thanks for the advice , i have been enjoying instant porridge with fresh blueberries in for breakfast so i may change to eggs on a few mornings and fruit with yogurt on other days.

Cherrianne – thanks for the info on the Fit Bit – and there was me thinking it was a toyboy!

CallMeDeb – I suppose you’re right about the bacon sarnie – trouble is, the alternative is a tailored leather jacket which is going to cost me a lot more. Ho-hum. Has your Fit Bit arrived yet?

John

i do really enjoy potato salad and pasta with pesto on but i do feel motivated and realise that they are not good for me . Thanks for the help .

Hi julia18togo
Tell your daughter that hair grows, it will soon change and she can try another style, good luck
Christine

Hashimoto -yes they are disgusting – the packaging they come in tastes nicer!

kirstyvic

Welcome to your journey. I am at a similar stage. For breakfasts, I have been eating eggs with either grilled mushroom or grilled tomato. That is enough for me.
For scrambled egg, I put break one egg into a bowl, add some parsley, a spoonful of cottage cheese, pinch of salt, grind of black pepper, tablespoon of milk, and, sometimes, half a teaspoon of garlic powder. I use one of those stick blenders to blitz it all and then pop it into the microwave for a series of 20 second bursts. On other occasions, I vary the process and make the mixture into an omelette
Meanwhile, I take a portobello mushroom, add a splash of olive oil in the cavity where the stalk was, season it and place it under the grill. For variation, a tomato, sliced in half can be used in place off the mushroom.
Eaten slowly, I find this is a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Keep up the progress my new friend.

Jim

John when you say ‘threw out’ I hope you mean you gave to charity?

Can’t believe what I have just seen in the advert break! A firm selling ready meal for the 5:2 diet! Disgusting 🙁

Why
Do I feel bit shaky over three hours after a meal ?

And will this plan which I’m starting next week avoid the shakes eating so little ?
Many many thanks Alan

Threw out loads of clothes yesterday.
Trouble is, when one’s wanting to lose more weight, there’s no point spending a lot on new, so I went to our nearest “Outlet Village” and stocked up.
1 new whistle, a pair of bags and a 15 1/2 collar shirt all for £130
Didn’t have much choice really – I go for a 1 mile walk round town before going to work, and my trousers were in severe danger of falling down this morning. I can’t wear a belt for fear of damaging clients’ pianos with the buckle.
Onwards and downwards
John

They made a new version of the man from u.n.c.l.e last year for the big screen with Henry Cavill (divine – totally unreal jawline) who is also in batman vs superman. Both great films. Going to the pictures is one of my non-food rewards.

Welcome kirstyvic,

If you like eggs, then pretty much anyway you like of those for breakfast. Smoked salmon and poached eggs. bacon rashers, egg, grilled tomato, mushrooms. Frittata to take for lunch. The possibilities are endless. There are loads of recipes on here. For me, I’ve not used any in the book at all. I tend to use my own recipes adapted for the BSD,

Christi,
I ride a bike, rather than being a proper “cyclist.” Definitely no lycra yet.
I’ve recently returned to cycling after a 30 year break and am really enjoying it.
I only go out at weekends, but try to do 10-20 mile rides Sat and Sun.
Saturdays I go up the Mendips (the weight loss is helping there) and Sundays I just pootle around the Somerset Levels.
My main bike is a folding Brompton, so on Saturdays I try to cycle to somewhere where there’s a bus – and after coffee and a cake (sorry, but there’s no point cycling without cake) I just fold up the bike, fish out my bus pass and hop on a bus home.
Trying to sort out my 1981 Raleigh Record Ace (proper bike) but having to sort the gears out – we were much tougher 30 years ago and wound up enormous bottom gears – just can’t handle that any more.
I don’t go abroad at the moment, but would love to see the TDF in the flesh – the French are so passionate about bikes.
You don’t say that you ride – is that a “treat” to come?
John

I’d give my eye teeth for 18C. 🙁

I can’t hep directly but I wonder if it would be worth having a look at a website called dietdoctor.com. It recommends a low carb diet for people with type 2 so there might be some advice on there for you.

My best hints:

1. You’re going to mess up. You’re human. It will be okay as long as you don’t let it defeat you in the long run. Every minute is an opportunity for a fresh start. You are worth going on this journey – never forget that.

