Latest forum posts

  • posted by  Julia18togo on Izzy's 8 week diary :)
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Ok so I just finished clearing up after a late dinner. The actual taste of the cauliflower base pizza was good but you have to tell yourself you are not eating pizza since it is never going to compare with fresh baked dough. It tastes fine, just different. I also had the 2 girls theatrically turning up their noses at the smell while I cooked the cauli rice in the microwave beforehand (admittedly the upstairs smells pretty yuk still!). They all loved their real pizzas. I always make my own dough, so in fairness what I was eating must have seemed a desecration to them, whereas if compared to shop bought frozen pizza my cauliflower version probably would have stood up fairly well!

    My verdict is that I would definitely make it again for several reasons. The recipe I chose permits me to eat a whole pizza loaded with veggies so I really felt full (sorry – the purists and those more cultured than me will disagree, bit I think that the whole point of pizza is that it is the ultimate comfort food! I find it hard not to want to stuff myself when eating pizza, although admittedly less so than pre BSD). I reckon my whole pizza was within 400 cal so good if you have brunch then that for dinner. I chose a recipe simpler than the one you mention Izzy – I saw a similar one but didn’t fancy blowing so many calories just on the base. I didn’t add them up but it seems to me that ground almonds and mozzarella as well as cream cheese in the mix probably adds significantly to the count before you have even thought about toppings. Mine made a good sized pizza and I was sure to bake it well before adding topping and it did produce a pizza you can hold properly. See recipe here http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/39229/gluten-free–sugar-free-pizza-base.aspx
    I used a tub of Tesco cauliflower couscous which I think was 330 g. I steamed it in the microwave then let it cool and then added 1 egg and a big handful of grated parmesan. It worked fine just pressing the dough onto the silicon sheet with my hands and I let it rest till I was ready to bake it. Some complain of a soggy base but mine wasn’t. I loaded it with tom mozzarella onion slices etc and really liked it.

    Your crackers sound good though – might try the recipe for them!

  • posted by  Switzerland on Prepared now let's do this!
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Slimchance,
    Welcome to the forums. You’ll find all of the diet buddies and support you need right here.
    Just a thought – there are many causes of thinning hair – if you haven’t already done so, mention it to your GP next appointment.
    Oh, and the turning fifty thing……life begins at 50!
    Best wishes.

  • posted by  Tracy2267 on First Week Weigh In
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Well, just completed my first week on the BSD and was pleasantly surprised. Myself and my husband both lost 6lbs! The big thing I struggle with is maintaining focus, but I managed to conquer it and avoid biscuits and potato crisps. I am stunned. There was only one day I was hungry, but I would say that was my fault as opposed to there not being enough content in the food I was eating (long story). That aside, am feeling nervous about my visit to the docs for my HBA1C results on Wednesday.

    Have a great week everyone!

  • posted by  Trees on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Happy Sunday to everyone sorry that I haven’t posted for a while but I never seam to get five mins to post !!

    I have a father in hospital with a fractured pelvis with dementia and have been told that he is unsafe to go home and have to find a care home – a mother at home with Parkinson’s — a husband with kidney cancer with secondaries and now has to walk with two crutches as he had a tumour in his femur which broke one morning getting out of bed– and we are moving house after 25 years and are living with most of our things packed in boxes !!!!

    Any way back to the BSD WOW !!! I’m so glad I stumbled soon this book. The old me with what you have just read above would have sent me to the carbs big time — but no I have stuck to the plan for 17 weeks now and I’m not using food for emotional or energy boosting needs. I defiantly see food and need food in a different way now.

    I have lost 4 stone in total with another 2 1/2 stone I think to go — and as Lynn said I’m very pleased to be in the ‘over weight ‘ BMI section!!! I wasn’t on any medication for my T2 but my fasting bloods are now normally in the 4s so I have stopped testing. My blood pressure is more often in the normal range than not.

    Friends and family all see a difference in me but I have very few clothes that fit as I don’t want to wear my big baggy clothes!! As I use to use — now I like ones that fit!!

