Thanks Barb…….
This not getting enough water in me is killing me…….. I do normally count everything that goes into my mouth.
The last two days it seems I’ve been a little willy nilly, not that I’ve gone over board on eating, I just haven’t counted any calories. And Yesterday, I almost had an impromptu FD without meaning too. I had to. Be to work but 9 am, so, I get up in the morning, get ready for the day, then I sit down to have another cup of coffee, I glance over at the clock….. Holy moly…. It’s 8:55….. I’m going to be late! A sip of coffee and run out the door….. Thank goodness, I only work right around the corner. Nothing like starting the day off with a bang…… So busy at work ended up seeing 32 clients before 1:30 including two new builds and a kitchen remodel and I designed the bathroom of my dreams to bad, I’ll never be able to use it…… By the time, I realized it was 1:30 by belly was talking up the storm…… And I did a 18 hour fast with out even realizing it…. Even worse in that 18 hours, I only had 2 and a sip of a third cups of coffee and 3 pieces of chewing gum…..
Then grabbed an organic apple, banana and berry purée like apple sauce for 60 calories, stopped at the market and home for a quick nap!
When I woke the mayhem began, 4 slice of toast with butter and jam, 2 cups of coffee a candy bar, sausage, peppers and onions sandwich with roasted potatoes and a choc. bell…… All in like a 4 hour window…. Ugg!
Today….. Well it’s only 8:30 am and the Husband and I have managed to finish a whole pot of coffee. I think before he makes that next pot, I’ll ask him to poach some eggys to go with it……
Sleep well my friends!

Good morning all. Beautiful day for the fist FD of the week. Hope everyone is prepared and rearing to go. I’ve just taken my pain killers and so in about 20 min I’m off to aqua at the hydro pool. Barb seems you have not found anyone yet. Aquarobics is a good place to start if you don’t have any major problems. Or just getting in the pool and moving/walking is a great start too. The weightlessness you experience in the pool does not put much pressure on the old body. 🏊🏻🏊🏻
Know what you mean about material. When we moved three years ago I gave 10 garbage bags full of material to the high school my children went to so that anyone still doing textiles would have some fabric to work with. There was a lot of quality linen and crepe etc that I was never going to make up for work clothes anymore. Most of it was quality fabric that I had picked up at sales over the years thinking it was too good of a Bargin to miss. Hopefully some of the students got to use it. The sewing teacher asked me if I minded if she took some as well, and said the drama department would make use of some of it for backdrops and props. So win win . I still have a lot left that I “may” use one day. Tend not to make much from scratch these days. No time now that I have retired!!!😀🕒🕗🕜🕝🕞😀

GOOD LUCK WITH FAST DAY EVERYONE..😋😉😘😍🤗😏

Thank you all for the kind thoughts and words about my sister. Dementia is a cruel condition and robs people of their personality and normal life. My sister is young enough to have this condition, 72, and could live for another 20 years so it’s important to have both short and long term plans in place.
Barb – it’s my ambition too to try and get fitter this year; I think I might give yogalates a go as I’d like more strength and flexibility going into the next phase of my life.
Bert – for fluid intake you should count all beverages such as tea, coffee, broth etc; not just water. I’m sure you’ll find that you are drinking plenty when you count them all up.
Jade – I hope you find your mom’s earring; it’s such a lovely thing to have as a keepsake xx
PH – you are great to keep going to the pool despite the pain you have….true aussie determination!! Glad the weather is so nice. It has become quite cold here so the forecast for later in the week is for sleet and snow!! What next??
CG – I loved your quote; definitely one to reflect on. I am getting myself ready for fasting tomorrow and I am happy to see that I have maintained my weight so far over the weekend, so I should be on track for successful fasting this week. I totally agree that we are not alone on this journey and I know that I would have fallen by the wayside long ago were it not for the wonderful company, support and encouragement here. Long may it continue!!
Wishing you all the very best for the week ahead – settled weather, good health, excellent company, strong fast days, tasty treats (in moderation 😉 ) and happy times whether at work or at play xxxx 🙂 🙂 🙂

