Hi everyone and thanks Bert for the link…it was funny. My pants are feeling decidedly loose and i dont need to unbutton any of them anymore. That must mean i am nearly ready to go down another size. Ive already gone down by one size. This morning i went from 123.3 to 122 so bounced back pretty much to where i was on Sunday apart from 0.2. FD went well yesterday and today i decided to give that cauliflower rice recipe a whirl with my own twist of course. OMG it was amazing with my steamed fish. I actually felt guilty eating it and had to remind myself it was just veggies.

PH i am glad the scales were good for you and GG i so am with you and this yo yo thing. I wish i could stop weighing daily but it does keep me on task.CG i used to be an avid reader with a few going at a time but dont have a passion for it anymore. I am not sure why. I think time got the better of me and now when i lie in bed i watch a doco on my ipad instead. Glad you feel bouncy SJ. I have reached the end of my work week and feel really tired around the eyes. I had a few early starts this week and a few long nights plus work has been intense as always as its week 1. I wont push my steps tonight as i dont think i could even walk around the block. It was raining this morning when i got up so i could not walk and i picked up my youngest niece (12) from band practice and she and i had a long talk afterwards. That was more important than steps. Ive only just sat down and its 9pm. Normally i would rush out and walk like a mad thing but i am giving myself permission to rest.

Tomorrow is my monthly check in for my medical research at Sydney Uni. I am a guinea pig for the obesity clinic who are doing a trial on 2 supplements.Its really cool. I am monitored for 12 months by a dietician and have blood tests and scans and all sorts of things. Plus they even give me woolworths vouchers. In many ways i take this as my formal weigh in. I also get measured around the waist. My first dexa scan was terrifying and since then i have lost nearly 20kg and been walking like a nutter so i cant wait to see the difference when they do the next scan. Ill try to remember to ask when they are doing that again. I started this in early October and my goal back then was to lose 20kg in the year and i have nearly achieved that in 4 months.

After my check in i am going to lunch and a movie. We are seeing Spotlight…not a happy topic but a must see i think.

Sleep well those in Oz and everyone else have a good day.

Cheers
Anne

Well just back from almost an hour walk in the evening. Went a bit later than usual but won’t do it again after the dog that decided to run for me. I had a stick thank goodness as I’d heard all the dogs barking around this neighbourhood & he backed off & went home. He was trailing his lead behind him so not sure what the story was there. Lovely and cool though.
My pilates this morning was only 2 of us YEAH so great for a first class. And so soo sooo different and better. She watches everything like a hawk & adjusts you if you’re not doing it correctly & reminds you of what you should be doing all the time ie draw in those core muscles! On a winner there. Aaand she doesn’t chat chat chat!!!!
I’m really enjoying the buses for my last few weeks – in fact almost wondering if I want to stop?! But he’ll have found a replacement soon no doubt so then it will be too late. I will keep my name down as a fill-in.
Had a yummy yummy terriyaki chicken tonight from here: http://forkingfoodie.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/teriyaki-chicken.html Only 231 cals then I stirfried capsicum beans & carrots to go with it. It’s a very handy site actually. Has lots of 5:2 recipes but has a handy tab at the side where you can pick meals from 150-250, or 250-350 cals etc. Very useful.
PH well done on being down to the 97’s. Boy you seem to be rocketing down to me!! Great stuff. Those cucumbers must do the trick do you reckon?!
Fit so sorry you’ve stirred your shoulder up again. Hope the physio settles it down after a few visits & no more dancing for now I don’t reckon.
I tried on a couple of dresses this morning that were too tight a while back. They’re fine now & hanging much better. Don’t wear dresses often but nice to have a few. Used to avoid them always as there were too many lumps & bumps! So like others have said something is changing…if not the $$## scales.
CG you’re right…we CAN have egg noodles just not as much as we USED to have!! Hope you enjoyed them too. Every single mouthful…along with the chicken/mushroom sauce!
Doggie hope you have the *%#~<>£€¥ iPhone sorted and that the house is not blue any more!!!
GG thank goodness you have good news for OH.

