Hi Lucia….I believe the expression “sleep tight & hope the bed bugs don’t bite” came from centuries ago when mattresses were made from straw inside a fabric cover which had a sort of drawstring holding the straw together inside it. You regularly had to pull your string tight to keep the straw compact and mattress shaped so you could be comfortable….bed bugs….probably fleas, mites and other crawlies from inside the straw? eeergh!!!
All good wishes P

Today I am beginning the Blood Sugar Diet and I’m feeling nervous and hopeful. I have been following a low carb high fat diet for over five years and this helped me to lose 10kg and keep it off until last year when a series of family bereavements led to me falling off the wagon and putting most of it back on.

Managed to slowly lose weight again this year but now stuck at a plateau so hoping the BSD will get things moving again. I also found that my blood glucose was in the pre-diabetic range and with most of the excess weight being around my middle I figure that the BSD is just what I need.

Alzheimer’s disease also runs in my family and my mum was diagnosed at the age of 65. There is a strong correlation between blood sugar levels and brain health/risk of dementia and so that is another very important reason for me to succeed with this diet.

Hi everyone. So great to keep reading the positive and inspiring posts. Well its the end of week 10 and another steady 1.6 kg loss this week. That’s 18.2 kg ( 2st 12 lb) from 120.3 (almost 19 stone). Was told I was insulin resistant with pre-diabetes BS levels. Well, apart from some strange morning fast BS levels (which everyone seems to have) my pre and post diner BS has never been higher than 6. After 12 weeks I’ll be going back to GP to ask for blood work to see if levels are now in the normal range.
The lesson learnt this week is not to be cocky. In the past I over ate for a variety of reasons. One of them was as a reward when I had achieved something. So feeling pleased with myself and having just heard that I had been offered a place at University of Manchester to do a post grad course I felt in need of a reward.
On Saturday I treated myself after diner to half a large fruit pie with cream and later watched a movie and devoured a bag of Doritos. An hour later I felt sick, bloated and knackered. The next morning BS reading was 7.6, the highest on this plan. I had dropped out of Ketosis (fat burning for energy) and even pre diner BS levels were still over 7. Most strange was an almost 1kg in weight gain. It took 2 days to get back to normal.
So lesson learnt, if a want to treat myself check all the wonderful recipes here and elsewhere for a low carb alternative.

Hi Christine

Sounds like a nice meal you had😃 Well done on the weight loss😃

I agree it can be infuriating when people we know could benefit from this way of life just don’t listen. But like Lucia says, at one time neither would we.

We’re the lucky ones. We found the BSD in its earliest days. Not only did we find it, but when we read it something in us just ‘clicked’ and we embraced the BSD with open arms. It was the right thing at the right time for so many of us.

Some of us have been following this now for nearly 6 months 😱 I don’t think I’ve ever stuck to a ‘diet’ for that long in the past! But as many are saying – this is my new way of life. This is how I’ll be eating forever.

Like you, I’ve had the BSD conversation with lots of people. They listen, nod, then tuck into their favourite poison – sorry, carbs😱 They’ve not reached the point that so many of us reached where we just knew we had to do something- whatever our reason. One day, when they do reach that point, hopefully they’ll remember these conversations. And who knows, the ‘experts’ may well have come round to our way of thinking which would be another encouragement for our doubting friends.

Hi frog,
That’s the way to go.
So you can go out to a restaurant , enjoy yourself and keep to the diet.

Last night, going to the pub, want about drinking, it was about laughing and gossiping, and banter and fun!

Always remember a huge portion of laughter has ZERO calorie and ZERO carbs, so have a bowl of it three times a day!!!!!

Love Lucia
Xxxx

Hello ClairyB, barby is quite right, our weights naturally fluctuate anyway, especially us ladies! so at the moment I have decided I will weigh every 2 days. You’re right, you can do this! Don’t give in – it’s good to have someone in the same boat as me. I am doing it with my mum (hence the plural in baristagirl!) and couldn’t do it on my own, but she’s doing so well and not feeling hungry or ill like me. Well today I am not actually feeling hungry but ill! (I had the ploughmans lunch yesterday and didn’t really think about the effects of an apple – I have colitis and can’t digest skins and things!)
Just look at all the food/drink you have – you KNOW this isn’t unhealthy food and has to work! You’ll probably lose even more tomorrow/next day, it will likely even out. Another thing, do you always weigh in the same circumstance? Same time/no drink or same amount of drink/etc, can make quite a difference!

congratulations Alanhypno – two stones in less than two months is amazing!
No advice on your meds, maybe make an appointment to see your GP or diabetic nurse after such a drastic weight loss?

