dr MM’s Fast Exercise book it describes HIIT training from a scientific viewpoint. I was going to try HIIT rowing inbetween spin/gym sessions [ I have a Concept 2 in the hall !] but found I needed and enjoyed the rest days, in order to get the most benefit from the others. Recovery is a big part of it and I’ve found that by limiting my workout days I put more effort in, instead of wishing they were done. Mindful exercising some have called it!

Hi Christine.

*opens the door for new member to this club*😃🌻🌹

A new woman😱 Not sure about that! This one can get into enough trouble, never mind a new one LOL. Might have to start making clothes again (not done it in years) – very little in the shops appeals to me, either style or colour not right! And why, when I don’t want them anymore, do nearly all the trousers have elasticated waistbands?

Yes, tomorrow I go to London, stay overnight and fly to Italy. Treated myself to a new bag, a bag organiser and a purse. All Kipling. Love Kipling bags. I must have had the one I’ve just abandoned for 8 or 9 years, using it nearly every day but it was just starting to come apart😱 So a new one for the trip. The bag organiser is an extra large purse with lots of pockets, so the little purse (also with lots of pockets) fits inside. Big enough to hold passport. Also doubles as a clutch bag with wrist strap😃

I’ll be ok posting tomorrow but not sure about after that. Friends don’t have wifi so it depends on the mobile signal. Will try and post when I can.

See you when I get back (home 10th June). *waves*

One giant leap to a healthier me, I hope!

Tomorrow marks the start of my BSD journey and I will no doubt be drawing strength, ideas and encouragement from here – and hopefully contributing a little too.

I am not diabetic nor pre-diabetic, but I have a grandmother and great-grandfather with diabetes. I am also very overweight and have been most of my life (I am 26 now). I lost 2 stone over a year ago, having initially been 17st 11lb, but have hit a plateau since. My boyfriend has been doing Slimming World for about 2.5 years and has lost around 5 stone, but we do not live together, which makes being on different diets somewhat easier I think!

Starting Stats:
Weight: 15 st 12.4 lb
Height: 5′ 2”
Resting Heart Rate: 86 bpm
Waist: 50 inches
Fasting Blood Glucose: 4.4 g/dl

I intend on doing the Fast 800 for 2 weeks with 600 calories worth of shakes and 200 calories of non-starchy veg a day, followed by 6 weeks on 800 cals of ‘real’ food.

Let’s see how it goes! Looking forward to following any newbies also. 🙂

Hi Skywalker,
Thanks for your response much appreciated.
Do you know the light headedness has begun to subside a little so I am feeling a little less ropey!!
Onwards & upwards.
Sally

& to josephsmum – we can do this!!

hi everyone –

WOW. thank you so so much for your replies, it all means so much to me!

lucia thank you for your incredibly thoughtful response. you are so right & have so many helpful ideas that i’m going to follow! thank you so much.

i am back today after a bit of a stumble. ready to clear out my shelf & fill it with healthful snacks.

thanks everyone.
celeste x

hi again –

i think i’m the only that read my posts here however it helps to keep me accountable.

day 10, 11 & 12 were write-offs. i was on a road trip with a friend & though i did not by any means go crazy (or what crazy would have meant pre-BSD), it was certainly not below 800cal/day. i’m a little bit struggling with whether this counts as ‘starting over’ or if it’s simply part of the journey of ups & downs. i think i’m going to continue with my day count.

my wedding is august 28th, which is 90 days (13 weeks) away and i would like to continue this fast 800 journey until (but definitely not including) that day, and then move to the 5:2 method. so i have thirteen weeks.

today is day 13 & i’m going strong. keep going celeste!!

celeste x

Hi Lynne,
Knock knock can I come in *waves* I am finally on the over the sixteen week mark, I am away from home though so don’t know how I will fare this week, I will carry on carrying on!
Lynne, you are definitely going to have to try new things, clothes wise, you never know you might start a whole new thing and end up being a totally different woman! Worth a try at least?
You will be off to Italy tomorrow, will you be able to get any posts done on the forum? If not ‘see’ you after your hols, I forgot Judith was away! I was wondering where she had got to! So,if you get a random post from me asking where you are, it’s just me having a senior moment!
Christine

Hi JackieWilsonSaid,

Great results (round of applause). I love the analogy of winning the lottery. I finished my first 8 weeks 4 days ago and morphed to the 5:2 BSD…..surprisingly for me there have been no slip ups…..I eat low carb med style for 5 days (I don’t count calories those days) and the 2 days at 800 calories – no worries.
Best wishes for your next 9 lb down.

