Latest forum posts

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

    Hi Karra, just wondered how you were getting on? Any scale movement? I’m in the same position, absolutely no loss in 7 days despite being in ketosis, 30g carbs per day and 800-900 cals. If you are now loosing, there is hope for me! Keep us posted and fingers crossed x

  • posted by  Bill1954 on This has to work for me
    on in Welcome to the BSD
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    Cherrianne and Lynne are my two heroines, both of you set out with an objective and both are achieving it.
    A great spur on to others just starting out, well done girls, so proud of you 2

  • posted by  Monkeyescapade on 'Weigh in' thread
    on in Fast 800
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    HI all, in awe of all your weight losses, you winning losers you, congrats. My own loss has been small but every little helps – weighed in at 62.8kg today. So in ‘old money’ have lost almost 2 pounds in last week, still a way to go until my target weight of 60kg/9st 8lb. Now on my 6th week of low carb diet, around 1,000 calories a day and 60 – 70 carbs on average. Once I return home I may go hard core and do the 800 calories a day. I am on the treadmill every day to do my 10,000 steps although have had to done down the brisk pace as pulled a muscle in my thigh, grrr. Swimming for about twenty minutes every day albeit leisurely pace. In terms of measurements I am now down to 32 inches (like others get confused as to correct way to measure but am doing it consistently just about inch above the belly button now) which I am very pleased about, other measurements not alot of difference but do think my thighs are less wobbly, woop woop! BMI is also down a fraction to 23.7 and within healthy range so am thankful for that too.
    On the food front, am missing variety and fruit, have been sticking to apple and a little bit of papaya. It will be more manageable hopefully once home and am looking forward to trying new recipes. I’ve come across a website called ‘ditchthecarbs’ and follow this on Twitter too, excellent recipes on there to try out. Continue to be amazed at how I am not hungry between meals, it’s amazing how filling an omelette with mushroom and little bit of cheese is, staves off hunger for about 5 hours. My only craving is for greek yoghurt which I have been unable to get here, the yoghurts are loaded with sugar so am avoiding.
    Once again, congrats to all, big or small losers, we are all winning losers! Lisa

  • posted by  hashimoto on Sign our petition
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Hi eureka, I. Just rattled mine off. I wish I had taken a few minutes to refine it.

    We just need as many of us as possible to write something about the BSD to make them take notice – and to counter the usual rubbish which will be spouted – you know – the eat more carbs brigade!

    Hope you are feeling calm enough to send that email today! 🙂

  • posted by  Cherrianne on How's it going eh? Hello from Canada!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    CallmeDeb, I would be wearing ALL my dresses AND jumpers, pants, socks etc if I had to endure the temperatures you live with lol. So I would look like the Michelin man and have a rolling gait like a sailor, can you picture it, but I would be warmish?

  • posted by  jpscloud on Taking a little time out
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Thank you lovely folks. I did turn to comfort food yesterday but hopefully didn’t do too much damage.

    I’ve thrown away the remainder of it – that’s really good advice Janet, I’m not very hungry at the moment so will just eat good quality food and not worry about weighing everything.

  • posted by  Bill1954 on Get them banned!
    on in BSD Med Style Low Carb
    permalink

    Come on team, this user needs banned by username and IP address, they are going to destroy the forums if allowed to continue. I’m not taking time to report every post in the thread but there are a lot of them. Also suggest you create a nofollow robots.txt file

  • Hi Salty,
    You can start the fast 800 while still taking metformin because it doesn’t cause hypos. The book recommends that ideally you should talk to your GP before starting. You might need to download and print the info on Prof Taylor’s research to give to your GP. The link is in the book, or just write down the link for your GP to look up.
    It’s best to take your fasting blood sugars and an occasional random one a few times a week. This will give you an overall idea of what is happening with your blood sugars throughout the day. Then you will learn what types of food affect your sugar levels and what size portions you can have.
    Use the next 8 weeks to learn more about your body and how to manage your blood sugars.
    We can help with food, recipes and tips and share our experiences with you. Everyone on the forums helps out and offers support and encouragement.
    Lots of us use an app to track our daily intake as onahealthyhigh said. You could get a book or search online for calorie counts of foods you are eating. It does mean weighing and measuring food but it is surprising how quickly you get into the swing of it.
    Wishing you success, keep posting your progress 🙂

  • posted by  Bill1954 on Sign our petition
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Big article on the news last night about the worldwide T2D epidemic.
    Now is time to get the word out while the subject is getting so much media attention.
    Come on folks, get those emails going, it only takes a couple of minutes.

