Latest forum posts

  • posted by  Shetland Lace on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi all,

    I’ve been keeping up with you all through the forum posts, but a death and a cancer diagnosis in the family has left me struggling a bit, so I’ve not really been in the right frame of mind to post anything.

    I’d like to thank you all for your support and positive encouragement. I doubt I’d have been successful without you in my corner, and I shall be counting on your advice and support next year as I learn to live with my new ‘normal’ diet.

    Wishing you all a very happy Christmas, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

    Love and hugs,
    Lacy xxx

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi everyone, sorry for my absence, I have been busy with cleaning, viewing, doctors, vaccines and more cleaning.

    Doctor was not happy about 7.3 but said he knows I will sort it out so he is not changing any of my meds, not increasing insulin. Also, gave me a prescription for a new machine. I had to have a vaccine for bronchitis due to having asthma so that was 2 trips to the pharmacy, one to book it and next day to have it done.

    Verano, I like your idea of catering. Here the supermarkets so buffets of many different types so that is where I would go to cater for anyone although never have anyone here anymore.

    Packing all done, I think!! Now just waiting for sitters to arrive. They got lost around Poitier so are running late.

    Pootle, so glad you are still a success story as you and Lucy took a lot of persuading. Now you can tell everyone else that it works. Dont worry about the pre- we all have ups and downs. Any news on Lucy, say hi if you are still reading.

    I will be back on 30th so only one day to set up new thread which will be Winter/Spring for 3 months. Any ideas for a catchy name. By for now and a very merry Christmas to you all.

  • Solid summary of key takeaways. The link between meditation, gratitude journaling, and brain health is powerful. It’s a great reminder that simple, daily habits can rewire our thinking. The sleep and diet points are so true as well. For anyone wanting to make a short, clear video recap of talks like this for personal use, a tool like this can be handy: https://www.movavi.com/

  • posted by  Verano on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Oh! Well done Pootle and a huge pat on the back for you.

    So sorry I’ve been absent. We all need to just post those ‘odd’ to others positives even if it’s just enjoying a slice of really good sourdough!!!

    So yes, here I go…….

    🥒🥬🥦 Food wise I’m a bit up the wall but having fun! Weight is an issue but then tomorrow is another day!

    🥂🍸🍾 Lots of people for drinks and canapés here on Sunday and really enjoying the organising …… I think!

    Enough positives to say just at the moment I feel ‘positive’ and hoping you do too!

  • posted by  Verano on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Pootle! Good to see you and well done for your achievements this year.

    S-g sounds great and yes I would love it! Actually we have help at the weekend so it’s just a case of ordering/buying ‘stuff’. My cooking days for lots of people are over now but we do still love to entertain!

    Margaret we have to ‘live’ as well as keeping healthy! So just Enjoy!

    S-g how did you get on with your doctor? I’m guessing you’re leaving tomorrow or at least very soon so safe journey.

    Will post again during the next week or so.

  • posted by  Pootle on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Good morning all. Sorry I have been absent for a couple of months.. I have been reading your positives via email..
    Today:
    1. 🐩Our new puppy is a terror and a delight! 😉
    2. 🤞I am still in remission from diabetes. 😅
    3. 🎂my weight is steady and the least it has been for over 30 years! 🎉
    😄😄😄😉

  • posted by  Pootle on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Good morning,
    Sorry I have been absent from the site for a couple of months, so have missed your news. Life got very hectic and I felt I had nothing of importance to share. 🥴
    I am ending the year another stone lighter than last Christmas and still in remission from diabetes. (Although my latest Hb1Ac is still just into the pre-diabetic range). I have been very strict with no carb until this month, but have just relaxed a little and treated myself to the (very) occasional slice of granary toast, roast potato or mini mince pie. Not all on the same day! 😅
    I cannot thank you enough for all the advice and encouragement when I was desperate to avoid metformin and get the diabetes under control. I started this journey at 15st 8lb and this morning weighed in at 9st 9lb (in October I went down to 9st 7lb)
    Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.. hope to see you in the New Year. I am keeping on, keeping on.. determined to keep the weight off and diabetes in remission!
    Pootle.

  • posted by  Pootle on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Good morning all,
    Sorry I have been absent from the forums for a couple of months. Life has been very hectic and, whilst I have read the email notifications (so kept up with all your news) I haven’t felt as though I had anything of import to share with you all.
    My latest Hb1Ac was still just in the pre-diabetic range (phew, as I was in diabetic in June 2024). I have kept the weight fairly steady since the summer at a stone lighter than last Christmas..
    Have just been giving myself a little more leeway in the run up to Christmas with the odd mince pie, slice of toast or roast potato and put a pound back on, but at least the blood sugars are ok. Thanks to all of you for ‘being there’.
    Keeping on keeping on with the blood sugar diet.
    Happy Christmas and a happy healthy 2026.
    See you all on the new thread!
    Pootle.

  • posted by  Kongsi tea bar on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Lovely message and a great reminder for all of us.

    With a few weeks still to go before Christmas, this really is the perfect time to stay focused without pressure. Whether the goal is feeling confident in an outfit, improving blood glucose levels, or simply building better habits, every small win matters.

    I completely agree that Christmas is just one day, not a reason to undo weeks of progress. A few things that help me personally are sticking to regular meal timings, staying hydrated, choosing one indulgence instead of many, and reminding myself that consistency matters more than perfection.

