@debster251 – the weighted hula hoop is pretty thick, encased in a hard foam and has ridges on the inside of the hoop. The weight of it makes it more stable on your waist as you move around. The ridges help too. It may take some getting used to…might cause a little discomfort in the waist area. Much better, I think, than the thin ones from childhood.

Congratulations all the pocketeers! I am close to my first 24 hours and will continue on until tomorrow at some point – would like to do 48 hours – if it ends up being 36 that’s okay too but just one meal tomorrow for me either way!

Stay Strong one and all!

Day 27 : Cheshire, UK : FD

I don’t think I’ve drank so much herbal tea in a day :). Not a total liquid fast, felt the need for some avocado and cheese as I need to sleep.

Thank you my fellow pocketeers 🙂

Day 28 – Perth AUS – NFD

D1: 74.0kg
D28: 68.5kg
Total loss: 5.5kg
Original goal: 70.0kg
Revised goal: 68.0kg

Well it’s the last day of the month – it FLEW by! Had a little bounce between Sunday and today (pancake day WHOOPS) but am still almost at the revised goal, and I’m taking that as a win given it’s been FIVE *bleep*ing YEARS since I weighed in with these numbers! 😀 In the hopes this might help others, here’s what I discovered about my body this month:

– Initial fasting amplified my RLS to the point of distraction again. Fixed by upping the magnesium in my diet, initially with supplements, then via spinach.
– Discovered palak paneer (although I now make with feta and add lemon juice) is an excellent low calorie fast day dinner since I love curries and it’s high in magnesium!
– Fasting B2B or longer resulted in heavy sleep and fatigue after meals. Remedied by consuming more protein. Fatigue gone, sleep back to normal.
– HIIT increased the amount of weight and centimetres lost, and I started feeling more energetic after about 3 days of doing it.

Biggest regret? Not taking a “before” picture to compare to!

I’m looking forward to some more experimenting and tweaking through March and have adjusted my overall goal to a lower number, as I can see that this way of eating really works for me. My blood sugars are down, I can switch to proper ketosis in about 30-35 hours of fasting, my blood pressure is stable and slightly lower, food tastes better, I’ve broken heaps of bad eating habits and replaced them with good eating habits. Also, vegies no longer go off in my fridge because I ACTUALLY EAT THEM. 😛

Thanks everyone for sharing your ideas, experiences, your ups, downs, triumphs and struggles. As I’ve said before, I am simply amazed at the strength so many of you have. Yes, eating plans might have gone awry here and there, but there have been some really harsh trials of life had by some of you this month, and you ought to be celebrated just for even thinking about getting back on the 5:2 horse given the personal struggles you’ve had! You’re an inspiration and I both thank you and wish you all the best. For those still down, look for the positive – there always is one, it’s just sometimes elusive or might seem small… but any positive is worth finding and holding on to.

Bring on March!

@ciren2 and @in it to thin it: How did your day go?

Day 27 – FD – Canada
I was also having a FD, have ended up at about 490 cals.
I’ve been struggling a little lately with my iron supplement, it’s thrown my tummy off a bit. But am soldiering on. I vow to be checking in to the March thread every morning, and not any-old-time as I have been doing in the last week. Your comments and solidarity focus me and make me mindful of the purpose behind this business. Thank you for being by my side in February – am looking for renewed 5:2 energy and progress in March!

For all you hoola hoopers for March, this just came up in Facebook and thought it would be perfect. It seems to be entirely free, but haven’t looked into it too much.

http://learn.hooplovers.tv/courses/waist-hooping

I might give it a go too.

Day 28 Oman FD

Day 28 Melbourne NFD

Thanks Pocketeers! Thinking of you all over the afternoon and evening really strengthened me!

Starting weight Jan 31 60.9kg end weight 58.7kg – very happy as my goal (from Nov 1) was to get to 59 by mid-March and then see if I wanted to revise it down a little. Haven’t decided yet so it’s still a ‘we’ll see’.

@dykask – teeheee the old ’empty cereal box in the pantry’ trick – I remember those days well. One day you will be an empty nester and miss it, though ;-).

@erikaa67 – good idea to suggest we all “leave the challenge with a parting tip — a something-something that really helped us get through this month” here are mine: shamelessly stolen from other people here (and so I thank you again!):

Whenever I was feeling hungry (or just like eating for the sake of it) I remembered 2 sayings that helped surprisingly much
1. Hunger comes in waves – have a hot drink and ‘ride the wave’ – it usually passes (it does!)
2. “Is this going to help me get to my goal?”

