So for lunch, I made spicy tomato and lentil soup in a big pot so I can freeze plenty for some work lunches. I also made the coconut flour flatbread that Bill posted here and I dunked it in my soup. It was very nice and very filling. A bit hefty on calories once I logged it all though but thankfully the soup was low calorie so it’s ok. I think I will make a batch of flatbreads, and instead of eating two at once (I’m sat here totally stuffed) one is really enough, certainly when alongside soup. I’m going to see if they freeze well as I can then take those to work too.

I’m left with 250 calories for my dinner tonight but that should be ok. Planning chicken curry.

I’m also going to finally get around to trying a recipe for crackers, I’m going to try this one…
https://elanaspantry.com/sesame-crackers/

Honestly with all the new things I’m trying and finding, and liking, I can’t see why I would need to go back. Who needs pasta? rice? potatoes? bread… well, I may go back to having some potato lol but not for a while yet.

I’m now half way through week 5, and realising that 8 weeks really isn’t long at all.

I’ve been very lucky on this, not suffering too much from cravings or ill health of any kind, and not feeling deprived. It’s really worked for me. We will all have a bad day now and then but that’s ok.

Leeanne, my granddaughters are identical twins, age 8.5 years. Food for them in freezer was bought before BSD. It’s there in case I can’t get them eating something healthier. They eat sweets etc as treats at home, but rarely ask for them when they stay with me. Mmmm …. just a thought – wonder if it’s because they generally eat fewer carbs at my house?

Frog, that was my stretch of the Regents Canal – from Hoxton to Islington. Walking that was my sanity after a stressful day. Not been there since I left London in 2009.

I love London and do walk a lot when I visit (if I have the time). I’ll be passing through at the end of the month. Train to Kings Cross, then across to Heathrow to stay at hotel overnight before flying out. Anybody nearby on Tuesday 31st May fancy meeting up?

The twins and their parents go to Dorset every summer – Lulworth. Too far from where I live though.

Hi. My names Nicky and I’m starting the diet on Monday. I’ve just finished reading the book and I’m feeling confident that I can and will do this!!! Can I just ask about the portion size! I’m really sorry if I sound a bit thick here but when it says serves 2 does everyone just split that meal and either freeze it or have it all in one go or save it for later?? I’ve read the book in 2 days and I get it but I’m not sure about when it says serves 2? I’ve read a lot of the posts on here and I have to say you guys are amazing and it’s really given me the kick up the arse I need to get on and do it. Nicky

Halfway point! Four weeks, 27 seven pounds down! Love this 800 calorie per day fasting diet! I’ve done it very low carb, high fat with LOTS of water each day.

Congratulations Bill. Hope you reach that target for June 9th!

Hi thanks runs going well ! Not! 3 eliminations today but there is always another day . Some good work by my young dog though he makes smile a lot have fun all I love a ball !!!!

Hello. I’m new to BSD. I started the diet in a slap-dash kind off way 4 days ago because the moment grabbed me. Am now realising I need to get more organised. So far I have been using the recipes from the BS book. Have been looking at the forums a bit and I’m a bit confused. Some people are talking about how many gms of carbs they are eating a day. I can’t find any mention of specific amounts of carbs to be eaten in a day in the book and the recipes on this site and in the book don’t specify how many carbs are in them. So where are you getting this info from? I like the idea of measuring carbs because it seems a very specific way to reach fat-burning. I am planning to get ketostix. Finding the forums very informative so far so thank you for that . Have just left a well known slimming group where low-fat is the plan – it feels so right to be eating full fat food again! Though I haven’t felt that brilliant over the last 4 days my carb obsession has gone and I’m sleeping really well which I haven’t in YEARS! Feeling very motivated and believing I can lose at least 2 stones with info and support for this site. Sorry if I’m rambling – all coming out in a tumble!LOL!

I think we have the same husband! Mine thinks exercise is the answer to everything, while he eats sugary carbs. He’s got away with it so far.

Hi Nicky72

Welcome to the BSD gang! You are all set to go…one day at a time sounds like a good plan…do let us know-how you are getting on.

The forums a great place to get advice or support and a happy reminder that others are travelling with you!

