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!

Well done Neil…that’s and amazing weight loss…congratulations!

It shouldn’t hinder you at all as long as you count the calories in what you are using. There are no ‘magic’ foods on this diet, just the need to get nutrients from the three food groups of protein, low-carbs (fruit/veg) and fats. Your ground nut oil will help with your healthy fats and provide you with other nutrients not found in olive oil.

I want to loose 6 stone and reassess then, as my starting weight is 22st 10lbs. 1st weeks weight lose was 14lbs or one stone. Really pleased. Didn’t check any other measurements before starting but I got a diabetic to check my levels after dinner and I was 5.4 which understand is fine. Will update on week 2.

Hi Bill. Together we’ll show the establishment what works. Think of all the money we’ll save the NHS!

Hi hashimoto. Well done on your progress so far. I haven’t been hungry too much since ditching carbs, if I do get a little hungry I find that a drink, either hot or cold helps. Sometimes we think we’re hungry but we are actually thirsty.

I’m just preparing my recipe for dinner tonight – I’ve gone for the aubergine bake from this website as it looks tasty and filling but easy to make. And I have made a bit of a discovery – something I should have known all along really but it just never sunk in before. All the ingredients add up to 230 calories, the largest value being the mozzarella cheese (I have gone for half fat as full fat cheese doesn’t agree with me). Then I added in the 1 tablespoon of olive oil – just 1 – and that alone is 123 calories. OMG! Its the smallest quantity of the recipe yet the biggest in calories.

I know that olive oil is good for me and I need to re-educate myself about fats (all my life low fat has been the law) but that has really blown me away. It has made me realise that I can’t splash a bit of olive oil about and not count it as part of my 800, thinking a little bit won’t count much. Well, a little bit is an eighth of my allowance!

I will keep on using it as I find it makes plain vegetables more palatable but I will have to count it better in future!

Am about to start the diet and normally prefer to cook with groundnut rather than olive oil, is this acceptable and will it make any difference to my progress if I do not use olive oil?

Thanks Matrika
I will give two plates a try. The recipe I have is for an alfredo sauce with courgette fettuccine from Rose Elliot’s vegetarian low carb book. I might try the silken tofu next time. 😍

Just finished reading the book and have got my blood test at the surgery next week. Excited about getting started but a bit worried how I am going to fit the lunches into my workday. Any advice would be much appreciated.

You can use plates instead of boards…or bowls with some water in for weight.

I think you only need to get the water out if you are going to deep fry the tofu…if you are using it in soup or a strir fry, it doesn’t matter so much. Silken tofu is the easiest type to manage, very soft…I just cut it into pieces and pour some soy sauce on it, sometimes with some grated fresh ginger in it.

You can search online for tofu recipes…sure you’ll find something you want to try.

As I drink miso soup anyway, I think I will go with miso and then if I need something more, some yogurt and raspberries.

I have managed to get to the grand old age of 42 and have managed to successfully avoid tofu all that time. But today I was brave and bought it. But looking at the instructions, it says I have to put it between two chopping boards for at least ten minutes to get the liquid out. I see two problems with this, 1) I don’t own two chopping boards and 2) I really don’t think I can be ar**ed.

I would like to know what other people do with their tofu to make it liquid free or otherwise just edible. What am I dealing with here?

Thanks in advance!

Hi, has anyone else been suffering from really loud rumbles from the tummy? Today is really bad and Im not actually feeling hungry. My bowel movements (TMI?) have gone from very regular to every three days then three times in one day yesterday. Very strange.

Thank you Cherrianne. I’m very nervous, keep trying to work out what to have for breakfast. I think the other meals will be ok, just worried about first thing.

Zero noodles/rice/spaghetti ? Okay with a good sauce or dressing and about 18 cal for 200 grams.

Well done Sue. Starting is the hard part!
Me and the OT have been at it 6 days now, she weighed herself yesterday and had lost 5 pounds, and we’re enjoying the food.
Good luck on your journey.
As a paramedic I’d say keep a really good eye on your Bm readings, and maybe see your Gp for advice about the metformin sooner rather than later.

Best of luck ladies. There’s heaps of support and advice here, you only have to ask and someone will be able to help. Read through some of the other threads for inspiration and to get a feel for how welcoming and supportive everyone is.
Soon we’ll be reading about your achievements too!

Well done you on the weight loss!
I’m also finding the food really nice and easy.
It can be such an intense mouth hit when you take away all the padding of carbs!
More power to your arm.