Gypsybell you’re a laugh a minute girl! Luvit.
GG yes you’re right about not giving up on wearing pretty dresses. I’ve just started wearing some again & I feel so good in them, well very feminine I think and it’s a lovely change. The shape underneath certainly isn’t perfect but I still feel good (and it IS getting better)!
Ooh Doggy I LOVE tassie smoked salmon and I might just make a nice pasta dish with it tonight, but I find that I use way less pasta than before. Your pocket rocket sounds like a ball of fun. We have to have a trip back to Tassie I just loved it.

UT your statement is a classic: “We can feel guilty and upset with ourselves when actually we are walking success stories!!” So, so true and we must all remember it and bash it into our heads.
GG great decision to put the scales away & I know that I’ll have to do the same when I plateau. I’m attached to those scales like glue, but like you they can determine my mood & that’s just not on. Your weight loss is fantastic anyway!!
CG forget the scales too and just enjoy the compliments that are coming your way. And most certainly we all have to work on those guilt trip/mind game times that we all have. There are NO bad foods….that is, unless they’re processed junk. This has to be doable I feel for the rest of our lives and we aren’t going to go without licorice, or cake, or dessert, or pizza, or whatever for the rest of our lives….are we??? So have it and enjoy with your 5:2 WOL.

My news to add is that the 5:2 WOE is so forgiving. I fasted yesterday and 1.3kg of the weight I gained has dropped off already! So another .3 and I’ll be back to my lowest weight so far. I find that incredibly reassuring and encouraging. I had a week off with a couple of sort-of fast days, but never a full one. This has never happened to me before so I’m thrilled. It usually takes me weeks & weeks to lose that weight. So another FD tomorrow and then back to my usual .
Bali I understand where you’re coming from but the point is….you DID walk away from that table. And that’s a winner in my book & probably not what you would have done before.
JenMic I’ve soo been into the food as a reward kinda thing, and it’s going to take us a long time to lose that habit. We’ve had it all our lives I expect so it’s goning to take time to re-train ourselves. I did some eating like that when I was travelling last week but as I shared, I found that afterwards I really hadn’t enjoyed it. And each one of those experiences is serving to lessen the desire to use food as a reward. Slow process but it is happening!
Well onto my day. Have to do MFP to see how I’m doing food-wise & then have more tomatoes to can. A Pizz/Pasta sauce this time I’m thinking, or it might just be Passata sauce.

Thanks Team for being such a great gang!!!!! sj

Hi Leo – so sorry for not reading your profile first to find out more about you. Please say we haven’t scared you away. You are so brave to be taking on 5:2 with all the other things going on in your very busy life – so let everyone on this forum support you on this worthwhile journey. (BTW, I’m a leo too!)
Agree with you all about wearing pretty clothes – dresses or tunic tops etc (even though the weather here not good enough to shed the layers yet). I’m looking forward to trying more feminine clothes when the weather improves and to having a better shape in them too, I hope!
I had been weighing myself every day when I had the plateau blues and I think it was a vicious circle, so now I weigh in once a week and things are much better. It is so easy to focus on the negative when starting the day by looking at a stubborn scales – it used to put me in bad humour for the day ahead. So putting it away for a while is a very good plan and go by your clothes and compliment from others instead.
Off to my niece’s 21st party tonight – hope I don’t overdo the peach schnapps (my favourite tipple)!
All the best to the AD gang 🙂

Oops! Went for a blowout breakfast of bacon and eggs at the pub (including baked beans AND hash brown). Was amazed it all only came to around 900 cals once I fessed up to MFP. Ah, well, at least I walked to the venue!

Welcome Craig DJ. Agree this WOE is very flexible and gradually trains one to just do better nutrition-wise. And every little bit helps! I have the occasional blowout (with no great remorse) once in a while, or even once a week, is so much better than every day!

And the proof of it is in looking and feeling better. CG, Suejen, Ditto to your comments. it’s not a race, just a positive path to travel on at whatever pace takes us forward, (as opposed to holds one back from enjoying the present) I can’t say I’m enjoying the aftermath of devouring greasy bacon and eggs, but it was a fun morning (OH’s Birthday treat). I’m glad you enjoyed the movie CG, (I loved that one, too!) Plus pop corn is a good low cal filler, so ‘they’ reckon.

