Kia Ora, I’m in Christchurch I don’t have diabetes am doing this for health and weight, been doing it for 2 weeks have lost 2 kgs, finding no carbs no hassle at all, and my skin as improved,
Am trying hard to hit 10000 steps a day I walk at lunch time, at in the evening but it gets getting darker, we live on the edge of the Earthquake Red Zone so I don’t want to walk alone in the dark.
Have made a stack of soups for lunch all tomato, capsicum based
cutting back the vino had been the hardest thing 🙂

Quiqui

I live in the North Island – about 70 km northwest of where this morning’s 5.2 earthquake occurred. It is a windy place so you wouldn’t call it Calmerston North. It can be cold in an easterly wind so you wouldn’t call it Balmerston North. I will leave you to guess where.

Jim

Week 2 down, Week 3 started. It’s going to be a doozy.

It’s high octane grading time – finals for my students started today & I have way too many papers I have not returned to them. Not much sleep this week.

I also have a meal challenge on Thursday – a banquet I’m paying big bucks not to eat (or at least not to eat much of), and at the wrong time to break my 16 hour fast. I may just have to break it early – good thing I’m less rigid about fasting than content. 🙂

The last hurdle is that I have two diagnostic follow-up tests after my screening mammogram turned up something. Very strong history of breast cancer in my family, manifesting around my age – and I’m sure the spot they are interested in is the one I discovered about 2 months ago that triggered setting up the appointment in the first place. Tomorrow’s the day for follow-up. Bummer that this may be the year I acquire all the family diseases.

Other than my mid-week success with garbonzo beans, the only thing of note is my mild surprise at how much I had come to enjoy my daily cheese. I’ve been eating 2-4 oz/day since October, and I miss it since I have largely cut it out to stay at or under 800 calories – a necessary cut since it’s yummy, but relatively poor bang for my buck for nutrients.

I continue to try new recipes and find new favorites. I’m plotting an herb garden this summer, since I can’t afford to keep buying mint, thyme, etc. at $3/pop.

Here’s the data so far:

Week 1 – Fasting blood glucose: M: 5.05 mmol/l, T: 5.28 mmol/l W: 5.06 Th: 5.39 (highest in months) F: 4.44 S: 4.39 Sun: 4.44
Week 1 – Starting weight: 150.2 lbs – Ending weight: 147 lbs
Week 1 – High for the week: 7.72, Low for the Week: 4.06, Average for the week: 5.5

Week 2 – Fasting blood glucose: M: 4.83 mmol/l, T: 4.72 mmol/l W: 5.11 mmol/l Th: 4.79 mmol/l F: 4.83 mmol/l S: 4.33 mmol/l Sun: 4.6 mmol/l
Week 2 – Starting weight: 147 lbs – Ending weight: 144.8 lbs
Week 2 – High for the week: 6.83 mmol/l Low for the Week: 3.5 mmol/l, Average for the week: 5.27 mmol/l.

Two week totals: 5.4 lbs lost. High down .89 mmol/l; Low down .56 mmol/l; Average down .23 mmol/l.

Hi DeeMac,

I’ve just started too and I’m FREEZING!!! Got the blanket on my knees with a heater under the desk. Shivering burns more calories so I suppose we should be gritting our teeth and living with the cold but I don’t want to.

With regards to GI issues, I’m also there too. Luckily I did an exclusion diet under the supervision of the FODMAPS discoverer and dietitian Sue Shepard and no longer eat the things that trigger me off. So no cauliflower, mushrooms, peaches etc and careful with wheat, barley and rye. I’m NOT gluten intolerant; it’s the fructose that sets me off.

Good luck!

😛

Penny 14 pounds is awesome!

Hi I don’t want to give up as I am officially obese with a bmi of 32. I have tried so many diets and this year I have committed to getting my weight back under control. I’m not diabetic but both my parents are. I am keeping carbs low. I do feel really good and am sleeping brilliantly so hoping for a whoosh effect soon. Goal today is 4 litres of water! Thanks for all the replies.

