Cambridge Diet part II

[MrsTine]

This is a continuation of the thread started HERE (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=407386) by llh189 which has been closed due to the length of it :)

Enjoy!

MrsT

[(Land of) Maz]

(oh dear!!! do you think we talk too much!!!)

What i think we should do is have a nice bit of opening blurb.....

something like

Hellooooo! and welcome to the first page of a brand new thread about the Cambridge Diet, this thread is for questions, advice and general chit chat about Cambridge and occaisionally other nonsense...

We don't claim to know everything, if you have a serious question re Cambridge it might be an idea to speak to your cambridge counseller, and the advice we give is our opinions and experience acquired through trial and error.........

Begin by telling us a bit about yourself and where you are on your Cambridge journey, where you want to get to.......

If you're not doing CD yet, but just thinking about it, this is a great thread for getting questions answered honestly and not just getting the Cambridge stock answer....




What d'you guys think? Tell me anything you think should be added or taken away, and correct my spelling grammar too! lol!!

I'll edit the post with anything, and after a day or two i'll remove the non relevent stuff..........

[Duncan0808]

Sounds good to me Maz, told you before you should become a CDC.

[(Land of) Maz]

Sounds good to me Maz, told you before you should become a CDC.


So Sue - tell us a bit about yourself!!!


Me - i'm Maz, 35 years old... doing CD since mid january, lost 55lbs to date, am not always 100% so i know i could have lost more in the time but i made choice between sticking CD 100% for about 3 weeks before i killed someone, or letting myself live a little and sticking on it for the longer term!
*Starting weight 16stone 8lbs, pre CD, lost 5lbs with cutting out carbs prior to first weigh in....so starting weight on CD was 16st 3lbs....
*current weight 12st 4lbs.
*target weight, was 12stone, now considering 10st 5.5lbs but will stop sooner if i think i need to....
*Fave CD products, chocolate tetras, choc shakes and that's about it really...
*Exercise... well i like exercise, i think it's a substitute for sex TBH! i'm a keen, if not very good runner, train 3miles twice a week and 1 long run at the weekend about 6 miles... my running has improved since starting CD and i do manage the runs without the extra fuel... but then i was doing it before i started, they recommend you don't begin any mad training plans at the same time as you commence CD... I also go to the gym at least once a week, and swim once a week, again old habit from preCD days... heaven knows how i wasn't losing weight before... well actually it was obviously a food problem... but i couldn't see it!

[Duncan0808]

Feel like I'm at AA.

I'm Sue, 40 years old, on my 7th CD week.
Started out at 14 st 5, down to 13st 2, but did have two disastrous weeks off!
Back on track with a vengance now though
Havent got a target weight but would like to be 11st something before my hols, 9 weeks today, Wahay!!!
Next target to get below 13st, havent been lower than that for as long as I can remember, probably 10 years or so.

Find CD pretty hard going, too easy to give in to temptation but find that bribery and corruption is keeping me on track:rotfl:

For exercise walk our gorgeous boxer dog, Big Dunc, and trying to complete a running program;)

I've just had someone come in with a cake list for tomorrow, thats 2 this week I've turned down - just see how good a CDer I am:T

[(Land of) Maz]

Feel like I'm at AA.

I'm Sue, 40 years old, on my 7th CD week.
Started out at 14 st 5, down to 13st 2, but did have two disastrous weeks off!
Back on track with a vengance now though
Havent got a target weight but would like to be 11st something before my hols, 9 weeks today, Wahay!!!
Next target to get below 13st, havent been lower than that for as long as I can remember, probably 10 years or so.

Find CD pretty hard going, too easy to give in to temptation but find that bribery and corruption is keeping me on track:rotfl:

For exercise walk our gorgeous boxer dog, Big Dunc, and trying to complete a running program;)

I've just had someone come in with a cake list for tomorrow, thats 2 this week I've turned down - just see how good a CDer I am:T

AA - you make me larf!

I've added in my exercise bit as well... copying you!

[Duncan0808]

mmmm......feeling a little hungry now, and I have to take DS swimming straight from work, won't get in until around 8.30pm Wonder if I have left a spare tetra in the fridge, will have to have a look.

Can't eat, can't eat, will cost me lots of ££££'s

Do you know, now I've written it down don't feel so bad!!

[postingalwaysposting]

So does anyone think it was the bars :confused: Shall I just cheat now? See no point in keeping drinking the shakes if it will take me 4 days to get back into ketosis.

[Duncan0808]

I've just gone through my chart, do you know out of 53 days, I've only managed to complete 25, 100%.

Isn't that really crap. No wonder my losses are so awful.

I will have to up the ante,
I Sue, will promise faithfully to stick 100% to the end of the day on Friday 22nd May. Otherwise I will pay my diet buddies £ for Every time I cheat.

There you go, have to be good now;)

[Duncan0808]

Hi Pap, I don't really get on with the bars, they don't leave me feeling as satisfied as the drinks do. In fact on Sunday when I had my little blip, I had had a bar. Maybe that had something to do with it, now I come to think of it.

They seem to leave me wanting something else, where as the drinks do make you feel full. Even if you would still like to eat something. I have about 4 left and will probably swap them.

Don't you dare cheat, once you have been in ketosis, if you have only just slipped out of it it will only take you a little while to get back into it, it wont take another 4 days.

If you cheat you will end up like me with my crappy 25 days out of 53 and really regretting it.

Do as I say, not as I do. Let me make your mistakes for you - it really makes you feel bad and wastes all of that effort and hard work you have already put in.
How bad will you feel if you have a binge now and put on another 8lbs, then have to lose that again, before you can start counting down again,
If I hadn't been so awful, I could be almost a stone lower by now.

Don't you dare!!!!!

[(Land of) Maz]

So does anyone think it was the bars :confused: Shall I just cheat now? See no point in keeping drinking the shakes if it will take me 4 days to get back into ketosis.


sorry Pap, your question got lost in the flitting there!!

Erm, it was definitely the bars, and yes they will have maybe knocked you out of ketosis... but it doesn't mean you should cheat.... it takes 4 days to get into ketosis the first time as it's a totally alien concept to your body, but i can assure you, i doesn't take 4 days to get back in, provided you keep to your CD meals. You'll be back in by tomorrow... up the water this evening, check again in the morning and i betcha you're back in....

Coming out of ketosis temporarily but staying on a Very Low Cal Diet will still mean you lose weight.... if you up your calories then you may well stall a bit......

If you think you can stick to it, then try to babes.... i know it's rich coming from me, but i'm only telling you what i think you need to hear, do as i say, not as i do! lol!!!

[(Land of) Maz]

spooky that Sue and i both used the phrase, "do as i say, not as i do!!" I think we might have an issue there that needs addressing!!

[Duncan0808]

Maybe we should be doing what we say Maz!!!

And yes its a bit spooky that.:eek:

But PAP, its obviously the right answer if we both agree:rolleyes:

[postingalwaysposting]

Thanks all, I guess its just one of those things :rolleyes: Having quite a bad day really and this has just topped it off. Going to keep the two I have untill later in the week and maybe swap them :confused: Still havent cheated... really want to though :rolleyes: I hope I am back into ketosis soon... We shall see :rolleyes:

[Alphamare]

AA here we come. Im Alf The Fox :D

Recently married and weighing in at just under 18 stone. I started CD at 19stone5lbs. Goal weight is between 13 and 11 depending on how i feel

I cant CD properly anymore since my work has offered me full time and while at work i have to eat (i work with special needs kids and eating with them is part of the job) so i will suppliament all other meals with CD but will be eating roughly a meal a day {with no choice as to what the meal is} (some days none and others two depending on my shifts!)

I am also writing a book

Oh and i was training for a marathon before they stopped me running. will not let myself run until at 15stone (wish i could CD properly *wails*)

oh and spud... i did the London to Brigton cycle in 2006!!!

oh and wow do we chat a lot that they had to open a new forum for us :p

[Alphamare]

pap i love the bars and have no probs with them leaving me hungry. i have a nibble of the bar then a few sips of water then bar then water. by the time i am done i am full :D

[Faye2109]

Does anyone know how much water is to much?
Ive been drinking at least three liters and wanted to drink four or five today...... but putting it off as my mum said that's dangerous as people have died from it am now to scared to even drink three.

How much does everyone else drink?

[postingalwaysposting]

pap i love the bars and have no probs with them leaving me hungry. i have a nibble of the bar then a few sips of water then bar then water. by the time i am done i am full :D

Alpha they were fine and I loved the fact you could chew something. However they have knocked me out of ketosis :rolleyes: kinda squashes the whole idea of CD. Anyways just had a long bath now going to have one of my shakes... a new day starts now :j

Faye I average about 3 litres but sometimes if I am up late I can drink anything up to 4.5litres. You will know when you have had too much. You can die if you have lots in one go though ~ just drink gradully :)

[Alphamare]

I drink three to four sometimes more. Its only dangerous if you went from nothing to like upwards of five all at once. Its all at once thats a problem as detail in this article

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.htm

healthy kidneys can process 15l a day!

[Faye2109]

Thanks for that and the article Alpha i have a better understanding now, and will continue drinking

The more you drink the more you shrink (just not in a fast amount of time) :)

[princessbutterpea]

Hey all in AA stylie here i go

Im Abby im 23 and started at 12.13 and it took 3 weeks to get to 11.9 and a BMI of 25 :) with cambridge. I am still trying to loose a stone but eating again :) but very healthy.

Im a comfy size 12 and hopefully will be able to sqeeze into a 10 in 7 weeks when i go on holiday so 2lb loss per week is needed :)

xxxx

[princessbutterpea]

oh i got my wii fit back of mother in law yesterday and hadent been on it in about 2 months and my little person shrunk soo much it was hilarious!!!

[mrs_t]

Hi, my name is Sam and i'm a cd'er!!! I'm 31 and have been doing cd since 2nd March 2009. In that time i've lost 26lbs. It could have been a whole lot more but i've not been 100% (especially the last 2 weeks where i've eaten !!!! 24/7.)

My starting weight was 15st 3lbs and i'm currently 13st 5lbs. Prior to cd i lost another stone.

My target weight is probably 11st but that may change depending on how i feel when i get there! Was initially hoping to get to target by 3rd August 2009 because thats when i emigrate to Brisbane, Australia:)

My current exercise regime is running 3 times a week, long walks with the pram and kids and sporadic swimming! Before i fell pregnant (1st time) i used to ride (my horse) almost every day but haven't since 2006:( Will hopefully start seriously again when i get below 12st.

[(Land of) Maz]

Hi, my name is Sam and i'm a cd'er!!! I'm 31 and have been doing cd since 2nd March 2009. In that time i've lost 26lbs. It could have been a whole lot more but i've not been 100% (especially the last 2 weeks where i've eaten !!!! 24/7.)

My starting weight was 15st 3lbs and i'm currently 13st 5lbs. Prior to cd i lost another stone.

My target weight is probably 11st but that may change depending on how i feel when i get there! Was initially hoping to get to target by 3rd August 2009 because thats when i emigrate to Brisbane, Australia:)

My current exercise regime is running 3 times a week, long walks with the pram and kids and sporadic swimming! Before i fell pregnant (1st time) i used to ride (my horse) almost every day but haven't since 2006:( Will hopefully start seriously again when i get below 12st.

I'm glad you clarified that for us! Nobody likes a brag!!:p

[mrs_t]

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[spud30]

Happy new thread :D

[goldfinch68]

I could murder a donut and a fat cherry coke... and a bottle of wine

[goldfinch68]

Oh, have we got to introduce ourselves to each other who we all know well anyway!!

Ok I am Goldfinch, 40 years old, have reached my BMI target, am on 810 cals and would very much like to get !!!!ed on a lovely bottle of wine and shove a family bar of Dairy Milk into my greedy mouth...

