Sooze39, I recommend you to have a look at a website called dietdoctor.com and particularly some articles on there by Jason Fung who is a kidney specialist and recommends intermittent fasting as a cure for type 2 diabetes. He has written a book called ‘the obesity code’ which is excellent. His approach is to combine low carb high fat eating with 16, 24 and 36 hours of fasting. It sounds hard but when you think you sleep for at least 9 of the hours it’s really quite easy. There are no complicated recipes or formulas to follow, no costs involved, no mad exercise routines to do.

The idea is to let the insulin levels in your body drop back to normal by ‘resting’ the body and it makes perfect sense. I have totally adapted my lifestyle to fasting now and it surely is the easiest way to lose weight. I am not type 2 but I think the fact I struggled to lose weight before meant I was insulin resistant – like most of the population! But I am now correcting this with the fasting. Of course, you need to adjust your meds accordingly but it sounds like you already have supportive medics around you and Jason Fung has advice on that too on his own website.

Don’t be despondent, we all have setbacks, not least because of the crap advice we have been given over the years. But finally it was on the news yesterday – more fat, less carbs, fewer snacks. You don’t say! Our message is finally being taken seriously. Hallelujah!

I have been practicing to cope without bread, sugar, potato, rice, pasta, cake, biscuits etc. All is fine I do not need to eat these foods. My next task is to eat less. I have not been counting calories yet. I plan to start 800 calories for 8 weeks on the 1st june

I hung around waiting for some inspirational posts but as only one response I will say; don’t be despondent it does not use enough calories. Being happy uses more. You know the score and the system just change the brain cells and keep going. It is not a race. I know about depression and low mood and I have to say that it can be difficult to break out of either never mind both. Investing in BSD and going for it wholeheartedly has really helped me to get some aspects of my life and lifestyle sorted and even my body too. The research of foods through the many websites is time consuming but wonderfully enlightening at times. It is only a short term diet until we reach near ideal and then switch to 5:2 or similar. The discipline is something that we all learn to cope with but at different rates. Keep reading, post when you need support and good luck, I am sorry for the massive disappointment but you can make a mere blip when you are past all this and into the summer weather, can’t you? Good luck…

Thanks thePolly. 🙂 Steak sounds tasty!

It’s the real Greek yoghurt as checked ingredients online too – saw the whole debate about the Greekstyle stuff – wow some of them are filled with rubbish, arent they!

Thanks Captainlynne 🙂 You’re a great pro-healthiness hero and example to have!
I hope it’ll happen to me too, I must remember that I usually feel sick after eating any of those desserts, even though I think I like them… Of to a good start anyway, and am definitely going to keep it up.

Hi All
Back from holiday.

Day 95 weight 10st 3lbs so 5lbs gained
Blood sugar 10.2

Was a little bit naughty, but back on track now. Hopefully the weight will come back off soon.

Have a Doctor’s appointment for tomorrow so I’ll get the results of my 3 month blood sugar levels. My diabetic clinic has closed, so I am going to have to explain this diet to someone else.

Thanks everyone😃

I’ve been thinking today … dangerous I know LOL

My weight rarely are me feel bad about myself – until near the end of last year. Part work involves me speaking in front of groups of people and at meetings. I can cope with that, it goes with the territory! But sometimes photos are taken. You know the ones. You’re given a copy, look at it in horror, and want to destroy it! But sometimes a kind person puts one on the notice board, and some get published😱 Add to that trauma, my work uniform was getting steadily tighter. A few time in the past I’ve had a button pop off my jacket at awkward moments! All of that was starting to affect me.

Then I found the BSD.

I’m now in my 23rd week on the BSD. As I posted earlier, today officially became overweight. So what was I thinking?

Instead of worrying that my clothes are too tight and that buttons will gape or pop off, I now have clothes that are steadily getting too big. A nice, but expensive problem to have. I’ll need to go to London in the not too distant future to get a smaller uniform but delaying so it won’t need altering too soon. My health is better, as are my energy levels and thinking processes.

