I think SunnyB has hit the nail on the head – carb withdrawal
It does go fairly quickly and most of us feel a lot better in ourselves when it does.
Put it another way, if it is carb cravings, you’re doing it right so keep going, it will get better.

Thanks so much for getting back to me. Looking forward to starting on the diet next week!

QuiQui, it’s great that you have a ‘listening’ doctor. I’m lucky that way too. I really feel for those whose doctor’s are dismissive. Oh, and I love that the neighbour has stopped commenting now you have lost so much weight!! Brilliant!

Hi barby and welcome 🙂
There are lots of us vegos on here. Have you looked at the recipe section, there are a few vegetarian recipes on there.
What sort of foods do you like to cook or eat, and are you cooking for one or more? If you give me an idea eg: spicy curries, Italian food, traditional English I can help you out. I’ve been vego since childhood and been doing the BSD for around 10 weeks ( I think, might be longer as I’ve lost count lol).
There are so many lovely people on here who are willing to help so feel free to join in on any of the threads. Ask questions, ask for help, let us know how you’re going. There’s always someone around to support you or celebrate with you. Stay in touch and let’s see how many recipe ideas come flooding in.

Hi
You can adapt it any way you wish as long as you stick to the rules.
I make a big pan of soup stew or broth at the weekends to use for lunches through the week.

Thanks everyone for the advise and support. I am about to go on a two month trip to Turkey and am a little anxious about keeping control of the diet, however, I have decided not to stress about the calories too much and to keep hold of carbs and am taking ketostix with me to keep an eye on ketosis. I am hoping that as I will be concentrating on eating more salad and such, the constipation will ease. It is still an issue right now, but I guess it is what it is and I shall just have to keep trying various things until is rights itself.

Hi and welcome 🙂

Have a look at the ‘what did you eat today’ thread to get some ideas. I think it’s fine to repeat the same meals over and over as long as they are low carb and contain fat 🙂 I have the same breakfast most days.
I haven’t followed the recipes in the book, I do my own thing, just adapting what I used to eat to make it healthier.

Thanks thebloodsugar team.

Gooismeid, great results and you still enjoyed a celebration!!!

I blamed a glass of wine for putting my weight up by a pound yesterday but today I dropped one and a half pounds. As Lucia would say, it must have been wind lol 🙂

Christine and catgirl, I’m sorry you two got hacked. There are some real lowlife out there.

Orchid I saw that age test thing as well. Fortunately for me it knocked my age back to 59 instead of 63 but that means there is room for improvement! I clicked on the tabs too!! It would be nice to knock 10 years off!! I know really they are just a bit off fun. All sorts of biological tests would have to be carried out to make them realistic. 😉

Hi! Thanks for all the reports, they are really helpful. I’ve tweaked some settings, put in a support request for the service which is supposed to be checking for spam and done a few other things which I will keep secret so people can’t work around them easily. 😉

One of the drawbacks to some of the things I’ve done is that legitimate posts might get marked as spam. If this happens to you, please email me at tech@thebloodsugardiet.com.

The site hasn’t been hacked. However, you should make sure you’re following best practice with passwords. Here are some tips on that. (Sorry for those of you getting this next bit twice…)

You should have unique, strong and long passwords for each site you use. These can be difficult to remember, so there are password managers available which remember them for you and plug into your browser to help you fill out login forms. I use 1Password, https://agilebits.com/, and LastPass, https://lastpass.com/, is also popular. The reason for this is if one site you are on gets hacked, then hackers can’t use that information to hack you on another site.

I also recommend looking at Troy Hunt’s site, have i been pwned? https://haveibeenpwned.com/, to see if your email has been involved in any of the big data breaches. Troy Hunt teaches courses on web security and has provided that site as a free service.
We aren’t affiliated with any of those, it’s just that when the topic comes up, it seems responsible to mention it.

Hello – Do people stick to the diet plan as recommended or can you cook in bulk and have the same breakfast and lunch for a few days in a row, rather than having to prepare new meals everyday?

Hi Pam1954

Come on , we all must be experts in weight training by now, we have carried enough for years! And I need a spray gun not an airbrush!

