You’ve certainly planned a full week of life changing life changes Loukc! I love that feeling of making a new you! When you take control of one area of your life you often feel better about other areas too. So I think your bsd journey is going to have a really positive impact on your emotional well being too. All the best. Keep us updated.

Hi everyone, do you have an update on your progress, as I’ve been on the shakes for just over 2 weeks and lost 13lb and going to start this diet tomorrow, and I’ve had an underactive thyroid all my life, and my weight has always been up and down so I would like something that I can stick to, thanks x

Hi louche.
Welcome to BSD and good luck .
Hope you share your successes .
Nidge

Hi Tracy. We’re all in this together, at the start of something new, so need to help each other along. Lots of seem to have similar stories, similar journeys to where we are. Together we can move forward to a better future health wise. Look forward to seeing your progress. Lynne

No problem. I learned about it the hard way over many years at different slimming clubs! Glad to hear you’re feeling really well, and looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Welcome Loukc. You’ll find lots of support and advice on here. Looking forward to hearing your progress.

So yesterday I read the book and today I started the diet. Tomorrow I have a gym induction and Friday I have docs appointment to discuss meds (coming off anti-depressants) and other stuff.

It was shopping day so I have written up a rough week menu and went shopping. I now have in my fridge things I’ve never even eaten before, like asparagus and spinach leaves. My fridge is packed to the brim. I also, and this was so hard to do, threw out all pasta and other nasty stuff that’s no good for me.

I’ve started a food diary and feel very positive and proud of me.

I shall keep you all informed as to how I get on.

Thanks so much for this site and the book.

I am now 19 days in and am 6 and a half pounds lighter (10 pounds lighter than in January). I am very pleased with my progress (I only compare myself to myself, I find comparing with others is futile as we all live differently). I am back to my pre-holiday weight, which is great but my holiday was last September 🙂

Wow everyone some stunning results there. I am only on day 2. Thanks so much for sharing your results, it is truly inspirational.

Tracy

Thanks Hashimoto. Seen two articles today, one on 800 cal liquid diet reversing diabetes, the other about new drug (or drug combo) to lower HbA1c in type 2s!

I agree wholeheartedly. It’s not just the financial impact on the NHS, important as that is, but the impact on quality of life for so many. I’ve often read on another forum about diabetics wanting to ‘die with both their feet on and their eyes working’.

My diabetes nurse was telling me she has some patients who want to control their condition, but others either just don’t understand, or are happy to follow the party line – eating carbs and taking increased amounts of medication.

For my son, a wake-up call was the threat of insulin. He’s lost weight and cut down on alcohol but still eats carbs. We’ve had some ‘interesting’ conversations!

Me – I came to realise some years ago that lots of medications don’t agree with me. It’s always been trial and error. One group of meds that do work for me, docs won’t prescribe because they say there are newer drugs that work better. Trouble is, they don’t work for me – horrendous side effects. So I decided that ‘I’m my own lab rat’. I’ll do the research on myself, recording my findings so I can show the ‘experts’ what is happening.

BTW – Italian hotel breakfast ok for said friend, evening meal ok – she avoided pizza and pasta, but lunch! Almost impossible. Back here, In Asda you can make a DIY pizza – but even they gave her funny looks when she said no cheese! 😳

Thanks Bre123. Hope you enjoy your holiday too. I’m planning to stay on low-carb Med style next week. Checked out airport eateries so I’ve a good idea what I’ll be eating on Monday before I fly out. Should get lots of walking done, both sightseeing and finding something I can eat! Apparently my hotel is about 20-30 minutes from tourist sites so that should help. Never been to Prague before so no idea whatI’ll find – just exploring 😃

Thanks, Captainlynne. It’s good to know that this is a common experience, albeit a frustrating one. I feel really well, so I’ll definitely stick with it.

Hi. Think we’ve all experienced that at some point, it seems our bodies need to get accustomed to the weight loss before letting more weight go and, yes periods can make a difference. But stick with the plan and you’ll see the weight will move again.

I too thought the calorie count seemed very low for 2 tablespoons of almond butter so checked it in MFP. I was really upset to discover 2 weeks in, that every time I had had this delicious snack (and I’d had it a few times) I was in fact consuming 300 calories more than I had been led to believe by the very book I was placing all my trust in for eight weeks. It makes me wonder how many of the other recipes have the wrong calorie counts?

