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Brandy:  Is this healthy? Sounds realy low in cals- i've heard you should have like 2000 cals a day.

X2C:  I think it's probably OK for getting started and losing a few pounds. Nothing says encoragement like looking at the scale a few days after starting and already losing weight!

Cambridge user:  I lost over 100 pounds on Cambridge several years ago and I have kept it off. It is the best diet on the market! Any diet that has been around for almost 30 years has proven it's self to be safe I would think. I bought mine at www.cambridgediet.org . They have a great support system there and the distributor is the best. She used to be a nurse so she can answer your questions about it's safety.

cambridge user:  Well it is a DIET so it's not going to be 2000 cals a day is it!!! It's 33% of your RDA of vitamins and minerals per serving, of which you have 3 or 4 a day so that's all your nutrition taken care of... it's a fast diet, expect to lose 10lb+ the first week and 3-4lb every week after that. (Average 1st per month) Losing is the easy part, you need to look hard at your eating habits to keep the weight off after, you can't expect to lose the weight then go back to your old habits and keep the weight off!! This diet makes you realise how you see food, if you comfort eat or eat out of boredom this diet will highlight those habits! I've been on the diet for 7 weeks and have lost 2st4lb, and I feel great, the health benefits of being slimmer are worth it.

Anonymous:  I have used the Camberidge diet plan to get weight off before a hip replacemnet. It was very easy to do as the insentive was there. I successfully lost 3 stone in about 10 weeks and the operation went ahead.

Anonymous:  I am currently doing the cambridge diet and it's been a success. I have lost 4st. Believe me after eating more than 2000 cals a day ans then starting this wasn't easy, my first week was hell and I was depressed but I stuck with it. With losing all this weight I am back to my old self going to the gym and swimming. I feel much better within myself. It is a fast way to lose wait but then it's up to you to maintain it. I don't want to go back to my olds way and more happier with my 4st weight and thanks to cambridge I feel and look great. 10/10

Anonymous:  I'm about to embark on the Cambridge Diet as need to lose weight seriously before 21st January as I'm in an am dram musical....wish me luck ! ;)

Anonymous:  i've een on the idet for 2 weeks and so ar lost almost a stone. it's n excellent diet. While i was on it i did'nt feel hungry at all. it does work nd it takes strong willpower.if your determined you'l do it just perservere and watch the end results will be worth it. just do'nt give up

tubbs:  I have been nonnthe canbridgediet 790 cal.now for 3 weeks and have lost 11lbs, but have started to feel very tired - has anyone else experienced this?

Anonymous:  It is hard to get started on such a lifestyle change of eating plan, but the fast results are wonderful. I've tried lots of diets and only thi s one brings about such a huge weight loss and fast.

3 weeker:  I have been doing cambridge for 3 weeks. I lost 10 pounds in 1st week. But have not lost anymore since then. I go swimming at 3 times a week!! whats going on!!??

Tiffers:  I am on day three and have got up today with no headache, no tiredness and no mood swings (yet) which i was experiencing on day one and 2, I have also lost 9lb in 3 days

Lexie_Dog:  I have lost 31lbs in 6 weeks on this diet. I'm not saying that its been plain sailing all the time, but for me this diet has been a godsend. Its one of the easiest I've every done! and it works. PLEASE do not buy your supplies off ebay, please buy them from your local Cambridge Diet Counsellor. You're quiteoften getting robbed on Ebay!

elaine:  Ive started the cambridge diet today. i want to lose and stone and half. wish me luck!!

Anonymous:  I need to lose 3 and a half stone and this seems almost too good to be true. However, i'm a student midwife working long shifts on my feet for much of the day. Does anyone else do a physically demanding job and still manage to do the diet without flaking out?! Would it be a good odea to combine one of the meal replacements with a low cal meal each day?

jo:  I am just about to embark on the cambridge diet, I only have a stone and half to lose but thought it would be a kick start I need, I have onky ever heard of very over weight people doing this, has anyone out there succeeded and maintained their weight with just a little to lose

Anonymous:  hiya,ive been doing this diet for 3 days now and i already feel really light.i did get the headaches and mood swings but im fine now.so far so good.i cant wait to see the results in two weeks time.i will let u know how i get on.

Katy:  I've been doing Step 3 for around a month now and progress is steady. I find it helps having such a prescriptive diet as I don't need to think about food. I have two small children, work part-time and do other stuff and this fits in well. I can sit with the kids and have an evening meal, save my chocolate bar as a treat so I don't feel I am missing out and have the cappucino drink which I split into 3 and have throughout the day. I feel lucky to have cappucino when all my colleagues are on naff-caff!

Anonymous:  I am starting tomorrow...wish me luck! My friend lost 6 kilos in 7 days

Anonymous:  hi i started the cambridge diet losing 2 stones in 6 weeks, but soon put on a stone when i decided to go back to eating conventional food. i belive that was my own glutteness, and will resume the diet again, as it does work, you just need to be sensible after. good luck.

Saz:  I have been doing this diet for 6 days and I have lost 10lb so far. Is it safe to stay on? I have to admit i haven't been doing three a day every day as i dont get hungry and forget to have them on a regular basis but it makes me feel bad by the end of the day !!

