Hi Annaand Alfie
Welcome to the clan! Hope you will find the threads on the forum helpful and supportive. Re you question on veg, as a general rule of thumb use those that grow above ground, as those that grow below are much higher in carbs. However, watch out as some – broccoli and kale for instance – can be surprisingly high in carbs. Carrots are okay occasionally, but parsnips are high and so best avoided. Fruit – I’m pretty sure the book says melon falls into the ‘tropical’ bracket and I would suggest that kiwi and figs do too. It is the sugar content that you need to watch out for. Think if you stick to fruits native to UK (sorry, assuming you are from the UK) you should be okay. I have high fat yogurt and approx. 15g of raspberries as the base of my breakfast each day for instance.

Sounds like you are all set to embark on this new venture. Good luck – hope you achieve your goals.

Thanks for this SOS. I also find the background taste of coconut a bit off-putting, its just not quite right for savoury foods. I’ll look into this as an alternative. Made me laugh about the body lotion.

Hi SunnyB
How did you get on with your carb counting since the 15th? How do you feel about it now?

Hello Lucia,

I too like reading your posts too.

You would be proud of me today, I did 2 walks! The first one wasn’t planned as such. I went to my normal spa hotel place for my swim/jacuzzi/steam etc. But since i’d done my housework (ironing and wotnot) by 8am I went then. the car park, which isn’t small by the way, was rammed. Most unusual, I had to park right down the bottom, I may as well left the car at home. Anyway, the receptionist said that Channel 4 were filming there, hence all the cars and vans/lorries. So, I must have done most of my 10000 steps just going to the spa from the CP!

Then when I got home 2 hours later, it was too nice to stay in, so went to the nearby park and wandered along by the river. I picked some of what we called pussy willow, don’t know if that’s it’s proper name. And I saw a few grey squirrels too. I love this time of year, the gardens are waking up and we have it all to look forward to.

I don’t know if you count it, but i’ve also done 3 sessions on my vibration plate thingy. My fitbit thing racks up steps on it, so I’m counting it!

Hi it wasn’t my theory about ketosis = high sugar. I thought someone else had suggested it I may be wrong though. I’m still taking the metformin, forxiga and statins. Blood tests on the 29th which I think will be after the 8 wk period. Had a bad day today. Have eaten cake and a scone and nothing else. Blood sugar 7.5 now. Going to eat something healthier now. I expect a high fbg tomorrow.

Hi anna, just do what you can when you can, knowing its better than doing nothing at all 😉

My husband has really suffered with cold hands and feet , he’s six weeks in and still occasionally has cold feet but it’s beginning to fade off . He doesn’t mind as he’s lost weight. Roll on summer!

HinShyvarn. I’m not an exert so these are only suggestions. Your weight gains could be down to the literal increase in food you eat on 5 days as opposed to 2 days where the weight of the food will be much less. Also associated, your water retention will change from day to day depending on what you have eaten.
Have you tried taking an average of your weight over a period of a month or so?
Your average weight will probably be lower than your weight a month ago, despite the upward blips. Although we don’t turn into muscle-bound adonis’s with exercise, your ‘looking smaller’ is explained by your muscles being more toned and therefore you look better. You can lose inches this way without ever losing a pound on the scales but its still a good thing.
I think for most people, weight is bound to fluctuate on the 5:2 because, by its very nature, it is a less consistent plan. But I would encourage you to look at your weight across the period to look for evidence of a downward trend as I am sure it will be there and that should give you further encouragement.
Keep going and keep remembering why it was important for you to do this, and keep using these forums. Come back and tell us about your downward trend, we’d love to hear about it as many of us will switch to the 5:2 at some stage.

Hi there,

I have found all your comments really encouraging – I am also not diabetic but need to kick-start 25kg weight shift. The next week of so could be a bit wobbly due to family commitments but I am going to give it a go!

Hi there
Well this is hopefully a new beginning – I am 57, a school secretary so sit at a desk for a lot of the day; walk the dogs twice a day, have a fitbit to try and keep track of 10,000 steps a day; not diabetic (yet) but really need to shift 25kg according to the tests on this website. I have tried 5:2 before and it was comfortable but want to kick-start the weight shifting and have just heard about this food plan.

