Thanks Molly, we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet because we all see the madness of the old advice 🙂

Hi Everyone

Time to delurk methinks!

Just wanted to share my journey with you lovely people. I started 2 weeks ago (the day after my 45th birthday) as I’d had enough of getting through a bottle of wine a night (at least!) and several fast food meals a week and making my clothes ever tighter, feeling fat and lethargic! Something had to be done. I previously did the 5:2 diet in 2013 to great effect (from 16st 7 to 14st 8 in 6 months) but found it far too easy to gobble up those extra calories in vino and Mc Donald’s on the feast days!

So here I am 2 weeks in and I must say I am blown away by this diet. I’ve gone from 241.2lbs to 229lbs… incredible. I know I should brace myself for either a slow down or plateau but for now I feel very positive plus I’m fitting into my old 36″ jeans that were destined for the charity shop not 4 weeks ago (so glad I was lazy and didn’t get around to dropping all those clothes off!!)

I think having fasted before has really helped me on this as I know now that hunger is nothing to be afraid of, in fact I rarely feel hungry now and often skip breakfast and lunch! Weird but working 🙂 I ensure I have the 3 litres of water a day and can tell if I don’t because the scales don’t move much and walk at least that magic 10k steps (we have labs that don’t mind that at all!) I don’t always hit the 10k but I do make sure that I move around lots.

I’ve got a long way to go (8 week target 212lbs – long term 140lbs (ish!)) but I really feel I can do this.

The tools I use to help motivate me:
Jawbone Up Band and App
Wife with Up Band for healthy competition in steps!
Blood Glucose Tester (Weekly on a Sunday) was 9 now 4.5
Blood Pressure Monitor (Weekly on a Sunday) Didn’t do this for the first week as the cuff was too small (ironically), now have a larger one and need to work on blood pressure to bring it down a bit.
Ketostix (habit forming I’ve found just to check everything is doing what it should be doing !!)

I also wanted to thank everyone on here. Over the last two weeks I’ve often dipped in and read others experiences and it has helped me enormously, especially when the scales didn’t move.

Here’s to the next 6 weeks and a new me (and you)!

*Opens the door slowly and peers about*
Nope, none of the new 8 week brigade have arrived here yet
*Closes door quietly*

Just ordered almond flour and coconut butter from Holland and Barrett. Am becoming a regular customer to their online shop!

That bronco been bucking again Aly ?
Back on board now and show it who’s boss and this time hold tight, it’s going to be a bumpy ride but you already know how to deal with it.
Just comfort yourself now with the thought of all the wonderful new food you’re going to bake from the new book.
A pat on the back tastes better than bar of chocolate anyway.

I added a tiny bit of butter when frying mine and they were really tasty.

thank-you ON PHONE!

thanks Bill – and yes, it is so liberating and not just being able to ignore chocolate, also the crisps! I have had a block of 85% cocoa chocolate sitting on the piano – 4 foot away from my desk for weeks and have not touched it. I also found an unfinished packet of mints from my last long drive to Scotland a couple of days ago, and just ignored it. ‘Normally’ the mint would have gone in one sitting and the dark chocolate over a couple of days – had it been milk chocolate it would have been finished immediately after the mints 🙁 .
See you on over the 8 week line and beyond!

Eh ???
Lynne, you’re a woman and you have just lost oodles of weight.
May I suggest a new outfit ? (or 2)

I love cookery books – been known to read them in bed😳

I’ve one of the recent Bero books, but not the old ones.

Used to love Farmhouse Kitchen but don’t have any of the books. Once found a great recipe for an alternative (light) Christmas pudding in the Home and Freezer Digest but lost it years ago. Just as well now!

As I visit Italy every year, I’ve started to buy Gino d’Acampo and Antonio Carluccio. Also got Nigel Slater and Jamie Oliver as well as the Mary Berry and Delia Smith. Even got the Robin Ellis book ‘Coking for Diabetics’.

And (whispers) some Slimming World recipe books😱

It is in the recipe section but really all you have to do is mix the flour and a pinch of salt with enough water to make a pancake like batter.
Pour this into a frying pan on medium heat using olive or coconut oil for cooking.
Cook 3 or 4 minutes until golden brown, flip and repeat.
You can also add flavourings as you make the batter.