Anonymous:  A woman has lost 6 stone in 4 months at work, but she looks awful, no energy, looks miserable, is it really safe?

paula:  Istart this diet on tues 1st jan 2008, i done the lighterlife plan last yr and lost 3 stone, however i have put 2 stone back on through my own greediness, i did find it very expensive and im hopin that the cambridge diet will work just the same, i don belive that hey are the makers of the lightlife shakes, with the added bonus that they have more flavours and the shakes do come in cartons, so no more blending, which was a pain, so wish me luck and have a great 2008

Anonymous:  i have been on the cambridge diet for 15 weeks now and i have lost 5 stone and 6 pounds i have had good days and the odd bad day but if you keep it up and change your lifestyle and eating habits throw in a bit of exercise and you will keep it off

CEN:  i went on the cambridge diet and lost 2st all my friends and workmates said it wasnt gonna work and i would put the weight back on. and did i prove them wrong not only did i keep the weight off i went on to lose another 1st by eating sensible while on the diet i read a range of gi diet books by Rick Gallop & Dr Ruth Gallop which helped me change the way i looked at food it is important to look at your eating habit and recognise your faults the diet works its up to you. i've started again on the 2/01/08 as i want to lose 2st wish me luck

Anonymous:  how much does it cost?

louisa:  i am on this diet and had my first weigh in yesterday morning and lost 11lbs. i did it 2 yrs ago as well and lost 17lbs in my first week!!!!!!!!! it really is the best diet, i just wish people would do research on it before saying we're doing a crash diet!

louisa:  i've been doing the cambridge diet for a week now and lost 11lbs!!! i know this diet works and love it! and i know too many people who are maintaining their weight to believe it does stay off as long as you change the way you were eating before. More people need to do their research on this diet than going around telling us we're on a crash diet!!

Helen:  I'm on my 4th day of the diet and it's been the biggest shock to my system. My moods have been awful and i've had terrible hunger, headaches and nausea! I am pleased with the initial results as I seem to be losing weight really quickly, but it is really hard!

Maggie:  I start the diet on wednesday 09/01/08 i have tried loads of diets. I hope this works as well for me as it has for loads of other people. i will let you know how i do in first two weeks.

kerrie:  am on my 2nd day feel a bit better than yesterday had bad headaches nausea and was very light headed lost 5lb am finding it very hard x but am guna do it !

Laura:  I am on my second day. I went out with my friends to a pub earlier and they ate some delicious sausage and mash in front of me and I didn't even care. I had a big shock when I had a medical and they told me my BMI indicated I was obese. I am only 22 and do not want to go through my life as a fat person. I feel revolting. I am determined to lose 3.5 stone and wear a bikini this summer. I feel good at the moment and the water drinking is great. I am hoping this will change my life x x

matt:  i started the plan tuesday 7th Jan - like someone said its been a massive shock - i too am getting headaches & hunger but am finding black coffee now a relief too just water shakes & soups - ps i had a horrible experience tonight with cambridge tomato soup - it didnt mix right & it was like sipping a tea leaf that had broken up - can recommend the vegetable & chicken mushroom though - goto admit im only 2stone overwight & day 4 finding clothes are fitting better - would definatly recommend to any fatties out there - especially the ones who say ive tried everything

TRACIE:  hi i am on my 2nd week on the cd i lost a stone in my first week and 5 inches from my waist but this second week my weights staying the same dunno why but have got 3 days till weigh in again so lets hope i loose again eh other than that it is a hard diet but worth it if it continues the way it started.

rebecca:  Im about to start cb and personally cant wait!! I have alot of weight to lose nearly 8stone. I cant see the point of people who have a few pound or one/two stone to lose doing it at all.

res:  hi i am on day two of the diet. its been ok so far the soups r tasty but drinking so much water i cant handle an going to the loo so often. i have 5st to lose.

Peppa:  This diet works. As with any other diet, you can't go back to the habits that made you fat in the first place and expect not to regain weight. It's far less dangerous than obesity surgery and if you have a lot to lose, it's great for motivation. It is though, a very hard diet to stick to. The rewards are well worth the hardship though. Recommended.

inx:  i have been on the sole source for 13 days now,and feel great. although i had a weak moment today and ate 6 buttered crackers,i am feeling realy bad.does anyone know if i have messed up my weight loss? by the way i have lost 9lbs in one week,would i now have slowed it down.

matt:  now on my 2nd week - lost 11 1bs on my 1st week - & bmi is now arount 27/28 - hoping i have a couple of weeks left as the urge to eat is growing more & more & im dreaming of pizza mcdonalds curry like you wouldnt believe - rebecca your comments above are crazy - this diet is for anyone whose bmi is high - maybe you should have looked at a diet yourself when you was 2 stone overweight instead of now having to do at 8stone - at the end of the day if im on this diet for 3-4 weeks then that has to better than 4/6 months which i know it takes that long for 8 stone of weight

Anonymous:  i am on day 6 of the CD feel much better than i did day 3

Anonymous:  well im on week 2 now and i think its great, in 7 days i lost 14lbs yes thats exactly one stone in one week, i also lost lots of inches, 8 from my waist, 3 hips,1.5 legs and ar and best of all nothin off my boobs heehee, but im sure that will change!! i now aim to lose 4lb a week which will calculate just over a stone per month, when you see the results straight away it gives you much more incentive to carry on than other diets you have to wait months to see and feel a difference!!! as silly as it sounds i feel much healthier than i did before as i probably used to eat about 2000kcals a day so its a pefect 10 for me xx

