July 2021 Challenge

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NorthernDawn

9:15 pm
28 Jun 21
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Hello everyone!

I’m happy to be hosting this July 2021 Challenge to continue the tradition started by @coda in May 2016. These challenges have offered much support and encouragement over the last 5 years to anyone looking to lose weight, maintain goal weight and become healthier overall.

I was a member of the first challenge in May of 2016, and I lost about 30 lbs in 6 months doing 5:2 and being very mindful on NFDs. There were occasions when I fasted B2B (back to back days) and also when I fasted more than twice a week, but for the most part I stayed true to the original program and “fasted” two days of the week. That meant under 500 calories for a woman, and under 600 calories for a man, on those two days.

In all honesty, looking back at my fitbit calorie counts, I wasn’t always sticking to a healthy amount of food on non-fast days (NFDs), but I did stay under 500-600 on most FDs throughout those 6 months. And it worked! I also walked when I could, but I can’t say I did a huge amount of exercise.

Well, that was 5 years ago, and I was just entering into my sixties at that time. Things do change over time, our calorie needs do decrease, but 5:2 still works fine if you are willing to be patient.

You must allow yourself the ups and downs that come with water retention from too many sweets, or from days of indulgent and excess eating (foods can weigh a lot, and they do not entirely digest overnight), and just press on with the program. We veteran members of the challenges call it WOL (way of life). Over time, I believe the average weight loss doing 5:2 is half of a pound a week. Please, keep in mind that is an AVERAGE! Some weeks you will lose 2-3 lbs or more, some weeks you won’t see a lot of movement on the scale but your clothes will fit better or more loosely. The scale will show the true loss in time, and the measurements of waist, hips, neck, thighs, etc will probably show your progress more quickly that the scale.

I will post again, soon, with the usual “Beginning of challenge instructions and abbreviations”.

Again, I’m happy to be hosting and I welcome everyone who would like to be a part of this wonderful group and this July challenge.

LitProf

11:51 pm
28 Jun 21
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Thanks for hosting us, @northerndawn!

AT

7:31 am
29 Jun 21
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Hi @northerndawn I’m in for July too – thank you 🤗💐 so much for taking on the hosting role and I will be very happy to set up a spreadsheet for those who want to use it

JayeGirl

9:49 am
29 Jun 21
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I’d love to join this. I was on here for a couple of years when it first started and was very active. Back again last week hoping to get my fasting mojo back and starting back at square one. I had a fantastic week. I have always fasted 3 days (800 cals, previously I did 500) when I can, it suits my life and my social eating. On my none fast days I’m eating between 13/1470 cals. I’m counting calories on those days just by logging them in an app. I don’t exercise because I have mobility problems but I do as much as I can with my walker. To me food is weight, exercise is health. I lost 5 stone and didn’t do any exercise other than a little light walking. But even this helped my mobility and my bloods were great. I find when I literally make this a hobby I do so much better. I knew all there was to know about fasting when I lost my initial 5 stone (now regained). It just helps me to stay with it when I know all the science and all the tips.
I’ve lost 7½lbs this week, 2 inches off my hips! You can imagine the massive change in my eating habits and portion sizes this week lol. Broke the back of my sugar addiction too. Caused a few headaches but well worth it. Also the initial loss of fluids that are retained with a bad diet helped. Regardless I’m ecstatic because this will spur me on. I know that it will reduce dramatically for me now but I also know how effective this is when you follow the WOL and as stated to look at my clothes and measurements as well as how I feel in myself when the scales don’t move.
Looking forward to my first challange. X

FiveTwoFan5252

12:23 pm
29 Jun 21
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Intro

Hi @northerndawn – thanks so much for hosting

Welcome back @litprof 🙂 🙂

Hi @jayegirl – welcome back! I am the same as you, I try to do 3 X FDs @ 750 calories per day. Normally Monday, Wednesday and Friday. But sometimes I do a weekend – although weekends are getting more difficult now as we are all getting our lives back to normal!

I STILL have 3.6lbs to lose – here’s hoping I can crack that in July!!!

XX

NorthernDawn

5:34 pm
29 Jun 21
Permalink

So, here’s how this works (same as it has always been):

1. Start your daily post with the day of the month, where you are from, and if you’re on a fast day (FD); a non-fast day (NFD) or a controlled day (CD) (e.g. for 1st of December it would go something like “Day 1 – UK – FD”).

2. Give a quick intro about yourself in the very first post – mostly for the benefit of the newbies. A brief blurb about your journey so far and what you aim get from this way of life (WOL). Also if you wish, your starting weight and any other measurements (waist, hip, bust etc) you aim to keep track of throughout the month. You can record this on the spread sheet or if you are unable to I’m happy to fill it in for you!

3. You can add any comments/questions/moans/whinges/triumphs… or anything you feel like you want to share with the rest of the forum. We all have good days and bad days, days we fall off the wagon and days when we hang in there for dear life………so if you want to share it – post it.

Recipes, tips, tricks and questions can also be shared – most of us are logged on at one time or another and can clarify things, offer advise, support etc when needed – this is the great thing about this international forum, there’s always someone online!!!!

Over the course of these monthly challenges, there have been small groups doing their own mini-challenges – called ‘pocket fasters’ or ‘pocketeers’ – they set a target and support each other through it. Anyone can join one of these groups or start a mini pocket fast – it’s entirely optional and flexible.

5:2 basics – answers to many FAQs plus top tips:
https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/

I will post the link to the spreadsheet as soon as I have it established.