[Snaggles]

Hellooooo

I started CD 3 weeks ago, 9lbs lost in first 2 weeks, next weigh in on Thursday. Ideally I'd like to lose another 2 stones, but I'm not sure I would suit being very slim and I don't want to lose my boobs! :o

I try to run at least twice a week but don't always manage it :rolleyes: but I'm not really doing it to get fit, only to help me pull now I'm single... :rotfl:

(Kidding!)



(Kind of...)



:D

[bounce-e]

What's this madness i've stumbled into? Oh, AA. I see what's going on here.

Ok, here it is. Hope you're ready.

I'm Jane, i'm 26. *hi Jane!*
Been on CD for a little over 3 weeks, 4th WI in saturday.
Started at 16st, now at 14st 12lbs. Been naughty once, no twice actually. I had 2 slices of ham one night and half a burger and 2 crisps on saturday night. Umm, generally i'm quite grumpy and sarcastic, and i hate CD bars. They make me gip. But i love my CD ladies, they're much nicer than a peanut crunch bar! :D (now there's a compliment for ya.)
My goal weight is 10-11st before september. Yup, that's it.

P.s. I love lumps.

[(Land of) Maz]

What a lovely thread, i feel like i'm getting to know you all over again!!!!

[princessbutterpea]

oh anyone know where i can get a nice bikini in a 34F top with 12 bottoms? obviously cheap as this is MSE :) xxx

[postingalwaysposting]

Ohhh I havent done this yet :rotfl: Happier now... oh the joys of chuzzles and CD choc mint shakes :rotfl:

Hi i am pap, started CD just over 2 weeks ago. At the start of my journey I was tipping the scales at 17st 11lb however the heavest I had been ever was 4 weeks prior to starting at 18st 2lbs. In the two weeks I have lost 14lb but have at least 84lbs to go. I havent cheated once ~ although I have been very near. I am planning to do this untill I am at least near 25bmi but anything under 15st is fantastic :j My fave CD shakes are choc mint, choc and strawberry. I dont really like tetras but will have banana and choc if I am working and it turns out the bars kick me out of ketosis :rolleyes: Ah well.

Oh and I have become obsessed with water and peeing on a stick :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[(Land of) Maz]

Oh and I have become obsessed with water and peeing on a stick :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:


:T:T:Tluv it!!!

you made me snort Pap!

[bounce-e]

oh anyone know where i can get a nice bikini in a 34F top with 12 bottoms? obviously cheap as this is MSE :) xxx

Yo! Go to bravissimo. Yah yah i know it's not money saving but some of the stuff is so gorgeous and a brillant investment if you're big in the chebs area, like me! :D You know it makes sense Pea. x

[cazbust01]

Helllooooo, I am Caroline, 37 years old and have yoyo dieted all my adult life.
I have 2 children age 6 and 4, busy working mum, and have been married 8 years and 2 days exactly (hence the dirty weekend away LOL)
been on Cambride since 17 april - not great loses - 6lbs first week and 2lbs a week since - 12lbs total - not been 100% though and i know the losses could be better if i was better !! doing the 810 plan so i can have a meal and "eat"
going to try to just do 3 shakes tomorrow as i have the girls coming round thurs for a meal.
I am loving my new friends here and on FBook, wish i could be more 100% cos i know the results can be amazing (maz and co here are an inspiration), i started at 15 3 and am now 14 5, so 2 lb to go till a stone, we have recently got a treadmill and i am exercising, losing more inches than weight (looking on the positive here).
Keep it up my new friends - together we will be lighter (or slimmer) or whatever !!!
Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PS - i am on the scales all the time although this is being taken over by weeing and waiting for pink at every wee time - soon the costs of the sticks will outweigh the cost of the shakes !!
my fav are the choc tetras and oriental chilli soup (like leek and potato and chicken and mushroom too)

[princessbutterpea]

he he bounce yeah mine shrunk a bit with loosing 18lb but not that much - f now instead of a tight g

will have a peek but next look good too :)

[spud30]

I'm loving reading all of your AA speeches :D

[postingalwaysposting]

:T:T:Tluv it!!!

you made me snort Pap!

Tis true Maz, if you asked me that a few months ago I would have lol... but its now firmly a part of my life. Love it though :T :T

[bounce-e]

he he bounce yeah mine shrunk a bit with loosing 18lb but not that much - f now instead of a tight g

will have a peek but next look good too :)

Yeah, 2 boobs are better. The double-boober is never a good look. :rotfl:

[Duncan0808]

Oh this is great, I like this AA thing.
Looks like you arn't going to get your £££'s today ladies.
Found a tetra i'd left in the fridge at work for emergencies and took that to the pool, so totally avoided the vending machines and even took a bottle of water, (did take 2 but DS nicked one).
Avoided the chicken Satay DS had for tea,and now have a black coffee and another 750ml bottle of water to look forward to.

I love bikinies, even though my belly tends to roll out a bit, there are a lot of on-line shops, unfortunately the really nice ones never to up to big sizes. M&S usually have some nice larger boobed bikinis. I did say i'd give them up when I hit 40 but I love a new couple of bikinis when I go away. We don't go for 9 weeks so I'm hoping to be a little smaller by then so havent looked at anywhere yet.

[Duncan0808]

Hey, look at that 3 pages in one day:j
Well 2 and a bit, keep talking, we should try and set a record.:rotfl:

[goldfinch68]

What's this madness i've stumbled into? Oh, AA. I see what's going on here.

Ok, here it is. Hope you're ready.

I'm Jane, i'm 26. *hi Jane!*
Been on CD for a little over 3 weeks, 4th WI in saturday.
Started at 16st, now at 14st 12lbs. Been naughty once, no twice actually. I had 2 slices of ham one night and half a burger and 2 crisps on saturday night. Umm, generally i'm quite grumpy and sarcastic, and i hate CD bars. They make me gip. But i love my CD ladies, they're much nicer than a peanut crunch bar! :D (now there's a compliment for ya.)
My goal weight is 10-11st before september. Yup, that's it.

P.s. I love lumps.


26 years old. Oh, bless, little baby bouncy! Off to get my zimmer frame..

[bounce-e]

26 years old. Oh, bless, little baby bouncy! Off to get my zimmer frame..


Ha ha, you're silly Finchy! :rolleyes: Bet you are babelicious and looking younger by the day! You not one of the Facebook lot Finchster?? Tut tut x

[Duncan0808]

:grouphug:I love my diet buddies too.
Don't think I would still be here without you lot spurring me on.

Big thank yous to all:T:T:T

[Snaggles]

Oooh, I did well at my friends, I avoided the roast potatoes, yorkshire puddings and gravy, and just had plain chicken, carrots and brocolli. And a glass of water. Not perfect but the best I could do under the circumstances (and in the face of some pretty major persuasion to have 'just one little yorkshire' - I wasn't tempted but the gravy was made from scratch and looked seriously yummy!). :D

Now having cheese and brocolli soup - it's actually not bad, although crying out for some worcestershire sauce to kill the cheesiness a bit!

[Duncan0808]

Well done, snaggles, I think you did soo well, better than I would have done!

Oh no, not cheese and brocoli soup - bleugh!!! (love that word!)

[Snaggles]

Thank youuuuu! :)

I love 'bleugh' too :D although I reserve it for the spicy tomato & vegetable soups!


BLEUGH!!! :rotfl:

[(Land of) Maz]

Can you not have worcestshire sauce? i doubt it would kill in a little amount.....

[Snaggles]

Can you not have worcestshire sauce? i doubt it would kill in a little amount.....

It would probably be fine i would think - it has sugar in it but the amount would be negligible probably.

Might try it next time!

[Alphamare]

yuk. yuk yuk!

[Duncan0808]

I'm with you Alf, cant take to the soups at all. Took all mine back.

Managed to get to bed without raiding the fridge so no £££'s today for you.
Filled in my chart 4 out of last 5 days completely and utterly 100%, and it feels great!!
Hope I get rid of that last 2lbs I put on and if I just lost half an extra one I'd get to 12 st something.
Now that would be pretty amazing.

[welsh_cake]

Hi all.

Just spent ages going through the other thread wondering what the hell was going on as i couldn't quote anyone lol! Then discovered you have a shiny new thread!

Hows everyone doing? Been a bit mad at home with baby, OH, exercise, dogs etc!

[sammy115]

Phew thought you had all deffed me off....

My name is Sam...43 soon to be 44
Started CD in January have lost 23lbs on CD and have only 9lbs to go...but have fallen off the wagon a little bit and am struggling to get back on it. I have maintained my weight though for about six weeks.

I too love to run......I don't tell my CDc I run as she fell off her chair the first week and said What do you want to run for? Just diet and you lose the weight...didn't have the heart to tell her I run for fun......

Loads of kids, and a OH who works away during the week...

[jenhug]

Hello
I am new to this thread. I keep looking in and going off and coming back again.
Basically, my weight problem is ruining my life, my eating is out of control, tried the tablets at the docs, and they did not work, tried weight watchers and nearly died of starvation. I am 31, size 20 and miserable. My weight problem is giving me health problems.
I keep thinking How hard could it be to try the Cambridge diet? I tried slimfast once, for one day, I didn't like it.
I made a pledge to myself in January to lose 3 stone this year. I lost 10lb and gained it all again.
Am I a hopeless case? I have booked myself a session of hypnotherapy for next week, I am that desperate.

Please, how hard is it to do the Cambridge diet?

[jenhug]

oh anyone know where i can get a nice bikini in a 34F top with 12 bottoms? obviously cheap as this is MSE :) xxx
have you tried Bravissimo?

[(Land of) Maz]

Hello
I am new to this thread. I keep looking in and going off and coming back again.
Basically, my weight problem is ruining my life, my eating is out of control, tried the tablets at the docs, and they did not work, tried weight watchers and nearly died of starvation. I am 31, size 20 and miserable. My weight problem is giving me health problems.
I keep thinking How hard could it be to try the Cambridge diet? I tried slimfast once, for one day, I didn't like it.
I made a pledge to myself in January to lose 3 stone this year. I lost 10lb and gained it all again.
Am I a hopeless case? I have booked myself a session of hypnotherapy for next week, I am that desperate.

Please, how hard is it to do the Cambridge diet?


Hi jenhug...

It isn't an easy fix but it could be just the thing you need.....

it's a longterm drastic journey but it's not impossible....

do some research online... and feel free to ask any questions you have.

For someone of your stats... you could lose that 3 stone by end of August as a stone a month is average provided you are reasonably good, much more is possible quicker but you need to be strict... whichever works for you...

In mid jan i was 16:3, am now 12:4 in 16 weeks... still a way to go but getting there!

[jenhug]

Maz
Thankyou.
I don't think there is an easy fix really, is there? In an ideal world and all that!
I have been reading up a bit, and there are two councellors in my area, I am thinking of giving them a call and seeing how I feel about them, if I don't "gel" with someone it won't work. My WW leader had such an irritating condescending voice I wanted to smack her! Being laughed at during your first meeting in front of 50 people is not helpful when I am trying to lose weight!

Can you eat any normal food or is it all combridge food?

[Alphamare]

you can only eat cambridge food.

if you move up a plan from sole source you can only eat the recommended foods as this diet requires you to be in ketosis (life is muh easier if you follow the plan!)

it is not an easy diet

[Alphamare]

Its very hard to be 100% i dont think any of us could claim to be and we all know if we were we would loose more faster (i am a guilty here big time these last few weeks)

If i look at home much i should have lost... nevermind. Will keep trying.

its not easy though

[spud30]

You've had a good excusre not to be 100% though Alpha ;)

[Alphamare]

You've had a good excusre not to be 100% though Alpha ;)

What you mean being off for the wedding?
or the honeymoon?

