In the book there is a comment from Michael that basically says ‘if you must’.

Just completed my first week, and I am astounded with the results.

Diagnosed as a T2 diabetic in September 2015, I have been following a low carb diet and had already reduced my weight, and my blood sugar readings. (I test regularly with a meter). My blood sugars had reduced considerably from the initial reading of 29, but were not low as I wanted, and there were still plenty of peaks.

Since swapping to the 8-week diet plan my blood sugars have dropped further and really steadied. They are now consistently in the 6’s, and my early morning fasting readings have come down (having remained stubbornly high).

The food is delicious – have enjoyed the Sardine Dip, Chicken on white bean mash, Spicy Bean Burgers, Pea and Spinach Omelette, Portobello ‘Toast’, No Carb Ploughmans. Cant wait to try the Skinny Kedgeree and the Courgetti Prawns. Veg curry for my husband tonight while I enjoy a steak and salad. What’s not to enjoy!

Weight loss has continued. I take two Metformin a day, but am now wondering if the day will come when I can stop and manage with diet only. That would be wonderful!

No need to answer I read the small print in the book. It is per serving.

So day 13 ( my lucky number!) Fasting BSG now 5.2 this morning ( started at 9.9 on day 1) RESULT ! Over the moon! this diet works.
Sticking to 800 cals religiously, changing my foods about so my body doesn’t get used to them, weighing everything, but haven’t lost anything for 6 days now, disappointing but not the main reason for the diet ( at least the dr won’t be able to say you are obese, have high cholesterol and are diabetic though lol two out of 3 ain’t bad in 2 weeks lol
If anyone could help with reasons why the weight is stalling I’d be super greatful as would welcome a bit of encouragement at this point. Here’s hoping

Thanks everyone. I decided it wasn’t worth it and found some soda water (for the bubbles) and added some lemon to it.

I have just read the book and am getting organized to start. I have been checking out the recipes, but I am a vegetarian so was wondering about things I can substitute for the meat in some of the recipes. I don’t really “do” fake meat and am not sure how I will affect the calorie count if I start messing about too much. Any advice please

I got the book for my Kindle but have found I cannot read the table of menus. Does anyone know how I can make the menu tables look right so I can follow them?

I am a tadge confused, do the calorie level numbers refer to the whole dish or per serving?

According to my Fitbit you burn over 800 calories by living. This is a rapid weight loss diet so you need to do something to shed the visceral fat.

So far with moderate exercise, I have arthritis in my knees and hip which makes me reliant on pain killers some days, I have managed to lose a fair bit of weight.

Some days I feel full on 600 cals too and I have not yet collapsed 🙂

My understanding is that diet drinks trigger the body to think it has sugar. It was featured on one of the trust me I’m a doctor programmes.

You are better off having a small glass of red.

NHS
website calorie counter states 104 calories.. I made this this week and used left over pomegranate from the aubergine and lamb meal. There were a lot of seeds but I’d never eaten pomegranate before so not sure what “normal” amount would be.

I am on my first day and I have used slim fast shakes. To get started I know I will find it easier if I don’t have to weight and count everything. I have had 2 shakes and a lunch of chicken and veg

I keep a tub of Slimfast shake in the cupboard for times when I have to leave the house at lunch time and dont have time to prepare and eat anything. I can quickly mix that up and drink it. I have also had the odd shake for breakfast as well.

It does seem as if some people also find it easier to have shakes for breakfast and lunch and have one main meal in the evening.

Hi. I’m 65, Type 2 for 6 years, diet controlled. I’ve been following the BSD for six weeks tomorrow, losing 22 pounds, my fasting blood sugars have gone from 10.9 to normally in the 5s with the odd one in the 6s. Previously I could rarely get it below 7. I’ve lost a good dress size, with 6 inches off my waist. Saw the diabetes nurse today and my previously high BP (on 2 medications) is now low! Looking to come off the meds 😊. I’m keeping careful records of what I eat, calories, fasting blood sugar and blood sugar at bedtime. Also noting weight, BMI (down from 40.9 to 36.9), and measurements. That’s the control freak side of me – but it helps show reason for any odd result, and keeps me going. We’re not too old. I feel so much better, joints aches less, persistent cough has gone, thinking more clearly 😃

I had the boys around for beers last night. Normally a few beers, bourbons or wines & the food is anything but healthy. It’s my regular weekly downfall in diet plans. Last night I set my food apart & calculated I could have 2 shots of bourbon & I told the guys why I was doing this. Next Friday I’ll take my own food to one of the other guys places. I find if I have more than a couple of drinks my willpower goes out the door.

I probably should have mentioned I work away from home Monday to Friday and stop in hotels during the week. If I was to start on the shakes I would able to take these with me and have them in my room. Weekends does not present a problem as I can sort the menus out but during the week is more difficult

I am starting the plan on Monday, question I have is, can my two year old son eat the food I am making for myself?

