Thanks everyone! There’s nothing I love reading more than other people doing great. Thank you all for the encouragement! I have always been in favour of low carb, and know that fat is not the enemy so this really suits with where my mind is at which is why I think I feel so motivated for the first time in ages! I’ve never counted calories while doing low carb, ever. So this is a little new to me but I need to see results fast otherwise I lose attention REALLY quick.

I have even been walking up the stairs to work! Never done that in this building before. I work in one of the highest buildings in London – luckily I’m only on the 7th floor lol! It was reading that MM worked on 7th floor of his London building that made me think I should be doing it too! I feel like my heart is going to punch its way out of my chest by the time I get to the 7th floor but am glad I’m finally doing a bit of activity!

I’m going to weigh myself on a Sunday morning and will let you all know how I do. I really hope I do as well as you all seem to be doing. So happy for you all 🙂

Hi Hawkes, I am doing the 800 last year I did 5.2 with good success until I went to Italy & the UK for 6 weeks, (carb heaven) then it was Christmas so time to give it another go kicking starting with the 800 for 8 weeks have 10 days on The Sunshine Coast in August so would like to drop at least 5 kgs keeping my goals small and achievable
Currently I am just getting enough walking in, I do have a dog but he is 13 and blind small and fluffy LOL but I am going to get the bike out of the garage and learn to ride it,………I brought it 3 years ago to going riding with my husband rode it twice.
You have done very well with you BMI droppin so much, I like cooking so enjoying the challenge of no carbs and 400 cl dinners
I have a Big Green Egg BBQ which is fantastic for roasting tomatoes, peppers & even cauliflowers

Lucia is back in da house !!!
well done hun and you know, you’re so right, scales, meters etc are only there to reassure us that we are doing it right.
If you have the confidence to just go for it (and you have it in bucket loads) and do it right, they aren’t necessary are they, you already know the right foods and after this amount of time, your portion control will be spot on.
Don’t let me hear you calling yourself the fat girl ever again, you are now the motivated young woman with a definite goal in life that you are going to attain come hell or high water 😀 and that’s how I think of you.

Hi Zendo
at the moment I’m staying on the fast 800 until I lose another 1 stone 2 pounds to get me to my first target of 13.5 stones, then, probably the 5:2 to get the last 1 to 1.5 stones off and a final weight of 12 to 12.5 stones. I started at 16 .9 so I’m delighted.

Hello Bill,

Great news. What was your diet after the 8 weeks?

Hello Lisa,

Try raspberries… The sugar content is low like blueberries… Both are expensive here but worth it if it they can be afforded…

Ive been on this plan for all of 3 days……so far so good and surprisingly havnt been hungry or craving chocolate. However, I have discovered I HATE Blueberries….yuk…..what can I have instead?

That’s brilliant news Brightspark, another professional showing interest.
The more of us that show up at the doc’s with these kind of results, the faster the word will get out.
Let the revolution begin! (Looks around nervously in case the internet police pick up on that statement) 😉

Thanks Bill,

Yes the HbA1c was 10% lower than last time. My Statins have been reduced and I am very happy about it. With a more switched on doctor I could be on less medication I believe. Where do I find a more alert doctor?

Hi Jimnz
Yes no problem locatng you. An earthquake I see in Masterton. I live part of every year in another windy place ( hot air from politcians mainly) but at the moment looking at snowy peaks in a mountainous part of France. Trying to escape NZ winter, but copped European winter instead.

Good place to concentrate on BSD though as we are far from temptations here.

Soup day yesterday and weight down 300g. Now on BSD for a week and 900g down (6000 calories deficit total – spot on average 900 cals/day)

Almost time for annual blood tests for a range of things!

Another big lesson, is,
I have hung in there,
Worked through it,
And come back.

and got a big welcome back.

So if anyone reading this, is not joining because they might fall down, read my private thoughts. I am sure people can relate to how I feel.
If I was perfect, the bees knees, I would be a size ten.

I have had a little bit of faulty wiring.
I have an electricians manual, I am able to turn the bad power off, I have the tools to move the wires, I have the knowledge on how to do it, and I am able to turn the good power on.
Like all electricians, it will take some time, not a two minute job.

Oh, and the pencil behind my ear to write notes down is this wonderful blog.

Now, what can I use to compare, when they take a large breath before they give you a frightening price……. Anticipation…. Stepping on the scales. Ha, ha, ha,

Oh, and there is always an assistant to mash the tea, that’s you lot, each and everyone of you.
Xxxxx

Must get back to work, ssshhhhh

Love Lucia
Xxxx

Well done Zendo and good luck with the Hba1c results. My blood tests were taken just 4 weeks in so I wasn’t expecting miracles but I was downgraded to pre diabetic status with normal cholesterol levels and that was after stopping the Exanatide injections and cutting the metformin dose in half. I’m now off meds altogether after just 10 weeks and my sugar levels are stabilising into the normal range. Oh yeah, I lost 2 stones as well 🙂
This lifestyle works, of that there is now no doubt, just stick with it and the results will come.

Oh and yesterday I left my Fitbit pedometer at home charging. So I walked my usual route.

I was worried that I am the fat girl, happy on the outside, alone and crying in the inside.

I read people being so professional about bs800, so technically accurate.
I write these comments for me, as I am a little dim, a little slow to get the gist of things.
So what if I am on the chapter behind everyone else, at least I have the book open and I am into it.

I weighed myself this morning to see what damage I had done yesterday.

Today, all is much brighter. Even though it is raining.
I can do this without scales, pedometers, menus, carb charts. BUT having those things can fine tune your diet.

I think the most important four words I have written so far, and they are a little hidden in my text.