Well onto some serious couch sitting for me after that exercise. And a Jarrah hot choc to finish off the day with at 432 cals plus GALLONS of water. Guess which little bunny will be up during the night at least once!
All the best for weigh-ins tomorrow. I don’t need to remind everyone what I’m hoping for…probably sick of hearing about it!! suejen XXXX

Oh FIT. What a bummer about your shoulder. andit was getting a little bit easier. Hopefully the physio can give you some relief. Otherwise you may have to go to the doctor and have an X-ray. Do you think it is just muscle? Anyway Physio should be able to advise. Chuck those scales under the bed for a week and do t be tempted u til the day after fast day. Always a better result. Always goes up when not taken after fast days due to fluid. So give yourself a break love and just concentrate on your MFP and getting your shoulder better. 🌷💐🌹🌻💐. Not having a good night again but am about to try agin. Good luck with your Faat Day..YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS . Sending hugs (((💜)))

We’re a right pair, aren’t we PH? I suppose you’ve tried all the usual remedies…..hot milky drinks, reading, audio books, podcasts, relaxation cd etc? It’s very wearing and debilitating to have poor quality sleep on a regular basis. I really hope things improve for you soon xx
Jade, I gave in out of desperation rather than sense but maybe I’ll be able to fast tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing from you later.

Morning/evening all. First one to report weigh in and sadly it’s an addition of 500g. I have been so good, not one day did I stray to the pantry!!! May be constipation, I am having Metamucil or that other brand I can’t remember the name of but its the same thing. And maybe I’m not eating enough? I usually stick to 1200 cals NFD and 500 FD. Any ideas anyone? Barb xxx

Good morning all

I have just returned from the Boden Institute for my official monthly guinea pig visit and i have lost 4kg over the month and 3cm from my waist. For my personal weekly weigh in i have lost 1.4 this week which I am happy with.

My next thing is to lower the LDL cholestrol level which has increased compared to when i was 20kg heavier. Go figure!! The dietician cannot explain this from my diet and lifestyle so feels it could be the steriods. So I now have to add oats and legumes to my diet which i have avoided as they are quite high in calories. So its porridge for brekkie for me from now on. I cook it with water and a pinch of salt and add a teaspoon of my superfood with cacao and a tiny amount of skim milk and it was quite nice. That way i get in 7 serves of veg and a superfood kick in my breakfast and hopefully a reduction in my LDL. Ill also cook up some dal over the weekend which i enjoy. It may be nice with the cauliflower rice.

Congrats to both the weight losers and those who may gain a bit. We only truly lose when we give up. Thanks for the moral support. I havent the website open to reply individually but i have been enjoying reading the positives. Pilates sounds like its worth a try. Now i am concerned about finding a good one!

Anne x

Hi folks a quick post. Weighed in at 69.6 this morning YEAH!! So now all I have to do is stick to my TDEE in between and exercise portion control so I don’t go back up again too far. Here’s hoping ….well no that’s not true. We don’t just hope we put what we’ve learned with 5:2 into practice!! Staying off the wine for a while and enjoying the sparkle of my sparkling mineral wster.
Replies to all later after the buses. Fit don’t worry not changing my mind and staying….just having a lovely honeymoon period before I leave. But I DO still remember what brats they can be!!! Suejen xxxx

I dont have any problem skipping breakfast on fast days but on NFDs i like to have breakfast as i need it to cope with my busy job. I need my brain to work properly and with my normal calories of 1550 which is less than my formal calculation, i have no trouble fitting in a porridge which is less than 200 cals with the added superfood. On NFD I mostly try to have around 200-250 for breakfast, around 350-400 for lunch and around 400 for dinner. So without snacks i am at a max of 1050 and often i stop there. I dont go hungry at all as my meals are packed with veg but dont eat pasta, rice and potatoes as a rule and they tend to increase the calorie count. For me they are not worth it. The fish i eat for dinner is around 150-160g but the calorie count is also low as its white fish.

