When I want something sweet, I go for berries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges. I think that dried fruit like raisins are a concentrated sugar. I always have the fruit at the end of the meal so that it doesn’t spike the blood sugars.

I was able to get a Freestyle lite monitor for free going to their website. The strips are what cost. In the States we can get strips with a prescription for free. But, if that is not possible, Amazon had some of the cheapest prices for strips that I was able to locate. Even on Amazon, though, some companies were selling the strips for twice what others were. Cheapest I found was about $30 US for 50 strips (shipping included).

I think if you soak quinoa the bitter coating comes off. Obviously then change the water before cooking!
Penny

Malkay once I have eaten my evening meal I only have drinks. That is the hard bit as I used to snack all evening which explains why I didn’t do well before. I am just accepting the evening is a no food zone. ( not easy with hubby still snacking 😯)

I also was spaced out for about the first 4 days. Had a headache the first day. Extra water didn’t help it. But no headache the second day. When it re-appeared the second week, i increased both salt and water and it disappeared. My mind became much more clear towards the end of the first week – even better than before the diet. It has remained clear ever since.

My doc suggested that I use full-fat kefir instead of yogurt. It has more probiotics than yogurt. The tastes range quite a bit depending upon the brand. He said that the probiotics will make my gut bacteria healthier. Healthier gut, less desire to eat incorrectly. Am finding that to be true.

If nothing else, it’s a nice change from yogurt.

In the BSD book the calories next to the recipes are they per recipe or per portion?? Thank you

Thanks again, gateofheaven. I have just bought some miso today, but haven’t had any yet. I thought it would be a good snack when I am hungry. I do drink quite a bit of decaf tea, and I do use xylitol to sweeten my cocoa at night, made with water and a little milk. I will try the decaf green tea. Thanks.

I know I have many galls stones which are mostly quiet and cause me no problems – and I’d like to keep it that way if I can! I think weight loss is linked to gallstone problems and I wonder if there is any advice about following the BSD without disturbing gall stones? I’m assuming the good amounts of fat in the diet will keep my gall bladder functioning around the stones?
But I’m confused about the association with weightloss and the usual advice to stay away from too much fat to avoid gall bladder attacks. Thanks.

Well done to you both 6 lbs is fab, I guess once we have achieved our personal goal then we can look at incorporating more carbs for maintenance. I’m day 2 and it is the withdrawal with me, it’s funny I don’t think I realised how much hidden sugar I ate until now.

For others in the future, I purchased the UK version of the book through Amazon. However, i searched for a book seller from the states and did not have to pay extra shipping.

I also try to add some warm beverage to the meals when I feel particularly hungry. Like de-caf teas (yes there’s a de-caf green tea!). But especially, i like some of the prepared vegetable soups we can get in the States. Imagine brand is organic and makes broccoli, mushroom, and tomato soups that have 70 calories a cup. Miso soup is a nice alternative too. I especially like hibiscus tea because it has a fruity taste. I put a bit of xylitol in it. Lots of different herbal teas to experiment with. I have a boxed de-caf black tea Chai that is quite nice – although one could make it themselves by adding spices. Many recipes for it on the internet.

gateofheaven, I think you might be right about the bread, even though it was low carb, high protein. I have had it before, and often do feel hungry after, even though I think I shouldn’t!! I am beginning to think that all bread disagrees. I feel as though I have been experimenting forever (I’ve had this condition for 3 years). However, I do believe this way of eating is the answer if only I can manage it. You are very lucky to have a doctor who suggests increasing fats, and obviously ‘gets it’. Mine doesn’t. Thanks for the support.

And me, I have just put a chocolate in the bin!!! I have had the celeriac fish pie for tea, I feel a little sick, I will drink plenty of water see if that helps.

Have just bought the Blood Sugar Diet Book & am put off by the recipes. I am quite a “plain” food person & do not enjoy fussy meal preparation. Is it possible to follow the principles without sticking to the recipes?

Thanks, Debsym62. I have to have eggs for breakfast, otherwise I am starving mid morning. I am going to try the peanut butter and cream cheese tomorrow, as that sounds good. I agree about being busy, as I haven’t been busy today. I haven’t tried green tea because it contains caffeine, and my blood sugar seems to drop after caffeine, but I might try it. If you eat at 5 (as I have just done) do you have anything before bed?

I had that experience too! I’m one hot momma and not menopausal. Metabolic rate going up? Perhaps Dr. M could please ‘weigh’ in on this one.

The more carbs i eat, the hungrier I am. My doc suggested that i increase my fats, using a few walnuts. That cut down on the hunger too, even on 800 calories. Since Malkay you had avocado, you had the fats. Perhaps it was the bread? It took me about 10 days of experimenting until I could find the right balance of foods that left me feeling satisfied and not hungry.

Quinoa varies considerably in taste depending upon the brand. The earlier versions of it were more bitter. Perhaps look for a “non-bitter” label?