Fit, enjoy the schnapps. Up…up and awaaaay! Keep it tight, kid! So envy you, Fit, in the cool climate! It’s so hot and still in nth qld. Ah, but there’s always an UP side, it’s ride day for my biker club, I’m off on the Gypsybelle for the day, there’s always a breeze to be had at pack speed! that’ll use the greese I just et! Have a nice day, all, cheers! Ooo! I fit my riding jeans, so cooool !!!

Hi AD’s have a good day everyone, and enjoy your little treats if that’s what the weekend is bringing. I’m doing another FD to make up for our travels. Not sure what I’ll do for the week coming as if I do my usual ie Monday & Thursday it will of course mean a B2B fast tomorrow and not sure how I’ll go with that one. But it would make the most sense as on Tuesday we have an art launch to attend (OH is a watercolour artist) & there will be drinks & canapes galore so that’s not going to work for me. So at this stage B2B it is. FTR I admire the way you stayed away from all the party stuff & still stayed under your TDEE and had 2 peach schnapps and all. Well done. I’m afraid canapes & the like are my weak point so I know that I’m likely to go over but will do my best. OH well at least I will have had my weigh-in that morning so no dramas.

Have a great week everyone and line up those good days all in a row! SJ

CG, best of luck with the smokes. No, in fact, no luck involved, just strength and determination. You’ve done so well with the 5:2, and been so supportive of everyone on this journey, just know we are all rooting for you.

Sounds like a lot of you enjoyed your Sunday “snacks”. What else is life for, but for enjoying. Bottoms up, Gypsy!

Sorry about the cricket (smirk). Perhaps a replay in the final?

PS.. CG… remind me to tell you how I gave up the smokes….. It was the defining point in my down to bedrock reality….Did I mention DETERMINATION was my trademark? And I was NEVER gunna give up the only solace I had, when the world turned to shit, as it often did, in my twice wed and often nearly, experience. Hell, I’m just mellow enough to come clean, so maybe now’s the time…in case you’re struggling my friend, you are sooo NOT alone in this particular sacrifice. For 40 odd years, Smokes were my best friend on many a cold night and empty day.

In brief, I finally had a heart attack on the job and swore blue murder as my juniors carted me off to E.D. in a goddamn wheelchair! (it appeared they were good nurses, hardy lot )…um .. I was heading for the courtyard to ‘have a smoke and a panadol for me bloody persistent tooth ache,,, damn thing was travelling down me arm…. And I was so busy being a bulldozer I worked all day with it. One could have a sandwich or two smokes in the 10 minute morning tea break, 4 smokes or lunch in half an hour. I rarely chose food (and was gloriously thin! So not expecting to expire). It was messy when I dropped dead half way, but talk about being in the right company! (sigh) …rotters got so gloomy about my demise I was blackmailed into going cold turkey from that moment on. they kept me under guard in a ccu bed for long enough to dim the nicotine craving, from there it was up to my pride to take the advantage, or end up with egg on my face, they all thought I was a strong person. Fortunately, I’m vain. I am 9yrs smoke free now and am too bloody minded to fail once it becomes my decision.

And you are, too. It just has to be you’re own idea. Clue: put your smokes ‘right there’. tell yourself ‘you can smoke , or not, if you choose to’ and make your choice, one day at a time. If you fall of the wagon, just start again. Use any advantage, even the flue can be helpful! a week is enough to dim the nicotine addiction, the rest is habit. so change your habits. In the end It is no different to 5:2. the high you get from beating an addiction is inimitable. It feels FANTASTIC. and you CAN do it! We already know that. You are the only doubter. xxx.