I’m in week three of my second round of BSD – but on day three if you count if from when I last binged on sugar and carbs (again)! So I’ve got the day three headaches and fatigue again after feeling good for a couple of days. Want chocolate. Want it now! I know I need to get through Cravings Valley to reach the Land of Wellness on the other side.

That is awesome! Congratulations on your great results.

That sounds so frustrating Lucyjane. You’ve been on the diet for 10 days now I think, at some point I suppose you need to decide is this really the right diet for you? I’ve heard many times for years that there is no “one size fits all” diet plan as we are all different, although I think this is a really good one and life changing for many. I suggest continuing to give it a good trial, sounds like you are sticking to the plan really well, how long you keep trying is up to you, maybe 4 weeks? Then get your thyroid checked or something? Like you, I don’t see how it is possible to eat 800 calories and walk 10,000 steps yet not lose weight. I hope it is water retention in the fat cells like people have suggested and that you get that whoosh effect soon.

orchid,
This is a very useful link – I wasn’t familiar with the website so will enjoy it.
I follow Penman on Twitter and look out for them if they broadcast. I see I also have audio of their 8 week programme which I’ve dipped into as a refresher. Over the years many ‘experts’, including OU, reference Kabat Zinn who I’ve read. A few go back to The Relaxation Response – Dr Herbert Benson from Harvard in the later 70’s, which was where I started.

I saw this download link from someone who was also having trouble with the Kindle edition and accessing the audio files:

http://rodalebooks.s3.amazonaws.com/mindfulness/index.html

Hi Lucyjane
It’s really hard seeing all those big losses. I have lost very very slowly. In the 8 weeks I lost 14 lb. I found that I have to keep my carbs well below 50g, more like 25 g-35g, and my fat intake has to be around 50 g or nothing happens. I saw on diet doctor.com that it’s important to eat salt as on low carb you lose salt more. Also. I came across a book by Jenny Ruhl ‘ low carb problems solved’ (£3 on kindle) that is very helpful. She s an expert and has written a few books.
Measuring yourself is also important as you can lose inches without losing weight.
Best of luck
Penny

Hi Lucyjane,
It will work, please stick with it. It took Karra over two weeks to see movement on the scales but in that time her husband had noticed changes in her shape.
It is very disheartening when you are trying so hard but don’t give in. Try looking for changes other than weight loss. Are your clothes feeling looser, do you sleep better, have more energy etc?
Someone else has posted some interesting info on how, as our bodies use fat, the fat cells fill with water because we don’t actually lose the cells. This continues for a while until they finally release the water and we see an overnight weight loss. That is why the fat seems softer and more dimply when we first start to diet. Maybe this will explain what happened with you and Karra. I think the person who posted had googled the ‘Whoosh effect’.
Keep posting, I’m sure others on here will be able to help. You definitely aren’t the only one to experience this in the first couple of weeks. 🙂

I have been on the diet for 5 weeks now. I have lost 6 kgs. And my sugar levels are normal… Fantastic. And the diet is not difficult to stay with daily. Today I get my Hba1c results. Last time they were borderline… I await anticipating good results. I also expect to soon be off statins for cholesterol… This diet has been the best I have ever tried and I have tried raw food, low GI, starvation etc. I also think I may soon be off blood pressure medication… In fact all medications. I have already stopped one diabetic medication.

Hi Ruthleonie

I had my 7 year check up today after having a 5cm stage 3 breast cancer in 2009 at age 39. Is it tamoxifen you’ll be taking? I got on well with it and didn’t gain weight – I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago and now take Exemestin. My weight has gone up in the last 4 years, but I am losing really well now on the BSD (16lbs in 5 weeks).

Speak to your breast nurse or consultant – you may need more calories than 800 if your going to have treatment, and if you need steroids then they will probably increase your appetite.

I wish you all the very best for the coming few months and if you need any support then I’m only too happy to help.

