I think if you use one of the apps for smart phones such as fitnesspal, or myfatsecret and enter the ingredients to check the carb/protein/fat ratios meet your aims you can swap ingredients around as much as you like.

It’s pretty fashionable now isn’t it? Everyone seems to want a piece of the action 😊

Of course you can just check they aren’t loaded with hidden carbs. I treat recipes as inspiration and give them no respect!
Check their nutritional values with FatSecret.
Maggie

Hi

Is it ok to change some ingredients . As I don’t like eating pork bacon and sausage, so can I substitute them for turkey bacon and chicken sausages,

Kind regards

Sam

Not just me then!
I took a break for Christmas – eighteen months ago! Hello again Sunshine-Girl & Verano.
I’ve not put all of the weight I lost back on, but quite a bit of it! – But 2.5 kilos lost so far this week.
I was inspired to come back to BSD after watching a BBC program about crash diets, but after trying the supplement diet they used for it, what a weird, weird idea.
I like the concept of a weekly 1:1 with a consultant, but the “food” is rubbish – loads of the products have more than 45% of the calories from sugar, not to mention tasting pretty foul (well I didn’t eat enough to claim many of the products taste foul, but the ones I did try….!) plus I still don’t see how it gives you a sensible relationship with food.
So, a lot of unopened packets in the cupboard, but I’m back to eating BSD style.

Thank you for the links MaggieBath.

Have just come across these links to an ITV programme next week which looks as though it is using the Newcastle Diet to reverse diabetes. Hopefully it will be good.

ITV Wed 13 Jun 2018 9pm and Thu 14 Jun 2018 9pm The Fast Fix: Diabetes

https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/itv-commissions-radical-attempt-reverse-diabetes
https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week24/fast-fix-diabetes
https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep2week24/fast-fix-diabetes

Good evening! Good to see all your posts although I’m sorry I’ve not caught up with them all yet. Buddhas Wife believe me I’m just a selfish person trying to keep myself on track and I do that by encouraging anybody I can to come along with me!!!

I have to get myself on the ‘Just starting again’ thread. I am really frightened to get weighed tomorrow but I know I have to get straight back on the horse/donkey/wagon or whatever. So I will ‘see’ you all in the morning and hopefully by Tuesday I will have repaired some of the damage. Mind you I am away for the weekend but I think I just need to be really strict.

Still reading ‘Pioppi’ and it’s wonderful. I really enjoy having a bullet point list of the main points at the end of each chapter. Very helpful especially when reading the book on Kindle. Hope your week has been successful so far.

Allie – that is so awful. I would imagine that devastated didn’t even begin to describe how bad you felt.

Thanks JGwen; I’ve just watched one of his videos and setting down to learn some more.

Hi MaggieBath, a few weeks ago I posted a link on the Take a look at this thread for a podcast by Bikman. I found it very helpful in understanding the fine tuning of nutrients and fat burning. Because you mention that you struggled with coconut oil and cream I think it may be worth you watching as it may provide the solution.

I was using heavy cream and coconut oil- but too much. According to Jason Fung for some people it works well, for others no. I evidently fell into the second group!
It just stalled weight loss, so now I’m back to the rather austere almond milk if l can’t stand the idea of a black coffee.
Maggie

Benjamin Bikman is a researcher in insulin. I’ve just seen a recent video discussing whether it is calories or hormones that affect weight. His website is http://www.insuliniq.com and there’s a link to his FB page.

Hi Maggie! Could you be more specific about how bulletproof coffee derailed you? Just curious 🙂 Were you using
MCT oil and grassfed butter? Was it the calorie count per serving? I keep meaning to try this, so I’m curious to know
what the downside is! Thanks in advance,

Allie

Thanks so much for such thoughtful replies!
Hopefully next time I see my inlaws I will have lost over a stone and they will say I look great and ask me how I’ve done it!! Cue “I have stopped eating most carbs’ and take it from there. Hopefully they will be interested and curious not dimissive. Once I am on 5:2 it will be easier anyway I will be able to be more flexible.
Maggie Mat my initial thoughy was also that I could use a harmless white lie. I have done that before under pressure to drink “I’m on anti-biotics” etc. But on reflection I realised I would cause worry and concern not tp mention a million follow up questions. But i appreciate the advice! And a white lie on other occasions may well be very helpful. So thank-you!

That’s a huge relief, Krysia! I had a major crash a year ago, and lost all of my bookmarked tutorials on how to make
gumpaste flowers (used as decorations on high end celebration and wedding cakes). I was devastated, as it represented
several years of intense work and research. Happy for you 🙂 🙂 🙂

No Maggie it was not poor taste, you were trying to help but diabetes is scary and I didn’t want Chimp to worry her family.