What an awesome post CG!
FIT-Pleased to hear your family conference was positive. The love and concern that you have for your sister is wonderful . You are doing your best to ensure she continues to have a safe environment with some degree of a quality of her life . Thoughts are with you.
MY Mum is doing very well perhaps alittle too well.She has become very determined in the last months and is doing things her way.
My FD when in Sydney go very well , Mum has gone out for the day and I am minding the dog who had a stroke some weeks back. Mum has beeb caring for her since my sister is away. So I talked her into going out with a friend whislt I am here .
Have a great FD you can do this …one day is all it takes with 500 cals over the 36hrs. Remember to drink plenty of water and black tea or coffee and our friend the HARD BOILED EGG….GO GAL XXXX

OMG. Away from the forum and there are heaps of posts to go through. I have had family here since last Tuesday night. Our son went back to Brisbane and then my daughter, SIL and 10 week old grandson who came for a catch up with our son stayed until Sunday arvo. House quiet again. It is lovely to have everyone here but I do love the peace and quiet for a little recovery.
I had a chance to do a little beading this weekend and made some lovely earrings.
Going to be 36 here today so will not be doing too much.
Went to bed last night, so tired, had a little read and could hardly keep my eyes open. Turned out the light and ****BING**** wide awake. I tossed and turned for half an hour, gave up, went upstairs to find my IPAD. I have an app called DEEP RELAX. It is great. I put the ocean sounds on and within a short while I was off in dreamland.
I had a few nibbles whilst everyone here but not bad ones. Just had some Vita Wheat sandwich crackers broken up, tasty cheese, feta cheese and a bit of ham. I did also have three slices of bread which is bad for me as I really do try to stay away from it. I made a slice which was yummy. It is a Paleo one (I don’t do the diet but I do cook some of the recipes) and the ingredients were banana, shredded coconut, coconut milk, coconut flour, an egg, honey. From memory I think that’s about all that is in them. They are sprinkled with pecan nuts. YUMMY 😛😛😛!!!!!
I am an avid PINNER and have lots of yummy slices and salads on my boards. I’ve collected stuff and not made anything so now I am working my way through the boards, particularly the salads, meat, chicken, vegetarian and cakes/slices.
I read about the cricket fans here but I don’t follow the game at all. I am a dyed in the wool soccer fan. My love of the game came after I met my husband who is from Scotland. We went to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Built it in to a 7 week holiday round the world trip.

I looked at the photos on Page 199. Sorry can’t remember who said it but you all look great and certainly not like you need to lose heaps of weight. I guess it is all relative. I am very short so any weight on me makes me look like a barrel.

CG – hahahahahaha, I love being a Determinator. Sounds very cool.

JL – the Melt In You Mouth Pot Roast was delicious especially the veggies. Everyone enjoyed it and I had a bit of the leftover cold meat with salad the next day.

UP – Sorry to hear about your fall. Boisterous dogs can be cannonballs. Hope you feel better soon.

BARB – I must admit I was thinking about the wrinkle factor too. Hopefully that won’t happen too much. We will just see how it goes.

BERT – I definitely factor in the tea I drink. I only have unsweetened black tea and in most cases it is a herbal tea. I get the brand PUKKA and they are caffeine free. I don’t count the odd coffee or broths into my intake though. To try and drink more water I have a routine – every time I go to the toilet for a pee I have a glass of water. It is becoming a habit now.
I was also interested to read the “teacher” story. My daughter is tall and was always taller than most others. She did ballet from about age five but when she was in grade 5 the ballet teacher made a comment when they were preparing for the end of year concert ” We can’t have you in this dance because you are too tall and will spoil the look of it”. She was so upset and as a result decided to give up and play netball. Having been told she could do one or the other she decided to swap. She was a shooter and went on to be in the rep team in Qld. Good result but just shows how a teacher can change the course of things with one remark.

WB – I don’t drink alcohol at all so am lucky not to have that temptation. I have enough just coping with the food side!

JL – I saw the Whirling Dervishes in Instanbul and believe me they were nothing like those dictionary terms. Sometimes I wish I was one when it comes to cleaning. I could whiz about the house gracefully getting everything done. Wishful thinking there!

