HELP! All ladies of a 'certain age'-please respond

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NEmum

11:06 pm
30 Jun 15
Permalink

Annabelle

I totally agree with you, if you are lucky enough to have a social life where you can eat and drink in the presence of good company then this is worth hanging onto and a diet should not deny you of this pleasure. This is one of my reasons for trying the 5:2 diet as I was under the impression that I could eat as normal (and that’s my normal and you can check previous posts for the horrifying calories in a Teesside Parmo) and the 2 day fast would cancel all bad bits out. While I’m learning this is only partially true I am trying to fit in the diet to suit me. What I do at least once a week is have what I have called a half fast. So day after an enjoyable evening of food and drink I will eat as a fast day for breakfast (2 scrambled egg) and lunch (100 calorie soup – homemade) then eat a normal tea. This has really worked for me and stops me feeling guilty while socialising because I know I’m going to tackle it the next day.
As Ginette says, we are all different, and what works for any of us may not work for you, but listen, try out, cherry pick and find something that works for you.

NEmum

Franee2

5:30 am
1 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi ladies, it’s me Fran and I’ve resurfaced to tell you that I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth, I’ve been trying to bury my head in the sand and pretend that all is well with my world when in fact the opposite is true. After finally seeing the vascular surgeon I’ve been told that what I thought was going to be a fairly easy fix was in fact not going to happen due to an unacceptable level of risk. I also have a large dangerous blockage in the main artery in my abdomen that I had no idea was even there. Instead, the surgeon has referred me to a barbaric surgeon who will do a ” gastric sleeve ” and then a few months down the road, minus many pounds I will then hopefully be eligible for the necessary vascular stuff to be done. Meanwhile, as far as the 5/2 diet, I must admit to being lackadaisical there. I have managed to maintain a lofty 1/4 to 1/2 pound weekly loss. I’ve just been too self absorbed to even have the common courtesy to keep you informed. It’s just didn’t seem important enough. My tough but well meaning sister Debbie convinced me that the support I was getting from you ladies was invaluable and to get over myself. So here I am and Debbie is right. I feel better already, simply venting. Love to you all, new and old ” ladies of a certain age ”
It feels good to be back, even if I did only lose 1/4 lb this week. Fran xx

Ginette K

11:55 am
1 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Fran

I am so sorry sorry to hear about your continuing and complicated health problems. Is the gastric sleeve to help you lose weight? If so are you that much overweight?

I have looked it up to find out more about it as this isn’t one I have heard of. It looks as if you will only be able to eat 25% of what you can now.

Do you have much weight to lose before they operate?

I have done the fast beach diet and most weeks did 4:3 instead of 5:2. I lost 16lb over 6 weeks. I only mention this as if it is just the weight maybe this would be an option, if it was just weight loss.

It is like the 5:2 but without treats (almost without in my case). I had a meal out on three of these weeks with a small ice cream but the rest of the time nothing I would call an unhealthy treat.

If it is just the weight then I will join you for the Fast Beach Diet for 6 weeks to give you some support. Mimi says that people can lose up to 12lbs so I did well to lose 16lb.

As far as 5:2 goes you are still losing but you just sound really disheartened. How much do you need to lose before having the other op?

I am so pleased that you are back. Audrey is off in her caravan for a couple of weeks but will be back soon. We will all support you here as you know.

I think Debbie was right in getting you to rejoin. A moan and some support is really important.

Don’t be a stranger.

Ginette

Ginette K

12:06 pm
1 Jul 15
Permalink

H Fran

Another for you.

Look at the last page and you will get the idea of the diet. It was created by Mimi Spencer. So it is similar, just a bit stricter. Personally I think that once a week I need a nice meal to look forward to. This needs to haven a nice dessert, this may be fruit that I love but may not but because of expense or homemade oven chips or even both.

http://thefastdiet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FB-PLANNER.pdf

If you enjoy chips, I used to belong to slimming world and they make chips by cutting the potatoes into chips and then boiling for 5 minutes, transferring them to the oven and cooking them. I boiled them in half a stock cube so that they took on some flavour. You can always coat them in herbs to add a little flavour. I got this idea from frozen herb potatoes that I used to buy when I was in France. Apparently if you cook them put them in the fridge overnight and then reheat they reduce in calories, the same with rice and pasta …… I know it is strange but worth a try.

Hi Nemum and Annabelle

How are you both?