Imogen🌻

Hi LindaA
Good luck with the Charity walk tomorrow. I’m dreaming of 22,000 steps….wow.
I too have signed my husband up to do a 12 mile walk, for charity, at the end of June.
I will be going too. Hope I will make it. He will, of course, manage easily as he is both slim and active!
As for me. Time will tell……..!!!
Hi Collie
Good luck with the runs!!!!! That sounds bad but it’s not mean’t to.
Hi Lucia
Good luck with the skipping:-0 Now hopscotch….there’s a thing!!!!!!.
Hi barby
Good luck with with the puffing…. and the bottom step. I puff on any steps and unfortunately my home has none!
Hi Switzerland
Good luck with all your happy days down under!
Btw did I say…..tonight I’m off to a ball 😉

Wow…that is amazing…congratulations!! Following your news (and that of all the over 16 week and beyond gang) is what keeps me….keeping on😊 Thanks captainlynne!

You see what happens when the seniors stop keeping an eye on us? firemen – yeah!!

Imogen🌻

Hi everyone. This is my first post on here. Im Nicky and I’m 44. I have 3 stone to lose! I’m starting the diet on Monday. I’ve cleared the fridge and cupboards of all temptation. !! Im just concentrating on one day at a time. Reading other people’s post have really given me the confidence that I can do this…. And I will do it! Nicky

!Hi, I’ve just read the book and the recipes which look great, BUT I’m allergic to nuts. What would you suggest I replace them with? Thanks. Ella

Thank you so much for the warm welcome – it means a lot. I am feeling highly motivated, had a two egg omelette for brekkie and a just putting on my merrells for a good walk around the lake. Thank you.x

Oh and to all the 16 weekers,

There’s some talk of fire fighters over in the 8 week club house today (!)

Hi captainlynne,

If this was a video link you’d see me doing a dance for you, another 3 pounds, you continue to put in a great effort and are such an inspiration to us all.

Hi Lucia,

…..sorry again about the time lag…..been checking out the firies (not really, but it makes for good reading).
During the week I’m often reading the forums around 22:30 your time and generally I pop back on about 08:00 your time to see what ‘the Brits’ have posted.
Of course this week-end, being housebound I’m on and off frequently because I have ‘cabin fever’.

I’m not preparing this for a lunch, breakfast tomorrow is what I’m aiming for. I’m soaking 1/3 cup chia seeds in 400mls coconut milk. Breakfast will be about 1/4 of the coconut chia pudding with mixed berries. I haven’t worked out the calorie/carb loading yet because it’s new for me. I tasted 1 teaspoon of the coconut chia pudding before I came online and it’s delicious.

Hi LindaA,
I’m guessing the smoke didn’t reach the city today. Your walk sounds great. Best of luck tomorrow with the charity walk, it’s such a worthy organisation (I saw a documentary about it once). Oh, Happy Anniversary to you and your husband.

Happy day to all BSDers.

Hi Pippa

It’s a really good idea to have some meals ready in freezer, for when you need quick food, or to take to work.

I cook the cottage pie in the Recipes, I use Quorn instead of mince. I freeze a couple of portions with the cauli mash on top, so ready to go, and make extra Quorn mince frozen for others dishes. Sometimes just have it with stir fried courgettes/cabbage.

I also make and freeze soup. Good luck, sounds like you’ve made some good preparations, and these forums are so supportive x

Yes, Frog, you are right that the Regent’s Canal is lovely – you are lucky to be close by. I love London (am from there originally) and always walk everywhere from Paddington when I am there on business, which is quite often. I have to go to a course right by London Bridge in early June, to arrive by 9am – so have just worked out my trains from Oxford to arrive at 7.30am and allow me time to walk there.

I am also lucky to be in Oxford, where I have numerous routes to town avoiding the worst of the main roads, and can also get into countryside quite quickly. Envy your trip to Dorset – where are you going? I have recently discovered Lyme Regis (visited twice last Autumn) and so enjoyed the scenery there – and of course I was on holiday – that I could hardly stop myself from going out on walks.
My regular morning treat was a trip to Costa Coffee for a cortado (now need to check the calories/carbs in that!) and a walk along the wonderful beach there. Beautiful 🙂

My exercise this morning is doing the gardening. Should stop writing and reading these threads and go out and do it!!

Good luck to all today.

Hi Linda! I’m glad it isn’t just me! This morning I changed the bin bag and the black plastic had a really strong plasticky smell, and when cooking porridge for my son I swear I could smell the sugar in that but I don’t know if that is even possible. Isn’t there no sugar in oats until the body digests them converting them? or are some sugars released during cooking? Thankfully it didn’t set off any cravings.

You’ve done great losing so much weight Linda, if you like to bake have you experimented with any low carb baking recipes? I just made lovely pancakes…

My indecision this morning settled on trying a new recipe I found for almond pancakes and I’m so glad I did they were so lovely!

https://elanaspantry.com/silver-dollar-pancakes/

I had a third of what I made with some mashed raspberries and honestly in the future when I am allowed more calories this would have made a nice enough dessert never mind breakfast! I added a bit of granulated sweetner to the recipe instead of honey. 245 calories, 6.9g carbs. what’s not to like?!

