Latest forum posts

  • posted by  orchid on 800 calories a day is really hard!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    I use an app on my PC that I have had for a while – Fitness Assistant (x3msoftware). It has a lot of pre-programmed foods – so standard things like carrots, onions etc are already in there. There are also processed foods, but mainly American brands. I put in the ones I buy in the UK myself – it is a pain to begin with, but you soon have your regular shopping list in there. It also holds weight and any training etc.
    Others use apps on their phones – they would have to give you the details as I have not explored them as what I have works for me.
    It would also be very easy to set up a spreadsheet with the foods you use regularly. The supermarkets who do online shopping are now keeping the food information along with the food. You don’t need to be logged on or use the online shopper, just type in the product and you will get the carbs and calories under the description. you can certainly do that quickly for one of your days last week to get an idea of what you had and then plan the future according to what you find.
    Hopefully some others can advise on the phone apps.

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

    help!!!!!!!! finished my eight weeks about three weeks ago felt really good blood readings were really good but now I am starting to undo all my good work with mindless eating lots of carbs sugar etc why? need to go back to square one – tomorrow will be a new start ( i hope) just need some ideas of how to pick it up again any little grain of encouragement would be greatly appreciated just feeling sorry and (annoyed) for myself thanks in anticipation

  • posted by  Kathy54 on Rising Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    I am near the end of week 2 and the weight lose is 6lbs. I have now brought a BS monitor as I have been told by my GP that I don’t have to monitor my BS as I am on Metformin.

    First reading yesterday about an hour before I had dinner (under 800 calls and under 50g of carbs for the day). Reading was 6.0, did a reading 2 hours after dinner 7.3, reading when I got up this morning 8.2.

    Two days ago I halved my Metformin and do not feel any different.

    As I have never monitored previously I will do from now on.

  • posted by  DeeMac on Need a diet buddy
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Izmoll1,
    I would ease my medical concerns first before actually starting the diet. Try to get as much professional advice as you can be it from pharmacists, other doctors & nurses. I know what you mean about not much comment from your doctor because mine is the same way.

    After all that’s said I would start by just cutting down on carbs & increasing greens. I don’t weigh spinach, kale, cucumbers, sprouts, lettuce, broccolli, cauliflower & pile them on my plate. Unfortunately my tummy can only digest so much fiber, with my wild rice & quinoa, so I have to process/blend my veggies for easy digestion. All the best to you.

  • posted by  Alanhypno on First day on the diet ,here I gooooo
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Like nuts but are high in calories soooo I got bowl peanuts in their shells they’re a pain to eat but makes you eat em slower and as they’re dry I’ve got a pint of water
    Nutritious snack and the fluids too wow and only my first day,this is so easy
    Ha yeh not really .

  • posted by  Fatty on Rising Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Well… I did it… I halved my morning metformin… and my pre praedials are lower than ever… WT???…. I am wondering if Metformin actually does anything to my body at all… I get no side effects…. maybe I have just been swallowing money all these years for nothing. My endo told me a good walk does as much good as a metformin… – so If i drop four tablets – is that FOUR additional good walk s a day.. already cover about 12km on average… hmmmm will be interesting to see what happens next! Week five starting…

  • posted by  orchid on 800 calories a day is really hard!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi LolaF,
    It depends on what the carbs are for your 900-1000 calories. If they are 60g or lower for the day, you are probably ok. A number of folks on the 800 plan do not count calories at all, but watch portion size and count carbs only – they aim for 50g per day and are losing weight and comfortable.
    Initially I allowed myself snacks – carrots or cherry tomatoes or nuts. However, I weight that lot one day and realised how many calories I was consuming extra! After that I budgeted for ‘snacks’ in my plan for the day – I allowed 50cals and stuck to nuts or cherry tomatoes.
    The first week was the hardest for me, after that is gets easier. For your meals, if having checked the cars, you find that they are too high – check your plate size. I now have a smaller plate, so it controls portion size and if that is full – I now feel full. Also – are you still using low-fat products? If so, take a deep breath and ask for full fat next time. it keeps you full for longer.
    I used to be a snacker, but that went about week 4 – about the same time as I moved to fullfat products.
    good luck and keep on the journey.

