I am on the eve of my last day on the eight week diet, I have just fed 12 for dinner, with chocolate cake, scones and Easter eggs, I did succumb to a bit of scone! Daughter and husband decided to share one between them so I had a third of hubbys, plus a square of green and blacks choc, ( still under 50 g carbs though)’it will have played havoc with my last weigh in, On Monday but hey you have to join in the celebrations some times don’t you? This was a late Easter gathering and an early birthday party (for me) so I allowed myself forbidden fruits!
Tomorrow is my last day on the diet! I am going to try and be good, chicken for lunch (for 12 again) and no dessert for me, honest, I had my naughty fling this evening,
On a totally random point, what is happening to our forum posts? I just logged on and there are, it seems, thousands of unrelated posts on numerous errors topics with phone numbers etc, what’s going on?

Seems like lots of us are enjoying new clothes. And I love the idea of the hair getting done and lippy going on as well as the new clothes for a midweek lunch, Judith! Knock ’em dead, I say!

I feel like I am getting to know you all so well. What heartache so many have gone through and yet what generosity of spirit on this brilliant forum. It must be one of few where there is no backstabbing. Just overwhelming support.

So many good things I am learning here from you all and not only about the diet. Have a good Sunday everyone – am hoping for less rain up here tomorrow so I can finish sanding the shed and tidying my garden 😊

Hi Fifip. Prunes are definitely not a banned substance. Michael directs us to low GI and hi-fibre foods. Prunes are highly recommended on low GI as are kumara (orange sweet potato). I know as both are ‘sweet’ it seems counter intuitive but so long as you watch your quantities and fit them into the overall 800 calories it will be fine and the increase of fibre will help with constipation and your weight loss. Im finding including legumes such as chick peas, black eyed beans etc is also helpful with constipation. I cook them myself from dried varieties so that i get them as tender as I like them and know there are no additives. Keep your fluids up too. Good luck.

Thanks orchid, its lovely not to look 6 months pregnant in a dress at 63! 🙂

I tried these and they were a total disaster – the birds got them. And I was upset too by the waste of money and ingredients. I’ve decided not to try any of the “sweet” recipes in the book. That recipe can’t have been tested, can it?

Captainlynne, I so felt for you when I read you post. Sometimes people are scared to say something in case they are wrong or are worried you are ill! They may also have seen some thing different and were not sure what it was. A friend was telling me last week that she had straightened her hair the day before, and people who knew her were asking if she had started wearing glasses (she has always worn glasses) or if she had got new glasses! They knew there was something different, but could not pin it down!
I am going home in 3 weeks, not sure if anyone will notice or not. I do expect a ‘you are looking well’, but not much more. We are still grieving my sister-in-laws death (she would have noticed!) plus nephew has important exams so there is so much going on. However, like you – this is for me and not for anyone else. I am having a great time on this journey and trying on different clothes from the back of the wardrobe each night. I know there is a big difference!
Keep up the great work.

Hi lynne, what a problem you have there.

It might not sit well with you but I wouldn’t say anything to the twins, just adjust their diet to a healthy one. I doubt the family would think twice about a cooked breakfast or fruit and yoghurt as anything other than breakfast.

A bit trickier when son and d in l come, if they comment on no starchy food on your plate explain you are having to cut starchy carbs for medical reasons – which is true – and hope they don’t make a fuss. If they do, could you say you are doing it under medical supervision – you are going to your diabetes clinic regularly so if it was causing you health problems it would come to light. Not too much of a stretch of the truth.

I feel for you because you are in a tricky non supportive situation with your family.
You are right to worry about your d in l. Cruising to disaster with her eyes wide shut.

Are your son’s professionals medical people?

X

Well done Hashimoto – lovely feeling to get into something you did not expect to – congrats.

You’re not rambling, lynne, you are making very important points – and you are pointing us all the way to go in terms of activism! 🙂

Well, lucia I went shopping for a white cardi and came home with two cardies and two frocks. I got carried away when I realised they looked ok on me. I’m going to wear one out to lunch on Wednesday! I even walked out of the cubicle to ask an assistant to zip the back of one frock up. Haven’t done anything like that for YEARS! I. Lovethis diet! 🙂

Judith, I was reading a book on the train earlier. Basically it was about how we treat failure. It highlighted the aeronautical industry – who have procedures in place to learn from errors and improve safety. It also highlights the medical profession – which has a completely different system. It made me think of the situation we are in – not only with the medical professionals but also with the processed food producers (and those who add sugar to raw meat and poultry) and now companies like the toothpaste makers. To have to admit they got it wrong will not come easily.

We are in interesting times, there is so much in the media about low-carb so ‘they’ will have to listen eventually and start to make changes. All the evidence and results we are collecting on here is part of the battle.

