Hi Bre – yes, working full-time does take a lot of planning in advance.

I’m getting a bit faster with the recipes. I was so slow at first as I haven’t been used to cooking this precisely, but now that I’m getting used to it and I’m cooking some of the meals more than once, I am finding that I am speeding up.
The steak with peppercorn sauce takes me 10 minutes to prepare and cook from beginning to end, and the chicken with butter beans takes me about 15 minutes. The beetroot falafels take me ages though and are very messy, but totally worth it; I love them!

Juggling a full-time job with the diet is no easy-feat. You are obviously very dedicated so good for you!

Hi Sue
Apples, pears, small amounts of watermelon, small orange or half a large one, strawberries, blueberries. These are ok to have. I put some of them in my morning shake every day along with greenery – black kale, lettuce, rocket etc, flax seed and psyllium husk ( both anti- constipation ) almond milk , pea protein ( from indigo nutrition on Amazon)
Delicious! Keeps me going til lunchtime.
Penny

Hi
Hoping somebody can advise.
I have just reset my daily allowance to 800 calories on the MFP app.
Does anybody know what % I should change Carbs, Protien and Fat to please?
Thanks 🙂

Hi Oscarbelle
Have a look at Jenny Ruhls book ‘low carb problems solved’ (£3 on kindle)
She goes through all the different problems including tiredness
Penny

Bill-
😝
Penny

Hey Penny,

Thanks for the reminder about fat, you are spot on. I will take heed.

And you are also spot on about the chocolate, so thank you again 🙂

Natasha- great!
Penny

Thanks Natasha_ENFP. I find I have to plan all of my weeks meals and usually do this on a Monday morning; then I can make sure I’ve got everything in I need. I made myself a weekly planner sheet so I can record everything I have and it makes it easier to track the calories as once I’ve made something I know how many cals for what size portion – anything to make life a bit easier as I work full-time.

Hi Bill,

I’m also from the UK and was hoping the cheese was the size of a Cook’s Matches matchbox!

I think they should specify the size as I have no idea. Someone recommended 25-30g so that’s what I’m going by.

Hey Bre123

Well done you for preparing in advance!

I had an evening out with friends last week and took my Ploughmans lunch with me in a little plastic box. I hid it in my bag and excused myself a couple of times so that I could eat! Sounds very ‘secret eater’ lol. I then had dinner when I got home.

Hope you have a nice evening!

I’m ok during the day but once it gets to 9 pm I’m exhausted. It feels like I’ve used up all of my energy allowance for that day so I’m assuming it’s just down to the reduced calorie intake.
All I can suggest is drinking more water (that really does help), make sure you are eating the 800 cals and try to do some exercise as I feel more energised once I have and more tired if I don’t do my daily workout.
Hope that helps.
Bre123

I’m busy tonight so I’ve weighed out 40g of cheese and 3 oatcakes for my dinner – it looks so pitiful but I can eat and run. I miss cheese although I do try to have the occasional bit (that’s all it is when you add up the calories lol).

I’m on week 2, day 3 of the 800 plan. I am using the recipies in the book, am past the “hungry stage” and I’m losing weight which is great however I feel exhausted all of the time. I’m not diabetic but have a sibling with type 2 and have a lot of weigh to lose. Is anyone else feeling like this? Suggestions?

Hi Janet1973

You welcome. Just watched it myself. Now the truth is out there in TV land & everyone should be aware that a Low Carb Mediterranean diet could reverse Diabetes. Hope everyone watches at least today’s program , it’s worth it

Good luck
Eureka

Hi Nic
I have felt lightheaded on a couple of occasions and felt really faint one morning before I had my breakfast as I was pottering around the kitchen – as soon as I had something to eat and drink I felt ok. The advice to drink lots of water is good, I drink about 2-3 ltrs a day even though sometimes it’s a real struggle as I really want a cup of tea!
I’m in week 5 and have so far lost 15 lb (I’ve got 4 stone to loose in total so I was hoping for more but it is the quickest I’ve ever lost weight). Other than feeling lightheaded a couple of times I had horrible headaches on day 3 which thankfully have completely gone since. My only other complaint is that I feel cold all of the time which is the opposite of how I usually feel, but I can suffer it for the weight loss lol.
Keep up the good work.
Bre123

Gutted to see the size of the matchbox sized piece of cheese.
You see in the UK we have these huge family sized boxes of matches…….