Anonymous:  i have been doing this diet for almost two weeks now (got my 2nd weigh in tomorrow) first week i lost 14lbs - first two days were hell, hungry, tired, headache but then i felt the inner calm, no hunger and happy with myself. I have another three stone to lose until i review if i want to lose any more. shakes are nice and the soups are ok, but i feel the need to east something (which i havent yet). I have a family event in a few weeks time that will be a real test of my resolve, i am praying i will get through. I also have a business trip away in about 1 months time that i'm dreading - there will be so much temptation. I'm determined to win, i have real high blood pressure and i know this will help. I have my next appointment with my GP at the end of the month, if my blood pressure is still as high i will have to go on tablets - i'm not ready for that. All you cd people, stick with it if you fail this one then what next ? it's up to us to change the way we are which includes eating healthy after, no one else just us !!.

Anonymous:  After a lot of researching diets and finding medical evidence that actually accredits and uses CD for patients - also one I am not going to be wasting hard earned money for it yet to be another money making venture for diet claims targetting vulnerable people out there! I have been on CD for 7 days and have lost 8lbs and 6". Yes it is hard, I have had headaches, tired and getting all the water down has been a struggle (I now use the water flavouring and that has helped greatly) I am lactose intolerant and have had to swap about with the shakes and have now found the combination for me with help from my counsellor, who is on hand for any problem so please use them, they are there to help you every step of the way. I am now just starting to feel more energetic and seeing the results of weight loss and inches so quickly helps to keep the momentum going. This is not a quick fix because if you return to your normal eating patterns it will have been hard work wasted. Identify your problems and weaknesses that increased the weight in the first place and gradually build up to the correct calories needed for you to maintain your weight and to take the healthy options so that it becomes the norm. Only then can you have the occasional treats and be able to maintain. Hard work always pays off in the end and you WILL get the result you desire and feel and look healthy. I really recommend CD as long as you are using it for the right reasons and plan to eat healthily thereafter.

delareese:  iv just done day 1 of CD with my brother and my friend. we foun the first day kinda hard as its so difficult not to eat ANYTHING!! but we managed it, and hope to see good results at the end of the week!

hopeful:  i started cambridge 1.1.07 and lost 5st 7lbs, by oct. 07...came off it and only put 6lb back, starting it again tomorrow need to loose another 3st 11lb - i felt great on it, I am better just doing sole source all the time..not much fun for your social life but the long term goal will be worth it..then I want a tummy tuck & boob job!!

IG:  I've been on the diet 2 weeks now and have lost app 20lbs. If you drink enough water-no headaches ! Stick to it, it works

scw:  I have been on the diet for 4 days, I have to say it is so much easier not having to count calories and not worry anout whar you can and can't have. I st weigh in on Wednesday. Fingers X. Good luck to you all.

naomi:  i did the diet for about 4 days and hated it, i got bad headaches and was so tried. the best way is eat healthly and go to the gym xx

tubs:  i have just rang the councellor so i can start the cd wish me luck

Anonymous:  well i have posted before after 2 weeks of doing ss on the cd diet i am now in my 4th week and i have lost to stone already and my next weigh in isnt until nxt tuesday so believe me this diet does work if your determined xx

scw:  I have finished my first week on SS and lost half a stone and 5 inches. I dont feel hungry but do have cravings. It does work.

Res:  hi guys i have been on he diet sole source for 18 days now n have lost 22lbs. its been a struggle for sure. the weight loss is slowling down now an im getting worried. im also feelind weak an light headed. has anyone else experienced this. im thinking of having one meal aday, but worried will this take me out of ketosis stage and really slow weight loss.

Anonymous:  i started last week. im on step 3 as i only need to lose 7-8 kg but i hope i do as i suffered from bulimia and losing the weight will finally make me be happy as a person! but i think as I have such little weight to lose, its going to be difficult. i keep eating loads and loads of fruit. bad right?!

tracie:  hi i am now on my 4th week add ameal week and only hae 2lb 2 go and then i have lost 2 stone this diet does work you just have to keep at it and try and exercise 2-3 times a week .That is what i do i love it 2 more stone to go and i am target weight shouldnt take long though if the last 4 weeks are any thing to go by and the hardest part is over with now which was starting the diet and feeling hungry .

Saxa21:  I've been on CD 18 months ago and lost 4 stones. Put 2 back. Now it's my day 3. It's hard but WORTH IT!!! Good Luck

Anonymous:  I am interested in this diet, but dont know if it is for me. I used to weigh around 9 1/2 stone, but over 2 years this has crept up to nearly 12 stone. A few months ago i changed my eating habits for the better and now exercise at least 3 times a week, but the weight is just not shifting. Can i do this diet if i just want to loose 2 1/2 stone?? Any comments would be useful. Thanks.

