Latest forum posts

  • posted by  sharoni58 on Calling all Aussies,
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi, Perth W.A. here, just bought the book today still trying to get my head around it, desperately researching recipes, I love to cook ☺ good luck on your journey, I’m about to start mine…..eeeeekkkk!

  • posted by  orchid on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Laska, I have also finished the 8 weeks, but with a holiday looming at the end of this month I decided to continue for 4 further weeks, as I will have little control into what I eat the 2 weeks after that. I suspect it may be easier than on a low fat diet – ignoring bread, rice, potatoes, pasta etc should work. I am vegetarian and the holiday is full board and was booked before I started this. I do not expect to be offered much choice, so it will be eat or not, so I am banking a few extra kilo’s off now so I do not shoot up to much during that period!
    Looking past that, I may need a couple of weeks back on the 800, then I was looking at doing 5:2, where it is 5 days 800, 2 days not for a few weeks – using the 2 days for days when I am visiting people or at lectures, then moving to 4:3, 4 days 800, and finally reversing to the 2 days 800 and 5 days not. The 800 is always there as a backup should I need it. I have 10kg to go to get to ‘normal’ BMI and that is my target.
    I was not sure why you felt you still needed the one ‘fasting day’ when the 4 days on 800ish were already fast days?

  • posted by  hashimoto on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Wow Lynne you are introducing your twins to new foods!! Bet they love the spiraliser ( if that is what you used). They will be having so much fun experimenting with new foods.

    You haven’t opened a can of worms, Lynne, you have shown us there are people on these forums who have a shared experience of a different kind. We understand each other.

    The book I am reading is called ‘The Empathy Trap’ with a subtitle of Understanding Antisocial Personalities. It’s by Dr Jane McGregor and Tim McGregor. I wish this book had been about before I got married – I would have understood all the warning signs and run a mile. My ex’s second wife had him committed. Says it all. It also informs me that those of us caught up in this kind of relationship have done so because we are empathetic personalities. I would highly recommend reading it. I had it on my kindle but so many people want to read pertinent points that I thought it would be easier to have a hard copy which I could highlight. You really ought to get it πŸ™‚

  • posted by  Magpiemag on Gearing up for April/May
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Wow! You are so kind. To be fair, my mum has always been difficult, even before my dad’s stroke etc. I am quite sure she is depressed but the stigma is still there for many older people. Subtle help from her GP is probably the best way forward. We live in a rural area and the carers’ wellbeing support group I tracked down is too far away for her to be bothered to try to get to. Sigh. Working very long hours and also with no-one to support me, I can only do so much. My line manager is supportive, thank goodness. Yes, looking after myself is the most important thing. Thank goodness I’ve discovered this site.

    Cherrianne – well done for the support you are giving your family! I think that the only way I can get mine to listen is by doing it first and letting them see the results (hopefully!!).

    Well it has finally stopped raining so I’m off for a nice walk πŸ™‚ Enjoy your Sunday.

  • posted by  captainlynne on Licorice tea
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I’ve seen lots of posts mentioning this, but had something at the back of my head about licorice having an adverse effect on blood pressure. On Friday I checked the packaging for different brands of licorice tea and they all mentioned that sufferers from hypertension (high blood pressure) should limit how much of it they drink, with one brand advising no more than one cup of licorice tea a day for those with high blood pressure.

  • posted by  captainlynne on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Sorry to have opened a can of worms ladies! Sorry for apologising. Etc. 😳

    Judith, what is the book you are reading? Sounds interesting.

    Lunch today was steak with courgetti and carrotetti (?), plus red cabbage with apple
    Courgette was new to the girls and they originally said they didn’t like red cabbage, but changed their minds when they tasted it.

  • posted by  captainlynne on First salvo fired
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Judith and Cherrianne. I saw the book at the railway station and it looked interesting. And was half price at WH Smith

    It’s called “Black Box Thinking” by Matthew Syed. One of the comments on the cover says “An extraordinary, inspirational book which reveals how great performers and teams are driven by an insatiable curiosity for marginal gains, together with the intellectual courage to challenge their most cherished assumptions.”

  • posted by  franash on Calling all Aussies,
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi there, hope yr travels on the BSD are going well.