I am ready to start on Mon 23rd, so will be logging in to get some motivation if I find I am struggling. First saw this on Sunday Night on Ch 7 Sydney a couple of weeks ago, got the book yesterday and have read it,so will be clearing out my pantry and shopping tomorrow. Has anyone tried freezing some or parts of some of the recipes? I live alone so cooking 2-4 portions as in the book would be wasteful unless I can freeze them.

Hooray.
Did my 3rd Fitbit marathon this May so far…….and ‘A Penguin March’ (which is 70 miles).
Wonder how much more I can do in May towards ‘ My Personal Challenge’?
Looks as though I will need to send a bigger donation to BHF at this rate.
The lbs are falling away rapidly and the clothes are getting baggier by the day.
Several people have said that they hardly recognize me.
Perhaps I can break into a jog now……..no one will know who I am!????!!!!

Hi fellow BSD ,peeps currently sitting in my caravan in a field ,have walked the dogs and had one run ( I do dog agility as a hobby) it’s freezing.2 more runs to go. Just broken my 16 hr fast with yoghurt and berries . Who would have thought this possible a few weeks ago , I would have been at the burger bar and had a bacon roll! However who has stolen Spring it’s freezing , I enjoyed hearing about Sydney made me think sun beach mmmm lifeguards!! Am I hallucinating on my berries ha ha have fun wish me luck with my runs xx🐾🐾🐾🍓

Yes, along Regents canal is the best place locally for walks – I’ve done a few canal trips on it – but I’ve never done a canal holiday going further afield.
Once I arranged a work awayday that included a narrowboat from Camden – the idea was that the locks an stuff would involve team working – we went to a pub and were less enthusiastic about helping with locks on the way back!
The area around kings cross is amazing, its changed so much in the last ten years, I’ve been to some amazing offices around there, but the canal still runs through peacefully – you just pass by nice restaurants & interesting buildings rather than derelict buildings and graffiti.

I grew up by the sea, so I do love the coast – I’m going to Dorset next weekend, which will be fab.
Have a good day – hope the lunch goes well.

Thanks I will remeber that next time I drink or think about drinking another coffee.

You know it’s brilliant to see folks buddying up to support each other like this.
The forums have always been a great source of support but you folks are taking it to the next level.
Big thumbs up to the attitudes being shown in this thread too.
Stephie your posts ring so many bells for me, when I was having the week 4 to 5 erratic readings, I used to tell my diabetes that it would never win and to start packing coz its leaving.
I may sound like a proper nutter but I was taught to stand up to bullies and diabetes is not going to bully me into an early grave.
Keep up the good work you lot I know that, together, you will all succeed this time

Bumblebee, I love that!
I will use that from now on, thanks. Every time my ex lets my boys down I get so upset I scoff. Ditto boss stressing me out.
How many cal is salmon. Yum.
I finally stepped on the scales after my second opps, so that I would know where I am at for my day one repeat. Was 1/2 kg down so am definitely making better choices. Now to complete the 8 week and smash the diabetes.

This is so inspirational. Congratulations and very very well done to all who are re-educating themselves into a healthy way of life and enjoying their journey (most of the time!) to getting fitter and slimmer. 🙂

Hi Gijsje, As the others have said, with 8kg to loose you will not loose as much per week as some people.
The expectation is that over 8 weeks you will loose between 10 and 20% of your starting weight. I suspect if you do a check you will find you are within that. I took 10% of my starting weight and then divided it by 8 so I knew what loss to expect each week and I was not doing that I needed to look hard at what I was doing. If you do that check and you are below the 10%, when check for hidden carbs, you may be eating a lot more carbs than you realise and even on 800 cals, carbs of 80g plus a day will probably mean you loose weight slowly. The other ideas from Igorasusual are also worth doing, often the waistband shows before the scales!
As Bill says – 37.5% of your target in 2 weeks is pretty good – well done and good luck!

Congratulations – well done! Looks like another shopping trip will be needed soon Bill 🙂

Well, the good news is that the Wednesday night meeting is nearly full – if we have any more bookings I’ll need to find a bigger venue! We still have plenty of spaces of the Thursday afternoon meeting. If you’d like to come along and find out what it is all about, you can book directly on the website http://www.8weeks.co.uk.
Im so looking forward to our first meeting I’m doing everything I can to make the groups high value for BSD’ers!
Thanks to everyone for their support.