Bev:  Just reading some of your comments with interest. I am a cambridge counsellor and wanted to answer some of the Q's asked. for long shifts heavy work jobs try having 4 sachets a daym minimal increas in cals but better for energy, if you do add food you risk coming out of ketosis and feel worse. The first week is the hardest, but you should feel much better by week 2 stick at it, the temporary side effects are worth the results. It should cost you around £35-38 for a woman on 3 or £45-49 for a man or woman on 4 a day, dependant on choices. Only buy from an accredited counsellor to avoid being ripped off. Ring 0800 16 15 14 to find your nearest one. Good luck everyone Bev X

Anonymous:  I have now been doing CD for 4 weeks and have lost 16lbs and 12". I am now ready to "add a meal week" - Please can anyone advise me if I should just carry on with the shakes or to do the add a meal - I have another stone to lose. Help please.

feefee:  I did this diet for two weeks and lost exactly a stone only put back on 5lb going back on it monday and really excited as i know it works and sole source is the only way to go i have a friend who has lost just over six stone in fifteen weeks and she looks amazing

Asha:  I've started the CD, I'm one my first day I looking to loose 30 kg, wish me luck. I'm on my 1st day and its kinda difficult but your testimonies keep encouraging me.

Anonymous:  i did it a few months ago and lost 17lbs in 15days before giving up. It is extremely hard!im considering trying it again but all the memories of tiredness moodswings, depression and also the fact that i started to get extremely obsessed with not eating food! This diet is a sure thing to loose weight, but is a easy method of obtaining a eating disorder.

Channyp63:  Hi Guys, I want to start by saying I think comments of if we only have 1 or 2 stone we shouldnt be on this completley wrong! I started Cambridge Jan this year and Lasted 10 days in that 10 days I lost 6lb. I didnt last because I didnt truly have the will power at the time. 3 years agao I was a skinny size 8 weighing 8 1/2 stone- im only 5ft1. I went up to 11 stone after an operation and falling into depression. May I say I got down to 9st10lb since September doing Weight Watchers but I am ready to now throw myself into doing this. Im not doing it for anyone but myself and I think making this desision now rather than waiting until I get really big a pose real health problems for myself is the best thing I could ever do for myself. I am 21 in July and I am moving to Dubai in 6 weeks with my gourgeous Partner of almost 3 years. My life has completly turned around through the support of my partner and the determination in myslelf. My partner has always loved me and treated me like a Princess throughout me gaining all the weight. I dont want to loose alot, I just want to get back my body and feel really sexy again! Even if you only want to loose a couple of pounds this diet is for EVERYONE just go for it and never let anyone put you off what you want to do for yourself, Just loose weight because you want to not because you fell you have to guys x x x I start back the diet on 16/02/08 (Sat) and cant wait!

Anonymous:  lighter life is made by cambridge diet, made in exactly the same place, it is a great diet and works, but you do have to change your eating habits when you finish.

Channyp63:  Can I drink Green Tea on the diet as I know im not allowed fruit teas but this isnt a fruit one so not sure?! I am on Sole Source at the moment. Thanks in advance.

scw:  I have been on the diet for three weeks, the first week I lost 7lb, 2nd week 4lb and the 3rd week only 1lb, the reason; I think for the small loss of 1lb is due to my monthly periods, does any body else have a small or no loss at the time of their cycle?? please let me know. It must make a difference or does it???. I am now into my 4th week and hope that I will have a better loss this week. I have also lost just over 7" in three weeks. Channyp63 I have read your oments and wish you Good luck!!

tony:  im thinking of starting cd, i weigh 23 stoe [male] do u think i will manage ok as i do a manual job, and will it get easier after 2 or 3 days,

Sam:  Hi there, I have a good 30 kilos to lshed. I am planning to start this diet next week..have fixed up an appointment with the conunsellors. Please wish me luck!

nafnaf206:  Hardest thing I have ever done sole souce for the first week wanted to die!!! But lost 9lbs has kept me motivated not got that much to lose now only another 11lbs and I will be happy not a diet for the fainthearted and lots of will power required!!! Good luck Sam go for it!!!

Channyp63:  Hi Guys, Well im on the 3rd day of cd and today I have really been tempted to eat carbs! May I say I have resisted and I find it a great help reading this page over and over, So supportive having you guys here going through the same as me and at different stages x x x

Debbie:  I am thinking about doing the Cambridge Diet as I have tried dieting. My blood pressure is high and I have type 2 diabetes. I am going to ring counsellor on pay day. I did the micro diet in the 80's and lost 3 stone so they do work.

scw:  This is a message for this web site, it would be good if a circular email was sent to all Cambridge counsellors asking them to advise all new and old clients of this web site as it would be nice to get more of peoples comments either hard times or good times. thank you

Diets In Review:  Hello SCW- Thank you for reaching out to Diets In Review re: the Cambridge Diet. This is a great suggestion and one we will make a point of following up. Diets In Review recently added a live chat function. We definitely encourage you and other CD'ers to use the chat to share your experiences, in addition to the comments and forum.