    As this is an international site, I just wanted to see how many Aussies are out there doing this, so we can help each other out with what products we see in stores etc. I’m type 2, no meds, and about 6 weeks through the 8 weeks diet. I have had two breaks from the diet so far, life happens. I lost 4 kgs quickly, and have kept them off but not lost any more. Still I happy with progress. I’m a wife, mum of two school aged kiddies and work part time. Good luck everyone.

  • posted by  CallMeDeb on PCOS / insulin resistance
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hello all!

    Nice to see some fellow cysters on the board!

    I self diagnosed myself in my early 20’s and luckily my doctor listened to me and did the tests to confirm.

    I was insulin resistant for MANY years and tipped over into diabetes about 7 years ago (I’m 42 now). Low carb has always worked for me, but I have to admit I haven’t been the best at sticking to it at all.

    I’ve been doing the BSD for 7 days now and, whilst I did struggle the first four days, I am more confident than ever that the combo low-cal/low-carb is the right one for me.

    Good luck on your journeys!

    Cheers,

    Deb

  • posted by  Janet1973 on 'Weigh in' thread
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Fluffyslippers
    Your weight loss has been tremendous. Well done you! I think your indulgences over Easter were just realistic, if we can manage to have a little bit of something on special occasions without looking to turn every day into a special occasion then that’s a win-win for me. It takes time to develop new habits and to ditch habits of a lifetime so I’m sure you will develop your own strategies in social situations over time.

    On the alcohol, I agree with you but also probably we are drinking on more of an empty stomach now than we ever used to. I don’t drink much but I had a few last night while at a reunion do for work. I really can’t cope with the hangovers but I couldn’t before the diet either!

  • posted by  chris53 on Weight Loss
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi everyone. I am sure l read somewhere that one of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes is weight loss. Is this true? Started diet proper today but last five days l have tried two 600’s and three 800’s days and lost 7lbs.

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

    Hi fluffyslippers , I think the lower calorie intake also affects our reactions to alcohol!

    A lot of us are carrying on after the 2 weeks. I’ve increased my calories but still sticking to the principles of the diet. πŸ™‚

  • posted by  Laska on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Duh! would be good if I could count . I meant ‘4 days doing the BSD M diet .. (not 5 .. )

    that is 2 days eating what I want (with wine most likely but really watching the bad carbs) ,and 4 days doing the BSD M diet at around 8/900 , then 1 day fasting (a light dinner of protein. veggies only ) ? I can do this FRi eve and sat ,being the 2 ‘higher days’ Sunday fasting, ..( no breakfast or lunch ) Mon-Thursday 800/900 cals.
    How does that sound ?

  • posted by  Janet1973 on Very low
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Hi fifip,
    They are new to me so I’ll have a look, thanks. You’re right about the stevia, its a plant rather than a chemical so it doesn’t spike the blood sugar or have the same acidity as others such as aspartame. I think xylitol is also a natural sweetener. Rose is our resident expert on such things, she’s a dentist.

  • posted by  hashimoto on Gearing up for April/May
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Cherrianne, you are echoing the thought I didn’t like to mention. My mum started getting ‘difficult’ at the early stage of dementia. That’s what made me think of it. The best thing is to have the doctor involved as soon as possible because if it is dementia, not just depression, then she can go on meds to delay it getting worse. If it’s depression the same applies. I know with mum she realised what was happening and made a very concerted effort to disguise it. Her own doctor was absolutely useless so I ended up getting advice from my own GP as to how to move forwards when things got really bad.
    Mag, the sooner you talk to mum’s GP the better. If it is the very early stages of dementia you need to know from the GP what kind of support you can get for later on. If it’s depression then it will be easily solved.

    Most of all you really need to look after yourself. I carried on in a job that demanded many hours of work and helped with mum. It took a huge toll on me as my own health wasn’t too good to start with. I had no one to tell me to take time for myself.
    If it is the worst – early stages of dementia – it is best to talk to your line manager and let them know what you are facing. Tell them you don’t need time off for appointments at the moment but things might change in the coming years.
    The more moral support you can get for yourself the better.