Ginette

Ginette K

12:15 pm
1 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi All

Recipe fir the chips if anyone is interested.

http://mydietjourney.co.uk/recipes/slimming-world-recipes/syn-free-chips-make-perfect-homemade-slimming-world-chips/

Ginette

annabelle 48

8:09 am
2 Jul 15
Permalink

NEmum
Many thanks for your advice. I have birthday celebrations this w/e so will be eating and drinking and enjoying myself. I will try your half fast and see if it works for me.
I have been looking at another thread, June Challenge ( July one has just started), where people sign up and say what their target loss will be for the month in question. Some of the comments are quite interesting and when you see what other people have lost, or not as the case may be, it puts it more in perspective. I was feeling a bit disappointed that I have only lost 5lbs during June but then I read someone had only lost a pound so felt a bit better with what I had achieved. It’s harder for LOACA but I keep reminding myself that it was the tortoise that won the race. That’s my thought for the day

Franee2

5:13 am
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi there, it’s me again. I’m feeling somewhat less crappy today, so I thought I’d check in again and tell you a bit about what has transpired in my less than thrilling life lately. As I mentioned, I saw the vascular surgeon, who unlike my first visit in April, this time was sympathetic and quite willing to stay and answer all my various and sundry questions. I must say though, that I spent almost the entire time in tears, thinking that my death sentence had just been given. Although, upon careful reflection, and extensive Internet research, I have concluded that I’m actually not at deaths door. He made it quite clear that this was something to be taken very seriously and that I may not be knocking on deaths door but I might be referred to as a “ticking time bomb. ” My arteries are in bad shape. I have severe blockages in not just my lower legs but also a very bad one in my right thigh and also my abdomen. The problem is my weight, which although is not off the charts awful, is definitely in need of attention. I am 5 ft 3 in tall and currently weigh 214 lbs. I’ve lost on the 5/2 diet so far 26 lbs. this is since early March of this year. I have approx. 100 lbs to lose and the doctor is anxious to have me lose it as quickly as possible. As a result, he has referred me to a bariatric surgeon to undergo a “gastric sleeve.” This will effectively reduce the capacity of my stomach to 1/4 of its size, thereby restricting my food intake drastically. I’ll still be using the 5/2 method though as this could tie in nicely with my newly shrunken stomach. After my hopefully rapid weight loss I will then be given priority status to have the blockages all repaired without the very real prospect of dying on the operating table, or at the very least losing my right leg. So, I’ve had a massive wake up call that I have no chose but to adhere to. Anyway, I for sure wish you all a great week and I trust our losses for next week will all exceed 1/4 lb.
Love to you all, especially you Ginette,
Fran xx

simcoeluv

7:00 am
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Franee:

Given what you have posted, it appears that your doctor wants you to lose weight as fast as possible to get you to ‘surgery weight’ so your blockages can be addressed. To that end, he has recommended you undergo invasive surgery to shrink your stomach so you will lose weigh rapidly.

I do not know your overall medical condition, so with that warning, may I suggest you explore, as an alternative to surgery, medically supervised water fasting.

There is no way to lose weight faster than water fasting. Generally, you lose about a pound a day. If quick weight loss is the goal, this will get you there faster than any surgery – and without the surgery.

Again, I emphasize medically supervised, by your doctor and, if possible, doctors at a fasting clinic, too.

It is not ‘easy’, but it is proven effective. Here is a talk by a doctor that has run such a clinic for decades and has water fasted tens of thousands of patients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FOBa_hfbRE

Again, I recommend you explore MEDICALLY SUPERVISED water fasting – not do it by yourself. But I believe you will lose weight faster than you will after a stomach band, and I hint that you may enjoy ‘other health benefits’.

Good Luck!

milena

9:36 am
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Fran

This forum is amazing, its like sitting around the kitchen table.

I read your post earlier post with concern, especially the thought of surgery for weight loss. Then read a piece in the daily mail that Jennie Murray – think thats her name, a radio presenter? – had had a sleeve fitted. The piece went into quite a bit of detail. She had it done voluntarily, after seeing the effect a gastric band had on Ferne Britten and Vanessa Feltz – what a name dropper eh? – left me wondering why she choose a sleeve rather thsn a band? She weighed 20 stone. Might be worth a read, especially after reading Sim’s suggestion.

I then read that your weight and height is not far from my own starting weight, makes me think this is really drastic, you wouldn’t be a candidate for this surgery if not for your medical problems.

Now Im going go be personal here, if you dont mind. Could you tell mea little about the problems with your arteries. Ive problems with my legs, have just been told to lose weight and return to Docs when Ive done that. Sparked an interest in leg problems.