That roast tomato soup sounds lovely. Have you put it in the recipes? You should submit it.☺

I am having Greek yogurt and blueberries then the peanut butter and cream cheese dip for lunch with carrot, celery and pepper. That tends to keep me going I do have an apple with my lunch as well. Some days I have not been hungry at all but I find that is when I am busy, today nit been so busy and I was ready for my evening meal at 5.
Have you tried green tea! That seems to been helping me as well.

Hi everyone! I’m on the first week of the diet and I am feeling really hot after eating something. It’s like hot flushes that starts approximately 10 minutes after a meal. I am not in the menopause. But I was wondering if that’s a common symptom and if I should be worried about it.
Thank you!

I have been following the basic idea of this diet for about a week, (ie very low carb, Med diet), but not calorie counting, and I don’t seem to be losing much weight. So today I have been much more vigilant, and followed it to the letter. I had lunch ( avocado with bacon and 1 slice of low carb pumpernickel type bread), and 2 hours later was starving. I have had a small snack, but it is now only 4.45 and I am famished. I don’t have diabetes, but do have reactive hypoglycaemia which is a prediabetic condition. I feel as though my sugar is getting very low, and am going to have to eat again. Why is this diet not working for me, when everyone is raving about it? I know it makes sense, and I do feel better on low carb, but feel the calorie restriction is too much. But I NEED TO LOSE BELLY FAT!!!

Thankyou for that I shall certainly try it

I’d like to know too, as my book doesn’t arrive until Thursday. Do we count carb grams or does the doc just give food recommendations? Thanks!

I agree , day two for me and I am desperate for something sweet. Can’t we have anything?

Thank you all so much for the feedback. Well, I’m impatient to receive the book as soon as possible, so I paid the outrageous shipping and will receive my U.K. copy by Thursday from amazon U.K.! I also intend to buy the U.S. version when it’s available in March, as I’m more familiar with U.S. food measurements and the price is very low on U.S. Amazon. But this will get me started.

Natalie, thank you so much for that information. I plan on starting Monday and will do two consecutive days next week.

David, I really like the flexibility of this plan too. I am familiar with 5:2 but could never stick to the 500 calories, because my blood sugar issues leave me starving. But I can do 800. In fact, as an experiment I did so yesterday, filling up on protein and veg, and it was very doable. It’s amazing how far those 300 extra calories go in filling you up. But I don’t think I can do it for 8 weeks straight, so 5:2 is perfect for me.

Claire, it sounds like you have a good plan there. I’ve been meaning to lower the carbs for quite a while now, and now I’m forced to do it because of my health. Dr. Mosley’s book couldn’t have come at a better time.

Has anyone got started yet? I have not had any diagnosis but experience low blood sugar sometimes and my waist height ratio is not healthy. Very interesting to read the post above about 500cals being possibly more difficult for people with blood sugar issues as 5:2 didn’t work all that well for me, despite following it for 8 months, but I suspect this version will due to higher cals and healthier, more controlled lower carb eating on ‘non fast days’. I am planning to at least do 5:2 but aiming to get more 800 cal days in if pos. On days I go higher I will aim to exercise , 800 cals a day with exercise sounds pretty tough but hopefully I will experiment with that too. Good luck everyone starting.

skibareen.. well done you.

Yes its the novelty wearing off. I think I have had a calorie or 2 too many.

Hi, I’m one week in and have lost 6lbs too, so also encouraged. Now the novelty has worn off I have to be vigilant about nibbling the extra tomato or two – I’ve been really surprised how the calories can add up even with healthy veg! Some really good recipies in the book which are helping motivate planning food ahead – another achilles heel…

Started yesterday. I bought a little pot of pomegranate seeds so I could use some for lunch and some for the lamb dinner. I hadn’t realised there were so many calories in them! I used a tablespoonful for each recipe.
My confusion is to do with the dinner: it says the aubergine with lamb serves 2, but states the calories as 490. I’m assuming that is for a single serving. Hope so, as then it will bring my total for the day to 800. Husband and I have both avoided red meat for 30 years, but I’m back eating it for this programme. So I have to save the other part of the dinner for tonight and hoping the calorie intake will be correct.
Lost 2 lbs so something must be working!

Just having a minor wobble today due to my impatient not the diet. Day 8 for me, have lost 9lb and BSG trending down but very slowly from start 9.9 to around the 6.9 to 7.3 mark. I’m recovering from surgery. My foot so totally sedentary at present. Does anyone know if the lack of exercise might be related to the BS dropping soooooo slowly for me? I’m a type 2 diabetic for the past 3 years on metformin and trajenta. Whilst I’m thrilled with the weight loss my primary goal is the bS levels.
Feedback on the diet, have realised my food habits were causing my weight issues not hunger!

