Latest forum posts

  • posted by  LindaA on Week 2 – slow!
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi MooLoc
    Don’t be discouraged, I lost 4.6kg in my first week then only 0.9kg in my 2nd week then 1.5kg in my 3rd and I’m following the plan to the letter. I’ve just decided that this plan is now forever and so long as I’m on the downward slope, I’m ok.
    Just keep up the fats and the water.
    Linda

  • My first 2 months I had no alcohol (wasted calories) and I cut out rice and went for the cauliflower rice and added cumin seeds for flavour / No pasta – replaced with veg / only sweet potatoes and ditched the bread (only have sourdough or soda now).

    It is amazing how many calories are in things especially oil 1tbsp, any type 120calories, so watch the little things as they all add up.

    I’ve never been happy with my weight all my life and this has really worked for me – Now Size 10 (never before)

    Stick with it and just keep adapting

  • posted by  BSD on Ratios
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I stuck to the recipes in the book to start with and really have never got caught up in the ratio thing, counting calories & weighing things was a big enough deal for me.

  • posted by  BSD on Is coffee OK?
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    When I started I counted the coffee calories, then I stopped, as I started my morning with a coffee and full fat milk (if you have semi you only put more in and it appears full fat milk/yoghurt & butter are better for you). This also keeps me going to 10am before I need Breakfast and then don’t need lunch to later so no snacking. Its all swings and roundabouts – but just work out what works for you. 3 months on it still works for me

  • posted by  9plus on recipes
    on in BSD Way of Life
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    Im very new here so fumbling arund trying to figure out how to use it. can you tell me if there is a way to “save” favourite recipes here in my profile so I don’t have to keep going ver the 100+ pages of recipes?

  • posted by  Clairebear on 20lbs to lose
    on in Fast 800
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    I’m in a similar position. I’m somewhere between 10st 7 lb and 11st (too terrified to check TBH) and want to get to 9st 7 lb. I lost my “baby weight” of half a stone in 4 weeks at 1200 cals so am hoping 8 weeks will bring me closer to a stone lighter. Good luck – let me know how you get in if you want some support 🙂

  • posted by  Clairebear on First Exercise!!
    on in Fast 800
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    @ Ay Carumba – do you have a “standing desk” or do you perch somehow? I’d love to stand to work but don’t know how logistically to do it in an office where we all have normal desks.

  • posted by  Switzerland on new kid on the block
    on in BSD Way of Life
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    Hi 9plus,
    In the BSD800 forum there’s a ‘Weigh in thread’ that many BSDers use. Other than that most BSDers seem to keep their own records – electronic or hard copy.

  • posted by  Switzerland on Starting out and feeling daunted
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Clairebear,

    Welcome back to the BSD. There is an enormous amount of support available simply by being part of these forums. There’s usually someone reading the forums who will help out.
    Today is Week 6 Day 6 for me and the BSD is becoming a way of life for me. There have been days that have been really difficult for me with cravings but pushing through the cravings becomes easier the longer I continue on the BSD. It’s great not to be driven by constant hunger.
    As you can’t physically remove the ‘danger foods’ from your home, you may need to remove them from your immediate sight. (Can they be put in containers at the back of cupboards/fridge so they are less visible to you?)
    You’ll find that the symptoms of carb addiction lessen and eventually disappear – that in itself is really empowering.
    Best wishes for your BSD journey.

  • posted by  Clairebear on Starting out and feeling daunted
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    This will be the second time I’ve started the BSD – I caved and had a massive week-long cereal/bread/sugar binge 2 days after starting last time. I’m too scared to weigh myself. I also have a skinny, sporty husband and a toddler so my house is full of the foods they eat. Getting rid of my “danger foods” simply isn’t an option (what toddler goes without raisins, oatcakes and Weetabix?). I desperately want to stick at it but have no offline support as no-one realises the extent of my carbohydrate addiction and how unhealthy it’s making me. I’m hoping to log in regularly and get “chat” with like-minded folk who aren’t going to tell me not to do some stupid faddy diet (as has been said to me already). Thanks for reading. Tomorrow is Day 1 of getting healthy.