If i want a sugar free bikkie with my cuppa or some low sugar/sugar free chocolate I have plenty of room to move. Moving to sugar free as much as possible has removed my sugar dependency and i no longer crave sugar at all. I found this once when i was on WW. Sugar is certainly addictive and if you can break this habit its very helpful. While sugar free confectionery is not low in calories, the reduction in my sugar addiction is a huge upside. The sugar free shortbreads i buy are 152 calories for 5 biscuits…thats not bad at all. The aldi sugar free Marie biscuits are slightly lower. Its actually hard to find sugar free biscuits. Coles had 2 varieties only. If anyone knows of any good sugar free choices please let me know.

Anyway I am pleased at my progress and think i have a good regime. So far ive lost 20kg since Oct 10 which is pretty good. The 5:2 is a tweak to what i had put in place as the fast tends to lessen the food cravings in the following days and it seems to help my body work better. I think my body uses the spare time to digest whats already there as i have noticed changes the morning after the fast in this regard. Wont go into the toilet related details. In any case my body feels better after the fast.

After 4 fasts i think this is for me. I think it fits with everything else i am doing and my body seems to enjoy the change.

Anne

AA you have done great so go with what works for you. If 5:2 has given you added benefits plus the weight loss then run with it!
Bert I gotta laugh at some of your posts, especially the 4-7-8 conondrum!! I’ll give it a go next time I’m having trouble. Keep hauling those seedlings as you’ll love the results. Nothing like straight from the garden.
Barb to add my bit to your no loss query: I think you’re eating too little on your NFD’s so you’re not getting the famine/feast effect that works so well with 5:2. It becomes too much like a diet rather than a WOE when you restrict your cals every day. But I’ve had weigh-ins like yours where I’ve been so so good & I’ve gone up. then other times it will come down when I’ve had a bad week & expecting the worst! No rhyme or reason sometimes.
Fit best of luck with your physio it IS worth the pain but it can be a drawn-out process to recovery. It’s not a frozen shoulder is it? They can be a damn hard to fix.
HA CG had to laugh at you emptying the freezer…only to fill it up again! But you’ll appreciate those meals one night when you’re worn out or similar.

AA loved your quote it’s soo true especially with our journeys – WE ONLY TRULY LOSE WHEN WE GIVE UP!!! 🙂 Let’s remember team that’s the only thing we can’t do….we can have a bad day, fail at our FD, go over on our NFD, not stick to the day we planned…and a million and one other variations that happen because we’re living a LIFE OUTSIDE OF 5:2…………BUT……………….WE CAN’T GIVE UP! We just get up and get going again. suejen XXXX

I think it was Bert who said this was her favourite post to read when you weren’t getting results. It is a very funny read from simcoeluv & lots of good comments. So if you haven’t read it/some of it have a read…it’s well worth it. https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/really-no-weight-loss/

Also somewhere among the posts was talk about TDEE and BMR saying that you should try to eat on NFD’s EITHER UP TO YOUR TDEE ….BUT NEVER BELOW YOUR BMR (basal metabolic rate). Now I know it all sounds complex but it’s not really. I found this site that calculates the whole lot – TDE BMR BMI etc (the 5:2 site doesn’t give a BMR). This is the site: https://tdeecalculator.net/
Now I don’t want to confuse anybody but it’s worth knowing how low you can go IF you’re trying to move a plateau or similar & staying below your TDEE. You won’t shift the weight if you’re going below what’s necessary to maintain your basic metabolic rate. For instance I was interested to find that my TDEE with this site was slightly different at 1639 calories per day. My BMR was 1192 calories per day so if I’m trying for a light day I shouldn’t go below about 1200.

It also said this: “Your ideal body weight is estimated to be between 49-55 kg based on the various formulas listed below. These formulas are based on your height and represent averages so don’t take them too seriously.” LOL In your dreams buddy will I ever be anywhere near that!!!!!!! 🙂 More interesting to note that the 4 formulas they use were devised from 1964 to 1983! Not exactly in recent times & don’t reflect the real world! sj XXXX

Sue our post crossed. Good grief girl are you trying to boggle my brain now with all this info !! It does look interesting though. I’d love to break this plateau. CG can you remember how long it was that you were on your dreaded plateau? Quite a long time if my memory serves me correctly.
OK Gotta go. My house is a mess so must go and get myself motivated to tidy up. Ho hum.!