Totally lost it for best part of a week. My no grain bake book arrived today and kicked me back into gear. Life is a bit tough just now and as usual food has been my comfort. New day tomorrow and back to it. I will crack this!

I agree with M, Rose Elliots books are good for this and easy to adapt. There is also her book low GI Cooking which I have used. Made one of her recipes last night which I think will also work for vegan – Chunky Ratatouille. I will post it to the recipe section tomorrow. Anyhow, it makes enough of one evening meal and 5 for the freezer.

There is actually some very good info on that site

Can anyone remind me of the recipe for gram flour flatbreads. I am sure I saw it on one of the forum threads but I can’t find it again.

Thanks Bill. I was backwards & forwards for ages but got it sorted in the end. And the money was back in my account today. 😊

Thanks Patsy and Catgirl . 😊

Yes Judith. Just trying to decide what to spend it on😃

https://authoritynutrition.com/5-most-common-low-carb-mistakes/

Hawks. Thanks for reminding me about Parmesan crackers. I’d completely forgotten them!

Hi hasimoto, signed, as requested. Hope we can do something to end this diabetes mistreatment madness.
Molly

I think I’d be happier basing our diet on 50g carbs a day if it came from a source I knew about. I’ll have a look around on google and see what comes up. Thanks Bill.

Hi David, well done! Great first week and yes, I agree – if there is one thing that is a must it is planning. Getting the balance right each day is critical as is measuring everything and recording everything. I cook for four and freeze three meals, so I usually have at least 3-4 soups on hands, and a couple of veg stews.
The only thing that has not worked so well was the humus that I made. I could eat so little of it to keep in with the meal plan, I have left it frozen for use in the 5:2. I could not have done this without the freezer!
I look forward to hearing about the further losses as weeks go by.

Orchid that’s a tremendous story and one that will inspire many others
Don’t you find that the lack of cravings sort of sets you free ? I walked around the chocolate aisles of 3 supermarkets this weekend without wanting any. 3 months ago I would have had a bag full.
I too finished my 8 weeks at the weekend and, like you, found it easy so I’m staying right where I am until I see the scales say the magic numbers.
Come join us on the over the 8 week line and beyond thread.

No response bill, they might think it would look like they were lobbying the govt to sell michael’s book, which could be rather awkward. It would have been nice to receive a reply though

I have been a vegetarian for a long time (over 50 years!) and overweight for most of it. Getting enough carbs out of the diet is the trick. I have greatly reduced root vegetables and legumes as well as the obvious rice, potatoes and pasta. I have lost 17lbs in 5 weeks on the 800 diet (in addition to another 14lb since 1st January.)
The cook books suggested above are all great. would also suggest you take a look at a few recipe bloggers such as the sprouted kitchen (she has a great cook book called bowl and spoon and most of the recipes are adaptable to vegan.)
I have been having fun creating some Low GI Low Carb meals – my favourite at the moment are:
Cabbage Stir fry with Tofu and peanut sauce
very quick and simple: stir fried tofu (marinated in tamari), onion and thinly shredded cabbage when almost cooked add in any combination of chilli, garlic, coriander, 100% peanut butter and coconut milk.
Hazelnut salad
roasted red pepper (peeled and cut into strips), steamed mange tout and asparagus, mixed in bowl with some roasted chopped hazelnuts and serve warm with hazelnut oil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing, baby salad leaves and tofu or halloumi (for those that eat cheese.)
Courgetti, Mushrooms and spinach
stir fry onion, garlic and some mushrooms. add in spiralised courgettes and when almost cooked ad in Boursin cheese and some cream (use vegan equivalents if required.)

Maybe we all ought to compile a cook book of vegetarian/vegan meals for those following the 800!
Hope this helps with some ideas and do let us know how you are doing. good luck everyone.

Hi Deb, good goals – but allow some carbs/calories for the ‘snacks’.
I remember hearing that sunflower seeds were a good ‘antidote’ to chocolate cravings. I can recollect searching them out to have at the office. Certainly seeds like linseed, pumpkin and sunflower in a small box in your bag are a useful thing to have and eat, it gives you enough time to convince yourself that you don’t need the chocolate!
Spicy foods are definitely a plus – the mouth remembers the taste for a while after and that helps with the full feeling.
I hope today is a bit easier – it does get a lot easier over the week!

