Well done captainlynne that’s impressive. This is the start of my second week and I’ve lost 3lbs and 2″ off of my waist which I’m really pleased with. Onwards and upwards – or perhaps that should be downwards in the case of us lifestyle changers!

There are some really awful bugs going around at the moment. In October I was sick for 3 weeks with a cold which just wouldn’t go away, and then I caught another one while I was visiting the UK at Christmas and I’m still coughing a bit now.

Make sure you are “eating a rainbow” to get all of your vitamins and minerals, and lots of hot drinks (fruit teas are a favourite of mine) while you recover.

I was pretty sick with the worst cold I’ve had in 20 years, about a month ago. Congrats on your weight loss, and I hope you feel better. Take care of yourself.

Thanks for your encouragement Debsym62. We are looking forward to doing it.

Hippo

Almond Flour – I bought some from Ocado – https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Carbzone-Low-Carb-Organic-Almond-Flour/248825011?ULP_CAMPAIGN_ID=3&gclid=CNzdyo-cxsoCFZKZGwodfpUC2w&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKDJ04-cxsoCFdOoFgoduasHWQ

Hope this helps.

Hippo

A week ago I was 8lbs heavier and a 10 days into a horrid head cold. I’ve persevered and I’m more than happy with my weight loss. But, I feel terrible my cold just won’t go and think now I have tonsillitis and I have facial zits! Has anyone else had similar symptoms or have a just picked up a bad virus? Really fed up with this wretched cold.

So it’ll be 2 weeks exactly in the morning. I lost around a stone in the first five days, but the scales haven’t really moved since then, I’m hoping for a bit of a result tomorrow. Does anyone have any packed lunch ideas? I need something I can make in advance to take to work with me! I’ll let you know what the scales say tomorrow.

Because of health probs I have difficulty waking and really coming round ( yes, I know everyone does, ha ha!) so haven’t been having breakfast. My husband has been making me a bullet proof coffee but I think I will just have warm milk. I will count the calories, not sure if it will make a difference or if it will be ok. First day today so I will have to wait and see!

Dr. Mosley,

I was so happy to find your post on 5:2! I can definitely do 800 cals for two days a week. I don’t care how slow my weight loss is; this will be so doable!

Dr. Mosley, I live in the United States, and unfortunately, will have to wait until March to receive your book, which I have on pre-order.
Can you please tell us, do the two days of fasting have to be consecutive or any two days of the week like your original 5:2?

Thank you in advance for your answer, and I’m so happy you wrote a book about diabetes for those of us with blood sugar issues!

I would also like to know! I live here in the U.S. and Dr. Mosley’s new book won’t be available here until March! I wish I had it now! But I pre-ordered it to get the lowest shipping price.

I too am curious about the veg you mentioned.

Also, I notice that we can have 800 cals low carb two days on this version of 5:2 vs. 500 cals. I was quite happy when I read that on the website! I can definitely do two days of 800 cals and low carb the rest of the week. Does the book mention if the fasting has to be two consecutive days or any two days of the week? Thanks!

Hi , new here , had great success on 5:2 a couple of years ago ( was early adopter when the programme first aired) and then blew it over the last year or so !
so I’m back (and fat again ..poo) , but determined to lose the extra weight again , and this looks like a good way for me ,

I do have the book (but only just today so not readit yet ) but a quick question so I can start right away . I realise spuds will be out , but I see we can have some pulses and fruit which is great ( so not like Atkins then which I gave up because of dire constipation )

Can I have carrots , (i was going to make some carrot soup for lunch this week, ) and what about peas and sweetcorn in moderation ?

What fruits can we eat? (I see not dates which is a shame as I have a whole box of them left from christmas .)

Hi All, I started with the Fast 800 today. Although my last fasting glucose was 5.2, I’m a prime candidate for T2 diabetes – a lady heading into her 40’s, several stones over weight and I’m carrying a lot of abdominal fat.

I’ve been calorie counting on and off for many years, with varying degrees of success, only to lost the plot and put any weight I’ve lost back on. So I’ve been looking for something to give me a bit more motivation; and the short sharp shock of the Fast 800 seems like a fab idea – and if I can lose 10% of my weight in that time, I’m on target for being where I want to be by the time I go on holiday in May.

I’m choosing to do mainly real food, though for ease I’m having protein shake on a morning for breakfast.

I’m a real carb addict, and no doubt I’m going to be a bear for the next week or two. Fizzy drinks and caramel lattes, chocolate, bread all used to feature heavily in my diet, and I could lose weight eating them, but I think it’s probably time I cleaned up my diet once and for all!

That’s great to know Michael… I’ll happily work in enough cals for 100ml milk and my colleagues will be thankful for it, as I will be a bear without my morning cup of tea! (black and fruit tea is fin for the afternoon/evening, but in the morning it has to be a mug or two of Tetley!)

