Diabetes and breast cancer update.

On the diabetes front, I have resolved the question of whether it is weight loss or the diet. Since stopping early, and eating higher carb for roughly a week, my BG is higher than it was before I started the BSD – with no weight change. That tells me it is either the diet or the fasting that made the dramatic difference. If things don’t settle down, once I’m recovered from surgery, I’ll do a second full 8 week run at it (with a gradual off-ramp at the end) to see if it makes a difference.

As to breast cancer – I switched doctors after my last post. The new doctor found a second lesion and an enlarged lymph node. Both have been biopsied, and have come back negative. (Whew.) Surgery (lumpectomy) is scheduled for tomorrow morning, bright and early!

Hi Cherrianne,

Cacao nibs – use them in the guilt free brownies from the recipe in the 8 week BSD book. I’ve bought them from the health food shop and the organic aisle at the major supermarkets.

How are you going Cherrianne? Strange, but I was thinking of you last week-end when we had smoke everywhere from ‘controlled burn offs’ in the national park. I’d remembered you mentioning about smoke from bushfires in one of your posts.
Best wishes.

Hi Sinp@3ia,

Welcome to the forums and the BSD way of life. We’re all here because we want a healthier life. Embrace the 3 principles of the BSD:
the diet, exercise and mindfulness meditation.
Best wishes.

Yesterday was 6 weeks and I feel like have stalled for ages. Still doing it but it’s just so frustrating not losing the lumpy stuff that should be going.

Hi keeptrying
Thanks very much for the link. I’ve printed the report! Yes, we need open discussion, argument & publicity! Carbs are out of the closet now & as I’ve been saying & reading about for a long time, it’s Big Bucks – US dollars & £ – that are at stake; NOT OUR HEALTH!
We’ll change that. 👍

Can I have a slice of that pie please ……..I love pie!x

Hi Christi1948,
The mix from the health food shop sounds delicious. It should work a treat. My experience to date with the BSD has been to search for low carb alternatives, especially for favorite dishes. eg having steamed cauliflower on the plate where the potato would have been previously. Psychologically it works for me.

Hi captainlynne,
God’s speed. Bon voyage. Have a great holiday.

Hi ay caramba
Had to post & run this am. Well done on all fronts. I think you had ‘white coat syndrome ‘ with the BP? Chin up you’ve worked hard for those results. 10 readings a day? That’s one every hour you’re awake just about!! A bit OTT? Never mind, just do it & don’t fret. Keep hydrated too. You will get there & certainly deserve to 👍 💐

Hi janet1973,
How are things going with you? I haven’t seen any posts from you for a while, although I have been a bit distracted for a little while, I haven’t had a lot of time to read the forum threads, so forgive me if I’ve missed you, I hope you are still doing the bsd diet, or have you reached your target?
Christine.

Hi Bill
I’m on week 16, finish it Sunday. I started a week after you. You started 1st Feb & posted 2nd. Look at your first Topic post!! You should already be in residence ???
Sweep up for me please 😀

Wow well done 😊 I’ve just done my first day which I must say I haven’t found to bad. I hope in 3 weeks I can be posting something similar on here. Nicky

Thanks for the ideas 🙂

I cut the carrots lengthways and thinly, but they might work better cut like chips (fries for the americans among us) I miss parsnips too, but I think a little would be ok.

I don’t often fast for long, only on weekends it is a later breakfast, so I might go 15 or more hours sometimes.

I’ve just ordered 4kg of almond flour… pancakes coming up lol, and more experiments!

Now I think I best head to bed, feeling sleepy, night all

Hi Girlybrewer, Welcome, well done and just keep focussed on your goals, small at first until you get into the swing of it. many of us are 13 weeks or more in and have experienced the ups and downs. Use the search bar above and glean all you can. The book is a guide, don’t beat your self up. Eat well, eat less drink and exercise when you can and do not worry about anything. If you cut down on white foods and sugar in particular you will likely succeed just like most of us have. Cheerio for now…

Hi Christine

I travel to London next Tuesday, stay at airport hotel overnight, then fly to Bologna on Wednesday morning. Fly back on Friday 10th June and train home same day unless delayed.

Checked out the food for dinner at hotel – nothing I could eat. Thought about going to the airport-that was better. But then checked out Kings Cross Station for food – lots of choice of food to take away. 😃 So I’ll get off the train, get some food, then a Tube out to Heathrow. Bus to hotel, check in, then curl up in my room for the evening. 😃 Should have time for the included cooked breakfast next morning (I’ll check in online before I leave home) before bus back to airport so I’ll not need any food at airport or on plane. 😃

Hi Izzy – I’ve been using raw white cabbage for dips instead of bread, lovely and crunchy! I’ve had it with hummus and taramasalata, (and spread with marmite), but I’m sure it would go well with salsa too – and lower carb than carrot.

