Day 13 USA (Illinois) NFD

Weather has turned cold again, wind especially strong too. No outside work today. Easter dinner came from a local restaurant who had put together 175+ meals for our hospital staff yesterday, so we supported them ordering out as well. Good ham, potatoes a bit underdone, but glad to help them out.

@funshipfreddie – how interesting to read even in the Southern Hemisphere you also enjoyed Andrea Bocelli as we did. I hadn’t heard some of those Latin pieces for ages, but then, of course “Amazing Grace” is a world-wide song. We got to Olney, England some years back to where John Newton wrote the hymn. My 5th grade music class curriculum taught the song as part of the “Freedom from Slavery” portion of American History. Some speculate the tune was a slave melody he could have remembered from his slave trading days – it’s pentatonic like so many slave melodies were.

Oh AND, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was filmed in Chicago and a suburb close to where I grew up. We LOVE that movie!

@flourbaby – I do believe Carb Comfort is a real thing. Sure seems that way to me. 🙂

Onward and downward.

Day 13 Canton OH FD
I was unusually busy today, hence my late post. @flourbaby I have been MIA as well and carb comfort is a thing! I read articles about stores running out of flour, yeast, vanilla extract and baked goods. That stuff is flying off the shelf. I haven’t baked with refined flour in years and all of a sudden I had this hankering to bake and eat. Needless to say, it is not helping me with my goals and I am no longer in maintenance 🙁 so reset again. However, it would be worse if I wasn’t following this WOl and did not have this forum to lean on
@ccco same here! Inconsistent fasting schedule and EFS moments on NFD. I have to put a stop to the almost daily imbibing of wine
@suki6 pyramid exercises are strength training exercises that build from one rep to 5, 6 or 10 reps. For example, if I am doing pyramid bicep curls, I will curl once, then twice, then 3 times, then 4 times until I complete the pyramid
@cateaus so sorry to hear about your hubby, it’s admirable that you haven’t gained anything, that’s a lot of stress to carry. You are in my thoughts and prayers
@betsylee 5300 rolls?!!! He should be ashamed of himself. I am glad the stores refused to accept it back
Adding myself to the pocket list, late but better late than never

Day 14 country West Australia NFD BUT hopefully CD
There does seem to be a bit of a common thread on the few posts I have read this morning.
As with some others I have been MIA over Easter which was not very sensible on my part!
Too many eggs/ rabbits/ hot cross buns. 🥂🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫
However today I have been for an hour’s brisk walk with DH before breakfast. Beautiful still grey morning and good to be alive. 🏃‍♀️

I hope everyone is coping OK with the self-isolating and the Covid 19. The numbers are quite worrying.
In WA we now have closed borders with the rest of Australia so we are essentially ‘ an island within an island’.,
Our numbers are quite good considering ( fewer cases and fewer deaths) but I am not sure what will happen when we start to go out and start to go back to work etc when they loosen the controls etc.🙏

I just heard the numbers for New York which seems to be taking a hammering.😔
Strange times indeed.
But at least we can do the routine of 5:2 and have some consistency in our lives . ( Said from one who has fairly comprehensively NOT been following 5:2 for some days but is now back on track!)
Someone mentioned Bocelli over Easter. A friend she t me the link and I listened to the whole 24 minutes of his performance – stunning. I was also sent a link to a lady who rings the bells in Banff at 1 pm every day to lift people’s spirits – lovely too. 🔔🎵🎶
And to top it off I was sent the link to the London ? Conservatory choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus whilst isolating. Very uplifting and lovely.
With too much time on my hands I have been randomly looking online ( something I rarely do) and found a lovely rendition of ‘ the Prayer’ by a father and daughter duo. Worth listening to if you love music.
I trust today finds you all well and finding 3 things to be grateful for by day’s end.
Virtual hugs from the bottom of the world.🤗🥰

Day 13 Ohio, US — FD
Day 11 — NFD
Day 12 — NFD

Hope everyone has had a great Dyngus Day!

Easter weekend went well, and I definitely overate yesterday. So the FD has been a real help in getting the system back into balance. I’ve been reading about Dr. David Kessler’s new book, Fast Carbs, Slow Carbs, in which he gives the scientific details underlying the deleterious effects of modern methods of manipulating starch and how that almost guarantees that people will be unable to control their eating of said starch. I think that he advocates only eating intact grains and pseudo-grains. Has anyone read the book?

@ccco Oh my! With all that wine people are buying and close confinement, who knows what the birth rate is going to be like next Winter! 🙂

Day 14 _ Lake district UK – CFD

Good morning everyone

Very good FD yesterday and very busy, out for a good walk first thing, then got collared to do all the furniture moving as OH decided to spring clean the lounge! Afternoon in the garden, grass cut and preparing greenhouse for tomatoes this week after a couple of cold nights! Talked to kids and they’re OK, very quick MOAM walk round the block as was feeling good.

