Day 2 Oxfordshire UK FD
@at thanks for hosting.
Hi everyone, sorry I didn’t check in yesterday but I was out with DD for a bit of retail therapy in Cirencester, about 30 mins from where I live, bitterly cold but lovely to catch up. Needless to say day 1 was a NFD, especially since DH cooked a delicious lamb curry for dinner.
Today is a FD and meals are planned for the week.
Just a bit about me. I’m 58 female, retired. Two adult children, husband and dog.
I began my journey back in 2013 when I weighed in at 77.6kg, and a BMI of 30.8. It was the heaviest I’ve ever been. I’m only 158cm (5’2”). I began just controlling portion size and lost about 5kg. it was really slow and I was getting to the point of giving up when my neighbour said she and her hubby were ‘doing‘ 5:2 why didn’t I try. TBH I wasn’t sure but once I tried it and started to lose I was hooked. I managed to lose 19kg over the course of the next 6-10 months which was fantastic. I kept on top of things for a while then gradually this year the weight began to creep back on and this summer I joined the Aug challenge because I had put back on around 8kg. I could feel it around my middle and my BMI was creeping up.
Over the last few months I have managed to lose just over 5kg. I’m so pleased with that especially when I consider I was travelling for 2 months and was less than focussed.
This month I am 3.3kg away from an all-time low and whilst I would love to get there this month I know my weight loss slows down the closer I get, so I shall be happy if I can lose a little and keep things under control over the Christmas festivities.
The only way is down.

Day 2 – Stratford Upon Avon, UK – FD

Please count me in for Dec and thank you @at for hosting

Something extraordinary happened this weekend. I’ve been married for 24 years, together for 29 years now and this weekend I’ve had the most honest conversation I have ever had with my DH regarding my weight. He started the conversation by telling me he was concerned about me and asked me some pretty emotionally challenging questions.The conversation wasn’t easy, he wouldn’t let me duck the questions and I admitted to him (and to myself!) just how bad things have been for me (2019 has been challenging for me in oh so many ways!)- a lot of this he already knew but to say it out loud was a breakthrough for me. I cried, he listened and we put together an ‘action plan’. He has committed to fully supporting me, that’s not to say he wasn’t supporting me already, he was, he’s a quiet man, doesn’t say too much, has a wife and two daughters to do that for him! but I guess things just came to a head and don’t you sometimes have to hit rock bottom before you can begin your recovery?

So, here I go again, for the first time in a long time I am feeling very positive. My health is suffering and I can no longer bury my head. My DH is going to join me on my FDs and with the support of him and all of you lovely people I am hopeful that I will learn to manage and maybe even conquer my demons. December has it’s own challenges (for everyone!) but I don’t want to postpone this until January – I need to do this from now and if I can commit to basic 5:2 and apply mindfulness on NFDs then that will be a very big positive step in the right direction for me.

Phew! This is all a bit heavy. Feeling a bit nervous about putting this out there but – there it is, let’s see if I can do this…..and thank you all for your continued support.

It is indeed, good to talk.

Pocket List – Day 2
@bellyblast
@penz
@funshipfreddie
@daffodil2010
@snowflake56
@i-hate-lettuce
@brightonbelle
@suki2
@yo-yo

I’m going to start reading my new Water Fasting book(let!) tonight before bed. It finally turned up on Saturday, after Amazon lost it and had to send another. Over £10.00 for a quite titchy book…..rip-off! It had better be motivating….only then will it be worth the money.
@brightonbelle: It’s hard to keep on track sometimes (in my case….always) but just keep with us anyway. December’s not easy at the best of times.
@snowflake56: You probably have the best idea regarding weighing. The trouble with me is; I’d rather KNOW! Balance scales have got to be the best….I don’t trust my digital ones (anymore)….

Pocket List – Day 2

@bellyblast
@penz
@funshipfreddie
@daffodil2010
@snowflake56
@i-hate-lettuce

If you’re fasting today, add yourself for motivation. Good Luck xx

Day 2, VA, USA, FD B2B

Whew I must ask why doesn’t this dang wagon have handles? I surly tumbled off into the dust! Ha This is the first month I’m up from last month weigh in – stats later as I need to do the measurements to see how they fair.

Cool things over the T-give holiday would be that my extended family asked “where did the rest of you go?” I told them it was from IF and they wanted to know what kind of FDs do I do (which I realize is challenging to explain b/c I have changed up my routine several times especially if I hit a stall) none the less I try and go with how I first did it. Which was 4:3 (b/c I knew I ate a lot) and 4:3 worked better for my FDs and still does.