Hi Natasha – re chocolate-
If you know you might do that maybe it’s it worth the risk!
Penny

Hi Natasha
I think keep some of the fat on. We ve been so brain washed to not eat it but now we know it’s sugar not fat that messes us up.
It stops you getting hungry
Penny

Hello all,

I was really looking forward to making the crab cakes and envisioned something totally different to what I produced last night – even though I followed the recipe and cooking instructions to the letter.

One thing I noticed was the juice of half a lemon was way too much. The outcome was that my crab cakes totally fell apart and ended up as a crab salad, as the mixture was too wet to form into crab cakes.

It was a disaster.

I was wondering whether I was doing anything wrong. Has anyone tried making the crab cakes successfully?

I started using Mindfulness as a way of dealing with stress. What I have been following is a 10 minute a day programme, where I listen to someone talking through the process on the PC or mobile. One thing I have got out of this is a way of dealing with waking in the middle of the night; I can usually get to sleep ok, but when stressed, wake up after about 3 hours sleep.
I have used one of the Mindfulness ‘tricks’ – lie on your back, eyes closed, breath deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. Concentrate on the breathing. Scan through the body slowly from head to feed noticing how you feel. I am normally asleep again part way though that process. When not, I am more relaxed and less anxious about the fact I am awake and will drop of soon after. I have been using Headspace App, but there are others out there if you use the search engine.

At least I’m not alone!
I’m a bit stuck with upping the exercise, medical and mobility issues mean that I can only do small amounts. I’ll keep trying though!

Oh, and I have lost 11bs in two weeks and my ‘pregnant looking’ stomach is not looking as pregnant any more!

Hi Kankan 888,

Amazing! Well done you!

I am also 2-weeks into the bsd and cannot believe the difference in everything so far! The word ‘life-changing’ is somewhat overused, but this diet really has been life-changing so far! I’m not even close to craving sugar or junk food, and all the meals on the plan are phenomenally delicious and satisfying.

The diet so far is a miracle.

I want all my friends and family to do this but I don’t want to become an evangelical ‘diet bore.’ I guess it’s all about people seeing the positive changes in me and then getting curious and interested.

My friend asked me if this would be a sustainable way to live after the diet has ended, and I think it will be. I can’t believe how bad sugar was making me feel (and I didn’t even realise it). My energy levels (as you said) have been transformed, I feel cleaner, clearer and fresher, and it’s amazing not to have the ‘mid-afternoon slump.’ Why on earth would I want to go back to feeling like that again?!

I also do not want my skin to go back to the way it was – acne and patchy on my face, chest and upper-back. It has improved so much in 2-weeks. It’s not perfect yet but my goodness what a difference.

Thank you for sharing your experience so far, it all helps with the motivation.

Best of luck (not that you really need it lol) for the next 6-weeks!

Pmshrink your advice has been most gratefully received. The crock pot I’m looking to order today. I’m writing your receipe down for my first day. I think I’ll stick to my tuna salad for lunch. I’m a piggy usually at breakfast so I’m going to take advice and shake it. I’m going to miss my fruit I think but I do need to cut it down. So have bit more shopping to sort then Saturday here we come. Thank you once again can’t wait for stew.

Hey Cherianne,

How’s it going?

Ah yes of course, you are in Australia – one of my favourite places in the world! I would happily emigrate if I could.

I hope you now have a plentiful supply of wood and are keeping cosy 🙂

Hi again Lolo,

The only thing I would be worried about with chocolate is that it might set me right back on the sugar track.

I have a history of sticking to diets like glue, believing that I have my chocolate addiction totally sussed and under control, and eating one tiny square…. and then another, and then another (etc etc etc) and not being able to stop until the entire bar has been eaten.

I’m a ‘compulsive eater’ and this has been the hardest thing for me to overcome. It’s almost like having a blackout when I eat chocolate or sweets.

I know dark chocolate is extremely good for you and I was wondering if you had any advice for being able to just have a couple of squares, and then no more.

Hi Scotgran,

How are you doing?

Yes, I went through quite a few days of not feeling hungry at all and even skipped a couple of meals because I felt so un-hungry. This was when I was feeling at my worst (so far).

