Day 11 FD
Day 12 NFD
Day 13 FD
Day 14 Melbourne NFD

Sorry, not able to post every day but am aiming to behave properly anyway 🙂

@at you are still highly inspirational!

@strawberriesandcream I totally sympathise ref alcohol struggles. I probably don’t have a big quantity but I do struggle not to have a glass of red wine EvERy night… it just seems so enjoyable after every tough day at work to relax and wine down…Freudian slip? with a wine…sigh

@songbirdme yes I second that statement about learning a lot here – from around the world:
I have just discovered what a kringle is (ohhhh mylord….keep me away from them, pleeeeese) and what an Instant Pot is – looks pretty good! I made my Christmas pud in the slow cooker this year and found it very easy – will do it that way from now on.

@mjrbcd44 please keep us up to speed with the airfryer – I have often looked at those and wondered if they are any good.

“I am a neat hand at cookery, and I’ll tell you what I knocked up for my Christmas-eve dinner in the Library Cart. I knocked up a beefsteak-pudding for one, with two kidneys, a dozen oysters, and a couple of mushrooms thrown in. It’s a pudding to put a man in good humour with everything, except the two bottom buttons of his waistcoat.”
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) ‘Doctor Marigold’ (1865)

Day 14, Anglesey, FD

Thanks for the sympathies and advice on grief. There doesn’t seem to be any direct path to recover from a bereavement. Emotions come in waves, you think you are progressing and then realise you have only done a U-turn and are going back the wrong way.

I worked out again last night. 2 short HIIT workouts by Fitness Blender. Feeling quite good after that.

Today I started on a raw fruit and cocoa bar from Nakd and a low-fat vanilla yogurt. Lunch is another portion of curried parsnip soup (rest has been frozen for now) and dinner will be a small portion of mixed vegetables and Quorn pieces in oyster and spring onion Chinese sauce with some long grain rice.
I’ve packed 2 sticks of celery too to keep my stomach feeling full of negligible calories.

I weigh in again tomorrow… Before a big blow out tomorrow – Christmas lunch with work and drinks around town afterwards. It will be only my 2nd drinking session this year so it isn’t a regular occurrence but it most likely will be messy!

Oh, and the Garmin Forerunner 35 has been dispatched! I’m actually so excited – I can’t wait!

Day 14, London, UK

Mediocre FD yesterday, released the dragon with a clementine………… a clementine!!!! So I ended the day at 650cals without even having the veggie soup I had painstakingly prepared!!!! You can imagine what those 650cals were made of…………………… minimal nutrition!!! Patting myself on the back for actually stopping before I opened the pack of Pringles I bought for Xmas!!! I’ve had a 3lb whoosh over the last 2 days, questioning whether the poor food choices will come back to not only bite but set up home on my a*se or whether it’s this…………………..

http://100down.org/the-whoosh-effect/

http://fatburningman.com/4-simple-strategies-to-burn-fat-after-a-binge/

What were you doing before 5:2??? Probably, like me having lots of days that you thought were normal, some were, some weren’t, some were unconsciously below TDEE, others were so far over TDEE you would have to do a B2B2B2B2B2B to compensate!!! So now, I don’t beat myself up about hurling myself off of the wagon & getting cosy with my trigger foods (Mmmhhh bread!!) because at least now I’m actually doing something to counteract ‘those’ days, and in fact, ‘those’ days are becoming less and less and less……………………… the brain retraining goes on!!!! I’m shocked to discover, I’m NOT perfect (!) so there WILL be red wine, cake, biscuits etc in my life, it is for living after-all; this WOL isn’t a quick fix and I’m learning everyday, my most recent lesson is not to just say these words, but to DO IT………………’be gentle and kind to yourself, you’re worth the effort’.

So I think being kind & gentle with oneself includes what we choose to eat & drink, perhaps I’ll try thinking “Is this going to help keep Alzheimer’s or dementia or heart disease from my door that bit longer????”

Clearly I’ve a few things on my mind (LOL) I’ll try to catch-up on posts later!!! Stay strong everyone!!!!

Day 14 Akron OH FD. That makes 4 in a row.

Stepped on the scale this morning, I am firmly in the middle of my maintenance range 154.8 thankful for that and looking forward to the day. First holiday party of the year is tomorrow evening, I do not plan to go overboard – I did plenty of that last week; and felt terrible. My plan is to follow a high fat, low sugar, low carb diet till the end of the year.
For the first time in years, I am looking forward to ringing in the new year happy about my weight.

Day 14 Wisconsin USA FD

A good NFD yesterday, and scale moved a tiny bit in the right direction this morning. Completed activity as planned, so feel pretty good about how things are going.