    Keeping my fingers crossed for you x

  • posted by  Laska on Moving forward
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    HI all..so aftre my 8 weeks I am
    19lbs down , 5 inches off waist .. back to ‘normal BMI ..i’d really like to lose another 10 lbs to get back to 10 stone

    I need to start negotiating how to make this work going forward as I did the Fast Diet successfuly three years ago , then put it all back on! ,

    So i far Im thinking doing a sort of’ 2:4.1′. that is 2 days eating what I want (with wine most likely but really watching the bad carbs carbs) ,and 4 days doing the BSD M diet at around 8/900 , then 1 day fasting (a light dinner of protein. veggies only ) ? I can do this but FRi eve . sat , o the 2 ‘higher days’ Sunday fasting, ..( no breakfast or lunch ) mon-thursday 800/900 cals.
    How does that sound ?

  • posted by  Laska on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    HI all.. joining you here on the post 8 week thread!
    19lbs down , 5 inches off waist .. back to ‘normal BMI ..i’d really like to lose another 10 lbs to get back to 10 stone

    I need to start negotiating how to make this work going forward as I did the Fast Diet successfuly three years ago , then put it all back on! ,
    So i far Im thinking doing a sort of 2:4.1. that is 2 days eating what I want (but watching the carbs ,and 5 days doing the BSD M diet at around 8/900 , then 1 day fasting (a light dinner of protein. veggies only ) ? ,, how does that sound ?

  • posted by  Cherrianne on Gearing up for April/May
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Magpie, could your Mum be suffering from depression? That might be a reason for her lack of motivation, or the onset of dementia. Either way a chat to the GP is a great idea. Often older people are so frightened of appearing to not be coping that they cover up really well to GP’s, District Nurses etc. Her GP may be unaware of any concerns about her motivation or health. Your Dad sounds pretty amazing and determined bless him!
    Yes Judith, Mum started the BSD just after me. Took a while for her to get her head around being able to go full fat, and watching her carbs but she’s done really well. So well that my brother started the fast800 last week, and my Dad has been enquiring about going low carb because he wants to have the same amount of energy she has. Now that was something jaw dropping because he’s a typical Englishman of his generation. Loves his bread, potatoes, dumplings, pastry and talks longingly of his Mum’s suet puddings, treacle pud, spotted dick etc. all of which Mum refuses to make for him as he doesn’t need the calories.
    My sister gave Mum a fit bit thingy for her 75th birthday which she loves. For the first month we were getting daily updates on how many steps and how much sleep she was getting. It ‘talks’ to her phone so we were even getting screen shots of her tally. She is rightly proud of her achievements and we are proud and pleased that we’re likely to have her around for a lot longer. πŸ™‚

  • posted by  Needtoloseweight on New to diet
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi
    I’m type 2 diet only. Had BP before & take meds.
    Need to lose weight as practice nurse keeps telling me to try metaformin & add in another BP tablet.
    Mentioned this diet to her – answer she had never heard of it , eat healthy, exercise & you won’t have a problem with your weight.
    I only have 2 weeks before I go on holiday, thinking I should wait until I get back or would you start it now ? I try on holiday but not so strict we r self catering.
    Any advice & guidance welcome please

  • posted by  Jandz100 on What have you eaten today?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Today’s menu

    L – cauliflower & broccoli cheese
    D – lamb gyros with stir fried broccoli, green beans & asparagus
    S – Greek yogurt & frozen berries

  • posted by  Bill1954 on Newbie, delurking
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi vcolq best of luck from me too.
    Just take it one day at a time and keep telling yourself that’s another day towards not wanting the red wine and choccy. Do that and sometime in week 2 or earlier it will become a reality. Lot’s of us were amazed that not only do we not want those things now, we actually don’t think of them.

  • posted by  Cherrianne on First salvo fired
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Yes I was wondering that too Judith, it sounds like an interesting book. Never miss an excuse to read a new book πŸ™‚

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

    Yesterday’s menu:

    B – yogurt with ground linseed topping
    L – Lettuce, shaved parmesan and Caesar dressing
    D – 2 x mini chicken fillets, 3 x chicken wing pieces and lettuce with Caesar dressing

    Today’s menu:

    B – yogurt with raspberries, blueberries and a sprinkle of mace
    L – one egg omelette with hummus and smoked salmon
    D – pulled ham with lettuce, shaved parmesan with olive oil and sherry vinegar dressing

  • posted by  Magpiemag on Gearing up for April/May
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks, hashimoto, I hadn’t thought of talking to her GP. That could be the way forward as any suggestions from the doctor might be taken more seriously than anything I suggest. Yes, my dad is doing OK – I found him mowing the lawn the other day!

