Nimble November Challenge 2022

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  • Welcome to the Nimble November monthly challenge! Why Nimble November? Um…what else goes with November? But whenever I hear the word ‘nimble’ I’m reminded of a TV commercial from the ’70’s. The girl in the hot air balloon, floating through the sky & munching on a sandwich. And the song, ‘I can’t let Maggie go’ playing in the background. “She flies like a bird in the sky; she flies like a bird & I wish that she was mine”. So the message was – eat this Nimble slimmer’s bread & you too can defy gravity 😅

    I’m your host for this month; which simply means I get the party started & then the Challenge pretty much takes care of itself. You can post as much or as little as you wish; but many of us agree that posting regularly really helps with our RESOLVE. The only “rule” in this forum is not to use the F-word (and in this case, the F-word is “fail” – never to be repeated!)

    The monthly challenges were started by @coda in May 2016 and have been growing strong ever since. Here’s how it works:

    1. In your first post, introduce yourself to the group – helps us to get to know each other, especially helpful for newbies. Perhaps say something about where you started, journey so far, what you’re aiming for or how you are benefiting from fasting. You might like to include your starting weight or your goals for the month. But you don’t have to – share what you are comfortable sharing.

    2. Spreadsheet – @at is going to post this month’s spreadsheet below. It’s in alphabetical order by username. If you find it helpful, you can use it to record and track your progress as well as keeping track of how others are doing. It can help with perspective, accountability or planning. And if you need help just ask – there’s always someone happy to help. But you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.

    3. Posting – Start each post with the day of the month, where you are, and if you’re on a fast day (FD), non-fast day (NFD) or controlled day (CD). We’re all over the world and in different time zones so it helps us keep track of which day we’re talking about, who else is fasting etc. For example, I’ll start (on 1st November) with Day 1 – South Africa – NFD.

    4. Frequency – Some people post daily, others check in every few days. Some are brief, others are long and chatty. If you‘re posting for a second time in the same day please head your post e.g. Day 1 second post.

    5. Content of your post– Comments or questions, complaints or celebration – anything you’d like to share with the forum. Recipes, tips, tricks and bright ideas are always welcome. Remember: we all have good days and bad days, days we fall off the wagon or have days when we are hanging on by our fingernails, days when our mojo deserts us and days where we feel completely in control. So DON’T GIVE UP – whatever it is, you are not alone!

    6. Community – This is a worldwide forum so there’s usually someone online. We all do our best to offer advice, support and solidarity.

    7. Pocket lists –A ‘pocket list’ is a list of the names of people who are sharing the same goal on a particular day. It’s great psychological support in mentally keeping that list in our back pocket, knowing we’re not alone. Anyone can join a pocket list or start a pocket list. Typical pocket lists are for a FD but in the past they’ve been used for people doing daily exercise or planks, or DTF.

    8. 5:2 basics – answers to many FAQs plus top tips:

    https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/

    9. For new people joining our friendly international community – please read # 8 again 😉

    As this month’s host, I will read every post but will probably fail to comment 😅 But that’s just me. Did I mention I’m bone idle? If I fail to answer a question though, I know someone else will step in. That’s what’s great about our little community.

    And by way of translation, we use a lot of abbreviations. Here’s a guide to some of the more frequently used ones:
    16:8 – 16 hours fast – 8 hours non fast
    5:2 – 5 days NFD – 2 days FD
    IF – Intermittent Fasting
    ADF – Alternate Day Fasting (FD – NFD – FD – etc. etc. etc.…….)
    AF – Alcohol-free
    B2B – Back to Back (consecutive FDs)
    BMR – Basal metabolic Rate
    CFD – Controlled Fast Day (a FD below your goal weight TDEE, whatever that is!!!)
    DH, DD, DS – Darling Husband Daughter, Son
    DTF – Dry ’til Fri
    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. Definitely due to a faulty OFF button!)
    FD – Fast Day (500 cals)
    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!!!………………or Sexy!!!
    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
    MyFitnessPal – a smartphone app & website that tracks diet & exercise.
    NFD – Non Fast Day
    OH – Other Half (e.g. spouse/partner)
    OMAD – One Meal A Day
    PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of @penz)
    Pocket List – Names to “keep in your pocket” for a common goal for the day
    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

    See you on Day 1!!

    Day -1 – 2nd Post

    Look what I found, for anyone who doesn’t remember this…. 😅

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NopAq6tUHVk

    Thanks for taking up as host for this Nimble November Challenge 2022 @funshipfreddie – count me in as I need a controlled November as mid December will be my 6th maintenance anniversary and I certainly want to be in my mid maintenance range by then
    Encouraged by your Sober October challenge I am contemplating doing a Dry November and will need your support……..one day at a time right??

    Anyway here is the link to the spreadsheet – hopefully all can access properly!

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QIBmDko3WU4BUkqsGApPDDBEwDgoYCDbC4cmf-GZdg0/edit?usp=sharing

    Day 0 – USA/GA

    I’m in for November! Trying to get back down to 209 lbs this month and get back on track.

    Day 0 – Rural Nebraska, USA

    I’m in for November! Trying to get back down to 149.2 this month before @northgeorgia gets to 209! 😂😂😂🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏇🏇

    Day 0- West Yorkshire, England

    Started 5:2 last week so just getting going. On a journey to loose 20lbs ( lost 2lbs last week). So I’m in for Nimble November. Thanks for hosting.

    Day 0, Germany

    @funshipfreddie Thanks for hosting November and @at for providing the spreadsheet again! I’m in and hope to do better next month!