  • posted by  RainyMonday on Books on Mindfulnes
    on in Mindfulness
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    Hi Rozy,

    I didn’t know that about Ruby Wax’s background. Thanks for the recommendation- the book sounds interesting and I will have a read.

  • posted by  thepolly on A Month of Sundays
    on in Fast 800
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    Toying with the idea of upping calories while still keeping carbs to 40-50g/day and see what that does. I got ‘The Obesity Code’ and it’s very interesting, especially as it says that decreasing calories in usually has a corresponding calories out whether or not you increase your exercise levels. Am enjoying it a lot

  • Hi bumblebee
    That’s a really good idea to look at your blocks of butter – really brings it home what we’ve been carrying around unnecessarily.

    Exercises in the book??? Eeek – I don’t remember those!! Mind you, I lent my copy to my sister and I’ve not got it back yet! Big sister is certainly not overweight but she’s worried about being a TOFI. It always makes me smile where I first saw the book – in a supermarket right by their fancy bakery section – I haven’t been in that bakery section since mid-January so something’s working! 🙂

    I struggle with drinking enough – I know that by the time I’m feeling thirsty it’s too late & I’m dehydrated. It’s easier at home but at work it can be difficult. I know drinking makes a real difference – last week I started one day feeling really brain-fogged which wasn’t good because I was in a 1st Aid training session in an overly warm room. But I did think to grab a mug of water which I sipped regularly & kept refilling – by the end of the day the fog & headache had lifted. It was noticeable that I was able to concentrate much better in the afternoon than in the morning. Managed to bluff my way through to get a pass – let’s hope I never have to put the 1st Aid into practice.

    The car is behaving itself so far – fingers & toes crossed it works for longer than the 50 miles it managed last week! It’s been a good little workhorse, I shouldn’t complain.

    I’ve had a good day – nothing bad happened. Today I had a bowel scope screening (you get the invite from the NHS when you hit 55yrs) which was a novel experience – apparently everything appeared normal for which I am grateful.

    You keep on keeping on, stay focussed, and think of how good you are going to feel as the weight drops off. I’d better sign off now (using a laptop too late in the evening doesn’t help me sleep well) – feel like a drink, too, where’s the kettle?
    Take care,
    Rose

  • posted by  RozyDozy on Books on Mindfulnes
    on in Mindfulness
    permalink

    I’ve not paid as much attention to mindfulness as I might have done considering I do get rather stressed at times. I have looked online, including the Palouse free course suggested by JackieWilsonSaid but I didn’t have the patience to get past the initial videos, I’m afraid.

    However, I have just come across a couple of publications which interested me:

    1) “The Little Book of Mindfulness: 10 Minutes a Day to Less Stress, More Peace” by Dr Patrizia Collard. Seems to be in nice bite size chunks that I can handle, and does include sections on eating. I purchased the Kindle edition.

    2) “A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled” by Ruby Wax (yes, that Ruby Wax). This seems to have been well received, being humorous as well as informative. Ruby Wax has a Masters degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy so she should know what she’s talking about. I’m looking forward to reading it.

  • posted by  BabsG on Day 3 and time to say hello
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Eureka

    Thanks for the advice. It would appear that my pituitary gland was unharmed in the operation and my medic is only monitoring it and I am not on any medication. He is concerned by my blood sugar level though and my weight. I am determined that this will work but I will be sensible about any changes in my health.

  • Just to say, re breakfast, I also had a conversation about eggs being nothing without bread/toast.

    However, this morning I had fresh spinach (little heap of it, well seasoned), with a slice of smoked salmon on top of it, and two eggs on top of that……divine, it was. 270 calories.

    Another good one to replace the bread is a well cooked portobello mushroom (or two!), with some cherry tomatoes cooked alongside. Add the eggs on top. Yummy

  • posted by  KellySR on Ratios
    on in Welcome to the BSD
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    I’m sure I’ve seen on other posts that it’s 20% carbs 30% protein and 50% fat. I could be wrong but that’s what I set MFP at when I read it. X

  • posted by  orchid on Im about to start and have some questions
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Alan, a good standby for lunch are cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spring onion, feta cheese and a couple of olives plus a drizzle of olive oil and or balsamic vinegar. That plus a bowl of soup and I am fine till the evening.