Polly – I’ve just got in, was about to cook, and realised that I’m really not hungry – so a 600cal day with 40 carbs, and if I don;t eat until about 9am tomorrow, that will be 20 hours.
The BBC had a program on a few months ago where they’d researched with a test group the impact of breakfasting later, and having an evening meal early, with no snacks, effectively giving a longer overnight fast on a daily basis (as opposed to 5:2)
its no longer on iplayer, but a write up about on the link below:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35290671

Hi Switzerland,
I found something similar to your LSA mix at our local health food store, they didn’t have LSA, however I’ve got a packet of mixed, milled flaxseeds, ( which is the same as linseed, just a different name) almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and co-enzyme q10! I also got some sunflower seeds, so I will grind them and then mix the two bags together and see what it’s like.
I might even do what you suggest and do the ‘recipe’ you gave me, as well.
Christine

😃

Hi Bill

Hope you’re feeling better. Soon be in the 16 week clubhouse. 😃

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/22/official-advice-to-eat-low-fat-diet-is-wrong-says-health-charity#comment-74850785

^ The link to the guardian article on this – it is very frustrating that those with vested interests just keep repeating the same old useless ‘advice’.

Hi Lynne,
Thank you, I will definitely have to get new underwear, I got vouchers for my birthday in April, so might use them for underwear, I’ll get into my trousers soon!
You sound like you are getting organised for your hols, how long are you going for?
Christine

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/22/official-advice-to-eat-low-fat-diet-is-wrong-says-health-charity#comment-74850785

That’s the link to the guardian article on it. I sense that big food co inc. has far too much of a vested interest in this not to try and poke holes in it.

Call me cynical but it’s the perfect setup. ‘Food’ makes us sick and then big pharma co inc. can sell us lots of awful damaging drugs that themselves need more drugs to treat the side effects. Very neat. Grrrr

Hi Izzy,

did you cut the carrots lengthways? I really miss parsnips 🙁 they’d make great crisps but they have a high sugar content I think. Maybe celeriac chips would work though. Hmm may have to try that 🙂

Am mostly not eating for 23 hours at thye moment to see if the longer fasting period helps. It definitely makes me drink more

welcome back 🙂

I definitely find posting daily keeps me focussed! Well done for pulling it back with your meal choices.

I find the weekends harder as well but I use the time to try new recipes to keep me looking forward to my meals rather than nibbling things I shouldn’t. Hope next weekend is better for you.

Best of luck to everyone. I have had my lipase retest done as well as amylase tested. The news is all great with lipase now down to 84 so still outside range but acceptable but amylase was good and liver function test had every test in the black with sugar of 5.7.

I am a success from this diet and feel proud and happy so hope others gets to achieve the same smiles.

Dinner was good 🙂

I’ve pondered the grief over the loss of chilli Doritos, that I previously would have eaten in copious amounts with chilli (and rice, but I miss the doritos more…)

So… I used a slicer to cut carrot crisps, tossed them in salt, chilli powder and a teaspoon of olive oil, baked in the oven till turning crisp. They were good! only problem is they shrink a bit so you don’t get too much bang for your buck but still… enough to kill a craving.

I made chicken chilli to eat with it. One chicken breast cooked with a small onion, crushed garlic, two chopped tomatoes (I threw in skin and seeds I’m not fussy) and chilli. Cooked it till the tomatoes turned mushy and saucy and it was also yum.

My friend seems to have got off to a great start today as well. Happy Mondays 🙂

Not posted for four days. Four days that I found hard. I am realising I do find weekends hard. But back to it properly today (no extra houmous etc sneaking in) and spent yesterday reflecting. Realised writing on here helps keep me focused so I’m back!
Today- weird start as hadn’t been food shopping. Started munching some old cereal without thinking but did stop before the end of the bowl! Went shopping and now sorted for the week, and managed to pull back the calories with meal choices.
lunch: scrambled egg and smoked salmon
din: chicken caesar salad
x

jimnz!!! That made me choke on my (low carb) dinner.

I was talking to someone today about BSD after politely declining the cake she was trying to give me. I know several people who are managing to lose lots of weight on slimming world, but for me (and many of us) it offers a lot of carb freedom and just didn’t work for me but there is no denying it works for many. The reason it works I think is because those following it properly are having more veg, less processed food, and less sugar – all in common with BSD, albeit many other differences.