    Day 01 – Tuesday – Gold Coast Queensland Australia 🦘🦘🦘 – (NFD) 🥦🍅🥦🥒🥑🥕🍅🍆🥬🥦🍄🌶🍏

    Here again and waving the flag for the Aussies! WooHoo!🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🌏🌏🌏🤣😁😀😊

    For the newbies, I’m a LOCA (Lady of a Certain Age!🥰). I started my mission on 1st February 2022 to lose overall 10-11 kg by Easter but actually failed. 😣😣 But then kept going 🚂🚂🚂 and reached my goal on 17 June 2022🎇✨🎆✨. I’ve now lost a total 12kg and am at my perfect weight.🎯🎯🎯😍🥰😘 and happy! Yes, you can do it too! I also went AF when I started, principally to avoid the empty calories then accidentally and astonishingly found that I really didn’t miss the wine, only missed the daily ritual. So now I fill my best wine glass with iced water adding lemon/line slices which is a much healthier and calorie free ritual.😊😉😊

    To maintain my WOL (Way Of Life) I am still following 5:2 Mondays & Thursdays as FD800 to maintain and am rigidly keeping to the plan because I don’t want the fat to come back….. there be dragons lurking everywhere!🐉🐉🐉.
    I’d actually done the 5:2 in 2019 and successfully lost 11 kg in 11 weeks, maintained for a while and then failed to follow through with the 6:1 maintenance WOL.🐉🐉🐉 Silly me because 6:1 just isn’t that hard but you obviously need to stick with it. The upshot was the fat just came back…. it’s not rocket science 🚀🚀 and totally my own fault. So, had to do it all again in 2022 and, this time, I’m making sure that I keep the fat off!

    So, why am I here then, since I have achieved my goal? I like you all, of course, and would miss you if I left! You also keep me on track with my maintenance, thank you!

    @harcel…. Hi and welcome… you’re in the right place here with a great bunch of fellow travellers for support

    @lilymartin … words escape me, such immense loss…. my thoughts are with you 💐💐

    @at ….. thanks for the spreadsheet, I will attend to it today…. 6th anniversary coming up… you are such an inspiration. We’ll all be celebrating that anniversary with you! 📣📢📣🔔🔔🔔

    @snowflake56 … so good to see you back with us! ✨🎇✨

    @funshipfreddie …. you are a WINNER! 💰💰💰 Amazing luck!🔔🔔🔔🔔 Thanks so much for hosting NIMBLE NOVEMBER …. we’re looking forward to riding your coat-tails for some luck and success this month!

    @stitchincarol & @northgeorgia …. the race is ON🏇🏇🏇 ….. all our eyes are on you 👀👀👀👀

    cheerie dearies 🦘🦘🦘🦘

    Thought: If we all move forward together then success takes care of itself.
    Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in, day out.
    The best thing about our forum? None of us is as smart as all of us.

    Day 1 country west Australia NFD 85.6 kgs
    Yesterday’s FD went south but was a reasonable CD.
    Melbourne Cup lunch today so NFD.
    Thank you all for your kind thoughts. One day at a time any present.
    It is so good to be back and focussing on health.
    Congratulations @funshipfreddie on your win and think you for hosting.

    second post.
    @at could you please add me to the spreadsheet?
    I am really looking to do better in Nimble November and hope daily-ish posting weight in the spreadsheet might help. Thank you in advance.

    Day 0 Ohio, US — MFD ???

    @funshipfreddie Thanks for hosting this month!!!

    Not sure where to put this post, since for most people in the forum, it’s already Day 1. The last few days of October, Days 28-30, saw me down with out-of-control allergies. Yesterday I finally figured out that something I was taking probably contributed in a major way to the allergic reactions (more about this to come). Even though I felt fairly weak this morning, I decided to give the FD a try and I’ve made it through to mid-evening — hurrah! Another factor that’s hitting me pretty hard right now, is that it was Trick-or-Treat night here, and spending a few hours handing out candy sort of works against the practice of fasting. It’s similar to deciding to spend an evening AF and then tending bar at a pub at the same time. It’s not clear to me which is going to win out. I’ll get caught up on everybody’s posts tomorrow, but right now I’m just really wiped out. See you in the morrow!

    Yes, @funshipfreddie — count me “nimble” enough to join for November! Thanks for taking the helm for us for another month!

    Day 1 Melbourne Australia NFD

    I am a LOCA and want to lose about 6kg over the next couple of months. I spent most of October reading posts and trying to get back into 5:2. I successfully did 5:2 years ago, but then really fell in a ditch and after a few years at a comfortable weight regained everything I had lost. So now I am giving it another go. My big challenge is that I am trying to avoid any foods with added sugar, and this includes an awful lot of processed food. But when I am successful it helps keep the inner food dragon at bay.

    Day 1 – Ireland – FD 🚫🚶🏽‍♀️✅
    November starting weight 164.4lbs

    Hi all and thanks @funshipfreddie for setting up the challenge.

    Looking forward to my first full month back to basics. Was great to get back to you all last month – thank you @at and get back to good habits. They are paying off already.

    Will check in properly later as rushing this morning… was out again last night but more Guinness 0.0 was had.. Lovely evening had and fabulous to get into the car and drive home through the rain and fireworks 💥

    Welcome to the newcomers! You have made a great decision 🤩

    Onward and downward ⬇️
    We rise by lifting others 💕

    Pocket list -Day 1 🎉
    @jaifaim

    Day 1 – South Africa – NFD

    Welcome to Nimble November – @northgeorgia, @stitchincarol, @snowflake56, @lilymartin, @linda.b @matpi, @songbirdme, @jaifaim & @at, – thanks for setting up the spreadsheet. And welcome to @harcel & @malee57

    @stitchincarol – I didn’t decline the champagne just because it was a FD, but also because it was ‘Sober October’! 😅

    @at – I hope you do decide to join me in ‘No Booze November’. It really isn’t that difficult. They – i.e. the alcohol industry- want us to think it’s going to be difficult, just like the tobacco companies used to do. They spend about $7 billion a year in advertising, trying to keep us hooked on the stuff. I think the first 9 days were a bit of struggle; by day 10 I just knew I was over the worst & realized how much better I felt.