Day 28 Gozo, Malta, NFD

I’m down 0.6 kilos after yesterday low calories day. I’m only 0.9 kilos above target weight at 64.9 kilos but within a healthy BMI.

Have a great day everyone

Day 28 – Switzerland – NFD

Great FD yesterday, thanks to all the positivity on this board – thank you all for helping me get back on track!

February was cut in two halves for me – the first half, full of motivation, saw me go from 91.8 to 90.3 kgs. Then the second ‘I hate myself’ half, where I decided not to log food but eat ‘healthily’ saw me rocket up. End weigh-in for the month is 93.6kg, 1.8 kgs up from the beginning of the month (but over 7lbs up from mid-month).

Lesson learnt: stick with it, come what may.

I should feel lucky that my body harvests and stores every last calorie that I don’t expend in exercise – it’s very efficient. Looking forward to March challenge

Day 28 UK FD

starting weight Feb 1st – 222lbs
weight today – 212lbs

so lost 10lbs which is a great result and met my goal of getting me properly under 100kg for the first time in about 25 years:)) I also lost an inch off my bust, two from my waist but none from my hips despite fitting into much smaller trousers – a great result in itself as the legs were what really didn’t fit before, so they have become smaller too. Yay:)) I have always had fat legs, even when I was at my thinnest so that is really pleasing. This thread has really kept me focused and determined. Thanks everyone, especially Lynzm:))

I didn’t actually lose any weight in the last week just confirmed the big loss the week before, but there is an inch gone from everywhere, even my hips as those had gone up earlier in the month, because of my belly redistributing itself I think. My body seems to
either lose weight or inches but not both at the same time. Peculiar!

My big tip is that is easier not to start than to stop where eating is concerned. Don’t trick yourself into thinking you will just have a little bit, chances are that it will escalate into a regretable incident. Whatever it is, you can have it tomorrow. And chances are if it is not good you won’t want it then. Refusal is power and power feels good, and boosts your ability to continue. Each refusal is easier than the previous one. I actually caught myself getting out of bed to fetch a lump of brie last night after a craving caught me and managed to stop. The enjoyment of that refusal lasted much longer than the brie would have.

The other thing is to remember that most blips on the scales are not even statistically significant. They don’t matter at all and are reflecting the bodily processes that are keeping you alive rather than the efforts you are putting in. Only changes that are present over time measure your success. So don’t get upset by the scales not moving how you want them to.

And remember the other benefits fasting brings. This is about more than the scales. For me not gaining is as important as losing. And the health gains are enormous. I am feeling so much better in so many ways. I am not only eating less I am eating better, tastier food, enjoying every bite instead of mindlessly chewing.

I am looking forward to the March challenge and am even considering a real hula hoop although I suspect the imaginary one will stay up better!

DAY 28 – Cardiff UK – NFD

Starting weight : 173.3lb

Today’s weight : 164.2lb (9.1 lb) Feb target 8.3lb

Morning everyone

Thank you pocketeers for your company yesterday, I had a really successful liquid FD and the scales have been king this morning.

I managed to reach my Feb target, although I had been lower at some points in the month. The good thing is I know what the problem was, a 2lb weekend which included a takeaway and fish and chip supper – neither of which was worth the weight gain and left me feeling uncomfortable. I don’t regret the meals as I enjoyed the company, but not looking to repeat any time soon.

So over the last month I’ve cut sugar and refined carbs and although I will be having pancakes and a small Lindor egg today, I’m planning to go back to my restrictions for Lent, and hopefully I’ll never let sugar get the hold on my life it had previously. I know I will have the odd cake, or piece of chocolate, but it will be only occasionally.

So my tip from Feb is the old favourite ‘Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail’. I make sure I put my meals in MFP as I’m not in a place yet where I can trust my judgement yet. This means that I know in advance that I will be within TDEE, or as I do the TDEE for my target weight. This lets me tweak my meals before it’s too late to change them, in other words once they’ve been eaten.

Thank you @lynzm for hosting us this month, and everyone who’s been part of this challenge. I’ve read every post and look forward now to March’s challenge.