Anyway, if you decide to investigate Sim’s advice, which gives exactly the same solution as the sleeve, it would seem, ie no food for a time, though I got the impression the sleeve was permanent?, I’d be very interested to hear what help the health professionals give you. Apparently this presenter was going to fund it personally, can’t remember if she did or had it done on the NHS, but the costs quoted was well into the thousands, would have thought the financial savings as well as the lower risks would be a point in favour of a supervised – even a residential stay – fast.

Will be interesting to find out if fasting is even a stardard treatment in the NHS, would think it is, I understand is is, or at least was at one time, a treatment for epilepsy.

Good luck Fran, whatever happens, fingers crossed for you. Remember all things must pass, and when, at the end you can get well again, thats the important thing, and getting into size 12 jeans again will be God’s way of giving your life balance, and a bloody great bonus too. lol!!!

Eileen556

9:49 am
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Honey please don’t loose interest… as the post’s are saying perhaps just change how you are doing things… keep being positive …. this way of life really does work …. it took a long time to put on the pounds it will take a long while to get rid of them be patient… bug hugs and stay positive…xx

audreyg

12:42 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi all,

I am home from my travels, had a fantastic few weeks with wedding and holiday, have put weight on not too sure how much till I hit the scales in the ,morning but guessing about 6 lb ish. Not too bothered I can lose it again.

Fran I send you a bit cuddle from me and I shall include you in my prayers tonight, I do hope you are sorted out soon keep in touch and know you are not alone, just read the above posts we are all by your side in spirit if not in reality.

Love to everyone else, it’s good to be back….

Audrey

Ginette K

1:04 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Fran

I have been so worried about you. Here is the article that Milena was talking about

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3146357/I-defied-family-weight-loss-op-FAR-drastic-gastric-band-Radio-4-star-Jenni-Murray-lost-two-stone-two-weeks.html

….and here is an English NHS site with some information.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/weight-loss-surgery/Pages/how-it-is-performed.aspx

On reading different articles the band can be reversed but the sleeve is permanent. The more you are informed the better.

I did the beach diet which is like 5:2 and written by Mimi Spencer. I did buy the book on kindle. But I will also post a planner where all of the information is on the last page.

I lost 16lb in 6 weeks on mine. I would say it was like doing 4:3 but I only had a small treat most weeks. I went out for meals three times and had an ice cream.

I had really good loss on this and I found that I wasn’t hungry.

Maybe worth a go while you are deciding about the op.

I hope you make the decision that is right for you. Both links are worth reading as one is from a personal point of view and the next is just informative. If you want me to look for anymore info for you just let me know and I will be pleased to do it. Remember you are among friends here, you will get advice and support from us.

I will be thinking of you. Is Debbie on Facebook? She was right to encourage you to come back as you need support now xx

Hi Audrey

I am glad to see you back. Settle back home and then you can go back to 5:2 a lot of people have found that they have lost weight quite easily if they have been doing 5:2 for a while, then had a break and come back to it. I hope this is the same with you.

Ginette

milena

1:26 pm
3 Jul 15
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thanks Ginette, beyond my capabilities. There are some more articles as well if you would care to dig – interesting reading.

milena

1:31 pm
3 Jul 15
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Hi Ginette

Sim does a long fast, five days I think, his loss puts even yours in the shade. The medical fast seems sound, and woukd profuce the ssme loss as the sleeve – but a shorter one then FBD could produce some amazing results.

Ginette K

1:45 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Milena

Yes I will look for more if Fran wants me to, I also don’t want to give her too much information to take in. Yes I knows sim’s fast has better results for him, but I can talk about the fast beach from a personal point.

Sim did post so I know he is also trying to help. I am sure Fran appreciates all the support she is getting from everybody.

Ginette

Ginette K

2:28 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Fran

Here is the planner as promised.

http://thefastdiet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FB-PLANNER.pdf

Scroll to the last page to get info.

Ginette

Ginette K

2:32 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi All

Here is an interesting link.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3139240/Actor-reveals-gained-stone-developed-fatty-liver-disease-eating-low-fat-foods-60-days.html

It all revolves around the sugar in low fat foods.