    @jaifaim – thanks! It’s not exactly a life-changing amount. In US$ I think it’s about $9500. But in SA it’s a lot! Enough to buy maybe the smallest/cheapest new car – think ‘sewing machine-on-wheels’ 😅 Or a very nice second-hand one. But it will certainly help with covering the legal expenses etc. when I eventually buy a place. And Boo Boo is going to get so many toys this year🎄

    @i-hate-lettuce – the Spirit of Adventure is just docking in Lisbon; lucky you!

    About me:- David, 60, retired casino/cruise ship crew member. Originally from Manchester in the UK, living in Port Elizabeth (aka Gqeberha) on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. I’ve been fasting on & off since 2014, & maintaining for about 3 & half years with the help & support of this forum.

    Wishing everyone a successful Nimble November – Stronger Together 💪

    Day 1, Germany, FD800

    Good morning everyone!

    I’m a Dutchwoman living in the upper North-West of Germany, married, 66 years old, 163 cm/5’4″ tall. My weight was 56 kg/123.5lbs all my adult life until starting a new job in 2011 where my weight crept up to 72.9 kg. I joined the challenges on and off from March 2017 on. I lost 20 kg very quickly (too skinny then, I overdid it) but gained half of it back after retirement in March 2018. This morning my weight was 64.5 kg/142.2 lbs again, more than a bit above my maintenance range of 58-60 kg/128-132 lbs. My downfall are sweets esp. Dutch sweets, I just can’t resist them.

    @lilymartin I’m sorry for the loss of your loved ones.

    @funshipfreddie That’s a lot of money!

    @at Happy wedding anniversary!

    @linda.b Thanks, I don’t post while I’m away as I never take my laptop with me. This month my DH has to work more so we’ll more at home. I plan to post on the days at home as I seem to have more control over my eating habits this way.

    @harcel and @malee57 Welcome!

    Pocket list -Day 1 🎉
    @jaifaim
    @snowflake56 FD800

    Have a nice day everyone!

    Day 1 UK NFD

    Morning all , thank you for guiding us @funshipfreddie, congratulations on the win 💰💰

    I’m F61 living on the south coast of England with DH and we have 2 sons in their 20s

    Been IF for 8/9 years now so I know what works , putting it into practice is a different issue I’m determined to knuckle down this month and next and end the year on a high – or a low (weight ) Back to basics and take it from there 💪

    Daay 1, FD, Scotland

    Hey everyone, I was out for dinner last night, so fasting on a Tuesday this week, that is one of the great things about this diet, we can just mix our days if need be. Im wanting to really knuckle down with the diet, whats motivating me is christmas, we want to feel trim to look good and hey so we can indulge over the festive period. Its home made lentil soup for lunch for me, and ive not sorted dinner yet, will need to go to supermarket after gym. Body attack class after work.

    Pocket list -Day 1 🎉
    @jaifaim
    @snowflake56 FD800
    @goal10kg

    Day 1 – USA/GA – ?

    Weigh-in: 216 lbs. I did not do OMAD yesterday, and I didn’t stop with soup for supper. Let’s just say Halloween temptations were too much and I also had cheese and crackers into the evening. I think I am at war with myself and still haven’t found the seriousness again. Still, it’s a normal post-FD weight, so I will keep calm and stay the course. I don’t really have time for lunch today, so either a supper OMAD or likely an unexpected FD may emerge from this. Of course, if sudden late lunch plans emerge, that could happen, too.

    I have to find my Fung-mindedness again. I really must swap out carbs for fiber and fat, aimless snacking for compacted times for meals, and most of a week’s restaurant/processed quick food for home-cooked meals. Simple, but I have to re-convince myself. Just a few days of eating that way would remind my body how good it feels. I am trying to sneak salads and vegetables back in. Now time to drink water at almost every meal again… I’ll get there!

    Day 1 – UK Cam – NFD
    Thank you @funshipfreddie for hosting November – I shall try to be nimble all month! Talking of associations with advertising – check out this trailer for the Wallace & Gromit film – A Matter of Loaf or Death. It features, yes you guessed, the lady in a hot air balloon from the advert.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXBmZLmfQZ4

    Meanwhile, to introduce myself to anyone who doesn’t already know me – I am a LOCA, retired history lecturer, married to DH who is poorly right now (actually at the hospital having more tests today) and living with a crazy chocolate rescue labrador dog. I have a largish allotment plot and sizeable garden which keep me occupied as well as organising the local community orchard. I volunteer once a week for a national charity as a volunteer gardener (hard work!) and in my ‘free’ time love to sew, quilt and knit. I joined the group and started this WOL in July this year at 153lb and since then have slowly lost 12lb on my way down to 135lb which is my goal. I have struggled with being overweight all my adult life, tending to yo-yo up and down, and this WOL is the ONLY way in which I have consistently lost weight. Plus, I feel so much better – more alert and active. Starting this month at 141 so looking to nimbly drop at least 3lb by the end of the month.

    Can’t stop here for long right now as waiting for text from DH to go and collect him. More tests tomorrow (different hospital centre) but at least I can do some window shopping in Cambridge – our local town is very drab and run-down.

    Having a good day foodwise, zero yoghurt with cinnamon apple for breakfast, lentil and spinach bake for lunch and good ol’ cauliflower cheese for supper (treat for DH) with hash browns (for him – I’ll have some baked sweet potato wedges).

    Good luck everyone with the FD today

    Day 1 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD

    Okay, by my behavior last night, none of you would have known I was in a race to lose weight…apparently, when I said yesterday morning that the day would be my final “day of indulgence” I thought I needed to take that quite literally. 👎👎👎👎 Today is a new day and is even a new month, so things will once again improve and the only special dinners we have coming up in November is Thanksgiving on the 24th, so even my social life is finally cooperating with my weight plans.

