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.

Sorry to hear you are suffering at the moment. Did I read that you recently had an operation? If so, would it be possible that you haven’t allowed enough time for your body to heal itself? I don’t think 800 calories were ever meant to cover healing as well as just basic nourishing. And also to add more exercise on top might be asking too much just now.

As for me, I’m doing ok by my own standards but I haven’t lost anything as of day 3 of my second week. Not too worried, again could be any number of reasons including not counting properly, as per my post on olive oil.

I’m glad you are going to see your doctor. Be kind to yourself for a few days and I’m sure you will find your equilibrium once again.

Thanks for asking – not good 🙁 Extremely light headed and faint and I have been drinking lots of water. That leads to having to be cautious about being near enough to a loo at all times. I suspect low blood pressure as well as low blood sugar, and remember I am not diabetic or pre-diabetic.

I toppled when having physiotherapy for a shoulder injury yesterday. Got told off. Nicely though. I think ketosis isn’t kicking in because I haven’t lost weight or inches during this 2nd week and I have been strict about the diet, so, I may have to switch to 5:2. I had two oat bics with butter and a dab of honey earlier so I could safely drive my car and take the dogs for a walk on a towpath as haven’t the strength to walk up hill. I am not usually so miserable, I am a problem solving type of a person but this is beating me. I know I am supposed to be exercising and unable to, so as my gp is supportive I am going to seek advice. Also, and you may know about this – mushrooms, Miso and Soy Sauce I think have lead to thrush, that’s why for years I avoided them but I stuck to the diet and now I am suffering!

I have followed some of your comments in the forum and well done you, you seem to be flying girl.

s 8wks on the 800 BSG the Max or can you continue indefinately if one has Substantial weight to lose?

(eg10 stone in total) started on Sun 24th Jan now in wk 5 and have gone from 24st 5lb to 22st 3lb currently).

Thanks Eureka, I will be taping, or should I say sky-plussing!

I think it is the brunch one but you might want to confirm the calories using an on-line calculator as lots of people have found that the book isn’t always accurate. And of course, if there are too many calories for your liking you can always customise

I couldn’t find it on this website either but there are loads out in webland and they all work the same way. Just search for bmi calculator 😊

I am really starting tomorrow but tried out the guilt free brownie recipe today as I wanted to have something to look forward to – very disappointed they were dry & hard with a bitter aftertaste- hope yours turned out better.

Thanks auntylil. There is definitely a pattern here. All the things that are ‘good for me’ are hideous! But still, I have managed to avoid all the things I really like (apart from coffee!) for nearly 9 days now so if it can’t be that bad. How has the back end of week 2 been for you?

I have started today after a week of watching the forums. I am still trying to get my head around what to eat! I had eggs scrambled with a little butter for breakfast and was surprised at how good it was, didn’t think I would want to eat them without toast underneath. I too am finding it all a bit daunting as it is far removed from the way I have been eating, hence the need for change. I am looking forward to lifting the fog and having some energy again!

Yes, tofu! My relationship with it is rather on infrequently/mainly off, but would say it only works in my opinion if marinated thoroughly. Worth pursuing as it is very good, just whichever way I’ve tried it it resembles polystyrene in different forms. Another of your favourites – quinoa, which I had last night with some veg curry; I added some grated nutmeg and butter and found it quite nicer than before. Another one of those things that is worth including because it is good for you.

Hi Daria, me too have been type 2 for 7 years and mostly in denial. First time on the forum but have been doing the diet for two weeks and have lost 9lbs. Blood sugars slightly lowered but not quite cracked it yet! Mostly coping but slightly obsessing about food and preparation!

I wish you every success tamznlaws. You’ll soon get the hang of it. For me, the key is planning ahead and knowing what meals I’ll be having so that I make the best use of the 800. You’ll get loads of support from the forums.

Thank you Janet just a little daunting. Getting excited about starting tomorrow.

Its probably easier to say what you shouldn’t eat rather than what is acceptable. After you have taken out all bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, pastry, and anything else with sugar in it, what you are left with is what you can eat.