SJ – So glad the fires are contained. Let’s hope they are under control soon. Any loss of life is so sad. My closest friend lives in Port Hedland and she recently sent photos of the fire not far from their back fence. Very frightening.

PH – My cleaning bug will kick in just befor the 24th as I have a friend coming down from Qld to stay a week. House is not bad but I do like to have it ship shape when people come to stay. Thank goodness my OH is happy to help.

The reunion sounds like fun. If ever there is one back in Melbourne I would love to come.

Well so much has happened since my last FD. I will be doing mine tomorrow. Good luck to everyone doing it today👍👍👍👍👍

Hello everyone. Well today I came back to earth with a big,fat bump. I’ve managed to gain three Kilos and add 4 centimetres to my girth. This was probably over the period of a month. So it’s a big,deep breath and back on the 5:2. I’m now once again uncomfortable when I walk and hate the way I look. That should be enough motivation for me. I’m also going to do a bit of the Atkins diet too for a few weeks. This means restricting my carbohydrate intake to 20 gms a day. I should achieve this by no bread, rice, pasta,spuds or wine. It’s all doable being such a good time for lighter meals and lots of green leafy veggies etc.
Fit I’m so sorry about your sister. Dimentia is so very cruel. i think its something we all dread as we get older.
There seems to be a theme here about sewing rooms fabric etc. I used to be a great knitter in yeas gone by. I still have enough wool and yarn to knit up garments for about 20 people. This month I will find a charity who will be able to make use of it. I also have a cupboard full of fabric, dressmaking patterns, cross stitch plus patchwork. I feel tired just thinking about it all. It’s obvious that the cleaning bug hasn’t got to me yet.
SJ I haven’t read any books by the author you mentioned. I plan to look out for some.
XX Doggy

Morning everyone. Our fire is still burning & reports differ as to whether it is contained but not controlled, or neither. It came yesterday to within 1km of the much larger town of Harvey but water bombers stopped it. They’ve said they will be putting out spot breakouts for months. But the weather is much more favourable now.
Well I sure need a FD today & will do 3 this week as not happy with my post holiday weight. Haven’t seen 72 for a long time & don’t wish to be there so M/W/F it is for me. We’ll see what that will do.
Yes CG great encouraging post for us today so let’s get to it team. We can do this with ease now. Some days harder than others but IF you’re having a hard day get online & post…someone will be there to pull you up by your bootstraps! Sometimes that’s all it takes to get us back on track.
One thing I need to do for sure is get back into the exercise. It’s been so hot I’ve dropped the bundle on that one. So need to look at either early mornings or after dinner & get back into walking.
GG lovely to hear that your mum is doing so well. She’s making her own path so be proud of her for that. Very hard after so many years together.
Fit so glad your meeting went well & that you were able to get everyone together to start the discussions.
Boy Barb your 20 mins a day has turned into a marathon!! But stick at it & you’ll be happy when you’re finished. Keeps you busy on a FD anyway!
Wow PH you were a collector of materials….10 bags of it to give away! At least it all found a good home by the sound of it. I’ve whittled mine down to a few nice lengths that I really like & maybe…one day…will make up into something!
Jade hope you find that very precious earring of your mother’s. I lost my engagement ring once – took it off in the car to put some cream on & dropped it. Could not find it anywhere – thought it had bounced out & gone down a drain or something. Vacuumed the car totally but no luck. Six months later was cleaning the car again and there it was under the seat…..was amazing! Where had it been all that time??!
Bert you need to get those 4 P’s working for you especially with mad days like that one – Plan Prepare Persist and Persevere cos otherwise the lack of eating will rebound on you at some stage & you’ll scoff everything in sight! Have done it myself & when I look back I know that it was lack of food & before that lack of planning & preparing that caused it. We’ve all been there but your number of clients sounds impossible?!

Have a great FD all stick to your plans stick to your guns & don’t let anything sway you. It is SOO worth it in the long run. suejen XXXX

Hi to all, cannot possibly respond to everyone, don’t know how you others do it. I am getting better after the fall, thanks.
PH great about your son.

