Aussie Determination

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Uptightoutasight

5:00 pm
12 Jun 15
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Only have a minute so can’t reply to everyone but keeping tabs on you all. Did heaps of walking today but a lovely russian lady offered us chocolates when we shared a cafe table. We didn’t speak the same language so it would have been rude to refuse!
Tried to eat well but ate too much, trying all the local foods.

Water weight for me is either from carbs or overloading on salt. CG, bread and milk in lattes are both carb loads. The other things you have eaten will only turn to fat if you eat more calories than you expend. If I eat bread, pasta etc I swell up big time.

Fittoretire

7:19 pm
12 Jun 15
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Hi Up – how nice to engage with people even when you don’t speak the language and you’re so right to try all the local authentic foods; when will you get the chance to do that again? Have a brilliant time xx

Dogsabie

11:45 pm
12 Jun 15
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Hello team. FB congrats on the smaller size. You must be super chuffed. I totally agree that it is important to get ones bras professionally fitted. They are more expensive but if carefully looked after will last a good while. Did anyone read the MFP blog re plateaus being a sign that we are doing it right? And that scales are just a tool and shouldn’t be regarded as the B all and end all of weight loss. I thought it was very interesting.
We went out to dinner last night for a friend’s birthday. I didn’t pig out too much on the food but oh the booze! About 5 glasses of wine ( no I wasn’t driving ). Then I slept very badly last night. I think it was a combination of a guilty conscience and too much alcohol. That will teach me.
I will put the recipe for Miso and shiitake mushroom broth on our recipe thread later today. Another thing I’m doing for the constipation is eating a few dried figs on NF days. They are no doubt high in fructose but one needs to compromise at times and be prepared for a slower weight loss if necessary.
PS I take Bio Magnesium every night to prevent leg cramps. I’ve got into the habit of putting it on my bedside table with some water every arvo.
XX Doggy

Countrygal

12:48 am
13 Jun 15
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Morning team, no great loss with the 4:3 back to 75.6 bit up but it will move next week. I got involved with the calculator last night working out TDEE and fasts with deficits etc. WHO on this forum is the average 2000 per day TDEE? Even at 100k the TDEE is only 1800+ so is 500 fast really doing anything? This site gives me 1500+ TDEE meaning 500 on fast day is too much…not being the quarter we are supposed to have! Where did the 2000 average come from? Check the average just on THIS forum!
I’ll soldier on with true AUSSIE DETERMINATION but think my numbers will have to be alter big time to get off this plateau, from memory 375 I think I worked it out to be last night….not a lot is it? I don’t eat up to my full TDEE so per week are eating less which should equate to a loss but NO grrrrr!
Still lovin’ the discipline of this way of life and eating, just needed to vent with frustration. I’ve seen where others go onto maintainence because they keep loosing and don’t wish to…. Not a problem I have 🙁 ..how is that possible?
Have a great week end team, go and make some tracks instead of following a path 🙂 xxxxx

Dogsabie

12:55 am
13 Jun 15
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Hi again. I’ve put the Miso Broth on our recipe thread. In the original recipe it did not specify if the 50 gms shiitake mushroom was a wet or dry weight. Mine are dehydrated and I first used the dry weight. I checked to see and 50 gms of dry Shiitake mushrooms are 148 calories. So factor this in if you use the dry weight. The extra mushrooms make a very filling meal and may well account for the laxative effect. – who knows!

gypsybell

2:11 am
13 Jun 15
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Ode ta’ Hell ‘n’ the luvva’ God!
Me ache’n bones ‘n’ tortured bod…
Pass the asprin! Then we’ll play
Stone the crows ‘n’ rue the day!…..

Ouch! Talk about waking up with arthritis…..I’m Back CG! and the dawg. Hi fit and Up (Only posts on this page so far)… who knew having fun could be so painful! (the next day or ten!) OH is off seeing family and I’m back from a wander that turned into a fundraising rally for kids with cancer (canteen). Riding in winter rain, and wet sleeping bags on a cement farm shed floor. Nuts! at least we had a pot stove to huddle around, tho I’m sure I shivered off heaps of lard. But lifting a foot to climb the scale’s couple of inches is not gunna happen at this point.

I must have been still movable on getting home yesterday because I topped it off with a gardening epic to get my seedling flowers in while rain is around to boost them. It’s sure to be rewarding in the end, but all I can move ATM is my eyeballs. It even hurts the knuckles to tap the keys! so this is just a short rave to keep me in the loop. Will read up an all your progress later .