I have a couple of questions – it would be really useful to have a comprehensive list of fruit and veg that are ok or no-no’s but I can’t find one anywhere. For example, just cooking a roast for tonight and I won’t have the potatoes obv but will be having sprouts/broccoli and leafy green veg. Where does this plan stand on carrots? I am assuming that parsnips are too starchy/carbohydratey? Also, for fruit are kiwi ok? or fresh figs? I know that I have to resist tropical fruit so mango/pineapple/melon, but my morning salad usually has grapefruit/kiwi/figs/melon with a spoonful of creme fraiche so I guess that is going to have to change a bit?

Any advice would be gratefully received – please!

I think you’re probably right about the hormone link there SOS. Everything in our bodies is so inter-connected.

Most definitely it could jpscloud! Be kind to your body for a few days, stick with the low carb but don’t expect too much of your body for a few days. Some people feel energised, others feel tired, nauseous and downright grumpy! If your cold-like symptoms come and go with eating then they are definitely withdrawal. If they hang around, treat them like you would any cold, just in case that’s what it is. We’ve had a couple of cases of genuine illness reported (not as a result of the diet just coincidentally) and of course, its important to look after yourself at these times with protein, good sources of vits and mins and plenty of fats.

Hi Lucia, I managed 2 hours walking around furniture stores yesterday with my son and daughter in law looking for furniture for their new house so if I subtract the time sat sitting on sofas I should have managed to clock up 30 minutes walking!

Just about recovered from swooning over hunks on the to and drooling over mouse gratin and now planning menus for next week, looking forward to the big weigh in and measure tomorrow morning and hopefully posting some good news! Can’t believe how quickly our 1st week has gone and how much I have actually enjoyed the BSD! Crazy or what😜

It doesn’t feel like a diet but a whole new outlook on living.

I have noticed the spring flowers and wildlife as we get so many lovely 2 and 4 legged ones in our garden. Planted out some new bushes and flowers this morning to add to the spring colours and also growing herbs to add flavour to our meals.

Captainlynne, I could ask my cats the answer to the mouse calorie question but probably wouldn’t get a coherent answer, they are however in great condition so calories probably quite low!

Keep up the good work everyone and hoping to equal Lucias Oscar acceptance speech tomorrow, good excuse for a new frock!

Just wanted to say thank you as well, and happy birthday for 22nd! They say you have to keep going till you find what works for you… well, I think I have found it, thanks to you.

Try pomegranate teabags in fizzy water with a smidgen of stevia.

Thanks SunnyB I will – this forum is absolutely the best thing (literally!!) since sliced bread for me. Having read the book I was determined to give it a go but I don’t think I could have made it through yesterday and today without the support on here. That sounds a bit dramatic but it’s true!

Bill, just read your whole thread and oh my goodness I am so glad for your daughter – what a lot you’ve gone through. Thank you for posting and this amazing thread that has helped me so much today with feeling very unwell – not sure if it is a cold or sugar withdrawal. I was convinced it couldn’t be sugar withdrawal as I thought it was too powerful. However, I ate five large strawberries a couple of hours ago and caught myself yumming as though they were sweets. Magically feel better now – could that small amount of sugar have made the difference?

This had me going for a bit until I watched MM’s Trust Me I’m a Doctor stream on oil, have now wised up.

It’s worth watching, any oil smoking it’s socks off, is not going to be product of choice; food cooked in vats of oil slowly is also not going to be an ideal option, I use olive oil, moderate amounts, at a moderate temperature.

Thank you for taking time to reply. I feel more confident now with your replies and the extra research I have done today. The Mediterranean diet is my way forward. Hopefully I can stop my blood sugar in its tracks!

I would have thought liver a very good and satisfying choice. It is nutritious and filling, so a little should go a long way.

Hi Sward
If you are okay with dairy, full fat milk is best as it is the fat that helps us feel full for longer, but do keep track of the number of calories being consumed this way – count them all. Best to measure the milk and keep in a separate container to use throughout the day. Also check the carb content, so that you are not suppressing progress by eating too much. This diet seems to be about the make up of the 800 calories a day, not just the number of calories – i.e. not all calories are equal.

As for the amount of carbs per day, although this is not talked about in the book, from other threads on the forum and the experience of the participants – and my own experience – it seems to help if you can keep your carbs down to no more than 50g per day. That might sound hard to do, but actually it is quite easy if you are getting most of your calories from proteins and fats.

Good luck and keep posting – let us know how you progress and keep an eye on the other threads on the forum, as there is planty of advise, tips and support here.