But possibly more important in some ways – I’ve realised today that I actually feel better about myself. A surprise, as I’d not realised I’d started to feel bad! Although I moved to this area nearly a year ago, I’m still having to have meetings with new people and it just doesn’t bother me. They may look at me and see a short, old, grey haired lady. Well, I am only 5ft 2ins, I am 65 (soon to be 66) and my hair is white! But they can’t add ‘fat’ to the list of adjectives😃

Today I realised that I now feel ‘normal’ – something I’ve not really felt for a long time😱 While not exactly lacking in confidence, I now am not now worrying about what people think if me, usually based on what they see. Or the things they can say about me. And that is a major, unexpected benefit of losing so much weight. And it will help me when I have to make some important decisions and have some unpleasant discussions in a month or so😃

Sorry for the essay, but I hope it will help anyone who is not feeling particularly good about themselves at the moment.

You’ve done too well to give up, think of the consequences of slipping back again, all that good work undone in a holiday. A little bit of what you fancy, will I’m sure be lovely, but just leave it at a little bit 🙂

Thanks HappyLife……feeling in a better place this afternoon.
Dealt with difficult stuff with two different close family members yesterday. First… Police call for help and rescue… Dementia related (not me!!!)
Then an emergency ambulance and a precautionary, overnight hospital admission.
All ok for now……. so able to keep calm and carry on.

Brilliant captainLynne. I was completely thrilled to be classed as overweight, and I still am.
Nothing fits properly any more which is getting to be a bit annoying sometimes.

Epspecially – speaking as someone who used to read the dessert menu before ordering the main course and again while eating the main course, then eating the dessert, now it really doesn’t bother me. Seriously. On social occasions, I sit and talk while everyone is tucking into their desserts. When I see the desserts they just don’t tempt me at all – I remember how ill all those carbs made me feel.

I think the longer we do this, the more this way of eating becomes a habit. Just hang on in there. 😃

Hey
Well
Day 8, really doing it. Lost 9lbs. Loving the natural food and lots of water 🙂

Hi everyone. After years of waking up at three in the morning for no good reason, I have started to sleep like a baby. Anyone else noticed sleep changes? Janet

hi all –

i’ve been reading this thread to get inspired! awesome work everyone!

i’ve just finished week one – loss of 13.5lbs (6.1kg). am shocked at how high that seems but am guessing it will slow this week! happy to be below the 200lbs mark now 🙂 and will never see it again!

Hello, I’m not going to be much help because only just started, but having got that far, DON’T give up. Especially as you feel better. I don’t really want to forget about how uncomfortable I felt eating lots of carbs because it should hopefully inspire me that I don’t want to feel it. Could you try doing the 5:2 whilst away so that you can eat more and feel less hungry, but of the right stuff?

WEEK ONE WEIGH IN – 196.3, down 13.5lbs (6.1kg)

I think the weightloss will slow this week as this seems quite dramatic for one week! But I’m glad it’s gone and looking forward to a healthier slimmer future!

hi everyone –

day seven:

weight: 196.0 (diff: – 13.8)
calories: 1000
carbs: 53
breakfast: black coffee
lunch: —
dinner: steak, mashed potatoes, salad, mushrooms
snacks: red wine
exercise: —

i think my total fasting day made me hungry! i was really struggling with hunger and knew i was going out to celebrate buying our new house and tried to keep the calories low by skipping out on brekkie & lunch. had a bit too much wine & it made me feel AWFUL….so strange that this is a change from a week ago when a couple glasses of wine wouldn’t make me feel anything! it’s a good lesson though. we are heading to the pub to watch the toronto raptors game (basketball) and i’ll stick with soda water with a splash of cranberry!

celeste x

Hi Gillian

I’m feeling the same, so not much help, sorry!

I have a weeks self catering holiday coming up this weekend, with family, and it always involves lots of pub lunches and teas out. I’m veggie too, so will have to try and do the best I can. I can feel my resolve wavering, because I know what I’m like. I’ve been on BSD since early April but this will be the first whole week away test.

I have been having fun packing, finding clothes I couldn’t fit into for some years, and I really don’t want to put weight on and ruin all my hard work. I’m hoping my family will see a difference. If they do, that will encourage me to keep under control.