Diets In Review:  Hello SCW- Thank you for reaching out to Diets In Review re: the Cambridge Diet. This is a great suggestion and one we will make a point of following up. Diets In Review recently added a live chat function. We definitely encourage you and other CD'ers to use the chat to share your experiences, in addition to the comments and forum.

steph33:  hi everyone have just started cd today and had my first breakfast vanilla shake i will get back to you in a few weeks and let you know how i am doing wish me luck!

vickie:  Hi everyone, i started cd sole source 9 days ago and so far i have lost 10lbs. I must admit the 2nd week is easier than the first i have 2 1/2 stone to lose, does add a meal make a big difference and does it make you more hungry by eating food???

flea:  Hi everyone, well done for losing the weight! I'm on day one and finding that im very tired, any advice?

sue:  started cd monday now on day 5 feeling ok no headaches drinking loads of water hoping for good weight loss 2 boost me on

scw:  Just completed my 4th week on CD and lost 5lb and another 3" so thats 1st3lb and 10" in 4 weeks, feel really healthy. let hope the next 4 weeks is a repeat.

terri:  Ive read all these comments and I am very exited about starting the diet. I start on thursday. A few questions, How much exercise can you do that is safe? I am worried that I will not be able to do too much because I will not have the energy. and before I planned to do the diet I arranged a get together with old friends. will a one off meal at a restaraunt do alot of damage and what about a little alchohol? is it a no no for just one night?

nic:  been doing cd 2weeks now and lost 1stone,10lb the 1st week and 4 the 2nd.its bin hard at the weekends when all your frends are going out,ive ad a few vodcas with diet coke.but the next day felt starving.so makes you think is it realy worth it.

Fiona:  Hi all. Started CD 10 days ago. Have lost 11 lbs. Found day 4 the toughest of all, but it got easier. Feeling the urge to start eating but will battle on. Have to loose another half stone in 2 weeks as I'm hoping to start IVF. Wish you all the best with the diet !! And yes terri one meal WILL do a lot of damage,either cancel your night out or be ready to start all over again.....it's your choice. Keep drinking the water !!!!!!!!! It really works !!

tracie:  just wanna say well done everyone i am now on wk 8 and have 6lbto go until i have lost 3 stone so feeling very proud also just wanna say good luck fiona with your ivf hope it all goes well for you .xxxxxx

dawn:  i started cd on thursday 28th feb couldnt get on with the shake cup for mixing the shakes they were always lumpy so ive invested in a electric hand whisk from argos £3.89 hooray no more lumpy shakes.drank masses of water and had no side effects whatsoever.

Sharon:  I'm starting the sole source CD tomorrow and I'm really worried about the potential hair loss I keep reading about. I'm doing the diet as I'm getting married in 3 months and want to lose 2 stone if possible but I would rather be fat and have all my hair I think! Has anyone experienced hair loss? Good luck to everyone doing the diet S x

Paula:  Starting sole source today, Monday 3rd March. My comment is for Sharon. Previously I did lighter life for 3 months and lost 5st. I lost tons of hair, it literally came out in handfuls in the shower, very scary! Other friends did the diet and didnt lose as much as me, so I think it depends on the individual. As I dont want to lose my hair again, because I was actually more upset about it than I thought I would be, I intend on doing 2 add a meal weeks in a month. Hoping the extra boost in vitamins and minerals will prevent it.

Sharon Wraith:  Hi Paula, thanks for your reply. That really worries me about the amount of hair you lost. How soon into doing sole source did it start coming out...can you remember?

DONT say the f word:  Started today - want to loose 3 to four stone wish me luck

dawn:  just curious as to how many people have hair loss?is it patchy like alopecia or is it just extra hair all over?

TRACIE:  HI THERE I AM ON WEEK 9 THIS WEEK AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY HAIR LOSS SO DONT WORRY GUYS IT HASNT HAPPENED TO ME OR MY 4 FRIENDS DOING THE SOLE SOURCE CD IT IS JUST A SIDE AFFECT THAT CAN HAPPEN HOPE THIS HELPS AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CD AND WEDDING SHARON

dawn:  had my first weigh in today lost 9lb yippee doing another week of ss

Dawn:  My partner and i started this diet 4 wks ago i have ost 1 stone 3llb my partner 2 and half stone in a month we are both so pleased. It is a easy diet to do but boaring as you cant go out to eat at all or spend a night in the pub unless you drink water, having said that it is well worth it i have 13 to go and hope to do that over this next month and i am now adding a meal. my partner has a bit longer to stay on it and for someone who was a complete junk food king says its easy and wants to keep going untill he gets to goal. My daughter aslo did the diet and lost 5 stone in 6 months. Just keep going its well worth it. Good Luck.

Layla:  I've been on the CD now for 2 days. It's been great, I was going to do Lighterlife but found out that this is exactly the same, and cheaper, I've felt hungry today but its mind over matter, I have over 12 stone to lose. I'm going to do this by this time next year!

Robin:  Hi All, Just to say I'm on day two and not feeling too bad. A little hungry, but not dying for food yet. I've got about 2st to lose so really want to stick to it. I had my third shake late last-nite which seemed to help the carb-cravings. My problem is missing alcohol and the fact I have to feed four kids and a husband! But I am determined since two friends have done so well. I couldn't believe how skinny they looked! I'm going to get my nails done, have bought a few magazines and will treat myself to a new top at the end of the week, provided I've lost. Treats are the order of the day! Go for it people, I'm sure it works! x

Sharon:  I've just had my 1st weigh in and only lost 4 lb which I'm a bit gutted about. My counsellor says I am retaining water...has anyone else experienced this?