    I haven’t been to see my GP yet but have seen my homeopathic doctor and he is more than happy to continue with the BSD and says that I’m getting all the right nutrition I need and is happy for me to continue.

    Can I say a big thank you to Dr Moseley and his team for writing this book and for giving me the information that I could understand and which above all made sense –giving me my health back.

    I will try and post when I can — well done every one and for all your hints and tips and heres to week 24.

  • posted by  captainlynne on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Eureka

    I’ll check that out, thanks.

    Great idea to start a BSD Mole with recipes and hints😃 . Grazie mille.

    I drink lots of coffee and decaf (black), but I’m getting better at drinking more water. Trying to match coffe/decaf with water, and carrying a water bottle when I’m out.

    I bought my water bottles off Amazon, and have tested them to make sure they are leakproof – I’ve tried so many that aren’t😱 Oh, and also tested with fizzy water😃

    The two that arrived today from Amazon do NOT leak😃. They are the Aladdin Aveo 0.6 litre water bottle and the Contigo Rush Autoseal 500ml water bottle. Both a little larger than the 500ml water bottles from the shops.

    Ciao e buona notte😃

  • posted by  Eureka on Prepared now let's do this!
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Slimchance
    Welcome to the Wagon. We are going to strap you in so there is no chance of you falling off! Enjoy this ride, it’s the ride of & for your life.
    My hair got very thin too. Don’t know if it was the metformin or the worry over my mum’s health. Probably both. I found a great hairdresser who listened & I used kind hair products. I had to stop worrying & I cut my hair short. It’s much better now & the style suits me. Took about a year to improve. There are great wigs if I need one! My mum was Type 2 & her hair went very thin too! Probably the meds. Worrying won’t help, so stop.

    Do this for you. Never mind anyone else. Get healthy, get well.

  • posted by  Izzy on A Month of Sundays
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    oooh bagels!

    I think with all books/articles etc it’s important to just take the bits that are right for you.

    In all my experimenting over the years the BSD is the first one I’ve found that seems to target what I need with the ferocity needed lol.

    There was a reference made to candida in the BSD book, something about any fungal type like that feeds on the excess sugars in the body, so if you lower the sugars you starve the candida. I may have misunderstood that so don’t take my word as 100% but that is what I thought it meant.

  • posted by  Odette C on A group for people living near Guildford…
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks Eureka,

    Keep up your campaign, it is so important – it is astounding it is taking govt. and Docs. so long to catch on to the potential to improve the nations health and save the National Health a fortune!!

    Let me know if I can support your campaign in some way.
    Progress so far on the first support group meetings near Guildford, I have had quite a few bookings for next week from my new website http://www.8weeks.com.uk and am very excited – I even got a few blood sugar monitors donated, people are so supportive.

    Cant wait to get it started. Roll on the 25th.

  • posted by  Izzy on Replacement meal shakes
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I did lighterlife a number of years ago, spent an absolute fortune. I did lose weight but here we are, I didn’t quite regain all that I lost but I did regain a lot. I regret spending all that money. It wasn’t worth it.

    Then when trying to get pregnant with my son a few years ago I tried cambridge – I credit this diet with my pregnancy however I’m sure it was because it was low carb, this diet with food would have done the same.

    Fast forward to now, I’m having such an amazing time creating new foods, and even my kids are begging for some of it. It’s great. I’m not just losing weight and feeling well, I know I am changing my habits. shakes don’t do that.

    There are a few recipes for shakes kicking around I think one is in the book and those are the only ones I would try regularly. I see no harm in ocassionally using these shake type meal replacements for occasional breakfasts etc but having ‘been there and done that’ and wore the t-shirt only to have to get a bigger t-shirt again I’ve decided this time it isn’t for me. It’s proper food, and smaller t-shirts.

  • posted by  Janeycoughdrop on Blood Donation on BSD?
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks for your feedback guys. I suspect our local centre has misunderstood exactly what type of snack should be eaten in the 2 hours prior so I may just have some yoghurt and fruit and see how I get on. Hydration is probably more important. I’ll let you know how I get on next Friday!

