Hi all day 3 for me and have been reading all your posts for days before plucking up courage to say hi 😊. My sugar level was 9:4 on Tuesday when I started and is now 7:4 and dropped 5 lbs also so really pleased with me and my clogged up pancreas pal, yes he is now my pal after 12 months of being my enemy and keeping him in denial I have accepted we both deserve better care …… Love hearing about all your stories and achievements….. So thought I’d say hi ……. Really enjoying the food and can’t believe how tasty it is, but my head does ache but I am drinking lots 😇. Will it get better ?

About the same as me. I have gained and lost the same 2.5 stones so many times! I have had my morning porridge and one cup of coffee. Planning two boiled eggs and an apple for lunch and a quorn thing with veg for dinner. I have an egg mountain due to chickens and ducks laying well. Mrs Goose laid her first egg of the year yesterday too. I am leaving that in the hope she will nest.
My hubby will make things tricky as he will want his usual stuff. He is carnivore so I am used to cooking two meals but this way they will be completely different. I have Rose Elliots book , low carb cooking for vegetarians’ on order, hope it comes soon. This way of eating is very different for me. Bread and potatoes, pasta and rice are my main diet!
One day at a time!

I’ve completed 2 days, 1st at just under 800, 2nd at around 1000. I think I’m doing pretty good. It’s quite tricky thinking so differently. I never thought I ate much bread/potatoes etc but not I’m avoiding them, I see it differently. I love eggs but am a bit nervous of overdoing it and making myself sick of them. Going egg free until Saturday as I’m meeting a friend for brunch and there’s an amazing omelette on the menu that I can have with no issues.
I’m a good 2.5 stone overweight, lost a stone in the last year and when I say lost I mean lost/found it for 12 long month as. Slow doesn’t mean steady for me so I’m doing this for 4 weeks to kickstart the demolition of that 35 pounds. Really enjoying reading about people’s experiences

Hi regardless of her professional opinion you should be treated with respect and courteousy at all times please put a complaint in to the surgery regarding this lack of professionalism

I am also weaning myself off coffee. I do not like tea but have ventured into herbal. I prefer the fruit teas as they are less ‘tea’ flavored. I bought myself a cute sectioned box to keep them all in. Coffee for me requires cake or biscuits and I was drinking too much. Herbal tea is fine on its own. I cannot say I actually like them yet but can tolerate them after a week. All part of the plan! Summer will be easier as I always drink lots of water. I was a little hungry yesterday but kept up my knitting to stop me eating! Once settled in front of the fire I am less inclined to visit the kitchen!

Have been going well but need to eat less fruit

*GO!

Hi Magiek
The crazy thing is, someone put on the Fast800 forums that the research is on the NHS website, yet on that same website they advise diabetics to ‘ base your diet on rice, pasta and potatoes’- totally crazy.
If you can find the research on the website you could show the nurse or GO – though it still may not help if they’re very stuck in their ways.
Penny

Snackerlady – thanks for posting the video – really interesting and fantastic to see such positive results on some long term diabetics – gives me hope!

Hi Salky
All support for you on this website. You shouldn’t be subjected to that sort of crap. Terrible.
When you’re off your meds you can tell her where to get off!
Penny

That’s a great going! I am going to do the 8 weeks & see where I am. Keep
In touch.

Please keep in touch & let me know!

Hi Eireka
That diet shake is more than 50% carbs. Doesn’t seem to fit into BSD guidelines unless I’m misunderstanding something
Penny

Another one, found by crescent moon

http://keto-calculator.ankerl.com/

Helps you work out your carb, protein, and fat ratios. Fun to do!
Penny

Hi Crescentmoon
I just had a go at that calculation. If I did it for a year I’d be 7 stone! ( those were the days…)
It also tol me 800 cals is too hard to do – wrong!
My results were
12% carb which is 25 g
35% protein which is 70 g (!)
53% fat which is 48 g
Not what I’d put in MFP which was about 30% ish each. But usually fat turns out higher, which maybe I should change. What results did you get?
I’m going to put this on the ‘useful links’ thread.
Thanks! Fun to do.
Penny

After reading all the posts above I feel pretty lucky with my GP. She had seen quite a few of the TV programmes about the Newcastle diet and Michael Mosely’s programmes 5:2 etc and thought it was a great idea and is keen to see how I get on. Even if I just lose weight and reduce medication (as I’ve been diabetic for 8 years) then she felt it would be of benefit.