Sorry, might be rambling – it’s been a long tiring day!

Hi captain Lynn,
At least I was not bright red, out of puff and perspiring.
I looked cool and casual in my size 12 USA.
🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴

Saw my friend to Laugh and cry with.
Then to the shops, stocked up in Iceland especially the fish pieces.
I could not get emotionally involved with salad, I think I have had enough of it, so I went for Ireland’s frozen veg.
See, I am trying to mix it up.
I have only had two meals today and I am feeling full.
Chicken for the main meal, with yogurt and mint. Yup weird, but great.

How you all doing.
And what are you all up to?

Love Lucia xxxxx

Thanks Cherrianne. I’ve told the girls there are some things I can’t eat anymore. Gave them the choice of a cooked breakfast or the yogurt and berries.

Judith, When they’ve been here before breakfast has been cereal or toast so either cooked or yogurt and berries is a step forward. Got two more microwave pizzas and more microwave chips in the freezer (only carbs I didn’t throw out when I started the BSD).

It’s going to be interesting to see how the girls react to eating lower carb.

Last time I tried a low–carb diet their parents disapproved. They (and my son’s professionals) know best😳 Much as I appreciate their gift of jams and chutneys, they know I’m diabetic – so it was an odd choice😳 But they both eat carbs at every meal. I might be ‘chicken’ but I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut to keep the peace😱

I admit to being worried when I saw my son’s partner today. She’s not diabetic as far as I know but has a significant number of health issues. Today she was even larger than before (possibly partly caused by meds and partly by lack of mobility) and was breathless. The weight is all round her middle! Although she shouldn’t touch alcohol because of some of her meds, she still drinks it.

I’m a believer in leading by example so hope their seeing the results will help. It’ll be interesting when they come here 😳 In the past I’ve eaten what they eat, but can’t do that now. That will be when they notice something different!

Well done sthomas, what a brilliant first week! Welcome to the forums, keep sharing your journey 🙂

Hi Janice,
I too want to keep on keeping on. When I started the BSD, I opted not to get hung-up on calorie counting, preferring a more relaxed approach so I accepted that any weight loss would probably be slower. We all hit a low from time to time so I’ve learned that it’s not the end of the world if I give in to the occasional temptation – and I mean occasional, it’s when it becomes regular that the trouble begins! But I’ve been feeling more positive today so onwards & upwards (or should that be downwards)….
Regards, Rose

Thanks Janice, I’m going to listen to you and cherrieanne 🙂

Hi all have just ordered my vlcd packets of food to start the bfd. I did Liter life and did lose 3 stone but lost a little hair and am scared of this happening again. I want a kick start for week 1 but then want to try real food. Anyone done the same thing? Love Michael Moseley and love the science behind this so am going to try again and lose the weight.

Love your introduction, shortapple!
I too had a hysterectomy a few years ago and I reckon that was a major factor in my rapid weight gain which ultimately led to me trying the BSD this year. (I’d always been pretty active but post-op I went down to zilch exercise and had to build up again, but the weight went on faster than I could keep it off. Diets that had worked previously just didn’t cut it anymore.)
Sounds like you have the right attitude, good luck with the diet,
Rose

Go for it Judith – Cherrianne is right. Show them what a glamour-puss you are. They will be so astounded that they won’t try pushing you to have an unsuitable pudding!!
Janice

Hi Grandma48 I have had 6 weight plateaus in the 8 weeks and at least one rise. Some were due to constipation I think when my intake was very low for a few days and I probably did not drink enough. Plotting weight regularly after the first 4 weeks shows and interesting curve. My BP has really dropped now and I feel tons healthier too. Jenny says Hi and has lost over 8 kg too. It is good to be on a good news site as we do not do social media elsewhere. Keep smiling…

RozyDozy
I too am a slow loser, but I am losing and my usual trousers are now too loose, and the others, a size smaller, are just a little on the tight side, so I just want to keep on keeping on. It’s not possible not to lose weight on such a small calorie intake, but as Janet 1973 says, to get an average, some will lose loads and others just a little. As long as we keep losing, it’s the right result.
Janice

Well done SkyWalker. I think the spreadsheet idea is really good because the proof is in front of you if you have a down day! I had a couple of those this week when I gained 2lbs between Tuesday and Thursday, but by today it’s off again and when I look back to where I started from I am encouraged once again. Well done to your wife as well.

