Hi Stringbreaker,
The way you are doing it is a very sustainable approach for the long-term and clearly works. Most shop-bought food will have the information on the label, per 100g and you calculate to the amount you use eg tins of beans. For the rest, I use an application that I got many years ago for my PC. It comes fully loaded with data – the processed foods are US, but you can add in your own foods to it, including recipes.
I now have a good database of foods that I regularly use with the correct amounts plus all my own recipes. It also holds my personal data – weights, measurements, exercise taken, goals. There are phone apps that do similar things, but I have never used them. Despite (or because of) working in IT all my life, I do not trust my personal data in cloud-based apps – ie the data is not on your phone or PC, but on a server elsewhere. I prefer a my data on my PC, that I backup and manage! It is also available when the internet goes down 🙂 .
The apps on the phone are free to use, but read very carefully the small print – they may be able to use your data. The application I have is from X3M and is a one off fee ($49) that I paid over 10 years ago. I have had to get e new version a couple of times when I changed PC’s. I was not charged again as it is a perpetual licence and they helped me get my data reloaded from my back-up so I did not lose all the food-stuffs I had added. You can also get a trial version for free and see if you like it.
https://fitnessassistant.net/download
Others are using myfitnesspal on the phone or PC and seem to like it. Again – if data privacy worries you, check your data is stored on your PC not their cloud.
I you only want the carb amounts, then you can probably use any of these tools purely to query the food and manually work out the carbs for your meals, without storing any data. You will quickly get to know the ones to avoid or use in small quantities. I suspect, since you have very successfully managed since January with a ‘common sense’ approach, then this will work for you.
I am sure others can add in with the tools they use and how easy they have found to work with them.
Good luck with the next phase.

All my immediate family know. They’re surprised that I’ve stuck at it. Hubby’s even cut back – he’s not diabetic and just slightly overweight at 14st – but neither of us eat after 5pm and he’s cut right back on Mars bars!! Believe me I’ve been on many diets, most of which lasted a few days. My motivation for this one is to get my type 2 under better control. I’ll be 52 in October so want to get it sorted asap.

Hi Bully
so he expects you to fail !!
That’s all the motivation you should need, you know already how well this works so with a little application you have the perfect “I told you so” line in the palm of your hand.
If you feel yourself wobbling, shout out, someone will be here to give you support rather quickly

Staying positive about the diet is paramount but it gets much easier as you progress.
Soon all those sugar cravings will go and you, will get to the point where you are wondering why you used to eat that stuff.
It sounds too good to be true but it happens and it doesn’t take long.

Thanks Bill. 🙂

I have problems with perfectionism, my brain is conditioned to respond in a “it’s all or nothing” kind of way and I’m slowly but surely retraining it. I get confused and cranky when I’m hungry (or any kind of stress) and I look for sweet things to make me feel happy again. I put that down to desserts being the highlight of any meal and lollies being a reward for good behaviour – a couple of things endemic to the way I (and many others) were brought up. Sadly I brought the kids up the same way – our love of dessert was definitely passed on. Staying positive about the diet – which is where this forum is absolutely necessary for me – is key.

Tried this diet 8 weeks ago…..felt brilliant and spectacularly fell off the wagon week 4…..wine weakens my willpower!!! Forced myself back onto scales today as that horrible lethargic feeling back and waistbands tighter. Pleasantly surprised that still 4 kilos down, but determined to stay the course this time, as want to be lighter by May spring bank….off for weekend break on fri, but will make the right choices. Feeling a bit low….husband skinny and almost expects me to fail as I have tried so many diets!!!and 3 young kids so some positive words to set me off would be much appreciated!!!

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125704

Hi folks we are up to 109 signatures for our petition asking the NHS to encourage T2 diabetics to follow the low carb diet. Scroll to top of page 1 for more information.
Do we have any new members resident in the UK who would like to sign up? 🙂

Hey Cherrianne I have lovely long hair that hangs in ringlets too 🙂
Unfortunately it migrated from my head to my armpits a few years ago 🙁

Of course it did, you’re a woman, you have a lot to say 😀

Beverly there is no punishment here
If we fall off this cart there is a soft landing then we climb back aboard and carry on as if nothing happened.
Blips are blips, we’re all human but, whatever the slip ups, the end result is well worth it.