Take care

Day 28 a slightly snowy Belfast FD
The hunger monster got to me last night, but I didn’t give in. I don’t suffer usually from sleeplessness on FDs but I woke around 2am absolutely starving. I didn’t give in and eat, but I didn’t sleep either!
Continuing to fast today. It is my aim to get to 7 tonight (from 7pm on Sunday) and have a controlled evening meal tonight. I will weigh tomorrow (one more day and hopefully one more pound!) for those of you fasting on, good luck!
@onahealthyhigh many congratulations on your retirement. 18 months in, I can strongly recommend this WOL! I don’t know how I found time to work!
@ebell13 I knew vinegar and baking soda rang a bell. If you google ‘making a volcano erupt using vinegar and baking soda you’ll see why I had a chuckle! (I’m a retired primary school teacher and did this experiment several times). While bicarb and baking soda aren’t quite the same, and I didn’t use ACV, just ordinary vinegar, I had visions of this in someone’s tummy!
LouBelles thank you for the link. I’m collecting the hoop today with some trepidation. I never could hoop, but here’s to trying!
@metatauta, any advice on the weight of the hoop?
This post is getting far too long. I see lots of outstanding weight loss. Congratulations and I’m a little envious. I wasn’t as focused as I might have been, so for all of us who didn’t quite get there, here’s to a new month and a fresh start.
Lastly, a big thank you @lynzm for your hard work.

Day 28, Newcastle UK, FD

Good FD yesterday, 2nd today and thinking of all my fellow fasters on that very long list. I am visualising all of us standing in a circle around a globe, holding hands and keeping each other strong and focussed.

Inspiring to read so many great results – @fatrabbit, @Electron, @pashaw to name a few. @pamie – take strength from our group, keep going and don’t let yesterday’s mistakes sabotage tomorrow’s results. @fuvvie – forgive me if I’m ‘teaching granny to suck eggs’ but did you look at the Diet Doctor site? (I think as per jojo58’s advice). Combined with fasting, I am sure my diet changes to LCHF is making a huge difference these last few weeks in getting me below a weight I’ve been stuck at for a few years. Apart from anything else, I’m enjoying my food so much more and my digestive system is responding well – thanking me for the much needed lubrication if you get my meaning! @coda – again, I’m sure you’re probably already aware, but I’ll mention it anyway for those who may not know, but chewing gum actually stimulates appetite/hunger pangs. Maybe you find the comfort of chewing outweighs that?

All the very best everyone for a brilliant last day of our February challenge – and many, many thanks to you @lynzm for providing the leadership.

Day 28 | NFD | Bucks UK

Yesterday’s fast went well and I hope other pocketeers had a successful day also.

Total weigh decrease this month – 5.6lbs, it’s been a weird month even though I did fast I felt a bit not with it…along with bad weather and poor sleep playing their part. But definitely with checking in and reading everyone’s posts helped me to keep going.

Today is my last day in my 30s I have mixed feelings but looking forward it without a doubt and count my blessings everyday! I will be seeing my 40th birthday 24lbs lighter and I am so thankful for that!!
I still have a long journey ahead that I will continue one step at a time.

Today’s agenda is back massage then later a diy giant selfie photo frame?!?

Thanks @lynzm for being a lovely host. And I hope to see all in the March Challenge

Nuff love xxx

Day 28, Dunsborough West Australia, FD
Doing 23/1 today with just a couple of cups of tea and a coffee – plus water of course – during the day. Got chicken and veg soup for dinner which I’ll have shortly.

Looking forward to weigh day tomorrow as I haven’t used the scales for almost 2 weeks. I’ve definitely lost weight and inches and it will be interesting to see how much and how many tomorrow when I wrap it up for the month.

Actually, although I’m at the top end of the BMI scale, I would be ok to sit here for a while. At least I’m looking and feeling reasonable and that’s pretty great considering I’ve been feeling pretty awful about myself for quite a while. I’m looking forward to finding more clothes to wear from slimmer days though and having all the other health benefits this WOL brings.

Thanks so much @lynzm for keeping track all month and for all you’ve done. It sure is interesting to read everyone’s posts and in doing so learning along the way. Such gems of wisdom from real life situations which are all very enlightening. I’ve found this to be pretty cruisey so far… so far being the crucial words here. I’m sure I’ll struggle as I go further on this journey and I’m so pleased to have found a niche here which offers such great support.

Until tomorrow.,,

Day 28 Surrey UK Please count me in for March. Trying again.

Day 28……Florida…… FD

Congrats everyone, we have made it through the Feb. challenge! Through all the good times and bad, each and everyone of us stood firm and carried on. There is a tremendous amount of success in that alone!

Opheusx and Ciren……. You did it! You made it! You have given me more strength than you’ll ever know!

