Hi
Best of luck with the diet.
It sound like a really tough one to do but don't be put off. Its actually quite easy to follow. The plan is not complicated, which helps. I am on my last week now and found that it was nowhere near as difficult as I thought it would be. The problems were relatively minor. Yes you get some of the symptoms mentioned in the plan. But they go away fairly soon.. I found hunger not to be a problem at all. The Hunger pangs were not really hunger pangs but seemed to be more associated with the food smells around you like Smelling that Fish & chip shop. Bacon frying, The bakers was rather tortuous in the early stages. Watch the balance between medication and the diet to ensure sugars don't really drop. I found I could come off the diabetic medication quite quickly. Be aware also that if you suffer from high blood pressure, the diet can reduce that as well so keep an eye on any blood pressure medications as well. I had to stop taking mine. It resulted in accepting a slightly high blood pressure but I get many more readings in the normal range now than in the higher range, especially when the weight came down. Also the meal replacements drinks do have sugar in them, It's not that bad but you will find higher blood sugar readings later in the day, especially in the early stages. Eventually you should see it getting quicker at recovering and see more and more normal readings occurring long before your next meal time. The morning reading, 1st thing is the indicator to go by.
The ASDA Measure up powdered meal replacement I found to be the best, having tested most of the brands before attempting diet. They are not so sweet and sickly and are really nice. Particularly the chocolate. The ready made liquid ones are much sweeter anyway. Fluid intake is very important. I find making up the shake (Asda measure up) with over twice the water required (I use 1/2ltr) makes it easier to keep your fluids up and the shakes taste just as good, if not better for it. I found I got to look forward to the shakes.
Be adventurous with the vegetable recipes. Tomatoes are wonderful flavourings. Any good chef will also tell you that the four basic standard flavours for soups and stews are celery, onion, carrot and leek. any three out of four of those in your recipe should see success. More variety the better. One thing to note is that medication for diabetes and high blood pressure usually inhibit and change your taste. You should find vegetables tasting much better and far less boring anyway. The ones you don't usually like, you may suddenly find you do. 5/6 weeks in, try a raw carrot and notice the difference. Spices and herbs are great help as well. Don't see recipes that don't work as a failure see it as a learning experience. Its amazing what you can do with them. If you do get hunger pangs try a couple of cherry tomatoes, It does wonders to kill that hunger off. Just don't go mad with them. A pickled onion works as well. Again don't go mad with them and read the jar to see what's in them. Some of the value brands have less sugar and salt and additives and are just as good. Watch out for the sweeteners, Avoid aspartame. It really plays havoc with your insulin metabolism. There is no substitute for good old fashioned water out of the tap. Don't cheat. That is obvious, but honestly, your far better and safer stopping the diet than cheating or if it is just not for you. 8 weeks is not very long out of your life and does seem to be over quicker than expected. Family support really helps. As does an understanding doc and health care professional but don't hold your breath on that one.
I am no longer overweight. 1st time since my school days and I am 58. My morning sugar readings are normal. To be fair, it's not just the Newcastle diet though. I have followed the advice in Professor Clarke's book, 'The Diabetes Revolution' for over a year now. There you'll find really good advice for your after plan. Extra benefits have been Arthritic pains almost gone. Psoriasis gone. Waist gone from 42" to 32". Far more energy than before. Medications down unbelievably.
It may not be a cure, only time will tell that. I have learned a tremendous amount about what I should be eating and learned some great new recipes. I am looking forward to replacing the shakes with the proteins like fish and meat and eggs in much smaller portions than before. Hopefully with much better sugar controls if not cured. I am overjoyed with the results so far. The proof of the pudding will be in the after plan. Good luck
Basically, unless your an olympic athlete, don't base your diet on starchy food. There is enough carbs in plenty of fresh vegatables. Never have another ready meal ever again. If you eat bread, eat wholemeal in small quantities and bake your own or buy from a proper independent baker who doesn't use any additives (not so easy). !!!!!! Shop bought bread just isn't bread. !!!!!!!
(See 'The Truth About Bread' on the Independent on-line news website)
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/the-shocking-truth-about-bread-413156.html
(See 'Big Fat Lies About Britain's obesity epidemic' on the Daily Mail on-line news website)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1247216/The-Big-Fat-Lies-Britains-obesity-epidemic.html
(Quote from the Diabetes Revolution - 'Dietary advice in Great Britain is sending type 2 diabetics to an early grave')