  • I’m trying to follow the principles of the BSD – which generally include more carbs than I have been eating – in particular carb families (pulses being one of them). Their “no-carb” foods all contain a fair amount of carbs – they are just what the author considers friendly carbs. In the past, my body has not treated them as friendly carbs. I’m cautiously optimistic that the combination of 800 nutrient-rich calories and 16:8 IF is changing that!

    Last night’s experiment was a complete success. I actually was still awake at hour 3, post eating. My BG was back down to 5.17, and this morning it is 4.33.

  • posted by  orchid on Alcohol
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    I have just avoided it completely as I know the only times I ever had a craving for a fried egg and cheese sandwich at 10.30 at night was when I had had a few glasses of wine at home. For me it was not just the calories from the alcohol, but the other things I suddenly wanted or the bags of crisps and peanuts put within hands reach in the pub that I emptied. A large glass of wine and my resolve was gone.
    Not missed it at all!

  • posted by  captainlynne on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Thanks karra and orchid.

    The weight dropped quickly in the first 8 weeks – 27 pounds – then 18 pounds in the second 8 weeks. Much better than any other ‘diet’ I’ve been on ๐Ÿ˜ƒ When you’ve a lot to lose those 1-2 pounds a week the slimming clubs advise just drag on! I needed the quick start this gave me๐Ÿ˜ƒ

  • posted by  orchid on First day on the diet ,here I gooooo
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Alan, all that matters about breakfast is that you enjoyed it! If you did, you will be happy and full for longer. Almonds are also quite good to chomp on (with skins) as you cant chew them without being conscious of what you are doing! They are around 1 gram each so 3 nuts are about 20cals and just under 1g carbs.
    I agree with the psychology – this is a life-style change for us all, not a diet as that is temporary, and a plan to get to where you need to be.
    good luck

  • posted by  orchid on One week down
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Excellent start – well done, especially managing to ignore chocolate cake so early in the 8 weeks! I walk past everything now without looking at it – I even have a 1/3 eaten bar of G&B 85% chocolate sitting a few feet away from me and I see it, but it does not register on the ‘eat me’ register nowadays.

  • posted by  MerryMary on One week down
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Hi all, well I am so pleased to announce that my first week has passed and I’m more motivated than ever after weighing in on Day 7 with a weight loss of 2.9kgs!! I am hoping to lose about 8 so this is a great start. My husband and I are spending the weekend with friends at the beach and we did a beach walk at sunset which was divine and will head over there again in the morning. My work week was very hectic and my new Fitbit pedometer was recording over 12,000 steps on my 12 hr shifts days! No wonder my legs are tired at the end of a busy shift! But where I had been accepting chocolates and cake from grateful patients, last week I am very proud to say I resisted them all! And for me that is huge!! I am loving everyone’s posts here, and even though I may not have as much weight to lose as some, I need to get my overall health up to speed as I have a 4 week old grandson and just found out we have another on the way from our youngest son and his wife! So I have a lot to live for!! I am determined to kick my sugar addiction in the butt with yours and Dr Mosley’s help :-))

  • posted by  Alanhypno on First day on the diet ,here I gooooo
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Just made a really weird breakfast probably not correct but low calorie
    Kippers ,rocket,uncooked spinach,tomatoes olive oil.
    Ate at 12-30 which will make the day go by easier food wise ,out last night saying goodbye to whisky and beer !
    Got a great deal on fresh salmon so froze for another day
    I’ve also chomped some sunflower seeds but high calorie so just a few.
    Maybe an apple later but not hungry yet !!!
    I prefer to use the word plan instead of diet as I think diets are temporary ,it’s a life change for me.
    Alan 19 stone 8 pounds

  • posted by  orchid on some questions please from a veggie newbie
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Barby, either Rapeseed or Olive oil are fine for this. Longer term, you may want to have a look at the Trust me I’m a Doctor website as MM did a test that showed Olive Oil is better for the cardiovascular system of all the oils (it was part of looking at what in the Med Diet makes it good for us). I had expected Rapeseed Oil to be the same as Olive Oil, as had he! I am currently finishing off my Rapeseed Oil and when done I will replace it with Olive Oil :-).
    For full fat whatever in the curry – no reason why not so long as it keeps the meal within the range of carbs you want for that meal.
    Full fat Greek yogurt was such a revelation – it will make your next week so much easier!
    BTW Full Fat Feta cheese is a good standby to have in – crumple on top of soups or just for a mouthful of something with strong taste or in a salad – no carbs at all.
    Have fun with the new shopping list!

