USA Day 12 FD

FiftyandFabulous, I think you are right and I think this is my fault. I got the idea of drinking a lot of lemon flavored seltzer water. Even though it has no calories, it’s carbonate and that can be a problem. Oh well! I will have to cut down on that! I have insomnia when water fasting, so I looked up keto insomnia and what to do about that. It advised to increase my carbs in order to sleep. I am exhausted, so I broke my water fast and ate some carbs and protein. I am still tired but I feel better. The challenge for weight loss does seem to include finding what works for you and I guess I got too extreme. I am now in a fast until lunch tomorrow. I did complete more than a 16:8 today, so I will accept that. Hope you are having a great day!

Day 12, VA, USA, LFD (4xB2B)
2nd Post

@ccco – Thats terrible about your daughter and her job. Do they even at least give her the option to come back? (Not that I’d be super psyched to go back to a place that doesn’t care about it’s employees.) Hopefully she finds something better.

@michelinme – Those scallywags! That is terrible I would promptly be writing and sending several letters over this treatment. They didn’t even give you a chance to prove yourself. AND my question is…. If they can see you didn’t pay once, don’t they have records they can pull up for that same day and see the same order and that it was PAID! I mean really – I’m just gunna say it WTF! Sending you lots of strength and love. Good for you also not eating those emotions.

@songbirdme – I read 30+ preschoolers and immediately was like “oh dear” then I was relieved they had parents with them. Yay. What kind of museum?

@shelliz – IF and only if, no pressure. You happen to do B2B2B sometime in the future. I got to say I woke on the 3rd day feeling a bit rough. I read a tip somewhere else, they said chug a 8-10oz glass of water. Don’t sip it. Just get it down quickly. (Also I found a bit of pink salt was really nice) I just put a dash of the salt on my tongue before I drink down a glass of water. **** oh my chocolate cake ***** I’m about to make a vegan “Crazy Ingredient Chocolate Cake” the crazy ingredient – cauliflower. I’m still fasting today so I may make this tomorrow. Then I can take some of it over to a friends house, bc I know I will want more than one slice (120 calories not too bad for chocolate cake) if you happen to want to make it here is the recipe. https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/06/18/cauliflower-chocolate-cake/ AND oh my I’ve never had Chocolate Meringues or salty Carmel popcorn, but I LOVE Carmel, chocolate and salt, so I bet I’d be into it.

@stephsie – wow 40lbs lighter – way to go! I’m so proud of you!

@miraclelou – great job reaching your April goal!

@rafiki44 – Sweeeeeet! That is awesome! I would keep running back upstairs to double check. I think I would also print out the number and wear it on my chest like runners do. My sweetheart would not be able to contain my joy and I bet the first thing he would say, besides good job. Would be where do you want to go eat to celebrate. (((Which got me thinking I need a different way to celebrate milestones!))))

@snowflake56 “carrot/apple salad with mandarin juice and asparagus with butter and a boiled egg on top.” This sounds delightful when did you say eating time was???? I’ve got to write this one down. (And now I know why some folks are green on the spreadsheet!)

@debster251 I know about the dragon (although it’s new for me to call it that – its quite an appropriate name.) All I can say is that I’m happy I’m not a fan of most sweets, but you put something salty across my line of site and BAM its like a siren will go off!

@flourbaby Had to look up Wotsits! Oh yeah, I love salty (more of a craving for salt than sweets. And just think they don’t weight ANYTHING, you could eat them till you turned orange!

@gretta thank goodness its muscle and not bone and that you are already feeling better!

@fiftyandfabulous eeeeeeep! I’m so excited for you. Sooooooo Close – You got this! yay

Keep on – Keeping on!

Day 13, Japan, NFD

Quick check in. Yesterday’s FD became a CD of 800 kcal. It was a FD until dinner time and I had a large bowl of kefir. Feeling good this morning. Party today and going out tomorrow.

@rabbette Ah the salt! Might be the salt. I will try that the next time waking up feeling not so good. And your vegan chocolate cake recipe looks amazing! Cauliflower may sound crazy but I can imagine it being close to bread crumbs. Thank for the recipe! I’m making my chocolate cake using tofu. Here’s the recipe: https://cookpad.com/recipe/3683496 Sorry it is in Japanese! Chocolate, tofu, flour, baking powder, soy milk, that’s all you need. Melt the chocolate, mix them all and bake for 20 min. Sounds really easy and healthy and I’m going to give it a try today.