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

    Well you learned something important, the extra carbs or gluten make you tired!! I will add this is extremely common for people sensitive to gluten of which I am one…. I stay away totally for that reason alone.
    Now stay on board because you are my inspiration and I need you!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

    It’s hard to have to let people know we are eating a certain way or have certain restrictions we want to take – I know – I have to go to three dinners with a huge Chinese family (my hubby) soon and we decided we will tell them I can only eat tofu and vegetables at each restaurant with any sauce on the side. It’s hard being the odd duck, so to speak, but hey, I WANT TO BE THIN and HEALTHY and MORE ACTIVE so I don’t care what anyone says or how they judge…

    Have a great rest of your day!!

  • posted by  Alanhypno on Im about to start and have some questions
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks so much for that I love feta cheese ,bought a block with about 500 calories in so easy enough to work out .
    Alan five weeks in ,three great weeks .one n half stone lost one bad week one pound on .fith week needs a turnaround 👍

  • posted by  Igorasusual on Is coffee OK?
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I normally drink three cups of coffee in the morning – home made at just the right strength (mmmm), with milk.

    I have given up taking sugar with these, and felt I was doing the right thing for the BSD.

    However, I noted that in adding milk, the drink was 20 calories. So my three cups were 60 calories, which sounds fine but on one day made me miss out on my low-calorie but yummy miso soup later in the day.

    Compared to what else 60 calories brings you, you have to think about whether the coffee is worthwhile! (It still is to me)

  • posted by  Catonamission on Cat's diary
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Just had Izzy’s hunters chicken- was delicious! Thanks Izzy.
    off out to yoga later and still feeling good and suprisingly not hungry!

  • JSR I looked at the MyFitnessPal as I entered the food I was planning to eat, and noticed the heavier carbs on some vegetables such as chickpeas, red cabbage, lentils and so on. None of these is bad, and all are on the BSD diet, but perhaps having one portion per day is better than two, and keeping below the 50g of carb that way.

  • posted by  Jackie WilsonSaid on Is coffee OK?
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Dr MM was drinking coffee during the documentary Eat Fast & Live Longer, so I assumed OK. The general principles of giving your liver a rest apply, but more important for alcohol because of calories. So unless you are a Big coffee drinker you should be OK. Depending on the week, coffee is in the good or bad corner. A recent study of studies said that coffee drinkers had a 44% less incidence of liver disease.
    In the recent Australian TV programme he points out that 1 latte = 5/6 teaspoons of sugar, which was a surprise to me. So I have 1 good cup of coffee per day with a modest amount of semi to take the edge off.

    I just found Dr MM replies to commonly asked questions on fast diet co uk, which confirms OK.
    It seems like posting the link caused this reply to get lost in hyperspace twice, so you’ll have to Google.

  • posted by  Star on Ratios
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hello everyone,
    I’m am a beginner of the Blood Sugar Diet, wanting to do the 800 calories a day. I have no problem counting the calories, but am wondering what the ratios are between protein, carbs and fats. Please help, I want to do this right! Thanks.

  • posted by  Eureka on Day 3 and time to say hello
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi BabsG
    Welcome. First make sure your medics are supporting you on this diet. It’s important for you. Remember, your pituitary gland is the leader of your endocrine orchestra. You don’t want any ‘bum’ notes!
    Glad you are hear & hope this benefits both of you

    Janeycoughdrop hi & welcome to you too. You’re an old hand if you did 5:2. Enjoy the ride & get those jeans ready! The BSD will tame that sweet tooth if you let it
    Good luck to you both. Bon voyage!

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

    my bad, I ate it! But in all honesty I don’t feel the need to punish myself. I’ve not suffered any cravings from it, I ate my normal lunch and I’ve added it in to my fitbit log of food and actually I can still finish my day on less than 800 cals, and my usual carbs 40-60g.