Stick with it ClairyB, even tho the scales show varying readings, the fat is still melting away. That’s why the tape measure is a far more accurate reflection of what is actually happening than your scales are. Hormonal fluctuations, water retention, muscle mass etc all of these will affect your body weight and it so easy to become disillusioned by arbitrary numbers on a scale. Keep pushing forward, this way of eating truly does work.

i’m jealous Izzy – there will be things I miss, but looking forward to moving out of London
the village I have in mind sounds a similar size – the only thing it misses is being close to beaches.
Off to Dorset, near the coast, tomorrow for a long weekend though, which will be great,

Hope that you made it thru the day and that your daughter is feeling better

Donna

I am the same JCH – no cravings yet.
I feel like I have a hangover this morning! A bit dehydrated and a sore head. I have increased my water intake, but I guess I need to drink more. 4.75lbs lost so far, bring on day 4.

Hi Sandie

I use My Fitness Pal – free – on my laptop, many here use apps on their phones. MFP is great as you can play around with possible foods you might eat on a day, before you actually eat them – you can check balance of carbs/cals/protein are ok, and alter if needed.

I also spend some time making a recipe, weighing everything, noting it all down including number of portions etc, and entering it under My Foods on MFP. Time consuming when you first do it, but very handy after. I even do this with my breakfast Greek Yogurt, chopped nuts, seeds, chia seeds, flax and berry fruits.

Some people on here count calories, but most importantly most keep the carbs at a max of 50 to 60. Some just count carbs, and some only have 20/30 carbs per day. You’ve already cut down on your carbs which is a great idea to do it gradually. Not such a shock to the system. You will gradually find what’s best for you. The most important thing is you ave chosen to start this new way of life.

Good luck, you’ll get lots of support here x

I am preping myself to get this right. At the ready is a notebook, dusted down scales and a pen. Where will I find the list of foods calorie content? I am going to start counting on the 1st June 2016. I am already losing weight by ditching the carbs.

Enjoy your holiday Barby. Be bold and be the new you

Thanks Barby, i am weighing and also using my fitness pal so calories are super accurate, probably drank 4-5 pints water yesterday, 2 green teas and a coffee so was well hydrated. I am not giving in though even though I have a difficult day ahead I can do this!!

Don’t despair Clairy, our bodies fluctuate so much from day to day, that is the danger of daily weighing, it can demoralize you wrongly.

I think the lower water intake made a difference, it is such an important part of BSD, success..I know it is hard to drink that much at first, even now I find myself slipping, and not drinking enough some days. How about filling litre bottles and leaving in fridge, ice cold, and try to get through at least 2 a day. You can count your teas/coffees as well of course. It’s another new habit to get into. Lots of changes in lifestyle with BSD.

Keep going, make sure you are properly weighing and not guessing amounts. It WILL work for you.x

Well folks I’m into week 7 and weight has been dramatic two stone from my 20 stone frame I’m very very happy
Now turn my attention to my blood sugar , as mentioned I came off metformin and another pill weeks ago
I’m into the late seven range on readings down to 7.2
But do I have to re start pills again which I don’t want ?
So I intend to go back to basics till end of eight weeks re evaluate diet obliterate any sugar intake then re asses
Alan only a little mixed up 🤔

Yesterday I was 16.2, today 15.13 and three quarters!!! Slow but lovely to see another (lower) number on the scales, for first time in …. I don’t know when, as I avoided scales for so long, probably 5 years +.

My losses could have been more. As each weekend I’ve had times when I ate some “bad” carbs. I try and factor that in to my totals, I know I should be stronger and refuse them totally. Still working on that.

It’s all about getting my mind to be totally alert for danger and ready for any bad food coming near me, and speaking up and refusing it. I find that hard. At the weekend we were running a stall for cat charity, right next to the homemade cake stall, for 6 hours !!! I succumbed and had a buttered cheese scone. I did say no to freebies offered at end though.

Off on hols with family tomorrow, self catering, lots of pub meals/teas etc. Being veggie , have to look for salads/goats cheese etc. I am going to practice speaking up and asking for no bread/spuds when ordering. It’s easier if it isn’t on the plate to start with!.