@rabbette — it’s called Children’s Hands-On Museum of NW Illinois. I’ve been on the board to help get it started and now up-and-running for about 4 years.
http://www.chomnwil.org — you can see me on the ‘board member’ page – I’m Gwynne French

Day 13 – Japan – NFD

Water fast 28 in 2019 went smoothly. I only had slight discomfort. This morning I did 325 pushups spread out in 16 sets. However only 35 were the dreaded pike push up. I’m not even doing that hard of a variation, my shoulders aren’t strong enough yet. My flexibility seems to be starting to improve a bit but I have a very long ways to go. Those two things are holding me back from doing a pike stand. I’m beginning to understand why many claim doing a pike stand is the hardest skill to master on the way to doing a planche. I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a set of low bars, but that is just a way to cheat with the flexibility and back strength. I just have to keep working at it.

Day 13, Emden Germany, NFD

2nd FD yesterday went well, could go on now but have a party tonight. I’m not hungry so will start eating when I’m at my friend’s house this afternoon, we always help with the dinner preparation.

@daffodil2010 don’t overdo the work in your Dad’s house, he will be so glad to be home again, I’m sure he doesn’t mind if not everything is perfect yet.
@shinything thanks! It’s so lovely to watch, this morning we saw on the the little one peek out from under the mother.
@michelinme I have you’ll have a nice and relaxed weekend, take care! Hugs x
@ciren2 my Dad always said left-handed people are special and they are the best! I agree, my husband is also left-handed. The first time I had the brain problems I got tested on every illness they could think of but they didn’t find anything. The MRI scans shows nothing abnormal. I tried out different medications without any effect. It comes and goes but it’s scary every time it starts because we don’t know where the fall out of the nerves stops.
@russetfox good luck at the vet today! Hugs xxx
@songbirdme lovely picture, no feeding problems there!
@rabbette how lovely to see another one of us! Gosh, you’re a yoga teacher, you must be flexable and very relaxed. Dinner is at 5:00 pm, you’re invited! Good luck on your 4 FDs, will join you on Monday.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Day 13 – UK – NFD
Another lovely sunny day today so will get out and about.
Enjoyed a good 60km mountain bike rideyesterday but had a curry last night so any loss through exercise would have been well undone 😂.
Have a good day all!

We rise by lifting others 💕
Onward and downward ⬇️

@

2nd post

@rabbette Hot Cake Mix means Pancake Mix. Yes there is already sugar in it, but the author indicates that if you prefer to use normal flour you can, just use flour and some baking powder (baking soda?) instead, and that’s what I am going to do.

Day 13 – Eastern WA USA – NFD

I did stick to a little over 24 hours of waterfasting yesterday. Then I did make myself one of my “fauxbucks” drinks in the evening – involving hot water, almond milk,a little cream, cacao powder, pero powder (coffee substitute), and sweetner. The scale rewarded me with going down 2 lbs. Still getting rid of splurges earlier this spring. Just broke my fast from yesterday with a couple of keto goodies. Yesterday, when I was out doing errands, I noticed a gluten free bakery and cafe. I went in to explore what they had, and was pleasantly surprised that they had a whole host of keto goodies as well. The cafe menu also has keto friendly offerings. What a great find! It’s a good place to meet up with a friend sometime with great healthy options!

@aglowworm – may you find your way. Remember to be kind to yourself! Sometimes we forget to treat ourselves as kindly as we do others.

@jaifaim – that’s some great bike riding! It reminds me that I need to get my bike ready for some exercise. It’s sitting in my garage waiting for me.

Have a wonderful weekend and Palm Sunday!

Day 13 – Midwest USA – CD

Hey tribe, just checking in quick – hope everyone is well! . Hubs arrived home yesterday a day late as he was stuck in the blizzard and all flights cancelled. I made his favorite meal of buttermilk fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy smothered all over it. Enjoyed it, but I was SO stuffed after. CD for me today and my regularly scheduled WF for tomorrow, Sunday. So far so good.

To all those who are struggling with feeling like you are not doing well enough…I light a candle for you and pray for you to see your true beauty and strength.

To good health and new beginnings!

“Our godlike beauty is hidden behind curtains of shame.” -Gregory of Nyssa

Day 14, Japan, NFD

Feast yesterday as planned. Beautiful day.

I made chocolate fudge cupcakes using tofu, waited until this morning to have some and they were so delicious! I’m leaving these memo for @rabbette and anyone who is interested.

250g chocolate
300g silken tofu
10g cocoa powder
200g pancake mix
70-80ml milk or vegan milk

180 degrees Celsius
25-30min

As substitute for 200g pancake mix, I used 170g flour, 10g cornstarch, 10g sugar, 10g baking powder.