@mjrbcd44 thanks for your comment. I’ve always been pretty active and when I retired from a busy job in Nursing a few years ago I knew I had to keep my activity up if I had any chance to stay fit. I joined the Y a few days after I retired and that led to yoga and my job there and the classes I teach. I couldn’t be happier about my strength and flexibility and balance, although of course there is always room to improve. I enjoy biking and where I live a gym is the only option at this time of year, so I’m happy to be able to get my miles in there.

Today my plan is for a successful FD. I’ve already logged my 5 mile ride at the gym (rolling hills seemed very tough today, and I only did them for half the ride). Hoping to walk at the mall later today. Not my favorite place, but it gets me out of the house (kitchen) and I do have a little shopping to complete.

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but we are taking a trip to Costa Rica in mid-January. I know I can’t meet my main goal of losing a stone by then, but I’m hoping this challenge helps with a few pounds at least. I would like to feel a little more comfortable about my weight by mid-January.

Good luck to everyone today. So happy I can be a part of this group.

Remember, we get fit in the gym and lose weight in the kitchen!

Take care, Markie

Day 16/16:8 CD/Melbourne Australia

Have a great day all whether fasting or not.

Day 14 USA (Illinois) NFD

Sunny and cold here today. I put on my long down coat to go in for my fasting blood test this morning. I’ll be curious to see how my numbers look at my doctor’s annual physical on Monday.

Due to stopping eating about 6:30 p.m. I only ate about 800 calories yesterday. That’s about as controlled a day as I can claim!

@flourbaby – thanks for the link to the “whoosh effect” article. I’ve seen a little about that article here, but finally read it today. Fascinating data. It makes me wonder about why I’m not losing any more weight despite keeping well under TDEE nearly every day but only doing 1 FD a week. I think my body may be waiting for a whoosh! Guess I will just have to see.

Sure wish I could find an article about how many days in a year we consider “celebration” days that routinely include feasting. I am quite certain that is one major reason Americans are overweight compared to the world’s population. We celebrate many birthdays, holidays, end-of-work-week, graduations, and more. We often seek out reasons to celebrate! Yesterday was national “Hot Cocoa Day!” No, I didn’t make a cup, but might today! One of my favorite ski slope bar warm-up beverages is hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps we call a “Peppermint Patty.” Then there is hot apple cider with apple schnapps and a cinnamon stick – “Hot Apple Pie.”

Sorry- Southern hemisphere chums who are sweltering while we freeze up north!

Onward and downward.

Day 14 – Massachusetts – NFD

Today is the work holiday party! Looking forward to it. The scales showed some drop in weight this morning. But I am not even halfway to my December goal. We shall see what the next week brings. I am noticing the changes, which feels great.

@betz28 – hello fellow Massachusettsan! (Massachusite?)

Good luck to all fasters today! Just keep going!

Day 14 McMinnville Oregon USA – NFD
I fell face first in a bowl of mac and cheese yesterday, destroying my FD. 😡 It’s harder than I thought to put the genie back in the bottle. 🧞‍♀️
Tomorrow we host a neighborhood dinner. I’m making cupcakes for the kids (yeah right)!! Our neighbors are all wine connoisseurs so the wine will flow. 🥂 🍷This season is difficult on the waistline but such a joy in so many other ways.

@mjrbcd44 @debster251 @at @Strawberriesandcream – Thank you the good wishes.
@bert1802 – I love your 9 lives analogy
@bert1802 – Your advocacy for your son and the resulting benefit to many is such a beautiful story.
@rosettafaery – The description of your Christmas decorating created such a warm homey image in my mind.
@emma Taylor – What willpower you have, drinking water in Paris.
@fatrabbit – Love the image your post brings up.
@songbirdme – I haven’t worked with phyllo dough for awhile but I remember it drys out quickly so cover with a damp dishcloth will help.
@lynned – Hang in there and don’t beat yourself up!! Time to press the RESET 🛑
@daffodil2010 – So glad you had a relaxing time at the spa, sounds fabulous.

Day 14 – Started in Prague and ended in UK! FD

I had breakfast in beautiful Prague and then fasted for the rest of the day… unusual for me as the last day of any holiday is usually filled with treats ‘before I start again tomorrow’ – so this is a real first. I would like to think I can make it back to pre-Prague weight by Monday but the weekend will bring another Christmas Party…. who knows!

@betz28 – Welcome – you’re right everyone is so supportive and as a newbie myself I’ve found it has made such a difference.

@rosettafaery – good luck with your Garmin. I love mine and it’s been a huge motivator – a second or two off a time here or there and a few extra steps to reach another goal.