    @funshipfreddie Oh, DUH–completely forgot about that Sober October detail! So funny to imagine the expressions when you turned it down!

    @harcel and @malee57 Welcome to the group!

    @matpi Oh dear, how awful to have had such huge and debilitating reactions; I do hope you’re far better soon.

    @northgeorgia Perhaps you and I both need to read Fung’s book again…

    Oh, yeah, my intro post. I’m 63 female, married, three grown children, two grands, teach piano lessons, choir director, organist, and church secretary, and social gadabout, apparently–at least, by the list of social events I’ve had recently. I used to be 5’4″ and now am down to 5’2.5″, making my former goal weight too much. I was down to 140 (from my most recent high of 166) for quite awhile, but started eating in June and now hover around 152-153. I want to get back to 140 so my pants fit again, and eventually want to get to 132, my weight for years. Possibly, if success is going easily, I may even shoot for 125. But for now, my goal is to BEHAVE. That is currently defined as water fasting on Tue/Thur when I drive into Omaha to teach piano lessons, reintroducing skim milk as my beverage of choice with meals, and not going nuts on weekends.

    Oh, and @northgeorgia and I are having a race to see who can lose 4lbs sooner; my goal for that is 149.2

    For the record: I’m sitting here with a full belly from last night’s indulgences and thinking how much I wish I had the emptiness that comes after a FD…I must be sure to remember such thoughts when faced with temptations!

    Have a grand one, everyone!

    Day 1 – 16:8

    Brief intro to me, 5 or so years ago I was 70lb heavier- and for a WOCA and relatively short (5 feet 3.5 inches) that was quite bad. Lots of aches and pain motivated me to try this WOL (and the benefit of not counting calories most days) and it worked – til I lost the thread. Last summer I picked it up again and joined here.

    I’m now in my maintenance range, a healthy BMI. I focus largely on fiber and protein intake and let the carbs and fat settle as they will but making sure they are not overly processed carbs or unhealthy fats. Most days I’m a 16:8 faster as I naturally am not hungry in the morning. I am currently strict about getting in my exercise (fingers crossed I remain so) at least 20 minutes of cardio a day and strength training twice or thrice a week.

    I’m mostly AF clocking about two alcoholic drinks a month. I rarely do packaged or fast food, preferring to make my own meals for better health and budget. I do have some food allergies (notably eggs) and strong preferences (no to bitter veg and fish/seafood) and avoid wheat unless it is a treat – usually baked/cooked at home.

    I have found what works for me right now, 5:2 and 16:8 and find the support of all on this board invaluable.

    Hello November!

    Day 1 USA/HI 18:6
    Starting weight 175 for November Challenge. Surprised and delighted to see the scale show 1 lb drop from yesterday.
    Goal 169 lb ending weight for November. Eager to say goodbye for good to the 170’s! Ideal weight would be about 145 or less. In my early 20’s I weighted 125.
    MariaElena your story is very inspiring and I relate to many of the things you mentioned. Also a WOCA, about your height and follow most of your food selections and cooking at home. I look forward to getting to maintenance. It might take awhile but I must stick with it. I am exhausted being primary caregiver 24/7 for my DH. I must get some off this weight off and build up my endurance. DH is a sweet wonderful guy and I am so blessed to share life’s journey with him for 56 years.
    Best wishes to all doing November Challenge!

    Day 1 USA (Illinois) NFD

    I’m Gwynne, 74y.o. woman, live in rural northwestern Illinois with my DH of 53 years. Four grown children in faraway places, 5 granddaughters all teens or early 20’s. Retired school music teacher who is content to do volunteering and on the board of our local Children’s Museum and president of our Choral Society. They keep me plenty busy. I enjoy Trivia and Word games. I do my best to make it to Silver Sneakers 3x a week, but that is about my only exercise.

    I began 5:2 in March 2016 then joined @coda in May with these challenges. I was pushing 200# (90kg) and knew for health and happiness I needed to lose. Lost 40# (down to 72.5kg) over the next 9-10 months. I’ve pretty much maintained that since then doing 6:1 often OMAD. For ‘wrinkle control’ I am happy to have a little fat with my BMI just above “normal” if there is such a thing. I am 5’6″ tall (lost 2″ sometime in my adult years) so 164 is a high maintenance for me.

    @harcel and @malee57 – welcome to our terrific group! You will find support here — try to check in and post every day!

    @lilymartin – oh so sorry to read of your family losses. May you find all the comfort you need.

    @matpi – discovering what you’re allergic to is always a relief, isn’t it?

    @snowflake56 – Dutch chocolate must be something that is too readily available. I am glad to say I can generally pass on it.

    @gardenlily – prayers for your DH – mine is still getting stronger after his 4 day stint in the hospital with some unknown ailment. I still think it was flu that was not diagnosed.

    Onward and downward.

    Day 1 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

    In for November indeed. Super busy weekend, and now I have a bad cold coming on, so going early to bed with a Lemsip.

    Until tomorrow xx

    Day 1 UK FD

    Hello! Back after being AWOL for second half of Super October. I had a week of post-conference fatigue/preparing training, away delivering training at another conference, came back exhausted to covid & flu vaccinations and crashed. I’m still wiped out but back on the waggon – heavier but hoping it’s EOEO 🙂

    I’m F59, one adult DD. I put on weight in 3 stages – a neuro condition that affected energy & mobility, stopping smoking and menopause. I found 5:2 and joined Dec 2017 challenge weighing 178lb, got to 145lb over the following 10 months – including a 2 month plateau when I went down 2 clothes sizes! I maintained for a year but fell off the waggon after a friend died suddenly at the end of 2019. I had covid in Feb 2020 and long covid ever since, wiped out for most of the next 2 years and still some long term effects – BP, POTS, peripheral neuropathy,cognitive impairment, energy. After a couple of false starts I jumped back into the Challenge on 27 May weighing 189lb. I rediscovered a love of WFD and began last month at 172, now back up to 176lb – but back here!

