One more thing – fruit with full fat yoghurt is really yummy and as someone on the site reminded me, sugar is poison but fruit and yoghurt is food 😉

Hi Hashimoto,
Sorry for the rain where you are, if it was here I would probably grab my wellies and go splashing, I am feeling younger these days.
Spring will be here soon, had an unusual text to remind me the lawn needs feeding at the end of the month. Can believe Easter is at the end of next week, then everything in the garden will be doing crazy things.
Have you watched the blackbirds at dusk. As I walked from the bus stop, they were singing their heads off. It’s all making me feel happy that winter is behind us. You miss all of this in the car.

My poor tights, when I shrink and need the next size down I am thinking of tying them between two trees, they are wide enough to use as hammocks 😎 There is a LOT of material in them.
Love Lucia.
Xxx

Two weeks in means your body is starting to notice you are depriving it of sugar. If you give in to your cravings now you will have to do all that work again. This isn’t about your will power or you being a weak person. It is a chemical urge to retrieve what your body thinks it has lost. But cravings pass, we’ve all been there. You could try the old favourites of sugar free gum, mint tea, fruity teas, etc. Coconut flour makes sweet but healthy pancakes and snacks. Doing stuff is a good diversionary tactic, whether it is exercise, housework, whatever, especially things that involve achieving something. Its not easy to keep your head in the right place all the time but its very worth it and the cravings do ease off with time. Come on silver, we know you can do it!

I’d say it could be any or all of the following; lack of veg for fibre, lack of water, lack of fat, or just simply lack of food – 800 cals isn’t a lot of food so people might notice they are not going as often but actually they have less to pass.

I’ve been working from Lachlan’s theory above, and skipped the morning fasting blood sugar test. Just because it was causing me worry.
I dropped the late evening snack, rather than trying to prevent the dawn phenomenon I thought I’d go with it.
This morning’s fasting blood sugar 4.6!!
Will keep you posted over the next few days as I see what happens.

sorry for the question – but i am interested – what is it with this diet that causes constipation actuallY?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has tried any of these things. I have bought a few from Holland and Barrett, I think meant for weightlifters rather than dieters – at least one of them, and I have just bought a pack of the Atkins bars from the supermarket.

All of them seem to have a (very thin) chocolate coating and I’m worried how well they will travel. Has anyone had anything that might travel better. I’d still prefer it not to contain nuts, but I’ve given up worrying about nuts in the factory.

Gosh I am feeling amazed to be honest that I have managed to stay off the white stuff for 2 weeks but this week is tricky – I wasn’t but now craving a wee bit again. plus i sense a bit of emotional eating creeping in – for a day now. All healthy stuff but i have upped my calories today i know I have. Any tips folks? or anyway further on and been there? Thank you !

Hi cherrieanne, we have both had plenty of electrolyte drinks in the form of small pinch salt and a bigger pinch of sugar in water flavoured with fresh mint – we both prefer it to dioralyte. I think all the probs with his bloods are down to dehydration, and just hope his bloods are ok on monday.
I decided to take a taxi to the hospital as I knew he wouldnt be able to walk from the car park into the hospital (and him a half marathon runner ). I went in fine and dandy and left in a wheelchair! The car would still be at the hospital racking up enormous parking fines if I had driven there myself! Serendipity!
As for protein i have had to steer him away from his favourite wensleydale cheese to something a little kinder to his stomach! He started eating yesterday -boiled eggs and chicken soup (after starting on dry toast). I’m hoping to eat a bit more than a few spoons of chicken broth tomorrow.
Rest and liquids are firmly on the agenda for a couple of days! Thanks for your advice and good wishes
Judith x

Oh dear I know what you mean about 800 not being very much. What sort of thing are you having for breakfast and lunch? I try for soup for lunch filling and few calories then I have plenty of leafy veg or salad in the evening with protein.

Lucia, I will still have quite a bit of weight to lose after the 8 week mark so I’ll be around to bore you for some time yet.
Did you like my attempt at being assertive ? I spent hours practising in front of a mirror. 😉

Well Purplepenguin, a bit mixed really. I start the day full of enthusiasm and have a good low calorie breakfast and lunch but then it goes to pot. 800 calories is not much and I find it almost impossible to finish the day with a very low calorie meal and stay sane.

Guys, I’m lost for words.
The love and support coming from this forum had me in tears.
My heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you.