Going to try those exercise bands for some resistance work. They are portable & if that fails I’ll ‘flirt’ them at someone I’m not keen on
Eureka

Hi spenloven
This sounds to me, like carb withdrawal and although it’s not fun to go through, it will pass as your body adjusts to the new eating regime. Good that you are getting out and walking, as this helps with the feel good factor. You should find the tiredness subsides as you progress, but unfortunately I’m not aware of any quick fix.

Stick with it though, you will come out the other side and soon be feeling more vital.

Hi JillyB,
Sorry if you feel offended. The question you asked was ‘are there any good fats that are not energy dense?’
The answer is no- they are all energy dense.
However, the fats won’t take that big a chunk from your your calorie allowance, because there will be protein in there, which as you know, will fill you up. A lot if the recipes only ask for a teaspoon of oil, etc.
going back to your original post, make sure you drink lots of water. That may help with the dizziness.
4lb weight loss is great in one week. Lots if us here on the forums have had slower weight loss. Hope this helps.

Thanks for that,just looking at my subway salad bowl I think it’s all above ground stuff,lettuce onions olives tomatoes peppers cucumbers,and some chicken which is defiantly not underground around 170 calories whew…but diet cokes a no no ? !!
Thanks again Alan

Today:
B: yoghurt, berries, seeds
L: smoked salmon, mixed salad
D; half can reduced sugar baked beans with grated cheese mixed in – my new comfort food 🙂

Hi Whalleyrange,
I wouldn’t advise that you stop your statins just yet without knowing what your cholesterol level is. It’s something you should discuss with your Doctor first.
It’s not like stopping diabetes meds where you can test at home to see the effect it’s having.
Do you know what your cholesterol level was pre- diet? If you are keeping your carbs low, 50g per day or less, you will get to lower your cholesterol. I think it is worth continuing on them for a few more weeks to give yourself a bit longer to get the most benefit from the diet. You are more likely to get the go ahead from your GP with a bit more weight loss and a lower cholesterol reading.
You have made a great start though, with a fantastic weight loss after only three weeks. Your GP can’t fail to be impressed by your commitment and results 🙂

Hi Cherrianne
I was all geared to drop it this weekend until yesterday.
If things stay stable until Monday I’ll do it then
Whalleyrange check out the prices of the test strips and buy the meter that uses the cheapest ones. They all do the same job but prices vary.

Hi hashimoto

Can’t find the T 2 personal story to link to the BBC article to send my email to ? They have moved on with the news. Will try to email direct to James Gallagher health editor at BBC later. Am out now
Eureka

Hi Eureka

You’re certainly not alone! I still wonder how I am supposed to take both waist and hip measurements – they seem pretty much the same to me.
Have you noticed that pictures of people who have lost lots of weight never seem to have turkey necks? Methinks a bit of airbrushing goes on.
Seriously, I have read that the best way to keep skin supple when dieting, is weight training. Don’t know if it’s true, but I think I have to try, anyway, to make sure I don’t lose too much muscle – it isn’t just fat we lose.

Pame

Hi all
And me I’ve reported the spam too

Hi Alanhyno
As a rule of thumb try not to eat too much in the way of veggies that grow underground, as these tend to be higher in carbs, go for above ground growing veg – leafy veg are excellent. There isn’t a list of permitted foods as far as I am aware, but go for dairy, meat, poultry, fish, veggies, legume and pulses – the last two being complex carbs are much better for you than simple carbs, but best in moderation. Things to definitely avoid, anything sugary, cakes, biscuits, pastries, pasta, rice and potatoes, as these are all high in simple carbs, which spike the blood sugar and helps pile on the fat.

Hi bill1954
I keep doing this posting before I’ve finished, it’s me and this iPad!
Did you see the piece in the daily mail today? I havent read it yet just the headlines, ‘obesity crisis sends diabetes soaring by a third since 1980’ will read if I have time, got more family coming this afternoon, so chance until later or even in the morning!