It’s perfectly okay, Maggie, we know that you were only trying to help 🙂 How to navigate social gatherings when it’s
“early days” is always a good subject, because we all go through it. I think between us all we’ve seen every sort of
reaction to what appears to others as a “crazy” way of eating. I’ve experienced everything from friends who will call
me in advance to ask what’s not permitted on the BSD to others who make it all about themselves and react like it’s
an indictment of what they chose to put on their plates! I’ve really come to appreciate the full meaning of “British
reserve” and never wishing to hurt another’s feelings. Americans tend to be a little more direct, so in some respects,
it may be a little easier for us. Discussing what strategies have been successful really depend on the psychopathology
of the specific situation though, so it’s something that it’s very difficult to generalize about. 🙂

Have a glorious weekend, everyone!

Allie

It maybe difficult to keep Zoom in the thread name every month, but I do like the idea.

Positive for today – and it is a huge positive – the computer repair people have just rung and my computer does not have very much wrong with it (it was completely unresponsive when we took it in). I have a service contract with Dell and they had said that the only way it can be fixed is to re-install Windows 10 and I will lose all my data. So pleased that I didn’t go ahead with that and went with the local company that was very highly recommended to me.

I vote for Allie’s:
Reach for the sky, low carbs in July!
Because all Zoomers will KOKO in july.
Agree with Caro, will keep calling us “zoomers”. 😄
(Maby:
Zoomers reach for the sky! Low carbs in july!)

You’re right sunshine-girl, that was in rather poor taste., I apologise.
All my adult life (while my parents were alive) they would say, you don’t need lose weight, which is how so many people respond to other people’s diets – or I think you look great as you are. The point is how we feel, not someone else’s opinion of you.
The same thing when you aren’t drinking. I think it’s because they know they should be eating/drinking in a healthier way and they resent being reminded. The truth is that not many people will support anyone’s healthy choices. At least that’s been my experience.
Maggie

Allie, thank you so much! Hope your husband is ok now.
Family! Yes.
Back in routine, wheigt is down a little. Step by step, gram by gram, kg by kg, and before you know it its time for smaller clothes! 16 kg off now and just took out an old shirt that suddenly fit… 😁

I think the pre-diabetic excuse might be a bit frightening for most – it is a serious matter. Can you not get your husband on board – maybe get him to watch the BBC programme The Truth About Carbs. Simply say you know you are not massively overweight but just want to get a grip before it becomes a problem. They should be on your side. However, my daughters favourite saying is oh come on mum it wont kill you – to which I answer – maybe not today but it will eventually kill me.

I blew last week by drinking bulletproof coffees! Back to the almond milk variety now 🙂

Hi Chimp Trainer, I think how we handle each example of socialising in a carb centric world depends on the circumstances and the people and the relationship and the reason you want to follow this program. –
If its just a meal out then most restaurants will adapt, replacing carb high dishes with extra veg.
If its a business meeting with lunch most ask for details of allergies and dietary requirements.
I spent a day with a close friend last week who took the time to ask me what I would like to eat and went shopping specifically to buy ingredients that I could eat.
I have had completely different experiences at other times. People who know about the changes to my eating habits and make much of the amount of weight I have lost who suggest meeting for a coffee but when we get there order cake or a meal. I don’t understand why they are shocked when I refuse to join them.
———————————————–
It may be worth researching more about how insulin works and insulin resistance, so that you feel more confident explaining to people you have a good relationship with why you have chosen this WoE. – There are a lot of useful resources listed on the take a look at this thread.

Marie, have you done stretching exercises for your waist? Is it possible that you need toning rather than more weight loss?

Any reason why you can’t say you are pre diabetic and supply the food? It’s only a lie to save their feelings. And make the food a bit special, say farm shop stuff. Might make them think.
My question is always, by saying yes (ie accepting their food) are you saying no to yourself?
I should imagine as long as they can feed their grandchildren what they choose to they’ll be happy.

Another successful day. The secret of this diet is as with all diets. Stick to it, dont cheat or think you can get away with just a bit of this or the other and think about the amazing benefits of being slimmer, healthier, fitter, less drugs or whatever does it for you.

Hi Chimp Tamer, my point was that after 2 weeks you will be so into this you will be ready to continue – and doing it 2 weeks at a time wont seem quite so daunting. See how you feel after 2 weeks and keep posting.