Don’t think I’ve made much progress weight wise, but who cares? I’m getting fitter by the day. Really! Don’t they say one gets fitter later by being wrecked now? Please say it’s true! Not to worry I’ll have petunias all over the joint for the alternative!

It was so good to see all the old guard. I’ve missed them. Bloody rejuvenating, camping with seventy year olds who still thunder over the ranges, sleep on the ground and party. Rum and green ginger wine arthritis cure. Got a hang over and sore ribs from laughing. Love it! and you know what? It’s really a bonus to have you mob to come home to. The wind is howling through my scrub and the rain falls on my tin roof. More medicine and a good book for me. hava good weekend all. xxx Gyps

Jaybee68

2:14 am
13 Jun 15
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Hey Lotus! You taking the food right outta my mouth now?? 😀
I will recalculate using the sedentary option as a couple of you have suggested and see how I go. I am happy to report a lovely loss this first week….1.8kg…Yay!!! Non fast day today and I have already been out to morning tea…I will work it into my allowable total for the day though. Have a good one, everyone!!

Countrygal

3:20 am
13 Jun 15
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Hay Gyps, welcome home, I’ll cancel the search party AND the posey! Bit partial to a bit of the old Stones myself, all that kept me warm in my camping days 🙂 yummmmm You sound like you had a rewarding time and even with paying the price, what a load of laughs 🙂 what better way to spend retirement. Just proving age is never a factor, just mind set! 🙂
.5:2 will see you through any gaffs and like you say, you are so much fitter and I can read the joy in your post, oh so wonderful…that’s taking life by the horns. 🙂
Relax, you will probably be sorer as the days pass, as you know, but be good to yourself, treat yourself as a patient, nothing is pressing that you need to be involved in, big clean out before you went, so feet up, good book, full glass…and enjoy xxxxx
,

Countrygal

3:23 am
13 Jun 15
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And, thems orders from the G.M. 🙂 xxxxx

Countrygal

3:24 am
13 Jun 15
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Or M.D. I forget who I am, bloody age! Xx

Lotus123

5:09 am
13 Jun 15
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CG- I thought you were MP (Madam President)?? 😉 LOL. I hear you about the quarter of our TDEE not being really 500, but MM had answered this question on the Forum when someone had asked, and apparently we still stick to 500 cals regardless of TDEE. More sustainable in the long term and all that.
Gyps- welcome back, you seemed to have loads fun out in the bush. Rest those muscles now, so you can get to the next bout of partying 🙂
Jaybee!!! Yay for the great loss girl! well done 🙂
Uptight – I am totally guilty of carb loading and then moaning about bloating :). But, Monday to Friday – I am a better eater, Saturday = carb day 🙂
Have quit alcohol in the last few months, except for 1 vodka soda every fifteen days or so (mentioned in the Fast Beach Diet Book, I thought, why not?). I have not really missed it, and what used to previously enjoy – red wine, unfortunately too much for insulin sensitive like me…

Countrygal

5:27 am
13 Jun 15
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Thanks Lotus, nice to be accounted for. Didn’t realise MM answered that, still, not quitting, still happy with this weight, just get frustrated like everyone else and looking for answers. Any lower than 500 wouldn’t be sustainable, but happens by accident occasionally which is fine but if it’s forced, just too restrictive and that’s why we stick with 5:2, because it’s so doable.
I have been repotting in the green house, just came in for lunch (very late but get carried away) any way I could hear Black Cockatoo’s in my garden, I went over to see, quietly and met my neighbour doing the same thing. We wave across the paddock occasionally but our chats are getting less. Anyway the first thing she said is, “by God you’re skinny Gayle” to my delight!…so again, the reinforcement got my approval and I continue to soldier on with this wonderful 5:2 🙂 Funny how just a few words can make or break us. Like she said, she sees me but not up close, and didn’t realise how skinny I had gotten, bit of an over statement, but I accepted it gladly 🙂
My orchids are blooming too, absolutely glorious, more pot weeding resoling, all pleasure to do but running out of time because it’s heavy work. They may have to wait and just flower as is, which they seem to thrive on doing if neglected anyway.
Hope yo are enjoying your day team xxxxx

Jaybee68

5:27 am
13 Jun 15
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Lotus, is that definitely the case that we should consume 500 cal regardless of what your TDEE is? That would really be a bonus for an old shortie like me!! Maybe I could start off at 500 then lower it later on when the weight loss slows? So much learning to do!!

