Ciren – I just celebrated #68 on May 2, so even though I am of ‘advanced age’ I don’t consider myself old! 🙂 I attribute my worst weight gain to menopause, especially the belly fat that seemed to come out of nowhere in my mid-50’s. Yes, weight has always come off slowly for me too.

ANAIDE – yes, good luck to you Brazilians! My husband was born in Rio when his parents were there in 1947, post war. As a career Army officer his dad was helping the Brazilian army. We watch Brazil pretty closely. And we certainly will when the Olympics are there! Maybe someday we will get back to the city of his birth.

USA Minnesota Day 12 FD. 12:30 p.m. Overcast, cool and breezy. Grand daughter has improved so I’m not babysitting today and had a nice 30 min walk this morning. This challenge is also a great motivation for getting me up off the couch. It was so lovely to smell the lilacs and all the blooming trees and flowers. I plan to get a FitBit this afternoon to help get me moving.

Coda- thanks for noticing that I’m posting daily. My difficulty will come the last of May and the first week of June. However, I have found this thread so informative, motivating and entertaining that I have done some re-arranging in order to ensure that I have internet access and the time to post; but mostly so that I can read what is going on with everyone else and stay inspired!

HannahWatto I had to laugh about your suggestion to dance around the house with the curtains closed. I did that last week one day and scared my cat. But it’s a simple and doable exercise.
ETJ- I’m glad to hear things are “working out” for your son. “Once in the colon, easy rollin!” we use to tell parents.
DebbieQ- My husband and I have had a gym membership for over a year and have been there once. What a waste of money and opportunity! But I agree with Capricorngirl that it can be very intimidating to walk in and see such young, fit people working out so vigorously. Maybe I should just ask when the least busy time would be, and go then. Or maybe with the loss of another 5-10 lbs. I’ll feel more comfortable going.
Edzeko- I agree with CP that there is likely something wrong with your scale. Or it’s food in transit. My scale has a strange “tare” thing where it sets to +4.4 lbs. I have to get on and off it a couple of times until it returns to zero.

Troyca- I admire you for doing this while you are laid up from knee surgery. Is it hard for you to stay busy and keep your mind off food?

Back2future- you have certainly had a long road to this point! Three years ago I severely broke my ankle which required surgery, plates and screws (still there), and I feel that it started a “self perpetuating negative cycle”, quoting from the MFP article Coda posted. The winter hit and I was afraid of getting out to exercise, afraid of falling again, and I was eating for comfort and then gaining weight and losing muscle, which made exercising more and more unpleasant. I think it’s wonderful that you are taking control with the fast diet and doing your walking. Best of luck to you in your continued recovery!

Day 12 uk, nfd. Quick check in from me. All fine

Dollybird, I swear I thought you were going to write “tomorrow is another day.”

Hi from Southern California, day #12, NFD today. I ate 1100 healthy calories until now, 2:00 PM. I’m doing good, I’ll have a salad and some nuts for dinner and exercise for 20 min with Leslie Sansone on youtube. I already did my yoga/stretching in the morning. Tomorrow = FD. I’ll make vegetable soup with a little quinoa in it for lunch and I’ll have another big salad for dinner. For the soup I’ll use: yellow squash, green onion, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, dill and tomato sauce (Italian, really good) plus some quinoa.

Québec, day 12
Had a FD yesterday that went fairly well. Didn’t sleep well and had to get up early so I was struck this afternoon by an intense desire to eat ice cream. I almost stopped at the grocery store to buy some. After a long dialogue with all the Hagen Daz bars in this world, I decided not to stop. First great move, congratulations to me !!! After getting home, I decided to eat dark chocolate I had in the freezer and found it easy to limit myself to a few pieces ( and not the whole big bar). Second great move, recongratulations to me !!!

Never tought I could eat so little on FD and still do my normal activities. I used to eat all the time, very little but all the time. When I didn’t eat for a few hours I would feel really weak. My mother and I had a running gag : I would say ” I’m so hungry, I think I’m gonna die “. And my mother would answer ” Ho no, not again !” She’s the one who died… A few months ago.

Speaking of death, I’d like to tell you about my father. At that time, I hadn’t touched a potato chip for two years and no sugar or sweets for 6 weeks. The night my father died, while crying, I broke my good habit. I took out a half gallon of ice cream from the cooler, sat on my father’s couch, and ate all the ice cream straight from the container with a tablespoon. The following days I bought family size cakes and ate them all at once. I felt like nothing could fulfill my hunger and relieve my pain. It hurt so much.