Thank you for the prompt response , can’t wait to start.

You can continue the diet on Metformin as it is incredibly unlikely to cause low blood sugar. The long term benefits of Metformin have been questioned in a recent article in the BMJ. Hopefully soon you won’t need it in any case. Good luck!

It’s not all that likely, unless you know for sure you have an intolerance to dairy. Weight loss will happen – it can’t not happen on c.800 calories a day. It’s just your body stabilising itself – it’s a shock to the system depriving it of calories and it doesn’t know what you’re trying to do, so is trying to protect you by holding on to water. Just hang in there, it will happen. There’s nothing you can do to make it happen faster, promise. 🙂

Hi , I have read the book but I can’t find the section about metaformin. Could someone please confirm whether the medication should be stopped when I go on the diet.
Thanks

Cooking with coconut flour can be a bit of a challenge as it sucks up liquid and it all depends on how big your eggs were etc. I think 2 tsps might not be enough but it is probably best to add a little bit at a time so you get a pouring consistently. The longer you let the batter rest the more it will thicken as well. I haven’t made this receip but other coconut flour pancakes I have made used 2 tblsps.

There is a website called sugar free mom that is also a good resource of recipes

Hi Kazza I have just started this diet one week ago. I have used Quorn sausages and calorie counted them into my allowance. They are quite reasonable as compared to most meats and are a tasty and lower fat alternative to ordinary sausages so if you can manage to weigh out your Quorn and count the calories, I see no reason why you should not include it in your diet. I have lost 4lbs already so I think I have got the hang of it!

Hi, Can anyone help please?

Has anyone made the recipe for no carb pancakes/waffles, I made this using the 2 egg white and one whole egg and milk but there seemed to be far too much coconut flour. Should the recipe say 2 tsps.? It tasted nice but was more like the consistency of mashed potato and not pourable at all. Maybe it’s me? Am going to try it again with 2 tsps. and see what its like. Had them/it with yogurt and blueberries which was very nice, also good and filling (although I only ate half).

I’m a big fan of Michael’s, he always makes sense and seems to look at things logically in a way I find interesting and motivating. Loved the 5:2 and in the last year have lost 2.5 stone. My doctor, who said he did not recommend diets advocated the 5:2 saying all his friends (doctors) were doing it purely for the health benefits. So thank you Michael a diet (5:2) that is for me doable long term, after of course, giving this 800 a day a go to alleviate my high blood sugar…..

There have been a few queries about dairy products so I have uploaded a page with a few studies confirming that dairy products are OK. Though remember they are fairly high calorie. Full fat or semi skimmed milk is OK to drink, but remember it contains quite a lot of calories.
See https://thebloodsugardiet.com/is-it-ok-to-eat-full-fat-dairy-like-yoghurt-milk-and-butter/

Ah thank you Jane H! I had that totally wrong haha! 🙂

Hi all, just started today!
Could anyone give me some more soup recipes ( apart from the ones on the book!) when I’m busy I just want to be able to grab something that I have already made and heat it up! I’d like to freeze some as well!

Hi there, lovely to read everyone’s experience of this diet really interesting and motivating, today is day 4 for me and I feel slightly sick after eating, and of course hungry some of the time. I eat most meals at work so have made things I can pack up and eat at my desk relatively easily. Lots of pennies being spent but that may be the increase in water intake. For me the worst days are the first few so hopefully onward and upwards.

Wel done to Zandranna 3lb in 3 days is amazing.

I monitor my sugars regular, and i find that any fruit is good providing i am exercising. Banana is better than chocolate and seams to fill me up after a ride, therefore i don’t snack.YES/NO open to advise.

Thanks and good luck to you both too. I’ve found in the past that once you can break free of carbs you really do not crave sugary or fatty snacks. It’s helping me that I’ve been doing Dry January as well so I’ve not been weakened by alcohol either. I only eat small portions anyway but it’s what I’ve been eating recently that has made me regain over 4 stone. It’s got to go!

It’s my third day today and after a shaky start this morning, am back on track. Have T2D, fasting bloods 5.7 this morning so pleased with that, Avocado & poached egg didn’t fill me up this morning so will try something different. Loving the mushrooms with goats cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts, my favourite meal so far. Stomach not so bloated, have about 1.5 stone to lose. Thought I would be permanently starving, but am not, so am spurred on. Trying to convince my twin sister who also has T2D to give this a go. Loving reading the comments on the forum, it feels like a great support network. Good luck everybody

I have just posted my story on Facebook so all my “friends” know what my weight lose will be each week .

Hi Lisa,

16:8 is a timescale of intermittent fasting within a 24 hour period – i.e. eating within an 8 hour window and not eating for 16 hours.

For example, breakfast at 10am and finish eating for the day by 6pm, or 11am-7pm etc etc.

I find it very effective and a good discipline – possibly the only thing I am disciplined in!!