I think I will try and not eat until lunchtime – will be hard as we’ll all sit around breakfast table chatting, I’ll just say I’m not that hungry yet. I will take my Greek yogurt and nuts/seeds in case. I will also try and walk more, I get up earlier, so may have a quick half hour fast walk alone which may help. I don’t think I’ll be able to resist a soft icecream. Good luck x

Well done, that’s a fantastic start, you must be really encouraged!

Sounds like you’re in the zone now, so good luck, you can do this!

Ditto me three! The book arrived Friday and I started on Saturday, 5 days in now and 5lbs lighter. I’m struggling with feeling a bit wobbly in the mornings but it goes by mid morning. Something really clicked for me with this way of eating and I felt ready to start controlling my food rather than it controlling me. The cravings have gone, still feel hungry now and then but this is getting better each day.

I find the key is being prepared, each meal is planned with meals in the freezer too and I always take my lunch with me. I’m teetotal so that’s not a problems for me, but cakes in the office was my downfall until this week!

Good luck with your diet!

Hello – I’ve done so well, lost almost a stone in 5 weeks and am now a “healthy” weight. I would love to lose half a stone more – trouble is I’m HUNGRY this week. My will power and motivation have abandoned me and I just crave carbs after weeks where none have passed my lips. I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks away, visiting friends in Cornwall (thinking cream teas and pasties) and wonder if mentally I’m sliding off the wagon! Will I come back half a stone heavier and “overweight” – HELP!!!

Wow, it sounds like you are in a really good place to make big changes to your diet and lifestyle. It’s such a good feeling to take control, isn’t it? And your bloods look very impressive and definitely heading the right way. Your son sounds very inspiring too; you can see that it can be done.

Like you (?) I’ve often dieted and thought ” well, I’ll give it a go, but I can’t do that bit, or this bit ” but now I realise that I can and have. I’m on week four, I’m staying at my daughter’s as she is near to giving birth to her second child and has been unwell, but I’ve still stuck to it, whereas before I would have found this an excuse to give up. I feel so much better in my self and very positive, and it sounds like you do too.

So, hurray for us! We CAN do this!

Best of luck.

Hi all – I have been following the forums closely since I started the diet and have been encouraged and egged on reading everyone’s postings and experiences. I am hugely overweight (started the programme just over 3 weeks ago at 23 st 8 lbs). I had gestational diabetes and was on insulin whilst pregnant with my daughter who is now aged 3½ and that experience made be vow that I would do everything I could to make sure I didn’t go on to develop type 2 diabetes and I had got my weight down to 18 stone – still massive however I felt in control and was still losing – however over the last 2 years since returning to work full time (in a largely sedentary job) – quick convenience food and lack of time for myself took over and I am a closet binger and ate in secret a lot – chocolates and pastries. I got a shock when 6 weeks ago I went into see my GP and she asked me to do my annual blood sugar fasting test (as I had gestational diabetes I get tested annually) as well as all the routine blood tests just to check I was on track and I was horrified to have a fasting blood test result of 7.7 (which I understand is fully in the prediabetic range). She called me up and asked me if I would go and do another fasting test in a month’s time just to see if it was a one off etc. Well I put my head in the sand for 1 week and whilst online downloading some books on my kindle I came across the Michael Mosley BSD book which I downloaded and read cover to cover in an afternoon, I then read it again over a couple of days to absorb it and decided I would give it a go as I needed to take back control!! I downloaded my fitness pal to track calories and bought a fit bit – and here I am half way through week 4 having lost 21 lbs and I had my fasting sugar done end of last week and got a reading of 6.6 – so still high and my doctor has asked me go in and see her to discuss it – however I have a good relationship with her and I am hoping that she will let me finish the 8 weeks and do a new set of tests to see where we are at. I have booked my appointment for the 8th June so gives me another couple of weeks to try and shift some more weight as well.