I received my book yesterday, straight from amazon u.k. to California. I paid the extra for 2 day shipping, and let me tell you, it is worth every penny.

I can’t put this book down. You know how some medical information/diet books are so dry and boring you can pull your hair out of your head? Not this one. This is written in such a user-friendly manner with such great inspiring stories, I can’t say enough about it. For anyone interested, the “diet” guidelines are what I was hoping for. No math (aside from the 800 calories), no counting carbs, just guidelines about what to eat for the best low glycemic value. I am personally doing 5:2 to start with, with low carb on the remaining days. If need be, I’ll stick in a third fasting day as time goes on. I salute everyone who went straight to the 8 week thing, but 8 weeks of 800 calories just scares me right now. I am pre-diabetic. Perhaps if I was thrown into full-blown type 2, I’d feel differently.

Anyway, just a heads up for anyone on the fence about this book. It is definitely worth it. Have a great day everyone!

Hi , its my first weekend doing the BSD, 800 a day. so far I’m pleased with my 4lb loss in the first 4 days, so dont want to blow it,

However everyone will be around, wine will be drunk, and ill be cooking … I have made skinny chilli for tonight , (which the others will have with bread ).

I do want to do this , and although I can do it easily when i’m on my own ( as i am most of the week )but also have a bit of a life when family are around at weekend , Wine is my downfall, everytime, followed by cheese.

Ii was thinking of perhaps doing a sort of 5:2 fast , but making it 1:6.., i.e 6 days at 800 then I have Saturdays when i can have a glass of wine and maybe some cheese.. Im ok not eating bread or other starchy carbs..

Im not diabetic, or probably not even pre diabetic, but am about 2 stone heavier than i’d like to be and I do want to get this tummy wodge off..

Is this just wimping out after only 3 days?

I’d love to know your strategy for keeping on track at the weekend..

I agree with you. I spent over £100 on bits and bobs for the diet on Monday and I’ve had to eat similar meals on consecutive days in order to use them up. I haven’t stuck rigidly to the meal plans in the book but I think they give us a general idea of what changes we need to make to our diets. I intend to use the recipe ideas as a guide and adapt them according to my lifestyle and budget. I was brought up on very traditional fare and whilst I do enjoy salads and vegetables I am beginning to feel like I’m morphing into a rabbit!
I don’t have diabetes nor am I pre-diabetic but I am very keen to make changes to my diet. I haven’t found this week particularly easy, despite the fact I was already sticking to around 1000 cals/day before I embarked on it. I feel quite tired and grumpy and I have been craving chocolate (I’ve allowed myself some small pieces occasionally) but I am determined not to cheat and to stick it out.
Good luck. I had the Harissa Chicken as well this week and whilst I didn’t love it, it was ok. My daughter really liked it so it was what I call a success!

Are fresh new potatoes acceptable as they have much lower GI?

Hi, Andy
I don’t think you have to start with low cal shakes. I am on day 5 and just went straight into week 1 recipes, which I have found delicious.
Good luck, Jackie

I had this for breakfast this morning and it was completely delicious. However, I do not understand how raisins and apple juice can feature in the BSD as both (especially the raisins) contain large amounts of sugar? Why would you include these at all, Michael? Is there a scientific reason for these ingredients assisting with weight loss/evening out blood/sugar levels?

My partner is diabetic too and the only thing she ever drinks is Diet Coke. She told the diabetes clinic and they said it was ok. I suppose it’s all down to the individual, if your sugar readings go up after drinking it, find something else. As with all diets, this is a general guide, everyone will react to it in their own way.

Thanks for the reply, Natalie what has your weight loss been ? I weigh myself everyday but it was more today than yesterday , I am on day 5 today ,mans I did 250 calls worth of exercise last night to try and compensate. 😬

Hello there, I am just starting out on this diet as I feel I could be in the range of pre diabetic, My waist measurements are more than what they should be however I am 13 stone 2 pounds so not really over weight for my height of 6 feet tall.
I feel I ought to do something before it gets to a point I have to do something, like they say prevention is better than cure.
Anyway my question is this, in the book it tells that you can go through this diet on low calorie shakes or use them to start with, I would like to use these shakes to start my diet until I have accustomed myself to a routine. Can anyone out there give me a clue as to what types of shakes I should use or what shakes are recommended as I am not a person who has been on a diet before and it is all new to me.
Thanks for any help and advice that you may give.

It won’t undo the other good work you’re doing but yes, as Ausmike rightly says – don’t let it become a habit. Consistency is the key, not constant perfection!

The GRUVE does seem to be the only NEAT specific activity monitor but yes, it doesn’t seem to have really made its way to the UK just yet. Most of the support seems to be in the form of the connected website so it may be worth getting one – the website shouldn’t be location specific.

Another alternative may be to use something like the Garmin vivofit HR which makes a bigger deal of heart rate and uses that for monitoring as well as steps. It won’t be ideal but may fit the bill well enough.