So you can eat meat, fish, all veg apart from potatoes, fruit in moderation. Full fat dairy products. Oils and nuts. Herbs and spices. All you need to do is keep your calorie intake to 800.

Well done xx

As I’m just starting tomorrow, I wondered if there is a list of foods we are allowed and lists of what we aren’t. . The recipes are fine if your used to eating that sort of food. Just trying to make life a little easier and less daunting for the first week

Thanks. Measured my sugar this morning and it was 6,2. Going to take the advice I’ve seen in these forum and have a little fat at supper time and see what that does.

Hello all,
Just subscribed. Been actively trying to lose weight since about mid-January and, like other contributors to this thread, I’ve been feeling that the weight’s not been coming off that quickly. However, like others, I input my weight readings into a spreadsheet and, in spite of some upward blips, the overall trend is downwards. I started at 12.5stone (at 5′ 3″ I’m in the obese category) and today I finally hit 12st 0lb 0oz. It’s kind of two steps forward, one step back but I have been feeling a bit more energetic lately.

If I am honest with myself, I’m probably not following the BSD 8-week plan religiously – any attempt at fasting and I get a headache which is usually accompanied by my belly turning into a yawning chasm that needs filling. So I’m using the suggested foodstuffs and just varying recipes to try and follow the general guidelines. However, there are one or two things I’m trying that seem to be helpful:

– extending the overnight fast by not eating too late & trying to breakfast later (much easier on a non-work day when hunkering down under the duvet on a cold day is possible)
– adding a dash of cinnamon to my coffee; I’ve read this helps to keep your blood sugars on an even keel – I don’t know about that but it makes for an interesting variation for a drink and, obviously, the liquid helps with hydration and helps fill my belly!

Anyway, good luck everyone with your efforts – the goal is a healthier body/life so it’s worth persevering.

Heard something the other day – can’t remember where! It was said that we can eat anything for breakfast, not just ‘traditional’ breakfast foods. Could be leftovers, anything. For us, low-carb of course 😊

Amazing loss 😃 Well done Neil.

Congratulations! 😄

I use stir fried cabbage, thinly sliced

I had a few issues in the first couple of weeks…put it down to my body getting used to not have all the usual carbs and also eating so much green veg…it settled down though …..good luck!

To Hashimoto:
I’ve just finished the third week, 14.5 lbs so far, and delighted with the results and the programme so far. I’m finding exactly the same thing. I feel it’s my body/metabolism noticing what’s going on and saying “feed me” so I’ve decided to make today a brunch and supper day, and cook something slightly off piste tonight, with a carb additon (Spelt pasta) and a healthy desert, without wheat or sugar, with a small glass of wine, and see if that shuts it up! Then resume the 800 cal programme tomorrow.
I’ll let you know how it goes!

Good luck ladies…..breakfast is easy if you eat eggs…..hard boiled, scrambled or as a an omelette with mushrooms and tomatoes.
Full fat Greek yogurt with a few seeds and some frozen berries is also great and the fat keeps you full
All the best…it’s easier than you think!

Hi Pixie
I take my lunch to work everyday….sometimes I do the easy recipes in the book such as the lettuce cup…just take the filling in a plastic box and the lettuce in a sandwich bag. The no fuss lunches such as the medi platter also work. Or I make up my own with some mackerel, chicken or sardines in a plastic box with chopped tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, peppers etc and take the dressing in one of those little tiny jam pots or a small mustard pot to add when I want to eat. It’s not too hard if you plan it out. I’ve forgotten a couple of times but it’s easy to get hold of a salad or some hummus and crudités at any shop.
Best of luck with it!

Cherrianne

thanks for this , in answer to your questions..

Probably pre-diabetic
No blood sugar tester
one of those thin on the outside and fat on the inside people
trouser size 32[ish] waist 35[ish]

So aim is to get waist to match trouser size ! not fussed if it takes longer than 8 weeks.

Thanks for recipe , intend trying the Hairy bikers leek lasagna preferably with Quorn for some meals.

I’m also vegetarian so need to watch my protein intake too.

What does the above mean ?

regards Paul

How amazing for you Neil. Well done, I don’t think you will have any problem in keeping up the good work!