2. Reward yourself with non-food items when you reach a milestone (see my profile for mine as examples),

3. DRINK WATER. It helps with the carb cravings and it fills you up.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The people on this forum are amazing human beings, I learn from them every day.

Welcome and Happy Journey!

Deb

Summer’s come early here. Was 33°C today – sounds hot, but it was really nice. Shame it’s going to be ONLY 18°C on Sunday 🙁

Hi funkydoofamily
I would definitely recommend at least two litres of water a day (and not any liquids with sweeteners in them). Also try to get your carbs down to 50g or below. You would probably do that just by substituting your porridge for eggs or yoghurt. You can even have more than 800 calories as long as your carbs are low. And thirdly, get more fat in your diet, full fat yoghurt, butter for cooking eggs, olive oil on your veg/salad, that sort of thing. I love my ketostix too.

Welcome kirstyvic

I wonder if all the ‘wrong’ things you added to salads were actually all the right things. If you are taking about mayonnaise or salad dressings – good news! You can have those things on this programme. Tell us what things you would normally have and I bet you can probably have them, its the carbs like pasta, potatoes and bread you need to ditch.

I’ve been on the Fast 800 for 6 days and I tested my urine for keytones last night and they were VERY high. I’m a type 2 and I’ve always thought that high keytones could lead to KETOACIDOSIS and diabetc coma. I’m very worried. Is this a side affect if the diet? They were fine when I started.

Hi Barby

I can’t answer all your questions but I’ll have a go at a few of them. Your chickpeas will last a few days once open but also I make a courgette and chickpea soup with an onion, thats very nice.

I would advise against your squash, it does have a lot of sweeteners which aren’t good for us. Your carrot won’t really be a problem but try to go for veg grown above the ground rather than below – they tend to be starchier like potatoes, that said, no one ever really got fat eating carrots.

Salad dressing – go full fat everything. Yoghurt, mayonnaise, dressings, milk, butter. Going over 800 a day isn’t necessarily a problem, depends how many you do over and how many carbs you are having. People tend to aim for 50g of carbs a day.

Exercise – Dr Mosley was on the radio the other day and he said diet and exercise are like batman and robin. They make a good team but its batman (diet) who really does all the work. So get what exercise you can but its really the change to your diet that will make the biggest difference.

looking forward to starting my BSD 800 journey on Monday. Bought the book today and taking a few days to get my head round the plan and do some shopping tomorrow in preparation. Back to work on Monday as well , having had 2 weeks off so will be more focused . i have about 56 pounds to lose and hoping this plan will give me a quick boost. I need some easy and filling breakfast ideas as im not a fan of smoothies first thing in the morning,and some interesting lunches that i can pack for work – i am not a big lover of just a bowl of salad so usually add all the wrong things to it to make it enjoyable and satisfying. looking forward to some ideas and hearing your success stories. Thanks

Julia and Lynne – sun?? what is that?? I thought there was a ‘quiet’ spell to go and collect my script and pick up some things from Sainsburys. The Hail! The thunder and lightning! I got my ticket out the machine and it was a sodden limp thing by the time I shoved it in my purse. I didn’t think the shop would accept it. I was like a drowned rat and my coat and scarf are still wet! 🙁

Oh yes alan! I often have it. medium egg = 66 calories, large egg 78 calories, hardly any carbs, 2 slices of bacon 127 calories and 0 carbs!! A lovely meal with grilled tomatoes or fried mushrooms!!! plus oil if you fry your egg. A medium tomato is 22 calories and 4.82g carbs. 2 oz Mushrooms is 12 calories and 0.93 g carbs.

Depends how you mix it – 2 medium eggs (poached) = 132 cals, 2 slices of bacon = 127 and a medium tomato is 22 cals. Giving you a total of 281 calories for the meal for about 5.5g carbs. If you fry your eggs add 40 cals no carbs for the oil!

See, this diet isn’t too bad at all! 🙂
Hope you enjoy it when you have it!

No problem. It’s amazing actually how big a part the water plays in this diet! Keep us posted 🙂

Hi I’m new and just trying to work out what to eat, as I’m veggie. I haven’t bought the book so far, as I heard it was aimed at meat eaters. Is it still worth me getting it? I’d be really grateful if you can give me guidance on some questions I have :

I am aiming at 800 cals per day for 8 weeks, and cutting out white bread/rice/pasta/sugar/potatoes. Drinking lots of water.