Hi CG think I’ll take yr advice and fast Wed and Fri. Makes more sense & gives me 2 fasts after my arty affair to undo any damage. I like that. Stick at it with the quitting girl. Your surgeon will love you for it.
FTR agree with the changed tastebuds but also agree re the CHOCOLATE. A girl’s gotta have some treats….just eat real slow a nibble at a time, shut your eyes and savour every bite. It works for me! I can have just one square thst way!
Well gotta go. One more FD down successfully. They sure get easier which is great. And I didn’t believe others who said they look forward to them but it’s true. You feel so squeaky clean I reckon!! Suejen

Hi all. Gypsy what an experience you had. Not that many years ago I was working in theatre at a Cancer hospital. We would assist in a bronchoscopy ( tube down the airways ) or two and then go off to the tea room for a cuppa and a smoke. Unbelievable. I too went cold turkey in the end. My kids used to nag me to quit but I refused till I was ready. Not that I’m tempted, but I know that we’re i to have just one I would be back into my old habit. Oh yes and i agree about the dry white wine. Not to mention the canapés. We must enjoy our little pleasures in life. Chocolates. I just don’t buy them as I’m not happy until I’ve eaten the whole slab.
Tell me so you all stick to your TDEE religiously on NFDs.? I find I’m getting a bit slack but as I’m still losiing slowly I must be doing OK. I’ve read on other threads that some don’t bother too much.
FD here too today. I had a late brekkie and will try and hang out till dinner. I have some ratouillie in the freezer which is nice and easy. I’ve housework to do – yuk. So that will keep me busy.
Cheers for now. Keep up the good work.
Doggy

HI All I too wonder about the TDEE. Some days I record my food and stick to it, other days I don’t bother & probably go over, some days I DEFINITELY go over eg weekends. However I do find that my loss is better when I stick roughly to my TDEE, but I do love eating right up to that figure and allowing myself the pleasure of eating yummy foods. So I may be 20-30 under but that’s all. I have been on too many restrictive diets to do that to myself. I really don’t care how long this journey takes so long as I can happily continue the journey and not chuck it in!

So I tried to do a search today on who is from where but I gave up.. There’s way too many posts too far back to read. You’ve probably all shared it before but could you do it again for me (if you’re happy to share that is)? I’ve checked profiles but that doesn’t help much with lots of you.

Foxy is from Albany WA.
Suejen is from Margaret River WA.

Could we all copy and paste (or type) this into our next post and then add your name/town onto a new line below, so everyone has it all nice and neat in the one place? You can probably see my teacher background coming out – nice and neat, orderly, organised lists!
Anyway going to stop there as my posts usually turn into marathons….sorry guys. suejen PS CG I did have a laugh about the excitement re you (or should I say your boobs) exiting the pool!

Oh Uptight you’re worse than me! In all my jobs I’ve always been used as a proof reader before stuff is published. OH hates giving me anything to check but at least I have stopped using the red pen with him! I’m debating about TDEE and whether I will or not? So …doing it your way are you still losing weight or already at your goal…or maintaining? Your way sounds easier long-term. Debating the pros and cons.

CG of course I know where you’re talking about! Born in Victoria (Bright) lived in Noojee (your way) for a few years as a kid, then Warrnambool & Ballarat. Dad was a teacher so we moved every 3 years back then. After getting married we’ve lived in the NT Alice Springs for 11 years (loved it), SA for 3 years (didn’t love it) then WA since 1992 and here to stay. CG your 2 acres sounds divine. We have 1/2 acre in town but have natural bush on the back 1/3 with tall marri trees, & also have lots of native garden & vegie garden & fruit trees. Your life sounds busy but idyllic!

Keep the thread going:

Foxy is from Albany WA.

Suejen is from Margaret River WA.

Uptightoutasight is from Brisbane, Qld.

Countrygal is Gayle from South Gippsland, Vic

And…..????????? the more the merrier!

Hi all

Keep the thread going (now I’m getting a real picture of us all):

Foxy is from Albany WA.

Suejen is from Margaret River WA.

Uptightoutasight is from Brisbane, Qld.

Countrygal is Gayle from South Gippsland, Vic

Gypsy is from Halifax , Far North Qld hinterland

Bali is from Geelong VIC

And…..????????? the more the merrier! I like to picture where you all are.

Now for my reason in logging on right now … am in the middle of cleaning kitchen tile grout with smelly stuff and a toothbrush …

Made myself soup with stock I cooked up yesterday from chicken carcass, just water, carrot, celery, onion and few peppercorns and then strained. Having trouble working out cals so can anyone make a stab at it for me so I can compare with what I’m thinking. I used 2 cups in soup. Ta very much AD’s
YY

CG for such a nice lady you have a well developed mean streak!!!! MFP seriously? 🙂 … YY (Jan)

Did it in MFP CG but freaked out because apparently my previous attempt to have it tell me in calories didn’t work and when it showed 556 I didn’t cotton on that it was in kj’s ……der. Anyway, looks like I’ll be eating dinner after all 🙂 YY xx

Now if anyone else wants to make Countrygal feel better just add your real name after your forum name. I HATE forum names cos I can never think of anything creative/ingenious like you all have. If you haven’t put where you’re from yet then do that too. Thanks all.