    For anyone looking for lighter festive friendly treats, I recently came across this helpful guide on Thai bubble tea that explains ingredients and ways to enjoy it more mindfully without overdoing sugar. Sharing it here in case it helps someone stay on track while still enjoying flavours they love
    https://kongsiteabar.in/thai-bubble-tea-explained-taste-ingredients-recipe/

    Looking forward to supporting each other through the rest of December and into the new seasonal thread in the New Year. Let us make this a Christmas we can all feel proud of.

    See you all here.

  • posted by  ClarinetCathy on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hello everyone
    So lovely to see posts from absent friends – it has made my day and for me, I’ve found it interesting and inspiring that although weight loss goals weren’t always met this year, a lot of us have grown in different ways and are looking forward to 2026 with optimism and enthusiasm. It’s not easy to bounce back after disappointment, illness or difficulties but here we all, strong and ready to move on. I am so inspired to move forward, doing things gently, being kind to ourselves and being supportive to each other. How lucky we are to have found such a strong connection with each other.

    Thank you everyone for your support, inspiration and kindness during 2025 and here’s to another journey together in 2026. I’ll look forward to seeing and being part our new 2026 thread. Thank DCT for your lovely words and for your kindness in setting up the new thread for us all.

  • posted by  ADD6605 on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi everyone,
    It’s so lovely to read so many new posts and a relief to know people are ok, though sad it’s still not an easy time for many.
    Sue it’s great that you have retirement to look forward to and that you already have added regular walking into your routine, it’s something I still struggle with (I always find an excuse not to do it) but it’s a habit I would really like to adopt next year.
    Cathy I really hope your dentist is able to remove your tooth, you’ve suffered for long enough and I’m sure it would be a relief for you to enter the new year without it still causing problems.
    Articfox, I’m sorry to hear that you have been having emotional upsets but am so pleased that you have new amazing people in your life and hope that 2026 will be a much kinder year.
    Yowzer! Lovely to hear from you again but sorry to hear your health problems have not cleared up. Like Sue, I’ve missed your positive posts❤️
    DCT I like ‘Moving forward together in 2026’ and also Sue’s ‘2026 we’ve got this’ . Thinking of our various individual goals maybe ‘A healthy mix in 2026’ or ‘Finding a fix in 2026’ whatever the title I will definitely be joining our next year’s journey together.
    I would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a healthy new year ❤️❤️❤️ Dawn XX

  • posted by  Yowzer49 on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi guys,just calling by to apologise for not posting since October. I havent abandoned ship,just been hunkering down in my cabin,still struggling with various health problems.
    Will come back and catch up on reading over 2 months of posts,hear all the news,but for now just want to leave my best wishes to you all for a fab Christmas season! Enjoy it all! XXX
    I’m wishing too that 2026 will be an easier year for us..2025 has tested so many of us in many different ways. We all deserve a pat on the back for getting through it all with grace and humour.
    Love and hugs all round and thanks for being here XXXXX
    🩷🩵❤️💙🧡💜💛💚🩶🩷🩵❤️💙🧡💜💛💚🩶🩷🩵❤️💙🧡💜💛💚🩶🩷🩵❤️💙🧡💜💛💚🩷🩵❤️💜

  • posted by  SueBlue on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Thanks for the update Arctic Fox and for your lovely and wise words DCT.

    Thinking about names for the next thread , here’s my suggestion – 2026 We’ve got this!
    Could also be ‘You’ve got this’. As I was trying to think of rhymes, the only other one I could think of was ‘2026 pick up sticks’!
    Haven’t had my morning coffee yet…

  • posted by  Dreamscometrue on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    ARCTICFOX so lovely to hear from you! I was worried about you. I’m so pleased you are back k and have some good things going on socially, yet sorry to hear about the emotional upsets. Do stay in touch ….. I hope you know how much we’re all rooting for you xx

    DAWN, CATHY and SUE good to hear from you all too and I’m thrilled you’re up for a new thread in 2026. Any ideas for names much appreciated: the best thoughts I’ve had so far are along the lines of Moving Forward Together in 2026 or Sticking Together in 2026. But any other ideas really welcome. I’d see it as an all-encompassing thread for those old-timers who still want to lose more , those who want to maintain but keep in touch, and those who are new to all this and would like some support.

    Meanwhile, may I send the very best wishes for the festive season and 2026 to anyone reading this. Please know that you matter, and that there is a welcoming group of people here for anyone who needs us xx

  • posted by  arcticfox on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi everyone,
    I don’t have much time to post right now as we are in the middle of yet another weather-related challenge.
    The most appropriate update right now is that it is the best of times and the worst of times. I know I have put back on the weight that I dropped in the early fall due to moving less after my surgery, and not being super with the eating. I have had some pretty big emotional upsets over the last few months and the emotional eating has come back online. Even my counsellor has said that we should set aside dealing with that until we get through the crisis. Things are getting less crisis-y though (maybe, I hope? Don’t want to speak too soon on that). The good thing is that taking a big step back from unhealthy situations has opened up room for some amazing people to come into my life. I am looking forward to a much more robust social life and support network in the new year. So even if the weight goals have not been met this year, I think I am setting myself up for a much better year ahead.
    Keep on keeping on everyone!