To be honest with only 8kg to lose you are never going to lose weight as fast as others.
The people showing a dramatic early weight loss are those with a lot to lose.
To get to perfect weight from day 1 I would have to lose in the region of 30kg
You have lost 37.5 % of your target in 2 weeks, most people would be delighted with that.
Stick to what you’re doing, you will get to where you want to be.

Hi – well done for your weight loss!

You have got comparably little to lose, and sometimes the weight hangs on.

Several suggestions
– did you measure yourself and are your clothes looser?
– have you checked your balance of carbs/fat/protein in your calories? You can enrol in an app such as My Fitness Pal and enter what you’re eating to see the balance. Planning a low carb intake – some people here do 50gms per day, I’m trying to stick to 20gm, as I, like you, have comparatively less to lose – can kickstart weight loss.
– you could try Ketostix which help you test if you are burning fat with a very simple test
– ensure you keep your liquids well up

I know I am losing weight, I can see I look thinner – but 4 wks in and c 2.5k down. However I am burning fat as the Ketostix tell me, so it must be going from my internal organs which is great news.

I have been told that the subcutaneous fat (the bit you can see) is last to go, but on a carb-low 800 cals, it WILL go.

Don’t give up, keep persisting. I am!

Good luck.

Can’t remember if I’m on week 14 or 15 but the big new is……….. (Drum roll please)
My weight now starts with the number 13 🙂 🙂 🙂
3 pounds lost this week for a total of 38 pounds lost and 13 stones 13 pounds.
I may just get to that 13.5 stones target by June 9th after all 😀

Hi, I have been on the blood sugar diet for two weeks and have lost -2.7 kilo’s. Not impressive… Since I’m overweight by 8 kilo’s you would expect it be a bit more. I changed my scooter for a bicycle and cycle around the city (Amsterdam) a lot now, and completely skipped alcohol. Can anyone tell me if this rate is okay – and convince me to just go on with the diet? I’m also thinking to maybe vast for 2 days in a week, so that my calorie intake is 5:2 = 800:500. Is that a good or a bad idea?

Hey webbj54
Welcome!
If you’ve read through the forums then you will know that a lot of people have lost a lot of weight over the last 6 months and more are joining every day as the word gets out.
I started 4.5 weeks ago and have lost 8.1kg.
I’m exercising every day, even if it means getting up earlier before I go to work to get my walk in (it’s nearly winter here in Oz and too dark to walk the streets once I get home). The dog has never been so fit😀
If you’ve got any questions, just ask, someone will be able to help you.
…and don’t worry about hubby, just worry about you and getting your health in tip top shape (losing weight is a bonus). Follow the recipes, they are delicious and hubby never need know!
Good luck
Linda

Hi Izzy
Yes, regarding a heightened sense of smell – I was walking through my local shopping centre and as I approached the coffee shop, I could smell the sugar from the cakes and it was so strong and sickly sweet😝
I used to scoff down cakes all the time (mainly ones I made), but I haven’t had any added sugar since I started😀
It must be working, I’ve lost 8.1kg in 4.5 weeks

I was thinking about having a rummage through my small clothes in the loft (they won’t fit for another 3 stones though) and picking out one thing to have hanging in my wardrobe as a visual reminder of where I want to reach. I have my smaller interim targets but might be nice to have that reminder visible. Might have a look once the kids are in bed tonight.

I haven’t eaten yet this morning, planning pancakes but not sure if I actually fancy pancakes. hmmm decisions decisions!

Wow Lynne
If anyone has ever picked up a sack of potatoes, they will realise just how well you have done.
It’s mentors like you Judith and Eureka that inspired me at the beginning and continue to do so for so many others.
Congratulations and long may it continue 🙂

exactly, Bill
that is why I am so confused because I expect NEW programmes to be ‘current’ but then perhaps I expect too much
Frog, I tend to agree with you that natural is better
and I do have butter, not lots, and olive oil, and now coconut oil too – which is very high in saturates

thanks Calafornia girl, I will look at that book
sorry I think I went off on one about grains when I had intended this thread to be about fats
but I KNOW wheat and the like make me very bloated and can cause me pain/upset stomach so now I am avoiding it almost entirely (apart from the odd stock cube)
I have also read Gary Taube’s book – ‘Why we get fat, and what to do about it’
a brilliant book – and in there he really does seem to be saying avoid grain carbs and sugar carbs
but perhaps I have got that wrong
I have not finished reading the BSD book yet, but was also under the impression that grains and root veg were best avoided/eaten sparingly – but sorry if I muddled that up

I can get a bit ‘channelled’ in my thinking to say the least 🙂

but thanks for your input, all of you, it would be nice to hear how others interpret all this

I have found my old jeans/jeggings look baggy and unflattering, but I want to lose lots more, so am looking for some reasonable priced denim jeggings, just for now. Tu jeggings are now £9.37 so will give them a go.