The original recipe: https://cookpad.com/recipe/3683496

Microwave the chocolates to melt them (or you can use the traditional way of hot water), while using spatula to break the tofu into sort of a creamy sauce with the help of a sieve(metal basket? drainer?) Mix the tofu into the melted chocolate little by little. Pour the pancake mix into the mixture and stir well. Finally add milk or any vegan milk, mix well. Pour into molds, bake and job done!

I used twice the amount of the original recipe, as I can only get silken tofu in packs of 300g. I used less chocolate but added some pure cocoa powder. The preparation was super easy, and all the bowls can be washed in a snap as no oils were used. This recipe aims to create a moist and heavy texture, almost like brownie, maybe a lighter version would have less calories. Next time maybe I’ll try find a recipe of vanilla cupcakes using tofu.

Clay 14 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Quick check in. Dad is home!! We got his bedroom sorted and the rest of the house cleaned up, it looks great. Delighted. He felt like he had got out of prison after nearly 4 months 😆

Today will be busy with camper van conversion…..I am putting in wood filler onto screws while DH builds furniture, then both of us will sand down the cedar cladding (cedar smells and looks amazing in our van). Will relax after a job well done with wine later. 🍷

Oh, and Friday evening I was called into HR and told I was not successful in the job application. Strongest interview they have recently had but my lack of experience in financial services could not stack up against the other applicant. I reckon they had already chosen before they interviewed me.

But you know what? This is weird……but I actually felt RELIEVED when told 😀 I will take that instinct to mean that I was not meant to get that job and something better is out there. So already, DH and I have decided to take a month off mid September to October and go travelling!! If I am working on contract well they will have to work around tgat! On contract means freedom for me.

So thanks guys for all your encouragement but I can say that I am truly happy with the way things worked out….funny eh?

Day 14 -Midwest USA-FD800 – CW134 GW135

Today I hit my goal weight!!!! Well, actually over shot it by a pound. 🙂

That is 24 pounds released in 13 weeks with this program and I couldn’t be happier! I went from a US 10/12 to a US 6/8. I feel lighter physically and mentally. I only wish this program was more well-known in the US.

I think I am going to keep doing 5:2 through April and May and see if my body would release 5 more pounds to get into my lower range. Then the real work of maintenance will begin.

I loved reading the recipes and I agree that the Chocolate Covered Katie blog rocks. I’ve made several recipes of hers with the most recent being her ‘Tinder Brownies’ – so yummy and nourishing!

Normally I do a WF on Sundays, but I’ve caught a cold, so tentatively planning FD500-800 with homemade veggie soup, and lots of fruits and juices today to help my body recover.

@daffodil2010 Congratulations on your dad coming home! You have such a good attitude about the job interview. Where are you going to travel?

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

Day 14 Pocket List
@fiftyandfabulous

Day 14 – Manchester, England – NFD

Hi everyone.
@michelinme, @annemarilyn, @ciren2, @shinything, @rabbette, @flourbaby – thank you so much for all of your kind words. I’m a bit overwhelmed by how lovely you have all been. It really does mean a lot to me. Thank you.

Taking time to be kind to yourself and give yourself a break when you need it is so important and I have been trying to do that.

@ciren2 – You’re absolutely right about setting those small goals, especially when feeling rubbish. I’m just trying to take things one day at a time right now. I hope you’re doing ok at the minute too. Baby steps will get us there eventually.

@shinything – What you said definitely resonated with me: ‘And if you feel like giving up ask yourself: and then what? The rough patch will pass, just keep going’. Everything we go through passes eventually. ‘This, too, shall pass’ 🙂

@russetfox – sorry to hear about your pooch. I hope that his treatment continues well. It’s so hard when they’re sick and you can’t explain what’s happening to them.

@daffodil2010 – sorry to hear about the job, but if you felt relieved, it definitely means that it wasn’t the right thing for you. I’ve been there! What kind of van do you have for your camper? I love camper vans. We used to have a VW T25 and loved it so much. They’re great fun. I hope to get one again someday.

@fiftyandfabulous – amazing news! Congratulations and well done on all your hard work!

Day 14 Wales NFD

Just checking in, very tired after finishing nights this morning. Off for 2 nights then more nights Tues 🙁

Day 14, VA, USA, NFD

Hi gang – Had a great night out under the stars next to a little back yard fire pit! Had a blast! Had a few gin and tonics oooooop the scale will probably let me know all about that one haha. I’m glad I had them tho it was a very fun occasion.

@songbirdme – it is nice to have a face to the name. Glad you like the hair! I was pink for about 20 years now, and recently in the last year or so put blue in the front and like that a lot so far.

