Thank you SunnyB for such a detailed answer – I don’t have the book yet so I have been scouring this website for information!

Yes, you certainly have answered my question and it is very helpful to read the overall picture from someone who has actually carried out the method I intend to use. I am sticking closely to the 800 cals/day but just wondered if the outcome would be the same if I worked towards a weekly calorie total because I have a couple of special events planned and I want to be able to enjoy them.

I only started BSD last Monday and already feeling much more energetic and have lost a few pounds – let’s see how next week goes!

Thanks Judith.

Half a result tonight!

Twins had microwave pizza, microwave chips and mixed veg 😱 All from the freezer so making more space for ‘good’ foods. But then instead of biscuits etc, they had M&S Greek style unsweetened natural yogurt with blueberries. 😃 They’ve asked for that for breakfast tomorrow 😃 I’m thinking of trying them on the Bircher recipe in the book at some point.

In case you’re all wondering, I had cooked meat, cheese, pâté, boiled egg and beetroot while they had their pizza 😊

Hi Julia
Lack of sleep does affect weight. In fact shift workers who do night shifts are more likely to put on weight And become diabetic.
Good luck
Penny

Wow sthomas, those are some impressive results. Can see you’re going to inspire other new starters 🙂
Welcome to the BSD and your whole new way of life.

The marrch of the ‘anti-sugar army’ gathers pace 😃

Hi Sthomas
Very well done!!
Penny

I agree with the others Lostgirl – I lost 6lbs last week but did the same eating wise this week and have apparently put 2lbs back on! I weigh in on Monday so I’m hoping this is just a water blip.

Don’t feel discouraged, we’ll get there. Keep the faith!

Lucia

I look forward to seeing you on your bike being chased by the dogs 😃 Please ring your bell to warn me!

I will certainly keep checking in. I feel like I’ve found something that suits though. So far so good 🙂

Wise words, sunnyb, the more there is to lose the faster it goes. I have slowed right down now I have reached a BMI of 21.7, though I am still in ketosis. I lose just ounces at a time now. 🙂

That’s good news re the chocolate, Janet, I might just get some of my favourite chilli chocolate and try a little square 🙂

We will, Julia, we will!! I’m wondering whether it would be too much to wear one of my new posh frocks when I meet up with a few friends on Wednesday for lunch. One saw me the first week of the diet when no weight loss showed and the other saw me last about three weeks ago and was stunned by the weight loss. 🙂

Hi New Life – I am in week 6 and have lost 12lb. Don’t get hung up on the stories of massive loses from others. They are probably starting with more to lose. Weight lose always slows after the initial drop, so as long as you are losing you are making progress. Your weight lose is your weight lose and as such the only thing that matters for you and 12lb is a good result. Plus you are seeing other positives, in the change in your chocolate cravings for instance.

Please don’t be disheartened, you are doing really well and as long as you stick with it, you will continue to see results – even if they aren’t happening at the rate you were hoping for.

Lynne, how disappointing for you, I really feel for you. Perhaps they are stressed and so caught up in their own problems it’s hard for them to see anything else. Sometimes people are hesitant to say anything in case one finds it insulting. Start shouting about your diet and see if anything changes. 🙁

It is worth it Lynne because you are adding years to your life and we all need you on here for the wonderful support you give us all 🙂

Grandma48. Thanks fir your kind comments, they brought a tear to my eye.

No they didn’t know about the BSD, but are so caught up in other things (DILs health and son’s work) that it probably didn’t register. But the girls are not known for their tact LOL.

As for the jams etc – what they don’t open will go very nicely at the church Summer fair😃

Julia

When I lived and worked in the East End of London folk their were blunt, making personal comments about anything and everything. When my (male) colleague was losing weight I was asked if he was ill, but previously the comments were about his large size😳

Be interesting to see how my Italian friends react when I go to visit them in June. I last saw them early November before I started this. And I had a cough I couldn’t lose, which has completely disappeared after being on BSD.

Hi Lostgirl – as Janet1973 says, it’s far too early to stress about not having lost any weight yet. Your body will be adjusting to the new regime and it might take a little time for results to show, but be patient, it will happen. I am in week 6, but to date have only lost 12lb – but that is 12lb in my favour and I’m feeling and looking better and happy that I am doing something positive for myself.

Be kind to yourself, give yourself time to adjust and try to stay positive – at 800cals a day weight lose WILL happen.

Thanks, Penny I will do. I still think the big industries should change what they are doing but in the meantime I will invest in some toothpaste from the health food shops !!! 🙂

Hi S Thomas, what an amazing first week you are having. Can’t wait to see how your 8 weeks go!! 🙂

Sorry to have been absent for a while folks. Some amazing progress from you since I last checked in here. Keep up the good work all. I have been reading occasionally but not much as other things took over recently. I have been out running more (not that this has helped the weight loss but then I haven’t gained either!) which helps me to cope when stress at home is high – as it is just now with a daughter facing exams. I do wonder how much lack of sleep and stress hormones affect weight loss since I have been reasonably careful.