Or is it my new job :D

I want to be. i want to loose the weight. but if i have to do it slowly then thats what i have to do.

how you doing spud? made a decision yet?

[jenhug]

I have emailed both councellors in my area, it has to be worth a go?? I know someone who has lost 3 stone in 4 months on a similar diet.

[spud30]

I have made a decision Alpha.

I have 3 weeks supply of CD, so I'm doing 100% ish for the next 2 weeks, then adding a meal for a week, then going to eat normally (but healthily) and continue with the exercise ;)

[Alphamare]

Jen in four months on CD following it properly you should be loseing a stone a month.

[goldfinch68]

Ha ha, you're silly Finchy! :rolleyes: Bet you are babelicious and looking younger by the day! You not one of the Facebook lot Finchster?? Tut tut x


I sure am a Facebooker

[goldfinch68]

I have made a decision Alpha.

I have 3 weeks supply of CD, so I'm doing 100% ish for the next 2 weeks, then adding a meal for a week, then going to eat normally (but healthily) and continue with the exercise ;)


Sounds like a good plan to me.

[jenhug]

Can any of you say you enjoy the bars and shakes? I dont think I could stomach the soups!

[spud30]

Thanks Goldie. I can always go back to it if I feel I need to, to a different CDC ;)

[Alphamare]

Jen if we hated the products there is no way any of us could do this diet.

You will have to eperiment to see which you like though. I only ever have hot choc mint drinks and toffee bars. thats it. thats all i like

[spud30]

Jen, I can honestly say, hand on heart, I've enjoyed the soups and shakes. I wasnt allowed the bars as I have a nut allergy and the porridge is minging.

Other people love the porridge, it's all personal taste.

[Alphamare]

i dont mind the porrdge but have gone off it

[jenhug]

Thankyou! I am a fussy devil, I can't drink cuppa soups of the normal variety,
Well, I have emailed all 3 councellors in my area, now I just have to wait.

[spud30]

If you cant drink normal cup a soups, you will probably struggle with the CD soups.

[Alphamare]

Jen me too. hence why i only 'eat' TWO products!

If you dont like somehting cold there are a few shales that make nice hot drinks (well only one in my case) so try them hot as well

[jenhug]

I do think it would just be the soups I would struggle with, I mean, cheese and brocolli, whats that about??

[spud30]

I liked the cheese and brocolli, so did my DH, others hate it. As I said, it's all personal choice.

I guess if your determined to lose weight, you'll find the ones you like and stick to it.

[jenhug]

Feel like I have to do something, I feel so out of control at the moment.

[Snaggles]

Sorry.....naughty post removed!!! :o :D

[jenhug]

oh my god.

[bounce-e]

Snags!!! I ask ya! You corrupting the newcomer with your potty mind? :rotfl:
Hello Jen, i have only been doing this a few weeks and i'm loving it. Most of the time. The 'out of control' feeling you have is exactly the way i felt before starting. I felt defeated, hopeless and doomed to a life of being a fatty and being embarassed all day every day. BUT glad to say i accidentally stumbled across the Cambridge (and this thread) while looking at something else. I was going wrong with WW and Slimming World etc etc cos of the choice and the flexibilty. Always thought, 'oh i can just have one more kit-kat and just have less tomorrow', but never worked like that. The lack of flexibility on the Cambridge has been a godsend. You just can't go wrong! Well, u can but you make the decision to give this thing only 3 or 4 tiny months of your whole life and you WILL turn everything around. It's all about making the decision, sticking with the shakes and soups u like, and if you fall off the wagon just shrug your shoulders and say screw it. Get right back on it. This is a good idea Jen, don't let it get to christmas and be thinking, 'if only i had given it a bash, think where i'd be now.' x

[jenhug]

Bounce-e, I think you just summed me up. Everything you said made sense.

[bounce-e]

Bounce-e, I think you just summed me up. Everything you said made sense.


Cause you're just like me, and just like most of us i would imagine. I swear, stick at this for a couple of weeks and all it'll take is for u to look in the mirror and notice your face looks a bit thinner or your trousers are just not quite so tight anymore. That feeling will keep u going.

[jenhug]

Thanks, I really mean that.

[Alphamare]

the bouncey babe is right jen. thats how we all feel/felt.

Just a report. Ive lost two pounds :D yay. glad since had half a good week and half a bad week. Was very close tonight to throwing in the towel tbh because of job and othr things. CDC says not to worry about job just do what i can eat little and dont think of it as cheating.

feel much better and the weightloss is a god send as my own scales (which are bieng thrown out) said a five pound gain :( think they are knackered? LOL

[Duncan0808]

Jen, this works for me because I am crap.
Exactly as you say, given choices I make the wrong ones. Even with Cambridge its easy to go off the rails.

This is my 3rd, maybe even 4th time of trying this and I'm on my 7th week, Except for 2 weeks where I lost the plot a bit, and I can assure you what's keeping me going is all my diet buddies on here.

It definitely makes a difference. We all seem to be pretty normal. None of us are very obsessive, all of us have highs and lows and all help each other through good and bad times.

Talk to the CDC's and see what you think. It won't do you any harm to try it out.

No-one here is going to tell you this is easy, its amazingly difficult sometimes. But it works, and it works quickly, if you take it one day at a time.

[Duncan0808]

Well done on your 2lbs Alf:T:T I looked at your wedding pics earlier. Your carraige looks absolutely beautiful.

Snags, OMG do you think you are allowed to say things like that:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
So to clarify, does that mean you like it more now or less?;)

So will you stick around Spud?, I will still love to hear how you are getting on with your healthy eating program and we will all spur you on.

[jenhug]

One has been emailing me tonight. She said she had the same worries, has been there and come through the other side, I am on some medication so i have emailed them to her and I am waiting for her to get back to me.

[princessbutterpea]

snaggles u bad bad girl - i just read through!!!!!

[Duncan0808]

Well I deserve a medal, if I say so myself.
After being left to my own devices this evening, which is never good. Son rang up to ask if he could have a chippie, so although I'd put some chicken under the grill I said OK!
First temptation - Do I eat the chicken or keep it for Big Duncs breakfast. Was a good girl and broke it up and put in the dog bowl ready for tomorrow.
Well husband and son got in and then tell me I was supposed to go to the chippie for when they got in. Oh and we need bread. I don't need bread!!!!

So, muggins here has been to the chippie, then been to the shop, then come back home, and watched them eating chippie.
Then DS didn't finish his, so I then made him take them out and put them in the bin so I wouldn't be tempted.

And I had bananna shake and a bottle of water.:T:T

I feel very proud of myself.
So it looks like no ££££'s for you again girlies:j

[Duncan0808]

One has been emailing me tonight. She said she had the same worries, has been there and come through the other side, I am on some medication so i have emailed them to her and I am waiting for her to get back to me.

You can only become a CDC if you have been through the program, which makes most of them pretty understanding of what you are taking on.
Some definitely seem better than others though. I don't have a choice of CDC, my nearest one is 8 miles away, but its worth talking to a couple if you have the option.

[Duncan0808]

feel much better and the weightloss is a god send as my own scales (which are bieng thrown out) said a five pound gain :( think they are knackered? LOL

I fancy some new scales, digi ones that show points of pounds, sometimes it only takes half a lb to break a target, and I get fed up of trying read my wobbly ones. (if I lean back I can lose about 3lbs)

[Alphamare]

Scales are a good idea as long as you dont scale hop ;) because my weight fluctuates so much i get depressed and likely to quit if i see a gain (even if its a false one IYSWIM)

[Duncan0808]

I try to stick to only going on twice a week.
First thing in the morning, before I eat/drink anything, and if I'm really lucky manage a good poo!!!

My weight fluctuates a lot too. But is always at its lowest first thing - but you are right about jumping on and it going up. I went on at night one night because I was feeling thinner and was really fed up when it was about 5 lbs higher.
Stick to mornings now. But still fancy some digi ones.
Problem is with scales you tend to get what you pay for, and I havent really got any money to spare for extravagances like that at the mo!
Have to stick to my wobbly ones!

[Snaggles]

*Sneaks back in*


Sorry.... sorry.... very, very sorry.... :o


*runs out again*

:D

[(Land of) Maz]

snags?! What naughtiness did i miss?!

[Snaggles]

I said something rather rude about the taste of the (warm, salty, lumpy) porridge. :o

[Alphamare]

My CDC last night said that the CD scales (which she doesnt have) cost £400

[spud30]

So will you stick around Spud?, I will still love to hear how you are getting on with your healthy eating program and we will all spur you on.

I'd love to stick around if none of you mind.

You'll all be able to make sure I carry on eating healthily and not go back to my old ways ;)

[Alphamare]

we dont mind!

[(Land of) Maz]

in fact, i'd be mighty pee'd off if you didn't stay Spud!!!!

[Alphamare]

Dunc! *hands her a shiney noddy badge* here is the medal you wanted! ;) well done babes

[Alphamare]

Maz; *nudges Maz* i lost two pounds :D

[Duncan0808]

Thanks for my shiny badge Alf, I'm feeling pretty good today. After our scales chatting last night, I did have a quick look this morning, (WI not till tom), but was after shower and fully clothed (skin and hair abosorb water weight so always wi before shower aswell!) and have lost all the 8lb I had put back on.
So fingers and toes and legs and anything else crossed by tommorrows WI I might, just might, have broken the 13st. barrier.
I'm not sure how long ago I managed that, I did get to 13st bang on for my hols last year, so from here on in everythings a bonus.

Feeling pretty slimish too today, no bloating, and I lay in bed feeling my ribs last night - its that too much of a confession do you think????

[Duncan0808]

I'd love to stick around if none of you mind.

You'll all be able to make sure I carry on eating healthily and not go back to my old ways ;)

Definitely don't mind Spud, also want updates on your running too, so yes, please stay.

[Duncan0808]

My CDC last night said that the CD scales (which she doesnt have) cost £400

Gulp - £400. My CDC has these scales that measure everything and give you a print out. It does your body fat percentage, water weight and hydration levels, bone mass (which meant I lost my excuse of having big bones), it even tells you how many calories you need to eat just to stay the same weight. Mine was suprisingly low, only 1470, its no wonder I've put so much weight on. It does other things aswell but can't remember.

She only does the whole lot about once a month, otherwise she just weighs you. Apparently they should be around £1200, but because of Cambridge she got a discount and only paid £1000 for them!!!

There you go Maz, there must be some money in this CDC lark!!!

I found some digital salter ones online for £20 last night, wonder if they'll be any good though.:rolleyes:

[(Land of) Maz]

Maz; *nudges Maz* i lost two pounds :D


did you??!?!? did i miss that???

Skinny bint! Well done!! :T:T:T

sue - well done on another 100% day!

Spud - how come you had an early weigh in, i saw on daily chat you'd lost another 3lbs? is that right?!

Hang on a minute! i'm losing track here!!! not good!

[(Land of) Maz]

Feeling pretty slimish too today, no bloating, and I lay in bed feeling my ribs last night - its that too much of a confession do you think????


as long as you're sure it was just your ribs! ;)

[Duncan0808]

It was definitely only my ribs:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
Well, and if I lie on my side (and the belly slips down) I can feel my hips too:eek:

So how are you doing Maz, having a good day?

[(Land of) Maz]

It was definitely only my ribs:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
Well, and if I lie on my side (and the belly slips down) I can feel my hips too:eek:

So how are you doing Maz, having a good day?


I have that same thing when i lie on my side! i love it, although it's not that pretty really!!!