Hi stringbreaker, most people are aiming for 50g of carbs or less. I am just googling a list of foods I commonly eat and making an excel chart. I mostly use calorieking. remember things like fish, chicken, steak, bacon and ham are carb free. Eggs, cheese and FF yoghurt have very little in the way of carbs. Then veg which grows above ground is lower carb than veg which grows below ground.

Some people use apps that help with this but I don’t have a smart phone so can’t help you there 🙂

LOL

Hi lostrist51,
I am not diabetic as far as I know,, just doing this for weight and also for health generally. My blood sugar tests were not done when I was heaviest though.
I find I am satisfied, ( and a few almonds are quite filling if I need a snack) but still get the munchies for reasons other than hunger: Bored, avoiding something else, also a side effect of meds I am on, and generally obsessed with food. I used to bake a lot, and found it a bit of an emotional boost to create something. I just need to adjust my cooking to healthier stuff!

Great to see other Aussies here!

I’ve started a blog to track my progress and to record carbs/calories for what I eat: http://bsdfast800.blogspot.com.au/. It is mostly for me to learn the carb/calorific value of what I am eating so eventually I’ll just look at something and simply know. 🙂

I’m looking forward to some fast weight loss though right now I’m not 100% confident we’ll stick to the diet. I’m not going to punish myself if I fall off the bandwagon – I’m hoping to note and and problem solve the issue at the heart of it, come up with ways to circumvent the same situation arising again.

Oh yes SB
when I got the appointment they sent a form asking me to write down my future plans.
My answer took the form of “to ignore all current medical advice and to stay with the BSD until I’m med free and my diabetes is totally diet controlled” or words to that effect
That should get their attention 😀

I told them the weekend before I started amidst knowing looks and a “he’ll never stick to that” attitude.
Within 3 days that all changed as they realised that they hadn”t seen me snack for a couple of days nor heard me saying I was hungry.
Then the weight started moving and there was a surge of interest, especially from the daughters and their friends. My OH makes a point of telling me how well I’mn doing and how proud she is of me which feels great but is tinged with a little guilt as I’m not really doing anything special, just eating food I enjoy and stilll losing weight. Even Houdini never managed that one !
Now it’s just a weekly “how much this week? ” but they all know now how well this can work and of course, being girls, they are all talking about it.
If I’m not very careful I’ll be running a young ladies diet group :S

Bill,

The very best of luck with your appointment. It will be so encouraging if you’re met with a receptive response.

Hopefully, doctors will eventually just have to accept the mounting evidence and espouse the cause. You certainly have some solid progress to present – you must be looking forward to the interview.

Bill I really hope it is the particular doctor who would be delighted then it might spread to other patients, fingers crossed 🙂

We certainly do Bill, even though it took me two weeks to get to grips with the idea after decades of the low fat indoctrination 🙂

Thanks orchid.

Where does one go to find carb values of food? I must confess we’ve just done the BSD by following the recipes in the book for dinners and generally eating the “right” sort of food for breakfast and lunch.

As we look for more dinner recipes we’re going to need to start looking at carbs – is there handy reckoner in a book or on line? – I guess there’s something in the book about the daily limit.

Today, we are going to blow that limt sky high! Way back last year we booked “Afternoon Tea” in a hotel near Bath and the day has finally come. Just think of it, sandwiches, followed by scones and then cakes. Yummy, but gosh! All those carbs!

I’m not going to eat anything else today and just hope it’s not too much of a disaster. Of course, we could have cancelled it, but it was already paid for on one of those gift token things so it would seem a pity.

Just have to man up and get it down.

Welcome to all our Aussie pals!

Natalie – I too suffer from diverticulitis – last bout requiring antibiotic treatment was immediately before I started this diet in early January. NOTHING SINCE!!!!! This diet seems to help with the problem as I was regularly rolling about at night unable to sleep with the pain.

