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Fasting / 5:2 diet

Talk about intermittent fasting and 5:2, including what’s worked for others. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Blood Sugar Diet and Fast800 thread 14

999 replies

thenewaveragebear1983 · 13/03/2019 19:48

Here’s the new thread for the BSD followers, plus those following the Fast800 plan. Everyone is welcome to join us. Here’s a quick recap!

The BSD/fast 800 is a low carb, Mediterranean style way of eating, with the primary aim of stabilising your insulin response when you eat. You achieve this by: eating fewer carbs, cutting out sugar and sweet tasting foods including most fruit, and by following a low calorie plan that reduces your visceral fat meaning that everything functions more effectively. Less insulin means less fat storage (in a nutshell, although more info can be found on this online). The blood sugar diet was designed to reduce T2 diabetes symptoms (or even reverse it entirely) but can also be used for weightloss.

Eat:
Meats and fish
Oils
Eggs
Full fat dairy products
Nuts, seeds
Pulses/ beans
Veg that grows above ground
Limit fruit: apples, pears, berries- in moderation, with meals, with fats

Occasional alcoholic drinks allowed (spirits, red wine are preferable to beer, lager, etc) although alcohol is calorie heavy and can influence your appetite
Tea and coffee, herbal tea etc.
And water- drink lots of water!

Avoid
sugar, sweets, and ‘naturally occurring sugars’ such as fructose, maltose, honey, agave, puréed dates etc....

Potatoes of any variety
Pasta
Rice
Breakfast cereals (occasional steel cut oats are ok)
Breads/ flour based products

Exercise:
Michael Moseley recommends HIIT workouts to increase calorie burn and help to tone up, and recommends walking more (increasing your steps weekly until you hit around 10000 a day)

Mindfulness
MM also suggests a programme of mindfulness, meditation, practised for a few minutes each day.

How to follow the plan:
Fast800: follow the plan above, sticking to 800 calories every day for 2 weeks. Ideal to give your weightloss a real kick start, plus improve your insulin function and reduce your sugar cravings.
8 weeks BSD- 8 weeks, follow the guidelines above- 800 calories a day. You don’t need to count carbs grams because the diet is naturally self limiting.
BSD 5:2- for a more leisurely weightloss journey, or as maintenance, or once you’ve done an 8 week stint or 2 weeks of Fast800, you can play around with a combination of increased calorie count, ‘free eating’ and fasting days (800 cals) until you achieve your goals. Many of our long standing members now follow this approach.

You can stop 800 calorie days at any time once you achieve your goal. It’s advised to limit yourself to 12 weeks maximum of 800 calorie days, but you should get excellent results in 8 weeks. Depending on your weightloss goals, you can do further ‘rounds’ of either the 8 week BSD or the Fast800. We recommend you take your measurements before you begin, not just your weight. A target pair of jeans in a smaller size or even a photography or two can be very motivating!

Some useful links:

previous thread

meal planning thread

<a class="break-all" href="http://go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=healthyeater.com/important-tool-weight-loss" target="_blank">TDEE calculator to calculate your daily calorie requirement

information about the ‘whoosh’ phenomenon

OP posts:
Thread gallery
36
Maccalenny · 27/03/2019 18:47

That looks really good - added to my list of things to make.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 27/03/2019 19:43

Ended the day on 990 cals, 68g carbs. 15k Steps, no run today. Really lovely food today, all vegetarian too.

OP posts:
lasttimeround · 28/03/2019 08:06

Bear wow I'm finding it really helpful to see someone on a board who lost the weight and kept it off - plus sounds like a big lifestyle change on the fitness front. Well done. Helps with the voice in the back of my mind that keeps saying it's pointless.

I went out yesterday but with dh who is a nice partner for things like this. Was really easy. Fish restaurant so lots of choice. Next week I'm out with 2 friends and expect social pressure to indulge , as well as being 2 weeks in and so less motivated. Will have to think about what to do.
Hope you're all doing well

Maccalenny · 28/03/2019 19:11

My food today - all pre-prepared so only reheating required!
B - Red Dragon pie - fab veggie dish with aduki beans. Celeriac mash...forgotten how nice it is.
L - crustless veg quiche.
D - cauli and broccoli cheesy soup.
Just over 800 cals. No hunger at all.
Ive started tracking steps...only about.8000 today, which included a quick walk round the block when i got home to up it a bit. Had two long meetings at work so less walking round than usual.

Kayleidogyn · 28/03/2019 19:24

I just got the book delivered & think this is the way for me to shift the weight I've regained.

I'm aiming to start on Monday. My real problem is & will be knowing what to eat & planning it, so I'll be checking your posts.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 28/03/2019 20:57

Non fast day today, so ending on about 1400 cals, 60 g carbs, 24k steps (which included a 5km run and an hour of circuits). I had promised myself a post workout treat (close your ears if you're very sensitive, but my treat was to be a frozen mars bar and a mug of hot milk!) but do you know, I don't even want it. How bizarre!