@leggit – yes! Did the Castle District – we loved it! Prague surprised me as I’m not really a city lover but would be very happy to return…. maybe the Czech pilsner and the gluhwein had some influence… but let’s hope not too influential on the scales on Monday!!!!

I’m off to bed now as I’m hungry! A little worried about my ambitions for a successful B2B!

Day 14 North Wales FD

Adding myself to the pocket list:

**DAY 14 POCKET LIST***
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!
**If you want to join just copy, paste and add your name***

@pamie
@maayyaa
@bigviking
@fatrabbit
@daffodil2010
@strawberriesandcream
@rosettafaery
@belfastsink
@michelinme
@mjrbcd44
@debster251
@markie99
@molij

Day 15 FD Brisbane, Australia

This is the first time I have done three FD’s in one week. I am finding my FD’s easier all the time. Maybe because of this busy time of year I don’t have time to think about being hungry.
Had a lovely ladies lunch yesterday, chose a vege frittata and salad…yum!
Thanks for taking the time to share your lives everyone…it’s nice to know we are not alone in our food/weight struggles. It doesn’t matter where our home is in the world we all face similar issues. I do love hearing everyone’s success stories!

Stay strong everyone…you’ve got this.

Day 12 – 14 – Cumbria UK – NFD

Busy last few days – lots of social events and some volunteering – trying to stay controlled with the food, especially nibbles and 🍷🥂- Weight stable around 54kg but planning a FD tomorrow 😇

Enjoyed 2 great yoga classes, an aerobic class and a 6km hike so far this week – going for another walk tomorrow – weather looks promising – cold but sunny hopefully!

@happymargo @mjrbcd44 – Thank you – it is so true that we have to believe in our ability to conquer our demons! We know that this WOL works and that it is so forgiving of any over indulgence – Pressing that RESET button puts us back in control…..
@steve-toon-taxi-driver – Thanks for that link 🤣
@basyjames – you can do this! RESET
@daffodil2010 – what a fab feeling when that special dress slips on like a glove 👗
@mogaman – Sorry to hear about your problems – hope they get to the bottom of it soon 🤗
@anna6 – what a shame that you had to stay in Sicily for a few more days 😉Lucky you – enjoy!
@aljomisaza @debster251 – I grew up in Melbourne – love it! married an Australian and did the usual of that time of taking a year out to travel through Europe but never went back……….been living in the UK since 1982 but go back to Australia regularly to catch up with family and friends ☺️
@rosettafaery – ((((HUGS)))) I also lost my first baby 30 years ago – you never forget and neither should you – you just learn to accept “You can do the impossible because you have been through the unimaginable”
@bert1802 – your descriptions of the food dragon are always so vivid and I love how you always wrestle him into submission!
@awilson – sounds like a fab wedding
@betz28 – big welcome to the 5:2 WOL – we are a great International supportive group – all at different stages of our journey…looking forward to getting to know you
@biddiev – 🤭 Thank you
@flourbaby – Thank you for sharing – great Day 14 post 🤗

As I finish off my post I suddenly realised that we still have 10 days before it will be Christmas Eve – plenty of time to make some changes…….Go for it……..

“If life was easy where would all the adventures be”

Day 14, Québec, FD

@strawberriesandcream pleased to know that I helped you. Let’s hold on. We can do this.

For those who might be interested, i have to say that the temperature here is now -19. And, hold on … It is -31 considering the windchill factor ! my dog, Mister Pixel, didn’t want to go outside to go pee, even if were going out with him. We had to catch him in the house, put on his winter coat and take him outside in our arms. He ran back to the house as soon as he could ! Poor little thing.

Bye bye for now.
Fern x

Day 15, Norway, NFD

@flourbaby – loved your post this morning, I really needed it today!… “What were you doing before 5:2???”. Cause when I woke up this morning, looked all over the house for the scales, finally found it (my OH has “clean-up-mania”), just to find out I gained 400grams after an “unsuccessful”-FD yesterday. I’ve thought about how annoyed I am about yesterday not turning into the perfect successful FD it should have. My FD’s that are successful contain of no kcals until dinnertime at home, then I eat my 500kcals, and usually no worries for the rest of the day. Since I had such a headache during my FD on Monday I thought I would try to eat some lunch yesterday instead of saving up for dinner. The headache stayed away, but I really felt like eating food when I got home…so I did…. But nothing else… For lunch I had veggies (tomatoes/cucumber) and fishcake (I know….) and for dinner I had “fish&macaroni-stew-thing”…. Ate too much of that, it’s not so bad in kcal (130kcal pr 100gr) but it’s the quantity  So before I started my post I was going to whine about how unsuccessful this was etc.,,,but then I came across your post, and it is SO true. How can I sit here and feel bad about yesterday, there were no sweets or snacks or anything yesterday…I’m going to shake that bad feeling off, enjoy my weekend and look forward to a normal successful FD like I usually have, one meal a day, and that’s when I get home from work.