I expected to really struggle with the diet and although I had headaches and the shakes for the first couple of days I stuck with it and am really enjoying the way of eating. I have had 2 “bad days” one on my husband’s birthday where I had a bottle of prosecco and a slice of chocolate cake and felt hideous the next day and last week I couldn’t resist ordering a burger whilst out with friends for lunch – however I hadn’t had breakfast and didn’t have dinner so was within the 800 calories – I didn’t eat any of the chips and I had horrible bloating and discomfort afterwards – so lessons learnt! The one thing that has changed for me is that despite messing up it was easy for me to start again on the regime straight away (as I always make excuses about why I can’t do it now).

Really hope that I am able to stick to this way of eating – I plan to try and continue for 12 weeks and then transition onto 5.2

Hi Girlybrewer

I heard Michael on the radio too and ordered the book. I started on Monday and have felt fine, and not that hungry which was a surprise. I have told everyone at my work and all my friends so that it will motivate me to keep going. Normally I “diet” in secret so its no big deal if I don’t succeed, but I am determined this time to shift the weight.

It is difficult when you are out and about, I haven’t got to grips with all the recipe ideas yet, I had lentil soup for lunch on Monday, and then lettuce with crab from the book for the last two days which is delicious.
We are going out for a department lunch to an Italian tomorrow – resisting the pizza is going to be hard!

New beginnings for you 🙂

Hubby is good now – lucky him! I made him drink four big cups of hot water also!
I agree re the salt and weight – if I wasn’t logging my food I would be discouraged since the scale hasn’t moved but am hoping when I measure Friday I’ve one down there possibly.
I am walking more on the trip which is great!
Today we are going to the famous Monterey Bay aquarium and then walk around the town to sightsee. I am not a shopper but enjoy seeing the old buildings and wildlife in the ocean for sure. Last night from dinner we saw seals, seagulls, and loons (I think that’s what they were).
💜

Izzy, you are getting like me with the sleep pattern as since day 3 I have slept much less. It was 4:30am when I awoke this morning after 6 hours sleep!
And we eat fish daily since we don’t eat other meats. Haha
Good luck with the trout recipes, let me know how it turns out for you!
I never used to eat crab ever really and now eat it everyday on this trip. Not with drawn butter like in New England but just crab cocktail with a little cocktail sauce (it’s like tomato with horseradish I think and I only use a teaspoon). That’s why I was so short on calories yesterday because crab and fish really had no calories hardly unless you beat a fattier fish like salmon.
Your soup sounds really good!! You must live far from stores but glad you liked the fage!!!!
Hugs for a great day! And good sleep!!
💜

Baristagirls

Pleased for you that you are not having quite the same outcome. I saw someone else tonight [ yes, it is night here ] and they were having problems, too. The tech explained to me that because it is all automated it can experience the odd glitch now and again……obviously !
Good night, off to bed.
jillyB

Good luck Caramba.. Even if you have to take BP pills you may be able to go off them at a later date. 🌷

OK, I am in week 16 now and have had the occasional 2 rashers with poached egg, plum tomatoes and lots of mushrooms cooked in olive oil with a spoonful of water and it is all good. Remember if you need a treat tweak the calories in other meals. It must be rewarding if you are to succeed in a work atmosphere. I now know that bread and alcohol are the worst offenders in my previous diet not that I ever drank more than an occasional wine or Guinness. I have reintroduced small amounts of potato and some seeded crispbread with salads and not gaining yet. I am a static BMI 25.4 now and can eat mostly what I have come to accept as normal. I miss puddings of course but had a crumble at the pub the other night as a single course treat along with a pint one 5:2 non fast day.

Huge congrats to you Lynne!!! Wow what an inspiration you are to everyone! You are a shining example of what can be done when we find the right program and you should go on tour with them while they are circling the globe talking about the book and program!
Celebrate!! (But not with food 😳)
You are amazing!! 😍😍😍

How annoying! I haven’t had to change my password, just keep logging in as soon as I go to the last page! Typically, it’s ok this minute …….