Some things to note over the American Thanksgiving holiday is that I don’t like the traditional food that is served for T-giving. I can not have turkey (I can’t seem to digest turkey or chicken) Corn and stringed beans from a can hardly felt like a healthy choice and was not very tasty, but that was about all I had. I need to reinvent a dish or two (I really wanted more veggies like some roasted carrots, beets or even Brussel sprouts!)

So really all that leaves are the desserts… which I have to say this was the first year I have EVER really liked pumpkin pie. (And that is what I had a good amount of… pumpkin pie) and apparently that means +6.4lbs from said pumpkin pie. Eeeeeep!

I started with an FD on Sunday and shed -1lb of it already. Got to keep at it. Luckily this is the only holiday which I have to eat at someone elses house and while I could have easily made it a FD (haha) it would have made for some very interesting conversation that would have been WAY more awkward and I’m sure they would have thought I had some kind of eating disorder *but truthfully I really don’t like eating food that really does me no good* OR if I’m going to eat non-healthy food at least let it be junk food I like.. but how on earth do I explain that in front of a whole shebang of family members! Haha

Well I’ve go to dash for the moment and go sit on a couch… I’ve got to try it out and see if we want to purchase one.

You are not alone to anyone else whom encountered a T-give weight gain.

Pocket List – Day 2
@bellyblast
@penz
@funshipfreddie
@daffodil2010
@snowflake56
@i-hate-lettuce
@brightonbelle
@suki2
@yo-yo
@rabbette

I think I grabbed the correct list… if not know that you are also loved and maybe this is future good luck for your next FD.

Day 2 UK FD

Getting right back into the start of the challenge with a FD today and again tomorrow. Had smoked fish and veg for dinner and the kitchen is now closed!

Good luck to everyone, newbies and returners!

Day 2 UK FD
Day 1 UK NFD

Long day yesterday and forgot to post! Hello to old friends & warm welcome to newbies. I’m F55 5’6″ & live in London. I put on weight via health issues affecting mobility/energy, stopping smoking – tho best decision Ever – and hormonal changes. Got to 181lbs and knew something had to change.

Started 5:2 with December 2017 challenge at 181lb, BMI 29 then made mostly steady progress apart from a 9-month plateau. Went down 3 or 4 sizes in clothes and slimmed to 140lb, BMI 22.8 by June 2019, most of the way to my 133-140lb goal. Slipped off the waggon over the last three months with illness and unexpected bereavment…unleashed the sugar dragon and the rest is all too easy. I’m still puffy but have come down to 149lb and am hoping to make good progress in December. Other December goals are daily adapted yoga & meditation, a good sleep routine and sticking to 5:2.

Resisted most temptations yesterday, and have had a reasonable tho unplanned FD today. Heading for very early night with flask of ginger tea – wretched cold has flared up again after day out yesterday….It’s week 4 and I’m determined to get on top of it!

Here’s to a good December challenge together – we can do this!

Day 3. London. UK FD
I actually ate three meals today, which I don’t think I’ve done for years. And they were all ‘proper’ meals. I felt soo full. But, I’m not beating myself up. I’m sure early man had days of heavy feasting followed by fasting and scarcity. I’ve just got to get on with that second bit.

Starting a pocket list
@emma-taylor

Day 3 country West Australia CD

Day 3: Gloucestershire, UK, NFD:

I think I might try to shun the unreliable scales (if I can…) and take my waist measurement instead. We are told that our waist should measure no more than half our height. We could be carrying the dangerous visceral fat otherwise. Well mine is four inches (20 cms) too big then.
I know I should be 10kg less too….

Day 3, Emden Germany, NFD

yesterday’s FD went well, beetroot soup, 1 slice of Knäckebrot and the very thin heel of the brioche I made.

Muddy times are ahead of me, we need a new plaster on the driveway. This morning they brought the new paving and the workers will start this morning.

@yo-yo-fletch what a lovely husband you have! I hope your life will get better now you know he’s supporting you.

@bellyblast just give it a try. My measurement dress is a lovely low back cocktail dress I bought in the 80ies in Toronto. I still love it, that’s why I want it to fit although I haven’t worn in years. Where in Canada are you?

@ciren2 my problem with scales is that I’m too frustrated when I weigh myself after a FD and still weigh the same or even more. I want to see a good result although I know this is unrealistic. Frustration leads me to eating sweets so for me it’s better to have the scales in the basement and go by the clothes.