NorthernDawn

5:36 pm
29 Jun 21
Permalink

ABBREVIATION LIST
Here’s the list of common abbreviations used throughout this challenge and added to on an ongoing basis:

16:8 – 16 hours fasting 8 hours eating window
5:2 – 5 days NFD:2 days IF
ADF – Alternate Day Fasting (FD – NFD – FD – etc. etc. etc.…….)
B2B – Back to Back (consecutive FDs)
BMR – Basal Metabolic Rate
CFD – Controlled Food Day (below your goal weight TDEE, eg 1000 calories)
DAFD – Day after fast day
DH,DD, DS – Darling Husband Daughter, Son etc
DTF – Dry ‘Til Fri (for those limiting alcohol to weekend only)
EE – Emotional Eating (reflex grazing out of a need for instant comfort instead of satisfying hunger)
EFS – Epic Face Stuffing (we’ve all had one of those days – or several!)
FD – Fast Day (500 cals)
FD800 – Fast Day (800 calories) – see also MFD
HUNGER DRAGON – that dreadful psychological beast that sometimes cannot be satisfied. Some people even name theirs (e.g. @i-hate-lettuce has an inner warthog!)
IF – Intermittent Fasting
Keto – way of eating that generates ketones
K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid!
LC – Low Carb way of eating
LCHF – Low Carb High Fat way of eating
LFD – Liquid Fast Day (incl. tea, coffee, miso, bone broth & water)
LOL – Laughing Out Loud
M/WOAM – Man/Woman on a Mission (courtesy of @i-hate-lettuce)
MFD – Modified Fast Day (800 cals) on the new Fast800, it’s a FD
NFD – Non Fast Day
OH – Other Half (eg spouse/partner)
OMAD – One Meal A Day
PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of @penz)
TDEE – Total Daily Energy Expenditure (see the ‘how it works’ link on the home page to work out yours)
TRE – Time Restricted Eating
WFD – Water Fast Day (Water only)
WFH – Working From Home
WOL – Way of Life
WOCA – Women Of a Certain Age
ZBC – Zero Breakfast Club

NorthernDawn

5:44 pm
29 Jun 21
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Welcome and it’s good to see familiar names on this challenge: @litprof, @at, and @fivetwofan5252.

And welcome back to the forums @jayegirl! It sounds like you know what works for you, and we will all be cheering you on as you lose those pesky pounds and improve your health and mobility.

NorthernDawn

6:01 pm
29 Jun 21
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Thank you @at for offering to set up the spreadsheet! 🤗 You are so kind!

High5

10:23 pm
29 Jun 21
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This is FiveTwoFan5252 !!

Second post (effectively!)

I have just done something that I have been meaning to do for ages

I have changed my username to something a bit shorter and less of a mouthful!

Hope you like my new name – High5 😊

JoanMarS

2:45 am
30 Jun 21
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This is neat, I just registered today to start the program and there is a brand new challenge to join. Really excited to start this journey and to join all of you in yours!

AT

7:59 am
30 Jun 21
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Good morning all
Here is the link for the spreadsheet in case you want to use it – names will be changed from red to black as you sign up to the challenge – I think I have given you all editing rights to the spreadsheet so you should be able to enter any details you wish “TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!”

You can highlight your name in bright green if you are in maintenance………

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18oeu0nx9_7mM4Gutd3k6tObtYCgJ0vVcMTQbu1ug6OY/edit?usp=sharing

Emma Taylor

9:47 am
30 Jun 21
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Day minus 1 OMAD London

Please count me in for the July challenge. I am here! Just not posting much. Maybe there are a lot of others like that – taking a lot of support from the forum but not necessarily writing posts. Anyway, it’s an important part of my day, and I’m glad it’s here.

BrightonBelle

10:10 am
30 Jun 21
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Thanks for volunteering @northerndawn. I own up @emma-taylor – I enjoy reading far more than posting – I’m going to make more of an effort in July – see you tomorrow

SongBirdMe

5:22 pm
30 Jun 21
Permalink

@northerndawn – thank you for taking us on for July! I’m IN with everyone! I look forward to meeting newbies and continuing with us “oldies” but goodies. 😊

michelinme

9:28 pm
30 Jun 21
Permalink

Day -1
Thanks for hosting the July challenge @northerndawn – I’m in! After a successful June (finally back on the waggon!) I’m looking forward to continuing the mojo into a second month. See you tomorrow 🙂

LitProf

11:47 pm
30 Jun 21
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Day 1 AUS FD 800

Looking forward to joining everyone this month!

I am starting the month with a 5 day FD 800 reset. My aim is to get to goal this month, but sadly in the last fortnight I’ve been moving in the wrong direction.

Here to get back on track.

Penz

1:19 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1, NFD, Aus

Thanks again for hosting @northern Dawn! I love Day 1 of each challenge month.

Had a successful NFD yesterday – usually my second one in the week proves challenging, but yesterday was a breeze. I stepped on the scales this morning and they were NOT kind to me. However, I’ve stepped up the exercise this week and my core muscles feel tighter so I’ve convinced myself the lack of a weight change is because I’ve swapped fat for muscle.

So good to see the return of Lola, Wesley and co, @northgeorgia. A nice way to end June, thank you!

Right, a bit about me. I live in Canberra, where it is cold and grey at the moment, with rain forecast for this afternoon. I have a lovely OH and two dogs – one of whom loves to get into our vegie garden and help himself. They’re great fun and get me out and moving each morning. I’ve been doing 5:2 for many years and when I stick to the ‘rules’, I lose weight. And when I get complacent and indulge my love of red wine and gin martinis, the weight comes back on. It’s not rocket science, @penz!!! So this month, I am determined to be good and will join others in the goal to lose 5lb or its kilo equivalent.