I drank a lot of water today.
More than usual.

How are you all getting on with your water intake?

Love Lucia
Xxxx

A few nights ago I did Michaels burger and griddled. Veggies.

It was great.

This was my first time with quinoa. Didn’t know what it would tast like or how it would cook.
It was great.
The quantity was huge.
I have a frying pan with ridges in.
I did the veggies on that.

Love Lucia
Xxx

Hi Cherrianne,

It sounds like you had a great time in Perth.
I don’t know about you but when I started this BSD journey my thoughts surrounded the food, exercise and mindfulness meditation (this has stayed with me).
The forums and the global community that they foster are such a delight and a surprising benefit of the BSD.

Oh, so low today. My vision was really blurry so I checked my BS reading … 29 !!! Yesterday I had to go out to Sunday lunch with friends and I ate half a Yorkshire pudding and one roast potato with my lunch. And I had wine. Today’s reading made me realise that this is not an 8 week diet, these are changes that I have to make for life. Forever. That was an enormous realisation.

Hey all ,

Just wanted to pass on some info for those who suffer from water retention like myself and incredible moods and pms symptoms including painful ovulation and periods : I drink 2-3 litres water a day and still hold a lot of water ; that is until I talked to my pharmacist at the discount chemist regarding my problems two weeks ago !
They have given me natural products that have worked absolute magic and settled both down so much that I really have to share to help someone else out there that is suffering and no longer need to ! I am in Australia though I am sure you would have similar at your chemist where ever you are in the world !
Caruso’s natural health fluid away tablets –
Removal of excess water caused by fluid retention; bloating and puffiness ; joint stiffness and pain due to swelling !
I take one or two tablets a day and will never look back . Natural ingredients include dandelion, celery seed and vitamin b6 .

Second :

BCN’S Saffron capsules 2 x a day morning and night !
This is so incredible and has helped with the pms and mood swings so much that I no longer want to curl up in a ball away from the world every month !!!

I hope that if you are suffering from this please look into these natural ways to get back on track and not suffer any longer .

Bianca

Hi Switzerland,
I said hi to Judith from you. She’s as lovely in person as she is on the forums 🙂
It was fun exploring a bit of Perth together, there are huge changes in the city since I was last there. We were both impressed by the public transport system once we’d summoned up the courage to try it. Very cheap and user friendly.
Enjoyed a lovely walk in Kings Park on my last day, with lunch outdoors ( falafel for me, steak for Judith) overlooking the Swan. Great views, good company, and a nice sunny day.
Now looking forward to showing Judith around my part of SA when she flies over here.

Hi again, keeptrying,
Salmon & avocado sounds great – one of my fave combinations. And your tea sounds good too.
A good kip may well help, I like a bit of a lie-in on a non-work day just to extend my overnight fast period – your body does keep ticking over while you are asleep. And being rested does make the old noddle feel a bit clearer.
Nice to hear you like crochet – I’ve done a bit myself, but I’m more of a knitter these days. Not having loads of relatives to knit for I knit stuff for charity – it keeps my mind (& hands) occupied, and it does some good for people who need it.

Reading your previous message – OK, you may blame yourself for some of the things that have happened in your life (rightly or wrongly) but there comes a time when you need to accept that what’s done is done, it’s passed into history, so it’s important to let it go and move on. Easier said than done, I know – I’m guilty of running things through my mind months/years after they happened. Thinking things through to achieve an understanding is one thing but too much navel-gazing can just paralyse us.

Anyway, I hope you get your head together and things become easier for you.