Helly:  I'm on day 4 - no headaches, no nausea, I stuck with my normal caffeine intake of tea minus the milk, and 4pints of water a day, that I've drunk out of a sports bottle that i keep topping up, which I have found easier than out of a glass. I have 'cheated' by having small cubes of cheese, and bits of ham on an evening which is carb free. I have my weigh in on Monday, but on myscales I have lost 4lbs in 4 days - and I have gained energy!

Margarita:  Hi All. My message is for those who worry about hair loss. I did Lighter Life lost 4 st and the hair loss is not patchy. Although some of my hair did come off I never looked any different! Go for it hair grows back. I am starting CD on Tuesday to lose two more stone. I got tired with L.L. soups and just need different tastes. Wish me luck and good luck to you all.

Bunchy:  Hi all you determined, slim-to-be people! Just wanted to say that I'm on Day 3 and feel amazing! Day 1 & 2 were difficult with feeling wobbly and dreaming of the food I couldn't eat, but I think I'm out of that stage now. I've read all the comments and find it really inspiring how many strong determined people are doing the same. I sincerely wish everyone one luck with their diet and lets all look forward to being noticed for all the right reasons!! Best of Luck to All ! xx

Jem Bird:  I am 2lb off of 2st now and on my 7th week. I have found that having the bars has helped me with the wanting to eat something craving. I have a bar in the morning, a shake at lunch and soup in the evening.. Anyone in the uk may also want to invest in a 'blendabottle' from Lakeland stores. Really helps with the mixing of the shakes and soups. My advice for those who are tired alot is go for a walk. Clears your head and gets some air into your lungs.. Also with regard to exercise, I have been jogging for approx 30 mins once or twice a week and not experienced any fainting etc. If you are exercising though i'd advise you have an extra shake or soup. I was also advised that if i needed to nibble it was best to have some chicken or cheese (in moderation of course)...this is what I have done and it has never affected my weight loss... To the guy who wanted to know if one meal would hurt him...no it wont have that much of an affect although you will find that the next day you feel really hungry as you have kicked yourself out of ketosis.... NO to alcohol though... too much sugar!!! Good luck everyone and well done to the losers!!

angie:  I'm just about to start wk 3. Wk1 lost 12lb. Wk2 lost 5lb. I've got 3and1/2 stone to lose and I'm determined to do it. Its not as hard as I thought. Losing weight is not easy and I needed a quick loss programme. I'm thrilled with the results and feel fine. I'm no more tired than I was when I eating really unhealthily! Next challenge is introducing some excercise next week, but I'm the only one in control of my destiny. The CD certainly suits me as I lead a very busy lifestyle. Work full time, 3 children. I actually find it satisfying to cook for the kids (maybe its the smell) and I know I'm going to do it and not go back to being the unhappy large person I was. In two weeks I have already picked up one good habit, drinking 2-3 litres of water a day. Black decaf coffee with a sweetner is very palatable and I can feel the results in my clothes, see it in my skin and feeling really positive about the whole experience. I do miss food and having a drink but I can make up for that in 3mths! The difference is going to be that if I put on 1/2 a stone it won't be a problem compared to the one I've had for the last 15yrs. What's the alternative? Pretending that I'm healthy eating and then sliding back into the vicious circle of being 'good' for a couple of weeks etc. I would recommend this to anyone who understands the pains of trying to lose weight. I found the 2nd week to be the hardest so far but I' a 1/4 of the way there already. I haven't 'cheated' once and I don't intend to. The only way I will gain weight ever again is if I eat more calories than I'm using every day! x

scw:  I have been on CD for 7 weeks now and have lost 1 stone 7 lb and apx 18 inches in total. I can see a difference and it shows in my clothes, which is such an incentive. I feel so much healthier in myself. I am drinking a tea called Dogadan which is a Turkish Tea, if anyone is having trouble going to the toilet, this Tea will help and as it is a leaf tea which you are allowed. I wish you all the best of luck.

Troopersue:  Ive now completed my 1st week on the cambridge diet and due for my official weigh-in this evening. Im 53yrs old, 5ft 6ins and last monday evening 10/01/08 I weighed in at 13st 11lb. This morning (and bear in mind this was the morning minus clothing) I weighed 13st 4lb. Unlike all the other comments ive read on here so far, im not doing this to "look great" etc, that would be a bonus to me. Im doing it for pain relief. 2yrs ago I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Since Sept 07 I have been suffering with an awful pain in my right thigh. It goes from my hip to my knee. x-rays, orthopeadic specialist and gp all agree I have a root nerve trapped. Its a bit like sciatica. Ive also been seeing a chiropractor, who agrees with my gp and hospital that losing a bit of weight would help my problem no end. Evidentally for every 1lb of body weight you lose it takes 2lb of pressure off your spine !!! This 1st week has been fine, no headaches, no moods, no extreme hunger. I have drunk the required 2litres of water a day and havent cheated once. I think my weight loss would have been much better if I had been able to do some form of exercise, but at the moment, my leg is far too painful. I am still managing to go to work (part-time) at the moment, but honestly believe that this is my last hope of helping this pain. Has anyone else noticed that any pain they had prior to starting CD has gone since losing their weight ?