I've really enjoyed eating more vege stuff the last few days, I've had a small piece of chicken for dinner but that the only meat I've eaten in two days and it's substantially less than normal. Tomorrow I have planned to have a halloumi salad for lunch and fish for dinner and should come in under 1000 even with the inevitable Friday night glass of red.

I got two recipe books from the library today, Levi roots Caribbean for beginners and Jamie Oliver's America book. A brief skip through the Levi roots and it's got some really nice looking spicy lamb and chicken dishes so I can't wait to try some next week!

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PhoenixMama · 29/03/2019 10:50

@newaverage Love the idea of borrowing cookbooks from the library - never thought of that!

10 days in and down a stone! So very happy! Hoping I can keep it up this weekend!

Seawig · 29/03/2019 17:17

Still going here. Plateau again but lots of stress going on around me and not great sleep so I feel positive about staying with the plan and giving it time.

Tried the oat pancakes as a treat lunch today. Awesome with fruit and natural yoghurt and nicely filling.

Cauli cheese tonight as I missed having veg at lunch! Before this plan I'd easily go a day without veg without realising it - porridge for breakfast with fruit, sandwich for lunch with a tiny bit of lettuce and then pizza or curry for dinner without much veg.

Maccalenny · 29/03/2019 18:55

kayleidogyn - planning is definitely key. If you know what you plan to eat and when each day, it is easier to keep on track for sure. Good luck!

phoenixmama - how fantastic - well done.

seawig - hope the stress reduces soon and you get better sleep - so hard to stay motivated when you are short on sleep. I get so grumpy and just want to stuff myself on carbs. Its great you are sticking with it.

bear - why a frozen mars bar? I always think the fact that it melts in your mouth is the best bit, and it being frozen would surely spoil that. Kind of wishing i had not started thinking about mars bars now....

Maccalenny · 29/03/2019 19:01

I also had not thought of borrowing cookery books from the library. I tend to buy them on impulse, from Amazon or The Works, but never really get round to using them so they go to a charity shop a few months later. Ive made a big effort not to buy any more now, and tend to just use google or pinterest for ideas. Im not much of a cook, no good at improvising, so i do need a decent recipe to follow. So borrowing from the library sounds like a great idea to me.

lasttimeround · 29/03/2019 19:10

Nice to hear do many of us doing really well. I hope stress eases soon seawig. I'm having a good first week which is such a surprise. Maybe my supplements and pinches of extra salt kept the carb flu away.
I'm even getting used to smaller meals and feel my confidence growing.
Have a good weekend x

thenewaveragebear1983 · 29/03/2019 19:28

Macca it melts in the hot milk when you dunk it! Grin

(No, no, no, step away from the mars bar! not bsd friendly! I didn't have it anyway, it's still in the freezer, for now)

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Maccalenny · 30/03/2019 06:59

bear thats amazing. If i ever get to being ‘healthy’ instead overweight (one day) and obese (currently) i’m having that!

last congratulations on having a good first week - definitely tough till your body and mind get used to the smaller portions. The salt does seem to help the carb withdrawal.

Maccalenny · 30/03/2019 07:14

Five weeks completed for me! I had intended to start to move towards tdee at weekends, or at least saturdays, whilst keeping 800 through the week. But im really happy doing what im doing and so have decided to stick with 800 for the next two weeks. It will then be the easter holidays and my first real challenge....no, not the chocolate, i can cope with that....i will have visitors staying for the first week, with lots of family days out. That week, i intend to remain Mediterranean and good carb only, but won’t count. I will then have a week when the kids are away, so I can get back on track and refocus. That will take me to 8 weeks, and I will consider again how I want to continue. I’ve got lots to lose, so may push on for a further month, or May relax the calorie count at weekends.

Maccalenny · 30/03/2019 07:35

In five weeks I have lost 20lbs, and 4 inches from my waist.

I have gained or regained:
-An interest in cooking and trying different ingredients
-My love of beans and lentils
-A set of decent non-stick pans and a griddle pan - never had one before and will be trying it with an aubergine later!
-A passion for adding fresh herbs to everything. My kitchen windowsill is crammed and the herb garden outside is waking up. Also growing cress, cut and come again lettuce, and have sown some perpetual spinach.
-a love of black coffee - I would not have believed that I could give up my milky tea, but I’ve only had two or three cups in the whole five weeks.
-self-respect....not being controlled by food is a great feeling!

So overall a good five weeks!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 30/03/2019 07:55

StarThat's amazing macca. I love your outlook too- this diet is so much more than just eating less food, and look at all those lifestyle changes you've made. Those are what will keep the weight off for you. There's always going to be times when the plan doesn't or can't happen, but keeping those healthy behaviours going is what will carry you through.

