Cambridge Diet / 1:1 diet, anyone? 2020 targets?

[MrsHufflepuf]

Hi all, does anybody want to buddy up through weight loss journey? I'm feeling really positive. I have 6 stone to loose in order to qualify for any fertility treatment.

I'm on sole source, step one. Sticking to shakes this week. Might have some "meals" next week. Might treat myself to a bar next month.

I feel like the bars could be a slippery slope
for me... I prefer cutting all solids out.

Yes I know, not the healthiest diet long term.. I have no intention of gaining it all back. It's not for everybody, please be nice :) I need a kick start.

Can anyone talk to me about periods? I've been doing this for two months and I've lost 2 st and 2lbs. I am extremely strict and literally never cheat, but this week I put on 2 and a half lbs! I am so sad. The only thing I can think is that yesterday I came on. Has anyone experienced this?

@TheTravellingLemon

Can anyone talk to me about periods? I've been doing this for two months and I've lost 2 st and 2lbs. I am extremely strict and literally never cheat, but this week I put on 2 and a half lbs! I am so sad. The only thing I can think is that yesterday I came on. Has anyone experienced this?

I used to experience severe fluid retention, just before - and the first 2/3 days of my period. I would often go up a clothes size, even my shoes would feel tight! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, would ease it. I am now on HRT, I have a monthly bleed - but not as heavy as my natural periods were, still feel a little bloated but not as I did on my “normal” periods.

I am now experiencing a different issue. The menopause / rewarding myself with wine and nice food when fed up / lockdown / lack of exercise has contributed to huge weight gain.
Of course, I have only myself to blame - I have been in denial really.
I weighed myself this morning, the heaviest I have ever been in my life - I am 14 stone 1lb.
I have 4 stone to lose 😬

I tried the Cambridge diet back in 2009. I was 13.5st when I started, I lost almost 4 stone in 5 months.
I found it relatively easy - the fast weight loss was a huge motivation to continue. I felt irritable for the first four days, by day five I felt rejuvenated! After the first few weeks, I looked / felt different. My skin was glowing (all that water and no alcohol).

I kept the weight off for five years. Not by staying on any Cambridge plan, but by eating a low fat / high fibre diet, walking lots and treating myself to a few glasses of wine only once a week. I would eat pizza or a chinese as a treat a few times a month. Looking back, I was the healthiest I had ever been in my life. My social life was good - I didn’t feel deprived of anything at the time.

The last six years, I have allowed myself to put it all back on (and an extra 8lbs). My food / drink choices have been appalling!

I am now trying The Cambridge Plan again - from today. I am hoping second time around will be just as successful, though I have heard many people say - they could only do it once.
I am attempting this as a fast track to get the initial bulk off. If I can manage that - I know I will then need to make much healthier choices and exercise regularly.
I am nearly 52 years old - I also realise that I can’t drink wine like a 30 year old. I swear that one glass now adds a pound to my thighs / hips!
It’s sad, but I think wine will only be an occasional treat in the future.

I am going hardcore on the plan from today. Three products a day, and 2.5 litres of water throughout the day.
I am allowing myself one cup of black coffee each morning.
I have no social events planned - so don’t need to worry about eating out.

Good luck to everyone else on here who is trying this diet x

Good luck with the plan Winter1981. I too am doing it a second time round (well a few minor attempts over the last couple of years) but my head wasn’t in it and so wasn’t successful. I am going hardcore again 3 products and a ton of water plus a few coffees throughout the day. Day 4 and 6lb off so giving me incentive to keep going. I find it a lot easier after the first few days. I just don’t crave food or feel hungry so a lot easier to get through the day. I have always used food as my comfort so really need to find a different comfort once I’ve got to my target weight (2 stone to lose to get me to a healthy bmi of 25). My aim is to be at target by end sept.
Sarah

Hi Sarah

6lbs already! Fantastic.
It’s great when you get past those initial few days, and lose your appetite.
I found (last time), that it I forgot to keep my water intake up, I would feel snappy and cravings would kick in.
I will try my best to keep at this, and do it properly. I look forward to getting some energy back, and being able to fit in to my nice clothes,

Well done and good luck x

@Winter1981

Hi Sarah

6lbs already! Fantastic.
It’s great when you get past those initial few days, and lose your appetite.
I found (last time), that it I forgot to keep my water intake up, I would feel snappy and cravings would kick in.
I will try my best to keep at this, and do it properly. I look forward to getting some energy back, and being able to fit in to my nice clothes,

Well done and good luck x

Good luck to you too. Remember it doesn’t take long to start feeling really good again with the returning surge of energy. Hope it goes well for you

Great to see all the new people on here! I have gone up to Step 3 now that I have lost enough weight where exercise doesn't feel impossible. Lost 2lbs last week.