Jane H

Hi Luis
I used to have sugar in drinks but went cold turkey years ago. I remember it being horrible for about 2 weeks, but after that I gradually got used to it. Now I can’t bear the taste of sugar in tea or coffee. Keep going and it will eventually feel “normal” sugar free-and just as nice.
I’ve gone over to cauliflower rice all the time and I’m struggling a bit with that. Not too bad but it’s still got the cauli taste which is OK but not always.

A whole orange is probably going to be better than a glass of OJ, but I believe oranges in general are pretty high GI.

Wow Goldiespring. ..5 stone since August is fantastic!!! Well done x

Prior to starting the diet I cut out crisps by snacking on a few olives (pitted green in brine). Can these be used for snacking?

Good Luck HB47. I have started today and it is the first time I am going public . I am going to do the 4week plan to start with but have TONS of weight to lose so hopeing for quick results .

Recipes call for 1/2 or 1/4 tin of beans – can the remainder be frozen in portions?

First day for me too. Inspired by Michael’s book as the science seems to make sense. I am feeling motivated but know from past experience that for me it is late afternoon and early evening when i give in to temptation. Not helped by working in an office with constant stream of birthday cakes – there are 2 seperate lots of cakes in the kitchen this morning, and working directly above a Tesco Express. Work long hours so getting enough exercise is also a challenge. To help I have gone public with my diet this time (I don’t usually) to give some incentive to stick to it. Also have a get together at end of April catching up with some friends I haven’t seen for nearly 20 years after they moved to the states. I don’t to be the one who got fat.

So here goes. I already have a Fitbit. I am starting logging food from today though. I have also bought a tape measure and a blood sugar testing kit to track progress.

Will do and now I have to be honest!

Good Luck let’s keep in touch , I need a buddy

I have started this today. I began my diet after New Year and have already cut my carbs substantially and been trying to stick at around 1000 calories per day. I bought a Fitbit and have been tracking my diet and exercise but found that my weight loss is, so-far, quite slow. I think that several bariatric surgeries and general inactivity may be to blame for my sluggish metabolism
I have tried many diets in the past including low-carb ones and have found them quite easy once I have got over carb withdrawal.
Now I am off to the shops to stock up on lots of lovely healthy ingredients and then the gym!

Where does milk fit into this diet? I can’t seen to find any references to it yet full fat yogurt is OK..

Good luck Karen, I’m really starting today – had a dip into the meals late last week and enjoyed them.

I have started the Fast 800 today . I have been diagnosed Diebetic but not on any medication yet . I am very very overweight so I hope this is going to help get me health and happiness back .

Apples good, bananas bad – how about oranges?

Goldiespring, I think that is very impressive, and very encouraging to me at least. I have found that instead of potatoes, using a tablespoon of brown rice hardly makes a dent on blood sugar levels. Maybe you could try that in your carb experiment?

Many years ago I changed from having sugar in my tea and coffee to artificial sweeteners. I probably had those for 2 or 3 years and then gave them up as well. Although it is not easy it is possible to re-educate our palates.

Bought 3 x 425g (multbuy Morrisons offer) packs of lean minced beef and split the whole lot into 13, (approx. 100g portions) and froze each separately. If I need a portion of protein – sorted (and it makes it really difficult to cheat by sneaking a bit extra in).

Did the same with a pack of raw prawns – 200g split into 2.

Morning everyone. I was wondering if there was a recommended level of carbs? I mean how low is low? Under 100g, 80g? 50g?

I’ve only counted calories in the past, so I’m going to find it difficult with the low carbing, and prefer to have a set limit, as I find that helps when I’m planning meals.

thanks 🙂

Day one – Had my yoghurt with rhubarb compote – I usually find fruit yoghurts too sweet – this one was delish and quite a good portion size.

Used slightly less rhubarb for the compote (the pack was 400g), used the first 2 tablespoons this morning and split the remainder into 6 (portions about right) using a silicone muffin tray and put it in the freezer.

Now I can either have that for the rest of the week or vary it as I want. take out a blob of rhubarb compote the night before and put it in my breakfast bowl overnight to defrost, and add 150g yoghurt in the morning.

Natalie, it sounds harder varying having the sugar some days and not others as you keep having a reminder of the full “taste satisfaction”? Perhaps you could try just reducing the amount by an eigth for a couple of days, then by a quarter etc so that you have a bit of time to get used to it, and it becomes less noticeable gradually?
I remember taking 3 sugars as child ( I think I was copying my Dad 🙂 ) but I only drank one cup a day. I don’t take sugar now ( although I have an incredibly sweet tooth!) Strangely, I have no recollection of giving it up!! I think I was in my teens, but apart from that, I don’t remember actively doing so.

Jane, what is 16;8 please? Is it 16 days “off” and 8 “on” ? ( as in 5: 2 )
Thanks