Lucia I. Love your posts! Grey, gloomy and wet all day here but you inject some sunshine into the day! As for those tights you will soon need a smaller size!! X

No sunnyb, I’m not at all offended, my dyslexic maths is legendary! But no, it is sixteen ounces for someone of my height so I visualise that as a 16oz steak you would order in a restaurant and that’s what I should be having each day (except I don’t eat beef!). That’s a maximum amount apparently, some of the other boffins on that website say to have less. I think I certainly do have less than that really.

Bit annoyed with myself today, as I have managed to go over the 800, finishing the day at 915! The only plus is that I am well below 50g on carbs – under 20g actually, so I’m hoping the excess on calories won’t matter too much. Anyway, today I have had:

Breakfast – yogurt, raspberries and milled seed mix
Lunch – again gem lettuce leafs spread with cab pate topped with a sprinkle of mixed seeds and a small wedge of camembert
Dinner – two small chicken thighs cooked in a tomato and paprika sauce, with cavolo nero and flower sprouts.
On track to have drunk enough, just need one more glass of water and one more herbal tea.

Really hope tomorrow, I will be able to keep my calorie count below 800 and I have been struggling since going off piste at the w/e – wish me luck.

This is a great thread and has given me some inspiration for some new breakfast choices!
Loving the yoghurt, berries and milled seed idea – didn’t even think of it, and I have some in the cupboard!
Have posted on a few other forums – stalled in week 3&4. Now in week 5 & I am definitely starting to feel slimmer. The scales have been stubborn – but I think this week will see a change.
I’ve readapted my approach & reduced the carbs to below 50 each day.
Breakfast – Blueberry, avocado & yoghurt smoothies (with some super supplements)
Lunch – Salad leaves, cucumber, beetroot, seeds, celery & a teaspoon of olive oil.
Dinner – Thai butternut squash soup, poached egg & kale.
Snack – 50ml organic milk (for teas!)

Well done everyone – love the forums, a real inspiration xx

Hi Grandma48/Jan

Sounds like you have made a good start. Using Kindle, you can mark passages in the book, so that it is possible to find them easily again. Anyway, like you I have been struggling with balancing the fat/carb/protein mix to achieve the 800cals and weight loss. Had a good first week, but the last two have been a bit iffy.

I can’t honestly remember the book saying not to count cals in veg, but I would be surprised if this were the case on such a controlled diet. I have been counting the cals in everything consumed, not that it has stopped me plateauing and struggling to get things moving again. I’m into week four now and hoping this week the scales will be kinder, but I’m keeping a very close watch on the carbs this week.

Think if you are struggling to keep the carbs low, it’s probably best not to eat too much in the way of pulses and legume, as these do have higher carb values. Similarly root veg also show quite high on carb, so best to use veggies that grow above ground, as they have much lower and in some instances almost non-existent carb values. Go for cabbages, sprouts, spinach, salad stuff, broccoli, cauli, aubergine, courgette, etc.

Good luck and let us know how you get on with adjusting your diet and if it helps you achieve better weight loss.

Yesterday’s food:

Breakfast: Greek yogurt and cooked mixed berries

Lunch: Salad – romaine lettuce, rocket, cherry toms, olives, gherkins, basil, cooked yellow pepper, beef, spring onions, mayo/sour cream, a small pear

Dinner: Garlic lime chicken stirfry with peppers, courgette, mange tout and onion, garlic, lime juice and zest, onion garlic granules, black pepper and oregano

Water, two cups coffee with milk

Cals: 857 Carbs: 44g

Hi larpent,
I laughed so much when you asked if I have enough fat! You would know I have plenty if you saw me trying to get everything into my tights of a morning. 🙄
I thought I was doing well counting my calories, now I have to look at fat and carbs. That may take a little longer working all that out. I will try though.
I have 800 to 850 calories. Per day.
I thought the full fat Greek yoghurt tablespoon big blob on my apple would cover the fats needed.
I think, maybe my body is in shock , or just stunned. It’s probably saying , what the devil is she up to now? She will get over it and get back to the old routine, I will just wait here for now.

Isn’t it wonderful, the light nights and wasn’t it mild again today? I am walking to the next bus stop to work and getting off a stop earlier both ways. Every little helps… Or is that an advert?