Well done for getting to the finish line. I’ve just completed 10 weeks and lost 12kgs, reached my target weight of 70kgs and now having to shop for new clothes! Addicted to the gym: HIIT, spinning, yoga and weights, now thinking of bulking up a little, reducing body fat with toned muscle involves eating high calorie, high protein, low fat food while upping my game in the gym. Thinking of taking the 5:2 aporoach 2500 calories 5 days a week and dropping down to 800 twice a week. Thoughts and ideas on this appreciated.

I’m a few days ahead of you and was surprised to lose 4 inches off my waist in the first week, you might be pleasantly surprised by your measurements 😊

I’ve read and ‘digested’ the book and I’m ready to start tomorrow. First day planned – 150g Skyr yogurt with 50g blueberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon, 2 egg omelette containing peppers, tomatoes, red onion & mushrooms with a green salad then chicken and home made ratatouille for tea. I also plan to have half a grapefruit, 25g cheese and some kale ‘chips’ just for when I get peckish. Works out at about 800 cals. I’ll make sure I drink plenty of water and will switch to black tea. Does this sound okay? Got my exercise planned as well but starting slowly 🙂

Myself and my wife have just slipped into the second week of the diet and so far so good!!!! I have lost 1 stone 1lb in the first week with the wife shedding over half a stone ( I have a lot more weight to lose than her :). We have been very proactive and just bought a spiralizer today, so we are looking forward to sampling the courgette spaghetti and other delights which we can make. I admit it has been difficult sometimes as we both loved our food (the wrong type of food though) and going into the second week we have our weeks meals planned out. All I say to those thinking about it, is do it , you’ll feel better for it in the long run!

sparklyfairydreams, deetia52
I am not a dieter, nor a fan of preparing massively elaborate meals, but I found the book recipes and 4 week [repeated] plan gave me the discipline and sense of positive change that I needed. I followed many of the menus as set out at first whilst also using up stuff in the fridge and freezer. I found the buying and preparation helped get my brain adjusted and stomach ready for something different. In the end both myself and mrs JWS found the variety of food and relative simplicity of the menus interesting and tasty and filling enough to get us [mainly me] through the 8 weeks. After the first four weeks I could estimate and work out my own variations without counting calories.
The suggestions helped move me on from that business of needing something sweet after dinner, or from compulsory carbs for breakfast, to trying new things like proper Greek yogurt with everything from blueberries to rhubarb instead. Just the thought of excess bread or pasta or even too much porridge now makes me feel bloated. Lots of water helps since we often confuse hunger with thirst.

Good luck!

Not really.
My tastes and outlook have changed such that healthier LCHF food is what I want and need, and less is more.
Mrs JWS offered me some top choc with today’s morning coffee as a test [!] and I easily decided I’d just enjoy the coffee instead.
It is nice to be able to make a positive choice, rather than feeling compelled to eat and drink.
Separating nourishment and enjoyment of food from other things is a big benefit.

Summary:
-25 lbs/ 11.5kg, -5″ from waistline
-6% fat to a more normal 22.5%, and visceral fat down 2% to a nearly normal 13%
Oldie symptoms banished. Mood and energy skywards.
Meditation revived to a daily practise to complement food awareness
Tanita body composition/weighing machine is my friend.
Crab linguine made with spiralized celeriac and sweet potato is not a patch on the real thing. But many other spiralized variations like courgetti with Bolognese sauce and celeriac/courgetti carbonara have been a revelation.

Thanks all for ideas and encouragement along the way. I intend to continue-ish for another 9lbs but to gradually introduce some treats whilst monitoring. It’s a bit like winning the lottery I imagine – suddenly that dream car or vacation is less tempting – same with the treats!

Hi, Thanks for the encouragement and advice.

I decided to do the shakes as it was easier for me, I’m planning now for the Mediterranean type diet once I’ve finished on the shakes, I think my main problem will be the red wine later……

Hi I am now on day 5 and struggling with something sweet after my dinner. I know that I am not hungry. I think it’s when I have normal tea I automatically want a biscuit. I suppose I could try herbal or fruit tea. I have been ok up to now and it’s true when you have one thing that you shouldn’t it makes you want more . Anyway I have finally got my book in book form, not kindle so hopefully that will help because I can refer backwards and forwards easier, x

oh bless you californiagirl
yes indeed
pudding is really the very tiniest of my struggles
I am afraid my anger is coming through in my posts and I am so very sorry to everyone for that

your story is helpful although the people that the anger belongs to cannot be told
so I take most of my anger out upon myself in rather self destructive ways
and that has of course included food – which I am currently not using!!