  • posted by  Wendy1947 on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Good morning & the sun is actually shining here in West Sussex for a change 🌝
    Well I have just weighed & to my surprise I have lost 0.75lbs which is much better than gaining weight 😀. I have three meals out this next week & a further lunch out with family next Sunday so having pre-ordered food it’s just about certain that carbs will be included but I will continue with TRE on most days. We have got some Christmas lights up inside & out & I have assembled our dark green artificial Christmas tree having dithered over getting a live one but not decorated it yet & it’s on today’s to do list !!🎄⭐️
    Our youngest son is coming to us on 23rd & we will go out to the cinema where we can have something to eat watching the latest Avatar film & on Christmas Eve out to our local pub for dinner. Our son requested that I make a Boeuf en Croute for Christmas Day lunch for a change with us having already eaten two Roast Turkey meals that week. I will have to look up the cooking times because I only make it once a year😂 a whole fillet of beef is so expensive now to buy but still cheaper than buying a whole one already assembled. I am planning to use a mixture of mushroom & pork pâtes in the croute. Oh well a busy time with neighbours coming in for mince pies & Bucks Fizz or Mulled Wine next Saturday & getting the house decorated before then & lots of presents to wrap 🥂🍷🎁🎁😀
    I will weigh again next Saturday but my push to start really trying to lose weight will start after Christmas 🤞🤞
    Meanwhile let us enjoy the social events & manage what we will be eating as best we can having a healthy & a Merry Christmas.
    Margaret xx

  • Health discussions today are no longer dominated by extreme dieting or rapid weight-loss trends. Instead, people are gradually shifting toward sustainable lifestyle methods that improve long-term metabolic function. One approach gaining serious attention is the blood sugar diet — a structured way of eating that focuses on maintaining stable glucose levels throughout the day.

    According to insights presented in the Narasumber Koin8 wellness segment, the blood sugar diet is becoming a central topic because it influences energy, mood, weight management, and overall health far more than many people realize.

    This article explores what the blood sugar diet truly means, why it matters, and how individuals can adopt it as a foundation for healthier living.

    What Is the Blood Sugar Diet?

    The blood sugar diet is a nutritional strategy designed to help regulate glucose fluctuations by emphasizing balanced meals, whole foods, and mindful eating habits. Rather than restricting all carbohydrates, the diet encourages smarter choices — selecting foods that digest slowly and support stable energy release.

    At its core, the diet aims to prevent sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar, which often lead to:

    Cravings

    Irritability

    Fatigue

    Rapid weight gain

    Insulin resistance

    Narasumber Koin8 highlights that maintaining balance, not restriction, is the key principle.

    Why the Blood Sugar Diet Is More Relevant Today

    There are several reasons why this dietary method has gained popularity in health communities, especially in discussions hosted by Narasumber Koin8:

    1. Modern Eating Patterns Are High in Sugar

    Fast food, instant meals, and sugary beverages are deeply embedded in daily life. These foods cause rapid glucose spikes and strain the body’s metabolic system.

    2. Increasing Awareness of Insulin Resistance

    People are becoming more aware of pre-diabetes and metabolic disorders. The blood sugar diet provides a practical way to prevent these health issues early.

    3. Focus on Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

    Unlike restrictive diets, the blood sugar diet is realistic and easy to maintain. It allows flexibility while still promoting better health.

    4. Productivity and Energy Demands

    Today’s work and lifestyle patterns require consistent energy and mental clarity. A balanced glucose level naturally supports both.

    How the Blood Sugar Diet Works: A Practical Breakdown

    In the Narasumber Koin8 health briefing, nutrition experts outline several core mechanisms behind the diet:

    1. Choosing Slow-Digesting Carbohydrates

    Foods with a low glycemic index release energy evenly and prevent glucose spikes.

    Examples:

    Whole grains

    Beans

    Lentils

    Sweet potatoes

    Vegetables

    2. Combining Carbs With Protein and Fats

    Pairing carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats slows digestion and stabilizes glucose levels.

    3. Avoiding Added Sugars

    Products high in refined sugar — soda, desserts, pastries — cause immediate spikes and should be minimized.

    4. Eating Consistent Meals

    Long gaps between meals increase the likelihood of overeating and glucose instability. Regular meal timing helps the body regulate itself better.

    5. Hydration and Regular Movement

    Water aids metabolic processes, while light physical activity improves glucose absorption.

    Benefits Reported in Narasumber Koin8 Wellness Talks

    Several positive outcomes are commonly linked to the blood sugar diet:

    1. Reduced Cravings and Controlled Appetite

    Stable blood sugar prevents sudden hunger and emotional eating.

    2. Natural Weight Improvement

    Without extreme restrictions, individuals often lose excess weight simply by balancing glucose.

    3. Better Mood and Mental Performance

    Stable glucose supports concentration, memory, and emotional balance.

    4. Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases

    The diet significantly reduces risks associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

    5. Hormonal Stability

    Balanced glucose levels positively influence insulin, cortisol, and appetite-regulating hormones.

    Recommended Foods for a Blood Sugar-Friendly Lifestyle

    Narasumber Koin8 nutrition notes emphasize focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods:

    High-Fiber Vegetables

    Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale — these promote slow digestion and steady glucose release.

    Lean Proteins

    Fish, tofu, eggs, chicken, lentils — essential for muscle repair and metabolic stability.

    Healthy Fats

    Olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado — support hormone balance and long-lasting energy.

    Complex Carbohydrates

    Oats, quinoa, whole wheat, barley — provide slow-burning fuel.

    Probiotic Foods

    Yogurt, kimchi, kefir — improve gut health, which is directly linked to glucose control.

    Foods Best Avoided or Reduced

    To maintain stable glucose, the following items should be limited:

    White bread and white rice

    Candy and sugary drinks

    Fast food and deep-fried snacks

    High-sugar cereals

    Processed packaged foods

    These tend to digest quickly and cause dramatic glucose surges.