Ginette

Franee2

10:29 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi everyone, I’m so very thankful for all your support and words of encouragement. It has meant the world to me. You are such a bunch of super ladies, and Sim too of course, I wish I could hug each and every one of the you. Well, I saw my family doctor today and she does not recommend the water fast diet. This is due primarily to there being nowhere in Canada at the moment that offers a clinic like the one in California. Also the cost would be prohibitive as it would not be covered by our health care system here in Ontario. The sleeve would be covered entirely by the system due to my being referred by the vascular surgeon. Ginette, thanks for the planner. The modified 5/2 beach diet is something I will consider until I have the surgery. Yes, I have decided to go ahead with the sleeve. I spoke to my doctor about it today and she assured me that it is not dangerous. The risk is very low because I’m not that fat. Milena is right about me not being eligible if not for the medical referral. What a joke!!! I sure feel fat !!!! Anyway, today is a fast day for me and I’m looking forward to my one meal, which tonight is a big bowl of my favourite veggie soup. Have a great weekend everyone. Love to you all, Fran xx

Ginette K

11:31 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Fran

Well Jenni Murray lost two stone in two weeks, although she was about 20 stone to begin with. That is 280lbs. 2 stone is 28lbs btw.

As long as you are happy and in the long term it helps to solve your health problems then that will be good. Do they do this via keyhole surgery?

I am glad you are still enjoying your soup. Your doctor must have put your mind at rest as being undecided what to do is very unsettling for you. Do you know when this is likely to be?

I wish you luck with all of your challenges.

Ginette

milena

11:34 pm
3 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Fran

you sound a bit more UP!!

Wish I knew more about fasting. What are the timescales. Must admit you are being offered a good solution, your health comes first – but if there could be another way. What are the timescales and weight targets, if you dont mind me asking.

milena

11:44 pm
3 Jul 15
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Hi Ginette, I read that, and its absolutely spot on to what you would lose on a longterm fast – which of course makes sense as that is precisely what she is doing, albeit no willpower involved.

Interesting that, at least in the UK, the medical option is there, and of course there are places in hospital for anoresics (excuse the spelling, had three goes and gave up!). Presume the same where you are, Fran. Wonder if there is the fasting option here?

Very frustrating.

Think of the positives, though Fran. You’ll be in my prayers. And you’ll be thin!

NEmum

8:44 am
4 Jul 15
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Ladies!

I dont check in for a week and wow you have all been busy. I liked someone’s comment about feeling like we’re round a kitchen table, well put the kettle on I’m pulling up a chair.

Ginette, you are fabulous and definately at the head of the table, what great and intetesting articles you have found definately worth a second read. And well done again in the 16lb in 6 weeks, are you managing to keep it off back on 5:2?

Fran,
Strength to you, you seem to be dealing with such a lot just now and such big decisions too. A sleeve is such a final permanent procedure, and if the only reason for the sleeve if to allow them to operate then this needs careful thought, as the sleeve will still be there I once your blockages are sorted. The great thing about 5:2 or 4:3 or even the Beach Diet is you can have a week off it’s all getting a bit much. There is no respite from a sleeve.

Audrey, welcome back and well done for not putting on too much.

I have been major sinful. Been making smoothies to cool me down in this heat with frozen fruit … oh so good … but oh the sugars! I’m surprised I’m keeping my 7lb weight los off.

Strength to you all

NEmum

audreyg

9:36 am
4 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi all,

I have been on scales and put 4.5 lb on! Not quite as bad as I thought it would be, I have no regrets because I have had a fabulous time.

I had some really good comments on the wedding day and everyone said how well I looked, the suit fitted beautifully.

I am now back on 5 2 and hoping to lose another stone or 14 lbs for those of you that don’t do stones hehe.

Have a great weekend everyone

Audrey

janaravi

10:10 am
4 Jul 15
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Congratulations everyone ! The Mere thought of penning down your journals albeit trials & inspiring people like me should make you all so proud !
I am 49 . But I had early menopause & Thyroid. I now stand at a whopping 81kg & as I am short (4 & 11) it is really ugly. Truth is I have not been consistent either in diet or exercise & this truth manifests itself in obesity. I have a sedentary life-style as well.
However a year before, After starting the Thyroid medication, I am feeling much better and I am more committed to losing weight. I have a lot of energy than before. But,,,, The Scale is not budging even after a month of regular 40min exercises. Think I will do the 5:2 to help the scale a bit !

This is a great site & hope to lose weight fast.
Nice connecting with every one of you.

Best of Luck!

audreyg

10:19 am
4 Jul 15
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Hi janaravi

I too have thyroid problems and take thyroxine and am now through the menopause but worry not you can still lose weight with 5 2. Since January this year I have lost 20 lb was more but just back from holiday.