Welcome @joanmars and welcome back @jayegirl

Collectively, we can make this a great month!

NorthernDawn

3:36 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 0 USA

Almost Day 1 for me….it’s about 9:30pm. I have an early dental appointment so may not get on the forum until closer to noon.

I want to welcome @joanmars, who is new to the forums. And it’s good to have familiar people back on board with this challenge…..whether you post frequently or sporadically: @songbirdme, @penz, @brightonbelle, @emma-taylor, @michelinme. We are up to 11, so far.

A bit about me:
Female, mid sixties, living in USA. I first started the 5/2 diet in April of 2016. I had great success with this way of life and found it relatively easy, compared to other “diets”. I think much of my success was because of the support I received on these forums. I lost 30 pounds (2 stone, 2 lbs; or 13.6 Kg) over 6-7 months. On many of my non- fasting days I went over my recommended calorie intake, or TDEE, but still I lost weight. In two years after reaching my goal weight, I slowly re-gained most of what I had lost. The slow weight gain started when I stopped posting to this forum for support and accountability, and I became lax about fasting. I believe the 5/2 plan is a great plan, and I feel better when doing it. In every way.

This time around I started in August of 2020, and have lost 20 lbs and have maintained that, even with the recent 3 lb gain.

I plan to lose those 3 lbs I have gained over the last month, and another 2 lbs for good measure, by the end of July!

I start tomorrow with a bit of PFDS, as I actually ended up doing a FD today and kept it under 500!

Best of luck to everyone. I’m looking forward to our July Journey together.

Lyndyhw

3:37 am
1 Jul 21
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Hi, Everyone, I’m from Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia, where it is raining! So much for sunny Qld! The rain is actually very soft, more of a drizzle, and it is about 20 degrees celsius, so not cold. We can’t complain, can we? I’m in my mid-70’s, and have had a weight problem since having my children 50 plus years ago. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve lost and regained weight, but this time it has to stay off! Last year I contracted sepsis from a UTI (didn’t know that could happen, be careful!), and sustained heart damage as a result, so it’s now a necessity. I have had Type 2 diabetes for over 20 years (since last century, sounds impressive, doesn’t it?), so I have to do it under supervision. I look forward to your support in my new endeavour.

NorthernDawn

3:53 am
1 Jul 21
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Second Post;

Welcome to you @lyndyhw – It’s good to have you with us, and it’s great that you are resolved to improve your health.

The beauty of this WOL is that you really don’t have to drastically reduce your calories in order to lose weight, If you are willing to be persistent and patient. You can fast two days a week at 800 calories if you prefer, or even three, or more if that seems easy. Best to focus on nutritionally superior foods and less starch and sugar.

Dr. Mosely has written books about the 800calorie blood sugar diet, which allows 800 calories a day for 6 weeks I believe, maybe more, which you might really enjoy reading, if you haven’t already. My husband got his blood sugars under control in short order when he read that and used all of the information it contains. It also has some very good recipes. Maybe someone else here would like to add their opinion of the Fast800 blood sugar diet? But simple 5:2 works, also. There really are several ways to use this information……adjusting it to your own needs.

Stay with us and you will be offered much support. Together we are stronger!

Betsylee

6:05 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 Melb Aust NFD

Good to start a new month with enthusiasm! I lost a small amount last month – 0.7 kg, and though my “goal” for the month is a 4 kg loss, I’ll be happy if 1-2 kgs come off this month.

About me – 71-yr-old female, retired ESL teacher, have been yo-yoing up and down with weight loss, but aiming this time to lose it and have no regain.

@northerndawn, Thank you for being our host this month. I’ll try to post occasionally, but like a couple of others have already said, I’m likely to read more than post

Onward and downwards everyone!

High5

7:26 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1, U.K. NFD (maybe ZBC)

Good morning everyone from the artist formerly known as
FiveTwoFan5252 !

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my change of handle! I am so excited to have a shorter name and I think that @high5 is quite zippy!

@northerndawn – You are a superstar for hosting, thank you

@at – Thank you again for hosting June X

This is just a short post as I want to come back and welcome all the new people and say hi to the returners later…. 😊

@northerndawn – rice !!! You are so right! I had got into the habit of indulging myself with a bit of naughty white rice on a fast day just to lighten the overall load of fasting and give myself something to look forward to. However I think that has been a rather disastrous policy because it has made me so hungry That it has affected my sleep. So obviously it monumentally rocks my blood sugar levels as well!
It’s not the broadest experiment that I have ever done (i.e. I am only using data from one day!) But I really think you are onto something there as I slept really well last night.

Weight – I have 4LBS to lose! I really need to knuckle down and get on with this last bit. So I will make sure that I do my final and third first day of the week tomorrow, Friday

Catch you all later XX

jaifaim

7:38 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 – Ireland – FD

Hello everybody, I hope you are all well.
It’s been over two weeks since I posted properly I think … life, holidays, tech issues, etc … and I am having one of those weeks where everything is going really pear shaped 🍐🥴 but back to it now and committed to make July a good month ✅ thanks to @northerndawn for hosting!
Thank you @at for hosting June – sorry I dropped off 🧗‍♀️

I hope all are well out there! Hello to all the newcomers – great to have you here.