    Sample Daily Menu Inspired by Narasumber Koin8

    Below is a simple, practical meal plan:

    Breakfast

    Whole oats topped with nuts and a boiled egg
    Green tea without sweetener

    Lunch

    Grilled salmon or chicken
    Mixed greens with olive oil dressing
    Optional: a small portion of brown rice

    Afternoon Snack

    Yogurt or a small handful of almonds

    Dinner

    Stir-fried vegetables with tofu or fish
    Sweet potato or quinoa
    Warm herbal tea

    This structure balances fiber, protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

    Lifestyle Tips to Maximize Diet Results

    The diet becomes even more effective when combined with healthy daily habits:

    1. Walk for 10–15 Minutes After Eating

    Physical activity lowers post-meal glucose levels naturally.

    2. Prioritize Sleep

    Poor sleep leads to insulin resistance and higher cravings.

    3. Manage Stress Levels

    Meditation, deep breathing, and light stretching help control cortisol, which affects blood sugar.

    4. Avoid Heavy Meals Before Bed

    Late-night eating reduces glucose efficiency and disrupts sleep.

    Is the Blood Sugar Diet Safe for Most People?

    For the majority of individuals, this dietary approach is safe and highly beneficial. However, Narasumber Koin8 experts advise consulting a healthcare professional for those with:

    Diabetes requiring specific medication

    Kidney issues

    Hormonal disorders requiring medical guidance

    Still, for everyday health improvement, the blood sugar diet is widely considered one of the most effective and sustainable methods available.

    Conclusion: Narasumber Koin8 Highlights the Importance of Balanced Glucose in Daily Life

    The blood sugar diet is more than just a trend — it represents a shift toward smarter nutrition and deeper awareness of how food affects the body. Insights from Narasumber Koin8 show that stabilizing blood sugar can transform energy levels, mental performance, weight control, and long-term health.

    By choosing natural foods, balancing meals, and adopting healthier lifestyle habits, anyone can begin supporting their metabolic system more effectively. In a modern world filled with sugary temptations and fast-paced routines, the blood sugar diet offers a grounded, realistic path toward better health and wellbeing.

  • posted by  ClarinetCathy on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hello everyone
    I have really enjoyed reading the recent updates. It’s been a funny old year. I had good months and bad months weight wise but i cant bring myself to get on the scales and face the music as we head towards the end of the cruise. I reckon I’m probably about 10 lb heavier than this time last year. Maybe i should bite the bullet and see! I just cant face up to things at the moment. How ridicuous is that! It’s been great to share the journey with you all and i am thrilled for those who have achieved what they set out to do. Well done. Very inspiring and you must be feeling so proud of your hard work and achievement. Commiserations to those like me who didn’t do as well as we had hoped. Well done to us all though for sticking around and we should not be using the word failure, we all tried. Many of us have had health issues or personal issues that meant we didn’t manage to achieve the dream. Another year older and maybe even another year wiser! I’ve learnt acceptance this year so i don’t feel too disappointed that I’m not where i wanted to be.

    Thank you DCT for setting up the thread last year and for keeping us all on track. We are so grateful to you and it looks like there is interest for a NEW THREAD FOR 2026! I am glad you joined the choir. It’s such a wonderful feeling singing in a choir. I thoroughly enjoyed my two nights singing at The Bridgewater Hall. I have been invigilating this week and I have really quite enjoyed it. I like the fact that it is casual work, ad hoc and I feel that i am contributing and making a difference. I am going to stay with my eldest son at Christmas and I hope that in the New Year I will feel ready to be a better me. My MRI scan has shown pretty stable appearances of the schwnnomas which have grown only 2 mm this year so that’s a positive and i am going to ask the dentist on Monday if she will consider taking the offending tooth out so that my periodontal abscess can finally heal. Once i feel well i may have enough resolve to embark with another try at getting to goal. I think taking things easy without pressure is the key for me next year.
    Hoping we hear from absent friends over the next couple of weeks and sending everyone on this thread best wishes for the festive season and heres hoping for a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2026.
    I have loved our cruise together! Lets get ready for another sail next year! it can be an anything you want it to be cruise! Maybe we could collate some ideas.

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    gosh V, you call that quiet, a few dozen for drinks. You would love it here, we have just bought 4 dozen bottles of wine for just over €100 to take back with us. Not for drinking but for storing for our eventual move.

    We have nothing until Tuesday when our housesitters arrive and I will be making them a meal. I am at the doctors tomorrow. Expecting a telling off and a lecture but I will just smile and nod and then do my own thing. Nothing worth worrying about until after Christmas.

  • posted by  Dreamscometrue on Dr Michael Mosley
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Just wanted to repost these lovely words from KazzUK:

    Thank you for this thread and being able to post a tribute. I’ve not posted for a few years, but I wanted to say how grateful I am to have stumbled across Dr Michael’s BSD website back in 2017 when I was very low and quite desperate – searching for answers to my digestive issues…. he taught me so much and since then I have been on a marvellous journey, learning and educating myself.
    However, utter disbelief and immense sadness when I first heard the news of his passing. He wasn’t afraid to try things out for himself – such as the tape worm! I’ll never forget that experiment! My thoughts are with his wife Claire and family who are carrying on with his legacy and that is just amazing! What an awesome man and family. Thank you, Michael and his Team, for all you have given us.