That was 31/2 years ago and i’m now able to manage my cravings. More than manage, I would even say that I now feel immunize or feel free from the tight grip that food had on me. I think I’m beginning to see food for what it realy is and not as a treatment to my distress. I’s absolutly a new and comfortable feeling for me. I cross my fingers ( and drink a lot of tea ) to stay that way. The 5:2 WOL and the sharing of this group helped me evolve towards what I was ready to realize. Thank you so much !

Could someone tell me a bit about the effects of salt when trying to loose weight ?

Hope I didn’t bore you with my personnal mourning story.

Bye bye for now.

US SE Day 12 – FD. I can hardly believe that it’s almost the end of day 12. Today was a repeat of all my fast days. No hunger till noon. Could eat my hand between 2 and 4, and then no hunger at all in the evening.

Quebecoise, I also would like to know the effects of salt on dieting as I have had a love affair with it for many years. I blame it for my swollen ankles, although with all the water I drink these days, that isn’t much of a problem.

Dollybird… you made me laugh!

Hope all have a good day tomorrow.

UK posting catch up for day 10 and 11! Just transitioned my little one to specialist formula for collic and constipation…..not an easy few days so completely missed posting! It is amazing how much less resolve i had to follow 5:2 on my own. Day 10 started off as my fast day and by 3pm id decided against it! Today went much of the same…..i stayed to under my TDE but not through taking in healthy calories!!!

After reading all your posts and coda’s info i feel a better resolve and plan to fast tomorrow! I also know i didnt have anywhere near enough water and so half the time i snacked i was probably thirsty not hungry!

I will make time to check in tomorrow as i obviously need to to keep me going!!!

BTW – the physio said my hip injury was completely predictable; apparently when elite athletes “up” their training significantly they invariably suffer an injury within 2 weeks. Well at least I am like an elite athlete in some way! 🙂 Anyway I thought that might be good advice for anyone thinking about starting or ramping up their exercise program. A slow and steady build will win the race.

Qebecoise I feel for you so sad. HannahWatto I hope your hip heals soon don’t let it get you down.I actually got back into c to 5 this morning and could run further without stopping even my pup is starting to go in a straight line we used to run along behind people to get him to run felt a bit like stalking lol. Made a big salad for lunch also chopped up a bowl of fruit.

South Australia Day 13
Hello Everyone
Usually I wake up early and read your posts with a hot cup of tea but today I overslept and then was busy including an aquarobics session at the gym and came home tired and starving. Made myself a huge vegetable fritatta with three eggs and topped it with Greek youghurt and made myself a plunger of fabulous coffee and had a very enjoyable time reading all your posts since yesterday.
I told my granddaughters about my exercise jar and how every day that I exercise I will put in a $2 coin for the next 30 days towards a family treat and they were very supportive so now I have 2 personal trainers. I don’t have a mini trampoline at present but it sounds like fun 3rdtimelucky and I shall buy Dr M’s Fast Exercise book.
I planned my food for my NFD yesterday and stayed below my TDEE so will do that again today. I am meeting friends at the pub after work so will save some for the wine I intend be drinking.
Just a couple of questions and other comments
FishingGranny what is a “couch to 5”?
HappyMango What is a Laura bar?
Coda I suggest you take that noisy Cadbury Flake and mindfully put it in the bin. It gives you a real buzz.
Edzeko your scales and mine seem to be doing strange things, sometimes I get on mine 4 times in a row and get 4 different readings. I have no idea how to change the battery but I think I will have to learn.
Back2thefuture I just love your amazing country. We just think of the northern hemisphere as OS or overseas and we still have the globe the same way up as you with North at the top. If you want to be very Ozzie and casual you could say “See youse later” for goodbye in Australian.
Ciren2 if you click on our names you get our profiles. I am over 60 too:)
ANAIDE Information about your ex-president was on our Newscasts last night. It is a difficult time for Brazil.
Sorry this is so long everyone it must be all the coffee
Have a great day

NL day 13
Wow…it’s 2 weeks already! Yesterday FD and did good on the calories. My weight goes down 3 and up two. The graph is like a lightningbolt. But it is going down – that’s the most important.
I haven’t shared much here on the forum only because I feel I don’t have anything worthwhile to write…which I know is not true. I need to take the time to sit down and post. I’m also scared I’ll use the wrong words or phrases and offend somebody. If I do, please tell me.