Just off to my sock drawer to apologise to my tights. Didn’t realise the torturous life I have put them through.
Love Lucia xxxx

Scotgran that is fab!!! well done! Love the expression ‘tummy wedge!’ so stealing that one haha xx

Hi Bill,
So sorry to hear your family’s news. Thoughts are with you and keeping my fingers crossed the MRI comes back with more positive news xx

Hi Penny,

Have been AWOL for a few days, getting a new tablet sorted out, and busy at work. You’re right about MFP. I don’t trust it unless I have added the item to my favourites myself, or I can confirm the accuracy of the database info myself.

I bought the BSD book on my Kindle and it makes it very difficult to flick through to find something specific. I’ve been measuring my calories and carbs on Fitness Pal and although I can keep the carbs low with fish, cream, butter etc, the minute I start adding the vegetables – particularly pulses – the carbs shoot up. I’m just starting my third week and although I had a creditable 4lbs loss in week 1 (just stopped smoking as well, so guess my body is fighting itself), only managed 1/2lb last week. I’m not unhappy with the weight loss cos I can see the inches coming off. I have been following the forum since I started, did my first post yesterday, and I seem to recall reading that Michael Mosley said not to count the vegetables! Is that right? I am measuring and counting olive oil, butter – basically everything – and although I can keep within the 800 calories no problem, I’m finding it hard to keep below the 50g carbs. Also I am not eating anything like the amount of veggies I did before I started this plan. Can someone please advise? Thank you all so much – your positive attitudes and advice is priceless.
Jan

Hi Hashimoto,
So glad to hear you’re on the mend. I’d noticed you MIA and had a feeling you might have caught the tummy bug too. It’s a bit hard not to when you’re cleaning up copious amounts of vomit. 🙁
Hopefully your son’s kidney probs are just temporary, probably down to dehydration from the vomiting. Are you both getting some electrolyte replacement drinks? Not the so called sports ones, but one for upset tummies sometimes helps with nausea. If he can keep up his fluid intake and manage some protein, I’m sure your son’s results will be much better on Monday.
Good job you went with him to hospital so you managed to get prompt treatment.
Have plenty of rest, plenty of fluids and hopefully you’ll feel 100% again soon.

Thanks for all the advice – going to put it into practice and get back to you with the results!! Feeling very optimistic😀

Hi jellitum,
Thanks for your kind words about my ramblings. I was doing it just for me, a diary, but it has brought me so much more.
I think I would be first to die in a famine, thousands could live for years off my blubber🙃 In fact I could cancel out any famine.
Can you give me an example of what and how much you eat in one day?
How did you cope with your plateau? Did you curse the scales, sulk for a few minutes and got on with it like me?
When I weigh myself next time, I am going to cut my toe nails and shave my legs, surely that is at least another gram or two😜
Stay happy jellytum.
Love Lucia.
Xxxx

Gwendolineanne, welcome to the forums, this diet WILL work for you, believe me! I didn’t believe I could lose my excess weight but I am 2 stones 3 lbs down already. I’m looking forward to your posts as you will be so happy with the results of following this diet 🙂

Glad you weren’t offended I pointed it out Janet1973. I’m guessing that it is 16g of protein needed and not 16ounces then. That is very little and I’m certainly eating more than that – would think most of us are. Will see how I go for the rest of this week counting cals and carbs, before deciding if I need to be counting protein as well!

I would say still keep taking your medication until your GP advises otherwise. I’m on 2000mg (4 tabs) daily and my review isn’t til June but I’m continuing on it til then.

Hi bill 1954, is that you being masterful?
Yes, I had a good sulk probably for a good five minutes. I have threatened my scales that if they don’t come up with the goods, they will be sleeping with the fishes. 😄
I think it is good to feel let down, I have to go through disappointment so I can control myself not running for the chocolate.
I have had a lot of water today, you know a balloon filled with water, squishy? Well I felt like that this afternoon.
Just had my evening meal, feel stuffed.
I am not worried now, about my gain, as just look at my lessons learned and my friends coming to my rescue. Bill, please stay with me here on the website for my eight weeks.
Love Lucia xxx

Hi lulalinda, fantastic results in one week! Looking forward to your next weeks posts – and the week after….:)

Well done Bill 🙂

Thats fab news Bill, lovely to get results like that.