Countrygal

5:49 am
13 Jun 15
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Jb, don’t forget you can have less cals on your normal days and not eat up to your TDEE, which in turn makes your weekly intake lower over all, they tell us…the less you eat, the more you lose 🙂 ,. That is…….until you get to a bl…y plateau grrrrr 🙂 xxx

gypsybell

6:48 am
13 Jun 15
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…Um… might of left in the middle of the ‘big clean up’, but ta, CG, (mtgg? or Oh, gee,ha,ha !) believe I’ll take your presidential advice and rest up! I’m sure the chaos will get sorted before the winter’s over. I tend not to do housework, other than skimming, in the Summer, so Winter is always a mess, until it all blooms again in the Spring! Wish I had your love of gardening, but I detest it, just like pretty flowers more! and a clean house slightly more than I hate housework….sigh… I don’t have a domestic bone in my body. And they are all screaming at me! Amazing how pain is related to the funny bones and hurts so much more when one is not amused. I am stuck on the 84kg plateau, still. So much for the moon phase theory! but it could be the moonshine……But, hey, we all look better than we did a year ago and isn’t that like discovering the fountain of youth? Bet your neighbour is secretly green with envy, CG!

Lotus, I relate to the carb bloats as well, especially bread. Tho I find sourdough much better, it is the bread recommended for diabetics, much easier to digest, toasted is best. But losing sugar and lowering cals and carbs is the key I reckon.

Up, wow! aren’t you having a walkabout! Thanks for sharing!

Fit, how’s the summer going for you? It’s still between the odd ten to mostly 25/28ish here and that’s cold to me. tho it gets muggy and still hot when the rainclouds close in with the sun behind them.

Hi Jaybee, see you’ve joined us recently, doing well, too. Don’t get too hung up on minor details, you’ll find what works best for you within the general framework, and by this mob’s much aired snags and successes. It is pretty fool proof if you just stick with it. and let it train you! food that’s right for what your body needs just ends up tasting better and the wrong stuff won’t taste good any more. Just pay attention to how it feels to be light and comfortable or doughy and blerrrk! Luck with it all.

Hugs to You GG, thinking of you, mate, take care of yourself.

Hi Suejen, haven’t read up all posts yet, but happy to see your world is glowing bright. Happy olive pricking!

FB, You are looking great!lovely photo a few pages back, I’m chuckling because it looks like you are hamming it up and so full of life. Good girl. and I know you will be supporting GG behind the scenes. my best to her.

And welcome to newbies. Did I see we have another bloke in our crew? (is it Magic Mike???? anything’s possible on 5:2!) where are you, Andrew?

hooroo for now xxx gyps

Countrygal

7:09 am
13 Jun 15
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That’s what I’m asking Gyps, Andrew went to Broome some time back, wondering if he stayed??
GG phoned me Friday so should hear again in a day or two, poor girl, got a lot on her plate, she knows she’s loved 🙂 xxxx
The plateau is becoming a four letter word, I’m still on mine too. Mind you, look and feel better than I have for years and still not going up (other than my pig out last week end on purpose) but doesn’t go under 75.0 just so frustrating, must be doing it right as I don’t gain, like you Gypsy, it’s a buggar! 🙁 xxxxx

gypsybell

7:37 am
13 Jun 15
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Agree, CG, (#!!*) I was around this weight for many years (about 10 yrs back) it feels like I’m stuck in a groove! but it changed when I stopped smoking back then and the steady rise began. Have you thought about that? If you have given up the ciggies for your op, it could impact for a bit. nicotine does have an effect on nutrient uptake. Plus it was always a alternative to food for me and curbed the appetite. But don’t worry, you can take it into account and still lose weight. We can do it. I just think I’ve slowed down because I’m not as desperate as I was and will get serious about it enough to move again when I get the urge, maybe Spring. Meanwhile I’m enjoying the many benefits, Gad, I haven’t had the energy to get this muscle sore for years! And you look great the way you are. won’t be able to stop you once the back pain get’s sorted. don’t stress. xxgyps