With her agreement I stopped the gliclazide after the first week as some of my afternoon levels were below 5, though since then my fasting blood sugar has been creeping up and I’ve had a couple above 8, especially when I’ve had beans or legumes (e.g. the spicy bean burgers) the previous day. Not sure if that’s just a coincidence.

If I remain stable this week, I plan to stop Sitagliptin next week (I’m not convinced that’s ever made a difference) and then gradually reduce the metformin. Again – I’ve never been convinced it’s made much difference on its own.

GP has arranged my next blood tests at the end of April, about 6 weeks after I’m due to finish the 8 week plan, so will be good to see how my HBA1C has changed.

Aa hungry day today, have had a snack of about 8 almonds mid morning and this evening. I went to the gym again, feels good and have gone down 2lb in weight in two days – I have mainly peeeeed that away! 😆😆 Ginger tea and hot water with lemon has been great for taking the edge of the hunger!
The Bircher was delicious Queenvix! Beetroot falafel, messy but yummy. What’s so great is not having to think of ideas for meals – usually so stuck in a rut. Day 4 tomorrow means halfway through week one, determination is high at the moment! Next focus is stepping up the steps! Being off the school run this week takes 4000 steps off my day!
I am enjoying taking care of myself, wishing you all a good sleep and a good week! 😊

Hi… Try this link http://keto-calculator.ankerl.com
In the 5:2 fast book it does state that protien intake should not exceed 0.8g per kilo of you weight. Other than That I too have yet to find recommend fat and carb grams or percentage

Hi Vicfish37 et al

Optifast shakes were used in the original Newcastle diet x 3 daily. Also total of 250g non- starchy veg to provide another 200 calories Total calories = 800
Multiply x3 the following breakdown of shakes contents + the veg ( you will have to work that out) & it might help you
Go to Optifast.com.au (Australian company) hard to get shakes here, for more info
Shakes contain – VLCD = Very Low Carb Diet
Serving size 54g. Energy Kj 870. Energy cal 207. Protein 17.5g. Fat 4.5g. Carbs 22.5g. Sugar 17.8g Dietry fibre 3.6g Gluten No. Lactose Yes GI 24 – 33
Check this out yourselves

Also go to Jenny Ruhl (American woman very knowledgeable on diabetes) her book =Blood Sugar 101 web site
Phlaunt.com Or just enter blood sugar 101
Once on site go to Diet. Then Nutrtional Calculator for weight loss & Maintenance eg protein, fat & carbs = what proportions are healthiest. Complete & enter the form to calculate your ideal nutrient intake for weight loss or maintenance. This is a good info site whether doing this 800 diet or other
Best I can do til BSD put stuff on this site
Hope this fills a geeky hole!
Ps. Watch your fingers I keep catching the report post box when scrolling! Good job it doesn’t
Eureka

Peace & parsnips is a great cook book.
Good fats in avocado, tahini, protein in tempeh, mixed bean and lentil combinations will give ‘whole’ proteins. Being vegie vegan is a great way of learning to cook with flavour using Indian cook books can give really nice flavours though the fat content does need watching.

Hi there,
I am starting on Monday as I have just read the book and am needing to sit down and plan for the weekly shop on Sunday.
I have a problem in that my husband is slightly underweight and our daughters are young and perfectly slim. I am wandering if any of you have advice for adaptable family friendly dinner time meals? Breakfast and lunch will be no problem but I have to ensure hubby is getting recommended calorie count.
To my knowledge I don’t have diabetes but according to the quiz I am moderate risk. I took my measurements tonight and honestly could cry. I have 30kg to lose to get into a “healthy” BMI. Nearly fell over with shock when i measured my waist!! 🙁 I don’t even recognise the woman I see when I look in the mirror. Looks aside my main motivation is the health benefits I have various ailments, sleep poorly, low mood, hormones seem all over the shop no energy, constantly hungry etc
As a nurse I treat patients with complications developed as a result of diabetes and/or obesity every day so really really want to make a go of this. I don’t want to end up being treated myself and also want to be a good role model for my patients and daughters.
Hope everybody here is managing/enjoying the plan. Would be grateful for any advice/support. Thanks. 🙂

UPDATE:

Just found this incredibly useful tool.

http://keto-calculator.ankerl.com

Bearing in mind the similarities between the BSD and ketogenic diet, I googled “macros ratio keto”.

When you input all of your details, the calculator works out your minimum and maximum carbohydrate and protein needs. You choose a number in between. It then asks you to set a calorie goal- whatever is left over is your recommended fat intake. Based on these numbers, it works out your macronutrient percentages.