I can do this. I can do this.

Anyway,
Apple and yoghurt breakfast.
Chicken and salad lunch
Chicken and green veggies tonight.

Love Lucia
Xrxxx

Had us worried miss L, I’m pleased you’re ok and 3 pounds gone too!
Yeah get the ball out, my boys are no softy professional footballers, they can play!
Seriously, glad to see you have your head straight again, so you had a day off, you have the rest of your life in front of you so forget it. 🙂

Thanks for the replies, very helpful and what I’d been doing. It’s great to be able to check with other people.
Visited my GP yesterday who was amazed and pleased at my progress. I took a copy of the book and she took the details – she’s going to recommend it to patients who are prediabetic or type 2.

Hi Desperate, Depending on how rural you are, IF the town where you do your shopping has an IGA supermarket you could ask them to buy in coconut flour and gram flour. IGA has a great reputation for getting all sorts of foods in that are ‘rare’. However, if you are so isolated that you rely on planes for food delivery I’m out of ideas.

Greetings to other New Zealanders from 60 km north of the shaky capital. It was quite a jolt this morning in the high rise I work in!

I am here for weight loss and do not have diabetes. I am just ending day 6 of the 800 calorie Blood Sugar diet and feeling quite content. I work well with boundaries and not too many choices, and I love the foods “prescribed.” Cheese, olives, full fat yogurt, I cannot complain, even when portion controlled:-) 2 kilos off so feeling encouraged.

There is not a lot of spare time in my life but I do appreciate the availability of such a helpful forum as this one seems to be and look forward to hearing further about how folks are managing this new way of eating.

Lucia it’s so lovely to hear that you are fine! And 3lbs lost! Go girl xxxx

Hi Lucia, Welcome back! You’re such an inspiration. Obviously your ’24 hours time out’ is exactly what you needed – and you lost 3 lbs – the BSD is becoming a habit for you. I can’t wait to get there too.

Thanks for the support. Week 2 Day 1. Back on track. Re-reading Michael’s book and the forum posts and have renewed my motivation. I will try and use recipes from the book this week and see how I go. I think of food constantly and hope this passes. Day off today and I find it harder at home – much easier when I’m busy at work.
I hope to report a bigger loss at the end of week 2 but -1.3kg in week 1 is a step in the right direction.
Lea

So glad to hear from you Lucia! Really missed you! Great news about your weight loss too. But the best news is having you back 😊

Morning everyone,
I have popped out just to give you a quick blog.
For 24 hours, I have said sod it, I am giving myself a break, just 24 hours.
I didn’t weigh everything on the scales, I just did it by eye.
I didn’t kill myself counting carbs, trying to look them up, I just guessed.
But I ate the right things.

I am here now, back on track.

What did I get from the 24 hours relaxed ?

I calmed my mind.

Oh and I lost three pounds
🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝

So if you wind yourself up like I did, give yourself time to breath. Stop sweating the small stuff.
See the big picture.
I am very, very very grateful for everyone’s kind words, I needed them.
Got to go back to my office.
Love Lucia
Xxx
Oh, can the boys come around at 9pm tonight, I will be home from work tonight, thanks bill 1954. Hope to use them for puddle splashing, hoping to burn more calories doing fun activities with them. You did say boys not men.
May find the tennis ball and have a go at football with them too.
⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

Hi Desperate! You are doing really well😊
In answer to your question about post 8 weeks, I am still low carb having started mid December and feel great and look better and cannot see myself going back to the old way of eating. Losing weight slower now as I am eating more but am 12 kilos down and continuing.
The recipe for the gram flour flat breads is on the recipe section.
Keep up the good work!

Happy birthday Christine!! 🙂

Hi first thing morning I am 9.5 but my wife who isn’t diabetic was 8.0
I believe normal range is from 4 to 6 ?
Maybe everyone’s is high in morning,but what do I know

What’s a perfect score for morning and later in day folks

Alan (newbie )thanks to all here

Penny, you’re a genius! A longer paint brush would be a good idea! When I sit it has to be on something which keeps my knee at a perfect right angle but a longer paint brush will make the job much easier 🙂

Eureka,
Thanks for the Leptin info
John

Thanks Hashimoto and Cherrianne for your encouragement. Losing weight after trying so many diets without success including the 5:2 is the best encouragement ever. 4 kilos down now. And not having sugar cravings after my evening meal and wine is fantastic.

Hashimoto these are great tips. I like the bacon, egg and tomato idea. I too use coconut oil but have not used coconut flour and like you love nuts and seeds AND chick peas.I tried the beetroot falafels the other day, loved them but they were a bit crumbly. What are gram flour flatbreads? I am in rural Australia and don’t think I have noticed those on the supermarket shelves.

I like dirt for diet….perhaps that is where diet belongs in the dirt. This is my new way of eating and being.

Am interested to hear from those of you who have completed 8 weeks as to how you are managing now. Is avoiding carbs and sugar a lifelong thing now?

Hi boomboom
I’m in Chch too, but not in the urban area. Congratulations on the weight loss so far, and the exercise achievements.
Tomato soups are a great idea: easy to prepare, eat, and to get plenty of those tomatoes as recommended in the Med diet.
Are you doing the 800 diet?
It’s definitely that time of year: early mornings and evenings are getting a lot less welcoming. I have to admit my walk was cut short because of the rain, today.
I have a dog, which is great when walking on your own in the dark. If you don’t have one, do you know anyone nearby with a dog? Very few dogs complain about extra walks, and their enthusiasm is encouraging. Because I can safely walk mine off the lead here, she is always running ahead, then back, looking at me from around each corner with a cock to her head as if to say, “Are you coming? Hurry up! Off we go!”

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