  • posted by  SueBlue on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hello everyone
    Thanks for keeping this thread going all year DCT -I’ll definitely be joining the next one!
    2026 marks 9 years of (mostly) following this WOE and I’m really grateful that all these years later so many of us from those early days are still around on here 🙂
    Heidi and Mariet – you 2 are definitely the stars of this cruise! I’m going to use you both as inspiration next year, as you’ve both lost the amount I need to.
    My reboot was going ok-ish. I’m definitely eating more healthily, and have got back into walking most mornings but I’m not seeing much progress on the scales to be honest. It’s looking like I’m going to end this year 2-3kg heavier than this time last year sadly, and I’m back into the “obese” range BMI wise 🙁
    I had a bit of a wake up call this week. I was in hospital for a day having my 6 monthly antibody infusion (for auto immune disease), and my blood pressure was high afterwards (198/98). I wasn’t allowed to leave for a couple of hours, until it had dropped to below 180. The nurse asked me to keep checking at home and then go and see my doctor if it was still higher than usual over the weekend – to cut a long story short I now have to take a higher dose of BP medication. I had been on the lowest dose for at least 10 years. I just know that putting weight back on hasn’t helped things , nor has all the extra wine I’ve been drinking this year!
    I turned 60 a few months ago, am retiring early next year, and have lots of plans, including travel – I would prefer to spend my retirement being fit and healthy, rather than obese and unhealthy obviously!
    So I’m drawing a line under this year and going to regroup in January. I want to be sensible over the next few weeks, so that I don’t put anymore weight on, but I’m not going to calorie count etc.

    DCT – I really like the sound of your approach with 5:2 and think this is what I will do, as it’s worked well for me in the past.

    Dawn I’m glad you are continuing to recover well from your surgery.
    Hope everyone else is going well, especially Yowzer whose positive posts I miss!

  • posted by  SunnyB on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Sorry to have been absent for a few days, but good to see others have been posting positives here in the meantime.
    Anyway, I have a few positives to post today ….
    🎄🎄 Christmas tree and decorations have been put up and it’s starting to feel Christmasy now
    🎄🎄 gift wrapping is progressing well … trying to do a bit each day, so it doesn’t feel too much like a chore
    🎄🎄 youngest DD and eldest GS have decided to join us for Christmas day, which I’m really happy about
    Whatever your days are bring, I hope there are positives for you to find too.

  • posted by  ADD6605 on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi everyone,
    I’m just catching up on the last few posts, I meant to post a few days ago then totally forgot. As Verano says DCT, you are doing a great job of keeping this thread going. I will try to post more regularly next year. I’ve recovered well from my surgery thanks but have not been trying very hard to stick to my healthy eating plan unfortunately. I think I’m fighting the ‘well I may as well not bother until after Christmas now’ thought which has crept in to my head! Congratulations to Mariet and Heidi for achieving great losses, I honestly can’t remember exactly what I weighed at the start of this journey but I’m definitely lighter. Maybe I should do a sparkly chart again in the new year to monitor it properly😀, I haven’t done one for ages. I really hope everyone we haven’t heard from for a while is ok. This year has not been at all the one I envisaged but I have appreciated all of your support. Dawn ❤️X

  • posted by  Verano on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hello S-g and Wendy and anybody else reading this.

    Well Sunday we were 8 for lunch here but pretty low carb for me. I resisted the fruit tart, the ice cream and the bread! So no real damage. One thing I have discovered this last week is that I need to eat earlier in the day, preferably by 10am. If I don’t eat breakfast I find that after dinner I’m still ‘hungry’ but not for ‘real food’ but for ‘junk’ chocolate, biscuits, crisps, in fact anything! Maybe we each need to take a long hard look at what ‘our own’ body responds to best. When I think about it all ‘diets’ are aimed at the masses but that doesn’t mean that it suits everyone and maybe we should take a little more time time tweaking eating plans to fit our individual needs?

    S-g I love Jason Fung too and he has done some really good chats with the ‘CEO’ on YouTube. There’s so much information out there and I’m guilty of ‘cherry picking’. I’m sure if we maybe just followed one ‘way of eating’ instead of ‘cherry picking’ it would work so much better.

    Anyway, we have a pretty quiet Christmas, by choice. We have a few dozen people here for drinks and canapés/tapas on the 21st, then two for lunch on Boxing Day. Looking forward to a comparatively quiet time. Although to be honest the shopping still seems to be endless!

    Have a good week.

  • posted by  Dreamscometrue on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi VERANO thanks for your lovely post. I’m glad this thread has survived the year, despite all that’s been going on for contributors, whether regular or occasional. Well done for maintaining this year, as well as (it sounds like!) enjoying life to the full.

    MARIET I’m in awe of your weight loss and measurement reduction. Very well done! That’s fantastic. If I’m able to post even half your results myself this time next year I’ll be happy with that. So pleased for you 👏. You and HEIDI are definitely our stars of the cruise this year 😀

    It’d be lovely to hear from some of our previous regulars who have been quiet recently. I’m thinking particularly of YOWZER, ARCTICFOX and our dear NOKIE. Do check in if you can, even if it’s just a single sentence hello. You are all very much missed.

    Hope that everyone has a good week. I thought of you last night CATHY as I have joined a temporary choir at a local church. It’s been put together for a Carol Service in a couple of weeks so there are only a handful of rehearsals and I felt ok about committing to that. It’s ages since I’ve done any kind of choral singing and I’m not sure I want to take it up again long term, so this is a chance to dip my toes in the water. The first rehearsal was last night and it went pretty well, considering anyone was welcome (no audition or ability check) and some of the songs were new. It also made me smile that I was one of the youngest in the room! Which, given I’m in my mid-sixties, made a refreshing change 😉

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi all, there is still time to lose some weight before the Xmas parties kick in or, like me, visiting family for the whole holiday period. Just a couple of pounds could make a big difference to how you feel when you get back on the diet in the New Year and have gained less than you thought. Yes we will all gain but it is Christmas.

