@basyjames — oh wow… this news is so devastating even among us who just know you virtually. Attempting suicide is such an awful situation, but as you said, you’re grateful she did not succeed and is grateful for that. My DH is bipolar, and when he was a pastor spoke at several funerals of suicide victims. He always tended more toward the manic side (and that has caused major problems) of the spectrum himself, but understood the depression too. Getting her on the right meds and making sure she takes them is your next hurdle, IMHO.

Sending you so many hugs and prayers.

Day 29 Ohio, US — FD (#78)

The FD went well and I’ve made it through day 1 of super stress week. Time for the end of the month accounting. I started the month off at 172 lb (78 kg) and am ending it off (as of last Saturday) at 169.5 lb (76.9 kg). The last time I spent a month below 172 was in 2013 when I was on Phase 2 of the Dukan diet. As long as I stayed on the restrictive phase of the diet I could keep my weight below that level, but as soon as I went to the Maintenance Phase, the weight increased quickly and I couldn’t get myself to go back onto the restrictive phase. I’m now 1.5 lb (.7 kg) away from my goal of 167 lb. My hope is that will be achieved in May.

So how has the bite-counting experiment been going? First off, I’ve learned a great deal about my eating patterns. Second, usually during the month of April through the first weeks of May, I gain between 5-12 lbs from stress-induced eating. I credit the bite-counting with actually helping me to lose weight during this time. When I felt it necessary, I did indulge in some comfort food, but, with the exception of one evening, have managed to keep the indulgence under control by keeping with my bite count limits.

When I compare what’s happened with bite-counting vs my experience with the Dukan diet, I see with the Dukan diet I had to be very restrictive to lose weight, whereas with bite-counting no food is off limits. I am beginning to think that what you need to do to achieve your weight loss goals is not all that different from the WOL you need to maintain your loss. So that’s why in the long run, I didn’t do well with the restrictive diet and why I feel that the 5:2 WOL is quite sustainable in the long haul. Well, time will tell, so I’m going to continue with the bite-counting experiment for another month to see what will happen.

Sorry for the long ramble and now am going to crash for the day.
Keep up the good work with the fasting!!

Day 30 – 2nd post

@matpi – bite counting? That sounds like too much work! I’m glad it is working for you.

I’m almost 50 hours into my fast. I was light headed a few hours ago but put in an easy 6k. (4 miles for the metric challenged.) It had to be easy because there are throngs of people out and about because of the emperors abdication. I live in central Tokyo and can’t avoid it too some extent. Oh the run helped, probably pushed more glucose into my blood.

This is a hard period because ketones are ramping up but it is much harder for the liver to produce glucose. As ketones increase the need for glucose decreases as much of the body can use ketones for fuel. On the other hand my metabolism seems to be increasing as I’m feeling warmer. Feeling code is often an issue for me with the 36 hour fasts.

I don’t know how far I’ll carry on with this fast. I’ll do it as long as I feel fine I guess or until I miss food too much.

Day 30 UK NFD

Weight the same as the beginning of the month ! A lot of yo yoing though so just need to buckle down in May – Thanks all its been a bumpy ride ,some of the posts really make you think and get things in perspective x

Day 30 Canton OH FD

I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your thoughts, prayers and encouraging words. I have been so grateful for this forum from the start and I am so thankful for you all. Mental illness is still such a poorly understood issue and being able to share the burden of my heart without fear of judgement means more than I can ever express. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I was able to stay under 500 calories yesterday, and I plan to do so as well today. I will weigh in tomorrow morning to get a sense of what I need to do to get back on track.

@snowflake56 you may be right with the excessive restrictions causing a loss of motivation. Maybe change it up and find joy in eating some items you have been restricting from your diet; or reduce the number of B2B fasts.
@Ciren my prayers for Oh and yourself. It’s not easy to nurse a loved one back to health, like @snowflake said – good idea to get it checked out and make sure there is nothing wrong.

@jaifam thank you for taking the reins in May.