It would be very useful to have an index of the calorie count of the common foods used in these recipes which would make it easier to add, omit or swap ingredients.

It does appear to have totally abated. They lasted about 2/3 days. Now one week in (and 17lbs down) and not getting any headaches at all 🙂

That had me laughing. – pizza with no cheese in Italy. He he he 🙂

Brilliant results captainlynne. Your fasting blood tests are fantastic. I will be joining you on 8 weeks and over on 9th of March. I can’t believe the 8 weeks are going so fast. Yes I totally agree – we need as many people as possible sharing their stories to prove to medics the advice for diabetics has to change.. Even looking at it from a financial point of view it could save the NHS millions ! It will save a lot of people from a miserable existence.

🙂

Hi all. Had a very successful first week, lost 8 pounds, but have now plateau-ed (sp). I am not doing anything different, but even the ounces showing on my scales are staying the same! Any suggestions for a kick start? I am not diabetic, but have all the qualifications! Do periods make a periodic difference to weight loss? Don’t want to look for excuses, just answers. Thanks.

That’s great. I’m going to have a couple of weeks off the 800 after 18 March as I’m on holiday but still sticking to the med style diet and then I’m going to go back on it as I still have over 2 st to loose.
Enjoy your holiday.

Hi Wide_Widow
welcome to a whole new lifestyle.
Before long you’ll be as amazed as the rest of us were at the rate that the weight comes off and the sugar levels decrease.
Do the 8 weeks, you’re going to surprise yourself.

Hi
it could be that you are not putting enough fat in your diet.
I f we want the body to switch to burning fat instead of carbs, we need to give it some fuel to burn.
Others will be along soon with their opinions, I’m sure we can sort it out.

Hi Bre123. Since finishing the 8 weeks on 13th February I’ve stayed on 800 calories. Up to today I’ve lost another 7 pounds, a total of 34 pounds. Means I’ve lost 15% of my starting weight. Fasting bloods down – 4.8 this morning.

The more people try this, the more stories we share, the more proof we have that this works. 😃

I’m seeing my diabetes nurse on Friday, hoping to come off blood pressure meds (I’ve already halved the doses). Due HbA1c in March – that should keep me on track while I’m away next week LOL.

Wow, that’s great work Captainlynne, well done. I’m almost at the end of week 6 (on Friday) and so far I have lost 19 lb and 12 oz. I’m pleased to hear from someone who has passed the 8 week stage as I think I will find it more challenging to maintain the weight loss (as I’ve never succeeded in doing it in the past), so it’s good to hear the different things you are trying. I’m also diet controlled type 2 and I can’t wait to see my full results on 18 March as well as my blood sugar readings and HbA1c. I fell so much healthier and energised so I’m determined to keep that going.
Continue the good work.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Thanks for the cheer Cherriane and Dora66, looking forward to talking more. I am a weight watchers and slimming world repeat offender too. I never seem to stick to anything past losing a stone or so. Usually because I feel too deprived.

Peteinthebayou, great loss and rowing sounds impressive!

I have cardiomyopathy so walking, swimming and yoga is my exercise limit. Its another reason to sort out this weight though. Poor old ticker would feel much better if I could put the baggage down!

Good luck this week every one.

Hi,
I’m now in week 3 of the fast 800 diet with good results so far. The first 4 days were tricky with headaches but that’s all passed and I’ve been feeling great, however over the last 2 weeks from feeling full of energy at the start of the week when it gets to Wednesday afternoon/Thursday morning I feel like I’ve hit a wall with no energy at all. My calorie and water intake is the same pretty much everyday. Last week I carried on as usual and picked up towards Saturday/Sunday but the same has happened again this week. Has anyone else experienced this or does anyone have a theory as to why it happens?

Cheers

Welcome Susan. You’ll find lots of support and advice on here. Look forward to hearing how you get on. Lynne

Thanks for the tip about linseed seeds. They also make a great coating for chicken breasts and dish fillets.

I’ve found that if you have a full fat natural yoghurt with 10 g of linseed seeds and 10 g of pumpkin & sunflower seeds it works a treat. If you don’t like yoghurt, I think it is the linseed seeds that do the trick so you could use them in other dishes.