My own theory is that there is much yet to be researched in food/nutrition/body types. I’m a BSD convert it works for me. ME, and I agree it would work for most others too but for many others there are other options that could also work for them.

I know I have insulin resistance issues and I’m pre-disposed to type 2, This is the first time after a long search that I have found something that targets my specific issues. I think that in 50 years (maybe sooner if we are lucky) more will have been properly tested and proven, and we will know more collectively. My guess is that many ‘types’ of people will be discovered and acknowledged, with individual issues and quirks, and with the knowledge that will come more specific, personal, targeted advice will (I hope) be offered.

I think much of this already exists, but because there are so many conflicting ideas, both new and outdated, we are left with the common basic generic advice, that frankly only works for a minority. BSD at least works for a majority.

Thanks for the tips.x

My first ever post on any forum anywhere!
After listening to Michael Mosley on the Chris Evans breakfast show last week I thought his book may be helpful. My Mum has type 2 diabetes and died aged 76. I already have high blood pressure, and am pre diabetic. At only 5ft tall and over 14st I do not want diabetes but have always lacked the will power or motivation to do anything about it, far easier to bury my head in the sand and have another glass of beer or wine. I knew all the cliches, only I could change myself, eat less and move more etc etc., but knew this was the time to change.
So book ordered delivered and read on Friday night. YIPPEE, something that I thought might work to make me healthier and ensure I didn’t develop the dreaded disease.
Now on day 3 and feeling so much better already. Very daunted by the thought of trying to lose 56lbs in weight, I know this is a long journey, but so far feeling determined, and my lovely husband has joined me so extra motivation. I am sure it is going to be tough, but this forum I am sure will help me achieve my goal.

Thanks Izzy. This forum is so good- highly motivational knowing that there is always someone there for or me.Janet.x

its frightening, really

England’s so called “chief nutritionist” is surely a nominee for President of the Flat Earth Society.

Jim

Well done Collie, no need to be scared, just keep doing the same and you will get where you want to be 🙂

Sulking now…..
Anyone want to buy a banana?

Suppose bill would tell the little minions off too?

Suppose I can’t sing about banana either.

Bottom lip is now out.

Lip quivering too………

Love Lucia
Xxxx😣🙁🙁🙁😕😔😔😕☹️☹️☹️🙁🙁😕

Sorry Bill.
As I said, it’s a one off.
Isn’t that better than me eating a family size bag of chocolate? And huge bag of crisps etc?
I am allowed a tiny slip am I not?

Okay, so when I do it again , will you take a IOU?

Anyway it was worth it to get a blog from you.
Still missing you.

Love Lucia
Xxxxx

Well done ClairyB! It takes such a lot of willpower when surrounded by food to stick to just the thing you came in for. I’m similar with the ‘events’ as I have three weekends away in the 8 weeks. I know I could have started after them but having read the book I was excited to crack on with it.

@Frog- I laughed at the idea of you using all your willpower not to lick your hands! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Bill

1. BSD = Calorie restriction = mindful food planning, preparation and eating.
Just completed Week 5 of the on-line MBSR course, which was not a great week, as it was all about Dealing With Difficult Emotions/Sensations, which I don’t have much of nowadays [thankfully]. But the continuing practise of meditating in one way or another each morning works well with BSD. And I’ve incorporated some yoga into my post-workout steam room stretching routine. Double win.
2. BSD = not hiding so much of that extra fat in plain sight. Much of it was ‘hiding’ on my waist which is now 5″ less.
3. BSD = Mood enhancement and energy boost.
With all the added energy from BSD I’ve completed many long overdue to do’s. One was to fix and reactivate my hi fi system, after a few years of lazy Sonos listening. Vinyl is as good as I remember. There’s a guy in America who finds first pressings of classic LP’s for rich folks and sells them for up to $1000 each, so each listen to a classic album is literally a valuable use of time!
4. BSD = not snacking.
Realising that ‘hungry’ isn’t usually hungry but thirsty or a touch of boredom or an old habit. I’m thinking about this more as the end of the beginning nears, since it would be so easy to go back to frequent snacking and ‘treats’ and reverse the progress.

Feeling a bit of a cheat though since I am not eating a ‘proper’ Public Health England diet.

Good Luck Rachel, Hope you get a nice surprise and lose lots!