@shelliz – oh this is so kind of you to translate the recipe. I copied it down and if I get a chance I will make it next weekend! We are getting ready for a trip, so that may delay me making this, but I’m super excited to try it.

@daffodil2010 – I bet it feels sooooooo good to have all the things in place! So glad your Dad got home. This Conversion Van thing. Did you convert a regular empty van and build your own stuff to put into it? AND if you did it, how did you learn to do it? This sounds soooooo exciting to me.

@fiftyandfabulous – So exciting! Yay – doing a happy dance for you! Cheers! I love Chocolate Covered Katie, I mean that girl is so creative! BTW no one could tell at the party that the chocolate cake had cauliflower in it! Wooot woot and it had 2 cups worth.

@flourbaby – mmmmm the wine rack does only hold 6… I mean it would make sense to me as well. I too LOVE a good cocktail or stout, so I’m sure we are related in some way. Just let yourself re-set. Its ok.

@russetfox – My dads doggie had a similar thing with the ear. She recovered well and I hope your little furry friend has a speedy recovery.

Keep on keeping on
I plan on starting FD tomorrow! Woot woot got to get on that Fast Train to trim town 🙂

Day 15 – Japan – WFD

Funny my wife uses cookpad all the time.

Today is water fast #29 in 2019. I pushed in a run and right now an running at a 3000 calorie pace. However my calories being burned typically slow down as my fast progresses. I expect that to happen soon.

Day 15, Melbourne, FD

Day 15 pocket list
@shelliz
@biddiev

First post in a few days and I was aghast to hear that you had to go through all that accusatory stuff, @michelinme – totally on your side and I hope you will be able to follow it up by writing etc as others have suggested. They should not get away with such appalling behaviour.

@daffodil2010 glad to hear your Dad has improved.

@russetfox sending some prayers up for Woofit xxoo.

I went for a 2 hour walk over the weekend and feeling good that I could do it, as I am totally sedentary and very unfit. Aiming to walk the lovely Warburton Trail by the end of this year and my walk was a 2 hour segment of a 9-10 hour walk along the trail. Just need to keep at it…

Hang in there, everyone.

Day 15 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – FD

What a horrible rainy and cold Monday morning it is, but it’s a 4 day week and then a nice 4 day break over Easter. Yay. Looking forward to work, even more so now that I am not being made permanent……super strange, but yup, maybe that’s my instincts telling me something else us on the horizon….so exciting ☺️

Dad had a wonderful night sleep his first night home. The joy of having a ham and cheese toastie at 9pm while sitting by the fire watching the tv without anybody disturbing him, and even better, being able to switch off his bedroom light and know that the only person who will switch it back on is him 😄 He will recover very quickly now I would say.

As for the camper van @agloworm, @rabbette, we bought a big Mercedes Vario van on a whim last year. It was a commercial vehicle in a previous life. We thought what fun it would be to turn her into a camper van. And it is. But if we had known then how much time and money it requires to convert to our (admittedly extremely high) standards, we might not have done it. Now we are too far in and it’s an ongoing job.

Neither of us had a clue, but YouTube is a great teacher and there are loads of people like ourselves out there converting vans so a good community of hints and tips. It’s going to be fab when done. One of our first trips will be to Scandinavia, Nordkapp, take a few weeks to travel. Won’t be this year, but maybe next. Going to travel around Ireland first to get to know her.. So that will probably what we wil do for our month off this Autumn.

Have a great Monday FD everyone

Day 15 UK FD

Yo yoing due to overdoing it at weekends Aiming to really stay on track all week and hope to reap the benefits Also want to try and get an hour or so to catch up on all the posts x

Day 15 – Manchester, England – FD

After my terrible week last week, I am feeling a bit better and hoping to get back on track this week, starting with a run at a FD today.

@snowflake56 – thank you for your kind words. I’m getting there slowly, I think.

@daffodil2010 – I’m so glad your dad is enjoying being home now. The camper sounds wonderful, but yes, it’s so much time and effort to do your own conversion. It will be incredible when you have it all finished though and such an achievement!

@flourbaby – oh no! You poor thing! I hope you feel better soon.

@jaifaim – I feel you with those bad choices, but onward we go. The only thing we can change or have control over is right now! Do antihistamines or anything help with the hayfever? I get it very rarely, thank goodness, but I know that wiped out and foggy feeling that comes with it. I hope you feel better soon.

Pocket list:
@shelliz
@biddiev
@snowflake56 2nd of B2B2B2B2B2B2B
@jaifaim
@aglowworm

Day 15 USA (Illinois) NFD

Quick check in — hugs to everyone.

Onward and downward.