Your question about alcohol. I cannot have just one drink so I dont have anything. Funny though, as long as I have a glass of cool water at my side to keep guzzling it doesn’t feel any different from drinking wine (without the effect). My problem is I dont sleep well and a few glasses helps with that but I know if I go alcohol free it only takes a couple of nights for my sleep pattern to adjust and I sleep like a baby (yeah, wake up every 3 hours to use the toilet – joke).

How do you cope as a guest . hotel etc???? Very difficult, try to avoid until you know you can say no to carbs. Try saying you are on a medical plan to reduce whatever, just something to make it sound like it is for your health. Dont ask anyone to make special meals but to provide you with more veg or salad. If it is a one off you can put up with a pile of veg but I went on a cruise and asked for more veg and if I never see another piece of overcook broccoli again….. Went to a relatives and told them no carbs and no fish (I dont eat it), first night they served fish and chips. I ate the fish but she poached it in milk which made it taste worse – again only one night which I could put up with. Restaurant – ordered a meal with extra salad and no chips, waitress brought me the chips on a separate plate ‘just in case you change your mind’. No it is not easy but it gets easier. I cant even get my daughter to provide for me even though she bought in loads of vegan stuff for a party there was not a sign of a lettuce or cucumber for me. I am still thinking about how I can handle this without upsetting her. You can also think that as you are not diabetic a one off portion of rice etc would not do too much harm as long as you make sure it is just a one off and dont get back into the addictive cycle. I personally found a portion of rice was like eating wallpaper paste and really only there to mop up the gravy / juice. Be strong.

Thanks Sunshine girl. After 2 weeks I will review the plan. But 2 weeks seemed a mammoth undertaking to start with. I have NEVER eaten so little and could not believe 800 cals was even possible. I am discovering that it is not nearly as bad as I expected but for now I need a short term goal that feels achievable which is 2 weeks. xx

For fasting information Jason Fung has a FB support group – The Obesity Code Network: Support Group

Thanks MaggieMay and Trundlebug!
I find the same with alcohol – no drink is easy but just 1 glass is hard!
I have just made a cup of coffee with milk and noticed it tastes sweet! For a moment I wondered why my coffee tasted like someone had sweetened it then I realised it must just be the lactose in the milk. Amazing to get such direct evidence of my body adjusting.
Another quesiton for long timers. How do you manage being a guest in a carbo-centric world? I have just spent a week with my in-laws. Breakfast options were cereal or toast. Lunch was always sandwiches or rolls. And supper was also based around carbs: pasta bake, spaghetti bolognese etc. It was before I started Fast800 so I didn’t worry about it but if this is a way of life not a temporary diet then how do I deal with this in future? It feels very rude to expect special meals and even though I would be happy too cook for myself it also seems very rude to turn down their hospitality and ask to use their kitchen!! I can’t even explain it as a health need as I am not pre-diabetic or diabetic. Any tips? My OH and his family are all sporty, slim, carb-aholics and feel convinced that all meals should be structured around carbs. They think that is the healthiest way to eat and while my OH is interested and is looking into BSD, his parents aren’t. We spend quite a lot of time there too!

Hi everyone, still keeping on… lost a little more weight and BG and insulin remain the same, slowly, slowly catch the monkey. Talking of which, Chimp Tamer – seems you have a plan but as you only have 8kg to lose I am sure after the first 2 weeks on this you will be well on your way to that goal so why not continue for 4 weeks, then 6, then do the whole 8 and start on 5:2 as your maintenance plan. By then you will have deffo tamed your inner chimp rather just having taught it a few new tricks.

It really feels good to be in control and I know this diet shows results but because I have never been off it in terms of carbs – I just blast the calories sometimes – I know I wont have fantastic results as my body is already used to low carbs. From this point of view I am happy that I can still lose 3 to 5 lbs in the first week, a good result in anyone’s book. We had a lovely hot day yesterday and the pool is back up to 24 degrees so hubby is currently out their giving it a clean (actually the robot does the work) and clearing up the Sahara sand that the rain brings. Fingers crossed I will be back in this afternoon and boosting my weight loss.

Have a good day everyone and bon weekend for tomorrow.

Hello ChimpTamer – and may i say, what a great moniker that is.

I have found the same – cold turkey is far easier than I had anticipated and far less room for shilly shallying works far better for me. Keep up the good work.

