spam reported ^^

Hi Paul,
Do you have an app/device to track your nutritional intake? If you think of what your usual days intake would be ( pre BSD) and you’ve gained weight on that level of carbs, then try reducing to the point where you are happy with your rate of weight/ inches lost.
Not being diabetic you won’t have to worry about your sugar levels, so wouldn’t necessarily need to have such a low carb diet as those of us that are.
Good sources of protein for vegetarians are tofu 1/2 cup = 22g, eggs=6g ea, chick peas 1/2 cup= 5g, cheese=11g per 40g weight, cottage cheese=18g per 1/2 cup, full fat milk=7g in 200ml. So it soon adds up. Most recommendations have 0.8g protein per kg of body weight per day for moderately active people. I also add protein powder to my morning breakfast smoothie to boost my protein intake. Choose a legume based one rather than milk based and it will be lower in carbs.
Sorry I never seem to be able to give a short answer lol!

Thanks very much for your helpful reply hashimoto. One week in and I’ve lost 2.5kg so it’s very motivating. And although I am enjoying the recipes as they’re delicious (even if time consuming to prepare for one person), the lack of carbs has led to physical exhaustion and tiredness as if I’ve run a marathon. I’m finding my regular gym workouts (including HIT aka Fast Exercise) hard going. So I’ll see how I go with my energy levels after the second week has passed. Hopefully I will have adjusted to the new regime.

Keep it up!

Regards.

Thanks for the helpful reply Janet. Cheers.

I think there’s something about alcohol that affects water retention. I’ve just gone up a bit too, and it wasn’t really the calories, just 2 celebrations in a row. I didn’t have much (honestly yer honour!) but I think it’ll be a couple of days before it rights itself.

Congratulations on your weight loss Janet! Mine’s been going slowly, but at least it’s in the right direction. Just coming to the end of 2 weeks intensive teaching so a lot of standing (and sore feet!) but not so much real exercise. It seems to register as lots of steps on my Fitbit so I must move around a lot.

Love the idea of growing lettuce and soft berries. It’s too hot in my Auckland garden. Lettuce just frizzles and soft fruit grows lots of leaves but no fruit. I like to grow the greens that you can pick leaves off as needed. Can do that with kale but nothing more delicate 🙁

Hi Speedy
That sounds like a difficult one- you can’t really be low carb and low fat at the same time.
If you have a look at the thread ‘useful links’ there may be something there to help you. ( scroll to top, press Fast 800, see a list of threads- just in case you don’t know!)

☺️

Hi Hashimoto
Could it be that a few carbs are creeping in, putting you back on carb burning and not fat burning? That will make you hungry.
Have a look at Jenny Ruhls book ‘low carb problems solved’- (£3 on kindle) it might help
Penny

Hi
Can you still have coffee and semi skimmed milk?

Also is soya milk ok to drink too?

Hi Malkay
I read that book a while ago. I do find Michael more convincing as he s talking about scientific studies. So I’d go with what he says. I’m not having hypo attacks now either. Isn’t if wonderful to not worry about that all the time!
Also Marilyn says a lot about physical stuff then brings in the idea of stress and sort of days ‘ deal with your stress’ which I must say annoyed me as really she doesn’t give more details. Also I’m not convinced now that stress is really the problem. I think if you fed loads of carbs and sugar to calm happy people they would become addicted like we have and have unstable or high sugar readings if they had the right genetics!
The difference I suppose with Michael, apart from the science base, is that he goes into detail about everything.
Penny

Hi Auntielil
As I said to niffer , I’d recommend Jenny Ruhls book ‘low carb problems solved’.
(£3 on kindle)
Also I’ve put other links on a thread called ‘useful links’ which may have something useful.
Penny

Hi Niffer
That sounds annoying!
You could have a look at Jenny Ruhls book ‘low carb problems solved’. (£3 on kindle). It might be in there. I’ve put other links on the thread ‘useful links’
Penny

Hi Tryer
Are you on meds? Could you be having too much now your sugars lower? Because those are possible low sugar symptoms.
Penny

Hi Rozy Dozy
The difficulties you describe are dealt with in Jenny Ruhls book ‘low carb problems solved’ ( £3 on kindle) She gives helpful advice as to what to do about it.
As I understand it, we have to switch from carb burning ( carbs we re eating) to fat burning ( stored fat). This process which takes a few days can give rise to symptoms such as hunger and headache. After 2 or 3 days or so those symptoms disappear.
If we eat carbs because we re having such a crap time, the switch doesn’t happen or we switch back and forth between the two states, which means the discomfort continues.
Hope this helps.
Good luck
Penny
PS see the thread ‘useful links’ for more such info. ( new threads are found by scrolling to the top and pressing Fast 800. You ll see a list of threads- just in case you don’t know that!)