    Goals for Nimble November are to settle myself into my seat on the waggon, drink lots of water/herbal tea, practice abundant self-care via sleep, stretching and meditation, and get back down to 172 or lower. I’m also going to have a bit of a No-vember while I rebalance my life – it feels as tho i’ve used the marrow of my bones to get through the last couple of months! This is a rest & prep week with no meetings or deadlines so a good time to reset the rhythm.

    Thank you @funshipfreddie for hosting Nimble November, and thank you @at for hosting Super October. Looking forward to being with old friends and meeting new ; I’ll catch up with posts tomorrow

    Jumping on to today’s pocket list to break the fortnight’s habit of living on carbs and sugar…I’ve had OMAD mushrooms, garlic, steamed cauliflower and quorn chicken, stewed apple and fresh blueberries. The kitchen has closed and I’m off for bath and v early bed with a flask of herbal tea and a book…

    Pocket list -Day 1 🎉
    @jaifaim
    @snowflake56 FD800
    @goal10kg
    @stitchincarol
    @michelinme

    Day 1 – USA – CD

    Actually lost almost 5 lbs. by 10/30, but blew it on 10/31 and bounced back up, having “officially” only lost 2 lbs. This last few lbs. is aggravating to lose. Sitting at home for the past 3 months doing work from home, as opposed to running ragged over the past 4 years has been dangerous to my “secretary spread” and I’m kind of surprised that the weight went to that spot, despite doing LCHF….I know beer is the culprit. Overall, though, posting in October has only been a plus and I intend to continue doing FDs and CDs and MFP.

    Day 2, FD, Aus

    Hello all! I’m back! Realised that there was no point in looking for my 5:2 mojo, or waiting for it to return. No, the only way to do this WOL is to tackle it head on and just do it. I like your phrase, @michelinme – this will be No-vember! ‘No’ to eating when I’m not hungry, ‘no’ to my favourite red wine Mon-Thur, ‘no’ to lying in bed rather than getting up and taking the dogs for a run!

    About me? I’ve been dabbling with 5:2 on and off for about 5 years now. When “on”, this WOL really works and I lose weight. But I’m not consistent and the weight creeps back. I pulled on my favourite jeans this morning which were loose this time last year and now were of the tight and not comfortable variety. I am naturally a ZBC and I find coffee-only FDs much easier to do than trying to limit myself to 500 calories. Married, two dogs, still working but wishing I wasn’t!

    Looking forward to travelling with you on this successful month. Thank you @funshipfreddie for keeping this forum going.

    Day 1 – FD/UK

    Hi all and thanks @funshipfreddie for setting up the Nimble November Challenge.

    I’m looking to reduce my body fat percentage by 4% and lose between 4-5lbs by the end of November.

    So watch this space as I get back on the wagon.

    Day 2 Melbourne, Australia FD

    Thank you to @linda.b for the vegetable FD idea. My FD are days with lots of salad which I don’t count and some protein. And lots of hot water and herbal tea.

    Usually, I fast on Monday and Thursday, but this week is out of kilter. Tomorrow I am going out for high tea with my best friend to celebrate our birthdays from a few months ago. Therefore tomorrow is definitely not a FD.

    Thank you for the welcome from everyone and hopefully with all the support I will lose at least one kg this month. I weigh myself every couple of days, but only record once a week.

    Pocket list day 2
    @malee57

    Day 2 NFD country West Australia 85.9 kgs
    LOCA over 60. Started doing 5:2 November 2016. Got healthy, lost weight, doing well.
    Fell off the wagon and gained a LOT of weight. Have maintained ( sadly) increased weight since 2017.
    Dabbled with 5:2 since.
    When I actually practise 5:2 it works; when I don’t it doesn’t!! Funny that.
    Modest goals at present.Just hoping to get down 2 kgs in NO-vemeber.
    Long Term goal is to be done 20 kgs in a year – in time for a relative’s wedding.

    Day 2 NFD country West Australia 85.9 kgs
    LOCA over 60. Started doing 5:2 November 2016. Got healthy, lost weight, doing well.
    Fell off the wagon and gained a LOT of weight. Have maintained ( sadly) increased weight since 2017.
    Dabbled with 5:2 since.
    When I actually practise 5:2 it works; when I don’t it doesn’t!! Funny that.
    Modest goals at present.Just hoping to get down 2 kgs in NO-vemeber.
    Long Term goal is to be done 20 kgs in a year – in time for a relative’s wedding.

    Day 2 NFD country West Australia 85.9 kgs
    LOCA over 60. Started doing 5:2 November 2016. Got healthy, lost weight, doing well.
    Fell off the wagon and gained a LOT of weight. Have maintained ( sadly) increased weight since 2017.
    Dabbled with 5:2 since.
    When I actually practise 5:2 it works; when I don’t it doesn’t!! Funny that.
    Modest goals at present.Just hoping to get down 2 kgs in NO-vemeber.
    Long Term goal is to be done 20 kgs in a year – in time for a relative’s wedding.

    Day 2 NFD country West Australia 85.9 kgs
    LOCA over 60. Started doing 5:2 November 2016. Got healthy, lost weight, doing well.
    Fell off the wagon and gained a LOT of weight. Have maintained ( sadly) increased weight since 2017.
    Dabbled with 5:2 since.
    When I actually practise 5:2 it works; when I don’t it doesn’t!! Funny that.
    Modest goals at present.Just hoping to get down 2 kgs in NO-vemeber.
    Long Term goal is to be done 20 kgs in a year – in time for a relative’s wedding.