Do you think not finishing the portions might be triggering sugar cravings?

I have sugar-free fruit-flavoured chewing gum close by which is nice in the evenings and is a nice, flavourful ‘dessert’! I read in the book that chewing gum helps curb sugar cravings.

I also have a large glass of cold water as often as possible, and this seems to be helping as I have not yet had any sugar cravings – and I have been a lifelong sugar addict.

Hi Lolo,

Thank you for your reply.

I’m actually feeling ok now. I have been on the diet for just over 2 weeks and I feel like my body has really settled into it. I felt so horribly weird for the first week-and-a-half – disassociated, light-headed, dizzy, irritable and depressed, but now I am really starting to feel the amazing effects of not having sugar, and i’m not craving it at all.

One question – I have been enjoying the sirloin steak meal (one of my favourites so far), and have been cutting off the fat before I cook it as it’s a huge wedge. You mentioned about eating fat, and I was wondering whether you recommend that I keep (some of) the fat on the steak rather than remove it?

Thank you for your advice and encouragement! How long have you been on the BSD and are you noticing big differences?

And WELL DONE EVERYBODY!
I love how we are all in this together!

Hi Yumelda
You’re doing well!
Have you set your calories on MFP to 800? I did that and don’t get any messages. I’ve also set it so it doesn’t take off my exercise and add more calories.
Penny

Hi,
I am having the same challenge. End of week 3 and the weight loss is good, trousers are almost falling off of me, but the inches are coming off of my bust and hips with proportionately much less coming off of my waist. I have upped my walking to 70,000 steps a week from 25,000 before I started which is definitely helping keep a consistent weight loss.
Anyone suggestions welcome!

Hi Bill
Yes it’s not clear. I think it doesn’t matter how much kale or broccoli etc you eat because the benefits outweigh any calories. For example, kale has vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, K, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and fibre. Broccoli has the same but B5 instead of B3. 15 important nutrients for a few calories. The same goes for all the green veg, with variations in bits and minerals.
So think there’s no need to limit it. As Jenny Ruhl says, no one ever got fat eating a huge helping of kale!
Penny

Hi Mrs Jaffa
Yes you’d never expect that would you! But it is.
Penny

Hi penny, thank you for all your tips I will have a look at Jenny ruhls book. I do feel a bit better today just a slight headache . I have also tried hot water and it’s really good!

Hi Tallyhoo
Welcome!
Great sugar readings!
I suggest you read Jenny Ruhls little book ‘ low carb problems solved'( £3 on kindle) which deals with stalling and everything else.
Best of luck
Penny

Sue, I know this sounds mental, but, years ago when I couldn’t handle stress, I used to drive out into the countryside, find a deserted spot, and pick a tree.
That tree became my object of attention, I could scream, shout, and talk to it and even cry on it’s shoulder and of course, it never answered back (if it did I would be a poster on a very different forum now )
afterwards, the stress levels had reduced and I felt great.

Hi Sue
I know buckwheat is fantastic for all sorts of healthy nutrients and good for diabetes. But during this very low carb phase I think the 89% carbs in buckwheat might prevent the visceral fat coming out from around our organs so I’m leaving it til I’m on the next phase. Lentils are only 15% carbs I think so yes I’m eating them now!
Re the jelly. I’m concerned to reduce my sweet tooth and this has happened quite quickly for me by avoiding sweet things. But we re all different!
Hope you’re ok now with recipes etc. The fantastic stew I mentioned gives you a huge plateful of dinner for 340 cals- because it’s the slow cooker ( which I got for £19.99 from crockpot on Amazon) the water turns into the most amazing gravy and the veg all taste meaty. Yum. Plus a pile of kale from the allotment. Perfect.
Good luck
Penny

Well done ZT! sounds like you’re in with a good chance of reaching your goal in 8 weeks! – Keep it up 🙂

Hi Hashimoto
I also have hashimotos and other autoimmune effects, dry eyes, blocked tear ducts, ibs, hay fever all year round and also developed glaucoma last year, I agree I only need a very small amount of calories to put weight on, I am hoping my Fitbit will keep me on the straight and narrow I would like to lose another stone so I have some leeway for a small increase in weight that I can get under control we will probably need to do the 2:5 diet lol x

I only have another 11kgs to lose, so to have lost 2.3 in 7 days I think is pretty good 🙂

hi,
mine is slow to shift here as well,ive found the best way is to up the intensity of exercise,belly fat is the hardest to shift,so attack it hard,ive noticed a change elsewhere over my body,but still working on my front,im sure it will eventually shift.
bob.