Well done Celeste, I am gob smacked by that huge loss, wow x

I’m not as well rested as I would like as my daughter was sick late last night so I was on edge all night but she didn’t come back so I’m hoping she has had a settled night. No school for her today but Dad is home so I can still go to work, and I’m off tomorrow.

I love our village! It feels like the best compromise for me because it is still small enough that you can walk from one edge to the other but big enough to have schools for primary and secondary children, shops for most of your needs, take-aways, pubs and hairdressers lol. I like being able to walk everywhere. There is a small forest that is nice for a walk, a railwayline, views into the hills… I do love it. Not enough people appreciate what is on their doorstep. I only need to drive 20 mins in the car and I can be at one of several beaches, or 20 mins in the other direction to be in the hills and forests. We don’t have great weather for the beach but I love going for walks on two of them in particular, they are usually very quiet and you just see the odd dog walker so I can enjoy the solitude. There is an old graveyard at one of them I like to have a wander around too. Yup I’m weird!

Todays food has been fage yoghurt which I am really enjoying! will definitely make an effort to get more, this morning was with a few raspberries.

Lunch cheese, pickle, almond crackers, cucumber, tomatoes.

Dinner… something made with chicken. Maybe using the left over salsa from yesterday but not sure yet.

yay for calmer tummies 🙂 fingers crossed it stays that way and well done for staying on track you have brilliant will power!

I love old places. my favourite thing when I get time alone is having a jaunt to an old castle ruin, or old stone circle sites, of which we have lots within travelling distance here, they are over 4000 years old! I love the mystery of them as not much is known about them. I have a blog with pictures if you are interested once you get home and have time.

Awesome that you are able to see the difference in yourself in the pictures your husband took! Hope you don’t feel too cold whilst waiting to find a jumper too 🙂

Hi Stephie, I personally don’t even note how many calories that I have burnt through exercise; I look at it that I am improving my MR, lowering blood pressure, toning and increasing muscle etc. With the BSD we have given the medical evidence that 800 calories a day for 8wks is the guide. But I think that if you personally feel that due to the increased exercise, then increasing food intake accordingly so you don’t feel excessively tired. You are own best teacher to listen to your body and mind. Hope that is of help 🙂 🙂 🙂

Many thanks for that info thepolly I should have looked back in the book !
Now because of this should I go back on metformin or see my 8 weeks out
Alan week 7 two stone off

So this morning I have woke up feeling much better only to be sorely disappointed when I got on the scales! 1.5 lbs on!!!! So that means it’s day 4 and I’m only half a pound down!! How can this be possible when I know I’m less than half the calories I would normally consume, the only thing I can think is I didn’t drink as much water yesterday but still more than average!!! NOT FAIR!!!

Thank you all so much for your encouragement, it’s much appreciated. My HbA1C did come down quite a lot on the Glic…..5.2 now, it was 6.9 before because half the time I wasn’t taking the Met because of the constant loo visits. I’m just taking 1 Met now, at lunchtime, to see how it goes….so far it’s been ok. I’ll have a look at those Jason Fung articles. I’m feeling much more positive now and ready to start afresh today. Thanks again.

She’s good isn’t she? I thought this pretty interesting too.

https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/health/obesity-report-food-industry-public-health/

Thanks Bill. 🙂

Guthlac thank you for that information and fantastically well done on that incredible weight loss. i will go search for the Newcastle protocol.

???Are you finding it okay as you came off the meal replacements? I am frankly terrified of getting a slowed metabolism while on the shakes and then having a rebound weight gain as I start to eat again. I know that with full broth fasting the metabolism ramps up rather than down, that’s why I have been using it as my control.

I am in Australia and there is a local replacement here that includes Omega 3s, reportedly better than the Optifast, a lot less sugar…it is covered by private health insurance companies for 20 weeks to treat diabetes, osteoarthritis and weight problems.

I recently joined a research study (for knee oseoarthritis) and got randomized into the diet and exercise group…”the diet” is meal replacements… hence my present acute and sudden interest. I got a box delivered today and I am sitting looking at a range of different flavoured soups and drinks. It looks pretty good to me but I’m still worried about the coming off back to food part of the process.

I’ll try to find the Newcastle study info.

Thanks again for the repsonses!