I have a lot of weight to lose – it would be great if I could lose 2 pounds per week. I am very inactive, so will start with walking fast as possible.

Some here seem to be sticking to really low carb, but I’ve not been able to stick to that in past being veggie, I find it too boring and hard when you don’t really want to cook from scratch all the time. I understand Michael is not quite so strict re carbs? I realise it isn’t just about only having 800 cals, but also what types of food you eat.

Can I eat some carrot, grated in salad etc. I think mainly I have to stick to veg grown above ground.

Plus own museli with jumbo nuts/nuts/seeds (weighed out).

I like Pizza Express low cal salad dressing – is that OK?

I used to drink Robinsons lemon squash hot, I know it has sweeteners so should I avoid even tho it is low cal? I suppose it’s still giving me a taste for sweet things?

I have been having 1 slimfast ready shake per day, I find it so useful at work or when out. It has 220 cals and 21.6 carbs (18.30 sugar). I also have a high protein shake Diet Fuel, which is a lot lower in carbs but not so convenient.

I’m planning on getting protein from eggs/cottage cheese/cheese/pulses /shakes + occasionally quorn mince.

If one day I eat out and have some higher carb items but still under 800, I assume that might affect my weight loss?

One more question – I open a large tin of chick peas and don’t use many in a salad – what do you do with them? Freeze, make another dish, keep in fridge for a day or so.

If you can help at all, thanks very much.

Julia – keeps chucking it down here, near Durham. Rain, hail and sun😱

So many of us remember David McCallum as Ilya Kuryakin😃

In NCIS Gibbs was asked what Ducky (David McCallum) looked like when he was younger, and the answer was ‘Ilya Kuryakin’. 😃

Bacon egg and tomatoes please tell me this is legal ?????
Is bacon allowed ?
I start next week so this is interesting ,lots ,how many calories in that lot ??
Thanks Alan

Hi Alanhypno,
I use an app to keep track and it works out carbs, cal, protein and fat etc for me.
I use ‘The Australian Easy Diet Diary’ it’s for Apple devices only, and people in the UK have been able to download it. I think someone said they googled it and came up with a link to it.
If you don’t have an iPad or iPhone then I’ve seen mention of other apps on here but haven’t really noted their names, sorry, cos I’m happy with the one I use.

Thank you. Will try the sticks you mention. I guess I just assumed that consistently having 800 calories would shift the weight, even if there was a excess of carbs on some occasions. On some days I drink a lot more water than others but will try and up it more. Thanks again.

Hi Marcus,
The ‘feel good’ factor is a huge incentive to keep going isn’t it? You may have a few days of carb flu, as Bill says, but hang on to that feeling of well being you get from not eating a carb heavy diet. Those simple carbs drain you of energy, physically and mentally.
You do need the complex carbs that Bill and NewLife mention. Soups and stews are a great way to include them, add lentils, chick peas or beans. Make a skinny chilli or falafels. Soups and stews are good to keep on standby in the freezer to take to work, or just for those days when you’re busy and have no time, or no idea, what to cook.
You’ve made a great start, I’m sure we will be following your progress with interest so keep posting 🙂

Lucia – absolutely chucking it down in Edinburgh. Really doesn’t help the mood, but to borrow a well used phrase on these forums, onwards and upwards☺

About to improve things by escaping from Colditz with my husband for some food. Stress at home with exams and a haircut the daughter didn’t like and now cannot change!

Hi Funkydoofamily and welcome 🙂

The first thing that strikes me is your water intake. I found that on days when I didn’t have much water the weight loss would falter a little so I would say you need to be having upwards of 2 litres a day. Aim for 3 which I have found to be optimal.

Then theres the carbs. From what I understand (others please correct me if I’m wrong) that if the carbs are too high your body will essentially run off those instead of the fat. To test that theory try some Ketostix (available on amazon) Basically you pee on them and if they turn pink you’re in ketosis meaning your burning fat not carbs.

My starting weight was 17st 4 on 15th March and I’m now 16st. Last week weight changes were uneventful but things seem to be moving again now.

As a side note I’ve noticed that I remain the same or put on a few oz on a Monday! Still haven’t tracked down what I’m doing on a Sunday to make that happen!?!

If you have any other questions please do ask, theres lots of friendly folk with plenty more experience than me here 😀

So the sun is shining, I will break out soon.
What’s the weather been like where you are?

