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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 15

999 replies

thenewaveragebear1983 · 23/05/2019 07:34

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 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)
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 at 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.

Some useful links:

Previous thread

Blood Sugar Diet and Fast800 thread 14 http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/fasting_diet/3532374-blood-sugar-diet-and-fast800-thread-14

Meal planning ideas thread
Blood sugar diet recipe thread and menu planner 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:
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lasttimeround · 24/05/2019 07:56

Gosh thread is moving at speed. Thanks bear for the new one
I'm getting back into the zone. Managed a properly low carb day yesterday. Tho not low cal. Today going to do both. It gets so much easier once I clear the sugar our.
Well done on the losses. Purple I'm inspired. Nice graph star

Laughsandgiggles · 24/05/2019 08:44

I've lurked on the previous thread and find all the comments and info very inspirational.
Thought I'd share my weight loss journey.
I started the year at 14st4. I'm 5ft8 and goal weight about 10st7. I've now been sugar free since 2nd Jan (no idea how I've stuck to it 100%) and following BSD/low carb really.
It's been pretty life changing for me and this week has seen some pretty big achievements. I'm now down 3 stone and as of this morning into the 10 stone numbers. Wow!! Body measurements total 15 inches lost.
I'm still very amazed that I've stuck to this after failing numerous times before.
Hoping to keep motivated for these last few pounds so will be checking in regularly for all the good tips!!

PhoenixMama · 24/05/2019 10:40

Yay @Star!

@Macca I'm watching how you go with interest, very worried about going back to "normal"!

@Bear have an amazing holiday!

So I've looked back through my mfp this week and I think I know why I've gained. Not eating nearly enough protein. Like barely hitting half my alliance most days so I need to fix that! Hoping that will help with both the new hunger & the stalled weightloss.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 24/05/2019 11:24

Laughs that's a brilliant result, well done!

OP posts:
QRCode · 24/05/2019 15:15

Well done Star and laughs and absolutely mega-amazing loss purple!

Thinking about 'normal' weight, I was around 7st 7lbs at 18. I'd never been over 9st until I was pregnant at 29, but have seen 9st plenty of times since in the 20 odd years since then, and 10st too! My lowest in recent years has been 7st 13 about five years ago, but my mother kept telling me to eat more and in reality I think it was much too low even though I must have a small frame or light bones or something and hadn't tried particularly hard to get to that weight. Looking back at my MFP history, I was 56.5kg today which is very similar to my weight in May 2018 and May 2017. The weather here is glorious until the brutal summer heat kicks in, but that does mean that I spend more time in shorts and swimwear and am more self conscious than if I still lived in the UK.

Those going away, I hope you have a fabulous time. It's not half term here but we are having a mini-break the week after and school finishes 4 July so I'm not feeling too hard done by!

StarJasmine · 24/05/2019 21:02

Laughs wow well done that’s an amazing achievement. How does it feel now you’re on the home straight, does your initial goal weight seem right for you now you’re closer to it?

I’ve no idea what I’m like at a ‘normal’ weight, I’ve never been slim, always curvy & had an overweight BMI since late teens, size 12 when more toned and size 14 when less so - recent years that as expanded to a size 16 and well into the realms of obesity. I’ve set myself a target to get to a healthy BMI (

StarJasmine · 24/05/2019 21:14

W2D2
B: Porridge with raspberries and flaked almonds
L: Tuna and egg salad
D: Stilton soufflé omelette
788cals

Pleased at having a more successful work packed lunch today Smile

Am feeling much more energetic today and mentally clearer than I have been for a long time. Have even written a vague meal plan for the next few days, thinking ahead further than the next meal. Feeling very positive about it all.

Happy weekend everyone!

Blood sugar diet and Fast800 thread 15
Blood sugar diet and Fast800 thread 15
Blood sugar diet and Fast800 thread 15
Laughsandgiggles · 24/05/2019 21:26

@StarJasmine I set my goal weight as that's the weight I weighed 4 years ago and the lightest I've been in last 15 years probably. I lost 2 stone to get to that weight but have had a crap few years leading to putting it back on plus some. I knew that I needed to lose again but haven't been in the right frame of mind to do it till now.
I'm not really sure how to proceed once I've reached the goal. I've found it pretty easy, no cravings, not hungry, enjoying food again. I'm a bit scared if I start eating 'normally' again then I'll spiral the other way.
My main motivation was to fit into a certain jacket when I compete my horse.....hoping to wear it tomorrow. Eeek!!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 24/05/2019 21:27

Love the food photos star

I'm well over on calories today, but well under tdee so that's ok, plus around 60g carbs. I've done 25k steps (10k was my run).