Hope this helps! Best of luck to both of you!

xx

Good stuff Aly, I’m on 840 for the day, and finding myself wandering round the kitchen open minded to eating… have taken myself to bed with a herb tea away from temptation.

Well done Annajennings a stone in 3 weeks is very very motivating.
To get into the middle of my ‘ideal’ bmi I could do with loseing 3 stone.

Being in bed with hot tea, after a long shift, I’m not really feeling hungry now. Hurrah.

Hi all
I’m on week three, lost 7lbs first week and 2lbs second, haven’t lost this week but must admit that I have strayed a bit, not been recording everything and gone up in calories but still following the general principles for most meals. Eating full fat milk, cottage cheese etc for the first time in years? Interestingly, despite no loss this week, I have suddenly developed a waist for the first time in years…..yes my figure curves in the middle so am hoping the visceral fat is beginning to melt.
want to lose another two stone and haven’t been that weight since 1984 but think it’s doable now.
Well done to you all….you’re doing a great job!

Penny speaks the truth!

Hey guys! Looks like everyone is doing awesome – bit of a tip on the coffee/tea substitution. I have switched it out for a cup of plain hot water. Give it a go – it’s actually really satisfying. I try and always have one on the go & drink it quite slowly. Think I’m having around 3l of water a day. 3lb down so far & day 4 tomorrow 🙂

Not looked into this particularly just yet (I’m just completing Day 5) and I’m quite geek about this sort of thing, so will be giving it some thought.

For now I’m probably around 60% protein, with a little fat within that (such as bacon and egg yolk, pilchards), the rest being either non-starchy veg, a piece of fruit and some beans or peas.

To be honest, I’m just trying to get the best bang for my buck calorie-wise, as we have so few to play with. I’m all in favour of fat consumption in principle, but it’s so calorie dense that I avoid it unless it’s part of something else. Then, by the time you reject the starchy carbs – which is the basis of the BSD – that leaves protein, pulses veg and fruit.

It’s all a bit had hoc at the moment, but so far so good.

It doesn’t have any added sugar. 4 grams of carbohydrate per 100g, which would be from the lactose in the milk. 10 grams of protein per 100. I guess on its own it would increase (slightly) the carb proportion of the meal, but then as I’m adding fat in the form of nuts or seeds I’m thinking that would re-balance it. I’ll have to look at a pot of the full-fat and see if it’s got less than 4% carbs.

Hey Rubytuesday,
Do you have a spiralizer? I take a homemade fresh soup to work each day by spiralizing some veg – courgette, carrot, chop some cabbage/pak choi etc. I will also put in around 30-40g of steak. To flavour I add half a stock cube, a small teaspoon of oyster sauce & a small teaspoon of chilli sauce. Add hot water at work, leave for a couple of minutes & bam – soup. Literally takes me 5 mins to put together in the evening x

Hey – sounds like you guys are doing great! I have my macros set to Carbs 25%, Protein 30% and Fats 45%. Seems to be working so far- but it’s early days. Just finishing day 3 & not having any side effects like headaches or anything. Think that is because of the bucket loads of hot water I’m drinking (replaced tea and coffee with just hot water – a surprisingly easy switch which is actually as satisfying!) and also I think because I add the odd teaspoon of olive oil to my breakfast and dinner this helps me with energy from fat. But we’ll see – 3lb down so far 🙂

Tin of tomatoes – with some seasoning of choice.

Shocking treatment from a health care professional!! Glad my diabetic nurses are less judgemental… although they only ever suggest more meds if my reading goes up at all.

I’m not due for a diabetic review until April. I’m on Metformin only, and will be adjusting myself – as I’ve done with great success in the past. I know if I eat well I need less meds – it’s that simple. It’s highly unlikely I’ll tell the nurse I’ve been on 800 calories, although I’m not concerned about mentioning low carbs. That said, if I just say, “I’m doing as you suggested – living the healthy lifestyle I’ve managed in the past”, she’ll be happy with that, so why dissolution her!

Yes I agree with fat free having way more sugar. I’ll stick to normal full fat just wondered what the soya stuff is like

hi, i try and not eat till lunch somedays, especially when i go to running club and the have my green smoothie at the end of the day

I asked my GP about going on the diet 2 years ago when I had my first post diagnosis appointment. I took the Newcastle Uni print-offs to discuss it with him, but he dismissed it out of hand and told me I’d probably suffer a fatal heart attack if I tried it. He also said that no one really controls their diabetes with diet. I’ve kept my blood sugars in the normal range with diet for 2 years, but really needed to lose weight and to get my blood pressure down. I went to see a locum doctor at a local walk-in centre 3 weeks ago (about a non-diabetes flu bug) and she said ‘give it a go’. Three weeks in and I feel great and have lost about 16 pounds. Blood sugars are the best they’ve ever been. Hopefully as time goes on the diet will prove its value and I won’t need to permanently wear a de-fib!