Me too! Yesterday was suprisingly easy so I set off for work full of quiet confidence this confidence. I now have a raging headache and every fibre of my being is craving sugar. There are two lots of birthday cakes and some holiday biscuits in our office kitchen which makes even getting another glass of water like some sort of temptation trial. I feel telling myself it’s like when I gave up smoking and I managed that but blimely it’s hard.

It is very much a personal thing. I do 2 of Monday Wednesday and Friday. So this week I am going out with work on Wednesday so it will be Monday and Friday. Next week it is my birthday on the Friday so it is Monday and Wednesday. I find that this flexibility helps

I’ve been through caffeine withdrawal several times and thought those headaches were bad… not compared to this!

So far I’ve resisted taking any painkillers, and drinking plenty of fluids (mostly plain water), but the craving for wanting to add a tiny bit squash into the water… that’s how I know it is sugar withdrawal.

I know the headaches will subside in a day or two… but man, I wish I didn’t have to go through the process!

Hi,
I’m one week in to the fast 800 and find the results VERY encouraging
fasting glucose dropped from 8.3 to ave 4.7. Have lost 6lb in weight.

Not sure whats been happening in last 2 or 3 days as my weight has stayed exactly the same, even though I have increased my walking. (Maybe the extra 200 calories on the weekend, I should have avoided)

Bring on week 2

I think they are fine Caroline as long as you avoid the instant Ready Brek style ones. Even mentioned here https://thebloodsugardiet.com/the-low-carb-plan/. It’s low carb but no no carb – you still need some remember!

setting is one up for lunch.

serves 1 – 220 cals

I thought there were a lot of seeds from 1 pomegranate and I checked the calories on a nutrition web site. 235 cals for 1 pomegranate. myfitnesspal quotes 160

quite confused as to how much of a pomegranate should be in the recipe?

Thanks Lisa, I think you’re right that I was just making it harder. I fully committed to no sugar yesterday. I wouldn’t bother to drink unsweetened tea at all but it seems like a bad time to go through caffeine withdrawal.

I’m wondering whether I will see an improvement in blood sugars. My fasting levels are fine, also as long as I don’t have too many carbs my blood sugars are normal. My prediabetes shows up when I do a glucose tolerance test, drinking 75 grams of glucose at once. Then it shows I’m very close to a diagnosis of diabetes. Will this diet fix my glucose intolerance so I no longer have highs with a GTT or if I binge on burger rings?

Not critising the diet, it will still stop me spiralling into diabetes, just wondering if I will be able to measure the result other than weight loss.

Roast tomato soup: cut a kilogram of Roma (small egg shaped) tomatoes in half, put them cut side up on a baking tray with a carrot and a quartered onion. Sprinkle of salt, little drizzle of olive oil. Roast in oven for about 20 mins on med/high heat until soft and caramelising. Add roasted veges to a pot with 4 cups of vegetable stock or water, and a tin of puréed tomatoes (no added sugar or other ingredients!). Simmer for another 20 mins, then blend it all up in the blender or with a stick blender. About 45 calories per bowl and yummy!

Would appreciate views on eating the good old jumbo porridge oats- to eat or not to eat? I’m a fan and about to embark on 8 week diet plan – recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes- but unsure whether I can include them or not, can anyone please advise? Thanks…

Just wondering if anyone could please advise re recommended carb levels on 800 calorie diet? Understand that it is low, but how low? 20g? 40g? Thank you..

Hi All,
Wonder can someone please advise.. I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes last week and am now hoping to embark on 8 week BS diet having read the book, however there is no mention in it of the impact on high cholesterol levels and the medication taken to reduce it, which I happen to be on. Before I start on this diet can anyone advise re effects of diet on this? Thanks a mil ..

Michael, thank you for the update and saving my tea and coffee!

The blood sugar book talks about moving on to 5:2 and specifically says you can do it either way (p154). Two consecutive days, like mon tues or split through the week like mon Thursday. But to be consistent, same days each week.

My first four weeks were very patchy, I kept giving in to the celebration food that was all around me. But I still lost 3 kg (6.6 lbs) so that is something. And the next four weeks are going to be much better!

Thanks for the posts captainlynn and TracyH31, I am on day 9 and have lost 4lbs but more importantly I have a BG morning reading of 5.3. It was 8 last Monday. Not done my waist measurement yet but will do this morning just to see.
Good luck all

I am struggling to eat my 800 cals, it’s day 9 for me. Yesterday I only managed 600, I am also quite thirsty having around three litres of fluid per day. I tend during the week to have a late breakfast around 10.30 then often I’m skipping lunch. I then have a handful of nuts around 3 and supper between 6 and 7. Last Sunday I did not eat till 2 and was not hungry. My hubby who is also following the diet is constantly hungry.
Keep up the good work everyone.
Hedds

I had three or four bad food days, then renewed commitment to the diet yesterday. I’m so hungry all over again! I’d got past the hunger stage but now I have to suffer again. My own fault!