Interesting thank you. It looks like I’m eating too many still – averaging around 100. It’s something I’ve not really been checking or knew what I should have been aiming for. Most seem to be coming from fruit and veg so a little bit of tweaking looks to be in order.

Lighter Life do meal replacement soups at 150 calories per packet. You can buy them in Superdrug. They are expensive (around £7 for 4 packets) but they are protein rich and balanced so ideal if you need something fast and surprisingly they do fill you up.

Thanks for the replies, interesting that it could be too little acid, I’ll try your lemon water. It’s not something I’ve been bothered with before but it could be a coincidence, my diet didn’t change too drastically. I’m not convinced myself but the Dr has said she’ll refer me to ENT if it doesn’t clear up.

Any suggestions for a simple salad dressing to make without too much oil in it? (I have gall stones so am being moderate with my fat intake) Or perhaps a commercial one that isn’t a wolf in sheep’s clothing – branded low fat but laden with sugar. Ta!

Hi bill i will email you a bit later 🙂

Advice please. I’m trying to work out a weekly plan but it’s hard not to go over the 45g standard limit for women Does that still apply on this regime? Many thanks

Judith PM stands for private message but this forum doesn’t seem to have the function.
My email addy is angrydriver54@hotmail.com don’t worry about me posting it, I only use it for forum sign ups etc

Kim, if you’re going to go alll teenager on us then so am I
YOU SMASHED IT GIRL
Fabulous that you can reduce the insulin already, next step is to get off it altogether and you CAN do it.
Ignore you ? I’d rather stick pins in my eyes. 😉

Hi Pollyanna (and everyone else)
I have written an email asking Myfitnesspal if they would consider making the 800 calories BSD an option for 8 weeks so people who are following this don’t get a message every day telling them they are not eating enough! maybe if everyone who is using it sent a similar message they might make it possible……….
M.

Aly I think some of your ‘withdrawal’ has been down to your chest infection – I always have achy legs etc when I have a chest infection, once the infection is over I think you will find this so much easier. I’m glad you have the antibiotics even if they are not ‘clean’. I know to my cost how bad it can get if you ignore it and let it drag on. Good news about your BP as well. 🙂

Bill, what is a PM, how do I find it?

Of course Bill, no problem, will be glad to help in return 🙂

I buy roasted red peppers in jars (Lidl do them if you are in the UK) and £1 shops often havethe Aleyna brand too – much cheaper than the big 4 supermarket options. They are in a slightly vinegary brine, but I wash one off under the tap and either whack it in the frying pan briefly or nuke it in microwave to warm it up. A convenient alternative and the jar lasts ages in fridge, so good for those who are cooking for one.

Sainsburys also does a frozen bag of Mediterranean char-grilled veg – also ideal for those cooking for one.

No one on here told me this healthy eating malarkey was a miracle!! Its successfully made me 40 years younger … I have two zits and teenage-back-itis, where I couldn’t get my back off the bed this morning!!!
Well, apart from the above, I have good news and bad news … good news = I am so impressed with myself!!! We live in the middle of nowhere (5 miles from nearest shop), and as our office is based at home I don’t get out as often as some … but when I do, I’ve always managed to purchase so-called treats laden with sugar!! Last evening I had to go out, and some of the afternoon I kept hearing these fruit pastilles calling my name, shouting me to rescue them!! I had my good low carb tea, and even had a coffee with cream after, but even as I got in the car I could physically see myself returning with at least four large packs of sugar covered pastilles!! I wasn’t hungry at all. And I haven’t been! But that sugar addiction is bad!! The thoughts of “well, I can always start again tomorrow …” just kept hitting me!! However … I refrained!!! I went to my friends … just had hot water, even though she tried to persuade me we needed to break that bottle of wine … and that little swine sitting on my shoulder kept saying “we can always go to the shop on the way home”. I didn’t!! I came home and stood in the middle of the lounge and told my slim-fitting hubby how clever I was … and bless him, he understood, and was so proud!!
Bad news? Well I struggled to sleep last night … not cos of hunger, but just fidgety-it is!! Nothing would stay still! Feet … legs … arms … me! I tossed and turned all night! Then at 3 pm I found my BS was down to 3.2! However, I got downstairs and had some yogurt and seeds and raisins and a cup of milk.
This morning I have reduced my insulin by half, and will keep an eye on it.
Blood sugar level at 8 am was 6.6 … still much better than normal, even though it wasn’t a fasting one!!