  • posted by  thepolly on A Month of Sundays
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    It is really, really encouraging and i’m really glad I bought a monitor to test myself 🙂 I was thinking more about the possibility of candida stuff. The Obesity Code is excellent as well and goes through and dispels popular diet myths – all backed up with comprehensive research.

    I’ve looked on the harcombe website and one of the forum posters there has really lowered her sugar readings and yes, her meals are mostly protein and fat. Can maybe just omit the ‘bad’ carb stuff.

    Going to make bagels in the next day or so, will let you know how they turn out as they are coconut flour/flax seed based. I’m still to have a go at baking with the chickpea flour.

  • posted by  Eureka on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi general Lynne
    Make a note in the mole – Inspiralized.com with Ali Maffucci. Gives you lots of recipes on the web (Italian ones too). 😋 I’m sure Maddie ( & all the BSD’s) would like them. I’ve got her book it’s very good. There’s also 5:2 & Fast diet recipes on the web. Maddie could start her own Mole. 📔 📝
    I’m going to pinch your water bottle idea for my hols too. My flights are 7 1/2 & 9 1/2 hrs long!
    Twinings teas are good. I like strawberry & raspberry. ☕️ I don’t like ordinary tea & coffee. 😝
    The cinnamon tea is good. I also sprinkle cinnamon on my yoghurt. It’s supposed to be good for diabetics & it tastes nice too
    Antonio, walk away from the kitchen! No, grazie!
    Ciao

  • Hi Isabel,

    I am at the end of week 2 and I’m down 5 lbs. I’m feeling really good and my sugar cravings are a lot less then they were last week. What I’ve been doing if I crave something sweet is chew fruit flavored sugar-free gum, and just keep drinking water. It hasn’t been easy by any means, I am a candy addict for sure. Hang in there and you’ll see by week 2 it will be a bit easier to deal with.

    I’ve been experimenting with low-carb recipes that are really satisfying. I eat eggs every morning so I’ve been making them with bell peppers, onion, zucchini and seasonings. Very filling and delicious! I do occasionally have piece of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa. I’ve been walking mostly, haven’t had the energy to do any vigorous workouts. I do track my food in MyFitnessPal and it helps to keep on track. Some days I’m at 850 or 900 calories, and that’s ok because my body needs the energy. Listen to your body, eat slowly and stop when your full.

    My weight loss has been slow and I’ve accepted that now. I was very frustrated in week one going into week 2 having only lost 3 lbs. But I’m still sticking to it and got through the weekend without any slip ups. Very proud of that!

    Hang in there and write back about your progress!! Good luck!

  • posted by  SkyWalker on Menue swapping
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Penny, many of us on here have never used any of the meal plans and just eat real food in small quantities with the right balance of stuff by mainly reducing sugars. I only ever counted calories and sugars – worked for me, i lost 40 pounds in 12 weeks.

  • posted by  Cicipops on Given up sugar in coffee and tea!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I am really struggling to drink my coffee without sugar, but have reduced it to half a teaspoon. The trouble is, I can easily drink 5 or 6 mugs a day which equates to 3 tsps. So, today I have been drinking ice-cold flavoured tea. (I find they taste better cold). Hoping this little change makes a difference.

  • posted by  SkyWalker on salad dressings
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    All good stuff of course, but if I have a salad it will always have some lower calorie salad cream on it or it is not a proper salad in my world, but I do work in the calories – or at least I did before I stopped counting in Week 11. I have lost 18%+ of mass now and do not intend to lose much more so salad cream does not even need to be low carb now really.

  • posted by  SkyWalker on Slimline tonic water
    on in BSD Med Style Low Carb
    permalink

    Hi Tofa, we get through quite a few bottles of sparkling water here, as did/does Dr Mosley. Most fizzy drinks have lots of additives including tonic waters but anything is OK if counted. It might not have any positive nutritional value of course and in time we grow to educate ourselves to behave differently. If you were still drinking more than an occasional glass of alcoholic drink you would not do well on 800 or fewer calories/day. Persevere, once in maintenance mode on 5:2 or similar life is much more like the old days but that could produce its own difficulties. A lot of empty calories is a waste but a few can be sneaked in to help if you are struggling so long as you are honest with yourself and preferably to your diary for future reference.