  • posted by  Garden78 on NHS Dietary Advice from our professionals
    on in Fast 800
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    There’s some good videos on You Tube by Ken Sikavis and Rogan Chattergee. I think I did a search for low carb. The former is medically orientated about fats and cholesterol and why your bad fats drop with a low carb and high fat diet. The science is coming together but there is obviously dissention amongst the medical ranks. Rogan is a British GP who did a series recently working with patients in their homes . 2 of the diabetics benefited from a low carb diet although he recommends you eat 5 portions of veg as well as cutting out all processed carbs and eating healthy fats such as advocado, olives, fish and meat . He was contacted by British dietitions afterwards who disagreed with him and they usually have a significant role regarding the content of advice leaflets given out at hospital. It’s still seen as a controversial approach by many but see yourself as a trail blazer. The results however speak for themselves and my blood sugar has gone from 10.3 down to 5.3. I’ve lost a lot of fat as well!

  • posted by  Bill1954 on Over the 8-week line and after
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    It does look like someone has managed to hack a couple of accounts. This is worrying as the posts up to now are mainly harmless but could escalate.
    I’ll advise the team.

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

    Good morning lucia

    Glad you are raring to go!

    Is rain better than hail?

    good news that your pop socks aren’t cutting your circulation, soon they won’t stay up at all!

    Have a good day!!!

  • posted by  Garden78 on How Will My GP React?
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Just read the thread about reactions from GPs. Similar to my experience Steve, he was also disinterested, wanted me to be on Metformin and statins and eventually said come back in 3 months . This was mid February. My BM has gone down from 10.3 to 5.3, I’m off meds for my bold pressure which is stable at 130-120/ 70 and I’ve dropped a dress size. I feel really well and in control of my eating for the first time in years. I’m learning all the time and some weeks haven’t lost anything but I’m making progress and have moved of the 800 calorie count. I’m understanding more about how my body reacts to carbs and have started doing a post meal reading sometimes to see how I am doing. Don’t be deterred there is everything to play for !,

  • posted by  LeanneW on Hello from Australia
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Allychat. Sorry to read that you are in pain but somewhat of a relief re the exercise as I am about to undergo a hip replacement and have not been able to exercise very much at all. This has been a concern. Yes, I too recall the Insight program where the comment was to “get the food right”. That’s what I’m concentrating on and the rest will fall into place. Good luck with your journey and I’ll keep updated on here 🙂

    L

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

    Good morning team ,
    How are you all doing?
    Feeling much better, raring to go.
    Teeming with rain again today after yesterday’s hail stones.

    Now where are we on the bs thingy?

    I am in the mast half of it.
    Yesterday my pop socks or knee high tights or pantyhose did not cut the circulation off at the back of my knee.
    😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
    Love Lucia
    Xxxx

  • posted by  Alanhypno on New starter and question
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks for all those great answers
    Does anyone know if subway salad bowls are ok ? There’s every salad in there olives lettuce tomatoes onions etc maybe with chicken added maybe olive oil in top
    Low calorie and filling
    ????thanks

  • posted by  Trishy67 on Eat Water Slim pasta or noodles
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    When something seems too good to be true i tend to think it is – what are the thoughts in using these on the times when you really want to have some pasta?

  • posted by  Dorothy on Hello from Australia
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi I got some tips that bulk cooking, freezing in advance or using a slow cooker frees up time in the kitchen. Then your not always in the kitchen. I use my slow cooker for soups and you can use it for your husbands meals and he can help himself when he is hungry. You don’t have to even serve up his meals he can do this all himself. Maybe he might like one night a week where he can cook for you. My husband enjoys cooking BBQs – even one night a week might make you feel better.

  • posted by  jillyB on How Will My GP React?
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    pmshrink

    You suggested I up my fat…..can you suggest any good fats that are not energy dense ? I love avocados and nuts but this makes a huge hole in my calorie count. Love to hear from you.

    Regards jillyB

  • posted by  Dorothy on Hello from Australia
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Some great tips you have!! I too have been a toast addict. Mine is more peanut butter and toast. I am on my first week. Love your idea of doing the bulk cooking to keep me out of the kitchen. Great tip. More time to go for a walk or play with the dog. I’m going to try this. Also your tips for snacks were great too.

  • posted by  Dorothy on Hello from Australia
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Great advice. You cant change your whole life all at once. Small steps. Get the food right, concentrate on shopping, organising and breaking old habits. As you improve in diet you will feel better and then can start bringing in exercise, small changes. Its a change of life…(well that’s how my mindset is working at the moment)..

  • posted by  Dorothy on Hello from Australia
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thank you for the encouragement. Just had to google 2 stone conversion to kgs…lol Well done that is really encouraging. I have started and looking forward to see what happens. Sometimes I feel like you have to get to rock bottom to make you realise its time to make a change. Being prepared is the key for me. I don’t live near shops (which can be an advantage,sometimes) but have to be organised with shopping making sure I have all the right foods in the house, otherwise I just eat Bread. I think I am in the circle of bread, bread and more bread. Looking for the quick energy hit…I tired of feeling tired. So here goes I am hoping this works.