I agree. I can do abstinence or full on; its moderation I struggle with! But I really find I’m not that bothered about carbs any more, I certainly don’t lust after bread or cakes. At the moment! I couldn’t do the shakes thing either, I enjoy everything about food. Planning meals, buying food, cooking and of corse eating!

Have a good day.

Hi Izzy,
We saw many older building in historic Monterey today, it was so great!
I walked almost 5000 steps whoc is huge for me.
My hubby loves taking photos of me and we were just looking at them and I said, “oh gosh my fave shirt is way too big on me!!!” I thought it still fit okay but I can’t even use these for my business. So funny!
Then, I decided I want a new sweater as its chillier here than expected and I called around in the two coastal towns and there are NO chubby lady stores! Gotta love elite coastal California. So I guess I will wait till I get home and get one maybe another size smaller.
We are off to see the Hearst castle tomorrow. And then staying in a small town waterfront motel.
Stayed on my diet again 100% and this is the 2nd day my tummy is 100%!!!!! Maybe the tummy issues are over (fingers crossed!).

Thanks for all your input Izzy, it’s much appreciated!
💖

Hey Izzy,
I hope you get your energy back soon! Must be fun living in a village. I live in a small town but grocery stores are just a couple miles away.
You are doing so well!!!
💜

Christine, so glad you are doing better and hoping all things keep moving in a positive direction for you!

Lynne, so true, thanks for sharing not this! After my second week I kept saying to my husband, “I feel like I am getting the normal me back!” I kept trying to explain but it was impossible needless to say.
Glad to know others feel this as well. I think for me it’s many factors. Getting off the carbs and gluten takes away the brain fog, the cravings, gives us more control in our choices… It just makes life simple basically which is the old normal. Plus I can do so much more, need less sleep, etc.
We are all getting back to normal which is or healthy normal!
💜

Huge congrats to you all!
Thepolly💕💕💕
Celestee💕💕💕
LindaA 💕💕💕

Amazing jobs for all of you as you improve your lives!!

Thanks for being inspirations as well!!
🌷

Hi Celestee,
Wow, that is a lot of weight you have lost!! You must be so pleased 🙂
I’m looking forward to hearing about the rest of your BSD journey : )

Hi Lynne, that moment when we realise we feel better about ourselves quickly followed by the realization that we had not been aware our weight had made us feel awkward is such an amazing one. It happened to me in an m and s changing room the moment i stepped out to ask an assistant for help. I hadn’t done that for years.

It’s such a wonderful and liberating feeling.

You will have lost so much more weight since I met you I may not recognise you next time!!!! : )

same here Leanne & Bill
It does explain why preBSD I was staying more or less a constant weight, despite eating hugely over 2,000 calories – if you eat way too much to absorb, you don’t put it all on in fat, much of it will pass straight through.

I went to a restaurant with friends this evening – I’d factored in one glass of prosecco, then drank two, but overall only 850 cals for the day.
Delicious sea bass with tomato, aubergine and a courgette salad.

When we go to Thai – I stick to a Chicken Cashew Stir Fry and just take a tiny amount of rice to scoop up the sauce. Easy 🙂

Thanks Bissell,
Yes, I am feeling very positive. Previously, I have often had the attitude that if I ate something “naughty”, then I had spoiled the whole day and would get back on track the next day. Usually the “naughty” thing would be at morning tea time, so I had a lot of the day left to eat whatever. And this would happen every day! So I have changed my mind set about this also – and know that whatever I put in my mouth is something good for me (even the banana!). I guess I am just one of those people who cannot eat a single bite of something sweet and sugary or carby. I cannot have a single slice of bread even! I think it is really important not to feel restricted but I haven’t as yet (although I think if I was doing the shake option, I probably would). 🙂
Shaz

Going to bed now as I am up at 5:30 tomorrow.

Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!

What a weird expression.

Love Lucia
Xxxx

Tonight I have been out to the pub with friends.
I laughed, joked, had fun and did it sipping one small Pepsi.

Calories were in my allotted 800.

I have come a long way.

One evening this week, see if you can go out in the evening, even if it is to walk to the end of your path, your road.
Enjoy the evening air.
Listen to the blackbirds having a fit.
Smell the scented stocks. Enjoy just being.