  • posted by  Cicipops on Growing a little disillusioned
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Janeycoughdrop makes an excellent point. It’s so easy to lose faith when we dont see results on the scales. I’m beginning my 3rd week. Week 1 I lost 8lb, week 2 next to nothing, but I’ve lost 2.5 inches on my waist. Why not take your measurements week to week, as well as your weight. If you see results there it will help keep you encouraged x

  • posted by  SkyWalker on Flaky nails
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Lrred, not enough information to give you a worthwhile opinion – are you getting the Daily Allowances of minerals and vitamins mostly from food? I guess not. You need to sort out what you are eating and why, I am not aware it is a common or even a rare side-effect of BSD. This BSD needs a commitment and some study to be most effective. You may be lucky and find an expert to reply to you?

  • posted by  Cicipops on What have you eaten today?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Bowl of porridge with semi skimmed milk and a chopped fresh apricot for breakfast. 2 ryvita crackers and a bowl of creamy carrot & lemongrass soup for lunch, 2 salmon fillets with broccoli for dinner.

    This is such a fab thread btw – love to see everyones ideas for meals – you are all making dishes I would never have thought about!

    I’d like to add that I too am feeling ANYTHING BUT deprived. Can’t believe how full I feel, eating so little! I have always had a sweet tooth and find it hard to resist chocolate, but in 2 weeks, that’s changed. I had a small chocolate bar at the end of my first week (for a treat), and didnt really enjoy it – it was too sweet!

  • posted by  SkyWalker on What were your "symptoms" in the early days?
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Clairebear, sounds like a bit of either postural hypo-tension or even low blood sugar but if you are worried you should stop and check exactly what you have eaten and drunk compared to your recent habits. I cannot see how one day of reduced eating would cause such symptoms. Stay hydrated, and either go back to what you were doing or contact a health professional if this is the same again tomorrow. Surely, you would be expected to have dome something drastic to suffer in such a way on Day 2! Have you done so?

  • posted by  lauren on Blood Donation on BSD?
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I agree with the above point that the best advice will obviously come from a blood donation professional, but in terms of the personal experiences you asked about I gave blood 2 weeks in and felt no different to how I normally do. I ate my lunch beforehand, drank plenty of liquid all morning, and took my own Greek yoghurt and strawberries to eat afterwards with my cup of tea.

    I give blood regularly and have never been told specifically to eat carbs prior to donation so just checked on the NHS blood donation website and all I can find is advice saying that you should eat regular meals beforehand, and drink plenty of liquid – did you find something saying that it needs to be carbs? I’d be interested to hear if this makes a difference 🙂

  • posted by  SkyWalker on 800BSD & diverticulitis
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Sorry to hear about your prob Xena, my wife has it too and had to give up on the BSD in April but had already lost 8kg. Since contracting a bug and then having 6 weeks of gut problems as a result she got a CT scan and then the diagnosis. She has improved somewhat but is in pain after every meal. She is no longer overweight and is able to eat most things. There is some debate about nuts and seeds but you may know what causes your own problems? Jenny does not like nuts and they are so calorific they cannot easily be included regularly anyway. As for seeds she still eats strawberries and raspberries without major problems. Hope you find a decent compromise, I would expect peanut butter and ground almonds to sneak in easily? Cooked fruit can be strained of course, good luck.

  • posted by  Alanhypno on New starter and question
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    White wine 🍷😋
    Urge for a vino
    Weird really I was a beer drinker
    Could just go half/full bottle
    Zero beer five weeks
    White wine be good tho
    These blinking BS measurements won’t go down tho so ……..
    Alan despondent sixth week stone n half.