OP posts:
Laughsandgiggles · 24/05/2019 21:34

Sorry @StarJasmine I didn't really answer the question.
It feels really good to be near my goal weight but also a bit scary for the reasons above. Im definitely more confident and not hiding behind baggy hoodies and hats. And I'm looking forward to a beach holiday in September instead of dreading it.
I could prob set a new goal of maybe 10 stone but I've already been asked twice if I'm ill by people Ive bumped into after not seeing for a while so I'm thinking I maybe don't want to lose too much more.

Feelingfortyisntfun · 24/05/2019 23:30

Hi well I tried to catch up on posts then realised I’m so far behind there is now a new thread..

Phoenix I meant to say thank you for sharing your reasoning (on the previous thread) for why you have arrived here. Amazing to have lost medication weight- I know how tough that can be. I’m also so sorry to hear about your friends.

I was motivated by you story and that you have come this far!

Feelingfortyisntfun · 24/05/2019 23:56

Mac I’m referring back to your post on the last thread too. It’s great if you’ve found a way to break free from the need to turn to food.

Your post made me think about whether low mood may be tackled. I’m pretty careful and know things like lack of sleep etc can lower the mood.

I have suffered this week with no sleep it’s an excuse but one I’m afraid I can’t do much about poorly child. It made me realise how much I use carbs to pick myself up.

Ah lnd your family should be supportive and well done for forewarning them.

Maccalenny · 25/05/2019 06:22

Laughs - amazing loss, wow well done!

Star - love your happy scale graph! It is really good to stop the worry about peaks and troughs isn’t it.

Maccalenny · 25/05/2019 06:26

I’ve changed my graph format as it was getting a bit unwieldy. So I’ve swapped to a format that shows weekly variation rather than daily weight....I really like it as a summary as it shows the highs and lows.

Blood sugar diet and Fast800 thread 15
Maccalenny · 25/05/2019 06:43

My 13-week summary:
Start: 16st 8.4
Week 1: 9.2lb loss
Week 2: 4.0lb loss
Week 3: 0.6lb loss
Week 4: 5.0lb loss
Week 5: 1.2lb loss
Week 6: 2.2lb loss
Week 7: 1.6lb loss
Week 8: 1.4lb loss
Week 9: 2.8lb loss
Week 10: 2.2lb loss
Week 11: 3lb loss
Week 12: 2.8lb loss
Week 13: 1.6lb
Total loss in 13 weeks: 37.6lb
Current weight: 13st12.8

I’ve felt a bit off-colour all week this week...nothing significant, but lethargic and hungry. So I’ve definitely eaten more than usual....grated cheese on meals, nuts as snacks. So not surprised to see a smaller loss, but it is a loss that brings me to 13-something rather than 14-something so I’m very very happy.
Half term this week...a bit scary as I won’t prep all my weeks meals at the weekend like I usually do....so I’m likely to be coming in at above 800 most days. I am going to aim for some exercise every day this week, and am going to write a ‘reasons to exercise’ type list as bear suggested. It frustrates me that I’ve found the change in way of eating relatively easy, but cannot seem to find the willpower to exercise. This has to change as I know how much more confidence it will give me.

whitehalleve · 25/05/2019 07:12

Just logging in to the new thread. Have been off plan for a week or two but sort of planned it that way. My weight has stayed steady so I'm getting back on plan now. All good. Smile

Lndnmummy · 25/05/2019 07:54

Hi everyone, macca your losses are jaw dropping. That new graph looks great too!
Phoenix, how are you doing?
Star, your photos looks great, I’m saving them for meal plan inspo!
Bear, I’m sorry your numbers weren’t what you wanted but you look incredible! Have a great holiday and make sure you take a moment to reflect on your achievements and how far you have come!
Laughs, that’s amazing results!