  • posted by  barby on some questions please from a veggie newbie
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks everyone. Wow Lauren, that is such a fantastic result, you must be so happy and feel so different! Really well done.:)

    I am just doing an supermarket order online, and am getting lemons and limes to slice and freeze.

    It is taking me ages to decide what to order, as before I didn’t cook much, and ate badly. I’m reading all the labels, and checking the recipes here for ingredients. Getting some frozen berries and cherries too, for my yogurts.

    I have been trying to do this all week, but haven’t been doing it properly, as I had all low fat stuff in house. Now ordered full fat cottage cheese, mayo butter etc.

    I may dollop some full fat cream cheese/greek yoghurt/cream into a curry or bolognaise, is that OK? seems really sinful.

    Also is it OK to cook with Rapeseed oil, as I have some? Or just olive oil.

  • posted by  Christi1948 on My eight weeks….
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Judith
    Just seen your post to Janet, thank you, Angela has re-trained as a horticulturist, however it won’t keep her and a mortgage, so she is having to fall back on her original profession, although she worked at getting people with difficult issues into work, she was brilliant at her job, however it had a devastating effect on her health, both physical and mental! So thank you for the thought
    Christine

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

    Well done captainlynne and everyone

    Just completed week 12 and still on the BSD — I have lost 45lbs. I am going to stay on the BSD with the blessing of my homeopathic doctor which I saw this week. He was very interested in BSD book and said that he will be telling his other patients about it. I also ask if I was getting a balanced diet — I was worried about my calcium intake — he said I was getting enough and that I didn’t need to take any supplements. And he’s looking forward to seeing me in three months and my progress. So here’s to the next three months!!!

  • posted by  Christi1948 on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi newlife
    I agree with you too,
    It’s the chat and support that gets me through this diet and sometimes wobbles and difficulties in other areas of my life. Cheers
    Christine

  • posted by  Christi1948 on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi cherrianne
    Loved the comment ‘that we show care and concern for others, I know that won’t change’ I think that is one of the most important parts of this forum, especially we one or other of us has a wobble! Thank you so much for the help you have given us all on this forum cheers
    Christine

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

    Well done Hashimoto,
    You are a real lightweight compared to me.
    I’m looking forward to the 16st 13lb barrier, I’m currently 17st 4lb.

  • posted by  Christi1948 on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi kags
    I agree the natter bit is just as important, as a support to us all, I would never have got to the eight week mark had it not been for Bill, Judith, Lynne, and Janet and others too numerous to name. With a bit of natter in between in got me through, and I’m still doing the 800 diet but with added incentives, like the under 50g deal and the occasional (for me) 16 hour fast.
    Good luck to you and keep on posting cheers
    Christine

  • posted by  Christi1948 on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Judith,
    Just to catch up on our natter! I went for a muddy walk yesterday before lunch with the family who are visiting, then today husband and I went on an even muddier walk, 45 mins round a big lake (although it’s called a pond?) through more woods, over bridges, and back to car, I love that walk, although it means a drive to it, it’s not far to drive, it’s just sometimes it’s not convenient if there are other factors to add in to the mix. I did a ketostix test a bit after eating yesterday, it was a pale pink, will do one today in a bit, we’ve just had lunch, I fasted from 9 pm until one today, so I hope I have lost weight in the morning I want to see the Magic number 12. Something! I have been losing ounces now for a couple of weeks, it’s coming off but slowly, very frustrating,
    How are you doing and how much have you to go yet, I have lost count of how many weeks I am since I got past the eight weeks I’ll have to make a note in my diary! When will you reach the 16 weeks mark, it seems a long way off to me at the moment.
    Cheers for now christine.

  • posted by  karra on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Wow Lynne that’s really fabulous news for you. I’m so pleased for you, you’ve worked so hard and you’ve accomplished a lot in 16 weeks. The really good thing is that it came off slower which means you have a better chance of keeping it off by continuing to do what you’re doing.