    Day 2 – Ireland – NFD 🚫🚶🏽‍♀️

    Hello everyone!

    So a little about me: I am now in my early 50s… yikes…. The first challenge I joined was October 2017…and I’ve been intermittently fasting in all senses of that phrase 😂 since. Life is very busy with full time work, family and good friends. I live a very active life generally although this was hampered these past two years with illness and some grief which I’m getting over and I am feeling good. I am very focused on building new habits right now and changing the “who” I have been for a long time… it’s hard but I can see that it is working for me. 💕

    @funshipfreddie wow!!!! 💰That’s fabulous! And beats the 5 euro I won by many a mile 😂😂 I love to hear of people winning a decent amount🎉 and I live in hope

    Well done on sober October 💪. I’m with you and others (@mariaElena etc) sticking to a mostly AF life. I’m pretty much 99% AF and really only like to taste new things so I’ll never be an absolute non drinker… I use my little emojis to indicate where I have had had a drink 🚫 the day before a post as it helps me track back for any reactions to it etc
    I may have some sugary treats today as have a lunch and dinner catch up for birthdays. Same as you @malee57 🎈

    ( ✅ for me means no refined sugars – another habit I’m breaking)

    @at thank you so very much for setting up the spreadsheet and adding my info. You’re so very kind 🤩

    @maui, @gardenlily and @songbirdme it strikes me that many of the group here are caring for their partners or parents… it takes its toll so make sure to mind yourselves at the same time… 💕

    Hoping everybody else is ok… it’s great to see so many people here for the start of a good month… that will make all the difference heading into the Christmas madness 😄

    Onward and downward ⬇️
    We rise by lifting others 💕

    Day 2, Germany, NFD

    Good morning everyone!

    @michelinme and @penz Welcome back!

    @malee57 Enjoy your high tea!

    @chola Welcome!

    @gardenlily I hope your DH’s tests will have a good outcome. It’s always a worry, isn’t it?

    @jaifaim No refined sugars is hard to do, I can’t seem do it. We have a lot of apples in the garden this year and I love the tarte tatin my DH makes.

    @songbirdme Saint Nicholas is celebrated in the Netherlands and the shops are full of the special sweets. Hard to resist.

    Have a nice day everyone!

    Day 2 – South Africa – FD

    Welcome to the November Challenge @brightonbelle, @goal10kg, @gardenlily, @mariaelena, @maui, @daffodil2010, @michelinme, @metatauta & @penz. And welcome to the forum @chola! I see from your profile you’ve lost 42lb already in the last 18 months?! 🥇

    @gardenlily – thanks for the Wallace & Gromit clip; love it! 🤣I hope your DH is on the way to a full recovery 🤗

    @penz – you’re so right. Fasting is not for the faint-hearted. If it was, everyone would be doing it. Just Do It! ✔️One FD at a time.

    @jaifaim – thank you re my windfall! I’m also trying to cut out sugar this month. I’m motivated by aiming for lower BP; apparently just cutting out sugar can reduce BP by 5 points. But sugar is everywhere; I just discovered the yogurt I was eating almost daily contains about 4 teaspoons of sugar in one little pot. I knew the low-fat stuff was loaded with sugar, so I was buying the double cream variety, thinking it was healthier 🙄

    Gotta dash; picking someone up from the airport shortly…
    Happy Hump Day! 🐫

    Joke of the day:-

    Just desserts

    At a party, a young wife admonished her husband, “That’s the fourth time you’ve gone back for ice cream and cake. Doesn’t it embarrass you?”

    “Why should it?” answered her spouse, “I keep telling them it’s for you.”

    Pocket List – Day 2 🍋
    @penz
    @malee57
    @funshipfreddie

    Day 2 – USA/GA – NFD

    Weigh-in: 213 lbs. Yesterday did turn into a FD. I’m still thinking of keeping Thursday a FD, or at least convert it to OMAD. I may not have time for lunch today, but I will get off work a couple of hours early. That means I might move lunch until later, meaning supper is off. I do think I’ll break my fast this morning though with something light, so I don’t psychologically make myself feel deprived and ruin the meal later today 🙂

    Day 2 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD

    Yesterday’s WF went well. Got home around 8pm and lasted only a short time before I was ready for zzzzz. Feel much better this morning for a good sleep and the empty belly. Weighed 152.4 so have a ways to go, @northgeorgia!

    @funshipfreddie Great joke, LOL!

    @chola Welcome, and huge kudos to you for the 42 pounds you’ve already lost!!! Holy cow, lady (yes?), that’s a massive accomplishment!

    @lilymartin It’s so good to have you back! And this made me grin: “When I actually practise 5:2 it works; when I don’t it doesn’t!! Funny that.” Yup.

    @jaifaim When you mentioned “the Christmas madness” I thought of being in Christmas weighing this much, and was so sad…If I can just remember that huge desire to be thinner so my pants fit better, perhaps I’ll be better at RESOLVE and make some solid progress in November to improve things for December.

    @snowflake How fun to think of Saint Nicholas celebrations and special treats; my favorite time of year to grocery shop is starting now, because grocery stores have such fascinating Holiday-only things to tempt us.

    @penz Wise decision to just DO IT…sounds like Nike. 🤣

    @gardenlily Were the test results good?

    @michelinme You’re still quiet; everything okay?

    Lots I could do today, but nothing pressing, so it’s hard to feel motivated to leap up and get to it…we’ll see how ambitious I’ve been by the time the day is over, LOL.

    Have a grand one, everyone!