Couldn’t get excited over lunch so I just had an apple.

Bacon egg and tomatoes for evening meal.

Love Lucia xxxx

Hi
I’ve been on the BSD for 28 days straight. Started at 14 st 2lb and currently at 13st 8lb. Waist down to 38inches from 40. I’ve basically not lost anything since end of week 2.
I’m eating 800-900 calories each day, no potatoes, rice, pasta or bread. 1/2 litre to 1litre water a day. Tracking in my fitness pal. Porridge and yogurt for breakfast or eggs, salad with chicken or fish for lunch, chicken or fish or soup with veg for eve meal. Occasional dark chocolate for treat, don’t drink alcohol. Snacks of cheese, nuts, yogurt and berries but not often.
I’m at about 62g carbs average a day which is higher than recommended I know but my calorie count is consistently low. So any ideas why the loss has slowed and not been quite a swift as others have achieved? I’m not finding it difficult now I’m past the first few days but I’m frustrated!
Would be grateful for any tips to help me understand what tweaks I might need to make to help things further.

Hi SunnyB
Hope you have the most amazing road trip out to Turkey. I’m sure now that you are aware of what you need to avoid, you will come back having lost not only the 2.5lb to make the stone, but a lot more besides. Have a good time and good luck.
Janice

Christine, also keep your fats up as well as what Judith said. For exercise, just walking is enough to revv up the colour.

Hi Lucia, I remember Illya Kuryakin – he was my favourite and the Man from Uncle a must watch! Don’t remember him in other series, except in Colditz.

I got a pale salmon pink the morning after a glass of wine 🙁
Check your carb intake.
Other than exercise and carbs I can’t think of anything, sorry

Hi Marcus, welcome!

I like beans and pulses because protein, fibre, feel full, what’s not to like? 🙂

Added to vegetable soups/stews/curries they make a complete meal and I’m a huge fan of one-pot cooking. I’ve got some free time this weekend and I’m going to make up batches and freeze them.

I’m addicted to keto testing, its my new craze. I test any time of day, sometimes three or four times. Its great to see what even a small amount exercise does to the colour! There’s about a four hour delay from activity to change in fat burning.

Djd im salivating 🙂

Thank you everyone. Just seem to be struggling. Just focusing on the weight loss and my prize goal….run raggeded at the moment with the terrible 2’s in the littlest human….
I don’t drink caffeine/tea and sugar/carbs were my only stimulates and pick me up, was quite chronic…

Hi Judith
I have been testing with the ketostix and they are neutral or the next one up? Don’t know why or what to do, any suggestions? I am well jealous of orchid!
Christine

Thanks buddy

He he
I’ve picked up on a few words that seem to come from that area
We have friends in Wymeswold and they use expressions like mardy and such.
Up here we used to bool doon the street and coin aroond the corner 😀

Not a good day today. .although I did my best, but all 3 meals were bought. ..some days it just works out that way. ..
B – (cafe) scrambled egg, chipolattas, mushrooms, black coffee
L – (picnic) rotisserie chicken, coleslaw
D- (restaurant) chicken, mashed pumpkin, broccolini, cauliflower, walnut gravy (is the only way I can describe it – it was yummy)
I’ll be very strict with myself tomorrow.

Hi Christi1948

Yep. Rubber band Fired so as to inflict pain. Any spammers out there?
Must be Leicester slang ( my mum loved a Gadder – catapult ). Keep it handy
Eureka

Dextrose is the name of a simple sugar chemically identical to glucose (blood sugar) that is made from corn. While dextrose is used in baking products as a sweetener, it also has medical purposes. Dextrose is dissolved in solutions that are given intravenously, which can be combined with other drugs, or used to increase a person’s blood sugar. Dextrose is also available as an oral gel or tablet. Because dextrose is a “simple” sugar, the body can quickly use it for energy
People with diabetes or hypoglycemia (chronically low blood sugar) may carry dextrose gel or tablets in case their blood sugar gets too low. The gel or tablets dissolve in a person’s mouth and quickly boost blood sugar levels. If a person’s blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL and they are having low blood sugar symptoms, they may need to take the dextrose tablets. Examples of low blood sugar symptoms include weakness, confusion, sweating, and too-fast heart rate.

It isn’t the kind of stuff you want to be eating if you are T2D In fact I would avoid it if you aren’t, at the end of the day it’s still sugar 🙁