    Thanks for your thoughts Verano. I am pretty much of the same mind as what you have said. Wracking my brains, I am still exercising but not as much a swimming every day, more like aerobics 3 x a week, still eat exactly the same diet and low cals low carb.

    Just watched our hero Jason Fung and he actually talked about people who are on insulin, its effects and the effects of fasting. I keep seeing the benefits of fasting and think I cant really do it or my BG goes too low and I get weak and shakey but he explained you can get past that with just a small adjustment like bone broth, going to look into it further.

    So what has changed
    1. not being doing TRE and stopping eating between 7.30 pm and 10.30 am. I am snacking at around 10.30 pm. Just meat or cheese but sometimes a Ryvita.
    2. Doctor increased my insulin from 14 to 20 units when I had one hight HbA1c after a cruise – just one. More insulin = more insulin resistance = higher BG.

    Given that, I am going to do TRE this week and see if I can get my BG right down again. I am only running at between 90 and 110, was that too high – bizzare as that is pretty perfect so not sure what went wrong. Dr Fung says your finger prick readings can be low but that doesnt mean your body isnt storing sugar. Then I am going to reduce my insulin at least down to 14 (I was using 7 a year ago). I know the doctor will say it is my age, expect the diabetes to get worse blah blah blah. But when did we listen to our doctors. I wish I could get him to watch Jason Fung. Then Christmas is going to come along and I will not worry too much but I still wont be eating carbs. I hate christmas cake and pudding. My only downfall is alcohol and I love a gala pie.

    Hey ho, lets all keep on …. until the celebrations start for real.

  • posted by  Wendy1947 on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hello & sorry for being absent from the site. Thank you S-G for setting up Delicious December & I hope your results will get back on a more even track.🤞🤞
    My husband & I have been away for a couple of days staying near Portsmouth & visiting the Walking Amongst Giants Display at Fort Nelson. It was very thought provoking & humbling seeing them all with each life sized silhouette representing service people as well as some French Resistance members who had died in World War Two 🤔🙁.
    The hotel was OK but the food rather indifferent & of course I have gained weight but we were tempted to have a cream tea which was nice 🫣 but I think it’s eating breakfast that always has an impact on my daily calories despite walking 8500 steps on two days. I’m quite pleased to be back home & I am now in the midst of house cleaning before putting up our Christmas decorations.
    I think a seasonal thread will be useful for keeping in touch in the new year to certainly re-motivate me to start losing weight again. The grey rainy days are not helping me & I am not really going to try battling my weight gain before Christmas but just try to resist eating too many mince pies or shortbread! However we have plenty of wine options with me winning first prize in the village bazaar raffle with ten bottles of wine plus bottles of Calvados, Cognac, & Vintage Port!
    Take care everyone
    Margaret xx

  • posted by  Verano on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Sunshine-girl I’m a few years older than you but not enough to really make our ‘biology’ that different. Yes really odd numbers. Can I make a suggestion? Ok, so no carbs but maybe switch around the time of your meals. If you are only eating two meals maybe try three … two smaller and a main meal. Or, even a larger protein breakfast and a smaller evening meal. I’m absolutely convinced our bodies get so used to our ‘routines’ that they think ok it’s 8am here comes the yogurt, it’s 12pm here comes the salad etc etc etc. I can’t be bothered dealing with these it’s too boring. Maybe our bodies need a bit of a wake-up call…. no breakfast, or breakfast if you don’t normally have it, a hot lunch instead of a cold lunch, an earlier/later evening meal with maybe some fruit or something afterwards.

    I don’t really know what I’m talking about but I do think our bodies need to have a ‘surprise’ now and again? It could just wake them up and get them back into ‘burning’ mode?

    Hope your viewing goes well.

  • posted by  Verano on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Just caught up with the most recent posts. A huge ‘well done’ to Mariet and Heidi and anybody else whose 2025 saw a weight loss. My year looks as though it will end much where it started and I’m happy with that given my year of ‘gallivanting’ around! But wow it’s been fun!

    Dreamscometrue you’ve done a great job keeping this thread on track for a whole year. I’ve not been getting notifications of the posts but do pop in now and again so very much appreciate all your hard work. Yes, I’d join in another thread but probably will be one of those ‘few and far between’ posters.

    Seasonal greetings to one and all and may 2026 be a year of health and happiness for us all.

  • posted by  Mariet on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi everyone, I am still in Spain and haven’t weighed myself since November so for this accounting I will use my last weight before I left. For the year I am down 15.5kg, 20cm down each for bust, waist and belly. I am really happy with the results but I know from bitter experience how fragile success in weight loss can be so I’d love to be part of a new thread next year.

    So many have had a difficult year this year with unexpected challenges. I’m awed by the sticking power of so many who keep on trying in the face very difficult circumstances.

    Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and will report back in the brew year.

  • posted by  Dreamscometrue on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    HEIDI thank you for your post and yes it would be good to continue in 2026. You have done incredibly well this year and I look forward to continuing to journey with you next year. I’m so very sorry though that things aren’t good your end and am sending prayers, love and hugs you way xx

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Verano, I am wondering if we are in the same age group and our bodies are slowly telling us we need to do something different, something extra. When I came back from cruise I was 7.3 as it was taken only 3 weeks later. Then after another 3 months is went down to 6.7, okay, still not back to normal but we know these things take time. But to then jump back to 7.3 is so out of whack that I am not sure what is going on. I still have the same diet as I did when I was regularly around 6.2 – for years, I am using more insulin but not eating white carbs. Something else is going on. My doctor might tell me to increase insulin but I want to try anything to avoid that. Anyway, it is Sunday – we have a viewing tomorrow so fingers crossed. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

  • posted by  Heidi24 on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    HI DCT,
    Lovely to hear your news and your plans for 2026. I would love to be a part of this thread in 2026, and hope others will join us. I have found the group support really helpful . I plan to continue eating healthily, and aim not to put weight on in 2026. Thank you for asking about the family, None of it is good news, I’m afraid. So I shall move on…!