Was watching the biggest loser on telly last night, it's kinda turning into my workout time each night.... something about seeing the people losing weight, working out and giving it large!

i generally just do triceps work for bingo wings and some crunches or sit ups. But last night i was doing the plank thingy for core strength...
anyway, i was in the plank position, when i looked down under the length of myself IYKWIM, i could see loads of saggy skin.... it was gross!!

i need to work harder on this and get tightening up!

[Duncan0808]

Did you every try the body brushing?
I treated myself to a new brush, but have only done it a couple of times, will have to try and get up 5 mins earlier so I can have a good go.

My hols are 8 weeks on Tuesday. The TV in the spare room is broken, so havent been able to do wii or the pilates machine (its a DVD program, and I'm not very good at doing it without it. The Plilates thing, they reckon you should see a noticable difference within 6 weeks and tell you to do before and after shots. Now I am back on track I'll have to find another TV, we have some little portables in the loft I think, its just hard to see the little ones while you are trying to work out, but can't afford another bigger screen. Will have to sort it out over the weekend, then get into it starting Monday.
If I do the running program for half an hour and the pilates for half an hour every other day, hopefully should see a pretty big difference after 6 weeks, especially if I keep up my 100% record.
5 out of last 6 days have been 100% - wahay - need to break my record of 14 consecutive days.

But dreading the Bank holiday - havent got anything planned, but its the impulsive, oh, lets go out for tea that messes me up.

Still havent seen biggest loser yet! What side is it on? will set the Sky+.

[(Land of) Maz]

sue - you can get the uk version at 4pm or 430 maybe, every day...

the aussie version is on sky real lives i think at 9pm ish...

i tend to watch both later at night when i have quiet time to myself... get down on the floor and do my wee workouts while it's on...

it's very motivational!

[Gilzor]

Hey everone.

Long time no speak! Fell off the wagon a little since I last posted but have managed to get myself back on, and am now weighing arounf 17stone 8 pounds.

I have a question I'm sure comes up time and again with relation to exercise. I'm a guy doing Sole Source, so I'm on 4 packs a day - which I believe is around 750 calories, perhaps less (I forget).

I've started walking to and from work since Monday, to ensure I get more exercise. However, we're talking 8.2 miles here give or take. Various online calorie counters have told me I'm burning more than 750 calories a day.

Am I in any risk here? Should I stop burning so much off?

Cheers everyone!

[(Land of) Maz]

Hey everone.

Long time no speak! Fell off the wagon a little since I last posted but have managed to get myself back on, and am now weighing arounf 17stone 8 pounds.

I have a question I'm sure comes up time and again with relation to exercise. I'm a guy doing Sole Source, so I'm on 4 packs a day - which I believe is around 750 calories, perhaps less (I forget).

I've started walking to and from work since Monday, to ensure I get more exercise. However, we're talking 8.2 miles here give or take. Various online calorie counters have told me I'm burning more than 750 calories a day.

Am I in any risk here? Should I stop burning so much off?

Cheers everyone!


Hi Gilzor.... First well done on the walking! i think the answer is very much down to how you feel on this one... if you are coping on the 4 packs and don't feel weak at all, then keep it up. But if you are feeling a bit weak at all, then you might need to cut back a bit.... maybe walk 3 days a week?

8 miles a day is a fair walk, but very MSE!

I am doing a pretty high level of activity and managing on my packs for the most part... so it can be done. But i watch how i feel, and sometimes i do have 4 if i need to. So maybe you can have a 5th, or even half a bar extra?

Once you get over the minimum calories used to sustain day to day requirements, i.e. all that are in your packs, you get into burning up the fat stores, which i always think is a great feeling!!! Purple peestix anyone?! Brill!

[Duncan0808]

Gilzor, Does the walk make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, or severely out of breath?

If not you should be fine. You are trying to create a deficit in the calories you take in and what you burn, thats when you will burn fat and lose the weight.

On a VLCD, you do need to take more care than on a normal diet, and don't over exert yourself.

If you were running, I would say it was too much, but walking should be fine.
If you do too much your body panics and will start using muscle instead of fat for energy, and that is very bad for you.

[Duncan0808]

Maz - Thanks will have to set up the sky+ and have a look, its probably more motivational than the Great British Menu and Come Dine with Me that I have on series link at the moment.;)

[(Land of) Maz]

Maz - Thanks will have to set up the sky+ and have a look, its probably more motivational than the Great British Menu and Come Dine with Me that I have on series link at the moment.;)


Can't beat a bit of food porn!!

[postingalwaysposting]

Whoop Whoopp on your loss Alpha :j :j

[Gilzor]

I'll stick at it for now then, Maz and Duncan. Thanks for the feedback. Cerainly no case of light-headedness or feeling faint, just tired sometimes when I get back in the evening :) Oh, and a blister because I wasn't wearing adequate footwear originally, heh.

[Duncan0808]

Good for you Gilzor, you should really notice a difference in your fitness if you walk that far.
Its surprising how big a difference small steps make.

My work journey is 7 miles each way, but theres a bloody big river in between, so would never make it!!
Unfortunately I drive from the front door of our house, to a contract car park 1 block from work.
I try and get out for a good walk with the dog, (Duncan) for a daily fix of movement. But looking to up the ante again from next week.

Pre- holiday blitz.

[Duncan0808]

Whoop Whoopp on your loss Alpha :j :j

How are you doing PAP???

[postingalwaysposting]

How are you doing PAP???

hi Ducan, I am good, just plodding :rotfl:I did have the last two bars though :naughty: but I am still just in ketosis so fingers crossed it hasnt made that much of an effect. We will find out on Sunday though :rotfl:

[(Land of) Maz]

Sue - going back to your body brushing question.... no i haven't been doing it...

i do use shower gel in one of those plastic puff thingys and scrub my bits quite hard.... thighs, upper arms and bum especially.... i'm quite meticulous about moisturising now too, more so than ever before.... partly to try and avoid sag... partly to keep moisturised for fake tan is not good on dry bits and am trying to have browner running legs, and partly cause if my hands are busy doing that and smell of moisturiser then i am less inclined to want a biscuit or late night naughties!

[(Land of) Maz]

hi Ducan, I am good, just plodding :rotfl:I did have the last two bars though :naughty: but I am still just in ketosis so fingers crossed it hasnt made that much of an effect. We will find out on Sunday though :rotfl:


one aday should be fine hun, if you like them don't stop it, but 2 a day was probably the problem......

[Duncan0808]

I've got one of those plastic spongy things, now they are very MSE arn't they, make the shower gel really foamy.
I'm very lazy on moisturising. Tend to use the baby oil, rub all over when you first get out of the shower then pat dry.
If you are rubbing it in though you will be giving yourself a mini tissue massage so that will be better for you.

The body brushing is supposed to help with stimulating your cells and assist in the releasing of toxins and fat cells stored close to the surface of the skin. Rumoured to be very good for cellulite.

I'm not convinced - and I'm not going to just try on one thigh to see if I notice a difference, what if it works:eek: could end up looking very strange in my bikini, one leg all smooth and dimple free and the other looking like an orange.
It does feel nice though afterward, all tingly and alive feeling.

Glad to hear you are doing OK PAP, fingers crossed for Sunday, I'm sure it will be fine. I've never used the ketostix, do you find they help at all? I find my issues are more psycological than physical. At the end of the day, if you consume this little you have to lose weight, whether you are in ketosis or not. But the phsycoloical effect may just be another good prod to keep me headed in the right direction.

[postingalwaysposting]

one aday should be fine hun, if you like them don't stop it, but 2 a day was probably the problem......

I dont really like them Maz, and the last one I had thismorning most is in the bin :rolleyes: I would have swapped them but lets just say the response from my CDC wasnt helpfull and I just cant be bothered to swap them.

Glad to hear you are doing OK PAP, fingers crossed for Sunday, I'm sure it will be fine. I've never used the ketostix, do you find they help at all? I find my issues are more psycological than physical. At the end of the day, if you consume this little you have to lose weight, whether you are in ketosis or not. But the phsycoloical effect may just be another good prod to keep me headed in the right direction.

Duncan, I only use them because I dont weigh at home. So I just test every 2~3 days to make sure I am still on the straight and narrow. I am an all or nothing type of person so it assures me that I am doing the right thing and to keep plodding :rotfl:

[Duncan0808]

Ploddings good PAP, much better than my highs and lows.

I'm having a good day today!! Feeling very positive, but I am also aware that I have done before and then just sabotaged myself when I've got home.

Have to be good, have to be good, have to be good.

Must admit I am starting to worry a little about keeping it up over the weekend, I have gone to pieces on the last two bank holidays. I havent any socialising planned, but that could be worse. I'm a bit of an impulsive binger.

Maybe I should just have a weekend in BED!!

[(Land of) Maz]

I dont really like them Maz, and the last one I had thismorning most is in the bin :rolleyes: I would have swapped them but lets just say the response from my CDC wasnt helpfull and I just cant be bothered to swap them.





This is worrying, that's me, you and spud all not particularly enamoured with our CDC's...

i know when i'm done i'm going to discuss it with Cambridge in more detail as i think some CDC's are getting away with murder... not worth rocking the boat when i'm not finished as there are none that are handy for me... this one is 10miles away and next nearest would probably be 25miles. so not worth changing... just need to head down and focus!

[Duncan0808]

It is a little isn't it?

Mine's been doing it for 23 years and is very laid back, she certainly dosent seem to have any issues about what you spend, (Or don't) she has been fine with me about swaps, even cheating and letting me just have pre holiday boosters, which she probably isn't supposed to do.
Basically, shes just human. She also offers all sorts of add on services aswell if you wanted them, things like beauty treatments, you can have a go on a vibrating plate thingy, she even does make up advice for the new you!!
I don't have to go every week, she runs a drop in on a Saturday morning, if you go you go, if you don't you don't.
I havent been for 3 weeks as hubby fell off the wagon, (even more than me!) and I still have over a weeks supply left.

I understand why you can't do it by mail order, but it would be much easier sometimes, and if you have been on it for sometime they could be a little more understanding.

As we've said before, I think you would make a great CDC Maz, but if you have to get sponsered by your CDC and she seems to be very money motivated, what happens if she dosent want the competition?

Do you actually have to reach goal to apply? Maybe you should make some enquiries Maz, you don't need to say anything to your CDC yet.

[Duncan0808]

Hi Maz,
Just had a look on the "becoming a councellor" bit of the website.

You don't Have to be sponsered you can apply directly to the company, you should have a BMI of 28, yours must be around that now or at least not far off, and have used the diet for a minimum of 2 weeks.
The councellor code of conduct is on there too.

Why don't you have a look, it would be very MSE, you'd get your packs at cost price and would be able to make some pocket money at the same time!!!

I'd vote for you, I think you would be great.

[jenhug]

I have 3 CDC's in my area, so far only one has responded, she is dropping in the paperwork for me to look at tomorrow, I am going to see my GP next week to discuss it, I don't enjoy eating most foods, I eat because its there.

I know its an extreme diet, but sometimes thats what is needed.

I thought about trying this to get some of the initial weight off, then going to slimming world or doing the GI diet to continue and maintain weight loss, has anyone else here done that?

[(Land of) Maz]

Hi Maz,
Just had a look on the "becoming a councellor" bit of the website.

You don't Have to be sponsered you can apply directly to the company, you should have a BMI of 28, yours must be around that now or at least not far off, and have used the diet for a minimum of 2 weeks.
The councellor code of conduct is on there too.

Why don't you have a look, it would be very MSE, you'd get your packs at cost price and would be able to make some pocket money at the same time!!!

I'd vote for you, I think you would be great.


i wonder what cost price actually is though? Do you think there is much money to be made in packs?

BMI 29.5... and falling... albeit slowly.