Countrygal

7:45 am
13 Jun 15
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Yes so true Gyps, been off the smokes (had the odd couple) but using ecigs which I prefer actually. Wondered if that’s why, great craving for jubes, the hard ones. Never really had a sweet tooth but golly of late! So just glad I’m not putting any on, and like you, will be extra diligent come spring. Hoping the op does make me dangerous! 🙂 Well energetic any way with out having to keep stopping. Not long now, the 25th is looming 🙂 , busy trying to get things done that wont be touched for a couple of months, but not fazed, if it doesn’t get done the “Home beautiful” people will have to come another time 🙂 🙂 xxxxx

JenMic

8:34 am
13 Jun 15
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Hi Everyone

Been reading the posts – nice to catch up – back on track and still learning about what is best for me and thanks for everyones post as they do help to get over the rough patches. xoxo

Have you seen Michael Morsely show on SBS 2 on Monday night at 7.30 (Sydney). Has some interesting stuff happening.

Also if you are cleaning out your wardrobes give a thought to donating them to a woman’s refuge. Just ring them and ask if they are interested.

Have a great week and will catch up next week. Be safe & happy.

Fittoretire

10:01 am
13 Jun 15
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Hi All!
What a great lot of posts to wake up to!
Doggy – don’t feel guilty about the wine, you deserved it after your recent woes….bet you forgot all about your knee for a while anyway…what knee?! 😉
CG – maybe it should be GF ‘Gayle Force!’ – as in, you’re a force of nature and nothing is going to stop you…..great compliment from your neighbour 🙂 ; so hang on to that and remember how far you have come. My TDEE is also 1500 and I never manage to eat less than 500 on FD, sometimes less than TDEE but not often but I have reduced carbs alot and am losing very slowly.
Ah Gypsy – you would give anyone wanderlust with your poetic tales of life on the road…how we’ve missed you! 🙂 This is our fifth day of sunshine in a row and I think I’m delirious!! Temps about 15 to 18 which is not exactly roasting but so much better than we’ve had for ages, so we’ll take what we can get 😎 So glad you enjoyed catching up with old friends and typical of you to raise funds for worthy cause too, even though you have plenty cares of your own just now. <3 Take your meds and enjoy a well-earned rest. Give my love to your little Irish leprechaun too!! If the house is clean enough not to kill anyone, it’ll do!! 😆
JB – congrats on you great loss, you’re on your way and don’t look back!! Woohoo!!
Jenmic – good to hear from you again and that you are back on track. Keep it up!
My grand ball is on this evening, so I’m getting excited now. I’ve decided to wear the one-shouldered dress and to hell with my arms!!! Who’ll be looking at me anyway? Must make sure to do plenty of dancing to use up all the wine cals I’ll be consuming 😉 Have a great remainder to your weekend, everybody 🙂
Lotus – can’t do red wine either now since starting 5:2, odd isn’t it? Glad to hear Dr M says 500 cals is ok because I can’t do less. Have a great weekend xx

Countrygal

10:22 am
13 Jun 15
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Kick up the heals Fit, half the fun is getting ready, so give yourself plenty of time for pampering 🙂 “Have a ball” 😉 xxx

Lotus123

11:53 am
13 Jun 15
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Oh Fit, have a great time. You will look gorgeous! and yes, red wine upsets my stomach and also makes me feel ultra bloated. sad… But Vodka + soda + lemon slice seems to work at the moment 🙂

I have been looking for the post from MM about the 500 cal issue to sure with you all, I can’t find it – Blast… I think eating a quarter of TDEE for some people- for a petite woman for example at 1400 calls per day, would make this way of life difficult. 500 is easier to do… also, I have noticed that on the days that I have eaten much lesser than 500 ( 300 calls once, because I was not hungry as such), makes the next feed day a binge day – making the whole exercise a bit pointless IMO.

Jenmic – great idea. I tend just put it in the Vinnies/other charity bins, but will look for a women’s shelter too. I did donate half my suitcase of baggy clothes in Manila when I visited there the last week – with an added bennie of light hand-baggage only return travel.

Lotus123

11:55 am
13 Jun 15
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Didn’t catch the show JenMic! will try and see if its available on the SBS website…

Countrygal

10:19 pm
13 Jun 15
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Good morning team, hope your all enjoying your break from routine and taking advantage of the weekend 🙂 I had a busy day in the greenhouse yesterday, which I love doing, time means nothing and it goes so very quickly. I’d love to ge “playing” out there again today but going out for lunch then the movies 🙂
Planning day for us to fast tomorrow, so get some veg soup on , boil an egg, whatever makes your fast easy and keeps you from temptation. If the steamed fish or veg from the supermarket is to your liking, get it today, because if you shop during a fast, the smells and foods you see, will often be too tempting 🙂
Fit, hope your ball went well as I’m sure it would, bet you looked beautiful, send us some pics 🙂
Happy day team, enjoy what you do or do something you enjoy xxxx

Lotus123

10:38 pm
13 Jun 15
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Good morning ! It’s a beautiful day so going for a walk with OH.