Nice new name @high5 👌

My holiday was great and really was a break away from the world… We cruised the Shannon river for five nights and it was just great. My phone was off other than for photos and it really helped me to relax and switch off.

@daffodil2010 you should definitely use your voucher and book a trip! Go on, go on, go on 😁. So, we left from Carrick and first went south to Lanesborough, Termonbarry, Dromod amd Drumsna and then north as far as Lough Key Forest Park and Acres Lake. We had hoped to go further north but there’s a large number of locks on that section which would have meant a day each direction to get through… so that will be for another holiday…

I absolutely loved the trip and it was such a change for me to discover the midlands and we had such lovely interactions along the way… not to mention delicious food and drink 🥂. The boats are fab and there an array of sizes you can choose from… if it’s just you and your DH you could get a 1 or 2 berth which would be easy to manage – we had a larger 4 berth boat which could have accommodated 10 people but more skill is required to get through locks, through some of the bridges and into the marinas..
We have all done a little bit of sailing so had a little knowledge but half the fun is learning 😂. So you don’t have to be competent on boats but from what I know of you and your DH (camper/bikes etc) you’d both be well able! Every thing you’ll need is on the boat too – down to towels, bed linen etc. Pack light… no problem to you… we ate on board (ample room for food & drink in fridge) except for evening meal as pubs/restaurants were serving outside and it was a holiday after all. 🛥 🏖 🍹
Travel in morning/ early afternoon – moor up early so no stress with getting a space in a marina and enjoy each new spot.

Ok… off to work now… have a great day everybody and Good Luck for July 💪

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Pocket list Day 1
@jaifaim

AT

7:57 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 – UK – FD800

Thank You @northerndawn for hosting us this month – I’m looking for a more controlled month and less yo-yoing 🤞

I still love the start of a new month and a new challenge despite having been here with these challenges since November 2016!!! Today will be my 4th FD800 in a row as I wanted to press my RESET button at the end of the June Challenge and hoping to start this challenge on a positive note.

Today I have my “Happy Hour” Aerobics class at 9am to start the day and a strength Pilates class at 6pm to end the day on a positive note and hopefully this will keep me focused on my FD

Welcome to some newbies @jayegirl @joanmars and @lyndyhw and hoping our number of our old timers returning will grow during this first week.

As part of my renewed accountability I wanted to log in early before my day really starts and I’ll be back later today to post a bit about myself and my 5:2 journey.

My personal motto since reaching maintenance has been “If I quit now, I will soon be back to where I started. And when I started, I was desperately wishing to be where I am now”

Pocket list Day 1 – TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!
@jaifaim
@at

FlourBaby

9:12 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1, London, UK, FD,

Thank you @northerndawn for hosting this month’s challenge!!! As we enter the 2nd half of this year of recovery it’s time for me to grab the bull by the horns, stop faffing about, pull my finger out ………………………. And actually complete some FD’s!!! These challenges are an integral part of any successful fasting for me. Some challengers get support from reading & posting sporadically (No worries @emma-taylor & @brightonbelle) others, like me find it helps to give my head a quick shake & empty EVERYTHING in my brain onto the page!!!! So, there may be some rambling ………………….You have been warned!!!!

A little about myself; I started fasting towards the end of 2016, joined these challenges in early 2017, lost 35lbs, took my eye off of the ball😭 and regained 28 of those lbs😤, my only excuse as someone else once said ………………………………. “several years of 5:2 have persuaded me that losing weight is not difficult, so I got too casual. Time to start again!”

Anyway, this month will be a back to basics month,
-I’m nixing the vino 🍷 🍷 🍷, yes you heard me!!!
– I’m sticking to 500cal FDs, 800 seems to make me hungrier😲!!
– I’m planning to slosh about as I walk since I’ll be maxing the water consumption and
– I’ll be doing a minimum 150mins brisk walking per week, apparently that’s our sweet spot 💪!!! Whther with Leslie or, if the British weather cooperates, in the great outdoors!!

@high5 ……………………………….. Phew, thank goodness!!! (although, I only ever cut & paste anyway!!)

To the Newbies ……………………………….Welcome!!!! @joanmars, @lyndyhw & @jayegirl (welcome back!) …………………….. Best Decision Ever!!! This is a great eclectic, international group of supportive people who KNOW there’s no better way to a healthier life than a WOL that DOES NOT deprive you of that chocolate, vino, bread fix!!!!

I’m up for this challenge, are you with me???? 💪🙏 🤗

“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John R. Woode

Daffodil2010

10:03 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – FD

I love the first of the month and its promise of better days to come. I have lost a coup,evof pounds in June, all after my operation two weeks ago, despite no proper exercise…but food and wine consumption was not important in my recovery when all I was doing was sleeping!! Good form though.

Plus I am off yo get my hair cut for the first time in 2 years (yes, not months…YEARS) so the waist length thatch is going to be back to a more manageable length, still long, but not crazy old lady long 😄

Thanks you @northerndawn for hosting, I will be a daily poster as usual unless something derails me, I am normally one of the first Europeans out of the starter blocks. 👍

This month’s plan…..healthy nutrition, two FD’s, Dry till Fri, try to get back to an e revise regime (which will be limited as I recover from surgery, but do something small and build up…it will be a while before I recommence leaping about 😀)

@jaifaim, oh that trip sounds fantastic. I will read it out to DH later. He is nuts about sailing but hasn’t done much recently and I know he would want a big fancy cruiser and would be a dab hand (yes, you are right, the lifestyle with camper vans and motorbikes would also trip into boats). And hey, we have often parked at the quayside in Termonbarry in the camper en route West and watched the goings on at the lock gates. So glad you enjoyed it.