    Anyway, I need to look after myself too so onward and upward! πŸ™‚

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

    Also I found that I felt really sick the next day after drinking one vodka with diet soda. So I’m off alcohol for the 8 weeks, did anyone else find they got sensitive to alcohol? I’m guessing it is something to do with changing liver function?

  • Hi alexginda
    Go ahead and ‘save’ some calories for your special events and then enjoy them. I have had a wedding and hubby’s birthday since starting the BSD and used the same method to cater for them. I think on both weeks concerned, I averaged slightly over the 800 per day at the end of the week, but that’s two weeks out of eight (for me minimum) and I am still losing weight, so am not stressing about failing to being dead on the calorie target.

    My advise is to keep a check on your carb intake, as this might well impact on weight lose if too high (try to keep it about 50g per day). And be sure to keep fluid intake up as well, as this assists the weight lose too.

    Look forward to reading your first week results soon.

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

    Hi guys
    I am just starting Week 6.
    Starting weight 101kg, now at 94kg (15.9 stone to 14.8? so I’ve lost approx 15 lbs/7kg)
    I’ve been amazed how well I feel, and losing the constant hunger has been great. I did have a bit of trouble over Easter – so many food traditions – and I allowed myself a 2 easter eggs, 2 hot cross buns and a few tiny bites of dark chocolate over the weekend. My triggers are social eating more than anything, I can feel a bit deprived or left out when I can’t eat what others are having, but I recognise that my body is different. I tell myself my body is built for survival in hard times – just that we have too much food around now!

    My weight loss has been moderate, not fast, and with a few plateaus, so all the posts about others having slow periods or bouncing up a little are very encouraging.
    Best answer to feeling hungry has been to increase my salt intake. I was craving nuts all of a sudden and thought I needed the fat, but it was actually the salt. And drinking heaps of water seems to drop my weight – but with a 24-48 hour delay!
    Looking forward to the 8-week line, I’m not sure what I’ll do then. Maybe keep going on 800-Fast for a bit longer?

  • posted by  KateF on PCOS / insulin resistance
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi everyone!
    I also have polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance. I’m day 8 of the diet and today had some bleeding after years of no ovulation/menstruation. Hoping to be able to come of the metformin and get pregnant this year like Cassie in the book! Fingers crossed, but taking today as a good sign!!
    Nice to have found some women here going through similar things. I feel like PCOS is so common now? My sister just found out she has it too.

  • posted by  SunnyB on Newbie, delurking
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Good luck on starting the Fast 800 vcolq. Don’t waste time beating yourself up for the blip – you have proved you can make positive change and you will do it again. Make good use of the forum for support and let us all know how you do once you have started the new regime – I’m sure you’ll be posting great results very soon.

  • posted by  FiFiP on Very low
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Hi Janet, have you thought about one of those fruit-water bottles? I have just ordered one – if you look at the Resources part of this site, they are there. This might work for you?

  • posted by  hashimoto on Gearing up for April/May
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Mag, I’m so sorry to hear that. Perhaps you should phone her GP to discuss it with him/her as what you are describing is concerning. πŸ™ Good on your dad for trying to stay active. πŸ™‚

  • posted by  FiFiP on Very low
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    I think Stevia is ok diet-wise, I haven’t got the book with me but am convinced there was something about it in there, it is derived from a plant, not a chemical-cocktail. I am not a fizzy-drink person, am lucky that I don’t have this to deal with.

  • posted by  hashimoto on Very low
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    But coffee is good for asthma so I still have 2 cups of coffee in the morning – then water and herbal teas for the rest of the day!! If any one tried to take away my coffee……..