Kick those Easter Eggs into orbit and get a few sunflower seeds in!! Make sure you use the lowest carb veg for your soups – i.e. those which grow above ground and add some FAT to the soup, swirl of olive oil, cream cheese, full fat yoghurt or grated harder cheeses. Stilton is lovely with cauliflower, courgette or broccoli soups.
Fat is so important on this diet!
🙂

(Cue the old woman in curlers)
CAULIFLOWER CHEESE ON A DIET ???
ARE YOU MAD ????
But we know better don’t we ? ?

Another welcome to all the newbies.

It’s great to see so many joining the BSD family. The word is spreading😃

Morning folks
well todays the day I go to the GP to discuss my latest results and detail how I’m going to move forward with my diabetes care.
It’s going to be an interesting conversation but really depends on whether it’s one of the regular docs or a locum I see.
My normal docs are very supportive in diabetes management and one in particular would be delighted with my results.
I’m also going to recommend that this way of eating is given to all diabetic patients and forwarded on to the local Desmond group.
Anything to get the word out there.

Hi lostrist51

Welcome.

I agree with Bill – you will definitely feel satisfied with less carbs.

Maple syrup in pork steaks😱 We’ve identified a similar problem in the UK. At least one major retailer is adding sugar to poultry and some meat products ‘to improve flavour and texture’! Having to be really careful with reading those labels😳

Keep us informed of your progress please b

Bill I can’t wait to hear what happens at your GP appt. We all be waiting eagerly 🙂

Oh, that’s interesting Bill, I must admit I didn’t fancy it with celeriac, cheesy cauli does sound more appropriate.
I always put cheese in the sauce and on top when I make fish pie 🙂

Looks like we began our replies at the same time Bill! Just took me a long time to type! 🙂

Hi Judith
I have had the fish pie with celeriac mash
It was ok but I much prefer it with cauli mash.

Hi neohdiver, welcome to the forums. I was very interested in your post. I too have hashimotos and in the three months before I found this diet I was steadily, and scarily, gaining weight despite never eating more than 500 to 1300 calories.
After 8 /9 weeks of this diet I began increasing my calories to 900 – 1200 calories a day and find I am still fat burning (I use ketostix to check) and slowly losing the last of the belly fat. This happens if you start eating FAT! I know, it is counterintuitive but NECCESSARY!

If you are thin you could well be a TOFI – thin outside fat inside – Michael Mosley was.
I would get all your tests redone now and again in 4 weeks. I know the fat is scary, it took me 2 weeks to dare to eat it, and so far I have lost 2 stones 8lbs and have a BMI of 21.7. Like I said, the ketostix still show I am fat burning. If you look at Bill1954’s posts – he’s the person we all look up to – you will see his cholesterol rates dropped after 4 weeks into this diet. As for his other results….well check them out!!

Diabetes and hypothyroidism are closely connected – they are both metabolic problems so you were unfortunate to inherit from both sides of your family. You aren’t the only person who has decided to do 16:8 at the same time as fast 800. It makes complete sense!

Please keep posting about your progress as we all love to hear about people’s successes. If you have any queries there is always someone on the forums ready to help.

Good luck on your journey – not that you need luck on this diet – stick with it and see those numbers change!

🙂

Hi Lachlanh
FSB this morning was 6.8 on just 1 metformin twice a day. You can get there, watch the blood sugar drop now you are starting full carb control.
I have an appointment this afternoon with the GP to discuss my latest results and how I intend to move forward with my diabetes care.
Have I got a story to tell him.

Hi neohdiver
stop worrying about adding fat to your diet. It is one of the essential ingredients for success as it will keep you feeling fuller and force your body into fat burning mode thus losing weight.
You will also discover the other benefits such as bettter sleep and a feeling of wellness.
That 19 pounds shouldn’t take too long to shift, looking forward to hearing ypur progress.

Overnight invasion alert !!!
Welcome to the BSD folks
You will find all the information you need on these forums along with some great tips, recipes, and a few laughs along the way.
You will read some amazing success stories while you read, and, in just 8 weeks, it will be your own stories providing the inspiration to the next group of newbies.
Don’t panic about the 800 calories, when you are eating the right foods, it’s plenty to keep you feeling full.
Any problems, just shout and someone will be along to help.