Very well done Neil.

Hello cysters! Good luck to you all – sounds like you are doing really well and I hope this diet works for you. It should help and even reverse PCOS. You may have read Cassie’s inspirational story in the book, where she did the 800 cal diet having been on insulin for 5 years since developing gestational diabetes – not only did she manage to stop insulin and metformin within a few weeks, but her cycle returned for the first time in 5 years and she is now delighted to be pregnant!!

Thanks for the video by the way snackerlady it seems like this is definitely the way forward in terms of diabetes care . it’s interesting to find out how much of this has been passed onto gps . My husband is a gp and knows nothing of this other than what I’ve told him . He’ll be starting a diploma in diabetes soon and am really interested to find out what he’ll be taught and if these newer ways of treating / curing diabetes will be covered .

Hi Auntylil, years ago I used to feel dizzy when bending down etc and I put this down to my naturally quite low BP. As I’ve put on weight my BP went up to normal 120/80, I haven’t had it checked recently but I think it may be going down again as I’ve been experiencing the same dizzy spells or light headedness. Yes, drinking lots means lots of visits which during day isn’t so bad as at night. Mouth still very dry, water doesn’t stop it. On holiday to a hotel in the Cotswolds for four nights so it will be a test for me. Hope you get your problem sorted out.

Hi, there s a great little app called Weightbot which will keep a diary of your decreasing BMI….
Check it out

Yes, I think these are quite confusing times malkay with all these new studies chucking our firmly held beliefs out of the window. I think our generation are the guinea pigs for the new paradigms and its probably our children who will have more certainty over what really works as a result of the evidence we provide.

I agree with that, Janet1973, and my instinct is to go as long as possible without eating. I was just confused because the other book is specifically about belly fat, which at the moment, for me, is not shifting.

How is everyone doing ? I’m finding myself less hungry and today for the first time couldn’t actually finish the meals as I felt full ! This is totally unheard for me. Think my body is finally adjusting to this new way of eating tho it’s been tough going , I’m 4 weeks in and have fallen off the wagon a few times !!! I think had I been stricter at the start I would have gotten to this stage earlier . I’m 3kg down in total which is not as much as some but I’m chuffed . Now to add in some exercise planning to walk to all playgroups from now on , especially as the crazy wind and rain has cleared up ! How’s the first week been for u lawnmower29? And how are things going for u queenvix?

The original 5:2 is based on quite long periods of fasting, 18 hours or so. The 800 is based more on at least three (small) meals a day but I don’t think there is anything in the book that prescribes exactly how many meals to have or when to have them. Dr Mosley has presented plenty of evidence to suggest fasting is good at fighting type 2 diabetes but I think it is still early days in drawing cast iron conclusions in the way to go. At the moment I think a lot depends on how you feel personally and how many hours you feel able to go without food.

Thanks Janet

Thanks Janet

thank you so much Teej and Aliba for your responses and support.

I am trying to see it as not going on a diet as such, but changing habits. Putting good things in the place of bad things which have got me where I am today. I feel better already – and it’s 8 weeks to start, not a long time in the great scheme of things.

Is there room for another? I’m starting tomorrow as well. Not pre-diabetic but definitely over-short for my weight! I’ve been putting it off for a while due to social events/family commitments but looking forward to it. Good luck to you all.

The superfood salad at pizza express is only 350 calories ( says it in the menu ) and very filling especially if you take the option of adding the chicken . It salad and avocado , beetroot , goats cheese and lentils with dressing .

Hope to hear how it’s gone for you all some time in the next few days, so that we have the opportunity to offer support and encouragement to each other. As we are all starting out at the same time, would be good to know how we are each coping.