Hi All!
Just back from the physio and he used traction and electric pulse type machine to relieve the pain from the crick in my neck. It feels tender now but not as bad as I thought. I have exercises to do each day as well. The painkillers did the trick last night too and I got a good night’s sleep thank God! He said the ballroom dancing exacerbated the problem so I can’t do that until neck is completely better.
Barb, I think the message is stick with the basics i.e. Eat up to your TDEE on five days and 500 cals or quarter of TDEE on two days. I’m guilty of not eating quarter of my TDEE, so I think I’m going to have to do that to see lasting progress. My TDEE is 1550, so eating 500 cals on fds was just too much. I’m going to give it a real go now because I’m not really getting anywhere at the moment.
Got to run to look after my sis. I’ll finish my post later xx

Back home from chores for my sister and very sore now….. I guess hoovering not so good for the neck!
SJ, that’s great news about the 69s….you’re really on your way now! I’m sure you won’t look back once you’ve retired, join the club…it’s bloody marvellous! I hope everything goes as well as possible seeing your GKs this weekend too 😀🙏
Bert, thanks for the laugh, that was hilarious about you trying out the sleep aid technique but then not remembering whether you fell asleep or not while using it!😂 Great loss too! 👍😃
Dawg, don’t let the frustration get to you, it seems to be part of this wol to stall once in a while….just show it who’s boss and keep on keeping on! Love the idea of treating yourself to new top and necklace, good on ya girl! 😃👍
Seahorse, thanks for the laughs, hope you decide to join us. Best of luck!
AA, fantastic losses and stats…..you are doing really well and make very healthy choices in your eating so it will have long term benefits too.😃👏
GG, well done on your abstinence! Hope the conference goes well and that you get some down time too ❤️🙂
Jade, hope you get to kick up your heels this weekend and enjoy a ‘medicinal ‘ glass or two!😉
CG, you are a great example of how sticking to your guns really pays off….not only have you beaten that plateau but your body shape is seeing lasting improvements too. It’s good for us to remember that there are changes happening on the inside every time we fast, even if the scales aren’t cooperative. 😀❤️💕
I’m not bothering to get a second fast this week so my weigh in will be disastrous…..never mind, back on the horse next week! Xx 💋🌸🌼🌺💞💖💜❤️

Jade, maybe that’s how the sleep aid works……you fall asleep from confusion! Ha, ha! 😀 Hope you have nice relaxing evening planned, I used to love Friday evenings. Put your feet up and enjoy 😃😇🍷

Mornin’ CG! Your body is telling you that you need the rest, so just go with the flow 😴 Also, poor sleep hampers weight loss so if things are moving for you again, it could be because you are sleeping better. Sorry to hear you have to let your sheep go but it’s a wise move on your part. That is a bummer losing a long post, I wish the tech team could sort it out once and for all.
I just did the chores for my sister, then came home and put my feet up. I have to ring the physio next Tuesday to let him know how I am and see where we go from there. Thanks for your concern and to everyone else too xxxx
Very apt family crest and motto, CG……sums up all your great qualities 💕😀✊

Glad you liked the post Country Gal and Fittoretire. I would like to join in this thread occasionally if you will have me – just a bit of an introvert in life and online.

After gaining 20+ kg due to inability to excercise (I went from 4 hours daily activity and 64 kg a day to less then 4 hours a week and close to 90kg) I started 5:2 last year but fell off the wagon. Since the new year (not a resolution, but just timing) my husband and I are committed to losing the excess wieght and improving our health longterm. I am walking 10-15000 steps a day, cut out all alcohol and following 4:3, eating 12-1500 a day on food days. I have lost around 3.5kg, am sleeping better, have clear skin and more energy. I plan to follow 4:3 until the end of april and then reassess. I know from the past that I do not lose wieght on a 1200 daily plan, but need a bit less. I am logging food on eating days, but find I rarely eat more then 1400 cals anyway.

I have just been to a PT re my achilles tendonitis – part of my ongoing MS issues. She has given me some wedges and excercises for the next week.

Today is a fast day for me – I have 1 cup of skim milk (in 2 coffees) for breakfast, the occasional miso soup in the afternoon, then a 3350-400 cal dinner on fast days. Lots of water between. I find it easier to only eat one meal a day when fasting.