Plus i don't really have a nice house, or even a room for an office, or any space at home that wouldn't involve turfing Big g and erin out to have people for their appointments....

I'd have a £3 weigh in fee if buying no packs, £3 no show fee if appointment booked but no fee if you planned and skipped a weeks purchase.......

I'd love it, and would love to be a positive role model, plus it would keep me on the straight and narrow...

It's something to consider isn't it....

[(Land of) Maz]

I have 3 CDC's in my area, so far only one has responded, she is dropping in the paperwork for me to look at tomorrow, I am going to see my GP next week to discuss it, I don't enjoy eating most foods, I eat because its there.

I know its an extreme diet, but sometimes thats what is needed.

I thought about trying this to get some of the initial weight off, then going to slimming world or doing the GI diet to continue and maintain weight loss, has anyone else here done that?

i think it's advised to get to within half a stone of your goal weight then there is a good step by step plan for getting back into eating normally....

Then it has been said that low carb lifestyle is best... but any diet plan will probably keep you on the straight and narrow jenhug.

Good that CDC is coming to you... that shows willingness....

It is extreme diet but the lack of choice is quite liberating! And you do save money on shopping......

[Duncan0808]

I've no idea how much there is in it. My CDC bought those £1000 scales, so there must be something worth having. If you go on the website there is a bit on there where you can apply for more information. I would expect that there will be a bit of outlay, presumably you will have to pay for the products, would guess they are on sale or return. It does mention that you have to do your own local promotion, you could try leafletting your local area, which wouldn't be too expensive, although they give you a free web page link from the main site.

My house is a bit open plan, with no really private areas away from the family, although I do have a spare bedroom, (currently the gym) do you have a spare bedroom? Would expect that you would need some space to store the products, garage, shed, or nice cupboard / wardrobe back in the spare bedroom?

You could even make housecalls if that suited you.

You could still make the enquiry now whilst you are working towards that 28, it looks like you have to go on a training session which will take time to set up.

Why not just ask for now, it won't hurt and there won't be any commitment yet.

[(Land of) Maz]

I've no idea how much there is in it. My CDC bought those £1000 scales, so there must be something worth having. If you go on the website there is a bit on there where you can apply for more information. I would expect that there will be a bit of outlay, presumably you will have to pay for the products, would guess they are on sale or return. It does mention that you have to do your own local promotion, you could try leafletting your local area, which wouldn't be too expensive, although they give you a free web page link from the main site.

My house is a bit open plan, with no really private areas away from the family, although I do have a spare bedroom, (currently the gym) do you have a spare bedroom? Would expect that you would need some space to store the products, garage, shed, or nice cupboard / wardrobe back in the spare bedroom?

You could even make housecalls if that suited you.

You could still make the enquiry now whilst you are working towards that 28, it looks like you have to go on a training session which will take time to set up.

Why not just ask for now, it won't hurt and there won't be any commitment yet.


Do i have time though Sue?

I still have a book keeping course to complete. Completed level 1 in September/October, but would like to do the rest.

I could apply that to the CD business too, even at the level i have now... but it would be nice to finish that before i started on something else....

I will nuckle down and get it done before i consider anything else...

but i am seriously thinking about it.

[Duncan0808]

Jen, Cambridge is great, it works, you feel great once the weight starts to come off.

But it is really difficult to not eat for a sustained period of time and it takes a lot of commitment.

Even when you make the commitment, it's hard, you will find all kinds of obstacles, social occasions, work commitments, sabatage by family and friends, smells are the worst.

If you are truly serious about wanting to shift the weight you can do it. And you can do it with Cambridge, but if you are feeling like you can't make that commitment you are shooting yourself in the foot before youve even started.

As Maz said Cambridge is not just about meal replacement. There are various plans that include food, you can start at any point and move up and down the plans to suit your lifestyle and your progress.

Don't start thinking you are going to do it for a few weeks and then give up and try something else, please.

Read the literature, see if you think you can manage it. And then just Go for it.

Take it one day at a time, then one week at a time, then one stone at a time, then each BMI mark at a time.

You can do it, you don't need to worry about which diet you are going to do next. Just stick to this one and you will get there!!

Sorry, Lecture over, just want you to succeed!!

I am very good on advising pitfalls - fallen into many!!!!

[Duncan0808]

Do i have time though Sue?

I still have a book keeping course to complete. Completed level 1 in September/October, but would like to do the rest.

I could apply that to the CD business too, even at the level i have now... but it would be nice to finish that before i started on something else....

I will nuckle down and get it done before i consider anything else...

but i am seriously thinking about it.

Why not just ask for the info for now then?
It may be that once you read it its not worth persuing.
I could be your sub advisor on what not to do on Cambridge:rotfl::rotfl:

[postingalwaysposting]

Maz I know you have to go for training in Milton Keynes. Plus my cdc just does it in her living room, and the kids are shut off in anorther room. Its like a normal home... no one will be judging you. Its just he space for the products you need, mine uses a bookcase. My cdc is 'ok' but last week and this email has comfirmed we have come out of our 'honeymoon' and I am dreading Sunday but to me its only another 6months or so :j

[(Land of) Maz]

my appointments get shorter and shorter every week.... i go in, pee on a stick, get weighed, buy food and leave.... sometimes i chat but mostly i discuss my issues on here!

I was recently emailed by a woman thru a running website i'm on, and she lost a lot of weight thru cambridge and is now a counseller, she approached me to say well done on running and CDing and was quite nice.... she said keep in touch so i've sent her this email, should answer some ponderables....


"well done on the training, i can see you have been getting out there....

I've dropped you an fmail to say hi but also cause i thought you might be able to give me some answers to some questions i am too polite to ask my CDC! lol!
I have a CDC who i like at face value, but she has a few "ways" about her that i don't like.... things like inflexibility for changing appointments, and a rule that you have to buy your 21 packs despite my having a surplus that could feed a family of four for a fortnight! But she is fine to run her business as she sees fit, but it makes me kinda disillusioned with her i guess... There isn't another nearby so i'm kinda stuck until i get to goal, then i'll hopefully have enough of that surplus that i can use for maintainence.

my point is, i've been swithering with becoming a CDC, not sure at all, just curious at this stage.... but wondered about the following. Feel free to not answer if you'd rather not say.

Is there a financial outlay at first for the training?

What kinda margin is there in the packs? i.e. for my £38 a week, how much does CDC get? NI/Tax not withstanding.

Do you enjoy it?

Is it actually worth it? Or am i better just being an advocate without getting involved in selling... i do a good job of converting people to my way of thinking and am really positive about the diet...

Does it keep you on the straight and narrow.... my CDC is not really much of an advert for it TBH....

Any advice you can give much appreciated.
Maz
xxx

[Duncan0808]

The "honeymoon" is great isn't it, nice big losses to keep you going, I did 14 days strainght 100%, not even a drop of milk in my tea. Then I started to get a bit complacent.

Don't worry about Sunday too much PAP, even out of the honeymoon, you will get some weeks where you may lose 4 or even 5 lbs, and others where it might only be 1, but the all count - you never know you might be pleasantly surprised.

If you are plodding on being good, then you should still do OK, its when you plod on being extremely sh1te as I have a tendancy to do, that you will have problems.

It took me 20 years to get to my worst weight so as you say, six months is nothing really.

[Duncan0808]

That sounds good Maz, let us know what she says.

This forum has definitely been the big difference between this time and previous times, I don't really talk about CDing too much in real life.

[(Land of) Maz]

That sounds good Maz, let us know what she says.

This forum has definitely been the big difference between this time and previous times, I don't really talk about CDing too much in real life.


it definitely stops me boring the pants off everyone else!

[Alphamare]

godo day today. just had quorn with broccoli and some chees on top for flavour. plan on getting right on top of this now.

you guys kept me from throwing in the towel :D

[Duncan0808]

godo day today. just had quorn with broccoli and some chees on top for flavour. plan on getting right on top of this now.

you guys kept me from throwing in the towel :D

You go for it Alf - I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for WI tom, only need half a lb to break a long standing barrier.
Feeling focused but not looking forward to the weekend.

MMmmm... quorn, I think I might actually prefer the Cambridge shake:p

[Alphamare]

it wasnt bad actually. we had three of the bangers each and yeah i know they are not on the CDC approved list ;) never mind lol.

you will do it Dunc i have this good feeling see :D

[Duncan0808]

Thanks Alf, I really genuinely appreciate all the help.
From everyone else too - god only knows I need it!!!!

[Snaggles]

Just had my weigh in and I've lost a pound.

I should be pleased, because it's totm, but I feel a bit :( about it - I've tried really hard, through a nightmare of a week, and in the face of a hormone-induced desire to eat carbs carbs carbs.....and I deserve more that a !!!!!!! 1lb loss!! *stamps feet*

:rotfl:

That wasn't even a swear word it's blanked out!!!! HRRUMPH!!

[Alphamare]

maybe it thinks its a sweary word ;)

[(Land of) Maz]

Just had my weigh in and I've lost a pound.

I should be pleased, because it's totm, but I feel a bit :( about it - I've tried really hard, through a nightmare of a week, and in the face of a hormone-induced desire to eat carbs carbs carbs.....and I deserve more that a !!!!!!! 1lb loss!! *stamps feet*

:rotfl:

That wasn't even a swear word it's blanked out!!!! HRRUMPH!!


Snags - well done!! To be fair, a lb loss at timeof the month is good....

and considering you know you've had a few "let off's" as well, i would be happy with that if i were you.........

any loss is a good thing..... IMHO!

[postingalwaysposting]

Whoop whoop on the loss Snags :j :j Any loss is fab :)

Well drinking my water is hard today :rolleyes: Our fridge broke down last night and the new one cant be delivered untill Wednesday... warm water and warm shakes ewwww :o

[(Land of) Maz]

Pap, do you not just use Tap water?

[postingalwaysposting]

Pap, do you not just use Tap water?

Yes but my tap water is then brita filtered. Otherwise I drink bottled stuff (budget allowing), I cant drink the water from my taps it ewww, warm is fine in comparison. However I just added loads of ice to my last one and it seems to have done the job :j

[Alphamare]

ive had four litres today i think. and pap i can only drink bottled or the water out of our bathroom tap. guess that makes me weird :D

[(Land of) Maz]

no, alf, it's not that that makes you wierd!

[postingalwaysposting]

ive had four litres today i think. and pap i can only drink bottled or the water out of our bathroom tap. guess that makes me weird :D

:rotfl::rotfl: I love the taste of our bathroom tap water too. Just dont think its quite appropite to fill litres solely from that tap :rolleyes:

[emmaBZ]

hi im on day 5 and ketosis started kicking in last night i have lost 3lb since sunday ....just wanted to ask do you tend to lose less when its TOTM ...?

[Alphamare]

no, alf, it's not that that makes you wierd!

Just everything else then? :rotfl:

[Alphamare]

Emma, totm can make you retain water which is wear you may notice less or no weight loss.

[bounce-e]

Oh crap bags. Ok, i came home and had a soup for dinner which is good and everything. Then i had a little sleep. Which was good also. Umm, then i woke up and forgot i'd already had dinner and had another soup. Crap bags. WI on saturday. Is this extra soup gonna boot me outta ketosis?

[Alphamare]

bounce babe. it wont.

its a CD product. designed to put you into ketosis. how many of us have you heard say we had an extra one (better than cheating on real food!) and its not done anything bad to us :D

you will be fine!

[Duncan0808]

Well Done Snags,:T a pound is a pound and not to be sniffed at!
If you stay on track you should have a good loss next week!

I use tap water, but I fill up bottles and put them in the fridge, like to have a few stashed away!
I like to use bottles so that I can keep track of what i have drunk throughout the day, using a 750 ml bottle at the mo and today have had a good water day, one my way to 4l of water and 3 gallons of black coffee, its a wonder people cant hear me sloshing away today.