Have a great Thursday everyone.

BrightonBelle

10:13 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 UK FD

Morning all – regulars and newbies👋

I’m back to basics too this month 2 500 or less days and NOT go too mad on the other 5 simple right?

I’m going to review my exercise- I really do enjoy it but I’ve been quite busy and think I’ve slipped into the habit of to quote Jillian Michaels “phoning it in “ so maybe I’ll cut down but increase the effort

I joined coda on the first challenge over 5 years ago , dropped the 20 or so extra lbs I was carrying Happily maintained for a couple of years , forgot the basics and the 20lb went back on , I’m very near my original target but 5 years has seen my body change and I’m not happy with my ever expanding waistline so that’s my target this month

Thanks for guiding us @northerndawn and looking forward to this months challenge with you all

Pocket list Day 1 – TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!
@jaifaim
@at
@flourbaby
@daffodil2010
@brightonbelle

michelinme

11:00 am
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 UK FD

Morning al – happy new month! Greetings to old friends and newbies, and thank you @northerndawn for hosting this month.

I’m F56 London UK. Put on weight in three stages – neuro condition restricting movement, stopping smoking and menopause. Found 5:2 Dec 2017 weighing in at 178lbs and joined every challenge, posting every day. I lost 36lbs over the next 9 months with a plateau from time to time but otherwise pretty steady. I held firm for 18 months then fell off the waggon when a friend died suddenly.

I went into lockdown March 2020 10lbs overweight, put on another 10 over the next year and then another 10lbs between Feb-May this year. I have longcovid affecting mobility, energy, inflammatory arthritis, cognition and BP.My goal is to get back to fitter and healthier, helped by good nutrition. After 30 years of vegetarian I can’t tolerate dairy post-covid so now follow a plant-based diet, try to avoid carbs and sugar and drink tons of fizzy water, peppermint tea and decaff coffee with the odd glass of vino or pint of real ale.

After restarting 5:2 in covid i took time out for health issues then restarted 5:2 in June – finally back on the waggon and enjoying it! I use the tracker for weekly weigh in and measurement, which means i can track myself against Past Me. My previous pattern was 6/5/4/4/4/4 then a slower last 10lbs so I know it’s doable.

I lost 6lbs in June to get down to 172lbs- woohoo! – but I know that’s the easy bit. My goals for July are daily posting for accountability, a solid 5:2 with 500 calorie FDs each week and 4xCDs, eating earlier in the day, drinking plenty of water. I’ll start the day with 10 mins adapted yoga stretches and meditation – that first 30 mins can really set me up for the day. Goal for this month is to lose 5lbs and get to 167lbs, under 12stone. It’s a long month, the sun is coming back out and it’s definitely doable.

Looking forward to travelling with y’all this month. Attention to the small things is the way to go, the rest will roll on behind 🙂

NorthGeorgia

12:16 pm
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 – USA/GA – FD

Weigh-in this morning: 224 lbs. So far this year, I’ve had two “lost months,” April and June, where I gained but thankfully lost all the weight to end the month the same weight I went in. I find them to be different from plateaus, where I don’t see much movement at all on the scales, but perhaps it is a type of plateau — just a different expression.

However, here I am in July, feeling more determined than ever to continue my journey downward! I am a 46 y/o male in northeast Georgia in the US, and have lost 55-59 lbs since January 2020, the overwhelming amount of which has been thanks to 5:2. My goal is to lose an additional 66-70 lbs to get to a mid-range healthy weight (although truthfully, if I get to the high end of “healthy”, I’ll be thrilled). I am also hoping to no longer be categorized as “obese” by the middle of fall. This month, my goal is 217, but more than anything, to get into the 210s.

I’m trying to get out of the feasting mode on my NFDs, brought on by a week of vacation and not being mindful when I eat out or with leftovers at home. My special goal this month is to return to the idea of mindfulness on NFDs.

Good luck to everyone!

Pocket list – day 1
@michelinme
@brightonbelle
@daffodil2010
@flourbaby
@at
@jaifaim
@litprof
@northgeorgia

Basyjames

1:15 pm
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 North Canton OH WFD. Today is my eldest daughter’s birthday -she turns 19 today 🎈🎈🎈

Welcome to all the newbies, and hello to all the “oldies” 😁😁😁

I love Day 1, its is always filled with so much promise and its a natural reset-if you get what I mean.

I reached my goal 3 months ago and now I am just treading water- this forum helps me stay accountable

July is set to be a challenging month for me, there is a lot going on this month and my plan is to end the month at the weight that I began it.

I have a few social obligations to attend this month, and an all-inclusive beach family vacation in 16 days. To that end, I am trying to create a deficit because I do not intend to be restrained when I am on my vacation- I plan to eat and drink what I want, whenever I want it while I am gone. A break from reality is just what the doctor ordered.

I am currently also working through the 21 day fix extreme Beachbody workout. Its guaranteed to get participants in tiptop shape for indulgent vacations 👙🍷🍸🍹.

One day at a time my friends, it is time to start living the life you’ve imagine-Henry James

Good luck to everyone!