CG, I will email you my mobile number for the WTF Reunion as I will be staying in Croydon.

Hi all. Everyone busy on the posting today. Looks like FD going well. Mine is on track. Just a cup of coffee after the pool with a friend this morning and nothing since. Not feeling hungry so should make it with ease.
SueJen..I too am doing a MWF this week. After the weekend I have had I decided it was probably in order. And yes I was a collector of materials. Used to go to the seconds shops in Brisbane and get some really great bargains, in those days a lot of people did their own sewing in my family anyway. Made most of my own clothes and my children’s clothes most of my life. Even decked about 50 people out in Australian Olympic costumes after the Sydney games for a float in the Jacaranda Festival. Great fun.
GG .so good that your mum is doing things “her way “. Means that she is not going to sit back and let everyone look after her. Amazing lady🤗🤗🤗.
UP. Good to know you are doing well.
FIT. so good the meeting went better than expected. Thanks for the comment re pool. I find if I don’t go to the pool these days I cease up and then my mobility is back where it started. Ain’t drugs wonderful when you really need them.

CG my mum taught me to sew and crochet and knit when I was young. I too have so much wool and crochet cotton stored as I got all of mums when she passed away 18 months ago. So much to do….so little time…oh well. Just do I when the mood strikes me these days. I can’t bring myself to part with it just yet..too many memories of her and I making things together. 👖👚👗✂️✂️In the end I used to do all of her sewing too as she was very short waisted and could not get anything to suit her figure, and being a beautiful dressmaker she would not wear anything unless it fitted perfectly right up to when she passed at 93..
Re the pool. Must have been the day for instructors to make us work. The lady I had coffee with said that today’s session was the hardest she had ever done. He had us going for the full hour without a break and boy were we picked. Came home and had a nana nap. 🏊🏻🏊🏻🏊🏻 🛌🛌🛌🛌

All of this cleaning out of sewing rooms has got me start d on sewing for the new soon to be granddaughter. One of the little ones who visited on the weekend had a great little hat so They left it here so I could get a pattern and this afternoon have cut out the pattern and made my first one. Just like a little jockey cap ,fully lined, with a little brim. So cute. Have cut out 4 more from little bits of fabric I had in the cupboard. One each for the other two little ones staying at daughters and two for my new little one still to come. Hopefully get them all made this week. Just love this type of sewing.

Doggy. You will be back to your previous weight in no time. You are so committed when you get going. Hang in there and we will all be her to support you..just like always. This Thread is the absolute best and I would not have lost what I have so far without you all. Thanks again everyone for that support and now together we can all get stuck into getting rid of some more extra weight…some a lot…some not so much but each at their own pace. GET GOING EVERYONG…WE CAN DO THIS.🤗🤗🎉🎉😍😍😇😇😜😜💐💐🍀🍀🍏🍎🍐🍊🍌🍉🍇🍓🍒🍑🍍🍅🍆🌶and even some of this 🍾🍷🍫🍰🧀🍬

I’m here PH. Missing the time to chat with you all, too. got deadlines to meet. Great you are all so active in support of each other. I am keeping the faith. Fasting today. going down by grams, but definitely staying in the 84’s so back to my 10 kg loss. Looking forward to a few more before our meet up in Sydney. I will be there with bells on!

Thanks to GG for emailing me the shuttle service, info. So grateful you are all out there on my side! I’ll be back! Love to all. Carry on! xxgyps

Gyps are you writing a book???? Maybe I missed some info somewhere. Tell…tell! Sj xxx

Hi everyone, back from Copenhagen – bloody cold! So glad I wore my vintage cashmere Wallis coat. Couldn’t afford one when they were in the shop in the eighties, git mine off eBay for £20. So warm and so smart – and its a size 14 and a bit big.

Fit, joining you today, first fast of the year for me – CG thanks for the words of encouragement, will keep reading them today.

Hi Gyp, let me know if you have indeed started a book, I need to get going onbny scripts – just as soon as I’ve sold the mountain of jewellery I boughtat the weekend.