    Pocket list -Day 2 🎉
    @penz
    @malee57
    @funshipfreddie

    Day 2 UK CD

    Yesterday’s FD was came in at 600 calories but will do me. This morning I’m miraculously down 3lb – yay for EOEO kickstarting motivation! Still a way to go in puffiness to get back to where I was two weeks ago, but it’s all progress. Amazing how easy it can be to slip back into a seat on the 5:2 waggon with the added accountability of this group – thank you!

    Feeling feverish, burning joints, headache and aching all over, with dim memories of coughing myself awake a fair bit last night. I hope it’s my usual slow immune response to vaccinations rather than something i’ve caught, but a good day to drink more, eat healthily and rest up.

    Waterworks locally this week and my supply is due to be cut off for the afternoon. I’ve got bottled water and some pans filled just in case it lasts a while

    Thinking of FOOD! Today I’m planning to drink a lot of fresh ginger tea and enjoy a OMAD early supper of spinach, avocado and tomato salad followed by quorn roast, baked sweet potato and broccoli, fresh blueberries and apple cooked with ginger. Over the next month of FDs I’m looking forward to working my way through the freezer full of odds & ends of soups and stews and last year’s foraged fruit – wild plums, blackberries, apples and elderberries.

    @stitchincarol I’m back! Maybe you missed my post yesterday? Thank you for reaching out

    @lilymartin i’m so sorry for your losses x

    Here’s to another month of support, encouragement and companionship. We are always stronger together

    Day 2 UK NFD

    Trying to up my exercise regime, I have been doing something almost every day but if truth be told I’ve got a bit complacent so time to step it up 💪

    Also resisting the urge to go too low on cals on my NFD as long term that doesn’t work for me, just take it easy , eat well and resist weekend binges and yes being this big at Christmas is definitely not on my wish list either @stitchincarol

    Day 2 – FD 800

    Beautiful weather has me working out outside 😀 yay!

    Got an upgrade in my Apple Watch (once again a hand-me-down from a lovely niece who upgraded to the latest one) and the sleep tracker is telling me I get lots of sleep but very little deep sleep. That is not at all optimal ☹️ so I’ve been researching behavior modifications I might employ. Hot Flashes waking me up are certainly part of the problem (and I can’t control that!) but I’m probably going to have to implement no screen time after 8pm and see if it helps. Sad, because I often spend that time with DH – in front of TV.

    @funshipfreddie – lol, your joke sounds like my DH when he is in a wicked mood.

    @jaifaim and @funshipfreddie – that unexpected sugar is seemingly in everything! I’m a stickler for reading every food label in detail, my DH hates shopping with me! What continually surprises me is the sugar content in savory prepared products like soups, stews and sauces.

    @jaifaim – I don’t do beer (don’t like the taste) rarely have wine (I really only like the taste of sweet wines and only rarely want a glass and it seems a waste to get a whole bottle because I never finish it) but I do like liqueurs- right now we have a bottle of Sambuca and coffee flavored tequila that will last me until 2024 at my intake rate. It’s a taste thing for me – and knowing how hard people work at being AF, I’m thinking I’m lucky.

    @maui the other motivator for my weight loss and exercise was to make sure I’m strong enough to take care of my DH. He got sick a couple of years ago and it scared me to know I wasn’t strong enough to help him around.

    Wednesday is my usual FD so I join the list!

    Pocket list -Day 2 🎉
    @penz
    @malee57
    @funshipfreddie
    @mariaelena

    Day 2 USA (Illinois) OMAD + popcorn

    Today we have several appointments this afternoon, will stay in town and have dinner (hopefully DH will have a better appetite) then tonight is our First Wednesday of the Month Movie. We love going to these where local retired history professors give lots of interesting tidbits about some film. Today it is “North by Northwest” with Cary Grant (my childhood heartthrob!) directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This always means I eat too much popcorn, salt & butter, my greatest weakness.

    It’s great seeing folk back again here, plus of course newbies always very welcome!

    Onward and downward.

    Day 2 – UK Cam – NFD
    Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts about DH. He has had asthma for over 40 years now but had a very bad bout of Covid last autumn and has had nothing but chest problems ever since and has lost about 30lb, mostly muscle. The latest bout of medical investigations today have turned up a deep-seated infection in his lungs so yet more medication plus the procedure yesterday has found another problem for which he needs, yep, more anti-botics. Whilst the medical profession are cagey about acknowledging the existence of long-covid, we are sure that is what he has. Anyway, sorry to ramble on but as you all know, a problem shared etc etc.

    Today has been busy as always – trying to lay some weed-suppressing membrane on the cleared allotment beds, pulling some champion size carrots – carrot & coriander soup – and then deciding, out of the blue, to revamp the little bedroom that GD uses when she comes over – swapping pictures, new bedspread and change the blinds. Hope she is impressed. You can tell I was trying to block out worrying about DH at the hospital! Lunch was a cup of spiced squash soup and crust of home-made bread – very yummy – and supper will be grilled steaks with loads of veggies. The slow-cooker recipe for carrots in ginger was not very good, probably due to the carrots not being young and tender but the soup was brilliant and so easy! I am trying out the Saag Aloo recipe next – we have loads of tiny potatoes which will be ideal.

    Thursday’s FD tomorrow – all planned, ZBL, tuna salad, sliced apple if needed as snack and slow-roasted chicken thighs with spinach for supper.

    @songbirdme – I just love that film, especially the bit in the hotel bedroom. It’s one of his best films I think. Mind you, Hitchcock films are always good.

    Here is one of my GD’s riddles – What has 4 letters, but only has 3, sometimes has 9 and rarely has 6 but never has 5? (clue – its a visual riddle!)

    ‘The Only Way is Down’ everyone – onward and downward!