Easter holidays will he hard for me too, for multiple reasons. Kids off, which means I find it harder to exercise; we're going to Italy for 3 days which is long enough to rediscover the taste of bread and pasta; my kitchen is being done from the 15th so potentially stress/mess/no cooking combined; and the obvious addition of chocolate eggs. I've already bought the kids ones and asked family not to get them any. Dh and I usually get a posh one between us to share but I'm considering not doing that this year!

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lasttimeround · 30/03/2019 09:33

Amazing progress macca on both fronts. I like the non scale stuff too. I'm trying to join you in discovering coffee and tea without milk...might be slow progress.

Bear- I was in Rome once and low carving. Just work and a weekend so not long but I discovered Rome is famous for offal - which I love. Might not be your thing but some regions have amazing meat or veg specialties worth looking for (I find general Italian meat secondi uninspiring). So although I had a little pasta and gelato having tempting other options prevented it becoming a carb fest..

lasttimeround · 30/03/2019 09:34

Or even low carbing

thenewaveragebear1983 · 30/03/2019 10:02

Thanks lasttime, I'm sure even if I do indulge it can't be too bad for 3 days famous last words. We're going with dh's work so lots of activities planned. A cooking school and various black tie evening things, and wine tasting at a castle. Pasta is the least of my concerns really isn't it!? I am taking my running kit at least!

Pleased to step on the scales and weigh in at 10.2.8 which is about half a pound off, but last night we drank wine and ate steak so I expected a gain. Considering I'm due on in 5 days so normally would be eating everything in sight and going carb crazy, I'm pleased with that. It really helps to motivate me through the weekend.

Celebrating Mother's Day today as tomorrow Dh has plans so we're off for coffee at a local posh garden centre. My darling children will no doubt behave impeccably as they choose me an incredibly thoughtful gift.....

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lasttimeround · 30/03/2019 13:33

I didnt read closely enough - I thought you were going for all or a week of the Easter holiday not 3 days. (But offal in Rome was bloody gorgeous.)

lasttimeround · 30/03/2019 19:58

Final day of week 1. It's been a great start. I even have a chart

Blood Sugar Diet and Fast800 thread 14
thenewaveragebear1983 · 30/03/2019 20:43

Last oooh I do love a bit of data!
Italy only 3 days, but I could do a lot of damage in 3 days!

I have been an absolute piggy today, No joke. Sometimes it's good to have a proper blow out though, so I'm not feeling guilty. Back on it tomorrow!

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Maccalenny · 31/03/2019 07:17

last love the chart! A chart is always good - and shows a really consistent week. Are you weighing? Hope that has gone well too if so.

bear - hope the blowout was delicious! If you are going to do it, make it worth doing!

So....mother’s day! As I’m a single mum, it’s as big or small a day as I choose to make it really as the kids tend to forget. Today we are going to ikea, which is about the only place my ds(aged17) and dd (13) both enjoy and don’t complain about going to! So lunch will probably be meatballs, mash, gravy, peas, and maybe even lingonberry stuff. My first non-bsd meal in just over five weeks...feeling a bit nervous! Hopefully not too much wheat in the meatballs so I don’t get stomachache for the afternoon.
Mother’s Day is starting to feel a bit bittersweet for me, as my kids grow up. I’m really aware that next year will be my last one with ds still full- time at home, as he will be off to uni after that. Where do the years go?

PhoenixMama · 31/03/2019 09:57

@Macca I'm a single mum too but I don't have dd today, it's tough isn't it. Very jealous of your Ikea trip, lol, reckon it should be quiet too!

@bear - I love how you're always straight back on it, it's a great reminder!

@Last - love a chart!

I have some new stats for me too! Today is day 14 but I have time to measure so took my measurements today instead of forgetting tomorrow! Here's how I've done in 2 weeks!

Weight Lost: 15lbs!!
Waist: 3.5 inches
Hips: 1 inch
Belly: 3 inches
Bust: 3.5 inches (typical!)
Chest: 2.5 inches
Upper Thigh: 1 inch
Bicep: 0.5 inch

Total: 15 inches!

Super chuffed and can't wait to see what happens over the next 6-8 weeks. I'm pretty sure my weightloss will slow down in the next few weeks but if I can lose 3lbs a week I'll be happy. 20lbs to my lowest in 10 years and 32lbs to my goal weight. I would love to feel happy and confident enough to wear a bikini this summer so keeping that (and a new wardrobe!) in mind!

Maccalenny · 31/03/2019 15:56

phoenixmama what a brilliant set of numbers! Amazing in only two weeks - well done! Ikea was nice and quiet and we had a good time. Hope you are getting through the day ok and will have a chance to do mother’s day with your dd another day? I’ve started to do that with my mum [i know it’s different as adults, but same sort of thing] - as she lives a way away, we try to meet at Easter and do some mothery things then. On the days when my kids have not been with me for mother’s day we’ve done something the week before or after - still nice but hard on the actual day.....which was a long and waffley way of saying hope you are ok.