Pocket list – day 1
@michelinme
@brightonbelle
@daffodil2010
@flourbaby
@at
@jaifaim
@litprof
@northgeorgia
@basyjames WFD 1

SongBirdMe

4:34 pm
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 USA – NFD

Just a bit about me – 73 y.o.retired music teacher, female from northern Illinois. I began 5:2 in March 2016 then joined @coda in May 2016 and haven’t missed a challenge since then. THAT is my secret to continuing in maintenance after losing nearly 40 pounds by January 2017. I began nearly 200 pounds and am now doing my best to stay at 160# – and these people on this challenge thread have been wonderfully supportive and helpful. My maintenance is generally 6:1 with many days at OMAD. I faithfully use MyFitnessPal (MFP) since I absolutely hate counting calories. But the free version works for me. I do my best to go to a Silver Sneakers (older people exercise) class 3x a week. I do like to cook, though, so keeping DH and I from gaining weight is a bit of a challenge itself.

Welcome @lyndyhw – may you find success with us here!

Onward and downward.

Bellyblast

6:00 pm
1 Jul 21
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Day 1 Canada NFD

I haven’t been here in such a long time and need to drag myself back on the wagon. The pandemic has been a challenge for me, the time at home has meant lots of cooking great food and drinking wine on a far too regular basis.

As we are returning to a normal life I find myself 4kg heavier and feeling like I am not the same person I was pre-COVID. It has become too easy to let things slide.

Not sure when I will have my first fast day, for now I am focussing on being here, controlling what I eat and cutting back to DTF.

So nice to see familiar names and looking forward to getting to know new members.

Thanks for hosting @northerndawn, no need to add me to the spreadsheet @at

Penz

11:51 pm
1 Jul 21
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Day 2, NFD, Aus

So much enthusiasm and commitment shining through. Keep it up everyone!

Welcome @lyndyhw, always nice to see another Aussie on board. Hope you’re coping ok with your lockdown. I successfully lost weight on 5:2 during the Canberra lockdown (light) last year so it is definitely possible!

@jaifaim, your holiday sounds wonderful. I’d so love to do that! Another of my fantasy holidays is to traipse around the country side in a horse drawn caravan, ever since I read a Famous Five book where they did that.

@at – your reset button has not been ‘pressed’ so much as thumped!

@daffodil2010, I bet your scales will show a loss after your hair cut!

Hello again @bellyblast – good see you back with us.

Have a great weekend everyone.

NorthernDawn

2:59 am
2 Jul 21
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Day 1 USA NFD

@betsylee, @jaifaim, @flourbaby, @daffodil2010, @northgeorgia, @basyjames, @bellyblast, so glad to see you all on this journey with the rest of the challengers that have signed up!

NorthernDawn

4:53 am
2 Jul 21
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Day 1 Second Post

It is great to see so many people reading this thread, of this forum. Please, please, please post occasionally if you want this forum to continue. The less people posting—well, that is the best reason to shut it down or stop moderating it, as far as the ones who are responsible for it think, I’m sure. And who could blame them? It’s about numbers. If we want this forum to continue, we must keep it going with our posts.

BrightonBelle

10:36 am
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 UK NFD

First day of my danger zone aka the weekend , usually go for a walk late Friday afternoon followed by a few drinks , Im going to set myself a target and stick to it , I am going to enjoy July but hopefully in a controlled way – although I rather liked the sound of an all inclusive beach holiday 😎

Daffodil2010

10:44 am
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

I quite agree with you @northerndawn, it’s so good when people do post, the interaction really does help.

Though I confess that I tend not to at weekends, but I will try.

So my hair is now a lovely manageable length and looks glossy and shiny. @penz, oh I wish I had thought of the post hair cut weigh in, it would have been interesting 😄

However my FD didn’t happen by day’s end, it was so warm and humid that a couple of cold beers were needed. I didn’t even get on the scales this morning. Next week will be a reset.

DH is home today and doing some manual work outside, I feel I should also be doing something when all I want to do is rest. Fatigue and nausea has been this week’s theme post op.

Have a lovely Friday.

AT

12:09 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 – UK – OMAD NFD

Managed to complete my 4th FD800 yesterday and the scales rewarded me with a 57.5kg weight this morning…..now just need to make sure that the weekend does not cause any damage…….

Aim for this month is to get back around 56kg so 1.5kg loss is my target…..I can do this 💪

Just taken delivery of our meal for tonight from “Haar at Home” in Perth beside the River Tay in central Scotland – can’t wait for dinner tonight 😋

For those new to the challenges a little bit about myself:-
I am a 63y.o. female living with my DH, we have a married daughter who has 4 fur babies – 3 black cats and an adorable beagle called Archie.
I started this WOL on my own in January 2016 as I had gained weight during my last couple of years at work and was fed up with being overweight and wanted to enjoy my early retirement and get fitter!
I decided to join the challenge in November 2016 as I had plateaued for around 3 months and managed to reach maintenance in early December 2016 and with the help of these challenges I have remained in maintenance range of 55-57kg/121-126lbs and a BMI of around 21 since then – Total weight loss = 22kg/3st 7lbs. Height = 165cm

After a few years to staying in maintenance effortlessly, I have had a few wobbles in the last year but with this WOL and sticking to the monthly challenges I have so far managed to stop any permanent unwanted upward trend getting out of control – Maintenance now takes some effort but it is so worth it!!!