It is harder to lose weight with a thyroid problem but it is doable. Stick with the fast days, stay within your tdee on non fast days and try to do a little exercise and it will happen for you too.
good luck

Audrey

Ginette K

2:24 pm
4 Jul 15
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Hi All

Welcome to janaravi

Jan (do you mind if I call you that) you will find that we try to be helpful and we are definitely a supportive bunch, we cheer losses and commiserate gains. Having someone to talk you who is in the same boat is really helpful. We all know the wonderful benefits that come with 5:2 but we are all interested in weight loss.

Don’t worry as I started my weight loss journey to lose a massive hill to climb. I now have about 5 stones and a few pounds to lose. I shifted my end target by half a stone.

I struggle to lose weight in this weather. But I am pleased to report a 2lb loss this week, this is after a week of no loss. I have done 4:3 for the past two weeks so I am pleased that my efforts have paid off.

Hi Nemum thanks for that, Hi Milena good luck on FBD.

Nemum I am pleased that you are keeping the weight off. It can be a challenge in this weather.

Hi Audrey

Well that isn’t too bad and I bet you will have a good loss this week. So nice to see you back.

Hi to you Fran.

Have a nice weekend all.

Ginette

Ginette K

2:56 pm
4 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Jan

A link to a thread I started with some info for people new to 5:2.

https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/my-10-week-weight-loss-week-by-week/#post-99160

Ginette

NEmum

4:53 pm
4 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Jan,

Welcome to our forum, I couldn’t have put it any better than Ginette, we all get great support from one another, and it’s a great place to have a moan too if things are not quite going to plan, we’ve all had good days to celebrate and we’ve all fallen off the 5:2 wagon, and I’ve found everyone supportive and totally non-judgmental.

Stick with it, even if you’re slow to lose in the first week or so, enjoy the feeling that you’re doing something and the day after a fast day, I always feel like I could take on the world.

No question is too daft, no moan is too big or small.

Strength to you, keep in touch.

NEmum

Franee2

12:44 am
5 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Milena, it’s Fran here. You were asking me for some details regarding my legs so I’m happy to address that. About 3 years ago, I started noticing that my right leg particularly was aching a bit when I walked for longer lengths of time or uphill. I ignored this because as soon as I sat down it seemed fine. I was active and doing good things like going to the gym so I figured that I might just be overdoing it or maybe pulled a muscle. As time went on though, it got worse, until I knew I had to see the doctor. She sent me for tests ( an ultrasound ) that didn’t really show much except a small decrease in the width of the arteries in my right leg. To be honest Milena, I have so many other health issues that over time the doctor visits and tests have become jumbled up in my mind. I’m not a very detail oriented person like some of the other ladies so hopefully I’m giving you the correct information. I do remember though that at that point, except for some mild pain relievers, no treatment was suggested. So, I went along getting gradually less and less mobile and heavier and heavier until one night my right leg bled so badly from just a tiny nick on my shin that I had to go to the hospital to have the unstoppable flow, stopped. That was just a couple of months ago. By that time after a new ultrasound called a doplar ultrasound showed the blockages were now much, much worse. I was referred to the vascular surgeon in order to scedule surgery to fix the blockages. I went in April and at that time, he ordered an MRI, which I had on June16th. The rest I think you all know. So here I am. The only thing I forgot to mention is that during all this time of inactivity and pain, I just ate and ate my way to 240 lbs. It was the only thing that I felt would make me feel better. Between that and various other personal struggles not related to food or the pain in my legs that I deal with on an ongoing basis is why I am the way I am. So, because part of the whole bariatric process involves physiatric support, I’m hoping to become more in tune with what I need to do to heal myself emotionally too. Because we all know, that when all is said and done, a large part of the problem for us, is psychological. And until we are all healthy in our hearts and minds, the journey we are on will remain just that, a journey, not ever reaching a conclusion. Love to everyone, Fran xxx

milena

1:32 am
5 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Fran

thanks for sharing, I didn’t ask just to be nosy. You have certainly been to hell and back – you will be in my prayers, I do hope that the treatment you get will help, obviously the weight loss is not the main thing, but I know how dispiriting being overweight is,and anyway weight loss is not the worst side effect I can think of, and losing weight will take pressure off your leg.

I know that it can be very hard when we hit rock bottom, but the saying it is darkest before the dawn holds true – although I’ve thought I’ve hit rock bottom a couple of times and discovered it was a fairly high ledge, there was still a way to go!

But this treatment could be so helpful in so many ways, sometimes just feeling that you can do something about your ills can make them a little easier to bear, so I’m pleased the doctor has put you forward. Fingers crossed.