    If you keep away from sweeteners long enough your tastes will adjust, hopefully πŸ™‚

  • posted by  SunnyB on The first 6 days ….
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Ambi
    Well done on sticking with it, even when you were suffering so badly. I personally think the first week is the worst. After that, I found I settled into the rhythm of the new eating regime quite quickly. Like you, I find it tough drinking just water, so I divide mine between plain water and herbal teas. I keep a 200ml glass by the side of my kitchen sink and every time I go into the kitchen, I drink a glass of water, which I record on my check list. You’d be surprised how small a 200ml glass is, making it bearable to quaff quite quickly.

    I find mint tea and lemon and ginger teas settling for the stomach and fruit teas can be drunk cold as well as hot, so they make a good option to help keep fluid intake up.

    I’m sure we will be reading your positive results soon. Keep with it and I’m sure you will be feeling much better soon.

  • posted by  FiFiP on Dry Skin
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hello SOS, have you changed soap, shower gel, laundry products recently – daft question but worth asking!?

  • posted by  FiFiP on whoops
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    My mum was from Sandy Gate, Marley Hill. We lived down South but she wanted us to have the same childhood as she had experienced, we ran wild, such a shame so many children don’t get to experience this type of childhood any more. Everyone is so risk-averse, fear obsessed.

  • posted by  Cherrianne on Dry Skin
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi SOS,
    I haven’t heard of anyone else suffering fom dry skin. One person found themselves with a bad problem with spots on their face but I think yours is a first.
    Some people report peeing a lot more than normal in the first couple of weeks. If this is happening to you, it might be that you are getting dehydrated.
    The other thing to check is to make sure you are getting a good amount of fats/ oils in your diet. This may help dry skin.

  • posted by  Janet1973 on Very low
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Hi Judith, I saw that episode of trust me I’m a doctor. All of them were fascinating, I’m eagerly awaiting the next series or a programme about us!!

    Thanks for the advice on liquorice tea, unfortunately I cant stand the stuff and would die of thirst if it was the only thing available! I don’t like stevia for the same reason, it tastes of liquorice to me. No, I think I’ve just got to bite the bullet on this one and stick with the fizzy water. Maybe improved weight loss will be enough of an incentive. cordial isn’t great for me either as it sets off my sensitive teeth. Tooth kind my eye!

    But if anyone tries to take away my coffee….oh wait, that’s bad for underactive thyroid sufferers too isn’t it?? Sometimes life sucks!

  • posted by  Magpiemag on Gearing up for April/May
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thank you, hashimoto and Cherrianne, your quick responses are really appreciated. I forgot to say that my dad had a stroke 8 years ago and it is since then my mum has become harder to motivate to look after herself. Dad is quite active for a person who is paralysed down one side but my mum is causing me so much concern. She barely moves and I’ve tried so many different ways to help her but she has just given up. At 78 – and as my dad’s carer – it’s very worrying. She refuses all suggestions of support and is increasingly difficult. It is adding considerably to my own stress levels and so, as you have suggested, the best way is to lead by example.

    You are both so encouraging. Thanks! πŸ™‚

  • posted by  hashimoto on whoops
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi FiFip sounds like we had almost identical childhoods!! My mum couldn’t use a whistle though as dad worked a lot of night shifts. We were just told to be back at dinner time – and hoped our stomachs would tell us when that was! Unless we took jam sandwiches and water and stayed out over the hills all day! πŸ™‚

  • posted by  hashimoto on First salvo fired
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Lynne, I meant to ask – what was the book called? I might order it for myself. Hope you are having lots and lots of fun with the girls!!! πŸ™‚

  • posted by  FiFiP on whoops
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Yep, raced around the woods, had a den, climbed trees, explored the stream, mum had a police whistle, used to use it when she needed to get us back inside for mealtimes!

  • posted by  Cherrianne on Low Carb Foods in Australia
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks for that Switzerland. I stopped off on the way home from the beach today and bought the last one on the stall. I was hoping someone would tell me what to do. Shows you can rely on the forums πŸ™‚ always someone willing to help.
    I’ll have a go at baking it tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.

  • posted by  hashimoto on whoops
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Yeh FiFip, I was so skinny my nickname was ‘rake’ as in skinny as a rake. Bet you ran about all day like me when you were a kid? Jumping becks, swinging on tarzies, climbing trees ( I even had a ‘reading’ tree in the woods), running up hills, building dens etc etc