Enjoy the little things and hold your loved ones close, I have been reminded about just how fleeting life can be; the daily grind of our routines causes us to take so much for granted. Take the time to celebrate your successes, I promise you that the rest will come. My best to you all – I will see you on the other side.

Pocket list for today:
@dykask – wfd 2b2b
@daffodil2010
@snowflake56
@jaifaim

Day 30 USA (Illinois) NFD

Doing fine. Maintenance might be harder than I thought it would be, but certainly can be done. Another month gone. Hugs to you all.

Onward and downward.

USA Day 30 FD

Pocket list for today:
@dykask – wfd 2b2b
@daffodil2010
@snowflake56
@jaifaim
@ccco

Weighed myself this morning! Something I never do on Tuesday. The verdict, I gained, so not meeting this month’s goal. After dining out on Sunday night, I figured I might have gained something. Sometimes it’s so frustrating! But there is always May coming up!!

In any case, I carefully measured out a salad and will gradually eat it all day. I plan to do this all week. Surely, something will happen!

Have a gray day, everyone! I am off to play golf…the new season has begun! 🙂

Day 30 London UK NFD

A non fast day to finish. Looking at the spreadsheet, while I’m 0.2 lbs shy of my target 🙂 I’ve lost 5lbs (2.6 kg) and my hips, bust and neck are all smaller than they were at the beginning of the month.

So I’m going to count that as a win. 😀

@gretta
I’m not sure it’s the food, because I’m still largely using planned meals, or snack packets that have the calories on them (Healthy snacks – fruit and nuts), or weighing the chocolate. What I have noticed is that I aimed to exercise every other day, and while I’ve been going on daily walks, I fell off the wagon when it came to doing the RCAF exercises. I wonder if it’s that which is the tipping point – I’m eating up to my TDEE but not exercising enough.

@basyjames – the right meds can make a real difference. Remember to look after yourself as well as your DD.

hello, all. Last day of April challenge.
i did not participate in the challange as much as i planned.
the good things happened this month:
– april was 100% vegetarian for me
– only 2 jin martini nothing else, i had martini when went to jazz clubs
– i took advantage of traveling and fast those days (4)
– great communication from all, i enjoyed getting to know everyone by reading the posts

i plan to continue in May and get more disciplined and consistent
many thanks to all, see you in May

2nd post

Popping in to stay on track for the final push as tomorrow’s weigh in will be April end and May start. I have been quite hungry today despite litres of water, herbal teas etc and I fear my body trying to trick me into unleashing a dragon or two.

BUT, I am telling myself I can have all I desire tomorrow….hopefully that will see me through the night. Going to have a boiled egg for supper ( I need some protein or I will never sleep) then take stock tomorrow.

Finally, thank you, thank you @ciren2 for your super hosting this month. I really enjoy your postie antics and your tales of life at home, and it’s great to have you trotting alongside the wagon with us. Hopefully in May we can pull you in ☺️ Thanks so much for April.

Onwards now to May.

Day 30, VA, USA, WFD

Yesterday my WFD turned into a FD as I decided to eat a small meal for supper. At first I felt bad for messing up my WFD.

Then I had a PEP talk with myself (see @agloworm it happens to folks that seem to have this thing on lock down with WFDs… but it happens!) none the less back to the PEP Talk. I paused for a moment to THINK “ Why am I being so dang hard on myself?, You have been doing 4:3 WFD & LFD! And you really think you failed for having a supper b/c you felt hungry????, Nope not gonna let you think that – Heck the initial/orginal rules of this “Game” are 5:2 <500ish cal – You just keep on and see maybe tomorrow you will wake up and do a fast and see how you feel.”
<end pep talk>

AND today thats what I did, I got up and was like Yeah, I’ll see if today I can do a WFD (no pressure if it changes tho) So far today feels way better for a WFD. Yesterday I felt hungry from the time I got up until I made the supper that my SO and I had. I suppose Yesterday was just a hungry day.

I’d say I was back on the Horse (eeer Bucking Bronco) today dang it.

@aglowworm – see we’re all in this together. “We got you.” As they say here sometimes meaning we got your back. (And now look at ya – an UnPlanned Fast Day – heck yeah!)