Foxy is from Albany, WA

Suejen (Sue) is from Margaret River, WA

Uptightoutasight is from Brisbane, Qld

Countrygal (Gayle) is from South Gippsland, Vic

Gypsy is from Halifax, Far North Qld hinterland

Bali is from Geelong, Vic

Yum Yum (Jan) is from Perth, WA (southern suburbs)

Is your name missing?????

Now gotta go fill in MFP and see how my day went. Not a FD but it is weigh-in day tomorrow & had a public holiday here & a picnic lunch. So enjoyed a little extra & a glass & a 1/2 of wine. So need to work out my dinner. SJ

Haha yes Gypsybell I am definately a girl! An “older” girl! I am a Leo – August and went with this as at the moment I feel a bit like a Lion Mummy!! Don’t worry I’m not scared easily. Just busy as this year I started Homeschooling my boy and motherhood has become 24/7… It takes on another meaning when you add non-verbal Autistic 12 year old…it just get’s VERY busy… So I have caught up and would like to thankyou all for your “welcomes”… I didn’t quite stay under 500 cals today on my first day of my fast… I did 715 🙁 I’m sure I’ll get more organised and better at it…
I did take my boy for his first formal swimming lesson with a teacher today which is stressful for ALL sorts of reasons so I’m sure I made up for it then ;-)… took him to the Sandy Bay Boat Park and climbed all over the equipment while everyone with small children watched on! He’s a very BIG boy and stood out hehehe.. He LOVED it and actually I did too!! I then went for a run tonight for 10 minutes “hard” before feeling like I was pushing my luck with my knees (they are not like they used to be…) and stopped… So here I am catching up with you!
I have loaded two apps to help me with Calories and exercise as suggested and have filled in my details to get my stats and what I am to work towards…
Feeling empowered and ready for this… Need to be able to catch a very quick 12 year old that runs like a gazelle and is as strong as an ox and nearly as big as me… Every reason to do this! Thanks again ladies and catch up soon!

Hey ADers we hit the headlines, so to speak!! Internationally famous!!!! Have you all signed up on the official 5:2 site for a monthly email (the same place your tracker & your TDEE is). Well, this is the text from one of the articles for this month…and our recipe thread is the feature!!! I just KNEW we were leading the way!

“Need motivation?

If you’re looking for more inspiration on your Fast Days, remember to check out the forum, where lots of wonderful people are sharing ideas and support. Some good recipes can be found on this thread: https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/aussie-determination-recipe-thread/”

Well done Foxycoxy

Evening AD’s I have had an interesting evening…….More of that later!
My name is Janeen, 58yrs young, live in Forster on the water …outside my back door in NSW a coastal rural town. Nurse, have been for 37yrs. started nursing when I was 14yrs old. Wanted to be a doctor also another story.
KEEP THE POST GOING…….
FOXY-Albany WA
SUEJEN-Margaret River WA
CG GAYLE- Sth Gippsland
UP-Brisbane QLD
GYPSY-Halifax QLD
BALI- Geelong Vic
YUM YUM-Perth
FATBLASTER-KANTIYA- Morang Vic
GO GAL -Janeen- Forster NSW
will post longer tomorrow……..The police are here at my home………GO GALXXXXXX

Thanks, Fit.
Hey Leo, although I have been retired for a while now I still do a bit of casual work. While I have taught mainstream for a long time in the past, I have been a special ed teacher for many years and do all my casual work at a special school. I know exactly how hard caring for a 12 year old non verbal ASD child is. I’m guessing it was your choice to home school? Fortunately, there is a fantastic special school where I live that helps families a lot. Maybe you live in a less well serviced place. I bet he is fairly rigid when it comes to food. Another thing to deal with while you are fasting!
Good luck.
I have finished my fast day well under and just having a last cup of tea before bed.