News this morning from a friend, who unusually hadn’t replied to last weeks email, everything OK, relief! No Easter bunny chocolate for me and only one evening this last weekend with wine etc so feeling quite good. Once this ‘confinement’ is over it’s going to be a megga spend at the shops, the new clothes I bought a couple of months ago …. are getting too small!

Take care all

Day 14, UK, NFD

Another one here who has been MIA. Had a good Easter Weekend, lots of wine consumed (my extra delivery is still in the loft so not too bad). We’re still decorating the downstairs. In this new world it’s quite pleasant to be able to do it slowly. So we’re stripping one or two walls, re papering and then having a day off. My efforts at climbing ladders, on and off chairs and kneeling on the floor have convinced me I need this WOL more than ever. Too much huffing and puffing going on😀.

Some good news I’ve been offered a job in the NHS, it’s one I applied for before all this started so will carry on after the virus is beaten. It’s in Admin, not front line as I have a tendency to faint at the sight of blood. It starts in a couple of weeks.

Taking supplies to the mother in law later. She has carers as she suffers with MND, so cant really walk without help. We’ve been delivering food to her kitchen and having a shouted conversation with her via the closed living room door. When we leave we disinfect as we go – strange times indeed.

Keep safe everyone.

Day 14 Melb Aust CD
Day 13 CD
Day 12 FD

Doing okay, even in the midst of the the Easter chocolate, including a large one dropped off by the children across the road, and an Easter surprise also left at my door. Haven’t started on any of them yet. I am trying to very carefully ration myself with “goodies”.

@flourbaby, you really made me laugh. OF COURSE you can eat hcb alone, particularly if they contain fruit, though I’ll admit that last year, they had to be heated and have melted butter then jam on them. As @songbirdme wrote, carb comfort is a reality. Carbs act as a mild sedative, too, so they are a comfort and a calmer.

@basyjames, agree wholeheartedly about the guy who hoarded all that TP!

@ccco, I hope whoever in your family who’s affected by the virus isn’t too ill.

@lilymartin, I hope you settle back into consistency. I guess what’s happening here in Australia is similar to various US states which have closed their borders.
All states here except Victoria and NSW have closed their borders to others, although some allow entry with a 14-day quarantine. It would be hard for Victoria and NSW to close borders, with a fairly large city straddling the border, but for the others it’s more practical. One major concern has been to keep the virus away from the indigenous population, out away from the main city centres, as they are considered more vulnerable medically.

@i hate lettuce – your new clothes are getting too small? Eek! Unless that’s more muscle, double eek!

Seriously though everyone, come on, we can do this, don’t drop the plot at this stage. Let’s get through this and out the other side slimmer, trimmer versions of ourselves. Never give up!

USA Day 14 FD

Good morning, all! Our New York Governor has said it right. Waking up every morning these days is like the movie “Groundhog Day”! Each morning I wake up, I ask myself what shall I do today and the answer is always the same, exactly what I did yesterday! LOL Well, I think with these days being what they are, it’s a great time to diet and exercise to get in shape. What a gift we could have if when the vail of this virus lifts we emerge in great shape for Spring and Summer! 🙂 Anyway, today is a FD with a side of lots of exercise.

Thanks you, Betsylee! Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like she will make it. We just keep her in our prayers. I know, Matpi! The outcome of all that wine could prove interesting!

Adding myself to the pocket list:

@i-hate-lettuce
@emerald32
@songbirdme
@ccco

Have a pleasant day staying safe!

USA Day 14 FD

Yes, FUNSHIPFREDDIE! Everything here is upside down! I am beginning to think I don’t want to watch the news anymore. I’ve watched the press bate both Trump and Cuomo in the rudest and most disrespectful ways. I’ve watched our governors and president go after the press when they got out of line (and I can’t blame them. Often, the press has been out of line!) I am beginning to think the the many young members think this is the moment to claim their moment of fame and are adding to the nation’s stress instead. We have always had a struggle between Federal government’s right to govern the country vs. states’ rights and we are having a bit of that right now. We fought the Civil War here with that as a basis. I think they will work in accord because every part of this country is different and has to be dealt with as such. I like listening to Cuomo. He has been a calming, intelligent voice in the worst place to be in all this mess in the U.S. I wonder what the other side of this mess will look like when we come out of this!

Day 14 Canton OH NFD

@ccco Do you think that following the basic 5:2 instead of the extended fasts and WFD will help. It really is too stressful right now and it may be leading to EFDs – at least it appears to be for me. When I feel deprived, I stuff my face. I am trying basic 5:2 or in my case 4:3 (because that has always worked better for me) and I actually feel in control instead of feeling deprived.