I admit to being a daily weigher, but Sunday is my official weigh in.

Country Gal – we used to raise our own meat and use the mobile butcher – the cows were Bar, Bee, and Queue (delicious) and the sheep Buzz and Woody. All the Geese were either Lucy or Kenneth.

Now I live in suburbia on the Gold Coast – it is nice to have weekends for things other then fences, firewood and gardens.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Hey Seahorse, sorry to have missed you before – do chime in, sorry to hear of your health issues but here’s hoping 5:2 helps alleviate some of the problems. Sounds like you have true Aussie Determination in what you’ve done so far.

SJ, good vibes and fingers crossed for a good visit this weekend. All the maternal hearts here are beating in unison for you. xxx

Aw CG I’m sorry about the sheep, I know it’s hard even though a fact of farm life. xxx We have friends here who go through the same thing. Extra hugs to you and Lexie, you have a big heart (and I still wish you could run for president here).

Fit hope your feet and the rest of you are in bed by now. What a loving sis you are to go do chores for sis in the shape you’re in – I guess arguably better shape than she…but a big heart for sure. xx How did I land in this group of heroes anyway? Hope the doc does right by you OR that you find you no longer need him/her.

I’m enjoying my scale boycott still, though I do hold myself accountable w/MFP. I feel so much slimmer without the heckling 🙂 Hey gang, I’m still the eBay leader on the latest iPad mini bidding! Pretty soon I can join the emoji brigade. Speaking of which where is the emoji queen PH?

Time to put these old feet up, several cats are ready to sit on them. 🙂 xx

HI there Team how are we all? I’m just back from our local Farmers Markets with some goods. Had a ham/cheese/tomato crepe for brekky with a coffee. Then bought a sicilian cannoli filled with cream for a treat, some meat, vegies, & then a meat pie to have for lunch made with our local organic lamb. Whoah thinking it might just be a HB egg for dinner after all that indulgence! Haven’t done MFP yet so will see.

Kinda excited & kinda nervous about tomorrow. Anticipation & excitement it is CG!! Will love to see my GK’s again but not sure where my D & SIL are at with me. I’ll just be my normal self & see where things go. Not taking any bull$##%. Should be fine as all I’ve said it will be is just a breaking of the ice for us nothing more just yet. Discussions to come.
Fit put your scales away & go relax. You have been told!! You don’t need negative vibes right now so go with the flow until you’re really on the mend & don’t do anything that is going to wind it up!!! You will make your recovery much longer than it needs to be.
GG don’t forget to come back & post with us after your busy days. All the best with the wound conference.

Well better go & got a few things sorted around the house. Have a cake to make for a couple at church tomorrow too. And a lady to ring who’s having a few dramas with a 2nd knee op coming up, elderly parents to move & a son with cancer. See if we can help her in any way. Have a relaxed but controlled day all – yes it can be done! sj XXxx

Bert wonderful to see those new little sprouts isn’t it! We don’t have anything formal but I just give away to our neighbours & some swap as well. Also take to church sometimes if we have heaps of fruit etc.
Jade thanks for the lovely picture of all the maternal hearts beating in unison for me! I can feel it!!
Sea congrats on all the fabulous changes & commitments you’ve made to better health. You will do well with such a good attitude.

Hi all. I’m late today as its been busy here. We had to buy a new washing machine and living in a double story house has made it difficult to get the beast upstairs. Anyhow it’s now up but just waiting for neighbour to come round and help OH manoeuvre it into position.
Welcome Seahorse. If you decide to stay with us we are going to have to abbreviate that. SH I think.
I made a big cooked brekkie this morning. Fried eggs, bacon, sautéed mushrooms. I’ve felt as full as a tick ever since and could not even think about any lunch. We are having cold meat and salad for supper so my TDEE is looking OK.
For those of of us who get despondent about how “little ” weight we’ve lost. – this morning I carried a 5 kilogram bag of flour upstairs. It was damn heavy and bulky. So if you’ve only lost 5 kilos it’s a lot of weight! We are doing well.
OK must go.
XX Doggy