Countrygal

10:56 pm
13 Jun 15
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What a perfect way to start your day Lotus, hope you find somewhere to grab a coffee too 🙂 xx

Jaybee68

1:26 am
14 Jun 15
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Good morning. Hope you are all enjoying a lovely Sunday wherever you are. I so admire how some of you can reply to all the previous posts…I am still finding the forums and all the posts a bit confusing and overwhelming but eventually I will get to know everyone and be able to take more part in a conversation instead of just talking about ME. I should have only joined ONE Aussie thread (I also post in the Southern Hemisphere one which was the one I posted in before when I first started this plan back before hubby got ill…18 months ago now and he is thankfully going well). I used to be part of a scrapbook forum and that was so much fun! We all got to know each other and actually met up in real life with many of them, some from overseas even. We would share photos of our scrapbooking efforts and through looking at each others scrapbook pages online, we actually got to know of the families and their doings. However Facebook lured many away, the site was purchased by a bigger organisation and eventually closed. I do not do Facebook so have now lost touch with most of them and my scrapbook efforts have ceased:(

Today I have an afternoon of dance happening which should be win win win…nice music, fun exercise and good company. Not a fast day for me so I will enjoy a careful afternoon tea with maybe a treat or two.

Have a good one everyone.

Jaybee68

1:27 am
14 Jun 15
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Anyone in northwest/new England area of nsw?

MoonGal

3:24 am
14 Jun 15
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Just found some items at Coles I thought some of you might be interested in:

Changs does a noodle that is the same stuff as Slendier same 10cal per serve, but a bit cheaper ($1.90 on special this week here.) http://shop.coles.com.au/online/national/changs-noodles-wok-ready-lo-cal I found it with all the other noodles.

And in the hunt for a bread option I found a loaf where each slice is 58cal! http://shop.coles.com.au/online/national/purebred-bread-multigrain-farmhouse-gluten-free (the one I found was sliced). I normally wouldn’t select gluten free necessarily, but I will for toast as an option.

All prepped for fast tomorrow. Hope you all are having a lovely Sunday.

MoonGal

Fatbuster

4:05 am
14 Jun 15
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Happy Sunday Gang
And welcome back Gypsy…. Loving your posts as usual. JB, congrats for the loss, well done.
And Gyps, not trying to put those expressions intentionally . I was under the influence of couple of beers, so trying to hold the expressions…. LOL
Thanks for info Moongal
And here’s our CG in her leather skirt. I think she looks ravishing. Thanks CG for sharing the pic pic with us….

Ps: Fit, waiting for your pic in that cocktail dress..

Dogsabie

5:55 am
14 Jun 15
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Hello all. I’m late here today. The busy reading trying to catch up with all that’s going on. Up I hope you have a lovely time. I’m sure that you are going to look stunning in your dress. Gypsy good to see you back and still poetic. B aches and pains so get annoying at times don’t they. It sounds as though both you and CG have been busy bees. My B knee is still a hassle but I think it’s a bit better. I’ve had very little exercise for almost a week now and it’s really giving me the irrits. But other folk have so much more to deal with so I’ll shut up about it.
Interesting discussions re the 500 calories, TDEE etc. I think that we are all just far more aware of what we are eating and how much we are eating. I’m still of the opinion that once a diet or eating regime becomes too restrictive it’s doomed for failure. The mere fact that we can pig out occasionally, be it with cheese, chocolate, wine or whatever makes this so doable.
Yesterday MOH went fishing and came back with some lovely Flathead. So tonight it’s fried fish for supper. I’m not doing chips with it though. Probably some seemed mixed veg.
Enjoy the rest of the day team. Back to FD tomorrow.

Dogsabie

5:56 am
14 Jun 15
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Woops. Make that steamed mixed veg!