Hi lostrist51
you will certainly feel satisfied with less carbs after the initial settling down phase.
You must make sure to up your fat intake though as this is what keeps your digestive system working, keeps you feeling full, and eventually puts your body into ketosis or fat burning mode.
Welcome to the forums and keep us informed of your progress.

Have you found that you are satisfied while have a lot less carbohydrates? Yes guarding your enthusiasm is important isnt it. Do you have diabetes type 2 or are you following this way of eating simply for weight management?

Hi Sheryl!
No, at this stage I am trying the Med style 5:2. I wasn’t sure about being very calorie conscious, butmay do that later.

I have done the 5:2 for 2 years, and it got me down from 41 BMI to 31, but then I plateaued and lost enthusiasm. Cutting carbs has really helped both with the weight and the enthusiasm.

Kia Ora 🙂 I am just looking at present but very interested as have a person close to me diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Food looks delicious. Havent purchased the book either but it all makes perfect sense. Are you following it to the letter?
Sheryl

Hi Penny!
How long it takes for the ketostix to stop showing ketones varies from individual to individual. For me, my doc and I theorized that it took about 5 weeks, although i was clearly in ketosis before then. Around the 5th week I had more sustained energy, my blood sugars stabilized, a general feeling of well being, a sweet taste in my mouth, and a much clearer thinking process. It was fairly dramatic for me. My doctor told me that my body/mind liked the ketones and was keeping them for it’s own use and was no longer throwing them, lol.

While i did not use the ketostix, the information above is what my doc told me expost facto.

The best way that i know that i’ve eaten too many carbs and am not in ketosis is that i’m HUNGRY!!! ROFL

Another female overweight Aussie here! Pre-diabetic, diverticulosis, sleep apnoea, feel older and tireder than I should at 45. I started at 83.0 kg yesterday, lost over a kg overnight. I know it’s mostly water weight but it’s still nice to see on the scale! I tend to get a bit peckish in the afternoons, especially when the kids get home from school and snack on Easter eggs. Low-calorie vegetable soup at the ready!

For my 59th birthday, I was diagnosed with diabetes (from my mother), Hashimoto’s (from my father), and vitamin D deficiency. I am determined to follow a different course than prior generations, as the first one in my generation to manifest the family disease (everyone older than I am who is a descendant of my maternal grandfather has diabetes).

By 2 hours after diagnosis, I had settled on (and started) a diet far lower in carbohydrates than the standard medical recommendation – with the goal of keeping my blood sugar within normal range by dietary management. I also used the diagnosis as motivation to lose weight, even though the family version of this beast does not seem to be weight/lifestyle-related (I inherited it from an active string bean). It can’t hurt – and I’d been looking for motivation to lose weight. I’m down 49 lbs (24% of my starting weight) but have no greater tolerance for carbs than the day I was diagnosed.

But my A1c is 5.7% (down from 7.2% at diagnosis). Management by carb control works for me. I can still probably count on 2 hands the number of times my BG has been above 7.8 since 3 days post-diagnosis, when I finally got brave enough to test it. But I’m not looking forward to adding as many fat calories as I would need to add once I hit my maintenance weight, in order to avoid overdosing on carbs or proteins. So – hope springs eternal! The most recent Newcastle Diet study intrigues me – and has me hoping for remission, rather than management.

After as much research as my time permits me, it appears to me that what triggers remission is fasting or a near equivalent. So I’m going to try a bit of both – the BSD combined (most days) with an 8 hour eating window. (The minimum effective fasting period seems to be 16-18 hours – so just barely long enough to add a little bump perhaps.)

Since I’m already on a 1200 calorie (or less) diet – and have been for nearly 6 months – dropping another 400 calories is not as significant as it is for most people. I’m curious to see whether either my particular flavor of diabetes (apparently unrelated to weight, based on family history) or the fact that I have already been eating so close to 800 calories will have an impact on the outcome.