Look after yourself

Denise xxx

Good luck Lisa x

Hi Gwendoline
I have been the same this week. We are selling our house and the buyers pulled out last week after 4 months of to-ing and fro-ing between solicitors so was really low. I am on a mission again now though. We have to accept that life is like this and not let it distract us from the bigger picture!
I have lost 16lbs so far with another 12lbs to go and this is week 6 now. Weight loss has slowed, but it’s still losses!
Keep going and be kind to yourself x

Having finished my 8 week BSD; sleeping better, more energy, complete change of dietary routine and lost 15kg, I’ve continued to mix and match recipes from the 4 week plan. I would love to see more baking recipes, whilst I’ve never had a sweet tooth there are moments when it’s nice to share a slice of cake or dollop of pud with friends and family.

I’ve tried a the muffin & brownie recipes in the book but not wowed.

Welcome any ideas.
Thanks

It’s amazing how much we learn on the BSD. Week 2 Day 5 and my biggies are 1. Mindfulness meditation 2. Full fat dairy, olive oil and coconut oil are O.K. 3.Eating 800 calories a day can be satiating. 4. A daily walk helps with weight loss and assists mindfulness. 5. BSD is about establishing new habits.

Another day with absolutely no shift in weight. Yesterday ate 850 cal. Walked 12000 steps bike rided half an hour what is going on? Beginning to despair that this will work!

Thanks for the info John. You can get them on kindle- but they cost more than the paperback!
Penny

Update on 12-04-2016

I have weighed myself this morning without taking any food it is 96.7 KG. Fasting Blood Sugar 5.6. Energy level quite high…. I have started doing 12000 steps per day from 4000 steps 1 week ago. I started taking public transport to work so i can walk to and from Railway station to my work place which is 1.5 KM. I am feeling awesome. I have never been so active or ever got of my couch to do house chores and going for walk willingly.

My wife is quite happy 🙂 with me helping her in doing chores in the house. I am eating approximately 700-800 cals a day and burning approx 400 cals by walking.

Eureka, my back has been dodgy for years, but I really damaged it a few years ago. First, I was bent over hugging the twins when one took her feet off the floor. 😳 A few months later I fell sideways walking down my front path – landed on the drive, on my hip. When I could finally get to the GP I was told I’d damaged the big muscle that runs across my back from hip to hip. Never really been right since. Carrying heavy shopping on Friday (not forgetting the killer cupcakes – which, by the way I’ve been told were very nice!) set it off again. And more shopping today hasn’t helped😱

Hi Judith
What a terrible thing to happen. Sounds like you got the best care. I like the Eiffel Tower idea!
When I had a bad knee I sat on a ‘hop-up’ for those low sort of jobs. That might work for you? Or a longer paintbrush!
Penny

Hi stringbreaker
Leptin ( hormone that decreases appetite ). A hormone made by adipose (fat) cells. Helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger
So much for my play on words! I’ll get me coat!!
Eureka

Hi Christi1948
Happy bday for tomorrow. There is a lovely jewellery shop on your left as you walk out of the Del Duque beach area going towards Adeje. Think it’s called Jose Santillan. Not that I’m giving you ideas!

The Sun King do a good Basque Hake at Los Cristianos. Opposite the beach fountain. Nice & low carb. I feel like I’ve just walked down there too.

Are we all knackered? Someone must have a good back somewhere? Did mine in,in 1984!
Eureka

Day 51 weight 10st 4lbs
Blood sugar 11.9

Had chia seeds on my porridge this morning with my Diabeti sweet (sugar substitute) – I will be eating my porridge this way more often. 😀

Dr has seen Oldie today and prescribed Diazapan for when he is really agitated – so hopefully he will be calmer.

Mum still on track to come home on Wednesday.

As you say ‘we learn’! Finding out our weaknesses is the first step in overcoming them.

Hi Janet
Off to los Cristiano to get a birthday present, eureka has given me an idea! Didn’t have a clue otherwise, we might walk back, we’ll see how my back and leg is.
Christine

Hi Eureka,
What’s leptin?
John

Hi captainlynne
Me too, about the back book, that is, when mines bad I go to a chiropractor, he’s very good, all my left side is more flexible than my right bacause my left side has to work harder! I used to go to yoga, however the chiro man said all the twists were making my back and sciatic nerve worse!