I’m at week 7 of the 8 weeks and feeling surprised and pleased to have made it, quite frankly. Weight has fallen off which gives a big boost but more significantly for me, my blood pressure is normalizing. This is the factor that has kept me on this diet. Between vanity and crisps, crisps would win hands down for me but when health enters the equation, my motivation kicks in I’m pleased to report. So as my last week on 800 begins I’m thinking about life the other side of it. I’m looking forward to losing the calorie count – am reading Jason Fung and plan to follow the guidelines he puts forward. I’m interested to know from long termers what you do about fibre – both soluble and insoluble in your diets, as both Fung and Lustig claim it’s an important part of protecting good biomes in the lower intestine as well as protective for the liver and pancreas. Is fibre compromised on a low carb diet, however, and what parameters do you use for deciding on its inclusion? All opinions welcome.

Keep it up, all

Trundlebug

I thought I’d give it a try
‘Flying high, low carbs in July’ – although to be honest I prefer Allie’s.

Lots going on here now (all positive) so may not be on the forum much over the next few days.

Inka – I’m good too, thanks. I’m at maintenance at the moment (9st – still need to lose a couple of inches off my waist but having a break from weight loss). I’ve decided I need to learn to enjoy cooking the way last year I learnt to enjoy walking. A work in progress!

Nonna Mary – “ah that’s the listening thing before you go to sleep.” exactly it; there’s something about that phrase that makes me smile every time. I hope the family didn’t spoil your newly decorated rooms. Glad to hear you enjoyed your holiday

Kazzee – your post did make me laugh. Steady as you go though, with the old knickers. I threw all mine out – yikes, like throwing out a comfort blanket – can’t wait for the new ones to become more dilapidated!

Caro – lovely positives and great that your family were so supportive.

Will keep my positives until next week. Have a lovely weekend everyone

Glad to hear you’ve broken through to the good times! Isn’t it great when you’ve gone through the detox and get that energy. For me the further I’ve gone into it the more unmoved I am by Krispy Kreme Donuts – and I have a 24 hour one in walking distance! – and the Majestic Wine next door 🙂
It really is a way of life rather than just another diet.
Maggie

How wonderful Allie, your friend must have felt so happy for you 😍 I can’t believe you managed so much without benefit of this place, what self-discipline; I really admire you and your generosity in sharing your positivity with all us newbies xx
Maggie

Almond milk is carb free and low calorie so that’s a possibility, but depending on your insulin resistance may keep your glucose levels up.
Have you seen the water bottles that have a built-in compartment for adding fruit? They are really effective at subtly flavouring water – do you keep a water filter jug in the fridge? I couldn’t drink tap water!
Another thing to stimulate thirst is Himalayan salt which is loaded with trace minerals, and calcium, magnesium and potassium. I take a pinch several times a day. Ordinary table salt is just sodium chloride.
Catmadgal, artificial sweeteners are a bit risky. The body picks up the sweetness signals in the mouth and responds with an insulin spike to manage the expected arrival of calories to be processed. Stevia is supposed to be the best of a bad bunch, but there’s still the issue of the body anticipating calories.
Anyway good luck all, I’m only 5 weeks into my journey and finding it a way of eating like no other and amazingly rewarding in so many ways. If you haven’t already look at the Take a Look at This thread, there are heaps of resources linked to which help understand the science behind this way of eating.
Maggie

Oops, please excuse me leaving half the letters out in my words, typing too fast for my brain!!
Hi Nonna Mary, lovely to see your post and hear about your holiday, yes, that was the phrase!!

Hi Kazz! Alas the multicooker is languishing on my bench top unopened!
I’ve been pretty good all week though except for lat night when I went out with work friends to a dinner show based on Fawlty Towers, so hilarious and I was starving and athen and drank everything in front of me! Which actually wasn’t too bad anyway. Had a bit of a health scare earlier in he week which is also keeping me on the straight and narrow. This weekend though I will give that cooker a workout!!
I laughed so hard at your rolling everything up to fit in your bra! You have a great way with words! But well done on the frontal reduction!

HI can I join in?
I started Fast800 on Monday. So day 5. I feel like I have turned a corner – slept well for the first time last night and have woken up with energy after days of feeling completely rubbish. I have lost about 2kg. I only need to lose 8kg so I am a quarter of the way there already!! Though I know that rate of loss won’t be sustained. My plan is to go Fast800 for 2 weeks to kickstart the weight loss then 5:2 till I get to goal then maintenance. I have dieted a zillion times before but never got anywhere. I always plateau very quickly, feel rubbish, crave food constantly and regain all the weight plus a bit. So fingers crossed carb control is the way to go! After YEARS of trying to get rid of an unwanted extra stone it seems too good to be true that it could be this easy…. But I watched The Truth About Carbs on catch up last night and am amazed that the diet advice (low fat, high carb) for managing weight has been so wrong for so long!! So maybe this reallly is a plan that will work long term. One thing I have noticed is that most diets say to save some calories for treats. So I have always allowed myself chocolate, crisps etc within a calorie counted plan and have just wanted more. Whereas none at all feels easier than a small amount. Soo far anyway.
Good luck to all my felllow BSD travellers. I am very glad to have found this forum.