Luckily I love exercise and do 6 classes each week – 1 Broga, 1 Pilates, 1 Aerobics, 1 High Impact Pilates, 1 Dynamic yoga and 1 regular yoga – the classes fulfil a dual role of keeping me fit and providing a great social group of like minded friends. I also love hiking in my beautiful Lake District either with a walking group or on my own – OH is mad fell runner and is and out running daily…..we are both loving our retirement here and the pandemic made us appreciate it even more ❤️

Unfortunately I also love cooking and am always trying out new recipes and balancing my love of good food and wine and keeping my weight under control certainly needs vigilance!!! But this WOL has helped me to find the balance and I for one am sticking to it and these challenges as they offer great support and motivation 🤗

@bellyblast – Welcome back – You know what to do to shed those unwanted 4kg……get back to basics!
@penz – I certainly hope so but staying in control on NFDs is taking some effort but I keep telling myself it is so worth it!
@northerndawn – I am signing up to daily posting – I think I need the accountably to help me stay in control and it’s where I have been going wrong recently
@brightonbelle – I’m definitely with you this July “I am going to enjoy July but hopefully in a controlled way”
@daffodil2010 – sounds like your first haircut in 2 years has refreshed you – I’m off for my 5 weekly haircut this afternoon!!! Oh how I missed it when we were in lockdown but at least it made me embrace my grey/silver locks – don’t know why I didn’t stop colouring when I turned 60 as originally planned……

20 have currently signed up for this challenge but I’m pretty sure that some of our regulars will rejoin next week 🤞 Missing @i hate lettuce (think he’s on holidays) @dvw @ccco @lillymartin @snowflake56 (who is taking a break from the challenges currently) @stitchincarol @missybear and many others – some have been absent for a long time and I often wonder how they are doing…….

“SOMETIMES THE SMALLEST STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ENDS UP ENDS UP BEING THE BIGGEST STEP OF YOUR LIFE”

NorthGeorgia

12:14 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 – USA/GA – NFD

Today’s weigh-in: 222 (less than 1/4 lb from 221, but alas!) Tomorrow may or may not be a FD, depending on when the extended family decide on a Fourth celebration. If it happens, this week will have been a 3:4 and next week probably a 5:2. If it does, then both weeks will end up being a 4:3. Meh, I’m just happy to be drifting back towards 220 instead of towards 225 after each FD. I feel confident I’ll be in the 210s sometime later this month.

Good luck to those on the pocket lists today!

Bellyblast

12:51 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 Canada NFD
Rushing off to work but wanted to quickly check in.
Day 1 was 👍💃

FlourBaby

1:10 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2, London, UK, NFD

Yesterday’s FD was a bit Meh! I’m not beating myself up about it🤗, “patience grasshopper” …. It’s going to take some easing back into the swing of things 💪, so another FD planned for tomorrow & this one WILL be 500cals🙏!!!

I’m with you @at, daily posting is the key to successful fasting for me too, I’m a bit late today, but as long as I check-in with you guys at some point, my mojo should emerge from her cave into the sunlight with confidence!! 😎

@northgeorgia, did you strip down to your B’day suit😲? Force yourself to go to the loo😉? Contemplate a swift skinned head or full body shave😀? ………………………. ¼ lb!!!!!! No doubt there was some jumping on and off (I do that!!) hoping the numbers will miraculously change😜😂, those scale just DO NOT play fair some days!!!!

@bellyblast, welcome back, this nightmare of a year (15 months!!😢) has done a number on many of us, stick with us, we’re all travelling the same rocky path!!! 🙏

“Food is the most widely abused anti-anxiety drug in America, and exercise is the most potent and underutilized antidepressant,” by Bill Phillips

funshipfreddie

1:27 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

I’m back! If I may; like the proverbial prodigal son. I seriously underestimated the power of the daily post. Has it really been 10 months?!

Will post more over the weekend. Wishing everyone a successful July Challenge; thanks for hosting @northerndawn

michelinme

1:29 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 UK NFD

Yesterday morphed into a NFD – late finish to project stuff and somehow chocolate. Today will be sensible eating in an 18:6 window ahead of tomorrow’s lovely day out with friends.

So glad to have got to a day off today, tho plenty of stuff to do with prep for tomorrow and pottering. I’ve just made two loaves of gf vegan oat sodabread as contribution for lunch tomorrow. Still need to finish some writing and colour or wash my hair – that always gives me a lift but really tiring and I usually need to sleep afterwards. I’d hoped to potter in the garden but I’m tired and slow today – look forward to doing that on Sunday/Monday instead.

I had my weekly weigh and measure this morning – despite yesterday’s NFD I’m still down 6lbs since 1 June, 2in gone from my waist and 0.5in from my hips. That should keep me motivated! Now July is a longer month and can bring me 10 FDs closer to my goal 🙂

Definitely warmer and sunnier today – after a glooming, grey, damp and cooler couple of weeks it’s back to summer.

High5

2:39 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2, UK, FD – 700

It’s me, the artist formerly known as FiveTwoFan5252!

Hello @funshipfreddie!

Welcome back @bellyblast!

@at – your back-to-backers are really legendary! How you do it, I have no idea! I am in AWE!!

I am very late posting today (it is 230pm in the UK) but I am a happy faster today! Just not had a chance to type anything until now!

Today is my third and final fast day of the week…. so I am hoping for some recognition on the scales tomorrow.

However yesterday (during my NFD) my mouth collided with a bar of chocolate… so maybe not?!

A bit about me (sorry should have written this yesterday)!

Female, aged 50, been doing 5:2/intermittent fasting since about 2013 (I can’t exactly remember when I started) but I didn’t find this forum until a long while after that!

I stopped fasting last year and then I put on nearly one stone during lockdown etc but I have lost most of that again, but I now have four rather recalcitrant pounds still to lose!!