[bounce-e]

bounce babe. it wont.

its a CD product. designed to put you into ketosis. how many of us have you heard say we had an extra one (better than cheating on real food!) and its not done anything bad to us :D

you will be fine!

I love u Alphadiamond!! :D

Happy days, i can sleep tonight then. How's tricks today anyway? I haven't bothered my bottom reading through today's pages yet, you guys talk non-stop!! :p

[Duncan0808]

Bounce you will be fine, its carbs that knock you out of ketosis.
An extra soup or shake is only an extra 137ish calories depending on whichever one you had, with only a trace of carbs.

[bounce-e]

Thanks dudes. I have to be honest, i don't feel slimmer this week. I feel like a bloated fat b*stard. All i want is 2lbs off this week. I'll be chuffed with that. Good telly on tonight though, so i suppose things ain't that bad.

Mwah!!!! x x x x
(excuse the love, just felt like it) :rolleyes:

[Alphamare]

I thought i had gained bounce and i had lost two pounds. When you eat as little as we do the weight has got to come off. repeat after me all **the weight has got to come off* lol :D

Me i have been working on my book furiously as well as writing my first article today and right now i am taking it off paper and putting it onto the comp for editing. getting tired thouhg :)

[bounce-e]

P.s. Well done Snags you little minx :j

[Duncan0808]

Its funny how some days you feel slimmer and others you don't, yesterday I felt super slim (well as much as you can - you know what I mean) Today, don't feel quite so wonderful. Won't be feeling my ribs tonight methinks!

What you watching then? I've got the TV on, watching criminal intent on Hallmark, which reminds me I wat to try and find Biggest loser to set up on Sky+

[Alphamare]

Dunc o have upped my water today as was not drinking enough and have been peeing for england/like a horse/like a camel/isert appropriate :p

[Alphamare]

Should i keep working or go to bed?

[Duncan0808]

Me i have been working on my book furiously as well as writing my first article today and right now i am taking it off paper and putting it onto the comp for editing. getting tired thouhg :)

Well done Alf, when do you start your new job?

[Krasnoludek]

Hi there

I am a CD'er from last year and I lost loads (4st) then have been quite rubbish and put most of it back on over the past 12 months. I have now learnt my lesson and am restarting tomorrow. I could really use some of this love thats going round if anyone would share any - wish me luck people

K x

[Duncan0808]

Dunc o have upped my water today as was not drinking enough and have been peeing for england/like a horse/like a camel/isert appropriate :p
Last Friday night I took a 2 litre bottle of sparkly stuff in the bath with me (instead of a bottle of wine), was really enjoying my book and was in there for a couple of hours.
Well finished the 2 litres of water, (Good job it wasn't wine eh! wouldn't have been able to read!)
I had to get up 3 times in the night to go for a pee!!!

But, that was the day I got rid of my 6lbs, so I am sure the water helps - a lot!

[bounce-e]

Its funny how some days you feel slimmer and others you don't, yesterday I felt super slim (well as much as you can - you know what I mean) Today, don't feel quite so wonderful. Won't be feeling my ribs tonight methinks!

What you watching then? I've got the TV on, watching criminal intent on Hallmark, which reminds me I wat to try and find Biggest loser to set up on Sky+

Haha, you're rib-feeling weirdo! You think that's bad though, i've taken to sticking my hand down the back of my trousers in the lift at work when nobody's looking! I'm not pinching my own bum or pulling my pants out of my crack or anything, it's just my breeks are so baggy on me now that i can't resist! (don't judge me! :o)

I'm watching Tremors, reminds me of my ex-boyfriend. You'll need to see the film to make your own conclusions there, and i watched american idol. Sounds like Alf is putting us to shame. Hehe, i can see her now sitting typing away a la Jessica Fletcher with the Murder She Wrote theme tune in the background! Hehe, u go Alf!!! :rotfl:x x

[Duncan0808]

Hi there

I am a CD'er from last year and I lost loads (4st) then have been quite rubbish and put most of it back on over the past 12 months. I have now learnt my lesson and am restarting tomorrow. I could really use some of this love thats going round if anyone would share any - wish me luck people

K x
Happy to share some love and support - you definitely need it to do this diet;)
Why not tell us a little about yourself.

A few of us did an AA type introduction on the first few pages of this thread.

[bounce-e]

Hi there

I am a CD'er from last year and I lost loads (4st) then have been quite rubbish and put most of it back on over the past 12 months. I have now learnt my lesson and am restarting tomorrow. I could really use some of this love thats going round if anyone would share any - wish me luck people

K x

Have love chuck, i'm feeling loads of it this evening! Stick with us, it's a weight-losing, bum-touching, rib-feeling, mischief fest round here. You can't go wrong!!! x

[Alphamare]

Well done Alf, when do you start your new job?

I dont know. i rang today to get my start date and was told i would be rung back in 45min. thats was, oh, about 8 hours ago now :)
I will ring tomorrow and find out. Fancy a shufty or my article tomorrow? can email it to you as still have the address :D

Haha, you're rib-feeling weirdo! You think that's bad though, i've taken to sticking my hand down the back of my trousers in the lift at work when nobody's looking! I'm not pinching my own bum or pulling my pants out of my crack or anything, it's just my breeks are so baggy on me now that i can't resist! (don't judge me! :o)

I'm watching Tremors, reminds me of my ex-boyfriend. You'll need to see the film to make your own conclusions there, and i watched american idol. Sounds like Alf is putting us to shame. Hehe, i can see her now sitting typing away a la Jessica Fletcher with the Murder She Wrote theme tune in the background! Hehe, u go Alf!!! :rotfl:x x

I think its a bit like that, feeling like i need a pair of glasses now though! and i am going... going to bed i cant write anymore its killing me. Ive started another chapter and written ist draft of the article and now typed up half too.

man im good ;)

[Duncan0808]

Haha, you're rib-feeling weirdo! You think that's bad though, i've taken to sticking my hand down the back of my trousers in the lift at work when nobody's looking! I'm not pinching my own bum or pulling my pants out of my crack or anything, it's just my breeks are so baggy on me now that i can't resist! (don't judge me! :o)

x

I've taken to pulling my pants down without undoing the button - because I can. Ha!!:j

Oh god, I've only lost just over a stone, how weird will we get when we hit targets.:rotfl::rotfl:

[Alphamare]

Hi there

I am a CD'er from last year and I lost loads (4st) then have been quite rubbish and put most of it back on over the past 12 months. I have now learnt my lesson and am restarting tomorrow. I could really use some of this love thats going round if anyone would share any - wish me luck people

K x

Just have a shufty round the forum before deciding if you really want to talk to us, we are infectious. The insanity runs through the water we drink Muahahahahahaha :rotfl:

Kidding. the more the merrier, and we are certainly merry. sometimes. :T

[Duncan0808]

I dont know. i rang today to get my start date and was told i would be rung back in 45min. thats was, oh, about 8 hours ago now :)
I will ring tomorrow and find out. Fancy a shufty or my article tomorrow? can email it to you as still have the address :D



I would be honoured Alf, if you don't mind. Its great what you are doing and I would love to have a nose.

[bounce-e]

I've taken to pulling my pants down without undoing the button - because I can. Ha!!:j

Oh god, I've only lost just over a stone, how weird will we get when we hit targets.:rotfl::rotfl:

When i hit target it'll be trousers schmousers! I'm going to work butt nekkid!!! :j

[Duncan0808]

DS and Hubby have gone to bed, so I can get back to my food porn, Great British Menu - just love it!!!

Also set up "The Biggest Loser" now on series link. That may be better motivation methinks!!

[Alphamare]

Please do. I would love feedback from someone that doesnt know anything about what i am writing about. And then you can tell me if its too much, too little, too confusing or if i am just talking to people like they are four :D

[Krasnoludek]

Ok. Here is my AA part...

I am a mum of two girls age 2 + 7 married to my lovely other half who is incredibly supportive but eats lots of naughty foods around me. I am in the Midlands and I have recently been made redundant from my part time job. I found it easy to do this diet after a week and even went on holiday and stayed 100% on SS. I have the willpower and I know it works but I am struggling being at home with my daughter and preparing her food etc before I would have been at work and she would have been at nursery so it was just the main meal really and my husband would often do that so I wasnt tortured! He really is a wonderful soul bless him.

I have no problem with the water, I have always drank 2L and on CD usually manage between 3-4 per day. CD has been amazing for me, I looked fantastic, I felt better than in years and my health improved no end but I got complacent a little bit here and a little bit there and before you know it, oomph.

I am hoping to start Uni in September and I would like to be somewhere near goal by then as I have set my sights on buying a gym membership, but at the moment I would be like Mr Blobby on the exercise bike. I am also hoping to do my degree in Occupational Therapy and I cant be a Mr (or Mrs) Stay Puff whilst advising others on their health really

So there you have it, help pleeeeeeeeeease. I will now go read all your stories

Much love and wobbliness from me

K x

[Alphamare]

Its a right wobblefest in here Kras so you should fit right in :D

[Duncan0808]

So do you want even weirder, seem to have developed a little dose of the squirts!!!

And I'm made up, WI in the morning, every little helps!!
My god I can't believe what we talk about here.

[Krasnoludek]

Tremendous. I could use the squirts just to get the ball rolling, or is that TMI LOL

How wrong am I - mwah haha

K x

[Alphamare]

i can watch food porn it makes me hungry! i have to go to bed now i am too tired. i now miss out on all the goss being so busy. takes me a while to catch up and i read fast!

[Alphamare]

right that settles it *mutters to self* they are talking about poo again, leave while you still can

*wanders off muttering*


:p

[Duncan0808]

Ok. Here is my AA part...

I am a mum of two girls age 2 + 7 married to my lovely other half who is incredibly supportive but eats lots of naughty foods around me. I am in the Midlands and I have recently been made redundant from my part time job. I found it easy to do this diet after a week and even went on holiday and stayed 100% on SS. I have the willpower and I know it works but I am struggling being at home with my daughter and preparing her food etc before I would have been at work and she would have been at nursery so it was just the main meal really and my husband would often do that so I wasnt tortured! He really is a wonderful soul bless him.

I have no problem with the water, I have always drank 2L and on CD usually manage between 3-4 per day. CD has been amazing for me, I looked fantastic, I felt better than in years and my health improved no end but I got complacent a little bit here and a little bit there and before you know it, oomph.

I am hoping to start Uni in September and I would like to be somewhere near goal by then as I have set my sights on buying a gym membership, but at the moment I would be like Mr Blobby on the exercise bike. I am also hoping to do my degree in Occupational Therapy and I cant be a Mr (or Mrs) Stay Puff whilst advising others on their health really

So there you have it, help pleeeeeeeeeease. I will now go read all your stories

Much love and wobbliness from me

K x

K, you will be able to help us I'm sure - especially if you are good on the willpower thing, I'm not very good at all and any tips will be very welcome.
This is my 3rd maybe 4th attempt.
But love this forum and my diet buddies have kept me in check.

My area of expertise is trying out all the things to do incorrectly, advising you how awful you feel afterwards and how not to do CD my way:rotfl:

Good luck on starting tomorrow, at least you know what to expect so thats an advantage.

[Krasnoludek]

Oh no sorry, I wont mention poo. It does kind of "surface" when CD is the main topic of conversation though doesnt it. I cant wait to not have a massive Fabulous Bakin Boys muffin top over my jeans

[Duncan0808]

I like that my size 16's no longer have a big roll over the top, and I can actually wear proper tops instead of big baggy shapeless things!!!

Will have to try on my size 14's at the weekend and see what they are like.
I bought them this time last year when I was this weight, so they should go on. I vaguely remember they were OK when I was standing up!!!!