I think – whether we are able to confront people in reality – or just in our head – it is such an important part of healing

recently in a mh group we had a discussion about forgiveness and I was telling them about someone who I had forgiven for what she did
it was a huge thing – but it needs to come from within us and actually helps US heal

but much of what has happened I blame myself for and despite whatever others say I don’t seem able to escape that
and so I have to be punished

the food
is a punishment as well as a comfort

really I am meant to be concentrating on overcoming my binge eating disorder
but I badly need to lose weight and it feels like this is the year I need to do it

I had gf sausages with veg for tea with cauliflower mash and a few strawberries and yog

I had a nice walk, saw a stone circle, went to shops and bought a few things for my son, a few things for my daughter and two new bra’s as my old ones were seriously getting too big. So one black and one white to keep me going until I need another size down 🙂

Now I’m cooking everyone eggs… I have some spare calories so I’m going to help myself to one of my pickled ones that I made before.

Also, I if you hear of a Scottish woman murdering her husband because he brought home two packs of malteser hot chocolate…. well that could well be me. Seriously my daughter made herself a cup and the smell is awesome! Alas I can’t afford to go near it.

Chilli later I think and some cauli rice 🙂

We are nearly at the end of week one. So far so good. I am not as hungry as I expected to be and have really enjoyed the recipes from the book. It’s great to see lots of new recipes to try here. Still need to measure myself , better go and get the bad news now.😀

Remember the kettle is always up to its neck in hot water,
And still sings!

Love luica

I can rise and shine,
But not at the same time
Love Lucia
Xxxx

A laugh is a smile that bursts!

Love Lucia
Xxxx

go on.

Hi Keeptrying — your posts reminded me of something that I thought you might benefit from — one of the things that has happened to me over the last 12 weeks on the BSD is that when I stopped eating all the time, I suddenly found myself facing and dealing with several old issues that I thought I had resolved, but obviously had not resolved because they came up again. One of them was anger at a difficult family member and I really felt, maybe for the first time, how much that person’s bad behavior had affected me throughout my life. And I got very very angry. But for the first time ever, I just sat with those feelings and let myself feel them. Then I made a plan on how to fix the interaction and I have been working on the fix-it plan for weeks. So far, it has been mixed results. The difficult person is himself very angry at me for changing the life-long pattern. And initially I was upset by his anger. But I just sat with the feelings and didn’t “stuff” them down. Every day the mental distress is less and I get more comfortable with the uncertainty and his anger (and his retaliation). Not eating food when I am stressed has freed up a lot of psychic energy to both look honestly at things and deal with things. Possibly your deep struggles are not about pudding but something else. I hope my story might be helpful. We all are sending you our positive energy. You’re going to make it — I’m sure of it. Be strong.

Completed 8 weeks now. Lost 26lbs, had hoped for 20 so very happy. Off on holiday in a week. Have plan to minimise weight gain then will get back on to lose more and try to reduce meds further. Weight loss slowed last 2 weeks but so much more effective than other diets and easy to take principles forward. Good luck everyone.

Well done Tallyhoo. 😃💐

Hi Switzerland

Thanks. 😃 Visitors always welcome. Just leave the place as you would wish to find it please 😃

Hi Christine

I don’t even possess a dress😱 Haven’t had one for years. And my only skirts are part of my uniform! I tend to live in trousers, even when I go on holiday.

In the past (long, long ago – when dinosaurs walked the earth) I normally wore separates, hardly ever a dress😱

Perhaps I need to be more adventurous with my clothes shopping!

Welcome to the 16 weeks clubhouse. Make yourself at home. Tea and coffee in the kitchen, just help yourself.