  • posted by  Izzy on A Month of Sundays
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    I read the harcombe diet a few years ago, but I found it too restrictive. Looking back though it may not be more restrictive than this I can’t remember but maybe I just wasn’t ready or wasn’t convinced… Anyway she doesn’t suggest no carbs, only not to mix protein and carbs. either eat a carb meal, or a protein one. So not necessarily best for blood sugar stuff. There will be a good number of protein recipes that would work for here though 🙂

    that’s great that your blood sugar has come down that much 🙂

  • posted by  RozyDozy on Replacement meal shakes
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I’m with SkyWalker with this query. I have used meal replacement shakes (many years ago) – I did lose weight but it’s not a lifestyle. I think you are better off retraining yourself to eat the right foods – proper foods – and then it becomes a way of life. I’m not T2 (nor pre-diabetic) – I just wanted to lose weight to head off those kind of problems. I haven’t calorie counted at all, just cut out the extras, kept an eye on portions, made sure I drank enough, and tried to extend my overnight fasting, as well as eating the foodstuffs allowed on the BSD. I read a magazine recently featuring people who had used Lighter Life – that seemed rather expensive to me, as well as being for people who didn’t want to have to think. Proper food, and think about what you are eating, I think is best for the long-term. Ultimately, you have to follow a course that suits your life. Good luck.

  • posted by  thepolly on A Month of Sundays
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Still reading my book and have also invested in the ‘Harcombe Diet’ and the accompanying recipe book. Looks interesting and was created to address allergies and yo-yo weight loss/gain. I’m lucky in that I’m not a serial dieter and have mostly been the same high weight for the last decade regardless of if I overate.

    Am into my 5th week of this diet and am still hovering around the 12st 10 to 12st 13 mark. Blood sugar is less than when I started and is averaging about 7 which is a drop from the 10.2 I started at.

  • posted by  SkyWalker on Replacement meal shakes
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    To cut a long story short, you cannot beat real food. I have never had a meal shake and never would, but that’s me. If you are allowing a house full of fussy eaters then you have identified a need that might be tackled by a gentle move to more Mediterranean eating styles and foods?

  • posted by  thepolly on Prepared now let's do this!
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Doing it for yourself is the most important part. There is usually a load of support on these forums and that is partly why I started on this diet. Don’t worry about the doubters, they will always be there.

    Good luck and welcome to the forums

    Polly x

  • posted by  SkyWalker on Blood Donation on BSD?
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Janeycoughdrop, I suspect that like many others I could express an opinion but it would not be valid so just phone the centre and ask why a carb heavy snack is recommended so as not to jump to any false conclusion. I want to write more but musst not in your case. Just read your other recent post, interesting, keep posting…

  • posted by  thepolly on one week done
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Brilliant, well done. As long as you are mostly feeling better on it, keep at it 🙂

    I ordered the harcombe diet to look at as it specifically looks at other issues like food allergies and candida overgrowth. Might experiment with that soon.

  • posted by  Julia18togo on Izzy's 8 week diary :)
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Inspired by your successes with new recipes I am attempting a cauliflower crust pizza which apparently you can even fold just like a normal one! I’ll let you know how it turns out 😊

  • posted by  Athorn223 on 'Weigh in' thread
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    End of my 2nd week 10 lbs down for a total of 38 lbs since I started my weight loss journey. 39 lbs to go and I’ll be at my goal weight.

  • posted by  keeptrying on one week done
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    thanks eureka – and yes do you know I think a am beginning to work out what hunger – vs – addiction feels like!!

    well done janey, it does feel nice to have successfully done a week, doesn’t it

    I am still having stupid reflux issues (not the heartburn I had from being too big, but throat issues) – and have been reading about what I should avoid – and it says high fats and yog and berries
    well that throws half my meals out of the window

    what is it with my insides – every time I hit upon a way of actually eating well and losing weight and it punishes me