I’m over my binge and now back at 71.5, no loss this week but no gain either. I want the scales down to 60 something rather than 70 something so will keep pushing.
The low mood is interesting, I have had a tough week with bereavement, job interview and teething baby so no sleep. Hanging by a thread really. I do think it’s been harder as my normal crutches of carb and wine have not really been options. It’s made me realise that I have a pretty big issue with emotional eating. I hadn’t realised quite how much. I also had some blood work back and my ferritin is super low and my thyroid is under active so no wonder I have not been feeling great. Glad that it is uncovered so we can tackle it.

I have a question about macros. Would you guys mind sharing yours? I have put a max down of 50 carbs but I try to stay under 40.
Is that still too high? Do I need to go lower still? I’m feeling ok on 30-40 but under 30-20 I tend to struggle. Do any of you long timers have some wisdom to share?
Happy Bank holiday everyone!

StarJasmine · 25/05/2019 07:55

Macca yes I’m loving happy scale even at this early stage it makes a difference looking at the big picture. The weekly variation is really interesting. Thankyou for sharing it is really inspiring!

Next weekend I am away for 4 days/3 nights (Thurs midday-Sun eve) and will not be sticking to 800cal (or tracking at all) but aim to stick to low-carb med-style eating as far as practical, but not beat myself up about it. We’re staying in a hotel and food will all be eaten out - mostly chain places and the odd ‘gourmet’ food van. Does anyone have suggestions for things I can take with me to stash in the room/minifridge to help? I’m thinking some yoghurt for breakfast but that’s about it so far. I’m usually queen of the hotel-room picnic but it’s all carbalicious!

StarJasmine · 25/05/2019 08:02

Lndn hypothyroidism and low iron stores will be having a huge impact on how well you’re functioning overall, be kind to yourself about it. Were your vitamin D, B12 and folate checked as well? I’m a big fan of knowing my numbers and personalising my supplements, I paid to have blood tests done privately because the NHS ones won’t check the things I believe are important and I’m fortunate enough to be able to.

lasttimeround · 25/05/2019 08:16

Star I'm a fan of hard boiled eggs as a standby. If you dont mind sharing I'd love to know more about private blood tests. I'm tired a lot and wonder about my thyroid function. It gets tested and is above NHS levels but I wonder if I could do more.
Ldn we are in the same weight neighbourhood. I'm clawing my way down to under 70kg too.
The discussion of set weights is interesting. I also have weights I seem to set at. Although wonder if I see my weight in relation to those set points... hmm. Anyway managed a second proper low carb day yesterday. 900 cals 40g carbs. Feeling back on track. Here comes the weekend, although I dont think I see any derailing. I find it hard to stop with sugar do dont want to start even a little. Its taken 10 days to flush the last lot out and it felt rubbish

Lndnmummy · 25/05/2019 08:36

Star, that’s interesting! Yes they did check folate, b12 and vit d all normal but very much at the lower end of normal. Might be worth me having a google to explore this as all cut offs of what’s normal vary.

Lasttime that’s great we are in the same neighbourhood, I’m pretty short at 5.2 so I’m looking at just under 60 for my target. About 58kg or 8st9. That would leave me with a bmi in the mid range.

Lndnmummy · 25/05/2019 08:38

Star, id take some blueberries and some portions of cheddar cheese, and some reddish as I like the crunch.

PhoenixMama · 25/05/2019 09:03

Not weighing this weekend as I'm at a friend's but honestly I'm so bunged up I can only imagine the numbers! Was definitely over yesterday but trying not to think about it!

@star My go to at the moment is packs if cooked chicken - love Waitrose cooked chicken tikka. Half a pack is like 91 Cal's and perfect for a protein hit on the go!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 25/05/2019 09:29

LDN some people find it helpful to limit to 50g carbs a day, which is low but not super low (I think keto diets aim for 20g?) I tend to look at the overall percentage of total calories from the 3 macros, as logically if you have 50g carbs on 800 then 50g carbs on 1500 is a much lower percentage. My tracker yesterday showed that I had 1750 cals, 59g carbs (17%) which is quite low for me- I usually like to see 20% carbs, 40 % fat, 40% protein.

Blood sugar diet and Fast800 thread 15
OP posts:
Lndnmummy · 25/05/2019 09:40

Phoenix I hear you! Not sure if you saw the supplements I take when I struggle on the last thread. If not I’ll attach picture again. Enjoy your time at your friends house!
Bear thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.

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