    I think this will be my last post of the year,. I can record a loss of 16.3 kilos since 25 May – a slight improvement on last week. At least that is one thing which has gone right in 2025!

    Wishing every one here a happy Christmas. xx

  • posted by  Dreamscometrue on 2025 – Time to Come Alive!
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi everyone

    Gosh it’s gone quiet on here and I realise I haven’t posted myself for a couple of weeks. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, in terms of the busyness factor at least! How is everyone doing?

    HEIDI well done for losing so much weight this year and keeping almost all of it off despite your recent circumstances. I hope that you are ok, and your mother too, and getting through this sad time. And how is your husband doing? You have so much going on just make sure you look after yourself too. Am thinking of you x

    CATHY I was so sorry – and angry – to read about your dreadful consultation experience in your last post. That is just not acceptable. I had begun to think that things had changed regarding doctors – as I remember brusqueness and rudeness being pretty much the norm when I was younger, but everyone I have seen in recent years has been pleasant and professional. I’m just sorry you got a wrong’un. But delighted to hear that you are starting to feel better and are able to sing with your choir and start your new job. Hope everything goes well.

    DAWN how are you feeling now? I hope that you are recovering well from your surgery and that things are beginning to get back to some kind of normality again. SUE how is your reset going? Loved hearing all your meal ideas in your latest post : I always associate you with being so creative about healthy food. Do keep sharing! MARIET I hope you are having a good trip despite the weather!

    HEIDI I agree with an end of cruise update. It would be lovely to hear from all those who have posted on here throughout the year and I do hope that everyone reading this will chip in, even if they have been quiet for ages. It would be lovely to catch up.

    My update is that in many ways this year has been an epic fail. Not only have I not reached target, but I’m currently around 10lb heavier than when I started. With the belly to prove it! Like CATHY said, I’m now at the stage of either having to buy bigger clothes or really get some fat off. However, I’m also feeling very positive. It’s been a year of great change for me (as for many of us), particularly retiring from the school I worked at for so long. I’m gradually allowing myself to relax more and take things at a slower pace. unfortunately so far that has also increased the amount of eating and drinking I’ve been doing, and this continual wandering off piste is having an impact. But I’m ok in myself, taking time to catch up with lots of other aspects of life including decluttering the house and doing it up etc.

    Looking ahead to next year, I want to get back on track but at a more leisurely pace. I do need to lose weight, probably at least a stone if not more. But I no longer want to set myself ambitious targets only to fail and beat myself up. So my plan is to do things gradually : follow a Mediterranean diet and most likely 5:2 in terms of strict low carb/calorie days. I had an induction session in the gym section of the posh gym this week and want to start doing that regularly. It’s ben a long time since I did any gym stuff but it felt good being back and I want to give that another go as well as the swimming and yoga.

    So all in all, I want to draw a line under this year in terms of weight loss, but start again with a more relaxed approach in 2026. If I can lose a pound or two a month, alongside getting fitter and stronger, I’ll be happy with that. But I also want to focus more on living each day to the full, and making the most of this phase of life where I finally have the opportunity to have some time for me and do things that I want to do.

    I value this forum very much and would still love to be involved in a thread during 2026. I’m open-minded as to whether that entails setting another ongoing one up for the regulars on here or joining in one or more other threads. Much depends on whether others on here want it to continue in some way so do let me know where you’re at!

    Finally, a shout out to some of our friends who haven’t posted for a while. ARCTICFOX, YOWZER, NOKIE, MIXnMATCH, POOTLE, VERANO, ANNIE, STARGAZER, CALLIFORNIA GIRL and anyone else I’ve not mentioned, please let us know how you’re getting on. And best wishes for the festive season X

  • posted by  Verano on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Delicious December!

    Well for me it is/isn’t as I have yet another birthday in 11 days. I guess that’s good because I’ve (almost) made another year!

    I was watching Jason Fung on youtube today and he just confirms, that at my (advanced) age, I just need to look after my health. The number on the scale, although we take that as the gold standard, is really not that important. I guess it’s horses for courses given our ages.

    Anyway, have a healthy and happy weekend.

  • posted by  Verano on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Heidi your decorations and cards sound really uplifting… enjoy!
    Sunny thank you for finding positives most days it certainly spurs me on to find my own…

    Despite a miserable dark day here today there have been positives…..

    🥩🫑🥦 Daughter and husband have decided to join us for dinner Boxing Day. Just four so easy peasy!

    🥬🥒🫒More food … eight of us for lunch tomorrow but my shout so apart from dessert all carb friendly.

    🌒🌘🌔 Just two more weeks before the days start to get longer …. has to be a positive!

    Have a good weekend full of positives.