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

    So, Christi1948 didn’t write the cancer one, Catgirl did you write the Alzheimer’s one (calling Christi Christian and the wrong year) or not? As it happens my mother did die of breast cancer last year but I’m a bit weirded out by people posting using other people’s logins about such an emotional subject. And “add it to your status” doesn’t seem to apply in a forum.

  • posted by  Hawks on For anyone suffering from constipation
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    For constipation try kiwifruit which helps not just because of fibre, but also some enzymes and probiotics as well.
    Some people find it very ummm… stimulating.

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

    I think it’s medium chain.
    I wonder if cleaning your teeth immediately after eating would help, if it is the feel in your mouth that turns you off?
    I usually use coconut oil for low heat cooking and I inevitably have turmeric and other spices cooked in with it.
    And I make sure to only use extra virgin unrefined cocionut oil in glass containers. I know not everyone likes it, i’m lucky that i do.It’s great on your skin too! 🙂 Directly o your skin as a moisturizer that is.

    I always have a strong coffee after a meal so perhaps that changes the mouth feel? Don’t know.

  • posted by  Natalie on How Will My GP React?
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Hashimoto I just saw you wrote a quarter of a cucumber has 2.7 grams of carbs but my calculator (Calorie King app) says 1.8 grams of carb for the whole thing which is a big difference! I think mine is more likely. Was 2.7 calories maybe? That would be about right.

  • posted by  jillyB on How Will My GP React?
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Penny,
    Thank you for your suggestions. I think my carbs are about right but will try to up my fat.
    Jilly

  • posted by  Natalie on Four weeks to go, not many results yet:(
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    That sounds really discouraging and I hope everyone is right and your weight starts to drop again. It’s hard to keep going on such a strict diet with no results. I’m on my second round of the BSD with only moderate weight loss but I can easily explain that with all my slip ups and treats! I can keep telling myself that as long as I stick to it properly, I will get the results.

    One thing I noticed is that you really don’t have that much weight to lose. If you worked out your rate of loss as a percentage of total weight (like they do on Biggest Loser) you might be doing as well as some of the much heavier people who lose a lot faster.

  • posted by  Eureka on For anyone suffering from constipation
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi SunnyB

    You’ve got lots of good advice to choose from. Pick what is best for you. I’m sure you will be a lot more comfortable soon
    You are following the BSD & you are right about constipation making a difference to your weight. Don’t worry about the scales. Bet you didn’t know that there could be up to 4lb difference in weight + or – in a day. (Jenny Ruhl Blood Sugar 101, second edition. & Diet 101, The truth about Low Carb Diets). Two essential reference books for diabetics I think. Also on line info http://www.phlaunt.com

    Prof Roy Taylor Newcastle Uni,was the original 8 weeks diabetic reversal diet trial dr. 8 weeks was chosen, I believe because it was a trial to see if fast , diet restriction & weight loss could emulate Bariatric surgery findings. Those patients undergoing that surgery, forcing them to eat a very restricted diet REVERSED their diabetes. It was found out by accident! It was thought that it would be hard for people to stay on a very restricted diet for a long enough time to bring their weight loss down by about 20% of their original body weight.

    My point being that very committed people were chosen to undertake this trial. 3 Optifast shakes of 200 calories a day & 200 – 250. Calories of veg/ salad = 800 calories. They were monitored all the time & it had to happen fast

    See : Fast 800 forum , Topic : Answers & info how & why 22.1.16

    We are doing this on our own. We are doing it with real food. We count or don’t count the calories (me). If lucky, with some medic support! You / we are doing fine. Don’t obsess with 8 weeks. Some will get there fast others slow. But we will all try & get that life saving goal. This is where it happens. This is real life

    The Lord helps those who help themselves

    Constipated we arn’t
    Eureka

  • posted by  debs14 on Four weeks to go, not many results yet:(
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Cherriane,
    I have only had juice once in the four weeks and count carbs as well. The last time I went on a strict eating plan I counted carbs, protein and fats so I am good at keeping track of numbers. I actually weigh portions and write everything down to keep on track. Thanks for the advice though.