I had asked for a reason. It is interesting reading posts to find that are many, like you, who have a number of reasons for visiting the doctor. I’m either extremely healthy – being 58 and 201 lbs at the beginning of the year would suggest not extremely – or I have ailments I don’t know about. I have never had any reason to have tests, and have only been there a couple of times in the last 15 years, and allegic reaction which gave me very very swollen hands and swollen legs – as I’ve written that its just occured to me to wonder if there is a connection?

I either have water on the knee or some other illness – I’ve even forgotten the name of the other one, but boy did I find some gruesome photos of the alternative illness on the internet, I think thats why I forgot the name. Anyway, quite severe on both knees, and I’m so observant that my hubby had to point them out to me, though they did get worse and are now really obvious. I’ll go back for an update when I have lost all the weight, my knees got very sore (the doctor thought arthritus in one knee) but they are very much better since losing some of the weight, I can get up from a chair more easily, and I can get up from the floor without crawling to the sofa to pull myself up. And I can walk for miles with little pain at the end of the day. I’ll just have to be patient and see if the further weightloss reduces the swelling, I can’t see much difference.

Obviously my ailments are not related to yours, but I do have a few more prominent veins and your posts did get me wondering, so I am very grateful you shared.

As you know, I prattle on about Bach Flower remedies, but I’ve been using them for 30 odd years – I’ve always used the rescue remedy but the others were first suggested by my vet for my cats, mainly for breeding queens – but there are many roads lol! – and I do find them helpful, and some are healing remedies. Oak, Willow and Sweet Chestnut may be good starting points, perhaps Mimulus. Just a thought.

Take care and be kind to yourself.

Franee2

5:29 am
5 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi again Milena, Well I have succumbed to curiosity and have ordered some Bach flower remedies. I chose to personalize my choses and they were, agrimony, aspen, cherry plum, crab apple, gorse, mimulus,and scleranthus. I also ordered a book to navigate my way through the process. So, wish me luck and I’ll keep you posted. By the way, are you in the UK or over in the new world like me? I’m in Canada, in Ontario in a small town on Lake Ontario. I’ve never visited England but have many relatives over there. I’d love to visit. Anyway I’m just rambling. Thanks for the suggestion about the Bach Flowers. Take care,
Fran xx

audreyg

7:52 am
5 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi ladies,

So today is my first fast after 3 weeks away, wish me luck this one is going to be tough!

Fran hope the flower remedies work, milena,ginette and Nemum thanks for the welcome back I have missed the support of you all.

I am off now to reacquaint myself with the wii fit.

Audrey

annabelle 48

9:42 am
5 Jul 15
Permalink

Hi Everybody
Well I had my lovely lunch and 2 glasses of champagne! Weighed today and have gained a pound but the day was worth it. Don’t think my scales are too reliable. They are WW and I have found that if I get on and off a couple of times (not recommended), they give different weights. Of course I note the lower one!. Can anyone recommend some accurate scales and how important is it to have a fat reading. My scales are basic. I don’t want to get hung up on numbers but in the early days especially it is important to see the numbers going down. Am trying to have a fairly reasonable day today, something like NEmum’s semi fast. Will see how I get on.
Ginette I had a look at the FBD but don’t know that I could sustain 6 weeks but well done to you for your effort. I am very impressed. I too read the article about the so called health foods and was appalled at the way the food industry cons us to boost their profits.
You are all very encouraging and helpful so thank you all.

Annabelle

milena

4:00 pm
5 Jul 15
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Hi Fran

good luck with them – they have an amazing effect on my cats – and there is nothing worse than a cat in season desperate to get laid!!! Well perhaps me when there is ice-cream in the freezer! I’ve used them before shows, before labour and for a myriad of reasons, and I’ve been using them a lot on Willow. She has really been in the wars, very ill due to a stroke and blood clots. He is already deaf and went blind, very distressing. Though like Lararus, the change this week has been amazing. She is almost back to normal, even jumping up onto the sofa and the bed – there were times she couldn’t walk or lift her head.

Ok, she’s just a cat but no placebo effect – I made my son take mimulus after he failed his driving tests a few times – seems a lot of teenage boys are failing tests these days, money making or safety, or am I paranoid, but he passed after taking it! Any friends with problems or illness get dosed when they come here. Serious stuff – I do hope it helps.

I’m in Scotland, just outside Edinburgh, a sort of Canada in miniature – nice folk here too – and it would seem a similar scenario about independence. My bro in law goes to Canada regularly, he girlfriend is Canadian – a long distance romance. I think he is there next week. Must check as we are looking after mum in law. Just realised as I’ve started FBD, I’m off alcohol for the whole time he is away – bugger! She drives me to drink.