It’s more like recognizing all that you write. THe accidents and incidents with children. My eldest daughter gave me grey hair overnight as a teenager and now is happily married and has three children. The loss of parents. I feel for you. It does hurt. A lot. And then one day the lovely memories replace the hurt. My parents both passed away in 2013 and writing this brings back the tears. That’s okay. It feels like therapeutic.

What I really want/need to mention is how all topics/subjects (what is the proper word here?!) are addressed in this forum and are treated with respect. Thank you all so much for that!!
Hope you all have a great day and lose a bit more :-))

Pacific NW USA: End of day 12, NFD
No energy today after a very successful FD yesterday. Still kept under TDEE. But boy, this has been the longest day so far, I couldn’t even get the energy to walk my easy route. Makes me wonder about the long haul as my goal requires I undo the results of the last year which could take a while. Thanks MorningDawn for the support!

When I’m tired I want sweets, mainly dark chocolate. When I’m bored I want salty food and when I was in pain I wanted salty followed by sweet followed by salty and then comfort carbs, keep ’em coming.. So this year has also ended with finding Dr. Mosley’s tips for a healthier life which I probably would have needed anyway, so that’s a bonus.

Qsue – thanks for the global perspective!

See youse later!

Another 400g gone ( but a bit hard to judge balancing on one leg) hurrah! All in the right direction!

UK day 13 – checking in after surviving son’s birthday party. I need to have a careful food day today to compensate a little. Fortunately, not too much left. Gave most of the left overs to the dogs…so I’d better get out and walk them, else they’ll be needing to go on a diet!

US Day 13…only 3 pounds from goal. Fast went well yesterday. Coffee, seltzer, miso, and a few walnuts. Then an after work event where I had a small glass of white wine and cheese, strawberries and a few crackers. But oh my word, I was so cold!!!!!

Stress levels at home on high. Son #2 failed to qualify for his major so he’s now in process of attempting to shift into acceptable alternative. This will definitely add another year to his college career. $$$$$$ ADD and engineering…not a match made in heaven

UK day 12 just back from Pilates , it may be wishful thinking but I’m sure the roll downs were a lot easier than usual ,hopefully a sign of some flab disappearing , had a pretty good week so far but entering the weekend which is my danger zone , will do the same as last week and alternate a glass of water for every glass of wine a d this good weather is helping so much easier when eating salads etc Had a good catch up on the forum earlier this morning with my coffee , some wise people out there , great encouragement from all round the world Keep it up ladies ! (- I think we are all female sorry if I’ve missed any guys )

Day 13- Colorado, USA

Well, actually very far from Colorado, visiting family. Feels strange being in someone else’s kitchen. None of my usual “safe” foods around.
With dinner out last night, I ordered citrus grilled salmon, broccoli, carrots, salad and of course, red wine😀 Ended up 365 calories over TDEE. I’ve decided for this trip to try & not stress so much. Just eat healthy as possible at each meal, enjoy the company of people I haven’t seen in years, walk when I can get out & maintain.

Congrats on everyone doing tai chi, Pilates, swimming laps, walking thousands of steps, following work out vids at home… Such an active group!
We’re all gonna look SO HOT in our new smaller wardrobes!! 😀

US/Day 13 – mostly successful fast day yesterday (slightly over my 500) which I’m ok with, because for some reason yesterday was extremely difficult — I felt hungry all day and couldn’t seem to get it outta my head……grrrrrr……I try to focus on the fact that even though it was over 500, it was not what I would normally do! Today is my weigh in day and I’m happy that the scale continues to go down. Like Coda though, I too get frustrated because I feel like I’m working SO hard I expect changes to happen sooner — even though they are happening regularly. I have to remind myself I didn’t get this way overnight, so it’s not going to come off overnight either!

NFD today and will be busy with this around the house – should be able to stick to my TDEE. I’m thinking I may do a FD on Saturdays as well (so Mon/Thurs/Sat) since I seem to through myself off having 3 days of NFD before I fast again. Toying with the idea.

As always, love reading through the posts with my morning coffee. This thread has definitely kept me motivated, inspired and feeling like I’m not alone. Thanks!!

Hi again,

Southern California, day #13, NFD. It was supposed to be a FD but I changed my mind. I’ll probably fast on Sunday. Saturday I’ll have some friends over so I can’t do it. Have a nice weekend!