Best of luck to getting off to a good start everyone!!!

Yay!! I am starting tommorow too!! Am looking forward to it. So glad that there are others starting tommorow too. I am similar to you Vickitum in that I am not diabetic ( that I know of) however I have many of the ailments linked to pre diabetes and I have 4-5 stone to shed to get into the healthy BMI zone. I am doing this for the health benefits and will be grateful for the support of others so hope to check in here often. 🙂

Thanks for the replies – always useful to know how others are handling this. In the end we went to Cafe Rouge and I had a small steak with salad, dressing on the side (although it took the waitress three goes to get this right – first I had to send the fries back, and then the salad arrived with dressing on it! ), and a sneaky spoonful of no. 1 son’s ice cream for pudding, with a coffee. It all tasted good and I didn’t feel like I’d missed out on anything.

I am also 2 and a half weeks into the programme and have reduced my 7 day blood suger average from 11 to 7.7 , however I am experiencing dizzy spells in the morning and a light head at times during the day , this has happened over the last 3 days Any relationship or should I look elsewhere ??

I checked with the team, as I wanted to continue past the 8 weeks. The answer was that as long as I felt well, and had no problems it was ok to continue on the 800 BSD for an extra few weeks, but then go on to 5:2. Hope this clarifies the point.

Good Luck for Tomorrow!! I too am starting the BSD tomorrow, and I know there is at least one other person on the forum who is doing so as well. With a little focus, I’m confident we can do this, will check your thread periodically to see how you are doing.

Well done, Mrsjaffa, at working through your sweet craving. I keep very dark chocolate in the cupboard and have a single piece after my evening meal. I’m not advocating this, as it means I haven’t completely got over my craving. I’m working up to giving it up completely, but can’t quite seem to get there. So well done you!

I have been reading a book called ‘Fat Around the Belly’ by Marilyn Glenville. She advocates cutting out all sugar and refined carbs which we would all agree with. However, she also advises going no longer than 3 hours without eating during the day. The reason she gives is that by eating every 3 hours you train your body into believing that food is abundant, and prevents it going into panic mode (low blood sugar?), and releasing cortisol and adrenaline, which make the body hold on to fat. Before I started this diet, I had to eat every 3 hours or so otherwise I got hypo attacks. However, since starting the diet, this hasn’t been so much of an issue, but I am not losing inches from my waist. I just wondered whether anyone had any thoughts on this, ie. dividing the 800 cals into snacks. At the moment, my instinct is to go as long as possible without eating. I read somewhere that this allows the liver time to recover between meals. I know we are following Michael’s regime, not another one, but much of what Marilyn Glenville says seems to agree with the BSD. I’m feeling bit confused. Any thoughts?

Day three achieved and feeling good. Last night could have done anything for something sweet but managed to work thro it and have green tea instead. I think I am but hopefully soon won’t be addicted to chocolate. Couldn’t resist jumping on the scales which were 4lbs lighter, very very early days but gives me the boost to keep going which other diets couldn’t do!

I’ll be joining you tomorrow, Monday would usually be a fast day for me anyway so I’m just going to tweak things 🙂 looking forward to getting startedand hearing about you success! xx

Thanks everyone for the advise and encouragement.

For dinner this evening, I tried the Aubergine with Lamb Mince from the book, just to start getting a flavour of things to come. Tweaked it a little, by adding some ground ginger and a little rose water and basil. Had it with a couple of spoons of green beans, baby sweetcorn, asparagus and carrots. I’m aware all this would be over the evening meal calorie allocation, but this was just a trial run – and it was delicious!

Will be knuckling down tomorrow and making sure I’m within the 800 calories for the day.

Dr mosley suggests going onto 5:2 if you haven’t reached your target weight after 8 weeks, page 147 in the book.

Dear All and Dr Mosley,

I have just recently bought your book about 8-week BSD and considering to start the diet in a few weeks time. You mentioned in the book that the daily calorie intake should be 800 calories. What would be the recommended calorie intake for a physically active person who trains 6 days a week (cycling to work 20km, does Crossfit style work – out / day)? If I eat only 800cal / day and would be doing the same exercise regime , I would burn off everything or even more after workout. How would I able to build up muscles by not increasing the calorie intake? Would my body fat level drop below 20%? Our body burns calories even when it is resting.