@bluesqueak – you too an Unplanned FD jeez there must be something in the water… OR nothing in the water and thats why it taste so clean. Haha *more on that explanation below in the chat with annemarilyn

@annemarilyn – Ya know I finally found MORE info on this insulin spike thing that I could not for the life of me understand at first. I love learning about all these different types/styles of fasting. ((I mean really we just have to find what works for each of us))—- so if you are interested (and again these things have some scientific studies, but really do what works for you).
***** a summery ****
I came across this person studying what they call a “clean fast” which is nothing but WATER or BLACK COFFEE. *essentially a CLEAN-WFD* none the less they studied folks doing fasting who were already doing 0 calories but experienced hunger and they suggested to try and JUST have plain water, plain seltzer and black coffee.

The interesting part – folks who drank PLAIN WATER *even folks who replaced their already 0 calorie flavored seltzers with PLAIN WATER (and/or black coffee if needed/wanted) all commented how they had less hunger on their WFDs! and there was also some interesting “science stuff” but I thought that it was MORE interesting the testimonies these folks were giving about switching and just going CLEAN. (So to speak) – just food for thought, uhhhh pun intended <shrug>

@daffodil2010 – oh my 30 day shred! I’ll have to see what that is, sounds like a little butt whooping. I know all about knees creaking and I’m only 10 years younger, no time like the present. You give me inspiration for this 30 day shred… I’m a little nervous, but I may try and join you if you don’t mind… eeeeeP

@shinything – awe, dementia is so challenging. @annemarilyn that was such good info, thanks for sharing. I also learned some things.

@dykask – Oh boy doing B2B good job.

@matpi – wow, its been super inspiring to read how folks are so in reach of their goal weight. OH MY Gosh – I already told my SO I’ll be scurrying all about with a printed goal weight number pinned to my chest like its a runners number… haha I find your bite count very interesting. I tried counting my chews b/c I wanted to chew longer, but I realized I don’t like the texture of my food when I chew it that long *hench why I seem to swallow it so soon. This bite tho is intriguing – do you only count bites on Fasting Days?

@gretta – Yes keep that chocolate at bay. Mine is crisp (now I eat arugula instead – however sometimes I’m out of fresh arugula – it doesn’t keep as long as crisp do dang it.)

@ciren2 – I’m impressed no fasting days in April and only 2lbs up…. But maybe thats how weight creeps up??? I had not pondered that till now… Well we are waiting for ya in May. I am now a bit concerned about your DH back still leaking? Yet it seems they only gave you extra dressings? Keep a watchful eye. Hope he is feeling better soon.

@snowflake56 – I totally choked on my water reading this remark “Perhaps I should write a manual called “How to derail on a FD!”.” I finally quit buying food for other folks until I know what they really want and how much of it. (Like buying food for my Dad!) b/c then you are soooo right, what do you do with what they don’t want!!! Oh my gosh.

@brightonbelle – Our horse must be quite untamed.

@jaifaim – thanks for hosting us next month! See you in the new thread tomorrow! Wow today is the last day of April… (oh flip I put final numbers in today I suppose – holy crap let me do that.)

@basyjames – thank you for sharing your heart with us, so that we can help support you. I think you may have made me tear up a bit. (Hugs)

@ccco – dang the dragon. Well got to know where to start before you can begin. Here we come MAY!

@bluesqueak – (love the handle BTW) .2lbs shy – AND measurements are smaller – Heck yeah its a win.

@michelinme – clothes are bigger! Yay, some of mine are too!