Thanks Christie
A problem I have with living in France is that foods are mostly local and seasonal. It is something I found hard when I first moved here being used to English supermarkets. I plan to try and find some blueberry bushes I can plant then freeze the fruit for future use. It is how I manage with lots of fruit and veg, grow it myself then freeze, bottle or dry it for winter. I really look forward to summer when all the berries are ready.

I use olive oil almost exclusively, with the only exception being if I am frying at high temps. Rapeseed is often cold pressed and has been haled for it’s healthy properties, so is a great alternative for frying at high temps.

Hi jpscloud
sounds like you are really organised and determined to make this work for you and that you have a handle on the little devil of yours. You will find the journey gets easier as you progress, although there will be blips, struggles and frustrations along the way, stay positive and hold on to your determination to get you through.

Keep posting and make good use of the threads on the forum, as there is heaps of tips, advise and support here, which helps to get us all through.

Good luck – and be sure to let us know how this go for you.

Hi Christi, no advice I’m afraid but a little sympathy! I too did well initially and have been thrilled to bits with my 18lbs loss but have been stuck now for the past 12 days. Unfortunately I’ve not been as strong as you, I’m in the middle of our birthday season (!) and and have not done so well at resisting temptation, with another birthday coming up this week. I have managed to put it behind me and get back on track today, but with being stuck as well at the moment, the whole thing is really disheartening. Does anyone have any tips on how to kick-start things again?

Thank you very much Sharon and very well done to you! Like you I’ve got a bit of a way to go, but I can’t believe how far we’ve come in just 4 weeks! My hubby is also doing this and is nearly at his target weight! Have a great week xx

Hi aly,
I have problems with breakfast too, as I usually have oat bran with yogurt or hot milk, I have found the melon, spinach and blueberry shake filling, it’s one quarter galia melon, 50g blueberries, 200ml almond milk, 2 handfuls of spinach leaves, sprinkle of sunflower seeds, put melon, berries, spinach and milk in blender wizz until smooth, pour into a container and chill, then sprinkle the sunflower seeds on and enjoy, (although I haven’t time to let it brew’ in the fridge so I have it right away’) Also yogurt with passion fruit and almonds, ( are almonds ok?) toast 1tbs flaked almonds, put 150g pot plain yogurt in a dish stir in the almonds and scoop the passion fruit out into the mixture and enjoy, Another one is blueberries and green tea shake, boil 200ml water to make the green tea, soak the tea bag for 4 mins then put in a cup in the fridge overnight, blend the tea with 2tbs Greek yogurt 1tbs almonds 50g blueberries and 1tbs flaxseeds(linseeds) and again enjoy, when I first did these for my breakfast I didn’t think I would last long before I felt hungry, however I was able to last until lunch so I hope these are helpful to you.

Thanks SunnyB. I am much encouraged by the comments I am getting.

Thanks

Hi Jackie – I think week 2 is a strange on for many of us. It’s like your body suddenly realises this strange new regime wasn’t just for week one and it protests. It will work itself out, so keep going and reap the benefits in the weeks to come.

Hi Bonniebee
Like the others, I’m no expert, but I think what matters is where you are getting your calories from – or how nutritional your diet is. Think following the Mediterranean Diet would be no bad thing, as this way you can be sure you are getting good nutrition and your calories for food groups that will sustain a healthy life style.
Hope it all goes well.

Thanks so much. I am feeling so much better and so am not losing focus. Hope you get some more weight loss again soon.

Hi Jackie, no idea why it’s happened however I have stalled in my weight loss and have been assured it’s just my body adjusting to the diet, change in eating habits, no sugar etc. You just have to hang in there and it will re-start, I have had real wobbles too, but I have hung in there, so good luck with your weight loss sure it will happen soon, it is frustrating when you are doing everything the right way too!

Hi Bonniebee,
Same as theblackspot, I’m not an expert but I’d say you would fine to cut out the carbs (pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, crisps, sweets, cakes, biscuits) but no need to calorie count so eat whenever you are hungry and stop when you are full, stocking up on protein, veg and fats. I guess your blood sugars might be high if you have had the traditional English diet of sugar-laden foods, even though you have kept your weight down. You might actually find your appetite changes which often happens when you cut the carbs.

Lost 6lbs in week 1. Great. In first 3 days of week 2 I lost 2lbs and then put a pound back on by the end of that week- I was not cheating and still completing myfitnessapp. Also continuing the same amount of exercise.