You all are inspirational and it is great to see the numbers over the 8 week line growing.

Hi Just Do It – I’m in week 6 now and my weight lose has been erratic and just a pound or so a week. Just hold on to the fact that every pound lost is a pound in the right direction and try not to compare yourself to those losing many pounds a week. As Patsy says, those people probably have more weight to shift than you do. Stick with the diet and you too will see results to be proud of.

If you are really concerned about your rate of lose, do a quick check on the amount you are drinking, that you have enough fat in your diet and that your carb intake isn’t to high. Assuming all this is fine, just stick with it and keep us posted on your progress. And remember, your success is your success and you should be proud of it.

Captain Lynne – it’s the downside of the British culture not to comment. The other side of the coin for you is this: I am married to a Spaniard and every time we go over I am told how much fatter I have got! They don’t mince their words at all. We were over in February and I hadn’t lost enough then for it to be obvious. But hopefully next time. I am wondering if maybe when they are with you next week and it isn’t a rushed time they might notice. Or maybe they are jealous and that’s why they said nothing.

Just another note to let the BSD know that the Courgette & Pumpkin Seed Muffin recipe must be flawed! What a waste of so much high quality, high cost ingredients (I was stupid enough to do a double batch because I was so excited and was going to freeze a batch). The entire lot went into the bin (sad face). I tried to re-cook them with a nob of organic butter on top and still failed – raw inside (another sad face). I’m so upset… and now even though I have all the ingredients for the Guilt Free Brownies in my kitchen cupboard I’m too nervous to make them… or maybe I’ll just read the blogs before I go ahead this time!

Captainlynne

My heart goes out to you. I am desperate that when I get off the plane in France on 3rd May, my son is going to say “you look great Mum and haven’t you lost loads of weight”. Were your family aware that you were on the BSD because, if not, maybe they felt they really shouldn’t mention your weight loss in case it wasn’t intentional!!

However, as you say, you’re doing it for you, not for anyone else and your family on here are full of love and support. I’m sure your local charity shop will be delighted with the jams and chutneys that you will be donating to them once your grandchildren are safely back in their own nest.

Stay strong Captainlynne – we are all very proud of you, and incredibly grateful for all the help and support you give to us.

Janice xxx

Hi All,

I started the diet on Tuesday morning at a start weight of 21st 2 (eeeek!). I had a wee peak on the scales this morning as an interim weigh in before the full first 7 day weigh and was astounded to see a figure of 20st 3. It’s been 5 days. I am totally astounded.

I know some of that will be water weight and slight deviations due to times I weighed etc but the fact still remains. I’m really feeling the difference in such a small timeframe, I made a vow to walk to work as part of me getting more active. It killed me on Tuesday as where I live is really hilly but as the week has gone on it’s got easier. Hell, my wedding ring is even loose now! Very happy bunny and extremely motivated, just as the book says. So happy I started.

Hope everybody is doing good and enjoying the M diet =) I know I am.

What a day!!! Travelling was a nightmare but finally home.

For those who were wondering, the family said:

not a word 😳

Two adults and two children did not notice anything different!

Part of me did think ‘why do I bother?’ But then I realised that I’m not doing this for anybody but me. But it would be nice if someone occasionally made a nice comment. Those I see frequently, I can understand because they don’t see much change from week to week. When they do, they think it’s polite not to make personal comments. But the family haven’t seen me since about last October. Aaaaaaaaarrrrrggggghhhh!!! I’ve got the twins for just over a week before their parents come over – at the moment I don’t know how long they’ll be staying – that could prove interesting! Today, in the few hours I was with them, I was offered a chicken sandwich, a fried egg sandwich or a pasty. All were graciously declined 😃. Oh, and don’t forget the Mothers’ Day present of jams, chutneys etc from Lakeland that I was given today😳

Still, thanks to my family on here for your support and encouragement 😃

Hi Patsy,
You are correct, its a pound in the right direction. I had a couple of weeks when I lost a pound. I’ve lost a lot because I’ve a lot to lose. I want to (and will) lose the same again.
Keep up the good work !

Of course its great when people lose large amounts of weight but there are also plenty of us like you and me who are getting around a pound or two a week.

We certainly do generate a lot of chatter don’t we? Apart from my favourite threads which I am plugged into and which flood my email account constantly (!) I usually have a quick scan of the ‘latest topics’ to see what has got people going. It also means I can see how many posts are on each thread. If there is a new one that hasn’t had any response I can then add something encouraging, even if I don’t know the answer. As you say Judith, its nice to let the newbies know people are interested in them.