I started jogging doing Couch to 5k, which was great as part of my 8 mile walks. I have only ever jogged once or twice but always preferred walking or cycling, but it was great. I was tentative at first worrying about pushing myself too much, but after feeling the initial weeks were too easy I have skipped to the last few weeks and even jogged for 15 mins straight with no issues (well... except for it being a very slow jog...).

So feeling good about going up some steps. It means I can still enjoy a meal with family and have enough energy for / after exercising.

Week 1 - 9lbs
Week 2 - 3lbs
Week 3 - 2lbs
Week 4 - 2lbs
Week 5 - 3lbs
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Week 7 - 3lbs
Week 8 - 1lbs
Week 9 - 2lbs
Week 10 - 2lbs

Hi everyone,
I started today, met with my consultant this afternoon. I had porridge this morning before meeting her and getting my products. This blog has been so helpful already. I binge read all the posts over the weekend to help me prepare, so a big thank you!

My youngest daughter is almost 3 and I need to lose 2 stone of lingering baby weight that I have hung onto, she didn't sleep through the night until she was almost 2 and a half so sugar and convenience food was my go to.

For lunch I had the salted caramel bites and dinner was a banana shake with lots of ice in the blender. It was lovely and I have enjoyed both products more than I thought I would. I had images of wretching whilst drinking the shakes but was so good, the games our minds can play on us!

I am doing step 1 with 3 products, managing to drink 6-8 pints of water, started doing this Saturday to get into the swing of it. I might ask my consultant for some fibre powder to add to the shakes, sometimes when I change diet I can get constipated and want to avoid this as much as possible. Has anyone experienced this at all in the first week or 2?

I am strangely looking forward to the weeks ahead. I have previously lost and maintained with slimming world but since having my daughter it hasn't worked at all. Initially I worried that this diet was shakes and packets for life but quickly learnt the philosophy behind the steps and my consultant seems amazing.

Onwards and downwards as they say! Really looking forward to being part of the group.

Vicky xx

Hi all! Hope you don't mind me jumping on this thread. I'm about to meet my consultant for the first time this afternoon.

I did Cambridge about 8 years ago and managed to lose around 4 stone but have since put it back on (plus the rest!). I need to get my BMI below 35 in order to have IVF and this seems like the best way to proceed. I've lost two stone on my own but it's now starting to slow down so I'd like to get back in the swing of things.

I used to just have the shakes but there seems to be way more options now! I'm going straight for step 1b, but was wondering if anyone recommended any of the savoury meals? Thanks!

I am now on day four, and at last I am in ketosis! It’s such a great feeling when you get there, no hunger pangs and I also feel more alert.
The first three days were not easy, as I experienced headaches (carb withdrawal I think), drinking plenty of water helped the hunger pangs.
Another great side effective (in this weather) if ketosis is feeling much cooler. I am experiencing cold hands and a the offer shudder of coldness. It actually feels very pleasant!

Constipation is a common issue on this diet, it’s a problem for me at the best of times. I have to take senna (though not every day). Taking it a couple of times a week seems to work for me.

Good luck everyone x

Sorry for typos.
Must read before I press send 🤪

Hope everyone is going strong! Lost 3lbs this week, which is a very pleasant surprise. I thought having gone to Step 3 weight would have started to sneak back on but kept resilient and kept up with exercises.

@Winter1981 Glad to hear you got through the ketosis stage! Those first few days can be rough - but the weight loss will definitely pay off.

@BananaHammock23 Way to go in already losing 2 stones! In terms of savoury meals. I use to like the macaroni and cheese and pesto pasta... but I think that was because I was craving pasta... Now I think they taste vile. For me the soups and porridge (although sweet) are the only ones that hold up well.

Week 1 - 9lbs
Week 2 - 3lbs
Week 3 - 2lbs
Week 4 - 2lbs
Week 5 - 3lbs
Week 6 - 3lbs
Week 7 - 3lbs
Week 8 - 1lbs
Week 9 - 2lbs
Week 10 - 2lbs
Week 11 - 3lbs

Thanks @iSushi – well done! I'm on day 4 of step 1b and it's been a struggle! Yesterday I was so hungry I went to step 2 and had chicken for dinner. I couldn't resist getting on the scales this morning... I've lost half a stone!! I've done juice cleanses in the past and haven't had that result in 4 days (with one move to step 2) so really pleased.