Countrygal

7:05 am
14 Jun 15
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FB, just got home from the movies, thank you for posting the pic. GG sent me the skirt as a gift (size14) and has been waiting to see it on me. The whole outfit is size 14 so really pleased and still comfy and roomy 🙂 so one happy camper. The rest of the team can see the beauty of my farm and surrounding country I look over every day
Enjoy your evening team and hope your gearing up for tomorrows fast, oh so easy and doable. As Doggy says, not very restrictive or challenging and for the sake of ONLY two days…….You CAN do it! Enjoy team, think of the benefits and how far you/we have all come. Like me, if 14 is my regular size from here on in, I’m extremely happy 🙂 Why put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Be happy with the NEW you xxxx

gypsybell

10:11 am
14 Jun 15
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Hallooo the mob! Bugga! The day goes so fast when you sleep in! Then there’s the obligatory exercise (after a hottt shower to unfreeze the sore muscles) and into it(the unfinished planting of almost too big seedlings). After which one must spend a mo polishing the halo and supporting the wine industry (over a healthy salad, of course)and here it is, dark and time for the daily report!

CG, great photo, mate. You certainly needn’t fret if you don’t get skinnier and what a view! Your patio plants look soooo well cared for! I just did my (usually) annual epic and planted up a zillion pots. On average half will survive, until the weeds and scrub vines smother them, but for a brilliant few months they will be an awesome splash of colour in this green river scrub belt. I rely on the monsoonal floods to wipe out the debris and then start again, whenever the mood strikes. Have missed a year or so and the tangle is pretty epic, but the exercise is beneficial. IF it all blooms I will post evidence!

Meanwhile, I’m grateful to you all for inspiring me to do it (simply because you seem to find my eccentricities acceptable!) one more time! My Leprechaun is an avid veggie gardener and so gets a kick out of my occasional focus on ‘the garden’ (can’t bear not to assist and bemoan my slap happy methodology). So he’s arrived back to find his directions are soo essential to the survival of all! It’s the only medicine I could think of to keep him in ‘the now’. We will have flowers and ginormous varieties of exotic veg! on the table and decorating it. One day at a time ends up being a lifetime if you are too busy to notice time passing (I reckon). Lettuce see what an MRI thinks of that in 3 months time.

So FIT, not sure what your ‘grand ball’ is related to, but dead sure you’ll be the Belle of it! So glad your weather is co-operating, bare arms? Wow! you go girl! I still wouldn’t do that in a heat wave!

Doggie, good to hear you are on the mend Knee wise. Agree aches and pains become an issue in our decrepidus! Distractions are the best cure. Have you tamed the mutt yet?

Nice to hear from moongal and I see Lotus is still blooming! (I’m an expurt on ‘blooms’ ya know…Haw! Haw! )BTW, didja’ll know the definition of an expurt? is: “An old drip under pressure”….

Going now, it’s past my zone out time…I’ll need several hours of staring into space to come up with the best plan for moving even my eyeballs tomorrow…..Thank God I’m fasting! and the rain falls on my plants, pea soup is bubbling, eggs boiled, Oh sleeps in his chair in front of the TV footy, His team won. that’s a good sign, I reckon. Nite all xxx gyps

Fittoretire

10:19 am
14 Jun 15
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Hi All!
Got out of bed this morning with two very stiff creaky knees and feet that were still on fire from all the dancing last night…good signs that Cinderella had a brilliant time at the ball! 😉 I did bring a wrap to cover my arms for the early part of the night; until the dancing started and I’d had a few wines (and peach schnapps!) and didn’t care any more 😮 It was a fantastic night to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our local choral society so the atmosphere was amazing and the singalongs were superb! I will try to post a photo; my daughter gets home tomorrow so hopefully she will sort it out for me.
CG – you look fab in the skirt and size 14! Woohoo! Your lovely home and farmland are gorgeous too – no wonder you love it so much and are so contented among your plants and animals. It’s your own slice of paradise. 🙂
Lotus – enjoy your walk and make the most of the lovely weather. It’s a beautiful morning here again so I’m enjoying a leisurely breakfast in my sun room with the doors open and the sunlight and warmth are streaming in…bliss! If my feet recover, I might even go for a walk!
JB – enjoy your dancing…it’s good for body and soul 🙂
MG – you sure are well organized and thanks for the links.
FB – you have perfected the model pose in your photo! Thanks for posting the pic of CG – she certainly does look amazing…stylish and slim; another 5:2 poster girl.
Doggy – sorry your knee is still giving you trouble. Enjoy the fresh fish, it will be very tasty, I’m sure. Homemade chips are not nearly as bad as you might think, but obviously steamed veg is a much better, healthier option..well done!
Have a great week, gang…planned fasts, careful shopping, mindful eating; we can do this!!!!