    Day 2 – FD/UK – Did my 1st weigh-in and 1kg heavier than last week, hence my decision to reset and join Nimble November. So, this morning’s weigh-in was 77.7kg 😭. The Goal now is to lose 2kgs by the end of this month on a Daily, 13/11 IF Programme, increase protein intake and ultimately reduce Body Fat Percentage by 3%. Had a good day and hit protein target but fat composition was 40% and carbs was below target. Had Boxercise class this morning. Only 1 litre of water intake, need to aim for at least 1.5 litres.

    Day 3, NFD, Aus

    Yesterday is probably why Nike doesn’t sponsor me. I didn’t do it. Was good all day until the drive home which was cold and windy and turned my resolve into mush. No. I shouldn’t externalise – it was not the weather, it was me!!! I knew Thursday morning me would hate Wednesday evening me, but finished a glass of wine and had dinner anyway. Oh well. Posting for accountability. Public embarrassment may save me from going back to cake and icecream (nodding at your joke @FSF!)

    Catching up with friends for dinner but will (WILL!!!) be mindful.

    Day 3 Melbourne ,Australia NFD

    Successful FD yesterday which feels satisfying. Went and did some strength work at one of the local parks yesterday. So that was an added bonus for a FD. Will most likely eat too much at high tea, but then will try to not eat too much this evening.

    Day 2 Ohio, US — NFD
    Day 1 — NFD

    Whew! There has been a lot of work this week so far! Last night I had to work until midnight and today my course required three and a half hours of work. So pretty wiped right now. Eventually I’ll get in my monthly description and goals and a report about those allergic reactions. But those will have to wait a little.

    @malee57 Strength training is really great on FD’s! And I also have been battling the Sugar Monster. Unfortunately SM won out on Monday, which turned into a NFD. 🙁

    @penz I can feel your pain. But there is something universal in how cold wet weather can suck the energy right out of a person. Whenever my body gets severely chilled, my eating goes off the rails. Funny you should mention cake and ice cream because that’s exactly what I’m going to have Friday for my annual celebration. The trick (which I have far from mastered) is staying with just one piece of cake and one scoop of ice cream!

    @chola In Boxercise, do you actually hit a punching bag (or even people)? In any case, it sounds like it would give you a good energy burn!

    @gardenlily Sorry to hear about your DH struggling with long Covid — I hope he shakes the current infection quickly and completely!

    @songbirdme That’s a great movie! At least that snack is better than buttery salted caramel buns!

    @mariaelena Instead of giving up screen time with your DH in the evening, maybe it might be helpful looking into blue filtering lenses. With that filter, the light that can disturb your sleep, is filtered out and you can enjoy deeper sleep. I have Spectra479 and I think they really work!

    Day 3 – Ireland – FD 🚫🚶🏽‍♀️

    Hello everyone!

    @snowflake56 I would find that impossible to avoid as well! 🥧 Just as well I don’t have a DH who is as doué as yours in the kitchen 🤩😂. The trick for me is to have zero sugary food in the house but it doesn’t mean I don’t succumb often. Too often…

    And actually I have made this mistake before.. when I say staying away from refined sugars I actual mean obvious sugary foods so I don’t check all labels but do eat fruit, etc. @funshipfreddie I eat 0% yoghurt if I do have yoghurt – which has no added sugar but doesn’t mean there is no sugar in there… it’s very hard to cut sugar… it’s in most things (particularly those foods we like).
    I’m doing my best and feeling like changes are happening within my body even if they are not reflecting just yet 👍… OMG patience is tough…

    Had a lovely lunch yesterday and we just had one course which was delicious – I feel I am really tasting food now but I did have some sweets and chocolate with coffee after our walk…and I felt awful after that… a headache came on and I had a really unpleasant taste in my mouth so maybe that is simply down to cheap sugar shock… 🤔

    @michelinme Bravo to you! Sounds like a whoosh – haven’t heard people experiencing whooshes in a while. 🤔 I rarely see such decent drops on my scales but feel I should see one soon as I feel my body should catch up and reward my recent prolonged efforts but I’m still hoping 🙏.

    I have days where I feel like I’m still suffering the effects of Covid and all that it triggered for me and other days where I feel like I am really out the other side. I am now due my 3rd booster – am honestly not sure what I will do… I’m travelling again ✈️ soon so will decide by Sunday.

    Ok I’d better dash… work is super busy. Walk first then work.
    It is great to see everyone here and feels like a great energetic and hopeful start to the month 👍

    Onward and downward ⬇️
    We rise by lifting others 💕

    Pocket list -Day 3 – 🫡
    @jaifaim

    Day 3 – South Africa – NFD

    Nailed my FD yesterday. Down to 71.7 kgs, just 200g from this month’s target, & my lowest weight this year! 🎯

    @penz – “Yesterday is probably why Nike doesn’t sponsor me”. 😅 Well, at least you did OMAD? Just dinner & a glass of wine? I assume that’s what you meant when you said you were ‘good all day’? Never mind, better RESOLVE next time. I decide what I’m going to eat the day before the FD, so I’m not ‘winging it’, & just eat from 6 or 7 pm. I know that doesn’t work for everyone though.

    @songbirdme – I hope you enjoyed the movie. I love those old classics, they just don’t make them like that anymore.

    @mariaelena – that was my dad’s sort of humour too! Just the kind of thing he would have said to my mum. But she was no shrinking violet either, & the two of them were hilarious together.

    Another excerpt from Dr Mosley’s new book: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11374623/DR-MICHAEL-MOSLEY-reveals-tiny-tweaks-transform-health.html

    Joke of the day:-

    During an annual physical, a doctor tells his overweight patient, “You need to lose some weight, so try this diet. I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, I expect you will have lost five to ten pounds.”

    When the man returns, he’s lost over 20 pounds. The doctor says. “Great job, did you follow my instructions?”

    The man nods “I did, but I thought was going to drop dead every third day.”

    “From hunger?” asked the doctor.

    “No, from skipping.”

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