Troopersue:  Official weight loss figure for 1st week was 7lb, woohoo!!

slimmer sue:  Been on the diet for 2 weeks and lost 11/2 st ,haven't found the diet hard at all because i want to be thin more than food ,Good luck to all the cd slimmers keep going !!

Debbie:  Well i am really pleased with myself. I have completed my first week of sole source. first couple of days I had a headache which I am not sure was to do with sole source. I tend to get headaches if my nose is stuffed up which it constantly is. Nasal issues aaaaah. Anyway I lost 10lb in one week. Its going to take me about 8 months to get to goal. And to those of you who only have 2 stone to loose - start CD its better than 8 months of shakes. It is making me think about flash points and desire. I live across the road from a chinese, a chipshop and a cake shop. I have been analysing why I comfort ate and it was to do with a bad relationship and food was my way of being good to myself. I am thinking of getting counselling to see how I can overcome my relationship with food. I am pleased with the results - its going to cost me a fortune in clothes lol. I have an image of myself in army clothes and boots with my red hair flowing - its something I am holding onto.

Troopersue:  Wow - well done Slimmer sue and Debbie, you're both doing great. And to Debbie, wanna swap houses ..lol. (just kiddin). That would kill me living so close to a chippy. The only burning issue I have at the moment is that I want to chew something !!!!. My jaws are feeling very reduntant and they don't like it at all. Roll on next week when I can have the bars .... ohhh cant wait :-)

mj:  picking my shakes up 2morrow can't wait to start.hopefully i do well as all you's others.let you know how my first week went next week

Caroline:  I take my hat off to all of you. I think i have tried this diet 4 times now and have never got beyond 2 complete days before giving in and having something to eat. I am 2 stone overweight and wish i could just do it cos i know how much better i feel about life when i'm slim and looking good. I still lost half a stone the first week i did it even though i cheated a lot. Anyway, good luck and well done to all who are doing this - keep being strong!!

Alison:  Hello Im now into week 2 and already I have lost a stone! The effects are amazing! I know that the weight lose will be slower now but its a real kick to get you started and on the way to a brand new you. Im not saying its easy cause its not. I wouldnt say Im hungry just fanciful and in my office every day is a convabelt of food that people bring in!! Cakes hot cross buns biscuits bread and pate! but I have not given in and I have to say much to the disdain of the girls at work who I know are just waiting for me to fail! ?Im a little tired of hearing "its all very well but you wait till you start to eat it will all go back on!" Well comments like that just make me stronger! I also have to say that in my week moments I log on to this page and read all athe comments again and I feel that everyone here is routing for everyone else to succeed. And suceed we will!! Good luck to everyone.

mj:  starting the cd 2morrow wish me luck let you know in a few days how i'm getting on

Troopersue:  Wishing you all the luck in the world mj, do let us know how it goes. Keep positive. To Alison- know what ya mean by people saying "wait till you start to eat etc". Have you much to lose ? Playing a few games of online bingo is another good way of keeping your mind off of food. Cant wait for my 2nd weigh-in on monday evening. Plus buying the bars. mmmmm to chew again!!!!!!. Good luck for your next weigh-in .

Alison:  Hi Troopersue, In total I only need to lose 2 stone so i have one more to go. I gave up smoking in January and have eaten like a hog since and now enough is enough and I hoping that this diet will put me back on track fairly quickly and will make me think about what im eating in future. The good thing too is that my husband has lost some weight too since i have been doing this!! Im afraid to say it was always me saying.. Lets have a chinese tonight!!! Unfortunatley my CD councilor is away for 2 weeks so will have to wait for my weigh in (well on her scales that is!!) I will still keep a track on mine. I also found myself weighing myself a few times a day! This is not good because you gain weight during the day even though u are only drinking water!! I will now only step on the scales every three days! Keep going it wll all be worth it and let us all know how you get on.

Shez:  23-03-08 I've been on CD SS for 4 days now. I'm 5'6" and weighed in at 71.2kg at the start. My weight this morning after 3 complete days in 66.6kg (weight loss of around 7lbs). I didn't have a lot to loose - just 10kg, but this is the kick start I needed to get myself into gear! I did go for a 2km run, which I tried to take easy! But its been hard to not do much exercise - I didn't realise I was such an active person until I started CD! My only problem with exercising is that I feel so drained and exhausted afterwards - just don't have the energy for it! I also lost a lot more weight (4lbs) on the day I was at work, sitting at a desk all day and got no exercise at all! Has anyone else noticed that loose more through not exercising?

Tara:  24-3-08. I'm 31, 5'6" and initially weighed 14St, 4lbs. I started on Lighterlife and in one month lost a whole stone, problem is, these VLC diets lower your immune system so it's advisable to take vitamin suppliments as some people's systems are not as strong as others and need more than what's in the packs. I was one of those. I spent 3 weeks in hospital with viral meningitis due to the lack of proper vitamins which lowered my immune system. The illness was so terrible I would have rather gone through child birth ten times. OK, so I'm now starting the Cambridge diet a year later. It took me 6 months to fully recover and get the courage to go at it again, especially since I've put on a bit of weight. I now weigh 13st 7lbs, still nearly a stone lighter than when I started a year ago and considering it's been a year, I haven't piled on the weight straight after like the rumours state. My method now is to take vitamin tablets along with the shakes/food packs. I discovered Forceval which is a high dose vitamin pill which helped me recover my strength when I was ill with meningitis. You can get this at any pharmacy but its not recommended for long term use. I've been trying to start the Cambridge diet for the last two weeks now but keep failing. It's true that when you slip for a length of time, it's harder to get back on the bike. My advice is to stick with it. If you slip for a day, don't panic or use it as an excuse to stop or cut out the diet for that day as that one day rolls into two and so on. My story is rare and unfortunate and I hope I haven't discouraged anyone from trying this diet. I just want to help people know the importance of taking extra vitamins, I mean, it can't hurt can it?