Uptightoutasight

10:27 am
14 Jun 15
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Hi all, just back from St Petersburg and now in Helsinki for 6 days. Raining and have just got a turn on this computer for a few minutes.

Lovely pic, CG. And yes, the view is wonderful. Love it!

Doggie, it isn’t me who will be in the dress, that is Fit!

Jenmic, great idea about the refuge etc. In NY I gave a subway ticket that had a few days of unlimited travel left on it, as I was leaving, to the first homeless person I saw. The look on his face! He was so grateful. I didn’t know how useful it would be but I guess he could ride around and stay warm and dry for a few days at least. I am going to try and do that now wherever I am if I am in that situation again. I was a bit hesitant, it would have been easier for me to bin it but I “manned up” and approached him and am glad I did.

Jaybee, I live in Brisbane now but lived in Armidale for many years and left about 8 or 9 years ago. I still have plenty of friends there though. Also, what kind of dancing do you do? I like to swing dance/ lindyhop.

My husband has unpacked the scales. Not getting on them until tomorrow morning. Preparing myself for bad news! St Petersburg was pretty good for healthy choices if you know what you are doing, which I didn’t. Not many speak english and even service staff are very limited. The tourist industry caters more for russian tourists. It was very interesting though. So many beautiful historical buildings and no skyscrapers. Nothing higher that several storeys and all in a similar attrective style. Of course, I didn’t see the suburbs which I imagine are unattractive apartments full of poor people. Apparently most russians would not dream of being able to go into a Starbucks equivalent. There is a tiny upper class, a massive working class and virtually no middle class at all.
I was talking to my husband about how lucky we are to be born Australian. Even the poorest of us can generally breathe clean air, eat and stay warm and be educated.

I am not going to fast at all until I am back in Aus at the end of June. Just too hard now, but will try to make reasonable choices and come back with a vengeance in July! Keep up the good work everyone.

Fittoretire

10:31 am
14 Jun 15
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Nite, nite, Gypsy; our posts crossed….so glad you’re enjoying your garden and well done for using it as therapy and distraction for your OH, you clever gal! Really hope the MRI has some good news xxxx

Fittoretire

10:39 am
14 Jun 15
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Hi Up, great to hear from you again. I think we’ll have to christen you our ‘roving reporter’! Just love reading about all your experiences and you’re right about not trying to fast now…just enjoy the ride! What a brilliant idea about the subway ticket; how kind and thoughtful. I’m sure you made a big difference to that homeless person’s day. I agree about how lucky we are in Ireland too; of course there are poor and disadvantaged sectors of society here too but the vast majority of people have the basics in life. Take care on the rest of your travels xx

Countrygal

11:06 am
14 Jun 15
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I agree with Fit Up, just enjoy the life experience, we are all loving being updated, you can fast once your home and you ARE making healthy choices, something you may not have done before 5:2 , I have so many questions regarding the sights, customs, language, shopping facilities, their general demeana. and outlook, but with a language, it would be hard to ask but watching their daily movements and smiles on faces say a lot.
Fit, so pleased you had a wonderful night, shame about the feet, a good soak in a bucket (or wash basin) of salt or washing soda will help (whilst reading a hook 🙂 ) Was it a nice meal too?
Isn’t it lovely to hear about others “normal” life, and Gypsy, I can vouch for the therapeutic benefits of the garden! That’s how mine got so big! Even the maintenance now is therapeutic, although I have someone help me for 3 hours a week these days, but it is pleasure, never a chore.
Have a lovely evening team….oh the movie Spy” wasn’t bad, lot of unnecessary language as most films these days, story line light enough to follow mix of comedy and action, but all in all, nice catch up with the girls, nice lunch and a Sunday outing which is very unusual for me. Nighty nite, team, talk tomorrow during our fast xxxxx

suejen

1:52 pm
14 Jun 15
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HI Folks just posting a link to an interesting article from the Focus on Flavour 5:2 site re 10 top tips on what to eat on NF days – something we all talk about all the time. Have a look.
http://www.focusonflavour.com/hints-and-tips/consider-what-you-eat-not-just-how-much/

Fittoretire

5:17 pm
14 Jun 15
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SJ – lots of useful tips there, thanks!

