Hello to all,

I’m new to this and not yet embarked on a programme – so far I’m thinking about my options and how I can make changes. I have a few questions about foods:

1. I get that the Mediterranean diet is meant to be healthy. HOWEVER…..Italians eat loads of pasta and pizza as well as cakes for breakfast! And those we are meant to avoid. I’m baffled and confused, especially about the pasta. Can anyone enlighten me?

2. I normally eat a breakfast of my own muesli: it’s rolled oats, with mixed seeds and nuts. No sugar, no dried fruit, just semi skimmed milk. Is that to be avoided too? Are ordinary rolled oats OK to have or need they be the jumbo type?

Any advice and thoughts welcome, please 😀

Hi olliej, sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time.

But you did low carb for 8 weeks, that’s a huge achievement and if you’ve done it once you can do it again! Tomorrow is a new day and you CAN do it.

We called it toosies in Teesside

Judith, what you said for the newbies thread sounds good to me. We’ll see what bill says.

Hi Toofastblack. I was used to going to the pub a couple times a week, but have refrained apart from one occasion when i went completely overboard! I had two vodkas at home last night, and to be honest before the plan i had a high tolerance to booze, whereas last night it was my limit. So that has got to be a good thing. The social aspect is whats bothering me, hopefully in a couple of weeks time i will have seen more results and will be able to go see my friends and have the odd one and thats it to just soda like you yourself. Bound to get ribbing from them but to be expected i suppose. At present its too much of a craving. Good luck 😀

Hi FoFi. Good luck with the rest of the plan, after my slip up with copious amounts of guiness i put on 1kg! Shocking after just one evening of excess

Hi orchid. I know what you mean by the need for something naughty after a drink. thats definitely a massive part of the decision to allow or not allow booze. Good luck to you

😀

Hello OllieJ – as Janet says, you have shown great determination + focus, you did it for 8 weeks!

What many of us are now coming to terms with is that the Med principles are a way of life, not a short-term diet fix.

Simple Carbs are poison, or, we could say an occasional treat, for weekends or high days and holidays.

Chuck out the bad foods you have bought, stock up on Med classics, get a good repertoire of recipes under your belt and perhaps look at 5:2. A more relaxed week with a couple of days tightening the ‘food belt’?

Hubby has been BSDing with me and we have decided that sugar loaded foods, white pasta, spuds and white rice are toxins, extreme but it helps us when faced with temptation.

Your body is a temple, not a warehouse, treat it well and give it respect!!

Cherrianne, I don’t do any other forums either. I dislike facebook as there are always pictures I don’t want to see with no warning. I think this site is much more productive.

Pork chop egg and veg. Mmmmmmmmmm
Just an apple for beakfAst.
Great I don’t have to overstuff myself.

How you doing Bill?
Hashimoto love the song. When you were little did you play with two balls against the wall. Understand and overs and bouncys. We could do it to that

Love luciaxxxx

I only use olive oil for salads or cooking in the oven. For frying I use linseed oil or butter, olive oil degrades at high temperatures

I use the free version of myfitnesspal website and app. The numbers are mainly crowd sourced so not always accurate. And also shops change the sizes and amount of sugar in things.

The app seems better for new products with a bar code as I can scan it with my phone, and it also searches well through my previous additions. The defaults tend to be US, but most supermarket products I have scanned have worked well. The website and app are linked.

Oooo that’s great news, thank you. That means I can spend my birthday money. I do like buying new gadgets!

Hi olliej
You know can always come here for help and support. You did brilliantly well to maintain the programme for 8 weeks. Your next challenge is to get your head around the fact that you can never go back to your old eating patterns. The carbs have to stay gone for good. But you’ve learned how to do that, you just need to make it a lifestyle rather than a diet. You can do that!

Thanks Judith,

Feels good to be in the veterans club and thanks everyone for all the help and encouragement I have received. 🙂

That sounds a great idea and thank you to those making it happen 🙂

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.

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

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.

I started on Wednesday .so far so good .
I shall be interested in your results .

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.

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 .

thanks for replying Orchid, do you work out the carbs on a particular website or on an app?

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…

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.

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!

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 😃 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 me😃

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

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.

that is absolutely fantastic Lynne – a real inspiration!

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 :-))

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

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!

Fit Bit is compatible with Windows, android, and apple.

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.

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

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!!!

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 🙂

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

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 🙂 so stick with it, this really works!

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.

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 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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

Hi Bob and welcome

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

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!