Hi stringbreaker
Aagh!! Tamed the GHRELIN MONSTER ( hungry hormone ). Good sense Leptin & saved you (decreases appetite)
Eureka

Hi eureka
We are in playa fanabe between plays de las Americas and el duque, just had an hours walk after having fillet steak!
Off to los Cristian’s in the morning, to get me something for my birthday! 68!! Haven’t a clue what I want definitely not clothes, yet!
We might walk back, I love the walk, it takes me all day, cause of my back I have to rest every so often!
I don’t have a step counter, perhaps that’s what I could get? Cheers
Christine

Hi Gwendolinanne
I know exactly how you feel as I have done the same over and over again.
I am hoping and believing that this will not be the case this time as I am enjoying the food and feeling so much better than I have for a long time.
I am only one week in at the moment so really looking forward to hearing more tales of your success.
Cheers
Red.

A lot of it is about habit, isn’t it? We’re so used to high carb breakfast that we think we need them and we get used to eating more than we use up without really realising it.

Sounds fabulous Christine, I think everything tastes better in a warmer climate. At least while you were pulling out the corn you were burning a few more calories! What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?

If you can quit smoking then I’d say you have a good chance of being able to stick to a healthy eating plan and sorting out the diabetes. Good luck.

Thanks orchid for the info.

B – Fage Greek yog plus stewed rhubarb and seeds
L – smoked Mackerel, salad leaves, avocado cucumber
D – squid stir fry with broccoli and leeks, mushrooms and salad leaves.
Snacks – nuts, cheese, oatcake

Hi Judith,
It feels so good to be happier in my skin, hears to the next 1stone 9 lbs!
Christine

Hi CallMeDeb
Great loss. Now I’d have dunked the biscuits in cocoa!
My mum kept her purse in the fridge?

Get your own back & make dad cauliflower pizza! Go to : cleananddelicious.com Danni spies cauliflower pizza
And the Force be with you young Skywalker. ( not out here yet, boo)
Eureka

Hi Janet
Just got back after an hours walk, I actually had fillet steak and salad! It was succulent the only down side was the salad had loads of corn and I don’t like it, it took ages to take them out of the salad, I was going to have salmon, will have that another night.
Christine

Thanks Hashimoto, very helpful. Have also looked at the Forums showing “what I ate today”. Lots of tips there, also looked at recipes, might try some of the flatbreads. Been having the no carb ploughman’s, that is really nice.

Hi Lisa! Stick with it ! I am at the end of week 8 and have lost a stone and 6 pounds, I feel a lot better than I did 8 weeks ago. If you stick to it you see very quick results believe me – 4lbs for me in the first few days. I don’t feel like I am dieting – and I know dieting really doesn’t work at all. You need to change what you eat and that’s the brilliant thing as the food you can eat is good stuff! I keep waiting for the motivation to die off a bit but it doesn’t because I feel the difference all the time – fitter, more energy – my cheekbones have reappeared after years….. So go for it – and best wishes! Daria

Thanks everyone! This is working for me so I am inclined to stick with it a while longer but I will have a good look round the other topics on here and see what others do after passing 8 weeks.

Good luck, LROK.

Ketosis is when you are burning fat rather than carbs or protein. As such, its the holy grail for us dieters. You do it by keeping your carbs low and your protein at moderate level (rather than a high level). A few of us are using ketostix now which tell you if you are in ketosis or not. You can get them from supermarket chemists and Amazon

Deb,
I love “Food Blackout”
Before BSD that was me.
I remember being in the car heading towards a friend’s house for dinner.
I was about 20mins away when I just “had” to have a Cornish Pasty.
I knew I was about to be very well fed and yet somehow all my reason and commonsense just “blacked out” and before I knew where I was I’d eaten a large pasty. They actually had small ones but it had to be large.
Sadly it wasn’t a rare sort of occurrence but now I’m on low carbs the cravings have virtually gone. If I fancy a carb snack now, I easily make do with a 15kCal savoury biscuit.
John

B – yoghurt with 2 passion fruit

L – home made tomato soup and a slice of ham

D – chilli (like the one in the book, but I add peppers and don’t have yoghurt on top)

I’d advise against eating the mercury, even if it is low carb …