@matpi I have a feeling we are going to have a baby boom next year; lotsa quarantine babies 🙂 and like @brightonbelle really glad that will not be an option for me

@saffy420 congratulations! Was just reading about increased furloughs and here you are getting a job offer! That’s exciting and such a silver lining. Unfortunately I have to deliver the bad news to 3 members of my team next week; and I feel horrible about it.

@i hate lettuce, is it muscle? Please tell me it’s because you are bulking up!

@funshipfreddie hate to go there because this is not a political forum but Trump is wrong on this. The constitution is very clear on this issue; every constitutional scholar (including the conservative ones) will tell you that no president of the United States has the authority to override any state’s public health measures. Unfortunately, our president likes to eat his cake and have it. First he claims he is not responsible, then he claims he has total authority…it’s exhausting and annoying; like dealing with a toddler. Ok I am done with that little rant. Please forgive me – I just found out that a friend who just survived a stroke is intubated with Covid -19 and another just passed away from it. Worst part is you can’t even be with your loved ones while they are dying. This crap is real and people are dying!

Day 14 – Ireland – FD
Finding this FD very tough 😮 But I’ve got to do it….feeling very foggy brained and I know that’s down to all the chocolate and sugar consumed over the weekend….
Two walks today but forced myself out rather than skipped out the door … 🤨
Our restrictions are extended until May 5 so still time to transform from 🐛 to 🦋 😊
@betsylee you’re right! We can do this!!!!
@ccco I’m so sorry to hear one of your family has contracted coronavirus…. praying they will be ok 🙏
@flourbaby you are very funny! You are NOT on holiday!! 🏝 🏖 🍹 😂

Adding myself to the pocket list – better late than never:
@i-hate-lettuce
@emerald32
@songbirdme
@ccco
@jaifaim
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 1: FD
USA

Hi there,
I am late to the party, but you are all motivating me. I’ve been using quarantining and stress ofCOVID19 as an excuse to eat my feelings and drink on Mondays! I want to be in control again and lose stubborn 15 pounds that weighs me down. I started out quarantine eating healthy, as I know to do, but lately as things grow uncertain, all hell broke lose and I’m eating everything in sight! (Last night: snack of my kids sugary cinnamon cereal with whole milk) I need the support now. So I’ll be joining you later in the month hoping to continue through May. Thank you for hosting. Be well,
Erika

Day 14, md US, NFD

It has been a week or so since I’ve been on and missed checking in and reading updates. My oh my, today was one of my worst quarantine days. Leading a team, work, home schooling, it was all too consuming mentally and emotionally today particularly given I feel I have a new ADD issue and my anxiety is thru the roof. They released a new e-learning today which was clear as mud, I literally thru my hands up and told my DH I may lose it. Went out the door for a run/walk at least and about to force the family for an after dinner walk. Must work our brains and bodies… Such trying times. I am thankful for the appreciation of the slow down and small things. And family time. But my 16/8 went out the door on Easter, guess that’s the day to do it. And I haven’t been able to manage 500-800cals but trying my hardest to do CDs. Whew. Thanks for being there all. Thinking of everyone.

Day 15, Emden Germany, NFD

Day 15 – Lake district UK

Good morning everyone,

Apologies for my comments about keeping the Monthly Challenge non political, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have kept away from social media etc recently, just find as soon as politics appears it goes downhill.

I’m going to have a break for now.

Take care all x

Day 15 North Wales FD.

Day 15, UK NFD

Sun is still shining here and we’re about to do our one big shop of the week. It’s quite exciting to think about getting out. Taking a bag of food to MIL yesterday doesn’t count as we are just picking up her “essentials” each week at a nearby shop, for her this means a selection of pies and a lemon drizzle cake. The rest of the family and her carers are doing what the government would consider the real essentials. This is the big one – trolleys and queues and everything.
Hopefully doing a big walk later – twice around the woods would be great. The council have now introduced a one way system for walkers in the woods so no more saying hello to people going anti clockwise – it’s more of a procession now! We might try the “secret paths” as it’s been sunny enough to dry up most of the muddy parts.

@flourbaby, you’re putting me to shame – loads of exercise and working from home. I’m in awe of all you guys actually being productive with gardening, home working and child raising. Whereas so far it’s taking an age to do some decorating and I’ve got a 1000 piece jigsaw in progress.

Yesterday was a CD, first in a while. Today will be much the same, thinking of a nice chicken with salad for tea later. (Not a whole one).

Stay safe everyone.