    Well done to you

    hugs
    Karra

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

    Yay Bob, great decision to join the BSD family, you won’t regret it ( well not after the first two days anyway lol, you might be a bit hungry at first).
    Read CaptainLynne’s thread over the 16 week line for inspiration, and neohdiver has posted great cholesterol reduction in the DearDiary….. thread.
    Keep posting, ask for help if you need it and you’ll get lots of support and encouragement.
    Can’t wait to be reading about your progress soon, we celebrate your successes along with you ๐Ÿ™‚

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

    Hello – Newbie checking in.
    Been on the diet a week today and lost 3.2 kg so very happy with that. The forums are all very encouraging.
    Cheers

  • posted by  lauren on some questions please from a veggie newbie
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    If you don’t like tea then hot water with lemon is a good choice, and also nice with lime for a change. A tip I’ve found useful is to slice lemons and limes and store them in the freezer. When you want a cup of tea just take a slice out, pop it in a mug, and pour on boiling water as you normally would. This means I always have some handy, and don’t end up with shrivelled / mouldy half eaten lemons in my fridge!

    This plan definitely works fine if you’re vegetarian (I’m not technically a veggie anymore but haven’t eaten any meat or fish since starting). I haven’t based my meals on recipes in the book but instead apply the principles to foods that I enjoy, and as you mentioned find that cooking everything from scratch is definitely the best way to get the most enjoyment and nutrition out of your daily allowance. This is day 13 for me and on my mid-week scales check I had lost exactly 1 stone in 10 days ๐Ÿ™‚ so stick with it, this really works!

  • posted by  FoFi on Alcohol
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    I am returning this diet after 10 days off and I put on at least 1kg over 10 days and I am blaming alcohol. It wasn’t particularly that I drank that many calories (though all wine calories were obviously in addition to everything eaten), but I continued to eat cheese from the cheese board even though I wasn’t particularly hungry. I have at least 4 maybe 5 more weeks of Fast800 and all of it will be alcohol free.

  • posted by  Cherrianne on book difference
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Judith try saying it quickly with an Aussie accent! Can you hear it now? Eggnishner becomes air conditioner, Emma chiset becomes how much is it!!!
    Practice, practice and practice again or no one will understand you when you get here lol ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

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

    Hello captainlynne,
    thank you, very kind of you. I have just downloaded the 8 week blood sugar book for kindle… wish me luck, I’m going in!
    Bob

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

    Hi Bob and welcome

    As Cherrianne says, there are folk on here who have reduced their cholesterol on the BSD. Go for it, it works๐Ÿ˜ƒ

  • posted by  SOS on Constipation
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    There”s a good explanation on the reddit site about how fewer carbs = fewer poos. Every 3/4 days is fine. I have tried several times to share the link here but my infuriating tablet won’the let me. Google reddit fewer poops!

  • posted by  captainlynne on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Thanks Cherrianne. Strangely enough it was a six year old that gave me a bad back๐Ÿ˜ณ

    Was bent over hugging the twins when G lifted her feet off the floor and my back went. A few months later, before it was ok, I fell and apparently damaged a muscle running across my back from hip to hip๐Ÿ˜ฑ Unfortunately it’s never been really right since do I do have to be careful.

    All because of a six year old!

    But a good point that you make. I’d never thought about permanently carrying a small child around with me๐Ÿ˜ฑ

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

    That is great news Cherrianne, thank you for responding to me, I appreciate it. I will now search for the book and let you all know how I progress. I have already gone from 17 stone 4 pounds to (today) 15 stone 4- 3/4 pounds… the issue at the moment is I appear to be losing weight from my legs, arms and a couple of chins… but still maintain a too large a stomach. As I say I will keep in touch with the thread now I am committed to taking the diet forward.

  • posted by  DJDAussie on Calorie / Carb counters
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Brightspark, well done on your weight loss so far…it’s exciting isn’t it? I use myfitnesspal and I think so do lots of others as well. It’s a free app and you can search for food by name or enter ingredients to make your own recipes. It also logs your exercise. Good luck with it all. D โ˜บ

  • posted by  Cherrianne on Help! What am I doing Wrong???
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Karra that is great progress that you aren’t getting the nasty hypo feelings. I admire you for sticking with it despite seeing no movement on your scales yet.
    If your body shape is changing there’s definitely something happening. Loved ones can often see it before we can so your hubby would be right ๐Ÿ™‚

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

    Hi Bob, welcome to the forum.
    Many people have found that going low carb is the key to lower cholesterol. Michael has given examples in the book.
    My Mum was doing the fast 800 with me and her cholesterol is low enough now not to need statins. She had cardiac complications caused by the diabetes and was told that diet alone could only lower cholesterol by 10%. Well she certainly busted that myth!
    So the short answer is just do it, solve two problems with one diet.
    You will get lots of help from forum members, just ask ๐Ÿ™‚ because we have members across the globe there is nearly always someone around.