  • posted by  Heidi24 on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Good idea Verano. I shall make an appointment next week. Hair colouring is always a great boost.
    Positives from me:
    1) my sons have decorated the Christmas tree. Lots of tree decorations from a lifetime of holidays. presents, chilldhood and so on. All my favourite cards are out from previous Christmases, and suddenly we are surrounded by family and friends. Feels good.
    2) Finished planting tulip and daffodil bulbs. A bit late but I shall be optimistic.
    3) Tried making my own seaweed rolls today. They weren’t very elegant, but were very tasty with a filling of smoked salmon, avocado, edamame beans, salad, and a bit of cream cheese. I liked the extra texture that the roasted seaweed gave.

    Hope you all have some positives in your weekend. x

  • posted by  Verano on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Sorry to hear your results s-g. Who knows, one offs happen. You know your own body best so good luck with sorting it all out.
    Just two more weeks before the days start to lengthen again. WHOOPEE!
    Have a good weekend.

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Well had a shocker today with my results. 7.3, that is the highest it has ever been except from when I came back from a cruise and didnt have time to get myself back on track. Need to give myself a good talking to and look at what I am doing wrong. My BG each morning seems to be around 90 and I dont eat carbs. What I have noticed is that I am having a late night snack around 10.30 but usually just meat or cheese but sometimes on a Ryvita, also having Ryvita most mornings with my boiled eggs. Also, if I get shakey in the afternoon I have a Werthers original for the sugar rush. I need to cut out the Ryvita as it is the only true carb I have, also no Werthers if I feel a crash coming although it is more habit than necessity now. Also try to go back to TRE and have nothing from 8pm. Oh well, I guess I know what I have to do from now on – stick to it properly.

  • posted by  SunnyB on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Good to treat yourself, V … 🤞🏻the new regime helps improve your nails.

    My positives for today…..
    🌻🌻 it didn’t rain here today so did a little garden tidying
    🌻🌻 think I’ve pretty much finished the Christmas gift shopping now
    🌻🌻 the mango chutney ferment I set up last week is yummy … now in thefridge and being consumed
    🌻🌻 Sri Lankan friend seems to be okay following the cyclone, as he’s read my WhatsApp message

    Keep looking out for those positives folks!

  • posted by  Verano on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Just one positive today …. this morning I had my BSD go to breakfast of yogurt, stewed rhubarb and walnuts. I love the cold yoghurt with the warm rhubarb and the walnuts are just a bonus!

  • posted by  Verano on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Sunny read your post and thought I DO have a positive too….

    I have a pedicure every three weeks and last week decided to have a manicure every three weeks too! My finger nails are awful so thought maybe if I had them taken care of every three weeks it might just help!

    Enjoy the rest of the week.

  • posted by  SunnyB on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Sounds like you’re settling back in nicely, Verano. Thanks for finding time to post here again.
    Heidi, good to see you posting some positives too. My freezer needs defrosting, but not sure it will happen before Christmas …. well done on getting yours sorted.

    Positives from my little corner are ….
    🌹🌹 it’s taken me 10days, but have finally got around to planting in my four new rose bushes.
    🌹🌹 youngest DD and oldest GS came to dinner last night, lovely to gave their company
    🌹🌹 had a pedicure today … now have pretty tootsies again 👣🙂

    Whatever your day has held, hope it included plenty of positives.

  • posted by  Verano on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    S-g I understand exactly where you’re coming from and must admit to feeling somewhat the same. Just sort of maintaining between holidays! I guess at the end of the day ‘health’ is more important now than weight per se. As you say your diabetes ‘is what it is’. My mobility ‘is what it is’ and sometimes we just have to ‘accept’ and make the best of, and move forward.

    I think, for me, dipping in and out of the boards helps to keep me from letting my blood sugar fall back into the diabetic range and really I’m quite happy with just that. Anyway, I’m not going anywhere and if it helps I’d be happy to help you. Maybe, as ?’Dreamscometrue’’ does on the annual thread, just once a week check in on the three month thread might be enough to keep the thread alive?

    BTW you are never boring!

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on Welcome to Delicious December 2025
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi all, had the expected weight gain from the quiz night but the good news is WE WON. We have joined up with some great people who had a team of 4 and we are allowed 6 so they asked us to join them as we always came second to them but with just 2 of us. There were 5 of us this week and win a bottle of wine each – 6 into 5 doesnt go so we gave one person 2 bottles so they could add it to the Christmas charity raffle. We also booked to go to a feast on NY Eve. The menu is a buffet so plenty of low carb for me followed by roast guinea fowl, then a buffet of cheeses and desserts. Not like us to go out on NYE but what the heck – we have some good friends and better than moping at home.

    Verano, do I really mean to fade away from the site. No, not from the site, just from running things. It was okay when there were 3 of us sharing and I don’t know how we managed when it was weekly. I would like someone to take over. Possibly I will set up a thread for January (3 months) for a winter period. I am not really losing weight, just managing to maintain with occasional spurts of loss for holidays etc and then the usual gain. Because I am setting up the thread I feel I have a responsibility to keep it going and welcome newbies and just keep everyone upbeat. Just getting fed up with it and sure others must be sick of me going on – which I do for something to say to keep people interested and gee up the comments. Like you, I will have been on this site for 10 years in June, so maybe take a back seat. Also, my diabetes is what it is, I cannot do more. Even after all this time I still stick with around 800 to 1000 cals daily and rarely eat white carbs, try to exercise 3 to 5 times a week – so I even bore myself going on about it.

    Have a good week.

  • posted by  Heidi24 on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Defrosted the freezer. It’s a job I hate doing, so I feel a bit smug.
    For the first time in my life, I paid for a cosmetic procedure – 20 minutes in the dentist chair, and I now can smile with confidence. It’s my early Christmas present to me.
    Christmas tree has made its way up from the cellar. Looking forward to the family decorating it tomorrow.