USA Day 13 / 29 to go.
Well, my NFD turned into classic binge yesterday. I ate something about 2200 cal yesterday (my TDEE is 1500). Have no idea what trigger that, I have absolutely no excuses. 🙁
Decided to turn today into third fasting day of the week to balance my binge.

Day 13. Wisconsin, USA. I’m feeling a bit sorry that I complained about the scales yesterday. I know in my heart that seeing the wrong number on the scale does NOT qualify as a real problem. Poverty and injustice are real problems. I apologize. But, gosh, this group is so sweet. I appreciate dearly the theories of a scale that could be broken. I am married to a wrestling coach, and am the mother of two very serious wrestlers. We own an expensive “certified” scale, which was recently re calibrated. The darn thing can’t lie.

This 5:2 is working. I am down two pounds in two weeks, which is what I have read I should expect. Plus, I am feeling the emotional and physical advantages of this lifestyle. I am in this for the long haul.

I actually took notes on everyone’s posts. I’m having fun trying to “get to know everyone”.

I wish I had time to comment on everyone’s posts:

NorthernDawn, Coldpizza and Dutch…I can tell you are very kind people with your words of encouragement.

Quebecoise – Thank you for being brave and vulnerable, and sharing a bit of your life story to which many of us can relate.

Anaide – Brazil is in the news a lot. I would be very interested to hear your perspective on current events in your country.

ABC1 – Wow. That pencil story had me riveted.

K-Lo – Sorry for your stress!!! We have a smart son who makes average to below average marks in school. He’s a heck of a nice kid, and a talented athlete, but fails to see the point in applying himself as a student. He’s heading off to college this fall to wrestle, and we are praying that his coach does not get fed up, and send him back to us. 🙂 We feel this has been one of our biggest parental fails.

DaisyandMillie – 11 pounds in two weeks. Simply AMAZING!!!

Have a wonderful day all. I’m enjoying a latte for breakfast on this NFD, and plan to stick with the plan for the weekend.

Coda, in my old die-hard Atkins days, crustless quiche was a standard in my kitchen. Heavy cream!!!! I just poured everything into a pottery pie pan (sprayed!) or my 10 inch cast iron skillet.

Now that son#2 is lactose intolerant, I don’t make them as often.

Day 13 Northern California, USA. I had a successful fasting day yesterday. I had some broth mid afternoon and egg whites and spinach for dinner. Not too exciting but it worked for me. Today is my official weigh in. I am firmly in the 170’s now. I have lost 4 lbs since the start of the challenge, 12.5 lbs lost since starting 5:2 on April 11, 2016. I am very happy with the progress so far.

Today is a no fast day and my husband wants to go out for breakfast. I will do my best to choose sensibly.

Wishing everyone strength today to stick to your plans.

Pacific NW USA: Day 13 FD
Ice tea and water planned all day until we go to restaurant for dinner where I can easily choose delicious food under 500 cal. I called my doctor and asked about my high consumption of liquids in light of our heat wave and my feelings of lightheadedness. Her nurse called me back and said I should try adding an Emergen-C packet to my water once in a while to replace some minerals. There are 6 g sugar and 25 cals so I’ve just had the first sugar in 2 weeks (has it only been 2 weeks?). Anyone know a way to replace electrolytes without added sugar?

Also while reading your posts and listening to the Today show in the background my ears were pricked when the coach of the Biggest Loser for the people who gained all their weight back had some good words. He stressed that life long planning is still necessary after weight loss and touted the benefits of FASTING to maintain weight loss! Hope this gets you to the correct video if you want to watch: http://www.today.com/video/bob-harper-on-biggest-loser-weight-loss-controversy-intermittent-fasting-685132867810?icid=vbar

Troyca – looking forward to my green smoothie tomorrow morning!
K-Lo and Cizzy-2 – I can’t wait till I’m 3 lbs from goal and I will love it when I’m down to 170 lbs!
Coda – I can say buttered toast is one of my comfort foods, however I can also say the same butter cube is on the butter dish that was there when I started 5:2
And…exhale – hope you stay dry or at least stay afloat
DorothyG – thanks for the YouTube idea for knees. I was a runner and was proud that I could finish a marathon in under 5 hours but with this added weight even my increased walking has beat up my knees and hips so I will check out the Pilates for Runners

Out to the garden to stay busy and burn some calories.