Hi, hashimoto. Thanks for having me along 🙂

Hi lynne, I’m still a bit weak and wobbly but I haven’t had this infection as badly as my son. I brought him home early on friday suffering from a severe stomach bug. The dr referred him to hospital for tests early sunday morning. His full blood count came back showing a lot of changes and probs with his kidneys. I have never seen anyone vomit such large amounts every few minutes (it had started thurs night), they sent him for chest and abdominal xrays when i suddenly knew I was going to be sick (very fortunate timing) the dr dealing with my son got a prescription of two types of anti emetics for me to take immediately as he was worried howi would fare at my age with health probs given how ill he was.I’m over the sickness, just nausea left. My son has to have full blood count repeated next monday. He was already thin but he is now a stone lighter. He is beginning to look better, thank God :). The dr was going to keep him in hospital but when I was sick they decided he had a nasty viral infection.
I’m glad you’re back ‘on line’, I love your posts x

Thank you so much hasimoto.
Purplepenguin….. I have daffodil pedometer which is advertised in the resources section of this website and find it is really good. Got it from amazon. Only records steps though after you have been walking for 7 seconds but dont find it is a disadvantage.

Hi Juliia, welcome to the 8-week line and after. Keep letting us know how you are doing.

Hi Hashimoto. *waves*. Thanks 😃 When I was away it seemed like everything was served with dumplings or bread or both (at least where I could afford!). . I normally eat local food on holiday, so it was unusual for me to go to TGI Fridays – but the steak was good (and did two meals 😊).

Good to see you back. You ok?

8 ounce eggs…they’d take some cracking!!!

Great news Bill. 😃

Day 3 everything going well, I’m doing 2 replacement meals and 1 X 400 calorie meal, should I still be taking my metformin? Thanks

Ha ha, you’re quite right SunnyB. I had another look and I have been getting my grams and ounces all muddled up! The theory was good but my application was rubbish!

Hi Janet1973

Sorry to contradict your protein weights referenced on your last posting, but 16 ounces is actually one pound – i.e. close to half a kilo – and therefore two large eggs could not possibly contain the equivalent in protein. My calculations show protein in two large eggs as around an ounce (26g). If it is 16g of protein, two large eggs would actually be in excess at approx. 26g. I haven’t looked at the site mentioned yet, but I’ll take a peek later, as I have heard in the past excess protein can hinder weight loss.

Hi shadow2, wow, 11st 10lbs down to 9st 9lbs is something to celebrate. Well done you and wishing you all the best on this life long path 🙂

Did you get a withdrawal?? As I don’t know if I get dips of low sugar but I shake and shake badly… I was told it’s either low sugar or more likely going Cold turkey . Apart from Pepsi we eat veg and meat.

I have to change… So I have to do what ever it takes . I am nearly 29 stone!!

Oh and also agree that Penny’s little glasses are a great idea. I just use bars and gates in my diary but I might have to channel the picasso a little bit!

Hi everyone
Eureka posted a link to another website;
ketogenic-diet-resource.com

This is a really useful website and might provide another piece of our puzzle of slow weight loss as it discusses how much protein you need for ketosis, and therefore, weight loss. I always thought protein should be kept high when dieting, but it turns out that too much protein can hinder weight loss. Maybe this explains why, when we know we are ‘being good’, we don’t lose much; perhaps we are getting just a little too much protein so ketosis doesn’t happen.

For instance, one of the possibilities for me at 5 foot 2 inches (shortass!) is that I only need around 16 ounces of protein per day. That’s just a bit more than two large eggs a day. I’m prepared to monitor my protein intake (along with everything else!) to see how it affects things for a few days. How did it all get so complicated!

I am just starting my 4th week and have lost 6lbs and about an inch off my waist. I am doing 5.2BSD so not reducing calories as much as most people but am thrilled with my progress. I am now 9st 9lbs which is the lowest I have been for about 40 years. Since I first started 5.2 diet in July 2014 (when diagnosed with pre diabetes) I have lost a total of 29lbs, unfortunately went back to bad eating habits end of last year and 4 weeks ago my blood sugars were in the late 6’s, tingling all over body and felt terrible. Now my fasting blood sugars are low 5’s or high 4’s which I am very relieved about it. I am now up to 10,000 steps a day and feel much better. I have found this diet much easier than I expected and know I need to keep to low carbs for rest of my life but am looking forward to a more relaxed meditteranean maintenance plan. I could not have done this without the help and support from these forums and the recipes posted by everyone. Keep going everyone, it can be done.

Hi innermonologue, why should we mind you posting? We are all in this together! Welcome on board 🙂

I think you will find the sweet tooth lessens considerably after a week or so of the diet. Mine hasn’t disappeared but I now find Pepsi max too sweet and prefer fizzy water with lemon in it. Never thought I’d hear myself saying that 😃