Thank you all posters 🙂 I’m gonna check out the links about the woosh 🙂

Day 15 – Japan – FD 83.7kg

Day 15 UK FD

Woken with a massive headache…. perhaps dehydrated after FD and flying yesterday…

Feel the need for a pocket list today so here’s a start…

**DAY 15 POCKETLIST**
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER
**If you want to join just copy, paste and add your name**
@toddybear

Have a good day everyone!

Day 15 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

After B2B2B I am happily at 9stone 9.5……135.5lbs, 61.5 kilos 🤗 Beaten Dec goal!
I am a bit nerdy, love goals…..so I have set myself a new goal to get me past Christmas and New Year and set me up for my trip to Peru. I aim to get down to 59.5 kilos or 132 lbs,
Or 9 stone 4.2 lbs by weigh in Wednesday morning 4th Jan 2018. Yes, it IS doable 😆

Focus focus.

Now that I am nearing ultimate goal I am also looking at other ways to take stock. That old waist to height measurement thingie, well I never really took much notice of it before, although I have been seeing my waist decrease from 42″ to 34.5″ since I started this WOL.

I am a classic Apple shape…waist bigger than hips…and this is not healthy. I looked up what it should be and so you need to divide your height in two and keep your waist under that. At 5’2″ my height is 62″ so my waist needs to be at most 31″ 😳
So I gave a way to go!!! I do a daily plank but HATE them.
Any tips?

@debster251 so excited for you and the imminent arrival of your girl pupper. Wonderful ☺️
@quebecoise my that is COLD. Ireland would come to a stop in that temperature 😉

Happy Friday all. I have my work drinks tonight, not sure how that will go, will take it handy as have to work tomorrow anyway.

Day 15, Cornwall UK, NFD

Weighed in at 90.5kg today – 1.6kg down on last week! I work in both kgs and pounds in my head and this takes me under 200lbs, which is a milestone for me. Next milestone in 85kg when I can shake off that ‘obese’ label. I lost no weight the week before and was beginning to doubt that this would work, and how long it would take, etc etc. And nearly talked myself out of continuing. I stayed reading this forum, and thanks to all those who encouraged me when I felt down about it.

I think I have had the ‘Whoosh’ that you all talk about! I’ve only been doing 5:2 just over 5 months and the weight loss has been fairly steady so this has been my first big challenge. @maayyaa – you have to stick to it, as I am sure you will get the loss if you keep going.

@daffodil2010 and @fatrabbit (and others!) – your stories of weight loss, good health and maintaining it all are amazing and keep me going!

Day 15 UK NFD

My fast day yesterday didn’t happen, but I am not worried. I feel good and positive and my body is finding its equilibrium point, wherever that is going to be. I am four pounds less than a week ago anyway. Another fast was a bit greedy in an upsidedown insideout sort of way!

Great news about breaking through the 200lb mark @cornish-jane. I remember that point well, it felt like a real breakthrough. My son is trying to get through it at the moment too, and he will, in fact I must get him to weigh himself today.

Day 15, Belfast, NFD

Well, yesterday’s FD turned into a not-too-bad NFD. I noticed a job advertisement (deadline today) so I had to get my skates on and get the application form completed. Lots of pondering over writing up my work experience and adding Fluffy Mc Fluff (not keen on filling in application forms lol), so a bit more food/brain fuel was required. But I kept it pretty sensible, I’m still hovering around 11st 7lbs which is great for me (5ft 9). I’d like to come out the other side of the Christmas holidays at this weight.

Out with the work mates for a couple of Xmas beers after work, so will also try and be a bit more mindful over the weekend.

@debster251 ooh, a lovely collie cross. My sister has a big black collie and he’s a beauty. We’ve two springer spaniels – they are great but defo big eejits 😉

Good luck everyone today x

2nd post

So true What you say At. Cannolli only taste the best in Sicily.
I love them but I limit myself to one per day here and not everyday.

Day 15, South Wales, FD (again…!)

Lovely, inspiring posts – thanks all, you’re keeping me on-track. Still above my start weight for this month, but 2lb down from the start of the week. I’m piling on the FDs now in the hope of losing a few more pounds before the Christmas holidays. I always find it much harder to fast with kids around all day…

**DAY 15 POCKETLIST**
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER
**If you want to join just copy, paste and add your name**
@toddybear
@dykask
@flourbaby
@lynned
@at
@bert1802