K if you are really feeling adventurous, Cambridge Diet part 1 is a thread that got to about 250 pages I think, there are lots of poo stories, plus lots of other stories that help with the motivation.

[Duncan0808]

Ooohh, champagne and strawberries hes cooking with on TV now.

Maybe I should give this up, it is a lot like torture.

[Duncan0808]

right that settles it *mutters to self* they are talking about poo again, leave while you still can

*wanders off muttering*


:p

Goodnight Alf, have a good sleep after all your hard work and I look forward to your email tomorrow.

[Krasnoludek]

Will go look now, you peeps have given me loads a motivation!

K x

[(Land of) Maz]

just a late check in from me....

Hello there Krasnoludek! we're gonna have to shorten that name! How does Krassy seem? Kras? real names come later...

I'm Maz and am a long termer...

You've picked a good time to join what with new thread etc....

It's a great place! We're good at keeping one another gee'd up, usually if someone is low, someone else is feeling good and can help....

God help us if we all feel shiiite at the same time! we'd be goosed!!!

[Duncan0808]

See you back here in a month then K, Be warned it is very long........
Off to bed myself now, with a bottle of water of course.......

[Duncan0808]

just a late check in from me....


God help us if we all feel shiiite at the same time! we'd be goosed!!!
Don't you find though that quite often we do have bad days at the same time. It is weird, like theres something in the atmosphere.
MrsT fell off the wagon at the same time as me, and theres a few times when "confessions" have coincided.

Thats a good thing too though, its reassuring to know that others feel the same way!!

Thanks for the Biggest Loser info Maz, I've set it up now.

[Krasnoludek]

I cant find the Part 1 thread can anyone post a link please ?

K is fine :) Krasnoludek is Polish for little one or dwarf, as I am 5ft 4 my husband says I am a midget (cheeky) as he is 6ft (his parents are Polish hence my nickname)

I might not be able to post till tomorrow afternoon now as its all go in the morning for us, school, toddler group etc, lets hope I forget about food in the process than I can chalk up my first good day :)

K x

[(Land of) Maz]

Hey guys, i got an answer from the CD woman...........

Answers as follows:

Is there a financial outlay at first for the training?
It has changed but when I did it there was only one day and I think it cost me £150 for the day. Then you have to pay up front for stock - costs a couple of hundred quid.

What kinda margin is there in the packs? i.e. for my £38 a week, how much does CDC get? NI/Tax not withstanding.
Discounts depend on h ow much you sell but average you can expect to keep about a third of your turnover. I charge £37 a week and think I get to 'keep' about £12.

Do you enjoy it?
I really like it, most of my people are lovely but sometimes there is an odd weird one but they don't tend to stay long

Is it actually worth it? Or am i better just being an advocate without getting involved in selling... i do a good job of converting people to my way of thinking and am really positive about the diet...
I felt like you so I would say so. It would never replace a real job for me - no guaranteed income

Does it keep you on the straight and narrow.... my CDC is not really much of an advert for it TBH.... It does keep me on track mainly. If i didn't have them coming i would probably be back to 18 stone.

Hope this helps.

From my point of view councellors should be as flexible as possible. i change appointments, let people come and not buy any products, buy just what they need even if its one sachet.

Cheers and keep up the good work.

Anyway, can't say the financial rewards are huge.... am i fickle if i consign that idea to the bin for now....................????

[(Land of) Maz]

K - here is the old thread

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=407386&page=274

[Krasnoludek]

Hey guys, i got an answer from the CD woman...........

Answers as follows:

Is there a financial outlay at first for the training?
It has changed but when I did it there was only one day and I think it cost me £150 for the day. Then you have to pay up front for stock - costs a couple of hundred quid.

What kinda margin is there in the packs? i.e. for my £38 a week, how much does CDC get? NI/Tax not withstanding.
Discounts depend on h ow much you sell but average you can expect to keep about a third of your turnover. I charge £37 a week and think I get to 'keep' about £12.

Do you enjoy it?
I really like it, most of my people are lovely but sometimes there is an odd weird one but they don't tend to stay long

Is it actually worth it? Or am i better just being an advocate without getting involved in selling... i do a good job of converting people to my way of thinking and am really positive about the diet...
I felt like you so I would say so. It would never replace a real job for me - no guaranteed income

Does it keep you on the straight and narrow.... my CDC is not really much of an advert for it TBH.... It does keep me on track mainly. If i didn't have them coming i would probably be back to 18 stone.

Hope this helps.

From my point of view councellors should be as flexible as possible. i change appointments, let people come and not buy any products, buy just what they need even if its one sachet.

Cheers and keep up the good work.

Anyway, can't say the financial rewards are huge.... am i fickle if i consign that idea to the bin for now....................????

No. I would love to help people if I was in a position to become a CDC, it would have to make a certain amount that would be a good dent in your household budget and its not like a voluntary role that you can leave at the workplace as the workplace is your home. Its not fickle its just realistic you can only do so much

K x

[Duncan0808]

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=21692361#post21692361

Try this, it should take you to the very last post.
You can pick your pages, if you want to go back to the very beginning, or if you look at the more recent posts. I don't think anyone from the beginning still posts.
It is a long project. It took me two hours to catch up on 10 days last week!!!

[Krasnoludek]

Blimey. I have started reading but my bed is calling me I am afraid, I am going to also Sky plus the biggest loser :)

Will catch up tomorrow with everyone - have a fab CD day

G'night all

K xxxx

[Duncan0808]

Its a lot of effort isn't it, possibly for not a lot of gain, but then it depends a lot on how many people you have and how much effort you put into it.

If you think to start someone off and talk them through it if you did a good job would take say an hour, so they buy a weeks worth so you got paid £12 an hour. Repeat visits would be say max half hour, so "wages" increase to £24 an hour.
If you were a bit sh1te, and you just had them come in, jump on the scales, buy the stuff and leave, this could increase your hourly rate even further.
I know you wouldn't do this though, you care too much.
To be a good CDC which I know you would want to be, you would also need to factor in how many times you would text them to check how they were doing, emails etc this would all take time and would erode your hourly rate.

But if you had say 20 customers, doing well and repeating, (Bear in mind there will be a lot that don't make it) you could be looking at £240 a week, for about 10 hours work.

You would need to consider how you will encourage customers to come to you and remember every success becomes a very low fee earner!

I don't think that sounds too bad Maz, as you say, a lot depends on having the time, its not enough to give up the day job as the customer base is not guaranteed, but it could take you and the family on holiday a couple of times a year.

You also need to factor in your own admin time, for record keeping, which Cambridge are quite strict on, bookkeeping, which I don't think would be too bad, its just cash in and out, you would need to do a tax return.
Maybe leaflet printing or advertising.

[(Land of) Maz]

Its a lot of effort isn't it, possibly for not a lot of gain, but then it depends a lot on how many people you have and how much effort you put into it.

If you think to start someone off and talk them through it if you did a good job would take say an hour, so they buy a weeks worth so you got paid £12 an hour. Repeat visits would be say max half hour, so "wages" increase to £24 an hour.
If you were a bit sh1te, and you just had them come in, jump on the scales, buy the stuff and leave, this could increase your hourly rate even further.
I know you wouldn't do this though, you care too much.
To be a good CDC which I know you would want to be, you would also need to factor in how many times you would text them to check how they were doing, emails etc this would all take time and would erode your hourly rate.

But if you had say 20 customers, doing well and repeating, (Bear in mind there will be a lot that don't make it) you could be looking at £240 a week, for about 10 hours work.

You would need to consider how you will encourage customers to come to you and remember every success becomes a very low fee earner!

I don't think that sounds too bad Maz, as you say, a lot depends on having the time, its not enough to give up the day job as the customer base is not guaranteed, but it could take you and the family on holiday a couple of times a year.

You also need to factor in your own admin time, for record keeping, which Cambridge are quite strict on, bookkeeping, which I don't think would be too bad, its just cash in and out, you would need to do a tax return.
Maybe leaflet printing or advertising.

y'see you put things in a totally different way from me, which looks so much clearer on screen.... Thanks hun........

However i think it would errode a lot into the hourly rate and therefore into the whole family time and would be a contstant source of disruption to the house....

Plus i bet you have to hold a lot of stock, even 1 box of everything in stock would costs £100's! 24 x 15 flavours @ 1.20 a sachet = over £400 of stock alone...

i think not at this time..... good to have had this conversation though, as it's bound to come up again.......

[Duncan0808]

The capital outlay is a biggie, especially as you might not even enjoy doing it that much.
Aswell as the disruption to family life especially when you are working full time.

You will just have to stick to practising on us!!

When you are ready to have a go you will have soooo much experience and a huge amount of testimonials to your credit!!

Off to bed now, see you tomorrow.

[(Land of) Maz]

Thanks babes..... it's been good to talk it out... i appreciate the input... and big thanks to the woman from running thread for her valuable input...

[(Land of) Maz]

I went into my wardrobe tonight and tried everything i have on...

I have some lovely summer skirts that i'm not going to be able to wear unless i get practicing on the sewing machine.... !!

I now have much more space in the wardrobe.... doing the trying on thing has been good for me as not feeling great this week......... It's been a boost knowing that nothing is above a size 14 in bottoms..... although the tops are anything between a 14 and a 20 but clothes can be like that can't they....

i tried to be ruthless but there were a couple of blouses that i actually love and couldn't part with...

i think in not keeping any big clothes i am more likely to self regulate later IYKWIM....

Anyway, i think this is a solliliquy (sp) i.e. i am talking to myself! So time to get myself off to bed.....

G'night all!

mwah :kiss:

[Snaggles]

Maz you skinny thing with your size 14 (maximum) bottoms!! :T :T

I can't wait to see you in Leeds, bearing in mind I've only seen you once before you started and once mid-way through.

[Alphamare]

I had a wardrobe rummage and couldnt belive how little i was ;) never mind getting there again :D

Im back to the grind stone this morning, have an hour at home to get the article finished, there is no actual deadline but id prefer just to get it done. found out that the woman who built the site im writing for is a writer herself so her compliaments mean even more.

did everyone have a great CD day yesterday? Speaking of Mrs_t we have not heard from her, the gold one who is finished lucky moo, lisa martin, poggy and maybe a few more! hope they are all ok.

ive toyed with the idea of being a CDC myself if/when i finish. but not right away

[Alphamare]

I seem to be the only one here this morning. *warbles* all by my self, aaaaallll by my seeeeeelf

[Duncan0808]

Good Morning All.

Well cartwheels all round, have a drink on me, :beer:water of course, Finally broke the 13st barrier by a big 1lb, I am now lowest weight i've been for at least 10 years.:j:j:j

Whooooooooooo..............:j:j:j

So lost the 8lb I put back on and a bonus 1 aswell.

[Duncan0808]

If the weather is lousy I am going to have a wardrobe sort out. Mine is sort of built into the wall, but the doors only open on some of it, so theres like two ends that you can't see, which have got all sorts in.

Leather pants I've worn once, suede pants I've never worn, big clothes, small clothes, there will be stuff in there that I have seen for years. I have had clear outs but I'm not good at being ruthless and fancy just getting rid of a lot of it, trying on a few things to aim for and seeing whats left.

We havent heard from a few people, wonder if they got lost when we moved?

[Alphamare]

:j:T Yay Sue!!!!!!!!! :T:rotfl::j YAY

:beer: cheers!

Maybe they did get lost.

did you get the article? i have edited it some more and spotted a few erros so dont mind them too much ;) let me know what you think!