Day 15 – NFD – Donegal

Day seems to be brightening and there doesn’t seem to be much wind so good day for a bbq as its cleaned and ready to go & I have loads of veg to throw on it.

Stay safe everyone.

USA Day 15 FD

My WFD didn’t work out yesterday. I seem to have my greatest problems with fasting at night. I successfully do the whole day but at night I fall apart. I think it’s stress eating and so far I haven’t been able to overcome it. Basyjames, I do think that 5:2 works, especially i these times. It gives us some structure to our lives, too! in my case, maybe I should simply go to bed earlier and then I can eliminate that period of stress for me! In any case, I am still determined. Today is another FD in that determination but not a water fast. i’ve written down what I plan to eat and need to stick with eat. Amazingly, I have no problem structuring my day with exercise and a walk! I will get this together.

Welcome, erikaa67! This is a get forum! I’ve been on it for over two years! I hate lettuce, I hope I am not the offensive one by talking about what is happening here in the States. I liked hearing what everyone around the world is going through and doing during these challenging times because somehow it made me feel not alone. We really are all in this together!

Adding myself to the pocket list!

Day 15 pocket list
@flourbaby
@molij
@funshipfreddie
@basyjames
@ccco

Stepped on the scales this morning! Not good, so here I go again! 🙂
Hope everyone is having a pleasant day in their gardening and walks. It all sounds so beautiful!

USA Day 15 FD

My kitchen is closed at 538 calories. Now for the hard part!! The test is if can I stay out of the kitchen throughout the evening and not have a relaxing glass of wine! I am determined!

Hope everyone is having a good fasting day if fasting and a good NFD if not! 🙂

second post

Leslie Sansone is awesome! I have a friend who swears by her routines, you may think -its just walking but it is a really great workout and it works 🙂

nighty night y’all

Day 15 Ohio, US — NFD

Just checking in — I had to work late tonight and now am ready to turn in. The 14:10 daily fast is turning out to be much easier than I had anticipated. So far so good!

Day 16 Melb Aust CD
Day 15 TDEE

Doing okay here, though on a bit of a plateau. That’s okay, just have to persevere and be patient.

Keep up with the exercising everyone, and please don’t use the excuse that you can’t do it because you’re “stuck indoors”. I do the majority of my walking indoors, from one end of my unit (mini-sized house, for those not familiar) to the other, and manage to do my steps for the day and then some, usually 9000-10000 steps (goal is 8000). Admittedly, sometimes it’s a bit challenging dodging around my cat who wants to get underfoot ( 🙂 ), but it’s doable.

Okay, enough of that. I know there is considerable frustration in having to be mainly indoors, particularly for those who normally are out and about and going to work, but keeping up with exercise keeps up the endorphins, so you are warding off depression by doing it.

@i hate lettuce, great that the clothing change is due to an improved shape – well done you!

@ccco, so sorry that your family member is not in good shape. My sincere sympathy. Keep that fridge closed at night and you’ll get back to WFDs in no time.

@ericaa67, welcome to this wonderful forum of folk from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. It’s always interesting, plus an encouragement on our fasting journey.

@basyjames, sorry to read about your friend.

@matpi, great that you’re settling into 14:10 and finding it relatively easy.

Keep on keeping on everyone!

Day 16 – Lake district UK – NFD

Good morning everyone

As you may have noticed, I’ve just had a few days of ‘the grimms’ (pretty unusual for me, but we all get them) along with many others we get good and bad news, but just at the moment nothing on the plus side, we’re OK but suddenly a number of others are not!
Couldn’t even face my daily visit into here yesterday, which is where I pretty much start my day with coffee, struggled to put a post on at all (even a poor one at that).
I won’t bore anyone with an explanation, but with very good reason, I have little time for press and politicians! So I don’t read newspapers etc, tend to hunt out fact rather than fiction, same with TV, give me natural history and travel any time.

Yesterday morning I really needed a kick up the backside, so headed out on a very long walk in the sun, away from everyone. Down the estuary with fabulous views to the hills, looking for the Ospreys that returned recently, but no joy. Wandered along the foreshore down into the next village and only passed four people the entire time I was out, even then they were 20 metres away. The ‘lone wolf’ happily getting away for a couple of hours. Back home to the garden and moved the tomato plants into their summer pots, the last of the geraniums and begonias into planters, nasturtiums out into their places to run riot in a few weeks.
After tea another walk along the estuary as the sun was dipping down behind the hills, not traffic on the nearby road, no people about.
Going to be a warm day today so heading off out shortly then BBQ this afternoon.

Take care all

Day 16 UK NFD

Going well so will try to have a controlled NFD today , been doing lots of exercise but do miss my walks so will give Leslie Sansome a go – Get so much good advice on here Great job 🥰