Lotus123

7:37 pm
14 Jun 15
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Wow! Great pic CG. How amazing your farm looks too. You look great (FB thanks for posting it, it’s very encouraging to to see the progress for others 🙂 )
Up- I feel very grateful too, each time I come back home…I love NYC, but the endemic poverty in US is distressing. Love your description of Russia. All the best for weigh-in, but as our fearless leader puts it – don’t sweat the small stuff 🙂
Fit – hope your feet are better now 🙂
I did go on a long walk ( about three hours!!) and came back to loads of housework, something about the sun shining makes us busy beavers eh?
FD today for most of us, team – all the best, stay warm (or cool, depending). I have packed the tofu and veggie stir fry for lunch, and microwave veggies ( the freezer pack) +boiled egg for breakfast or dinner. It’s weird, some FDs I feel hungry in the morning and brekkie, sometimes I don’t so keep the dinner/brekkie option 🙂

Lotus123

7:40 pm
14 Jun 15
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Great link SJ – nice hints 🙂

Uptightoutasight

8:56 pm
14 Jun 15
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Thanks all. Happy to answer any questions, CG!

Countrygal

10:42 pm
14 Jun 15
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Good morning team, oh so brisk and B freezing 🙂 which usually means a lovely day will follow, we’ll see. Good luck with fasting today, it’s easy if your mind set is in the right place. Stay busy, stop focusing on food. Eat simply and don’t think of it as a big deal. 🙂 Fresh, simply prepared, flavoursome and natural…you CAN do it, you don’t need to be from master chef, the easier the better. LaZuppa soup (cup a soups) with zero noodles if needed…..I add baby spinach as it’s my personal favourite 🙂 …… OR a salad with a bit of fried tofu or tuna etc….Omelette for dinner with a few mushrooms and bean shoots….all natural, dead easy to make, all quite filling, hardly any dishes 😆 lots of black or flavoured teas and the day is done and dusted!
Common sense thread suejen, except No.7 …stay away from low fat, lite, or diet anything? Don’t we automatically reach for lite? Anything to save on cals?
Maybe what I’ve been doing wrong for all these years, 🙁
Have a great day team, let your AUSSIE DETERMINATION guide you today, it will not let you down, and remember YOU CAN DO IT, for one day, it’s easy 🙂
Your future starts today, how do you want to look 🙂 xxxxxxx

Fittoretire

11:20 pm
14 Jun 15
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Had a lovely relaxing day today with my poor feet up 🙂 Never mind….it was worth it!! Gotta get up early in the morning to go and collect my dotie daughter from the airport; she’s coming home from England for just four days before going back to take up her internship for the summer. We probably won’t see her until mid-August so got to make the most of the next few days. My other beautiful daughter turns 25 tomorrow…where did the time go? I suppose that explains why there’s a wrinkled old lady looking back at me when I look in the mirror 😮 !
Have a great week everybody and remember your four Ps!!!! Xxxxx

DoitinParadise

12:07 am
15 Jun 15
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Good morning team

Too many posts once again to comment on all. 🙂

Just have to quickly say that CG, you look fabulous and so does your view!

Welcome back Gypsy, great to read your posts again and I am with you, love looking at flowers but cannot stand the gardening part!

Fit – so glad you had great time at the ball, dancing is one great way to get the weight off. That is why I was so skinny when younger, danced all the time. I seem to have lost my moves these days – haha. Have a great time with your daughter.

Happy FD who ever is doing it. I am going to crack under that 78kgs this week. X fingers everyone.

DoitinParadise

12:13 am
15 Jun 15
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Great link SJ, I always have low fat/lite cheese/cream etc. I cannot drink full cream milk tho but only have a tiny drop of lite in coffee anyway.

Can anyone advise on the sugarless items of food?? I tend to have the sugarless jelly and lollies sometimes. Although I do realise too much is not good for you and it gives you the runs.

Happy Days 🙂

mikeinsydney

12:18 am
15 Jun 15
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Morning all, hope you had wonderful weekends. FD for me today, so far an apple (always start the day with one) and one egg with black coffee for morning tea. Planning on two eggs for lunch, and then some smoked salmon for dinner 🙂

Happy FD for those who do Mondays!

Countrygal

12:54 am
15 Jun 15
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http://chriskresser.com/still-think-low-fat-dairy-is-the-healthy-choice-think-again/
Hi team hope this gets some discussion going,
Thanks for the help FB xxx :). It worked!