Thanks Cherrianne, I think I will!! I may pop back into the hairdressers to get my hair blow dried too – it never looks as good when I do it myself. I will even put some make up on – now that will be a red letter day!! 🙂

Janet has made a very valid point – we like the idea of the massive weight loss which MAY be experienced and then get disappointed when we don’t get the same results. My weight loss has been a bit up & down over the past few weeks but the trend has been more down than up, I’ve lost a stone and it’s taken nearly 3 months – just recently people I know have been saying that they can see a difference in me. But this past week has been a difficult one – very up & down (spirit as well as weight) but today I was feeling more on top of things so hopefully I will see a resumption of weight loss. I’m hoping the 13000 steps I clocked up today tearing around like a blue-arsed fly at work will make a difference! (The air will be blue Sunday morning if not!!!)
Be patient, take care,
Rose

Hi Judith,
Wear your new frock and knock their socks off! You’ve earned this success and deserve the boost your new clothes will give you. Much better to feel great in a new outfit than to wear something too big and not show the complete new you.
Enjoy your lunch and the compliments 🙂

Too true, Lynne, if we don’t make a noise who will? I’m not happy at the thought that big industries will get round the sugar tax by using saccharine. It’s possibly even worse than sugar!
The sugar tax has come at a handy point for us to make a noise!! 🙂

Lynne, getting 8 year olds to have unsweetened yoghurt is quite a big result !!! and they want it for breakfast!
You’ll have them eating at least half of their diet as healthy food before the week is out!

I bet you could not have faced that microwaved food now, Lynne!! A very gentle break in for the girls though!! 🙂

Hi Lynne, I’m disappointed for you too. I was hoping for some surprised delight from your family. There are all sorts of reasons they might not have commented to you, but I bet they did notice and are wondering how you did it. The girls will be sure to see your new lifestyle and eating habits. Children are very observant, and it will give you a chance to explore some healthy eating options with them. It will give them an alternative point of view when they try out some of your new recipes. The message may not be heard by your son and D-I-L but you have a chance to influence the next generation before problems begin.
We know how hard you’ve worked to succeed on the BSD, and as Grandma48 says we are proud of you, and appreciate your support. I think Judith is right and you should bring up the subject of the diet and see what happens. 🙂

BMI Prime number is your BMI divided by the “Normal BMI of 25”.

When I began 8wBSD/Fast 800 I was unaware of the “BMI Prime” number. My height is 1.75m and I weighed 96.2 kg aged 62.5 years. My BMI then was 31.4 with a Prime of 1.3. I can now admit that I was technically in the Obese Category although I was just too heavy for my height! To get into the lower section of the Overweight category I had to first reach the Prime of 1.2 with a BMI of 28.7 at top of the overweight range which for me was 88 kg. My next target is for me to reach 80 kg so as to be at the top of the normal weight range with a BMI of 26.1 with a BMI Prime of 1.1. From there the Prime of 1.0 stretches all the way down to a weight of only 73 kg. For me once I arrive at 80 kg a “normal” BMI of 25 might seem to becoming within reach. Back in 1979 when I joined the Fire Service I weighed 78 kg which unbelievably equates to BMI 25.5 or almost bang on! Of course I was young, fit and healthy post RAF training.

It may be of little interest to many but in a spreadsheet starting at 96.2 and reducing in 1 kg increments, the feeling of achievement for me was improved once I got out of one category into another lower one. I am on day 55 of the 56 days today and expect to carry on until I reach the upper normal weight in the Prime 1.0 range. Maybe then I will address just how “Normal” I wish to be at 63. My wife was in the pre-diabetes levels of BG but with her GP in denial. She reached her Prime 1.0 weeks ago. Sorry if this is irrelevant to others but it was a great motivator to me. We are winning…. I should add that today I am 83.4 kg BMI 27.2 with just 2 more kg to achieve the Prime 1.0 barrier.

Thank you SunnyB for such a detailed answer – I don’t have the book yet so I have been scouring this website for information!

Yes, you certainly have answered my question and it is very helpful to read the overall picture from someone who has actually carried out the method I intend to use. I am sticking closely to the 800 cals/day but just wondered if the outcome would be the same if I worked towards a weekly calorie total because I have a couple of special events planned and I want to be able to enjoy them.

I only started BSD last Monday and already feeling much more energetic and have lost a few pounds – let’s see how next week goes!

Thanks Judith.

Half a result tonight!

Twins had microwave pizza, microwave chips and mixed veg 😱 All from the freezer so making more space for ‘good’ foods. But then instead of biscuits etc, they had M&S Greek style unsweetened natural yogurt with blueberries. 😃 They’ve asked for that for breakfast tomorrow 😃 I’m thinking of trying them on the Bircher recipe in the book at some point.

In case you’re all wondering, I had cooked meat, cheese, pâté, boiled egg and beetroot while they had their pizza 😊

Hi Julia
Lack of sleep does affect weight. In fact shift workers who do night shifts are more likely to put on weight And become diabetic.
Good luck
Penny

Wow sthomas, those are some impressive results. Can see you’re going to inspire other new starters 🙂
Welcome to the BSD and your whole new way of life.