Genie, I too am married to a Scot, though he hates soccer, a rugby man!

Lovely to see everyone posting, have a lovely week.

Travel hopefully

Great to hear you are ok Gyps. Good lick with the deadlines…🕖🕖

OH gone to visit his mum, so I’m nabbing the chance to do a proper post. I’m fasting today – will have some leftover beef from yesterday with loads of veg (but no spuds!!); so should be ok with that. Lots of water and some black tea – it’s chilly, drizzly and miserable here. Brrrrrr!
UP – good to hear from you and hope that you haven’t been left too black and blue by your fall. Take care 🙂
Milena – well done on the jewellery buying; wishing you the best of success with the sales now! Wow! That sure was a bargain with the coat…I’m useless at buying online and can never find anything worth getting.
SJ and Dawg – I had a bad start to the new year efforts as well but feeling strong and determined again now. Even though I was up last week on the week before, I had done two good fasts and have been better at the non FDs too. So I’m all set for two good fasts again this week and I WILL be down on last week’s weigh-in! Let’s all do it together xx
PH – I’m very impressed with your creativity….you, SJ, CG, Barb….you’re all multi-talented ladies. I haven’t knitted anything forabout 25 years; maybe I’ll be inspired to take it up again.
Gyps – good to hear that all is going well with you and you’re making good progress on the weight front too; woohoo!! Stay safe and well xx
CG – sounds like you got a very good workout; you must be getting very fit and strong; well done for persevering in all that heat. Hope you’ve given the clearing out a break for the moment – you’ve been firing on all engines for the last few days!!
Big hello to everyone else on this fab thread xx

Hi y’all,
Woke up this morning in a bit of a smoggy mood. I’m thinking it just because I’m a bit tired, plus, I really blew the last couple days food wise.
However, after reading your posts, I am ready to jump back on the wagon. Today, is another FD and I’m going to tackle it with all I got.
Fit, genie and all that replied about water intake….. I’m going to start counting my teas and broth as recommended.
Sue….. You are absolutely correct, I do need to focus more on the 4 P’s, especially on busy days like Sat. was.
Barb…. I do have a travel mug, but work has just been so busy lately, it gets cold before I can finish it. So, I won’t bring it to work with me any more. 32 clients is actually easy as long as you have all your ducks in order and you listen to the client. The only issue which is personal, I never sit at my desk, going to the loo is nearly impossible and it makes the day fly!
Genie…… What a terrible teacher, to make that comment to your daughter. Ugg! It makes me so darn upset that people do those things to our kids. I just don’t think people understand that these kids are our future and what we teach them today, will be exactly how our future will be tomorrow. I’m so glad your daughter was able to swap into something she enjoys and did well with.
Country…… Is was so sad to read about Matilda…. I’m glad she was able to have some comfort before her passing. The article, I read didn’t have a date, so I assumed it happened recently.
Doggy….. Do not despair, I am right there with you. Traveling the not so smooth road. Today is a new day, dust off those shoes and let’s make this walk together. We will arrive at our designated time, in better health and with great friendships!
Well, my friends today is a new day full of wonder, so I must prepare myself for the sun’s arrival!

Bert..that’s the ticket. Jump up on that wagon and get going …Fast…I too had blowouts on the weekend and the good news is that there are the fast days to fix the blowouts. WE CAN ALL DO THIS TOGETHER😜😜😜. Up and at em girl. You can do this.

Good luck to you Jade As well if you are fasting?

Keep up the good work FIT. I can picture you and your sister practicing your dancing. Lots of laughter happening. 😀😀💃💃 not sure what a care manager is but hope it works out for you. 💖💖
Genie..agree with Bert about the ballet teacher. On the bright side, it did work out that your D got to achieve in something else she loved. I too am an avid pinned. So many great ideas .

Back to sleep hopefully, 😴😴😴

Hi Fit, CG and all

well, half past three, just five cups of tea with half a spoonful of sugar – sounds scary, fear not, son has been calculation exactly how much tea I drink – he and hubby are ALWAYS moaning I leave tea – out of 5 cups, two not tasted, two left three quarters and the last one left half – so half a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of milk into myfitnesspal – and two guys refusing to make me any more tea!!!