Have a nice day everyone!

Day 3 – NFD – Ireland 🇮🇪
Hello everybody! I’m back to try apply myself ahead of Christmas 👍 thank you @at for hosting again! And thank you all for being here – it’s great to get back..
I’m sorry I missed November @ciren2 😢.
The first challenge I joined was October 2017…and I’ve been intermittently fasting in all senses of that phrase 🙄
I bob around 11.5 -12 stone now having started out at nearly 13 stone in 2017. I’m quite happy at the mid- lower end of this range and ideally would like to get to 11 stone next year if I can.. I’m very active, very muscular but carry weight in my hips and tummy.. unfortunately weight comes off my face first… I am struggling this year with lots of draws on my time so my posting and commitment to the forum hasn’t been the best since I hosted in May… top tip if you want to nail a good month of fasting is to host 👍

I love being outdoors even in our lovely Irish weather and cycle lots, walk, hike and play tennis regularly. I live by the sea so love getting out on the beach.
I’d like to find time for Pilates and strength & conditioning but life is already so busy with full time work, elderly ill parents, my relationship and of course my family and friends. I am starting a new S&C class tomorrow so that will be a challenge 💪

I’m pretty much staying away from alcohol and sugar as much as I can… but I am very easily led particularly when I’m out with friends so will never be off either completely but it’s going well in my opinion and that’s ALL that counts… although you will always have people offering their opinion when you decide to try cut alcohol.
No-one else has my life or my body and they can “hold their whisht” as we might say here 😂
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 3 Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 NFD

Did my routine Monday FD yesterday and feel better for it today. Been drinking too much red wine over the past week and not sleeping well. I need to hang on tightly to our 5:2 wagon especially now when I’m a bit of an emotional mess. Complication with mum’s will causing delay with funeral arrangements…..note to us all, review your will especially if it was written a long time ago.

Doubt I will log in daily this month, but I will lurk and enjoy the positivity and support given here. I’m not letting go just because this month is extra challenging, now is probably when I need to be here most……otherwise I will be back to where I started.

@at thank you for hosting xx

Day 3 UK FD

Trying to get a good start to December with another FD. Need to buckle down despite all the December temptations. Off to the Perth sunshine early January with a case full of clothes which will be very snug if I can’t stay firmly on the wagon !

Good luck to everyone today.

Day 3 – Lakes UK – CD

Morning all, bit late again calling in this morning. Good FD yesterday, unusually for a FD, slept really well last night!
Glad it’s not as frosty here this morning heating engineer doing boiler service, just about finished so will be out for a walk very soon.

Hope everyone’s getting off to a good start this month, might try sneaking in an extra FD this week, usually have 2 but want to try and get to a new low either this or next week. Cold weather doesn’t help though!

Take care all

Day 3 Melb Aust NFD
Day 2 TDEE
Day 1 NFD

Please count me in for this month, @at – I’ve changed my colour on the spreadsheet to red to say I’m in. It’s been a disastrous past couple of months for me, trying to finish all my study data gathering, then presenting a preliminary report on it all last Thursday 28th. Now all that stress is over, I want to focus on “me” a bit again. First step – lots of solid sleep, which has started happening. Step two – restrict NFDs to sensible amounts. Step three – proper FDs.

Agree with @funshipfreddie that controlling NFDs is crucial. Just because it’s a NFD doesn’t mean licence to eat everything in sight!

@yo-yo Fletch, and @brightonbelle, moral support given and needed! 🙂

USA Day 3

More lucking around this month, as I’ve been so busy between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s hard to keep FDs up with so many places to go! In any case, I am trying! Adding myself to the pocket list today! So far my FD is going well!

Pocket List – Day 3
@emma-taylor
@matpi
@rabbette
@ccco

I am always impressed when I read of everyone’s successes and methods of getting through their successes. Congratulations!

Have a great day, everyone!

Supposedly the “lightest” day of the week (Tuesdays at Royal Mail) but with Christmas round the corner the mail is creeping up and up. Just for now the boss has asked me to do a daily collection from a wildlife place at the far end of my round on a farm. So a van load of hedgehog houses, bird boxes and other products of a similar nature….NATURE….ha…ha!! Whoops.
@betsylee: good to see you back with renewed enthusiasm.