Hi Liz
I actually saw it elsewhere and I can’t remember where
Basically it said that 50 to 100 grams / day would help you lose weight while under 50 grams / day would put you into ketosis.
We know it works as some folk are testing for ketosis and getting positive results.
I would be too, but typically, I got a dodgy batch of Ketostix which apparently wouldn’t change colour if I dipped them in the deep fat fryer.

Very true, it is
22lbs weight loss is a great achievment though, if you are happy with it you can stay on the fast 800 another few weeks or go on to the 5:2. The restricted carbs even on that should help you towards your target.
Keep in touch, just because you have done the first 8 weeks doesn’t mean we don’t want to know how you do as you progress further.
It’s a dark and unknown path for most of us.

Dont to start with is my advice. That brekkie looks ok BTW.
Just starting out I think you’ll be better off concentrating on keeping the carbs down below 50 grams per day and not worrying about the calories just now. On that carbohydrate intake you will lose weight and sensible portion control will do the rest. If you feel a need to count the calories in a couple of weeks, then fair enough but give yourself a worry free start

You are most welcome, you deserve a medal for the support and motivation you provide people on here, particularly with the worries you have had!!

I have now maintained my weight for about 4 weeks. Lost 22lbs total but need to get another 2 or 3 stones off. I have been having the odd cake and scone though and not exercising much which I think is what is stopping me. My metabolism is a bit slow I think, I have an underactive thyroid, but maybe that’s just a good excuse! I stick more or less to the recipes but I think the 800 is maybe closer to 900 or 1000 depending on some of the recipes.

I am trying to be better today and not eat anything sweet. Had a hectic weekend and had a few drinks/food that I shouldn’t have but I need to be realistic as its for life not just for 8 weeks !!

x

No response from the team re making it sticky ?

Ok well we all know by now that I have a long way to go… And that I struggle with food options. I would rather starve than eat which isn’t good

I was thinking of a breakfast option how does this sound.. I not sure how to work out calories

But

The Harrogate sausages ( 1)
Tinned tomatoes
Egg
Mushrooms optional

That would make an amazing breakfast and I can’t see anything bad just unsure on how to do the breakdown

That’s interesting. Thanks for letting me know. I’m trying to keep this thread in full view 🙂

No problem JackieMac, thanks for the good wishes.
How is your diet going ?

I have seen some people have stopped counting calories and are counting carbs instead. Where did the number 50g of carbs come from? I have the book, is it in there? I am in week 7 and think this may be the way to go at the end.

Bill, I am delighted to hear the good news about your daughter. Sorry for being so late to reply, my email has been going into the Junk folder, how ironic! All the very best to you all. x

Fantastic news captainlynne, both in terms of refund and more importantly your weight loss, you are an inspiration

I’m wondering if that has stuck for a while Judith as a couple of folks on another of my forums say they have signed this afternoon. I’ve also hit FB and Twitter again today.

Still 99 signatures, do we have any new BSDers who are uk residents and willing to sign our petition to promote this low carb diet to T2 diabetics? 🙂

Pete
I was just about to post that I went off the rails in my fourth week too. Previously that would have been it for me too but I’m trying to regroup and get back on track .

My lesson related to stress – I was trying to finish some very stressful work and for the first time I just craved and craved to eat … Anything . It astounded me how hard I found it to resist food when I felt so stressed. How hungry I felt when previously no hunger. It was overwhelming .I withstood it for one days but on two and three I broke and then went to the other extreme. This coincided with social events ( alcohol) and Easter .
So. I’m heading on and trying to let go of this back step and like you , learn from it and move on.
OP

Hi deb, what lovely goals 🙂

Wow!! Impressive – congratulations !

Great post !
congratulaions!
😀

Yes, I was watching Eddie Izzard’s 27 marathons last night and feeling inspired! There were a couple of quotes in the programme that I wrote down because they felt very relevant to now.

Mandela; ‘Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again’.