Thanks for the great comments guys.
The forum is a great support and I hope everyone reaches their goals.
Some days are harder than others but I just have to think what got me into this mess and carry on with gusto.
Keep at it everyone and remember why you are doing this although I am slightly jealous of the people who have completed the program and reached their targets.
Just shows it can be done with real success.
Keep at everyone and keep supporting each other

hi nic,
yes ive experienced this feeling,i found making sure im drinking 3-5 ltrs of water a day,stops me feeling like that,without my water intake,the days a struggle.
bob.

Cauli pizza base? Tell me how, sounds good, I Love caulk rice. Telcos had a great deal last month, 3 for 2 on tubs of spiralised veg, Cauli rice, veg cous cous. All fab.

Hi all
I’m just starting week 6 and it’s going well. I’m losing weight, slowly but steadily, and my blood sugars are coming down a bit…….but my waist measurement is barely moving and I don’t seem to be losing any belly fat. In fact, I’m not sure where I’m losing weight from apart from my feet!!
I know that getting rid of the belly fat is so important. Any ideas??

One week into the 800 diet. Started at 17 stone 2lbs. I’ve lost 10lbs in that week. Hunger pangs left after three days, amazing. Learning to eat something approaching the Medittereanean way but I have 50 years of unlearning to do. I followed the book’s advice and visited my surgery before beginning. I was called back for a fasting glucose and cholesterol blood test this morning because my cholesterol was found to be 7.1. It took 3 attempts to find a vein and get the blood, by which time I (very unusually) saw the sparkles and nearly fainted. Very embarrassing. A retired police officer, blood (mine or anyone else’s) doesn’t phase me in the slightest.

I think it must have been the fasting overnight after a good week’s weight loss alongside a cycle ride to the surgery, but would be interested to know if this has happened to anyone else.

Good luck to all with your goals

Nic

Well done zt9612 and censap
Keep us updated on your progress, it’s great to see others doing well, even if a little slower than some.
Your experiences will add to the info that others are already finding invaluable.

Hi tallyhoo and fi I am also in my late 50’s just coming to the end of my 4th week, weight loss has been slow, but cholestrol down to 3.1 and fat around the middle is on the move (clothes feeling loser) have run out of my test strips, so need to order some more next blood test due in April so hoping to see a big difference keep up the good work

Thanks for the helpful post captainlynne. I was originally thinking of planning to have a 2-week break at the end of the 8 weeks, before re-commencing again to reach my total goal (59 pounds). But now I will carry on for an extra few weeks, which should get me there. (Started on 10 Feb and so far have lost 12 lbs.)

Bad day yesterday. Got a phone call from the Care Home at 12.30pm – my “oldie” had been involved in an altercation! I was summoned to the Manager’s office to sort it out. My stress level went off the scale. My oldie forgot what had happened after an hour and went back to being his usual happy oblivious self, where as I was still sorting the aftermath out.

Weight this morning: 11st 1lb
Blood Sugar: 9.2 (not surprised, but disappointed)

Spoke to Nurse Practitioner at Diabetic Clinic this morning, she hasn’t heard of this diet, I gave her the printouts from Professor Roy Taylor’s website, she is going to have a read. She discussed my meds and agreed it was sensible to not take gliclazide – to avoid hypos, but to continue taking the Metformin as I have been. We have agreed when I need to have my next blood test and I have another appointment made with her for the end of May to check on progress.

Am going to listen to a hypnotherapy CD today to try to calm down, am still feeling angry and wound up from yesterday. To look at me you would think I am a very kind laid back person, but I internalise my real feelings which is why I suffer from stress.

I’m two weeks in and have lost 1 stone so far, feeling great and pretty positive about the 3 1/2 stone to go. Thanks for the tip about entering the meals a day in advance on MyFitnessPal – that has worked well for me too. Anyone else getting irritated by its messages each day that you are not eating enough…?!