Thanks Alliecat and JGwen,

Your posts and advice have been awesome. I think I will jump into a new forum!!!

Many thanks

Sam

Oh Sam, I would never want you to feel deserted on these forums! There are many wonderful threads here, that
you would be so welcome to join in on. The weekly challenges are full of positive energy and support, and there is
another 4 wk. challenge that is due to begin next tuesday. Look for “july” somewhere in the title. This community is
full of wisdom. knowledge and generosity of spirit, and this thread has been taken in a very uncharacteristic, negative
direction, which I imagine is why no one is posting on it. I’m glad that you are still here…Please find a thread that
“speaks to you”, jump in, and become part of the community. I would love to follow your successes as you make the
journey with all of us 🙂 Negative personal remarks are unacceptable here, antithetical to what we are all about,
and clearly frowned upon by the moderators, as well. Fortunately, they are very rare! Hope to see you on another
thread. Any and all questions WELCOME!

Best,

Allie

Hi,
Were you dieting prior to starting on this Way of Eating? – If you were than you probably have already gone past the initial water loss stage which is when you see the large numbers for weight loss. Once you are down to your body focusing on burning fat then I understand you are looking at 3500 calories equalling 1lb weight loss.
You mention that you have been careful on what you eat, we might be able to give you specific help if you could share what with us your targets on carbs and cals. However in the mean time a few suggestions.
1. If you have been increasing exercise you may be increasing the amount of muscle. – Muscle takes up less space than the same weight of fat so your body may be changing shape even if the scales are not changing. Don’t just look for changes to waist and hips. Legs and arms could be changing, a number of us even ended up dropping a shoe size.
Secondly, fat loss isn’t linear. The body doesn’t empty one fat cell at a time, instead it takes a little fat from each cell in an area of fat cells replacing the fat with water. Each time it takes some fat out of that area of fat cells it ensures the cells are filled with water. – Only once all the fat has gone do the cells collapse and the water is released. – Search for the whoosh effect either on the forum or on the net. There have been times when my weight has fluctuated in a 3kg range thanks to some dramatic whooshes.
There can be all sorts of reasons for small changes in the readings of the scales, I noticed that my digital bathroom scales have a different reading if its raining outside to when its dry, and I even found out that a 5p rolling under the scales caused a rapid weight drop. Or even being basic, 0.2kg difference could easily be just the weight of a bulky meal in transit in your digestive system.
If you are keeping your carbs down enough to keep your insulin levels under control, and are eating less calories than you burn, then even if the scales are not showing a change you will be loosing fat.

Rebecca, I don’t know where you are going to find a 5 year old at this time of night !!!!!! Ha Ha ! Well done for abstaining from the alcohol, the days soon mount up. I wish I could say I have stayed low on the calories but had still lost a bit more this morning when I jumped on the scales. It must have been all the gardening I did yesterday. On the drinks front, I struggle with sweet and prefer tart so have made some concentrated lemon from fresh lemons with low cal. sweeter (only a bit) I then dilute with flat or fizzy water. You could always try a cafe frappe ?

Hi everyone…!
How is everyone getting on?! I’ve just finished day 4 within calories and no booze!! I’m so proud of myself!!! I am 4lbs down and feeling good. I’m sleeping better, well apart from a storm keeping me awake last night and feeling better already…! Had a bit of a headache tonight so think they are kicking in but have brought myself up to bed to sleep it off. Other than that I am feeling great – even went to the pub last night and stuck to tonic water..!!

My question is though, can anyone recommend flat drinks in the evening that are low calorie – I love my tonic but it’s bloating me out and squash makes me feel like a 5yr old!! I have a cup of peppermint tea before bed but it’s too warm to drink tea all evening… anyone for any suggestions?

Sending love to all,
Rebecca xxx

Help! Alliecat, TM, anyone,
Seems like this whole forum has up and left.

If anyone has some answers I would love your thoughts. I lost 3kg in the first week down to 79.1 then went up to 79.3 and stayed there for three days and today down to 78.9. Is the slow in weight loss the fluctuation normal. I have been really careful about my food and even increased my exercise.

Sam

My lame contribution, Kazz! Reach for the sky, low carbs in July!

Hedwig, after only two days I felt amazing energy wise and my BS were down to 6!!