  • posted by  pmshrink on How Will My GP React?
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Hi Jilly
    If you’re hungry and lightheaded that means you’re not in fat burning mode yet. Maybe check your carbs and fat. You may need less carbs and more fat. That should put you into fat burning.
    Good luck
    Penny

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

    Hi Inka
    I’ve read a lot of good things about coconut oil so I bought some – but don’t like it. ! I feel as though my mouth is coated after I’ve eaten it. If anyone has an answer to this problem i d love to hear it.
    ( it’s good apparently because of the long chain structure ??)
    Penny

  • Hi Salty,
    Welcome. I’m certainly not an expert, nor am I diabetic, but I’m sure you should remain on your medication until your blood sugars lower. I’ve noticed others on these forums reducing/increasing medication according to their blood sugar readings whilst following this diet.
    Regarding calorie counting. If you follow the recipes on this site or in the book by weighing and measuring ingredients, calorie counting will take care of itself. I have downloaded an app to help. I weigh or measure all ingredients and enter the details into the app which then displays the calorie count and carbohydrate content. I use EasyDietDiary, a very simple app. I’m in Australia but read others have downloaded it in the UK. I’ve tried other apps like MyFitnessPal but prefer the simpler EasyDietDiary.
    Hope this helps.

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

    Dear Christian 1954,

    I share this with tears in my eyes, my dad who has just turned 80 has early onset prostate cancer, fortunately at the watch and wait stage but he also has Alzheimer’s, I have 3 neighbours who are fighting breast cancer and are hopefully winning, life is such a struggle but I hope you. Only gave happy memories, Sharon.
    💕

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

    Hi eureka
    Good joke!- it refers to work not weight tho. I’d never even noticed that possibility.
    I am still the slowest loser ever even tho I watch my carbs like a hawk😞
    And I had a teeny weeny piece of cake ( first time off piste) -at a 21 st birthday party. It has taken 5 days to get back into fat burning. ( even with cycling uphill) And no weight loss in that time. Moan moan.
    Still- mustn’t grumble !😆 I m half way.
    Penny

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

    Hi Lachlan
    That’s really disappointing for you but it took two weeks for my blood sugars to come down. Hang in there for another week or so, even if you still need metformin. If there is still no improvement you should go back to your GP as it might be worth having further tests to make sure that you really are a type 2 diabetic.
    There is a website in the book where you can print off information for your doctor from Prof Taylor’s research. Go to your GP armed with this, and all your stats etc. You will have given it your best shot so well done for that, you deserve more help than I can offer.
    Either way, stay in touch and let us know how you get on.

  • posted by  pmshrink on For anyone suffering from constipation
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Sunnyb
    I recommend milled flax seed and also dal, I posted the recipe on the ‘constipation’ thread.
    I read on dietdoctor.com that on low carb we excrete salt and lack of salt adds to constipation so we should eat more salt.
    Hope you feel better soon.
    Penny

  • posted by  Eureka on How's it going eh? Hello from Canada!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi CallMeDeb

    Watch those feet. Diabetics feel the cold more ( yet another side effect). On this diet the first two or three weeks seem to exacerbate that whether you are diabetic or not. It’s your body adjusting Be extra careful in your low temperatures.

    When I count my blessings, top of the list is the BSD. It’s going to let me enjoy the others. And one of them is top of my bucket list – Canada ! I’ve waited 54 yrs to come see you. My teacher did a work exchange at a school on Vancouver Island ( can’t remember the name). She waxed so lyrical about it, I longed to go. My big 65 bday July so this is from me to me with love. Oh & I’m bringing the husband too (70yr in Jan) it’s now or never

    Thanks for offer re things to see. I think there is an Inuit museum near the hotel by the harbour we’d like to see. Haven’t got the full itinerary yet so will see if we can later. The tour is coast to coast. Small world always

    Keep drinking it helps the head. A bit more salt with the diet too as you are peeing more just now
    Eureka

  • posted by  SkyWalker on Walking how far how fast ??
    on in Fast Exercise
    permalink

    Hi Alanhypno, walking is generally agreed to be a good intro to increased exercise. Regular brisk as you can walking exercises your lungs and the heart is a muscle so can be persuaded to become more efficient. I bought a cheap treadmill on eBay for £139.99 and it is brilliant. Program 1 takes you for a stroll at speed increasing in 1 kph increments for one minute each to 5 kph and then down again before repeating same. As you select a shorter time for the same program you get the 2 periods of 5 kph closer together. When I started my hear rate was high and it was a bit tricky. Now I can run up to 10 kph but not for long due to high rates but I am making great progress. So walk as far and fast as you can resting between higher intensity bursts and soon the highs will get higher, the recovery shorter and the endurance will increase too. Cardio vascular exercise is anything that increases heart rate and breathing – safely. All the best….

  • posted by  Julia18togo on Sign our petition
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    I notice the petition is growing. Almost at 200 now. My family have signed. But my FB is no good for spreading the word as I only use it for keeping in touch with friends and family who live abroad😕
    Family gathering next week so will see if anyone comments – if they do they will get chapter and verse on the virtues of the BSD!