So – my 8 weeks are up. It has been a totally different experience to what I expected. Initially a hassle – I had expected that, but latterly it has been enjoyable and also enlightening. Not words often written in conjunction with a diet!
.
Dr Moseley, if you are reading these – thank-you.
Forum – you added the fun and so much information – thank-you.

Statistics – From 2 Feb – Weight loss 12.1kg, (26.7lbs) – 12.3%, above my 10% target: Waist down 14cm (5.5inches), Blood sugar down from almost pre-diabetic to normal and cholesterol was okay to start with so I have not retested. BMI down from 33 to 28.6. Dress size – 1.5 to 2 sizes down. I was wearing a combination of size UK 18 (loose-cut and or M&S) and UK 20. I am now wearing size 18 and just replenished my underwear and swimsuit from M&S at a size 16! For those outside the UK, M&S sizing is a little more generous that many suppliers, thus the difference – it is more of a size 17.

My plan had been to lose enough weight to have a BMI under 30 – ie no longer obese. I started over 33. I expected to move to the 5:2 then as that would be easier, but on reaching that goal after 5 weeks, I was managing fine so have kept going. Next goal, BMI under 25 – normal.

I wrote down a list of positives and negatives about the last 8 weeks over the weekend and I thought I would share that.
Positives;
• The forum and the people. You are always told to share what you are doing for support – I never do! Sharing on the forum really has helped – someone knows what you are doing and going through. Will we still be around to support each other and stop relapses in 3 years’ time?!
• Diet – I am not hungry and it defies logic given the amount I eat. Eating full fat again has been a real revelation – I have not touched it for 30 years.
• It has given me back in control of my life.
• 7 bags of clothes went to Cancer Research UK last week and there are more to go. In fairness some were old sheets and very old things that were ‘stored for the future’ and will be recycled for rags, but also a bag of business clothes – some still with labels on. All now too big and or I just won’t want to wear them again. Space in cupboards again – wonderful.
• Energy levels are up. I am not falling asleep watching TV, nor, more importantly, in lectures (I am studying Archaeology part-time).
• No chocolate or wine cravings.
• I am having fun…..
Negatives; none.

Hopefully this will help others keep going through the ups and downs – and one last thought again a quote used by Eddie Izzard.
‘I am the master of my fate,
The captain of my soul’.
by William Ernest Henley.
We are now in charge and can do it.

Thanks everyone for your advice, I’m on day five now and the hunger has mostly gone, and I think I’ve got a much better idea on what to do. Have been using some of the recipes in the book and that helps with the planning.

Hi, I was starving for the first two or three days, just like you and wondered how I was going to get through 8 weeks. I’m on day five now and the hunger has gone, I think mainly due to getting my head around eating full fat, it seems so alien for a diet, I guess that’s years and years of dieting conditioning, failed diets. Keep going and expect the odd setback. Don’t let it make you give up.

Congratulations – an inspiration to us all!

So day one… Was hell. I ended up supplementing some cheddar and sunflower seeds in about 2 pm.

So I went over a bit, but not too badly. Especially since my usual would be to reach for chips/chocolate.

So today is a new day. I remember reading somewhere that every second tick on the clock is a chance to start over. I am going to take that to heart and carry forward!

Three Goals for Today:
1. Stick to the plan Stan!
2. Go for a walk at lunch.
3. Give someone a sincere compliment.

Cheers,

Deb

The team have already removed the post and link to the quack remedies. Please don’t do it again

Hi All!

Trying to find the original posting from Lynne, is the store M&S perchance? I have a bee in my bonnet about the sugar they put in chicken, fresh shelled prawns and so many of their salad products – as many people mention, I manage to make salad dressing without sugar and cook sauces without it either, so what on earth it’s doing in fresh, raw product sure beats me.

I am on the point of tackling M&S about this but didn’t want to cross-over with anyone else – Lynne – are you there please, can you advise?

Today’s menu is:

B – yogurt, blueberries, Bioglan Cacao Topping and some psyllium husk
L – a one egg omelette with smoked salmon and hummus
D – Ostrich steak in Thai marinade and lettuce and tomato salad

To drink – water and herbal teas.