LynZ…… you are a fantastic host!

This my last FD of the month. I will weigh in tomorrow for the results of this month and start for March! What ever the ending result is…. I’m happy with it!
My major accomplishment this month was to make it into the 140’s and stay there more than a day!
I was also able to finally get my hair cut! That in itself was a tuff goal and reward to get too!
So, much to look forward to in the coming month.
Goal of 5lb
Giving up soda and treats for lent
Starting the ACV drink
Starting a new salutation….. peace be with you!
And if I can find a hool a hoop, I’m in for that….. all though I’m lazy!

See you all in March!

Cheerio!

West 28 country Eest Australia NFD
Yesterday NFD went well, below TDEE
Today Shrove Tuesday. Using all the eggs milk cream etc for pancakes- nuff said!!
Oh and up the 400 gms I was down yesterday!! Roll on March😀

Day 28- Montreal- FD

A last FD to end this month’s 5:2 journey, I will weigh and measure myself tomorrow. I had another ACV and honey before bed last night, skipped the lemon -too sour- and couldn’t find the last bit of ginger in the fridge.
This was my first month of 5:2 so all the info and tips I have gleaned from you all have been so useful and I will take them with me on the March challenge. I am so happy to have found this WOL and this forum.
Thank you Lynz for organizing February, see you all next month!

Day 28 FD (2nd day of B2B fast)

Yesterday went well. It was the first full FD in awhile. I was thinking about food early in the day then got super busy and was fine with just some bone broth.

My Feb goal was to break 140 which I did. This morning sitting at 140lb so bouncing around a bit but happy with the results!

This is my second FD in a row so most likely tomorrow will get me back under 140.

Thanks for all the great posts! See you in March!!

Day 28, USA, Missouri Ozarks, FD

Final weigh in for the month, 141.8, Starting Weight 152, Goal Weight 145.

Lost over ten pounds (that elusive and hard to get rid of final ten), feel and look great – ready for the tighter fitting Spring and Summer clothes without having to tug or pull or adjust anything. Thank you all for your support and advice, I had a lot of fun and learned a lot this month.

I am grateful to those willing to manage the monthly challenges, thank you all very much.

On to March !

Final Day of February Challenge, Day 28, USA NFD

I did it. My goal was to lose 7 pounds to get under 140lbs and it happened. 139.5 lbs this morning after yesterday’s successful fast day.

Laddie: you and I had the same February goal and hit it — so well done to you.

The lovely thing about IF as a WOL is that I’m not starving in the morning after a fast day. Without all of the junk and eating mindfully, my body does indeed crave yummy healthy things. This morning I had a ripe, juicy California orange and I know that sounds corny, but it tasted so sweet and delicious; I appreciate my food more when it’s not shoved in. My goal of trying to deal with that anxiety and nervous energy that made me eat mindlessly and put weight on since this past summer is a work in progress, but making huge strides.

So, ladies it works indeed. And I had a slip-up half way through the month, but got back up and kept going. Don’t feel deprived; mind you, I also gave up sugar for the month — which I do not miss. (I have cocoa made with Ghiradelli rich unsweetened cocoa and stevia, which satisfied my sweet tooth).

See you fasters next month in which I intend to lose another 7 pounds. For all of you suffering with not sleeping on those FD, I’ve been taking this natural supplement called SleepMD — I read about it on one of these forums, (basically melatonin and natural herbs) and it helps me get some sleep.

Day 28 – USA – NFD
Thank you, @lynzm for all the hours of work you put into organizing this thread in Feb. and welcoming me to it; Congrats on wt loss to all you pocketeers for your determination. Although I was not one of them, I was cheering you on! @onahealthyhigh – congrats on retirement – it’s the best! I’m 2 months in and you are right @debster251, there are not enough hours in the day! @patti67 – don’t give up! Keep asking questions and tweaking your plan and you will find what works for you and what your body needs to reach your goals. @debster251 – when I bought my weighted hula hoop about 7 years ago, they offered a beginner’s hoop and that’s the one I took, not sure of the weight, as I threw the box out…I assume anything heavier than a beginner’s would be too challenging and therefore discouraging continued use. Sorry I can’t be more helpful; @jojo58 – welcome back from your trip and thank you for your hula-hooping suggestion for March; seems like it caught on and many of us are set to do it this month; it’s a hysterical graphic in my head and will have me intrigued all month! Question: what is LCHF – low calories, high fiber?