I was on my first day yesterday too and could have eaten the chair leg by early evening! Today I made some cauliflower carrot and ginger soup today and that really helped having a bit of that. I also ate half my Bircher at a time and half my falafels at a time and that has really helped- good luck and let us know if you come up with any tips!

Hi, fat free yoghurt has lots more sugar in it and the whole point of this diet is having less sugar

Cysters!! I love that queenvix. Thanks for the encouragement , I’m really glad I posted on the forum as writing it down reinforced the reasons why I wanted to do this in the first place . I was so inspired when I first read the book but that was a while ago now so am re- reading the book . So inspiration and motivation back and hopefully less slip ups and more weight loss! I know that this works because during my pregnancy I was so very careful with what I ate and with out realising it was actually doing a low carb med style diet I also walked an hour a day . After I gave birth and went for check ups my hb1ac was back in normal range .( not gestational diabetes was diabetic before I was pregnant ) But two and a half years later the typical mummy not looking after herself thing has happened so not so good with diet and practically no exercise and surprise surprise diabetic again . I’m so glad this time round there is the book and forum to help me . Your right lawnmower29 the food is lovely , my favourites so far have been the lamb and aubergine , the skinny bean burgers and apple, mango, hazelnut yogurt . It’s definitely been easier on the weeks I’ve planned the meals for the whole week . Hope things are going well with everyone else . Let’s do this !

Hi Newt2 I will be making them tomorrow I will let you know what happens and how the recipe went.

Hi Angie50 would be interested to know how your scones work out next time! I will try again too using 3 eggs……

I got a reply…

Hi Charlotte, thanks for getting in touch

It does seem that there’s an error there somewhere and I will pass it on so it can be revised if needed.

In the meantime, I would reduce portion size to cater for the anomaly but don’t worry too much as almonds are also a good source of fibre.

Thanks

So I ate the other portion but I probably won’t make it again…

I don’t measure it, but I’d say it was a scant 2 tablespoons…

Mine was like that to start with but I thought it was because I tried to do it while hot.. I left it for a bit then re tried and it went like peanut butter. But I had to keep shaking it and stirring it every few seconds and I did add a dash of olive oil to slacken it a bit…

Salky, your results speak for themselves – a fantastic achievement in 6 weeks. How frustrating. Good on you for coming out fighting. You’ll show her, and then perhaps she will eat her words!

The Marmite drink has really helped me as well. Loads of B vitamins apparently, and B12 is hard to find usually. I’ve also found a 0.6 l filter water bottle really useful. I just keep filling it up from a normal tap and I’m up to 3 litres a day (from roughly nothing). Seems to help a lot. Good luck.

Great idea. I would also really like to know this – I always think the fat percentage in my diary is quite high. It’d be great to get some clarification of what to aim for.

I’m not sure about soya yoghurt, but on the subject of yoghurt I’ve been buying fat-free, then adding the calories
back in with a small amount of flax seeds or nuts. I thought it might give me more good stuff for my calories.

I would also really like to have this info…

Happy to be of help Natasha. Would send some sunshine if I could but it’s not that warm here. I’ve told my husband he has to chop wood this weekend. Autumn has arrived a bit early and it’s nippy at night in the hills where I live.

First of all, thanks to the people who have responded, it’s kind of you to take the time to do so. Second, I reviewed the response I got from the blood sugar team and they didn’t actually tell me to stop exercising, but to drop the intensity so apologies for getting that wrong.

I am going to start the diet and cut back on the exercise. You are spot on Eureka, there will never be a better time. I am sorry to hear about your mum and dad, that must have been awful. I am sure they would be extremely proud of what you are doing to beat your diabetes and also of the support and encouragement you give to others 🙂

I want to be in the right place before I start the diet to give myself the best chance of success therefore I am going to wait until I have my 3 monthly review and bloods taken next Friday and will start the diet on Monday 29 February. This will also give me time to prepare a plan and get to grips with what I will be doing. I am also hoping the nurse will agree to take bloods at week 4 and week 8 but I am not too hopeful she will agree to that.

Best of luck to you guys, I hope you find the resolve to keep going to the end!!