Anyway Fran, ramble away, you can see I do!!!

Hi Audrey – missed you!!! Hope you had a great time!!!!

Hi Annabelle – hope you enjoyed the Champagne, life is too short for cheap wine!! Hope you get some good ideas for the scales, I had some really cheap ones from Tesco, but weight weekly at Boots – which has height and body fat – worrying that my height changes, but both scales are pretty much the same – occasionally they are different but the Boots scales are calibrated, I think they are the ones that go off a little between calibrations. And they would have cost far more than my six quid scales.

NEmum

8:15 am
6 Jul 15
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FAST DAY!

Who else is fasting today? I’ve just had my 2 scrambled eggs for breakfast and now to make another batch of 100 calorie soup as I had the last one last week.

Strength to you all

NEmum

audreyg

9:01 am
6 Jul 15
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Hi nemum

I am fasting today had a bad day yesterday didn’t make the fast.

Good luck to all fastest

Audrey

audreyg

3:20 pm
6 Jul 15
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Well I am officially struggling….

Failed again at 2nd fast in a row, can’t get my head round it at the min, not sure what to do now.

Any suggestions before I officially throw in the towel….

Audrey

annabelle 48

3:35 pm
6 Jul 15
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Hi Audrey
Don’t throw in towel. Looks like you have tried to do 2 days running. Give yourself a break. You seem to have just returned from being away and off the diet so ease yourself back into it slowly. Leave it for a couple of days and try again or even try just a half fast to begin with. If it helps I am finding today hard going and the time is just dragging. Relax and stop beating yourself up. Hope this helps.

Annabelle 48

Ginette K

3:37 pm
6 Jul 15
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Hi Nemum

I am fasting today.

Hi Audrey

Why did you fail, was it food choices, hunger or habit. Some people have had shaky starts. Make sure you are bust drink lots of water and I always eat vegetable instead of salad as I don’t find salad filling.

Maybe treat yourself to some bare naked noodles and have for lunch with a little Chinese sauce. There are really low calorie and it will feel as if you have eaten a lot. They are 1.99 in Morrisons, so a bit expensive but good to get you started.

Soup is also more filling that other things as the water with the soup keeps you fuller for longer, either make a vegetable one or a really low calorie one. I saw this in a program the one looking at what type of eating group you fall into.

Sugar free jelly is also good if you want something sweet. I have this with about 2 dessert spoonfuls of yoghurt on. I always have about 5 cups of tea as I find this fills me up. I use skimmed milk and count the calories.

Maybe go and re read Michael Ms book to get the inspiration back.

I hope this helps xx

Ginette

audreyg

3:43 pm
6 Jul 15
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Thanks ladies,

I have managed to keep a hold of the calories so should be able to have a 1000 kcal day, will leave it for today and tomorrow and try again on wed or Thurs I think.

Thanks for answering at least I don’t feel so alone again now, my husband is here but he doesn’t understand how difficult some days can be. I have just got too used to eating badly again whilst I was away.

Thanks for being there for me

Audrey

Ginette K

3:46 pm
6 Jul 15
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Hi Audrey, we are always there so shout for help when you need it!!

Ginette

audreyg

10:29 am
7 Jul 15
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Morning ladies,

Well I may have failed with the fast day yesterday but kept kcal to around 1000 and did a very good work out courtesy of ginette and my wii exerbeat. I am pleased to announce I have lost 1 lb so thanks for all your support. I am having a normal day today keeping eye on calories and may try to fast again tomorrow.

Your support was much appreciated yesterday

Audrey

Wish Me Luck

1:37 pm
7 Jul 15
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I gained four pounds on my first week! Ugh!! Ibyhink im eating like crazy following fast days. Hoping to get the swing of it soon.

audreyg

1:54 pm
7 Jul 15
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Hi wish me luck,

Are you keeping a track of your calories on non fast days as well as fast ones. I personally think the tdee on this site is high so I try to stick to around 1200 k cals on non fast days. this will be my tdee when I finally lose my weight!

Hope this helps, shout out if you need advise or help we are a friendly group.

Audrey

Ginette K

2:37 pm
7 Jul 15
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Hi Audrey

Well done to you, I am so pleased that you have had a loss as the pictures are great!! This will spur you on to lose the rest. Have faith and keep strong.

Hi Fran, how are you doing.

Here is an interesting link to how 3 minutes exercise a week helped this man get cholesterol and blood pressure down. He wasn’t on 5:2 or he would have mentioned it but he did lose some weight.