DD is at Melbourne airport tomorrow afternoon, taking the first leg of the long flight to spend a month in the UK.
We haven’t seen her since Boxing Day last year, spent saying goodbye at Heathrow airport.
We’re meeting up for lunch in a restaurant in less than two days time! That’ll be her midnight with jet-lag. I suggested she left it till the next day….but when does a daughter ever listen to her mother??
She’s spending Christmas Day with us and we get to meet her OH for the day too.

@yo-yo-fletch: See what a difference a supportive OH makes! Good fast days both of you.

Pocket List – Day 3

@emma-taylor
@matpi
@rabbette
@ccco

Day 3 USA (Illinois) NFD

Good FD yesterday. Just checking in.

Onward & downward.

Day 4, Aus, NFD

Monday’s planned FD was a bust but I did a successful one yesterday. It helped that OH said I’d feel better about myself if I did a FD. Aren’t supportive husbands wonderful, @yo-yo Fletch!

Thanks for not mentioning the PB word, @flourbaby….. Oh wait, you DID!

Hello @Yogi58. I lived in Darwin many years ago and loved it. Even the build-up.

@ciren2 – your excitement is contagious. I can’t wait for your DD to be home either!

And before @funshipfreddie says it, happy hump day everyone.

Day 3 Ohio, US — NFD (70 bites)

It seems a little difficult getting back in the groove after freely eating during my Thanksgiving travels. So today’s 70 bites is definitely more than the goal of 59. On the other hand, it may really be due to having a really stressful meeting today, and even though I’ve been preparing for it, there were some things that caught me by surprise. In any case, I’ve been consistent in doing my daily 10K and Sandow exercises since I’ve been back. Well, little by little!

Yesterday’s fast day saw me shake off the start of a cold that maybe I was exposed to while travelling. I’ve noticed that my fast days seem to rev up my immune system a little and can nip any incipient cold in the bud. Have other people noticed the same thing?

Patient endurance attains to all things!

Day 4 NFD but haven’t eaten much (yet). Have been busy and not hungry, maybe due to having good nutritional foods in small amounts. I really do need breakfast – an egg or two, with a thin slice of sourdough. I find it easier to skip dinner, perhaps because of slothful evenings, followed by sleeping for 8 eight hours. I usually do some sort of exercise class in the morning and start to feel a bit unwell by lunchtime if I haven’t eaten. And then when I do have something I suddenly get tired and want to sleep!
And Penz, it is nice to know that you loved Darwin, even in the build up (which we are having now). We didn’t have much of a Wet Season last year, so we are hanging out for the monsoon, and all those fabulous thunderstorms 😊

Day 4 – Lake district – FD

Morning everybody

Was thinking of a FD today, but when I got up, it’s a cold windy day, the past few have been colder with hard frost, but without any wind, so more comfortable if that makes sense……oh what the heck, just typing that made me change my mind! FD it is.

@bellyblast … Nice when you start to feel the good effects!

@ccco … I’m the same as you, have to weigh,measure and record everything to make it work, but worth it.

@matpi … Yes, I’m with you on feeling better following fast days.

Pocket List – Day 4
@funshipfreddie
@snowflake56
@i-hate-lettuce

Take care all.

Day 4 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Posting later as I did not go to work today. Got up alright to get ready but felt so bad with this cold that I decided to try nip it in the bud and stay home gargling with salt, ACV, lemon water, anything to stop this cold. Plus yesterday in the office I was pretty bad with the sneezing and sniffling, my boss even suggested I should go home. But I stayed on…..Ooops, hope I haven’t passed on this cold to my workmates in the interim 😱

@funshipfreddie and @matpi I would say this is my first proper cold since starting this WOL……but it’s a humdinger.

Anyhow, no point trying to fast as I intend to ingest lots of lemsip and honey and keep warm. Going to watch Netflix today by the fire and please God be back to work tomorrow.

@ciren2 so exciting that your DD is coming home for Christmas. I remember her leaving last year. You must be over the moon.

Right, let’s heal!!

Day 4 Melb Aust TDEE

Good to be back in the swing of watching what I eat and actually being able to control it. Having adequate sleep seems to be a major key.

Thanks @snowflake56 & @ciren2 for the welcome backs.

NFD tomorrow, but possibly OMAD, and then a true FD on Friday. Girding my loins for it already. Just managed to get “The Complete Guide to Fasting” from the library and up to page 55. It is encouraging my motivation.

Have to get back to my Christmas card writing (yes, I still do some of those), so – Happy fasting everyone!

Day 4 UK FD

All good planning on keeping busy today and looking forward to my vegetable Thai green curry tonight , I love it really quite hot 🌶 something to look forward to on a cold night