I like the mac and cheese, but i add paprika and chilli flakes to make it yummy! I also like the curry but that's about it.

BIG NEWS! I am currently wearing size 12 jeans!!!! I cant breathe and I have broken every fingernail trying to do them up, but they're on!!!

I have lost 2 and a half stone in 2 and a half months so far. Another 2 and a half to go! There seems to be a theme

@BananaHammock23 Way to go! And I think that is a good attitude to have. Better to have a controlled break rather than being unhappy or suddenly binge eating. Whatever keeps you on track!

@TheTravellingLemon That is amazing news! Congrats! That is a great feeling. I am also getting to the point now where I am finally beginning to fit into smaller clothes.

Made me realise how tight I had let my other clothes get when I was at my heaviest...

Day 5 today and weighed with my consultant 5lb off! Chuffed as stuck to step 1b, and I'm due on next week. Hated the soups so won't be having them again. Love the breakfast smoothie. Day 3 was the worst day for feeling hungry but slowly getting easier.

Can I join? I’ve just started this week and am on day 3 now of TDR. Really hoping something kicks in soon and I stop being hungry!!

Hi @JupiterBelle the hunger feeling does pass. Day 3 was the worst day for me for that but much better today (day 5) and the loss on the scales is a massive motivation.

Hi @LostAndFound101 thank you! As much as I’d love nothing more than to eat something tasty I’m hoping the long term goals will pay off! Have you got a set target?

@JupiterBelle I have been doing step 1b but a couple of days I have had a 200kcal meal (step 2) which helped. I'm due my time of the month in a couple of days so have had fish and brocoli for dinner tonight. I have weighed every last inch! I have 2 stone to lose. Really want it gone by the time my youngest is 3 on the 4th October. Looking back on photos there are so many I've not been in because I've not felt comfortable. Can't wait to take more with my lovely girls.

Had my first weigh in yesterday (after 7 days). I have lost 5lbs.
I know I should be thrilled with losing 5lb in a week, but I did lose 7lb on my first weigh in, last time I done this diet.
Husband suggested that I may be retaining a bit of fluid, and not to be too disappointed. I guess he could be right really.
I don’t feel at all hungry, but I do need to move a bit more - and just remember to drink plenty of water over the day.
I am definitely in ketosis, as no hunger, and a strange sweet taste in my mouth. Sadly, no chills (which I have frequently experienced when in ketosis), as I am boiling hot!

@winter1981 That is a great loss! Congrats!

I know it can be disheartening when you do not get the loss you hoped for... But as long as you are going in the right direction. There will be other weeks ahead where you may be tempted to feel down when weight loss slows... In someways it might be better to get that out of the way in the first week.

Also the first week usually gives a false impression of weight loss when you lose a lot of water weight. As long as you lose 2lbs a week the you are on track! Anything more is a bonus.

Thanks iSushi

I should be pleased with 5lbs. I thought being heavier this time - I may lose more in my first week!
You are right of course, 2lb a week would be fantastic.

I have a friend who lost 12lb in her first week on this diet! She did have quite a bit to lose, and it did level off to a more realistic loss, she lost 6 stone in all! She has managed to keep it off, and has replaced the Cambridge plan with healthy eating and exercise. She still treats herself, but not with pizza and wine every night!
She looks fantastic - and had even reversed her type 2 diabetes. It was her diagnosis of diabetes, that led her to a vlcd.

@winter1981 Glad to hear it worked for your friend!

It is hard, but try not to compare yourself to others. People who have more to lose and a carb heavy diet before starting will lose weight quicker (mainly water weight). Or if you have been feeling constipated, etc. then that may also have an impact.

See how you feel after the first month!

Hi, not sure if 1:1 is working for me. Started last Monday 12st 11 (having lost 10 lbs on low-cal diet prev 3 weeks).
My own scales show slow reduction, maybe 2 or 3 lbs. I was expecting a better drop and to feel better after 7 days as I’m sticking to it strictly and drinking water. Consultant weighing me on Wed am. 🤞

@Presidentmr I didn't show a loss on my own scales until a couple of days before my weigh in with my consultant, which was a 5lb loss for my first week but was weighed on day 5 due to my consultant wanting to check in with me. I'm day 14 today and lost 10lb in total now, which I'm really pleased with. Not waking up hungry anymore and starting to feel like I have more energy.

I plan to do step 1 for another couple of weeks then move to step 2. I've learnt so much about my relationship with food already, portion sizes being too big and too many carbs. Really excited about moving up the steps and having a lower carb diet as a lifestyle. Good luck for Wednesday. Keep drinking lots of water.