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!

Hi P! You caught me browsing the forum threads! Glad to hear it’s still going well. I am really beginning to feel GOOD physically; definitely not got the munchies of previous bad habits. No snacking at all on weekdays in fact. I am holding off till week 4 to try on my M&S jeans.. will be delighted if they do up again! Well done on getting back into your jeans already. My OH is also supporting me, although he is already annoyingly slim so I am being kind and letting him have rice, pasta etc with the same meals as I am having on the eating plan. I think he is impressed with the new recipes though 🙂

Hi Frog
I’ve already had the 24 hour BP monitor thingy in Mid February and was told everything was ok with the results!!!!!
Perhaps he didn’t properly look at my notes and didn’t like to defer to a young junior doctor; or was being super cautious which I suppose is understandable with BP issues. Don’t suppose they like the idea of erratic BP.
Wish I had my old doctor who has taken early retirement.

Sounding good JaneyCD!
I try not to think about the bread and pasta lol. Hope everything good with you & yours.
Everything going well at the moment. I have tried to keep up increasing the walking and extra stepping/jiggling and swaying when doing the washing up etc (to music ).
I have lost another four and a half pounds this week and can definitely feel my fat getting softer/less solid to the touch. I am wearing jeans that wouldn’t do up in February.
My other half is being a sport and eating the same menu as me ( + having extras such as ham, lettuce, prawns and small cubes of cheese if he is feeling desperate) and has lost nine pounds too.

That’s a great way of looking at it! Let’s see if you lose weight as fast as that little boy gains it! I know my son used to seemingly grow overnight in the early months!!I hope your treadmill turns up soon. I really need to address the increased exercise aspect; its a case of making time (lame excuse I know). I used to squeeze in a gym session in my lunch hour but it was such a rush 🙁 I think I just need to make myself walk more instead of jumping in the car. This weekend I am at my friend’s wedding so I am giving myself a day off this eating plan on Sunday, although will still try not to go overboard on food and drink. At least my dress will fit better..

Well done ClairyB
I went for a manicure this morning – CND’s hand scrub and moisturiser smells of almonds – MARZIPAN alert!!!
I did manage not to lick my hands (I did sniff them a bit on the way home though)

I’m on my third day and doing ok so far. The hunger is still up and down but I’m following the forum advice and I’m sure this will improve soon.

Here’s what I’ve learnt:

Two cashew nuts can kill a hunger pang! That would have been a bar of chocolate or pack of crisps before… And then another!
Drinking loads of water is definitely the key to keeping the headaches at bay.
A drink of water can kill a hunger pang.
I actually taste the food now, not just hoover it down and move onto the next thing, even a cup of normal tea with milk tastes a lot better and I appreciate it more.
I’m buying things I’ve never bought before – today it was coconut flour and flaxseed – I’m going to make some pancakes for brunch this weekend (recipe from here) and add the flaxseed to my yogurt.
My fridge contents look completely different to normal.
I’m carefully thinking through my food choices, to make the most of each meal – I had a skimmed milk coffee on Saturday at 70 calories but that’s an apple or handful of nuts which is more satisfying so I won’t be doing that again for a while.
I need to plan ahead and be prepared with my food, not buying things on the way home from work when I’m really hungry.
A few seeds can improve the flavour of natural yogurt!

I’m weighing in for the first time tomorrow so hopefully all these changes will pay off!

Thanks Especially!

Patsy – scary, isn’t it! I was chatting to a friend who is pregnant when we had that warm spell a couple of weeks ago (I so hope that that wasn’t Summer in its entirety!), and she was saying that she’s pleased she’ll be giving birth before it got to summer because of carrying the extra weight.

I know there’s fluid, and other gunk aside from the actual baby, but now thinking about the excess weight I’m carrying in relation to that!
If I loose all the weight I want to, it will be the equivalent of giving birth to an adult! (albeit a non-overweight one!)
SO – the eight weeks will be up mid July – if I’ve managed to loose the claimed average of 14 kilos – that’s 31lb – several babies

Thanks Bill
My better-half also told me I would be in a stronger-looking position with a BMI in the ‘normal’ healthy range and plenty of accurate records to support my claims.
Another 4 weeks to an even slimmer me. 10lbs in 4 weeks is doable I think!!!!!

When you think in terms of losing more weight than we could lift, it shows what strain we’ve put on our bodies by carrying that around all the time. I don’t want to visulise what’s still there – will concentrate on adding to the lost pile. That’s the important one as it’s staying off, whereas the extra I / we’re still carrying is a temporary situation which is getting better every day.

Brilliant – well done!

Day 1
Breakfast – 1 apple
Lunch – tin of tuna (not sure if i went for the right one though – it was in sunflower oil)
Dinner – Chicken breast – brocolli – green beans
Supper – scrambled egg

All sounds very righteous – but i could kill for a mars bar!! Must stay focused – only 7 hours until bedtime!!!

Please tell me I’m on the right track 🙂

Thanks Collie! As i said i was totally unprepared today and ended up buying a tin of tuna – i am now salivating about the thought of a chicken breast and vegetables later. I could also fit in some scrambled egg as some calories left. I will see how i feel after aqua – feeling smug – even if it is only day one!!

Wow – Switzerland in Australia – how exciting!! Thanks for Brownie tip – i haven’t got the book yet – it’s on it’s way so i will look up the recipe on line.

That’s amazing, I’m on day 3 and struggling with feeling hungry today so posts like this keep me going, well done you!