I’ve done THREE MINUTES of exercise a week for two years and never been fitter! Vince initially scoffed at ‘high-intensity’ exercise. Now he says it’s changed his life
http://dailym.ai/1eA3nsI

If only I had a bike……..

Ginette

annabelle 48

3:20 pm
7 Jul 15
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Hi Everyone
Will somebody kick me off this plateau please? I have been going round the same loop now for nearly 3 weeks, losing on fast days and putting it back on again as soon as I eat. Am in my 5th week and feel it is a bit soon to plateau. Have been keeping a food diary and have not had bad days. Any suggestions? Have any of you experienced plateaux and how long did they last? Tried a 3/4 fast day in between my 2 fast days – no joy.

Franee2

11:34 pm
7 Jul 15
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Hi ladies, Well I made it through another fast day and upon weighing myself this morning I was a little disappointed to see I’d yet again lost less than 1 lb.this week. Thank God, because I wouldn’t want to upset the apple cart by being too successful. ( that was sarcasm, by the way ). I guess I’m just feeling a bit p—-d off. Now I know that 3/4 of a lb is still losing, it’s just that I’d hoped for a bit more. But, instead of feeling sorry for myself I really should try to understand the possible reasons why things have ground to a crawl for me. To be honest, I have probably not been 100 % perfect this week. But I can say that I’ve been terrifically good on fast days, all 3 of them. An extra few calories on non-fasting days are about the extent of it. God forbid that a couple of hundred calories consumed on non fasting days can actually stop weight loss in its tracks.
Audrey, welcome back ! You will be OK sweetie, you still remain an inspiration for me.
Ginette, you are like a lifeline being thrown to me as I’m drowning. Thank- you.
Well, before I get too maudlin I’ll just say good night and as always I hope everyone has great success this week ( including me ). Love Fran xx

Ginette K

2:16 am
8 Jul 15
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Hi Annabelle

Are you weighing food or guessing? I work with my fitness pal, I worked out goal weight and then it gave me an amount of calories I shouldn’t exceed this was about 600 under my TDEE so I felt was more realistic for weight loss. I did check and log all calories for 6 weeks on here. This is a very lengthy procedure but it does highlight to you where the calories are going. I always came out under this amount. You need to include milk in drinks, for me I measured what 6 cops of tea would take and then added on the calories every day.

It is so easy to guess wrongly without doing this. I do not wish to do this permantly though. I also try to eat in an 8 hour window, sometimes I even manage within 6 hours. Personally I don’t enjoy eating breakfast and I would rather have a late lunch. This way it allows me some fruit or a yoghurt as dessert in the evening. Carbohydrates to me can be empty calories so I have cut right down on them. I think I will have bread about twice this week. I normally like fruit and yoghurt at lunch time or maybe an omlette.

Hi Fran

I would suggest the same with you. Go back to basics and hopefully things will start to move again. I did 3 fast days for 2 weeks and the first week I didn’t lose anything but the second I lost 2lbs. I do retain water in this weather, especially if it is really hot. So I also am having to be patient.

You won’t drown Fran as I shall always jump in!!

Hi Nemum and Audrey

Ginette

NEmum

8:14 am
8 Jul 15
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Hello all

Ginette,
I love your clips, thank you for keeping us all motivated.

Audrey
Well done for sticking with it, even if it was 1000 calories on a fast day, it was a better that burying your head in the fridge and munching, and well done on the 1lb loss. Small steps to get back into it, like it’s been said before don’t beat yourself up about it. I admire you for exercising, I keep meaning to, but when my bum hits the couch on an evening, that’s pretty much me.

Fran,
You are doing great, I hope the maudlin has passed and you see that a weight loss is a weight loss and it all adds up. It’s more that i have done in a month!

Annabelle
Try not mixing fats and carbs in the same meal, no matter how small the amount. This is my latest rant, I find it really hard to do, as I find the best foods have a good mixture of both. But a train of thought is that fats can only make you fat if there is insulin in your bloodstream and that spikes after eating carbs. Just a thought.

Strength to you all

NEmum

annabelle 48

10:01 am
10 Jul 15
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Hi Everyone

Don’t understand quite how this diet works but so long as it does it’s ok by me. Went to London yesterday, had a meal out in the evening with wine, got on the scales today to see the damage, lo and behold, no increase in weight. Wow. Did do quite a bit of walking so maybe that was it. Hope it doesn’t appear tomorrow.
Hope you are all persevering with it. I find reading success stories helps motivate me.

Annabelle 48