When I came back to fasting after nearly seven months away, I found it really, really difficult to get back into the rhythm of fasting.

I have now at last found a rhythm and a fasting methodology to suit me:

• 3 X FDs per week. Normally Mon, Wed and Friday
• Each FD = 700-750 calories
• During a FD, eat all of my calories after 6pm (although I allow myself 100 calories for milk in my tea during the day!)
• Choose something delicious out of the Clare Bailey cookbook (she is Dr Moseley’s wife) EARLY IN THE MORNING of my fast day, so that I have something delicious to look forward all day!

And my latest discovery (thank you @northerndawn) – do not eat rice on a fast day as it rocks my blood sugar too much and makes me wake up starving during the night and stops me from sleeping!!!

Good luck to everyone fasting today!

stitchincarol

2:58 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD

I’m in! And oh, but I NEED to be in!!! To sum up the past 11 days, DH and I drove to Kentucky (about 14 hours) for a convention where I was a delegate. We walked about 15K every day, had a great time exploring the area restaurants for our meals, and enjoyed the time there. Then we drove 5 hours to Asheville, North Carolina, for a mini-vacation. On the first day, we walked around town, exploring shops (and eating and drinking), and on the second day we went to Biltmore Estate, an 8,000 acre estate built in the 1890s by George Vanderbilt. Then we drove the 16 hours home over two days.

And today I weight 157.2 DH is so sweet; when I told him what I weighed, his immediate response was, “It was a great vacation, wasn’t it??”

And, yes, it was. And now it’s time to get serious and back to the stellar mojo I had a few months ago–I am 14 pounds higher than at Easter!!! It will be a challenge to stay on track among all the things happening this month: tonight is a big Fourth of July party at a friend’s house (as in 150 people and a band and a smoked and roasted hog) and Sunday is the actual Fourth, and we’ll (DH and I and both adult sons) be in Seward, Nebraska, for their celebration (www.julyfourthseward.com), a tradition we absolutely love, and Monday we go to some friends’ lake house. See the challenge? This is going to take actual will-power, and I sure haven’t had much of that recently.

So I’m slowly setting some goals. The first, not because it truly makes weight come off, but because my body needs it (and it at least HELPS take off weight), is that I will walk. Since Leslie hasn’t been happening, the treadmill at the gym will be my new friend. My calves are actually a bit sore from all the walking we did on vacation, so it will feel good to continue the discipline. My specific goal is get at least 5K steps on the treadmill; I may revise that up, depending on how active I manage to be–or not be–the rest of the day.

Food–and drink, given it’s summer, and a cold beer is so lovely in the afternoon–is the biggest challenge. Remember the gal in our group who said last fall, “We get healthy in the gym; we lose weight in the kitchen” or something to that effect? Well, it is my pledge to limit my food and drink to 1500 on NFDs. To that end, I will need to log my food in My Fitness Pal. Ugh, but I’m going to do it, because I’ve gone entirely in the wrong direction and I still want to reach 132 or lower.

Oh, and I’m a 62yo female, 5’4″ (well, I was, now I’m 5’3″) and I used to be reasonably thin more or less naturally, until I reached menopause and two huge 500 mile moves and a change of career for my DH that required four years of schooling. At my highest, I’ve weighed 166, and I’ve been yo-yo-ing for almost twenty years. There, that’s the history.

@FUNSHIPFREDDING Welcome back!!! We’ve mentioned you many times, and wondered how you were doing, and it’s great to have you back!

@high5 Great new handle, and certainly easier to type!

@at Thanks for hosting June; I’m only sorry I was gone for more than half of it.

@northerndawn Thanks for hosting July!

Welcome @joanmars and @lyndyhw, and welcome back @jayegirl and @bellyblast!

Okay, plan for today: drink lots of water and eat nothing until the party tonight. Begin my walking plan. Work in the office for two hours. Work in the garden for one hour. Continue drinking water at the party, eat and drink no more than 1500 calories, using MFP–WHILE AT THE PARTY–to verify this.

It’s so good to be back, and to hear all the chatter from all of you. Have a great and strong day, everyone!

stitchincarol

3:06 pm
2 Jul 21
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GAH!! @funshipfreddie So sorry for typing that so very wrong!! 🙄

SongBirdMe

3:42 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 USA – NFD

Yesterday’s eating was pretty crazy … fruit and an almond butter bar for lunch (coffee only for breakfast) then movie theater popcorn to watch “In the Heights” — pretty good musical by Lin Manuel Miranda, same man who wrote “Hamilton.” Then leftover sushi for dinner. Oh well … not much protein all day!

I fully agree that posting regularly is a huge incentive to stay with this WOL. Hang in there, everyone. GREAT to see some old timers back again!

Onward and downward.

jaifaim

5:22 pm
2 Jul 21
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Day 2 – Ireland – NFD

Happy Friday everybody, isn’t it funny that some of us post but don’t have time to read and others read but don’t post 😂 Whatever you do it’s just great to know that you are all out there! It’s great that we can do whatever suits our lifestyle. I like to post daily but don’t always get to… And I don’t always get to read through posts because my focus and concentration is sometimes lacking 🙄

Great to be here for July and with you all. Have a lovely Friday night – I’m having a meal outside with friends and really looking forward to it. 🥂

Onward and downward ⬇️

jaifaim

5:24 pm
2 Jul 21
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2nd post

Hey @funshipfreddie I just spotted that you’re back. I thought of you when I heard the news from South Africa this week about alcohol possibly being banned again good to have you here 👍