What’s going on?

I am not giving up though.

Any ideas why this has happened.

Thanks

Jackie

Thanks shrinkidinkyman
I don’t drink so no luck there but thanks for responding.

Thanks Sharon I will take a look at the thread feeling cold.

Bovril! Now THERE’S an idea.
Thanks.
Had to be wary of apples due to “Right temporal mandibular joint dysfunction syndrome” (Aching jaw).

My local swimming pool has aqua aerobic classes which 90% of the participants have been referred by their GP or physio.
They are great fun and are very sociable.I have two new knees and find the exercise in the water is wonderful. There is no way I could do leapfrog jumps on dry land but in the pool – no problem

Hello blackspot, your ex-father-in-law was right about the stirring of the water to keep the egg white together. I have an old Margeurite Patten recipe book – gives the same instruction. Also, adding a dash of vinegar to the water… no-one has ever explained why, though… I found it a bit hit-or-miss. To be honest, I ended up getting one of those silicon dooberries – a little oil to prevent sticking and putting the lid on the saucepan to keep the heat in, you get a nice little domed egg.
Rose

I didn’t feel hungry for the first five weeks but have had temptation rear it’s ugly head this week..had an apple or a bovril to tide me over.

hope you enjoy them!

Hi Matrika and Chameleonbeetle,

Thanks for your suggestions – they make sense to me. I’m just so thankful that this is all proving so easy!
The only real extra effort is on the part of my wife who is having to cook some different recipes for the evening meal, but to be
honest, she’s a great cook and is enjoying it.

We’re both certainly enjoying the food and would carry on with a lot of the recipes whether the were healty or not – they taste so good.

Just one more week to go. I’ve already achieved the weight loss I was hoping for so am really chuffed. How are you both getting on?

Hi chameleonbeetle when my son was young he would. ONLY have home made lentil soup or beans for breakfast so you are not alone 🙂

Really sorry, I’m no nutritionist, but…
If you do cut carbs,and eat a rich whole food Mediterranean diet with good fats, plenty of veg and some carbs from whole grains as a side dish not the main event and avoid processed food and the evils of sugar in all its forms. I think any good Dr would give you a pat on the back.

Happy birthday Michael 🙂
Thanks so much for your book, it has had an amazing impact on my weight and energy levels,
Judith

Books ordered, both in stock but I bought the last one of each.

Hi jet, my father does it by spinning the water and dropping the egg in. I gave up on that method years ago – too many messed up eggs. I bought an egg poacher. Perfect. I can do 4 perfect poached eggs at once. Aldi’s had some in a couple of weeks ago for £4.99. There might be some left 🙂

To poach an egg.
Bring a pan of water to boil then turn it down so its simmering.

Crack a fresh egg (newer the better) into the water.

Wait

Lift out with a slotted spoon when done to your liking. After 3 or so minutes you may be able to lift the egg up and give it a gentle finger poke to see how firm the white is to give you an idea to doneness.

My ex father in-law swore by getting the water spinning before cracking an egg into the center to help it stay together.

I sometimes find they stick to the bottom of the pan as they sink and this sometimes leads to leaky yolk 😔 but generally they are pretty bomb proof.

Best of luck poaching.
PS those little silicon cups for floating in water just equal more washing up, don’t bother!

Thank you so much Orchid. We have a fairly new shop here called Bio Coop. I need to investigate as our normal supermarkets do not sell the seeds. I am deep in rural Normandy amongst dairy farmers. I have no doubt these things can be bought in bigger more affluent areas. Amazon supply some things but delivery can be more than the item you buy. Holland and Barrat deliver here too so will have a look at their online shop. I need to get more creative.

Thanks Anita, sounds like you are pretty organised. I know what you mean about the fat thing – its changing a deeply ingrained habit isn’t it. Thanks for the suggestions too, will have to consider the cream in the coffee – I have this weird stomach pain thing around cream so I haven’t ventured as far as cream yet. I’m even a bit tentative about full fat milk. But I’m thinking I still have a steady weight loss without too much deprivation. A girl’s gotta have a vice!

Well, all the best for this next week. Keep in touch, with the good and the bad stuff (if there is any!), I’m loving all these conversations with like minded people. I’ve got a week off this week and am sofa shopping at Ikea Leeds for my new holiday let apartment so I’ve got a few exciting weeks ahead of me playing house!