No coffee as it seems to be the one thing I can’t cope with after gall bladder out – on the other hand, helpful if I have goods in transit I suppose – how are you doing CG, hope you are sailing through to full recovery!

Eaten nothing, sent hubby to shops to get salmon to poach, having it with one thinkish slice of wholemeal bread, which I will weigh, scrape of mayo, salad leaves, cucumber, tomatoes and lemon. And a cuppa! If I have any spare cals, a teaspoonful of pine nuts.

Early to bed as we are up at 4.30, to go to a fair 3 hours away. So I reckon just 6 hours to go!! Yay!!

Hope anyone fasting down under had a good day and I hope yours is going well, Fit!

Happy new week all. SJ you give me hope I’ll find mom’s earring, no luck so far. I’ve scoured the baseboards and under furniture with the flashlight, have found enough dog hair to build another one, but nothing sparkly 🙁 Guess I need to get going like CG and grab more than a flashlight….
It sure is hard to get back into the groove with the regular days. I’m in the camp with everyone else doing the 5:2 fish flop. Baked a lot of bread this weekend for a gathering, many leftovers that are sadly no longer left. I’ll join you all for the MWF week. Fit please send a mule kick westward, and Bert, please send a shot of that enthusiasm northward! I’ll glue them together with CG’s call to arms, like a determination sandwich (with buns of steel, not flour lol). Congrats to all you Aussies who’ve nailed FD #1! Sj, very impressive to salvage the day after the ice cream coffee. PH if I could knit or sew maybe I could stay out of the kitchen – you are so kind to check in here in the wee hours to offer encouragement.
Genie – seems there is unanimous disapproval of your daughter’s ballet teacher, I mean what the…the nerve! So glad she went on to something she enjoyed and put that behind her.
Great saying, Fit, guests are great when they arrive, even better when they leave! It is fun but exhausting to do it up right, and of course this group would do nothing less. Hope things continue to go well re plans for your sis.
UP, Milena, Gyps always great to see you, glad all is OK in your worlds. Now off with me to brush up on my lecture skills, must give a talk tomorrow and feeling a bit rusty. Cheers and have a great day/evening all you wonderful ladies– jade xxxx

Jade. I’ll join the others with a kick up the you know where. Kick,, bam..kick. (Oops just broke my toe). . The key is exactly that…stay out of the KITCHEN..I did so well yesterday because I did not go near the kitchen all day..washing up still in the sink from last nights dinner!! Always leave it on fast nights and do if first thing next morning caus if I’m in the kitchen I pick at things and then think..a small bit of this won’t hurt..no wont power…..🙄🙄😧😧 or if you are maybe we should all be wearing one of these 😷😷😷 when In The kitchen. Ha ha. 😂😂😂

However along with the kick up the you know where there is always lots of encouragement.🤗🤗🤗🤗💜💜💜 You have achieved so much in your life so far so you can bloody well do this !!!!. Don’t sweat what had happened ..no guilt for the past stuff ups that is not what we do. Common girl. ..onwards and downwards from here..weight that is….you are now part of the AUSSIE DETERMINATION TEAM.. And WE CAN DO ANYTHING WE SET OUR MINDS TO.. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I’m sure CG will no follow with her beautiful encouraging way with words so is so good at when she wakes.

Bert? How are you doing.. Keep strong 💜💖

Well, forgot the pine nuts, left about a quarter of it, hubby finished his plate and mine!! Yay!

Just a glass of water too! 3 hours to go – golly this reminds me of my very first fast!

Nice to know you’re right behind me there purple!!! Keep going Fit!!

Jade I must be the expert of losing earrings – I used to blame the cats – well, based on the fact that they were often to be found playing with bits of jewellery, and knocking stuff under the sofa was an absorbing pastime for them all – but now its either gremlins or cat spirits! I have always found stuff simply by looking for the next thing I have lost – found a pair of earrings I sold TWICE in November, in my handbag. Would love a pair of diamond studs – but I just know I shouldn’t cos I would lose ’em! Good luck!!