I know just what you mean jpscloud, I decided today I would have just a little bit of chocolate. I really enjoyed it and I didn’t go back for more. That’s a real achievement for me. In the past I would have kept going til it was all gone. And the great thing – I have done a ketone test since and I am still in ketosis! That means a little bit once in a while is ok – I’ve always been an all or nothing girl but I really think I can learn to control it like ‘thin people’ do!

Judith, congratulations on the shopping trip. I hope you will all be very happy together!

Day 42 weight 10st 5lbs
Blood sugar 10.8

Going to have salami and coleslaw again for tea and having the leeks tomorrow, not decided how to cook them yet – having them with chicken.

My husband knows and is very supportive. He’s mostly eating what I am, with carbs added (he doesn’t need to diet and isn’t diabetic). I haven’t told anyone else yet. Going out for a meal with friends tonight and will if they express concern about my food choices, but I plan to try to keep it quiet until I’ve lost enough weight for it to show.

I know several people who’ve been ‘on a diet’ for years and go on about it constantly, trying to talk people into trying each new fad, and keep gaining weight. It’s rather put me off saying anything.

I have found a source of literally hundreds of recipes at https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Recipes/. They are sub-divided into various groups, e.g. ‘Sugar Free’, ‘Gluten Free’, etc.

My main problem is that most cookery books use non-metric measures – a teaspoon of this or 1/3 cup of that, etc., particularly so with American publications. I always use metric and weigh everything. I use the UK ‘back of pack’ nutrition information entered into a database from which is extracted accurate energy and nutrition for the quantity of each food item used.

Since we are dealing with a small quantity of 800 kcalories per day, variations in ‘traditional’ measuring items – cups, spoons – from one country to another could result in a greater or lesser proportion of the 800 kcalories required.

Really helpful, Allychat. Thanks for that. This is the way we are going at the moment. Not far enough in to really know about weight losses yet. So nice to know it is working this way for someone out there.

Just do it, sounds as though you’re really benefitting from the diet, even if you’ve not lost very much weight. From what I’ve been reading it’s those who have a lot to lose and/or haven’t been dieting recently who see the biggest losses. You should still lose weight, but maybe not so dramatically.

Correction LOL – 2 chicken thighs not breasts!

Really well done to, Bruno, Lynne, Bill and Inka!

Only a pound for me, but it’s a pound in the right direction.

Re toothpaste.
Just read the back of kingfisher. No sugar or sweeteners. Pretty sure toms is the same.
Penny

Hi Judith and Inka
Check out the toothpastes in the health food shops. – kingfisher or Toms.
Penny

You’re right, shortapple – there aren’t any reasons not to give it a try.

btw, my autocorrect wants to call you chortle … maybe I will!

Hi Debi
I put the nuts and nut butters on a high shelf in the cupboard. I have to stand on a chair! So can’t casually eat them.
Penny

Thanks, Lucia.

It did give me confidence that I’ll be fine with the maintenance and won’t have to worry about measuring things then. Just need to be stricter with myself for a while first.

Yeh, janet, i use that every day but if you haven’t been on line for several hours you would have a few pages to trawl through. You can’t receive emails without posting and pressing the let me know about future emails at the same time. It makes it difficult to prioritize. I respond to received emails and check latest posts. This is the first and only forum I have used so I am a bit surprised by the sheer quantity of different threads. I would love to have it rationalized.

Threads for different nationalities makes perfect sense, same for 8 weeks and after,weigh in thread, petition (of course!), fasting bloods, just starting bsd, this has to work for me, first salvo fired and what I have eaten today – that’s all in the bsd category, I. Haven’t looked much at the others. Apologies if I have missed any others – i didn’t check all the threads first, there are so many lol

I like that analogy Janet! I am a wobbler (in more ways than one, sadly!!) and every few days I go off the rails. There is something about this diet that makes it possible for me to get back on straight away, instead of continuing to binge. I don’t know what it is, but it is working. Must be those abstinence muscles!

Hi Cherrianne & Janet1973, thanks so much for your replies and encouragement. You are absolutely right, great points re previous weight loss and benefits already realised, and I’m certainly not letting it put me off, I’m even more determined than ever to do well on this plan – just thought I must be going wrong when I read of people who’ve averaged a pound a day loss when I’ve only managed 4 in 16 days.

Amendment to my original post – fats are minimum of 50% of my daily intake, not carbs – duuurrrh!

Thank you

There is nothing in the bsd book that gives specific quantities of fat but the general feeling seems to be to have some fat with every meal. The distinction of ‘good’ fat is breaking down these days too. The only fat you need to avoid is trans-fat. A great website for this is dietdoctor.com.

Judith, have you tried using the ‘latest form posts’ button? Its under the forums tab at the top of the website and it shows you all posts made in the last few minutes, regardless of which thread they are on. Might help you keep up with the newbies!

Not at all John, I only find things out on this website by prodding stuff and seeing what happens! Any of the main supermarkets should have your fage yoghurt. Also has ‘total’ on carton. Make sure you get full fat one and not 0%