I’m conducting an experiment for dinner…. I will report back later!

be smug! it’s ok, and you will lose 5 lbs very soon I’m sure 🙂

Hi everyone,
I would just like to say how motivational this thread is and your achievements are an inspiration to me and, I’m sure, so many others. I hope this is the right place to post my first weeks results, so here goes.
Starting date 16/05/16: Weight: 15 st 3 lbs BS 5.9
Week 1: 23/05/16: Weight: 14 st 9 lbs BS 3.9

I have lost a fabulous 8 lbs and feel great. I must admit some of the withdrawal was horrid – I had really bad aching legs, but thankfully that’s all gone now and I’m truly loving this new way of life!
Thank you for reading, and I hope to learn so much more about myself, the diet and you on our exciting BSD journeys.

Something fishy going on.
I have had three portions of grilled fish today, purely because it tasted amazing. I even had fish for breakfast with some grilled tomatoes basted with some good olive oil! I haven’t felt tired or hungry today and the protein is really satisfying, so all good. It was a lot easier today, as I was back at work after weekend. I swerved the staff room iced fairy cakes, brought in by a colleague whose birthday it was, and felt totally in control. Maybe I am being a bit too smug today, as I can see from the forum posts that some days are a lot tougher than others. I will try to curb my exhuberance until I have lost 5 pounds – that will be a real milestone for me.x

I know everything reminds me of food!!! In the spar whilst buying my tuna, everywhere I looked, doughnuts, buy one get one free!! 4 mars for a £1!! I did however buy a bag of apples on offer for a £1, feeling virtuous. Just got home and feeling ravenous so decided to have the bacon and scrambled egg now and save chicken and veg for later, I know how to live!! I also have booked myself for a manicure I can afford it now I’m not buying any foodie treats.

Well done! You should be rightly proud of yourself!

I think the results speak for themselves, look at everyone’s blood results and then say it’s irresponsible.

I find mornings easier than afternoons, but they’re definitely not so much hard work as 2 weeks ago! I am one of those annoying types who doesn’t actually weigh myself; I just go by how my clothes fit (or if I need to buy a smaller size!) because people tend to get so hung up on losing a precious 1/2lb when those sort of changes could be down to time of day or whether fat is being replaced with muscle (which is heavier). If I can get back down to a comfortable size 14 pair of trousers I’ll be happy!

I’ll be really happy to kick the snacking habit finally, I haven’t had anything since lunch so I’m heading in the right direction!

How much weight have you lost so far?

Hi All,

I seem to be allergic to weekends! Luckily I still stay away from carbs and sugar but I can’t stick with the 800cals a day, Friday night ended up going to a Turkish Grill for dinner and ate BBQ chicken fillet with lamb skewers and salad – had some minty yoghurt with cucumber on the side. Felt good because I divided my plate in half and packed up the half before I started eating.

Saturday ended up eating and eating then had brazil nuts – skipped dinner was too scared to count how many calories, Sunday started the day with steak and eggs and had chicken for Lunch with watercress salad – dinner was leftover chicken turned into soup with a ton of vegetables.

Weighed myself today, didn’t put on weight so was grateful for that but would really like some input on how to stick with the 800?

I thought I had worked out a way to manage it but seems like its not working and back to the drawing board. Now all i can think of is those Brazil nuts – good job it will take me an hour and a half on the train each way to get to those exact ones so not likely I’ll be indulging anytime soon. Just feel annoyed I can’t control myself weekends and during the week I’m so good.

Any tips on how to stick with it? I’ve started in my diary today by saying week one day one – because these slip ups are making me feel really useless and I was thinking a fresh start might be a good idea.

I like what you said LindaA about the chance of a healthy me forever – just wish I could stick to the 8 weeks first – right now I feel like maybe this yo yo thing I’m doing will harm me more than benefit me if I dont be super strict.

Patsy thanks so much for posting this as I don’t think consciously I really thought about how hard the weight was for my body albeit of course I know if I stop to think about it.
Agree re adding to the lost pile is a great way to think about it!
Your post was a great nugget for me, thanks so much!

Keep it up JCH! I’m on week three and hunger pangs are GONE (apart from when evening mealtime is looming) so I have just about kicked the snacking/boredom eating habit. I have a tiny pot of toasted almonds on my desk at work, and have the occasional one or two if I need a boost. I agree that food seems to taste a lot better, and there are so many lovely new things to try! Halloumi cheese was a revelation, and butternut squash spaghetti is perfect with anything where historically I had pasta or noodles. A few more days and you will start noticing your clothes feeling looser – that’s what makes it worthwhile!