Hello ClairyB. Yes, that’s pretty awesome, 11lb, but neither of us have to give up alcohol exactly because we don’t really drink it. Mum lost nearly 4lb and I lost nearly 3 and a half.
I love scrambled eggs 🙂

I’m finding exactly the opposite, in fact I’ve started using Movicol to help things along

Hi all! I just wanted to introduce myself although I have never posted on a forum before – eek! I was diagnosed Type 2 about 2 years ago, put on Metformin, which has been increased twice. My BSL’s have always been all over the place, and I was gestational diabetic on insulin. I have tried to lose weight since the diagnosis but there is lots of psychological stuff going on for me, so I never stuck to anything for a long time. Also, I am a full-time student, and single parent with 5 kids currently at home, and the idea of cooking different meals never appealed to me.
BUT I was at the point where insulin was the next option, and I do NOT want to go there. So here I am. I am not particularly counting calories, but I know that my intake is where it should be and I am trying to be guided by how I feel. Generally, I have not been overly hungry so far, and getting my head around stomach gurgles being digestion and not hunger. I am very much tempted by the sight, smell, or thought of food, and this is something I am conquering step by step. Although one day I did have a banana. I have not had cravings particularly, headaches or any other withdrawal “symptoms”. I lost 2.5kg (5lb?) the first week and next weigh day is Monday. I am enjoying the food and have found that it is easy enough to adapt to suit the rest of the household. Generally, I have berries and yoghurt for breakfast, a soup or salad for lunch, nuts or vege sticks in the afternoon, and meat with veges for dinner. Eggs at the weekend.
Exercise is coming – I have walked every second night and will step this up (see what I did there?!) in the days to come (I am working in the evening at present). The big news is that my BSLs really are coming down. They have normally been over 10 and up to 16, always at least 10.2 in the morning. Now they are sitting around 7.8 – 9, and the morning readings are more like 8.2. A big big change, and I can only see improvement from here.
My GP is very supportive, and I showed her the book. She recommended the 5:2 to continue with and is hopeful (as I am) that I might be able to come off Metformin in due course! Woo hoo! That is my ultimate goal. I know this will work, because 2 years ago my son was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. He lost 44 kg (now 80kg) in the past 24 months by eating low calorie and exercising. He is now super healthy, reversed his diagnosis, and looks amazing.
One of the big things for me as I said, was the psychological stuff, such as disbelieving the diagnosis (generally asymptomatic), learned helplessness (“I’ve got it now, can’t do anything about it”), and all of the eating stuff (love food, carb addiction etc, and driven by different senses for food). I have been studying Psychology full time for 6.5 years now, am very nearly graduated, and am happy to offer any thoughts on “head stuff” if anyone cares to share here. Take care everyone!

Is anyone finding that they now have very active bowels?

Hi Barista,

My sister is the same – she lost 11lbs in the first week and says she hasn’t felt hungry – she has given up alcohol though which she had most days – I’m on 2.5lbs in 2 days so not too shabby! How much have you and your Mum lost so far? I will be going shopping on Saturday so will make do until then – more scrambled eggs it is then! Although they are not agreeing with my tummy!!! If you know what i mean things have stopped moving – ha ha – sorry too much information! Some of the food you have tried sounds good – i will look at the recipes 🙂

I followed the Newcastle protocol but used Tesco’s Ultraslim in place of Optifast. They are sachets that you make up with skimmed milk (Optifast is made up with water as it has dried milk in it already). Quite palatable I found, and a range of flavours. Do drink lots of water, black tea or black coffee and lots of veg that grow above ground, i.e not roots like potato or parsnips. In the eight weeks I lost a shade under 15kg, i.e 98kg down to 83kg.

Thanks Switzerland – i must try the brownies, are the ingredients things i might have in the cupboard??

Hi, Baristagirls,
Re being logged out. Yes, it has happened to me twice, this week was the second time and I am getting very angry. What usually happens is one day I suddenly can’t find the ‘reply’ on people’s posts and when I go looking for it I am told to log in. When I do, it keeps telling me my password is wrong, so I click on ‘forgot your password ?’ Back comes an automated reply with a new password of 16 characters of gobblygook, which I most certainly don’t want, but decide to use just to get on. Still says wrong password. After many tries I get in touch with the tech, wait about 5 days, getting angrier and angrier until I start getting quite rude to them. Then I get angry with myself for getting rude !! The best way to get a quicker answer is…..don’t reply on their initial E-mail about changing passwords, but find “search” top right corner and put in “contact” . This will give you a place to vent your spleen and then you get somewhere. I ask for my original password and they do this for me. A stiff drink helps a bit ! But they are very nice and helpful when you DO get through. You have my condolences after just going through this again.