Welcom nine to ten pounds so fare in two weeks. I stopped drinking sodas that includes Seltzer. I have occasionally drank judice in a small round container, plenty of water, and mineral water. I replaced regular hot tea with ginger tea and regular icetea with Passionfruit tea.I joined the Akilly’s track club last week.I am glad this website exist because it is rough living with someone does not wish to encourage folks because they chose not to be in a romantic or intimate relationship withsomeone. Enough said about my personal life, I am only concern about my health right now.

Hey Izzy,
It’s a holiday in the US as well today, Memorial Day, to honor all those who died in service in the military. B
Sorry for all your troubles but isn’t it awesome you don’t have to eat over them now? You just deal with them!! Maybe you will get a pod person to help with the car insurance tomorrow!!
Take care!! 💜

Week 5 day 3
Still in California….
Well both restaurants yesterday had vegies I can’t eat with my tummy issues so I ate a little potato instead. Carbs were well over goal of 50 of course and we luckily won’t be eating at them again for those meals. Also the smoked salmon in the store here (Santa Barbara) is twice as high in sodium as the other towns we’ve been in so I seem to be retaining water since I eat 1-2 ounces of that for breakfast.
I tried to just have a salad the other day but that shot my stomach to craziness and I had to start meds again. I just can’t eat raw vegies at all right now.
Today we have better control of where we are eating so I won’t go over carbs today for sure. Still have to eat some of the smoked salmon for one meal.
Got to see a friend who has known me since I was five yesterday so that was awesome to catch up with her.
She really noticed my weight loss in my face and said it looks totally different. So fun!
Happy day to all!
💜

Talkyhoo! Congrats on goal achieved! Way to go!!! 💜💜💜

May do some sugar free jellies with fruit in as well.
These are just as backups instead of me buying the magnums.

Ther is a lot of sugar in the fruit, but I think a piece of fruit is a lot better for me than a bar of chocolate.

It was a carving for sweet, chocolate. Forbidden . Fattening, And all other words like this.

I now have to get past it. I failed myself, I am now drawing a line under it. And carrying on, not starting again.
It was within my calories.

So team, when you drop the ball like I have, lets just pick the ball up and carry on running with it.

Let is not be like the professional footballers (soccer) who, when they miss the ball, they act out ‘the dying swan’ even when they have not been touched.

Yup, I am human, weird, but human.

Live Lucia
Xxx

I think if there was COD icecream yesterday, I would have had it.
And told myself it is less calories.

It was a great treat, but I don’t want to call it a treat.

I had run out of home made frozen yogurt and fruit icecreams.

I have made lolly ices with low sugar juice , lots of water and tiny bits of fruit.

Love Lucia
Xxx

Thinking of turkey meat balls in home made tomato sauce for dinner later

I am sulking now as it is work in the morning.

Love Lucia
Xx

Hi nannoo I am on day 5 and started getting sugar cravings day four too . Plenty of water and I read some really good previous posts on the site really motivating. I also have my daughters wedding in 11 weeks and a dress that at the moment is one size too small. A walk upstairs to the wardrobe is extra steps and motivation. Stay strong you’re worth it 😊

Its a no to cod icecream though

Sat outside for less than an hour just to enjoy being still and getting fresh air.

I watched the clouds go by.

Looked for patterns and shapes in the clouds.

Now I am as red as a berry!,!
And it was cloudy.

I now look like a matchstick. Okay a book of matches.

Love Lucia
Xxxx

Okay, I have heard it all.

COD has less calories than salmon.
Even fish can be fat!! That’s incredible.

COD, a white fish has roughly half the calories of salmon.
No one told me!!

I learn something new every day.

Love luciaXxxx

what a kind reply, thank you rozydozy

yes I did get out eventually, gone 12!!

you are so right about the getting started thing, I seem to get so bound up in the thinking and just drown in it

I have ordered yet more wool, for my crochet – so I guess that is a treat I can’t eat!!
I also have some more recipe books coming for grain free food

oh
and when I got in, I found a small tin of salmon, so mashed it with last avocado, had half of it in two lettuce leaves with some coleslaw
it was quite good – and no I didn’t make the coleslaw
of course my mouth is waiting for pudding

feeling very drained, may just go to sleep
wonder if that will burn any calories
well at least it will stop me downing any more

hope you are having a good day x