Alan have a look at the recipe section of the site and the “what have you eaten today” thread
You’ll find enough tips and recipes to last you way past 8 weeks and they are all tried and tested
I don’t think even Subway could mess up a salad so should be ok

Hi Spirit

Thanks for the praise! Sometimes I do feel I should have done better, but it’s always better to look forward than look back. Like you, I did the 5:2 fast for a while but lost impetus last year.
I have decided to add fast days, along with the 800 calorie days. I had one last week and I am fasting today. Hopefully that will kick-start the weight loss again.

Pam

Hi all

Discard the carbs. Spams no good for us anyway.
Eureka

Hi I wonder if anyone could give some advice or recommendation on a reliable and accurate BS monitor. There are so many on the market with a wide range of prices. I’m insulin resistant and after 3 weeks on the plan feel its time to start monitoring my BS levels. Any help would be really appreciated.

jillyB of course fats contain calories but there has to be a trade off somewhere.
You know about how it works getting into fat burning mode so why not try what I do ?
I don’t worry about the calories, I just restrict the simple carbs and increase the fat intake.
I find now that my appetite has lessened so much that I struggle to clear a plate and I have lost 2 stones. The fat keeps me feeling full through until the next meal. I use coconut oil, olive oil, butter, cheese, and natural meat fats.
If you can get to the point where a little food will satisfy you, the calories will take care of themselves.
Best of luck

Hi Alanhypno
As Deb says, pre-packaged foods have the nutrition info on it somewhere and there are also plenty of sites that supply info for nutritional content online. I have also purchased quite a good little book from Amazon – Women’s Weekly Fat+Carb_Protein Counter. Most important is to keep an eye on carbs and try to keep them around 50g a day and try to keep around the 800cals a day and you should be fine.

>> I bought my mother, after a heart attack

I just read that as ‘I bought my mother a heart attack’.

Need coffee…

I’ve been on the 800 for a week now and I’ve just started using My Fitness Pal to track my progress. Their status shows NETT calorie intake / day … Allowable (800) + Food – Exercise

Am I allowed 800 gross or Nett calories ?

Is there any list of all foods I can eat on this plan ???
As I’m new to Mediterranean cooking I think it would make it much easier if I had a list of foods I could eat,I know there’s lots of recipes but to make my own would be easier if list available.
Just eating a subway salad bowl with chicken around 160 calories and lots veg but is it all ok to eat ?
I begin next week as I’m buying a blood test kit so I can compare before and after results !!!!
Many many thanks to all for your input,more than I’ve had from medical profession in years
Alan

Hi Christi1948

Sorry You & catgirl seemed to have been got at! Emailed the tech team this am ( like I know what I’m doing!) so do hope they can sort it all & tighten up security. We don’t want to lose you or anyone to that kind of feeble mind!

Yep it’s me x
Eureka

Hi bill1954
I have just been catching up on the forum, I have also reported these rogue posts, I am glad you reported the phone number one, I though I was going crazy when I saw them then logged out and back in and they were gone!
I hope they sort it thanks
Christine

Hi Natalie
I have reported the rogue posts, and I think others have too!

Hi everyone – thank for all the replies to my post, they really helped. Now day 4 and the headache has starting to improve. I’m taking the paracetamol and that definitely made me feel a bit better. I also took a day off work (I’m freelance so I can do this if I need to) and lay on the sofa sleeping and feeling sorry for myself – great therapy! I’ve also lost a few pounds so that’s very encouraging. Feel that the worst is over now and I’m focused to keep going.

Thanks for the tip Fran84, the cube of cheese saved me yesterday, it’s amazing how so little can be a help.

Hi barby – don’t be scared of the scales! I was and it’s now day four the same as you, I got on the scales this morning and have lost three pounds already. Hope you get the same result!

That’s good news Bill, I was hoping it was something simple like that.
You are getting so close to that non diabetic fasting blood sugar level!! Only 0.7 to go and you’ll have cracked it. You’re already there the rest of the day.
Do what Lucia does, talk to your liver! Encourage it, tell it to let go of those last stores of fat, tell it what an awesome organ it is and that you’ll never put it under such stress again 🙂
It will give a big sigh, let the last bits of fat drain away, and you’ll be under 5.9 and non diabetic….
Have you dropped the metformin altogether? Might be time to do it if you haven’t already.