  • posted by  Slimchance on Prepared now let's do this!
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Well I hope that I have everything covered, I plan to delve headfirst into this diet Monday morning:
    Health checks done ✔
    Measurements taken ✔
    Cupboards sorted ✔(even put my families treats into a locked cupboard)
    Menus planned and shopping done✔
    Goals set✔
    Diet buddy found ❌😕
    I have been astonished by the heart warming stories and support on these forums, so I am sure you will all become my diet buddies. I have tried over 20 different diets and failed all of them. In January this year, I moved to a new country and then I reluctantly turned 50. I have been overweight for more than half of my life. I was sent for routine blood tests and shocked to find I am glucose intolerant. I’ve been on metformin now for 2 months and to my horror my hair is thinning and I have small bald patches! I need to become healthier, by changing my lifestyle, lose this weight forever and get off this medication. I reckon I have a slim chance of doing it this time, whilst others I tell will say under their breath “fat chance, here we go again”.
    Well this time I’m doing it for me! 👍
    (Please God help me stick to this one.)

  • posted by  captainlynne on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Thanks Frog. Welcome to the family😃

    Jump right in tomorrow, and let us know your progress. Remember: low carb, 800 calories, full fat products, and drink lots of water.

    I’m one of those who strictly restricts carbs because I was diagnosed type 2 diabetic nearly 7 years ago. Now my test results are in normal range so will be looking for that diagnosis to be changed.

    Any questions, just ask.

    Hi Eureka 👋

    The spiraliser idea might help their relative who is gluten intolerant – must be a nightmare in Italy.

    Because of Maddie’s health issues, she has to be careful not to gain weight, and she has to watch what she eats because she’s on warfarin.

    Their breakfast is usually bread with jam, or cake 😱 And coffee 😃
    Lunch might start with a small amount of pasta, followed by sliced cooked meat – mortadella, Parma ham, prosciutto or similar – with green salad dressed with oil and vinegar, then possibly cheese or fruit.
    Dinner might be similar to lunch. Very occasionally they get a takeaway pizza.

    If we eat out, obviously lots of pasta dishes (last visit, before BSD I had black pasta – made with squid ink), but fresh fish and meat dishes too. Had some great fish at a restaurant on the island in the middle of Lake Isola

    Just need to avoid dolce e gelato😱

    And stop Antonio offering me local delicacies – usually carbs! He even emails me cake recipes😱 I always look at Maddie when he offers me something – ever since I accepted an olive, ate it, then realised it was stuffed with chilli. Nearly burned my mouth out! Not forgetting the time we brewed a catering size pot of tea and people complained about it. When we emptied the pot to start again, a tea bag was different to the others – he thought it would be funny to put in some Lapsang Souchong. Yuck!

    I’ll try to be very observant and note down any/all recipes we can use😃

    Looking forward to some good Parmesan and Gorgonzola (M&S out of stock of Gorgonzola dolce for ages and not keen on the picante version). All the food is so fresh – much nicer😃

    Yesterday I invested in not one, but two 600ml leakproof water bottles. I’ll see which I prefer and take one, if not both, with me. Empty until through security, then fill up. Although I prefer sparkling water, it’s sometimes easier just to go with the still😳 Although might experiment to see if fizzy water works in them! Experimenting with fruit tea bags. Current favourite is cherry and cinnamon😃 Maddie has some like camomile, so might take some of mine over.

  • posted by  MrsG27715 on Replacement meal shakes
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Emmie.

    I have just started week 3. I’m not diabetic or pre-diabetic either. I’ve tried load of diets in the past, including Slim Fast and Cambridge. I did lose just over 4 stone with Cambridge actually, but this was about 6 years ago.

    I googled ‘Low Carb/Low Calorie Diet’ and found this website. I bought the book, read it from cover to cover, and started the following day. Its been the best diet I’ve ever been on …so far! And in a fortnight I’ve lost 11lbs. I’m never hungry, which is usually the cause of me giving in with other diets, and I’m eating some delicious food.

    I tried meal replacements again earlier this year, and found myself completely unable to stick to them. I was constantly hungry, and because the thought of only having a milkshake for dinner wasn’t really something to look forward to, I’d find myself reaching for the nearest biscuit! I found it very anti-social too.