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Mid-Denim-Jeggings/128832519-MidDenim?searchTerm=:relevance&searchProduct=

Sainsburys have 25% off Tu clothing, for men and women. Might be useful to someone.

Hi JCH187
Yes, you can do it😀
There are thousands of posts on this forum from members that proved it can be done.
Don’t worry if you get some headaches or achey joints in the first week, they will pass. It’s just carb/sugar withdrawal.
Remember to drink 2-3 litres of non calorie water per day and don’t be afraid of full fat products, in fact steer clear of all the low fat/skim products! They’re nasty.
Also important is to keep a track of your carbs, particularly if you love fruit as they are quite high. Most of us try and limit ourselves to a max of 50g a day and a pear contains about 16g! There are apps that you can download for free that calculate everything.
Call on any of us for help if you feel the need for any reason, there’s always someone, somewhere in the world willing to offer advice.
Best of luck.
Linda

Hi Lucia
I met a girlfriend this morning at 0730 and went for a 2 hour walk whilst we were catching up. Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, through The Rocks, past the Opera House, through the Domain and the Botanical Gardens, back access the bridge and home! A glorious day and spectacular views of the harbour.

I even caught the train there and back so walked to and from the station for more exercise. I’ve hit 22,000 steps today😀
Tomorrow, I’m going on an 8.4km charity walk raising money for the Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia association around some lakes near the coast and even managed to convince hubby to come with me….well blackmailed would be a better word!
When he asked me 2 weeks ago what I wanted for our wedding anniversary, I told him I wanted his company 😜
He couldn’t say no!!! It’ll do him good😀
What’s everyone else doing?
Cheers
Linda

And I’m off!! weight and waist recorded, plain yogurt and a pear for breakfast! I’m writing my food plan for the week and then I’m off food shopping. I’ve almost finished reading the book and feel even more motivated now! My water infuser bottle has some frozen berries in and is in the fridge ready and waiting.

I can do this!

Hi Jules
I went in a Japanese supermarket and bought something weird called natto – it’s fermented soy beans, and high protein .
I found out later that it’s higher in carbs than I’d anticipated (14g per 100g).
I’m liking it less the more I google it, but I will give it a try!

Frog I’m jealous, I love rivers and the sea, I’m a water sign so maybe that’s why. Some years ago we went on a lovely river trip with my lovely Dad and sister, from Camden Lock up past London Zoo, to Little Venice. I was amazed that one canal had a sign pointing to Liverpool. Can you really go all that way on the canal. Next time I’m up there, I’ll persuade sis to do another trip, so interesting seeing London from a different angle.

I just have country lanes around me, very pretty this time of year. If I drive about 15 mins, I’m on the east coast, I love walking along by the sea rain or shine.

We have friends round for lunch today. I have a New York cheesecake and home made apple crumble, and strawberries for me. I feel like I’ve been abducted by aliens and replaced, this is so unlike me before BSD.

Steph, hope you have a good day and all other BSDers.x

Congratulations Lynne

Just got all of next weeks groceries sorted out on line, delivered to my door more time saved big cook up Thursday next week ready for week two making some extra meals also to freeze for emergencies.

Lucia I love your posts and your sense of humour and imagination you should write a “feel good” book! Meanwhile WE all benefit. 🙂

I am not one to push myself usually , I’m too fond of sitting around and being on computer. But you got me thinking with your challenges.

So far I’m getting to grips with the food side, but not the other two. If I really want to change my life forever, I have to get off my (now slightly smaller) bottom and do some stuff, really change what I do.

1) Just went and did some stepping on bottom stair, has made me puffed out and feel it, will do this every day in spare few minutes. Small start, but it’s something I never did before.

2) Will listen to a Mindfullness video tonight in bed.

3) I am not musical unfortunately, but recently got an old washboard, and feel this may be “my instrument” . So I will put a Youtube on and play along with them, to improve my skills. I love cajun type music, may even have a little dance around.

I keep a tally of how much water I drank in day. Will now also try and do a fun energetic thing every day.

Thanks for the inspiration. Xx

Yeah – well done Stephanie on ignoring the chocolate on the craving!
Lynne – yes its Regents Canal that I’m close to. Last week I went to Islington boat club for the first time – I did fairly sedentary narrowboat trip, which was great – but next week I’m going to try something a bit more active. I’m not sure about kayaking, but they have something called bell boats that look good fun.