Listen to your body – you will understand how you feel better than anyone. The short-term 800 cals plan may have an effect on your energy levels initially but you will adjust pretty quickly. Those sorts of classes 5 days a week are pretty high intensity so you may feel that you need to cut it back for a short time.

If you do have to make a slight change initially… once you are on the BSD 5:2 or BSD Way of Life, I’m sure you will be able to train as normal again.

Watched a study on bbc which showed that the sacharine in products can actually higher the blood sugar. Just for interest Stavia a sweetener derived from plants doesn’t. In would be as well to see if anymore studies have been done. It would be shame if you are doing well to spoil it just with a fizzy drink. Perhaps make your own cocktails with fruit and fizzy water. Cant wait to read them so l can try.

I’ve just finished day 5 and it has all been going well so far. I have only been drinking water or tea but it’s Friday night and I would like to have a diet lemonade soda as my “cocktail” I have read various reports that people who drink diet drinks still have raised blood sugar levels despite them being sugar free and I don’t want to spoil all of the hard work I have done by messing with my sugar levels. So are there actual medical studies that can prove or disprove the effect of diet soda?

That all sounds very well organised. I might follow your example!
Penny

Hi Gateofheaven – Great to hear that you are doing well on the diet that your GP is supporting you. Most GPs are usually delighted when patients are proactive about their health. It’s helpful too that you are monitoring your BP and blood sugars.

Natalie you are right, if Michael and I are representative, doctors get little or no training in nutrition in our case (we met in medical school before we married).
Anyway, good luck to all of you and hope you find the right approach for you.

Brilliant thank you for that

That sounds promising. Thanks GoH

Yes, ate them for years as advised by the diabetic nurse, DESMONDS, general health advice, etc. I had my suspicions, as I was always starving two hours later on porridge, but go all day on an omelette. They spike my blood sugar, as I found out when I started comprehensive testing (against the nurses advice) so gave them up for the time being. Uncooked oats like muesli, or Nairn’s type oat biscuits were much better for me.Testing, although expensive, is the way to go, I think. Everyone is different.

Got mine at Big W for $16

My pleasure- hope you find it useful 🙂

For the heck of it, I weighed the low-carb veggies I was eating and they added up to 50 plus calories a day! I guess for me, i need to keep track of those cuties, 🙂 .

What a wonderful resource, Cazzowary, thank you!

I’m 65 with multiple significant health issues; not even able to exercise and I am doing well on the diet! Go for it! I’m feeling much better today than when i started. I also take my blood pressure as well as my blood sugars to make sure all is well and stay on top of changes. This way my doctor can help me modify the meds I take – which we have already done once!

My doc told me that cholesterol was associated with, you guessed it, sugar! In the past when i cut out simple carbs, my cholesterol went way down! Figure the same thing is happening now. 🙂

lol, pmshrink! I was surprised to find that lettuce is 10 to 20 calories for the salad i make. Then i add a veg or three – also weighed. I found to my surprise that oftimes the veges were around 40 to 50 calories, so they add up. I do try to add something green every day and also some low glycemic fruit at the end of one meal. I’m being very strict right now for the first 8 weeks, just because the results are so gratifying. But unless things change, i’ll gladly go to two days a week at the end of the 8 weeks!

The first couple of weeks I had plenty of slips! Mainly chocolate. I’m sure it slowed down the weight loss a bit, but it didn’t undo the good work. I just gradually tightened up my adherence to the rules. I’m on week 5 now, still going strong.

I do that too then put it into My Fitness Pal. I admit I don’t weigh lettuce!
Penny

I do feel sorry for GPs who have to keep up with all the latest medical science, have almost no training in nutrition so have to just follow government guidelines, and who have all these clients come in having self-diagnosed themselves off the internet or wanting to try a “crazy” new diet! But yours sounds terrible. Too old at 68 to get healthier? Or ever? And not listening to you. I know some places in the world you are assigned a doctor and might not have the choice to change, but if you have the chance go and find a doctor who will at least listen to your concerns and try to help you, even if they don’t agree with this particular plan.

Ditto. My dream is to be rid of it and lower my LDL reading of 5.7,

It was quite a bit of work for me in the beginning. I still weigh everything on a sensitive kitchen scale. Even lettuce. I’m not using a program, so write everything down (calories per gram and protein counts because i’m watching that). Once down, it’s a piece of cake. Just use my calculator and some algebra when i have something i’ve made and frozen to see how many calories. Sounds like your calculators would be faster. Perhaps i’ll learn to use those later. Now it is quite simple for me.

A warm welcome to the forums Anticarb.

Sandy

Hi Floraellen I am sorry to hear that your GP is not very sympathetic to your diet plans. As a GP myself I know we tend to be a bit conservative about new things! Can I suggest you print off Professor Roy Taylor’s excellent information sheet in the link below. It is best to have your GP on board if possible.
https://thebloodsugardiet.com/information-for-professionals/
You may need to reduce your blood pressure tablets on the diet, but you are not too old!