So, until I hit my goal weight – 19 lbs away – I’ll be eating BSD and 16:8 IF most days. I’m guessing that will take 4-6 weeks. At that point I’ll re-evaluate whether to drop below my goal weight – or shift to maintenance (possibly including 36:12 IF) for a while.

Days 1 & 2 have been uneventful. There have been quite a few days in the past 6 months I’ve come home with 300 calories left, out of the 1200, and have eaten something just to use up the calories. For the next part of my journey, that will no longer be a worry!

Hi pmshrink, Penny and Hashimoto,
thanks for your well wishes and advice.
I have started to take the meds and some painkillers as well. My teeth/ jaw is killing me. The funny part about this blasted infection is, that the “rest” of my body feels fine, just my stupid head is all clogged up! Hopefully things will begin to improve soon.
Diet-wise, I am going OK. Due to a lack of appetite caused by my illness, but the need to eat something to be able to tolerate the meds, I had a handful of almonds and an apple for breakfast. It was just an ordinary Fuji apple, my favourite type :-), which previously did not taste thaaaat sweet to me, but this morning tasted extremely sweet, so sweet in fact, that I had to force myself to finish it. It was also really filling and I didn’t feel like eating anything until about 5 hours later – had poached eggs with cooked garden fresh homegrown tomatoes 🙂 and onion, with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese – oh, soooo yummy :-).
Not sure what the scale will say on my 5 week weigh-in this coming Monday (can’t believe its been nearly 5 weeks already) but I have noticed that my jeans I wore when I went to see my doctor yesterday, were much looser fitting! I am tempted to weigh myself before this though. MM stated in his book that he weighs himself twice a week. I know about weight fluctuations which could occur daily, but was wondering if it really has merit to do so….. What is everyone else doing? Do you think its worth looking at the scales more than once a week? Looking forward to hearing from you…. :-)…

Hi guys, also a Aussie from Perth, started 2 weeks ago, 5 kilos down even with a couple of lapses (a kilo of lamb ribs yesterday ) but feeling pretty good and my fasting blood sugar was 5.2 this morning, glad to be doing this

Hello there. I’m a newbie too and tried every diet ever invented! I’m from Oz too. I reckon I can do this.
Cheers
Leanne

Just a call out to see if anyone else is from this corner of the world.

If so we might be able to share suggestions for in season veg recipes, or products to avoid with hidden carbs.

Just the other day I bought some pork at the supermarket, and got it home only to notice an ingredient list – on what otherwise looked like a couple of plain steaks. Made me do a double take. It turned out to have maple syrup in the steaks. Rather annoying, as by then I was home, which is 40 minutes from the supermarket, and that was my dinner.

I first went on the 5:2 diet a couple of years ago, and I did it with my husband, so yes, he knows, but I have only told a couple of others in my large family. I’d rather wait till there is a more evident result before telling the others, so I don’t seem crazy.One I told had already been on a low carb diet for a while. Not this one though.
He didn’t need to lose as much as me, and isn’t fully doing the BSD, but now having read the book he is cutting back on carbs too.I haven’t committed to the eight week 800 cal diet, but have cut carbs right down and am still doing the 5:2, while trying to eat more Med style. If this doesn’t help I’ll cut right back to 800, but it is much easier not counting carbs, and while I have social things going on like staying at others houses, it is a bit tricky.
I have slipped up a couple of times, eating carbs, particularly when around others I don’t want to tell, so perhaps I should…

Thanks blissfulbabe, I’ve never tried that but I’m really fussy and not confident I’d like it. I usually have 1 percent fat milk but thinking of going back to semi skimmed. I might give it a go first though.

Thanks Janet,
I had porridge this morning – no milk and none in my tea all day. Overall I have probably had about 40g today and my weight this morning was only 10st 4lb so I am moving in the right direction! Omelette tomorrow morning and yes I think I’ll put some cheese in it too!

Thanks Bill for the helpful information and to everyone for the welcome. I ordered Michael’s book last night and am looking forward to reading it – I think the menu plan will come in helpful. Anyone else used it?

Definitely Legolas. I have a poster of him aiming an arrow out of the picture – right at my heart!