    What I DID notice though was how tired I became a little while after eating it. Something I’ve not really suffered from recently during the day.

    It’s only once a month I have this type of meeting normally, every other instance of eating out I will have a choice of things to eat.

    I’m going to have a portion of cauliflower and cannelini soup that I froze last time I made it, and two boiled eggs for my dinner before going to pick up my friend. Looking forward to the history walk but it won’t be 8 miles this time!

  • posted by  Eureka on How Will My GP React?
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Hi folks
    There is hope! Just had my Diabetic eye test today. Told the lovely tester about the BSD diet & she said ( unprompted) ” We’ll have to put the details up here”. SCORE! I left all the details with her 😃 👍

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

    Hi Bill, so true!! Thanks for the reminders!!
    I hadn’t lost weight the past three days so measured my waist and had lost another inch!

  • posted by  Eureka on Acid reflux
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Rubyswallow
    Just to let you know my son diagnosed today with Helicobacter Pylori! Explains everything. Starts antibiotics tomorrow.
    Thanks for your concern & book details. Will look at it next week after christening
    Eureka

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

    Yes Pam, great thoughts re at least we are eating well and might be losing visceral fat! I can’t wait to lose liver fat also and shock my doctor who is a pretty negative thinking person unlike me. 😀 That will be fun and for every one of us who succeeds and edicDtes our doctors we will be able to have them help more people like us as well. 💜

  • posted by  HappyLife on First Exercise!!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Caramba,
    Thanks for all the hints and kind words! I think I will check those out once I can do a little more. Just so happy I can do so much more than 3 weeks ago!
    💜

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

    These are the real tests Izzy – try and remember the happy feelings after week 1, your blood sugar results look great, and you are really walking miles!! Those are worth a lot more than a bacon bum it seems.
    Wishing you the best!!

  • Thanks for the tips Californiagirl! I’m going to check out that book. I’m going to keep going, this is my last hope to get this weight off. And I believe it will start coming off as long as I stick with it. I just need all the motivation I can get right now!

  • posted by  orchid on Baked beans?
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Hi,
    I have just looked up the recipe and it only says baked beans and not the make, and I agree, not the size. The calories are estimated at 260cals per serving. 2 Portobello mushrooms – estimate 40 cals, mozzarella – a handful (?) say 20 grams is 60 cals so that leaves 160 cals for the baked beans. I just looked up the Sainsbury’s website and for a 415g can of Heinz baked beans, half of that is 164 cals – so it is likely this recipe is for that size of can.
    As to which brand you use and the sugar content, so long as you count it within your carb and or calorie allowance, then your own personal circumstances will dictate which you choose – the sugar may cause a spike for diabetics, but be ok for others.
    Hope that helps.

  • Hi JSR! I was just signing off to get the day started when I saw your thread — as a serious lover of an ice cold draft beer (especially after hiking) I have had my own run-ins with carbs! My personal experience is that getting your carb intake down below 20 grams per day will really help. You might grab the book by Gary Taubes “Why We Get Fat” — a great carb discussion with good carb control recommendations at the back. And don’t fret about the weight loss — lots of us did not have any dramatic beginning but over time (I am 10 weeks out) we have all lost substantially (in my case, dramatically at the waistline, although interestingly, my muscle seems to be unaffected). If it messes with your head, just don’t weigh so much.

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

    Thanks Bill. I need to lose at least 2 stone. I am trying to keep up the 3l a day of liquid, which can be hard, particularly those days where I am out of the house. Also trying to walk a lot.

  • posted by  Bissell on Baked beans?
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    I had this last night for tea. I worked out the calories from half a big tin of Branston beans (because they were in the cupboard) and my calculations were the same as the book. I added 1/4 teaspoon marmite to the beans too. Lush! So from a calorific point it was fine.

  • Thank you all for the great advice! I am going to start using MyFitnessPal, and reduce my carb intake. I always lost weight slowly and carbs are really my enemy, so maybe that’s my answer is to reduce them even more.

    What foods exactly have you cut down on that contain a lot of the carbs?
    Any meal suggestions would be very helpful also.

    Thanks so much!