Overall I would like to know that following your eating advice but doubling the calorie intake, I would able to achieve similar results. I am only worried that if I do not double my calorie intake I will not able to lift any heavy weight not even a 16kg kettlebell.
Thank you very much for reading my post and looking forward to your reply.

Thanks,
Timea

Lol yes! I can’t help but wonder how often I will want to invest so many calories in olive oil, and rapeseed oil is just the same. I’ll look out for the book you mentioned. I had a look at the blog and immediately found the recipe for raw chocolate brownies, they sound just heavenly! I am reading Rose Elliott’s low carb veg diet and finding it very complementary to the bsd.

Hi Vickitum, good luck for tomorrow , how very sensible to act now and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes . This is day 6 for me and the scales told me this morning that I have lost 10 lbs and I’m so amazed. The first 3 days were hard as I suffered bad headaches but now I’m feeling more energised and the majority of the food is lovely . It s like getting reacquainted with your taste buds.😊. This week i will tackle exercise as well …….
Stick with it ……… You can do it

Yes, good luck!!

I started 10 days ago and at the end of my first week was 8 lbs down. Hand over heart, I have to honestly say that its the best diet Ive ever followed – and like so may people, I’ve done them all!!

Of course there’s moments when the evil little devil on your shoulder tries to make you stray – but ignore him and a few minutes later the feeling has passed. The food is delicious and I’ve not felt hungry once.

Luck has nothing to do with it, you hold all the cards!

Hello, I’m looking forward to starting the BSD tomorrow. Although not diabetic I carry all my weight around my tummy, I am regularly asked by my 4 year old son” are you growing a baby?!” I had gestational diabetes so know if I don’t start looking after my self I’m on a slippery slope. I am addicted to carbs but I feel determined to succeed. All the posts are on the forum are really helpful. Wish me luck!

Thank you for that – there’s wisdom in it : ) I did have some minor surgery which was more of an emotional issue than physical if I’m honest and contributed to me facing up to there needing to be some changes. I’m glad you shared the thing about olive oil as I think I’ve been too liberal with it – all those years of being of the impression I shouldn’t use it and when I read it has so many calories I’m giving more thought to quantities not just quality. I need a personal food trainer.

The book ‘Peace and Parsnips’ arrived yesterday and it is wonderful – can’t recall who recommended it on here now but whoever you are a very generous thank you hug from me. It’s supposed to be £22 but I found it for less than half, so yes, I am kind to myself but some gentle realignment is also required!

Looks like weeks 2 and 3 are bigger challenges than week 1 for a lot of people so roll on week 4!

Cherrianne

Did find this on the web for vegaterians :-

How Many Carbs Should You Eat?
It is important to experiment and figure out a way to match your carb intake to your own goals and preferences.
That being said, these guidelines are reasonable:

100-150 grams per day: This is a decent maintenance range, and is good for people who exercise a lot.
50-100 grams per day: This should lead to automatic weight loss, and is a good maintenance range for people who don’t exercise that much.
20-50 grams per day: With a carb intake this low, you should lose weight quickly without experiencing much hunger. This carb range should put you into ketosis.

Vegetarians could easily go into the lowest range, but such a diet would be impractical for vegans. The 100-150 gram range would be more suitable for vegans.

I probably in the exercise a lot range currently.

regards Paul

I’m on week four and Janet’s right, it is all about planning…and keeping it simple as I’m not one for spending lots of time in the kitchen…far too tempting!
Heres a few ideas for breakfast:
Greek yoghurt full fat with a few seeds and some frozen berries (left in fridge overnight or zapped in microwave in the morning)
Full fat cottage cheese with grated apple and cinnamon
The Bircher muesli in the book (I get all the ingredients ready the night before and then just mix it up in the morning)
The egg muffins – I’ve posted in recipe section – I always have a few of these in the fridge
2 egg omelette with cooked mushrooms and tomatoes
Good luck..it’s easier than you think!

Can’t advise cos I’m a new member but I weigh 18.5st and I’d like to know if I can do 800kcal for longer as well.