Keep at it everyone!! Ignore me … I’m just making sure you all realise what I am going through to learn to look after myself!! 🙂

Thanks for the reply. Yes it is expensive, but also like you say a lot of the stuff like herbs and spices you only buy now and again and will last for ages. I’m just writing up a week menu so I know what I’m going to eat, but my shopping list keeps getting bigger and bigger haha.

Good luck with the diet Sweetpea

Hello,

My internet connection is intermittent which makes it difficult to go on sites such as MFP and Calorieking etc and check calories and carbs in the foods I’m eating.

Would anyone happen to have any book or magazine recommendations that give a breakdown of a wide range of foods and their nutritional content? I’m really keen to be as accurate as I can, and there are so many books and mags on sale – just wondering if they are all reliable sources.

Any help would be great!

Thanks 🙂

Hi Pollyanna

Welcome!
I have the same problem too – one suggestion is to click on quick add calories for 200 cals each day before you click on ‘completed’. That should solve the problem! That said, I shouldn’t get too hung up on the projected weight loss thing as it is so individual and not an accurate guide really – we all lose weight at different rates. I normally don’t bother.

I am emi1997 on MFP if you want to friend me there – there is also a BSD group, but the founder of it seems to have gone off the radar recently.

All the best in the journey – I have lost almost 10kg so far. And shape is changing. And most importantly, after fhe first few days, I have not been thinking interminably about food, which is my normal state of mind on a diet!

Julia

Great attitude Sweetpea
you’ll find it a doddle as you have all the dieting experience, just need to fine tune the concept of not eating carbs and eating fat, you’ll find that a bit weird.
I’m looking forward to seeing your progress reports.

Thank you Hashimoto! I’m loving your excitement and totally feeling you!

I’m trying not to become a ‘diet bore’ but I cannot stop myself going on about it! It’s not just about the weight loss, it’s about the ridiculous energy I have. I literally cannot stop moving and the house has never been as clean, tidy and organised – and believe me, I am not the most organised person – I just have to keep moving and active.

I can feel how much lighter I am on my feet, there just isn’t as much of ‘me’ to lug around any more.

I left a post yesterday about a 1lb weight gain. When I stepped on my scales this morning I was 2lbs down! so you are right in what you and others said about weight going up and down. What I notice is that when I don’t drink enough water not only do I feel bad, but I think my body retains water, so as from today I’m going to make a big effort to drink between 2 and 3 litres, as advised.

Well done Hashimoto and well done everyone here. Loving the support and encouragement here so much. It feels very safe, and that’s so important to me. xxxxx

Hello everyone. I’ve just joined the site today & am finding this forum an excellent source of advice so far. However, I haven’t been able to find an answer to my question about My Fitness Pal. I have been using it to record my 800 calorie intake since Monday but when I click on ‘Completed’ at the end of each day, I get a warning that my calorie intake is too low and it will not give me the usual projected weight loss. I can see why they’re alarmed (eating disorders etc) but is there any way round this?

Ok so I’ve had my first meal, the spinach and pea omelette, and it was surprisingly tasty and filling! I woke up this morning having started my period, and had to go back to bed with some ibuprofen and a hot water bottle for severe cramps. I was really feeling sorry for myself, but I am so determined to start today that nothing was going to stop me!

I plan to have the medi platter for lunch and courgetti with prawns for dinner, yum!

I’m so determined I can do this 🙂

Bill, there are many people on here that are really supportive and encouraging to “newbies” (like myself), and “oldhats” (like yourself) … and it doesn’t matter how long you have been doing this “life changing” healthy eating, we all of us need each other, whether its to put us on the right road, share hints & tips, teach from experience, pat each other on the back, or boost us when we’re down.
Many of us have been to slimming clubs, and they all try to insist you stay not just for the weigh in, but for the motivational talk by the leader … and sharing stories with each other. They all know that to be successful most people need that “group therapy”. Very few of us really are that insular!
You, Bill, come over as one of those “leaders” … not one of those that tell you what to do … but one of those that has been there and helps by true encouragement. What you have achieved is excellent, and as hashimoto and Yael have said, you are inspirational, and we need people like you on this site to share your ups and downs the same way we are doing! x