    I have 5 children, ranging from 3 years to 16 years of age, plus a husband. They are all quite fussy eaters, and the thought of cooking for them AND cooking for myself was very daunting at first. But I found that by planning all my meals for the week ahead I then only had them to think about. Once you get into the swing of it its easy. I weigh absolutely everything, and stick to 800 calories and 30-50g carbs per day. I have not followed the menu plan in the book as I found it contained foods that I wouldn’t normally eat, so I just devise my own week by week. I’m also realising that this way of eating can become a way of life, and not just a ‘diet’.

    I bought lots of plastic containers and spend a hour or so once a week making cauliflower rice, soups, lollies (greek yogurt blitzed together with frozen berries) etc., so that I can just reach into the freezer for my food.

    It is much cheaper than Cambridge; not sure about the price of Slimfast these days though.

    Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

  • posted by  Emmie on Replacement meal shakes
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I’ve read half of the book and then gave it away, I’m waiting for a new copy to be delivered! What I have read so far has interested me.

    I am not diabetic, or pre-diabetic but I do have a BMI of 40, just over. I think I will do better on meal replacement shakes rather than having to cook 3 low calorie meals and carefully measure out etc, I have 2 young children who are not yet at school and time is short.

    My thoughts are to have 1 coffee in the morning and 3x shakes throughout the day, and 1x bowl veg. I think this would be manageable.

    Does anyone know if I can just use Slimfast at 200 calories a drink or would I have to go to Lighter Life or Cambridge meal plan etc. I figure Slimfast would be cheaper.

  • posted by  Eureka on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi general Lynne
    Good thinking. Bring back some BSD food ideas we can adapt or pinch!
    Courgetti :
    Whisk olive oil with lemon juice & pour over hot drained courgetti. Add black or green olives, ground black pepper & grated Parmesan. Deliziosa. 🍋 🧀

  • posted by  Frog on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
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    Congratulations Lynne – that’s really inspirational
    I’ve just read the book, and now this thread through from the beginning (your starting stats are extraordinarily similar to mine, which hooked me in), and I was just getting to the “so how is it going now?” question when I reached your 21 week post.

    The thought that if I started tomorrow, by October I could be 20 kilos lighter is astonishing!

  • posted by  Janeycoughdrop on Blood Donation on BSD?
    on in Welcome to the BSD
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    Hi all, I’m at the start of the BSD, being fairly strict about 800 calories on work days, and I’ve just had a reminder that I’m due to donate blood next Friday. Does anyone else have any words of wisdom on this? Did you feel more faint or have other after effects? Also, as the NHS advises donors to consume a carb heavy snack 2 hours beforehand I would appreciate any guidance on what to eat – no more sarnies or crisps! And no choccy biscuit with my cup of tea afterwards!!

  • posted by  Janeycoughdrop on Growing a little disillusioned
    on in Welcome to the BSD
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    Congrats on 20lbs loss, but more so on the blood sugar level decrease, which ultimately is the goal! Remember that as your body changes you lose fat and gain muscle, which weighs more. So if you are feeling and looking slimmer, ignore the scales and just enjoy smaller clothes! I am a committed NON weigher so I’ve always relied on how my clothes fit!

  • posted by  Janeycoughdrop on one week done
    on in Starting the BSD
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    Congrats on getting to one week! I’m also at the end of week one and altho I was pretty strict on work days, I am being relaxed about calorie counting this weekend, but sticking to the BSD principles. So far so good.. In spite of temptation (I understand your cookies comment totally!) So keep going, it’ll be worth it!

  • Hi Imogen,

    Thanks, that’s what I’ve done. I have gone back through my freezer/fridge/cupboards and made them BSD ready again. This has also helped my mindset get a step closer to committing like it was last time, unlike how distracted and stressed I’ve been lately which has lead to giving into temptation too easily.

    I know it’ll be difficult for the first few days again, but will continue reading everyones encouraging posts and all the tips/recipes on here. This is definitely a time that I need to do this before my health gets worse.

    Swimming. Definitely something I will look into as there is a swimming pool very close to where I work 🙂

    Thanks again! x