Go on, go for it.
Love Lucia
Xxxxx

Oh and drink a lot of water.
In the early days, it helps you in the ….. Bathroom department.
😊😊😊😊😊😊
Love Lucia
Xxxx

Hi sandie,

Welcome and come on in, the waters fine!
I think the best thing about my experience is that I have ENJOYED the ride.
I am a happier person.

I was miserable being a zombie watching the telly 24/7. Not moving, being indoors. Stale.
Now I am an official puddle basher and I am light hearted, I laugh, I overdose on fresh air it is GREAT.

So cut the carbs, count the calories, move a bit but most importantly SMILE.

Good luck, and like all your friends here on the website, we are waiting to hear and share in your successes and squiffy times.

Love Lucia
Xxxx

Hi,
Now that I have found success on this diet, I want to tell everyone.
I just don’t understand why they are not doing it right now that I have told them about it.

But

Why didn’t I do it at Christmas, or last year or three years ago?

It is because I wasn’t emotionally ready to accept this.
I think your mind has to be ready to do this or you will never get past day one.

I do understand we want to help everyone as we have found something so magically special.
As long as you give them brief details and say you are ready to chat to them whenever they are ready.

I had people tell me for years it’s just cutting back food. I understand that but I wasn’t ready for it.

People reading these blogs may not be ready to start today, but their minds are slowly coming into alignment. Spending a few more hours and days reading the blogs, they will soon be ready.
They will know when, then they will come on board and enjoy doing it.

So so Christie 1948 , you are not flogging a dead horse, they are just needing a little more time to get their brains in gear. It won’t be long. In the meantime enjoy more of your journey so you can share it all with a lot more people.

Love Lucia
Xxxx

Thanks for the link Matrika, will stick it on my facebook page for anyone that needs dietary advice, she explains it very well and simply.

Hi captainlynne,

Thank you for your post – it’s humbling and thought provoking. The BSD is such a learning curve. 23 weeks down the track and you realise you feel normal. I’ve had moments (sometimes days) of ‘this is how I used to feel’ (in a positive sense) over the past 7 weeks.

I totally understand the enormity of the costs of your new uniforms when you get to London. More importantly is the joy I feel for you when I read that your health, energy and thinking processes are so improved – you must be delighted.

Oh, BSD drinks in the 16 week and over club house for you captainlynne (yes, I am saluting you, captain) on achieving overweight status. Make room in the club house for the gang from the 8 weeks and over thread too…imagine walking through the doors and ALL of us are standing on the tables chanting ‘Captain, my captain’ (thank you Walt Whitman).

Hi Alanhypno, page 122 in the book gives these BS ranges

Normal 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/l (70 to100 mg/dl)
Pre-Diabetic 5.6 to 7.0 mmol/l (101 to 125 mg/dl)
Diabetic more than 7.0 mmol/l (125 mg/dl)

so going by that you are in the diabetic range.

Hi Matrika,
I just watched the Tedx talk – another inspirational doctor. Thank you. The great thing about these forums is that you can come and go as time permits. Pop in when you can.
Best wishes.

You could try some blueberries with natural yoghurt and a teaspoon of flaxseed on top it’s quite feeling but also very satisfying,as I am not a morning person I find this so quick and easy to do, I also prepare my lunch the night before aswell to save time I find prepping this while waiting for tea to cook saves a lot of time and fuss later on. Good luck I’m sure you will do great. X Julie

Thanks jul – I think the support on here will be key to success!

I have the worst sweet tooth ever and I can honestly say I’m not missing it or craving at all in fact I thought I was doing something wrong as I was really surprised. I’m on week 3 now and my toughest day was actually day one I’ve cut sugar from my tea and that was a big thing for me. I’m not the best cook either and didn’t cook my meal properly and was sick and quit unwell however I can say I’m learning everyday. I like you prefer plain food so have been eating lots of nice fresh salads and chicken and find I’m never hungry. I think you will be surprised by how quickly you will adapt. Good luck.

Just wanted to say thank you soo much for the encouragement last week I did feel quite down but determined to carry on and this week I lost 5lb which I am chuffed to bits with. I am doing sit ups and push ups and the other exercises and I feel really good. I love a good cup of tea on a morning proper tea but today at work I came across a box of gingerbread green tea I can’t normally stand herbal teas but as I am getting more adventurous I thought il give it a try, it was lovely I’ve also tried red bush tea aswell with a bit milk and it’s really nice especially if you like a strong cuppa. Thanks again for your support and good luck with the diet everyone.