  • posted by  orchid on some questions please from a veggie newbie
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Barby,
    The easiest thing when out is sparkling water and ask for it with a slice of lemon. I would avoid the low cal drinks as they have ‘alternative’ sweeteners in them that are probably adding to our problems. Soda water would be fine with lemon.
    For tea – I found the rooibos tea was a strong enough taste (no milk) to replace normal tea. Also I like lemon and ginger tea – again it had a strong taste. If you don’t like ‘teas’ in general then I need to do a bit more thinking ๐Ÿ™‚

  • posted by  Cherrianne on Over the 16-week line
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Lynne, those results are absolutely gobsmackingly amazing!! I knew you had done really well, but when it’s set out like that with your measurements and weight loss, BMI etc, it’s just fantastic.
    Your weight loss is almost the equivalent of my youngest child! Did you ever imagine you were carrying a six year old around all day everyday?
    You are a great example of what the BSD and some good old fashioned determination can do to transform your health. Well done you ๐Ÿ™‚

  • posted by  LolaF on 800 calories a day is really hard!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi All
    I’ve just started on the BSD, done it for 5 days now and actually I’ve found that mostly I end up eating between 900-1000 calories a day, mainly because I like a little snack or two throughout the day. Do you think this is OK? Or should I cut back on meal calories so that I can have the snacks?
    Thanks
    Lola F

  • posted by  karra on Help! What am I doing Wrong???
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hey Meredex, we seem to be the exception to the rule don’t we!! Well I’m starting Day 16, and still no weight loss, not even an ounce, so I can only attribute it to toning the muscles through my exercising and as muscle weighs more it’s keeping my weight at the same each day unless I’m just a real oddball. My husband says that I am looking better, and I’m developing a proper waistline and I did feel that muscle the other day, so I’m going with that theory. Unfortunately I’m still not in ketosis, but after reading another website explaining ketosis, I’m not sure if being in Ketosis is a good or bad thing. Too much reading me thinks.
    Are you exercising at all while doing this diet? If so, maybe you’re like me and toning those muscles and eventually that fat will burn off as well, cause I certainly don’t want to end up muscular…lol

    Keep me updated on what you’re doing re exercise, and everything else. BTW my blood sugar reading this morning was 5.5 and no ill effects and was 5.8 last night.

    hugs
    Karra

  • posted by  Brightspark on Calorie / Carb counters
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi all
    I started the BSD about 2 weeks ago and have lost 11 lbs (5kg) and feel great. The aches and pains I used to wake with have gone along with the weight. I can’t believe how easy I’m finding it and how amazing I feel. Who knew you could have so much more energy by eating less…!
    I’m doing the 800 BSD because my GP told me I was close to being diabetic at 14st 8lbs and 5’5″ with BMI 33.
    Husband is also overweight but can’t quite manage to kick the cereal and brown bread but is eating the meals I prepare from the book and not snacking. He’s lost about 7 lbs so is quite pleased with himself!
    I’m quite a good and imaginative cook and don’t want to be a diet bore but would like an accurate and easy to use cal/carb counter app.
    Any suggestions and recommendations?
    Brightspark x

  • posted by  barby on some questions please from a veggie newbie
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hello again, I have more questions please?

    What do you drink when socialising in the pub? I don’t go that often. I used to enjoy a bitter shandy but I know that’s out.

    Diet coke not good re sweeteners. I assume to have soda with a dash of lime. Is the only option fizzy water with lemon or lime slice?

    Also, I’m trying to find a hot drink I like. I do have black coffee, but not all the time. I don’t like tea.

    I am trying hot water with lemon slices.

    I was wondering about getting some PLJ pure lemon juice, or even one of the Jif lemons, for when I run out of fresh lemons.

    Also I just found a recipe for chick pea fritters which sounds nice, when I get some chickpea flour.

    1 cup chickpea flour
    1 cup water
    Chopped half onion
    Chopped inch of ginger
    Half tsp cumin
    Pinch chilli
    Mix ingredients to smooth paste. Leave to stand and then fry as for small pancakes.

    Thanks