@alisa253 – see you in May

———————————

Pocket list for day 30!
@dykask – wfd 2b2b
@daffodil2010
@snowflake56
@jaifaim
@ccco
@annemarilyn
@rabbette b2b

———————————

So it seems that the horse we ride has been replaced with a bucking bronco, so saddle up and lets see how long we can stay on this thing for May! Woot Woot <throws non-existent hat off into air>

Day 30, UK, NFD

Yesterday was the last FD of the month, and it went well, but I felt really hungry! I was really glad this morning when I woke up and remembered that I stayed strong haha 😀 . Sometimes its little things like that that help 🙂 .
Ending a month just slightly lighter than at the beginning, almost plateauing, but I feel like its a success considering that I had a bit of a rough month. It could have been much worse 🙂

@annemarilyn I do feel better since starting this WOL, that’s for sure 🙂 , and don’t be sorry for sharing the details about your mum, I’m grateful to hear other people’s experiences. I too live far from my mum and that is making things harder for me. Its a truly terrible illness 😔

@at thank you xx

@michelinme oh haha I got it wrong than 😆 , and thank you xx

@basyjames I am so sorry to hear about your terrible ordeal 😧, that must have been awful and so stressful. I hope your daughter feels better, as you said, its a good sign that she is happy to be here. It all ended good and you must focus on that 🙂 . What could have been doesn’t matter now. Sending you a virtual hug 🤗 xx

@aglowworm I hope to see you in May, don’t give up! You are not the only one who is struggling, just look at me, back where I started! But we carry on, and try and support each other 🙂

Happy belated birthday @gretta 🎈

@ciren2 thank you so much for being our wonderful hostess this month, caring and encouraging 💐

See you all in May lovely people, lets do this 💪

Day 1 (May) – Japan – wrap up

I’m still fasting … I’m 67 hours into this fast. My weight is down 4kg but that is mostly water. I right around 80kg again, where I haven’t been since I was sick last fall. 80kg is a reasonable weight for me. While I’m always working for 75kg, it would likely require losing some lean body mass to hold that.

I’m undecided how much longer to continue this fast.

Day 30- ohio nfd

I’m taking a win at ending this month at the same weight as I started this month. I had so many fluctuations with that where this weight ending is a victory. But, I am finding the nonmeasurable being so much more important.
Con went well. I ended up not eating as much as I should (literally a total of three small meals over the con) due to cooking for everyone else and then wanting to crash and when I was hungry the most, everyone else was asleep or we were in events I didn’t want to leave. We didn’t have too much alcohol this year compared to last year and those in our group were much more laidback while drinking. We did finish all we brought and bought. And on bringing food, I brought a couple packs of indian food, which I only made one, and a miso ramen cup I didn’t make. I am planning on bringing veggies and such that I can store next year so I don’t have to worry about getting hungry. Still learning yearly tricks.
Thanks for running this this month. I don’t think I would have kept up this month without you guys.

Day 30 Melbourne Aust NFD
It’s really 1 April, but you know what I mean!

I haven’t weighed myself yet as I know I have gained – fell off the wagon over Easter, managed 1 FD afterwards and then….nothing…. just eating as usual (EAU?, which is not particularly overeating, as in big quantities, but eating bread and eating just a bit over TDEE. But to echo some people above – there is always May!

The only good thing is that I have done a 2 hour then a 2.5 walk – which I never usually do, so I am aiming to keep that up with some regularity, as lack of exercise is also largely why I struggle to keep 3-5kg lower than I should be.

Best of luck in May!

2nd post

Thanks @ciren2 for being such a great host for May!

May 1st

Derailed again yesterday, no wonder, I ate the left over ice cream and other things. I should write this book, with the help of other experienced derailers it should become a bestseller! I managed to do the hoop challenge, I once had 81 rotations, but most of the times the hoop falls down after doing 40-60 rotations. Won’t continue, it’s not my hoop and I find it a bit boring, I’m just waiting for the hoop to fall on the floor.

Starting weight: 57.4 kg/126.5lbs
Final weight: 61.2 kg/134.9lbs

Gained 3.8 kg, well I know where it came from.

@rabbette and @basyjames if I want to lose weight, I know I’ll have to change something, I’m just tired of it atm. But I can’t complain, it’s the only, not realy important thing I’m not happy about.

@bluesqueak you did very well! I used to do the RCAF exercises, must have them somewhere, totally forgot about them.

@ciren2 thanks you so much for being a wonderful, caring host. You did a very good job.

See you all on the May Challenge!

Final post

Lost 3lbs in April! Yay. See you all in May

Ended the month above where I was but below my April target which was ok considering the circumstances.