The marrch of the ‘anti-sugar army’ gathers pace 😃

Hi Sthomas
Very well done!!
Penny

I agree with the others Lostgirl – I lost 6lbs last week but did the same eating wise this week and have apparently put 2lbs back on! I weigh in on Monday so I’m hoping this is just a water blip.

Don’t feel discouraged, we’ll get there. Keep the faith!

Lucia

I look forward to seeing you on your bike being chased by the dogs 😃 Please ring your bell to warn me!

I will certainly keep checking in. I feel like I’ve found something that suits though. So far so good 🙂

Wise words, sunnyb, the more there is to lose the faster it goes. I have slowed right down now I have reached a BMI of 21.7, though I am still in ketosis. I lose just ounces at a time now. 🙂

That’s good news re the chocolate, Janet, I might just get some of my favourite chilli chocolate and try a little square 🙂

We will, Julia, we will!! I’m wondering whether it would be too much to wear one of my new posh frocks when I meet up with a few friends on Wednesday for lunch. One saw me the first week of the diet when no weight loss showed and the other saw me last about three weeks ago and was stunned by the weight loss. 🙂

Hi New Life – I am in week 6 and have lost 12lb. Don’t get hung up on the stories of massive loses from others. They are probably starting with more to lose. Weight lose always slows after the initial drop, so as long as you are losing you are making progress. Your weight lose is your weight lose and as such the only thing that matters for you and 12lb is a good result. Plus you are seeing other positives, in the change in your chocolate cravings for instance.

Please don’t be disheartened, you are doing really well and as long as you stick with it, you will continue to see results – even if they aren’t happening at the rate you were hoping for.

Lynne, how disappointing for you, I really feel for you. Perhaps they are stressed and so caught up in their own problems it’s hard for them to see anything else. Sometimes people are hesitant to say anything in case one finds it insulting. Start shouting about your diet and see if anything changes. 🙁

It is worth it Lynne because you are adding years to your life and we all need you on here for the wonderful support you give us all 🙂

Grandma48. Thanks fir your kind comments, they brought a tear to my eye.

No they didn’t know about the BSD, but are so caught up in other things (DILs health and son’s work) that it probably didn’t register. But the girls are not known for their tact LOL.

As for the jams etc – what they don’t open will go very nicely at the church Summer fair😃

Julia

When I lived and worked in the East End of London folk their were blunt, making personal comments about anything and everything. When my (male) colleague was losing weight I was asked if he was ill, but previously the comments were about his large size😳

Be interesting to see how my Italian friends react when I go to visit them in June. I last saw them early November before I started this. And I had a cough I couldn’t lose, which has completely disappeared after being on BSD.

Hi Lostgirl – as Janet1973 says, it’s far too early to stress about not having lost any weight yet. Your body will be adjusting to the new regime and it might take a little time for results to show, but be patient, it will happen. I am in week 6, but to date have only lost 12lb – but that is 12lb in my favour and I’m feeling and looking better and happy that I am doing something positive for myself.

Be kind to yourself, give yourself time to adjust and try to stay positive – at 800cals a day weight lose WILL happen.

Thanks, Penny I will do. I still think the big industries should change what they are doing but in the meantime I will invest in some toothpaste from the health food shops !!! 🙂

Hi S Thomas, what an amazing first week you are having. Can’t wait to see how your 8 weeks go!! 🙂

Sorry to have been absent for a while folks. Some amazing progress from you since I last checked in here. Keep up the good work all. I have been reading occasionally but not much as other things took over recently. I have been out running more (not that this has helped the weight loss but then I haven’t gained either!) which helps me to cope when stress at home is high – as it is just now with a daughter facing exams. I do wonder how much lack of sleep and stress hormones affect weight loss since I have been reasonably careful.

You all are inspirational and it is great to see the numbers over the 8 week line growing.

Hi Just Do It – I’m in week 6 now and my weight lose has been erratic and just a pound or so a week. Just hold on to the fact that every pound lost is a pound in the right direction and try not to compare yourself to those losing many pounds a week. As Patsy says, those people probably have more weight to shift than you do. Stick with the diet and you too will see results to be proud of.

If you are really concerned about your rate of lose, do a quick check on the amount you are drinking, that you have enough fat in your diet and that your carb intake isn’t to high. Assuming all this is fine, just stick with it and keep us posted on your progress. And remember, your success is your success and you should be proud of it.

Captain Lynne – it’s the downside of the British culture not to comment. The other side of the coin for you is this: I am married to a Spaniard and every time we go over I am told how much fatter I have got! They don’t mince their words at all. We were over in February and I hadn’t lost enough then for it to be obvious. But hopefully next time. I am wondering if maybe when they are with you next week and it isn’t a rushed time they might notice. Or maybe they are jealous and that’s why they said nothing.