The ups and downs of week two

We are well into week two of our fast 800 journey and I would like to reassure our readers that we are both still alive and kicking (should you have been at all concerned). I should probably really say Ross’s fast 800 journey as I seem to have strayed somewhat from the plan. As my BMI hit the bottom end of healthy by last Sunday, I was freed from calorie counting and regranted access to carbohydrates. Dangerous business. However, with my Dad coming up to visit for a few days, this was perfect timing. It meant that we could go out for dinner and enjoy ourselves without me having to worry too much what I was eating… I did try to be good, opting for Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs on our breakfast out; nevertheless, this soon deteriorated into Hot Chocolates and Beer Battered Fish and Chips by the evening.

Refillable Hot Chocolate (naughty)

Now I talked previously about getting to a wonderful stage of the diet where we no longer felt particularly hungry, nor did we crave carbohydrate-heavy food… Unfortunately, as soon as I ate my first piece of bread at the beginning of this week, I was hooked. I cannot believe how powerful the carb cravings were! Moreover, every carb I consumed felt like a clandestine operation. It was like I was in fear of getting found out. I tried my best to make sensible choices. I went for the whole-wheat roll in Sainsburys. Only to find out that I had accidently selected an olive roll instead once I had returned to my desk. I hate olives. I felt a pang of guilt as I swapped my olive ridden roll for a white one.

I’ve known for a long time that I am an ‘all or nothing’ kind of person. The first week was okay as the diet was so regimented and there were strict rules. A little freedom and I faltered. Ross, on the other hand, has stuck religiously to the game and is seeing the results. He has regained access to a new section of clothing in his wardrobe, is feeling full after small portions and is continuing to see his weight drop, although a little slower this week. He has finally given into Fitbit’s relentless marketing and purchased their Aria 2 scales which also measure your body fat percentage. I tested them out a little nervously on our wet bathroom floor (they use an electric current to measure your body fat). Your data then uploads automatically to the app. Whilst the weight measurement seems to be the same as the one offered by our £10 scales from ALDI, the body fat will be an interesting statistic to monitor.  

Raspberries and Porridge (fast 800 material)

We are both very much looking forward to this Sunday, when we will be attending a Sushi making course at YO! Sushi which was part of my Christmas present to Ross. This will be the first real carbohydrates Ross will have eaten since the beginning of the diet, although he assures me that he will be trying to eat more of the fish than the rice. We will be checking whether or not this takes him out of ketosis. It will be a shame to break the pattern, but this has been a long-awaited treat and well… sushi. What other reasons could you need? I am certain that there are worse things you might choose to gorge yourself on.  

Turkey Meatballs! (also fast 800 material) Corn on the cob was a cheeky addition to this dish.

As far as I am concerned, once all sushi has been duly demolished, I am going to aim for a completely carbohydrate free week again, although I will not restrict myself to 800 calories for fear of disappearing out of existence. Like I said, it really is all or nothing for me. If I am clear on my purpose and set my own rules, I can apply myself. Whereas if I am not clear about my objectives, I know that some carbs will equal all the carbs I can possible get my hands on! This means I need to be super strict with myself for a little longer!