[Alphamare]

Mind you i am assuming you are at work since thats the email address i sent it too . :p

[Duncan0808]

Just reading it now Alf,
I know what you mean about sounding like you are speaking to a four year old - but then as you say, you come across an awfull lot of people who seem to have little or no common sense. They cannot seem to visulise the process. I come across this a lot in my job. I have even has someone ask if we can stop a ship, yes a huge container ship, carrying 10000 containers, because they gave us the wrong instructions and 1 pallet is going to the wrong place!!!

Will carry on reading now!!

[Alphamare]

let me know what you think :D *waits in anticipation*

[(Land of) Maz]

Maz you skinny thing with your size 14 (maximum) bottoms!! :T :T

I can't wait to see you in Leeds, bearing in mind I've only seen you once before you started and once mid-way through.


yeah, i suppose now i see it written down it does look rather amazing!!! :T me!

and honestly i needed some kinda boost this week as have felt it really tough......

i think a bit of me knows that i was planning on stopping at 12 stone and is trying to make me stop now.....

The other bit of me knows that the end is nigh, i'll be giving my notice in 3-4weeks and going it alone by the start of july... so it's really not long....

I can't wait to see you and Spud in Leeds either Snags.... apart from all being skinny babes by then, it seems aaaages ago since Manchester! and a lifetime ago since Telford!

[Duncan0808]

I

ive toyed with the idea of being a CDC myself if/when i finish. but not right away
I went to sleep last night with the numbers running around my head.

I don't earn anywhere near £24 an hour now, and it sounds very tempting, the intial outlay is quite a lot, so you have to be pretty committed, plus it's always going to be irregualar, (Unless you are like Maz's CD) but it could be a lucrative hobby.

I'll tell you about my friend later when I have more time.

[(Land of) Maz]

Good Morning All.

Well cartwheels all round, have a drink on me, :beer:water of course, Finally broke the 13st barrier by a big 1lb, I am now lowest weight i've been for at least 10 years.:j:j:j

Whooooooooooo..............:j:j:j

So lost the 8lb I put back on and a bonus 1 aswell.


How rude of me!! Sorry sue!

well done babes!!! skinny skinny sue sue!!

and as for leather trousers, well never a good look! unless you're in a rock band! and even then!!

[(Land of) Maz]

I went to sleep last night with the numbers running around my head.

I don't earn anywhere near £24 an hour now, and it sounds very tempting, the intial outlay is quite a lot, so you have to be pretty committed, plus it's always going to be irregualar, (Unless you are like Maz's CD) but it could be a lucrative hobby.

I'll tell you about my friend later when I have more time.

i think i certainly am not going to consider it due to the financial outlay, and because i just don't have the lovely home, or space... plus i can see Big G getting fed up of getting turfed out of the living room each week...

Sue - you'd be brill....

Alf - you would be good too... but you have kinda been winging it your own style-eee since the start for one good reason or another, so probably would have to get a whole handle on the 100% thing.... plus you're life is busy enough i'd say!

[Duncan0808]

Thank you! Maz

The leather ones are OKish, but never had the right sort of occasion to wear them, too hot in summer, good for sort of outdoor Rugby days, that sort of thing , but no good if its raining. Now the suede ones........they are dodgy, skin tight tan jodpur style, I actually bought them because they were reduced from £100 to £20.
Thats because no other mug would buy them!!

[Faye2109]

Hey everyone i lost four pounds this week and my BMI is 25 :)
Last week on Cambridge this week am two pound off my target whahey!
im eleven ten now but want to continue to get in the tens we will see :)

Three stone off in three months cant fault that

[Duncan0808]

Fantastic Faye, thats brilliant - Well done.:T:T

Youre right 3 months is superb, you should be really proud of yourself!!!

[Krasnoludek]

Well done Faye : )

I am surviving my first day, I can feel the familiar ketosis headache coming on joy

K x

[Duncan0808]

Arrrrh, but K. Remember that familiar wonderful feeling thats just around the corner when you get past those first few days!!!!

Wont be long to go now!!!!

[(Land of) Maz]

Well done Faye : )

I am surviving my first day, I can feel the familiar ketosis headache coming on joy

K x

well don't let it swamp you... take a couple of paracetamols and drink drink drink girl!

Well done on the loss and the ooooh healthy BMI Faye!! Why are you stopping now though? Do you not want to work up thru the plans??

[Krasnoludek]

yes, its all good I guess. Am invited to dinner at mum in laws with all the family on Sunday, still trying to figure out how to get out of that one. I think last time I dropped off hubby and kids and went to the shops then came back when everyone had eaten lol

I have walked about 3 miles today as well with my little girl so feeling quite smug might have a sneaky weigh in the morning to boost my motivation, trouble is, I didnt weigh myself today as I couldnt bear it, oh well. Have a good CD day everyone


K x

[postingalwaysposting]

Whoop Whoop Duncan :j :j :j

Whoop Whoop Faye :j :j :j

You are both superstars :A

Maz, I know what you mean regarding becoming a cdc, but at the end of the day you have to do it because you want to not because we think you would be fab at it.

Pants day here :rolleyes: still not in ketosis :mad: I fear I will lose 2lb instead of my target of 4lb but never mind :confused: However my Mum knows now this is'nt a 'fad'. She keep's asking me when she has to buy fish and chicken etc and she has been reading all my books. Also because I said I am a bit brassic this month (£200 for CD) she went out and brought my steamer I want for when I can eat, ordered me some more ketostix and has told me to reduce my housekeeping again next month ~ I love her so much http://fc08.deviantart.com/fs6/i/2005/113/6/6/_love__by_N_Style42.gif

[Duncan0808]

You should weigh in K, now you are on the right track whatever it is is behind you. You need a starting point just so you know how well you've done

[spud30]

Spud - how come you had an early weigh in, i saw on daily chat you'd lost another 3lbs? is that right?!

I just wanted to make sure I was still on track after losing it a bit last weekend, so I sneaked on the wii fit. I'll go back to weekly WI now :D

[(Land of) Maz]

Kras - did you restart with your old supplies from before?

Surely if you went to a CDC then you will have been weighed?

[Duncan0808]

Arrrr PAP your mum sounds lovely. My mums lovely, but she just loves cooking for people, and baking cakes and things, and she loves to share them.

I get home from work and because shes found something really nice she leaves me a bit to taste, just in case I want to try it, and of course its rude not too! And then one thing leads to another.......
She is away for another 4 weeks, so have to stay on track, but as she is away I now have to do the cooking for Hubby and Son, which is a whole new story.....
I wouldn't worry too much about the Ketosis PAP, basically you are taking in a huge deficit in energy than you are expending. You simply have to lose weight. Ketosis or no Ketosis.
Sometimes it may be more or less because of other factors like hormones, water levels, but it will come off.

Whens your weigh in Sunday? I'm sure you will be fine.

[(Land of) Maz]

i agree PAP, your mam sounds lovely!

[Krasnoludek]

This is true. I shall weigh in tomorrow morning :) 65lb to go, well maybe slightly less now..lol

K x

[spud30]

This is worrying, that's me, you and spud all not particularly enamoured with our CDC's...

My feelings have been confirmed about mine. She hasnt even had the decency to reply to the email I sent her on Tuesday :rolleyes:

[spud30]

I can't wait to see you and Spud in Leeds either Snags.... apart from all being skinny babes by then, it seems aaaages ago since Manchester! and a lifetime ago since Telford!

Still way off skinny Maz. Less than a month till Leeds :eek: :T

[postingalwaysposting]

Duncan ~ She is a gem, a few years ago we had our problems with money so she did take advantage of me but now its fab, plus she just ditched the creep of a boyfriend she had :j Any slightly off course there, yep she is amazing and shes all mine :rotfl: Yes Sunday night, I hope so because I am on my own for two weeks then :eek:I am sure it will be fine though ~ if I keep guzzling the water.

Maz ~ Thanks she is the best ever. However I hate the fact that she puts my weight down to her. Like I told her I was the one sneaking food and being extremely lazy when I was younger not her so its all my fault. She wont have it though :rolleyes:

Good luck to all those (maz?) with weigh ins tommorow :j Hopefully you can share when/if the forums come back online :D

[Duncan0808]

My feelings have been confirmed about mine. She hasnt even had the decency to reply to the email I sent her on Tuesday :rolleyes:
Thats sh1te really, the whole point of having the CDC is for help and support. So if she hasnt replied since Tuesday she isnt doing what you need.
Was looking at the CDC code of conduct yesterday, they are supposed to respond asap.
Maybe you should try contacting Cambridge direct, this diet is hard enough without having to deal with lousy CDC's:mad:

[spud30]

Thats sh1te really, the whole point of having the CDC is for help and support. So if she hasnt replied since Tuesday she isnt doing what you need.
Was looking at the CDC code of conduct yesterday, they are supposed to respond asap.
Maybe you should try contacting Cambridge direct, this diet is hard enough without having to deal with lousy CDC's:mad:

Dunc, the email was to tell her I wouldnt be going for a while, I dont think she's best pleased. It just means that if/when I do return, Iit will be to a different CDC.

[Alphamare]

i think i certainly am not going to consider it due to the financial outlay, and because i just don't have the lovely home, or space... plus i can see Big G getting fed up of getting turfed out of the living room each week...

Sue - you'd be brill....

Alf - you would be good too... but you have kinda been winging it your own style-eee since the start for one good reason or another, so probably would have to get a whole handle on the 100% thing.... plus you're life is busy enough i'd say!

This is true. although in my first week i did do 100% but it was hard! I will prob be starting work 1st june so plan to do 100%SS until then. No chicken or anything and only my three shakes.

I am currently too busy you are right and also wouldnt do it in this house, well actually i could there is a small third bedroom which is the right sort of size... :p

[Duncan0808]

Its daft though, if you were to email me to say you couldn't come for a while I'd email you straight back, to check you were OK, to warn to be good on "real" food in the meantime so you don't end up back where you started or worse, and to tell you to keep in touch.
As you say, by ignoring you, you won't go back, and when you talk to other people, you will say, the diets good, it works but don't go to her.

Word of mouth is a powerful thing and shouldn't be underestimated.
You are well rid I think spud - do you have an alternative though. Thats Maz's problem, she dosent have anywhere else to go.

[Duncan0808]

Sorry, dont know why that went bold.
Currently working at home, my laptop wont connect to anything except work. And sons wont connect to work, so have two of them open on the kitchen table at the mo.

[spud30]

Dunc, I actually explained my reasons for not going, but she's obviously not bothered is she. Only in it for the sales. I've had a few people ask for her details recently, so I'll make sure I tell em to find someone else.

There are a couple more CDCs within 10 miles or so, not hugely convenient, but she wasnt THAT convenient either. She was closer, but had to go through the town centre and out again to get there.

[jenhug]

Hiya,
CDC popped the info in to me today, I was out so didn't get to meet her.
Can I ask, did you all start on SS or SS+?

Realistically, how hard was the beginning, on just 3 shakes a day? I have visions of me eating my dog.

[Alphamare]

I didnt like our first at all!! the second one is great except for the changing appt at the last second and leaving us with two days where we had no CD products at all

[Duncan0808]

Well stick with us spud, we will keep you going during your "break"

Only please don't tell me what you are having to eat each day, number of calories or fat gms will do!!!

[Alphamare]

Jen its hard. in struggled with it but funnily now i am going SS and finding it quite easy since i moved down from SS+ (which a bit of protien) so if you really sturggle then do that and move down?

[spud30]

Jen, I started on SS, and apart from a headache on day 2 I didnt have any problems at all. In fact I never felt hungry on CD, but I think others have.

[spud30]

Well stick with us spud, we will keep you going during your "break"

Only please don't tell me what you are having to eat each day, number of calories or fat gms will do!!!

Thanks Dunc. Dont worry, I wont discuss food, just WI results good or bad :D