jillyB

Good to read people doing so well. I’ve been studying in a different area and haven’t been on the forum much lately but am still doing well with the insulin and glucose control, not so much with the weight loss but for me it is definitely a marathon not a sprint. Particularly pleasing to read of people getting new and more undertanding doctors and Eureka having a GP on MMs diet is a bit of a coup. 🙂

My new young GP is not familiar with the info behind this diet however, he is open minded and likes my numbers which is good enough.
Sorry to be a hit and run participant, sole carer for a very sick dear 91yo parent and doing too much juggling.

My dream is that we will all find doctors who know more about insulin and blood glucose than we do…thats what I want.

I liked this lady’s Tedx talk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da1vvigy5tQ

Wow jimnz, you’re on a one person crusade down there
It appears that your professionals are a lot more enlightened than those in the uK when it comes to low carb eating. Now it has to go public and it’s people like you who will get the attention simply because of your results.
Well done and keep it up.

Ok I’m glad we are pals 🙂
The original research carried out by Prof Taylor at Newcastle university (just along the road from me as it happens) Used meal replacement shakes, I think they were the Optifast brand and the participants had great success, all reversed the diabetes and lost lots of weight
Whatever replacement you decide to go with, check the labels as others have found that some of them have hidden sugars and carbs as ingredients.
Hope that helps

I’ve also done the same as you, I lost 3stone, 10 lbs on the Dukan diet about 5 years ago, was a similar idea to this and i lost the weight quickly, but as soon as i added the carbs back in it crept on, ive tried slimming world and weight watchers and loads more but as you say it’s not a diet it has to be a way of life and i think the 5:2 is sustainable. I’ve really piled it on due to health problems also, i am waiting for knee replacements and also suffer with psoriatic arthritis and an under active thyroid!! All of these would will improve greatly if i lose the weight. Well done on losing so much weight – at least you know you can do this! My hubby is super fit and can’t understand how i am so over weight as on the whole we have a healthy life style – if only he knew about all the secret mars bars!!!!

Thanks epspecially, I’m sure you’ll do it.
I must say that reading the posts everyday have really helped me keep on track.
Linda

Not offended.

I want to try to find out about meal replacement as compared to Low Calorie diet or low carb diet. I recall the original research that this diet is based on was done on meal replacements if I am not mistaken. so, I wanted to access that info if it is available.

I joined this forum in March and was previously (for a few years) on the fast diet forum.

Sounds fabulous LindaA, you’ve done brilliantly! Hope to follow your path over the next few weeks – to start with a 7 is my aim too!

Thanks Switzerland , you too😀

Hello ClairyB. If it’s any encouragement I am NOT finding it easy! My mum is. She isn’t even hungry. I keep feeling hungry and swimmy but so determined to do it because look at how well everyone else has done! I don’t want my addiction of carbs and greedy portions of food to get the better of me. If you have lost half a pound in two days and only a couple in the last few months then it seems a good start. Did you measure yourself? Everyone talks about that, but I won’t do it till next week as I don’t want to be too disappointed.
Keep going.
It’s good that there’s someone else besides us started the same day 🙂 because I can follow your patterns. Why don’t you order a shop to turn up this evening to rocket you into tomorrow!
Yesterday we made the salmon muffins, they were yum, tonight we are having the beetroot falafels. I don’t actually mind the food, I just feel so hungry!
The reason I want to stick at it over other diets is the quick results inspire me to stay on the bandwagon. Plus the freedom I had with certain carbs on slimming world didn’t control my appetite.

Great results LindaA…..not bad at all! Wishing you continued success.

Have I offended you in some way ?
You asked a question, I tried to help
For your information I am type 2 long standing and I am off meds now thanks to this diet.
The reason I used the word unusual was, as you know yourself, 800 calories is an extremely low figure for someone to lose only a small amount of weight over such a long period of time
Good luck to you.