Troopersue:  24-03-08. Just had my 2nd week's weigh-in and have lost 6lb this week. So that's 13lb in 2 week's. Was gutted that I didn't tip the one stone mark, but im still chuffed to bits with 13lb loss to date. To Shez :- I really don't think that amount of exercise is good for you with a VLCD. It's amazin that you didn't faint. It covers all about exercise in the brochure that your Cambridge counsellor should have given you. To Tara:- How awful to read of your illness. Glad you are now feeling much better and are giving it another go. Wish you lots of luck and keep us updated how it goes. Well ...... my teeth, gums and jaws had a right celebration tonight. A Chocolate peanut bar to crunch. Felt so good after 2 weeks of not getting my teeth into anything. So with mix-a-mousse and choc bars I feel like ive won the lottery ..LOL.

Hayley:  Hi, i have just started SS today!!! i did it about a month ago for a week and lost 10lbs!!! unfourtunatly my daughters chicken dippers and potato waffle were to much of a temptation for me and i gave up!! i have just over 3 stone to loose and am very determined after reading all your comments. its amazing how much it helps. i will keep you informed of my weight loss!!!

victoria :  Hi just started this CD yesterday. i found it really hard after i had the chicken and mushroom soup i though i was going to throw up so i ate a stip of ham to get the taste out of my mouth i feel soo bad now wish i never did eat the ham guys will this stop me loosing weight

Paula:  I'm away to start the diet tomorrow. I'm worried that I'll not cope with the hunger very well, but I'm going to give it a good try and it seems that the weight loss is quick, so hopefully that'll keep me motivated. Roll on tomorrow, in a weird way, I'm looking forward to it. I might be hungry and miserable by tomorrow night though.

victoria :  today is day three i feel really good dont feel hungry i'm full of energy today hope this last saw my boyfriend eat chicken burger last nite didnt feel tempted at all

Troopersue:  26/3/08. Victoria, are you mixing the soups thoroughly enough ?. Ive been using a liquidizer, low speed for approx 10-15 secs. I add the hot water into liquidizer jug from kettle, add packet contents and switch on. For the cold drinks I measure required water in a bottle and put in fridge overnight. Then in the morning its just a matter of emptying bottle into liquidizer jug, add packet, switch on. Same amount of time, approx 10-15 secs on low. All depends how frothy you like it as to what speed you use. Good luck Paula, keep us all updated wont you ?

SophieKia:  I've been fat ever since i was 8, i'm only 5'2 and weigh 13 stone. I'm 16 years old, i've tried dieting quite a few times, weight watchers etc. I've lost about a stone in each diet but never managed to keep it up. I personally feel that sucessfull dieting needs will power, without this you can be sure you'll get no where. Once my brain is trained in to wanting to lose weight and eating healthly+excersize i can do really well, it's just keeping your head in that frame of mind. I'm starting the cambridge diet tomorrow. I think i'm going on step 3 because my doctor wouldn't allow me to go on step 1 because of my age. I actually have alot of faith in this diet because some of the results i've seen are amazing. I've never tried a low-calorie diet before, i've always just stuck to the "eating healthy" ones, but i always cheat on them, so maybe the strictness of this diet will get me in gear. As to keeping off the weight, i'm sure that if i get results of seeing myself 2 stone lighter, i would definetaly want to change my ways of eating. There's no feeling better in the world than being obese for most your life then losing it. :)

Troopersue:  29/03/08 Well done SophieKia for making the decision to change your life around. Im sure once you see the loss on those scales after just one week it will give you the incentive to carry on. It's good that you're doing this at your age. Much harder when you're older. So that's a plus in itself. Do try not to cheat, cuz as soon as you've cheated once youre likely to go and do it again. And again. Then youll bad about it and eat cuz you feel bad. It becomes a vicious circle. Do let us know how it goes. Good or bad, we're all here for you. So good luck Sophie and everyone else who's either already on it or at the thinking about it stage.

Kelly:  Read all your comments and i have to say that it has made me feel better, i am on day 3 of the diet and have had a headache for 2 days, felt sick this morning but hey no headache! i'm drinking loads of water, im going to jamaica in 10 weeks and dont want to squueze into the seat for 10 hours, have my weigh in thursday and i hope i lose the weight because i know i will get disheartened, however it feels so good to know im not the only one going through this

Kate:  I have been on CD for 8 weeks now and have lost 2 stone. I have been struggling for the past three weeks and have maintained my weight loss by having half healthy meals and half shakes as I felt that I needed more to sustain me - I am going back onto solo tomorrow as I only have 1 stone to go and want to achieve this before my holiday in 9 weeks time. I have set myself a target date of 21 May to help to achieve this