Hi barby – I use the Trukish style yogurt from Lidl, which is 10% fat and very creamy. I sometimes soak a few sultanas in a flavoured tea – rose, ginger or a fruit version – then sprinkle a few into my yogurt with some mixed seeds. It’s amazing how much sweetness just a few pre-soaked sultanas can impart. I also sometimes add a little cinnamon or nutmeg.

Check out the What have you eaten today thread, where people post their menus, as there are lots of ideas on there.

Yes Bill, challenge the doctors! My neighbour I was talking about is an old style French doctor, who believes that doctors have the God-given task of looking after their patients, not give them the means to look after themselves.
I used to have a BMI of around 36 (now hovering just below30) and my own doctor never used the “O” word. he treated my slow to heal wounds, but never said that I was pre-diabetic and obese.
I am glad to find the solution myself. I feel great on this BSD with fasting.

Hi catgirl,
I watched that programme, I love any gardening show, and now Angela is with us (she has been training to be a horticulturist!) we are even more engrossed in the garden profs.

Hi Judith
Didn’t finish my post. I have has a couple of rogue posts, I think both supposed to be from catgirl, I know she hasn’t sent them, I believe the tech team has been informed?

mummytummy,

Thank you for your suggestions, but that was not quite the question I asked. I know all about carbs spiking, and good fats burning energy and being more satiated…..I have been insulin dependent T2 for many years, so I understand all that. What I wanted to know, given that fats [ good or bad ] are high in calories, so this would take a big chunk from my calorie allowance.
Regards jillyB

Hi QuiOui
Loving the attitude there.
If a few more patients were like you and challenged their GP’s they might start actually thinking about their jobs instead of just blindly following the book.
I have to say though that I have spoken to a few now who know about the benefits of low carb eating, they just don’t broadcast it.
Shameful really.

Hi, I make the brownies weekly but don’t use nibs I use cocoa powder as it makes them tastier I think, I also make the almond and fruit pudding which is lovely with yog, my family eat what I give them and believe me if they knew they were eating sugarless treats they would be shouting from the rooftops😳. If you make these things look “normal” you’ve won the battle👍

Hi Judith
The Aunty Edna special is very heavy on carbs! So I won’t be partaking unfortunately, got myself a piece of swordfish from the fish man that calls this morning so I won’t starve.

Aah, thank you Bill, you are very kind. You are well on your way to reaching your objective too! You just need to stop lowering the weight you want to get to lol 😉
Seriously though, this BSD way of life exceeds expectations doesn’t it? It does take some perseverance and occasional detective work, but to look back at where we all were and what we’ve achieved is inspiring. We are proving that diabetes needn’t be a progressive illness and that we can overcome it. I truly don’t think that those of us who’ve crossed the 8 week line would ever go back to a carb heavy diet again.
I’m proud of all of us, and treasure the friendship and support. What a great bunch you are.

Steve T- I made the meatballs with very lean beef, not lamb. It was good.

I like your reply, Bill1954, about the Diabetes questionnaire. When I started fasting, I went to my doctor to tell him about fasting. He sat me down and asked me a lot of How To questions. I said that I found my own way of solving the problem, and he said this was great. He could not offer a solution and was happy I found one ( a rare doctor).However my neighbour said he did not agree with fasting. My reply was (politely) that I was going to do it anyway. Now I am 25kg lighter, my neighbour no longer says anything.

200 and counting, only 9800 to go 😀

It’s looking like yesterday was just a blip, FBS was 6.6 this morning.
Interestingly, I had a stomach cramp yesterday followed by a sprint to the loo (reminders of Metformin moments) so I maybe had a tummy bug that was affecting things. in fact, by 6:30 last night I was back down in the 4’s 🙂

Hi Mared
Try increasing your fat intake to help your body into fat burning mode, that should help.
If I understand it correctly, your body will shed a lot of fluid in the first few days showing fast weight loss but then it will start to retain water to help flush the extra glucoze from your system, hence the plateaux.
You should see results by next week