Day 11-Minnesota, USA CD

Well, interestingly, I was down a pound this morning so I guess I’m only up 2 lbs since November 1. Forgive me for not remembering who said this, and to paraphrase, but I wonder if now, after having followed this WOL for awhile, that when I think I have really overindulged in a big way……well, maybe, not as much as I think? Maybe nothing like I use to do? Hmmm. 🤔
Also, my waistline is smaller, but I haven’t been measuring (I should) but I can tell by the fit of my clothing.

I have been keeping under TDEE and usually under BMR as well, even when I wasn’t capable of a real FD500. And I did throw in there a couple of “around” 800 calorie days in the last 2 weeks. I guess it does go to show that if you balance those big calorie days in a mindful way, and they are infrequent, you won’t totally blow it. Also, I was DTF all week.

@northgeorgia Thanks for the feedback re: “Rejuvenating January”. Still, if you or anyone can come up with something else…..I’d be glad to hear it.
I have been wondering about your parents and how they are doing with this virus circulating around so much? And I’m sorry to hear of your cousin….You never know; he may come out of this dire situation. I pray he/she does.

@basyjames I know what you mean about looking forward to 2020 and then having our hopes dashed upon the rocks, so to speak. I think this next year must be better; at least for getting the virus under control and being able to be with loved ones again. Who knows what else will come along: considering the craziness going on in our country and the absolute hatred of “Those who disagree with us” from people of both major parties! People use to be civil in their disagreements. I feel like taking care of family and friends has never been more important.

@flourbaby I’m so glad for you that you are settled in to where you are living now. Whatever we call home, if even temporary, needs to be our refuge. I’m very glad you are back with us- we have missed your voice!

@lilymartin I have read that Australia has the most numerous and most venomous snakes (and spiders?) 😨😱. I don’t think I could go back out in my garden if I discovered something like that, until I had someone come and kill them all. I’m all for conservation of species and “Live and let live”, except–Not in my own backyard. As the saying goes. Not for poisonous creatures. 😉😂

@ccco I also saw the dividing line in the US for UPS and FedEx…..My thoughts were that that will be a much larger population for UPS to deliver to than for FedEx. Kind of interesting. Do you think they feel UPS is better equipped? They could have moved that line one state- border east, north to south, without any problem. So, it makes me wonder if that is a judgement on the competency of the two companies. Don’t worry so much about your grandson’s experience this Christmas. I think your little grandson will enjoy and remember the next couple of years more than this year, anyway. So, let’s hope next Christmas, when he is 3(?) will be a family Christmas!

@plantparent Well, there is such a thing as a “set point” for weight. Now, some articles you read say that isn’t a real thing, but most say it is. When you exercise and fast and your body thinks it is suddenly in need of calories to stay “status quo”, or at the same set point, you WILL be hungry. It’s just the way your body tries to stay the same. When I am hungry after several good FDs, I know I will lose weight soon if I just stick to it and don’t increase calories.
I eat raw veg to get some fiber and crunch, and drink plenty water to quench my thirst. If you can get over that hunger without overindulging calories, after awhile your body accepts that you aren’t starving or dehydrated, and it will lower your set point. Also, when you exercise, the muscle tissue does retain fluid as it swells a bit with inflammation. But then it builds up new tissue, and that makes a bigger muscle.
I do recommend reading up on the basics that have been posted a long time ago by @simcoelove on this forum. @at posted it on the first day, but it is always a good reference to re-familiarize one’s self with the basics.

https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/

@songbirdme Won’t you sing a belated “Happy Birthday” to me as well? I had been looking forward to it. 😂😀 Is it because of the Hawkeyes beating your Illini??? As I told you….we cheer for the ISU Cyclones, my DH’s alma mater, and where oldest granddaughter will be going next fall (with the Grace of God it will be open) as she’s been accepted, and will hopefully be on the Dance Team-If that will still be an option and a scholarship. Either way, she will be there. Architecture Design. Isn’t it sad that so many college sports have been unfairly cut this year?! Anyway, I also wanted to tell you that today I pre-ordered some of the best popcorn in the Twin Cities metro for Christmas gifts. I’m sending it to my grandkids who absolutely love the popcorn from this little “mom and pop” store, and I’m giving it to myself as well. 😊 I know that YOU, a lover of popcorn, can understand how happy it makes me to know I have that to look forward to for Christmas! lol.

@stitchincarol I’m glad you enjoyed your Birthday! Now, remember what you said a couple days ago? This is a way of life, and so…….you’ve got plenty of time to do FDs and get those pounds down. Enjoy your life, and your big days. I hope you enjoyed your cashmere sweater!
So…Brandied Dried Fruit…..did I miss this recipe somewhere along the line? Can you share that with me, please? I would really appreciate it!

@bellyblast How was the haircut? I’m going to do my own in a couple of hours, or tomorrow. I’ll let you know how that works out…..😳

Stay safe and positive. Stay strong and determined for the long haul.

@northerndawn -it will be a belated birthday present. 🙂

@northerndawn – perfectly understand your position. So sorry you’ve had to deal with stalking and anything untoward! It is so sad – you have every right to be cautious!

This forum has been safe for me for many years, and I am undoubtedly too trusting by nature. My SongBird email is used all around locally for publicity, so likely I am more free to use it in general. I’ve met several 5:2 bloggers in person over the course of my experiences, too, so forgive my cavalier attitude.

And yes, I consider you a dear online friend, Dawn!

Day 12 country West Australia, almost a FD
Today turned out to be a pretty good CD but not exactly a FD . I try to keep under 500 calories for a real FD and I went over today with a toastier my DH made for dinner to go with the salad.
But feeling pretty upbeat that I am eating less and being more mindful over the past few weeks than I have in a long time, so it’s on the up.
@flourbaby, so good to see you back here. Sounds like you’ve had quite a time of it. Hope everything is on a more even keel now.
Re snakes…. I spent the morning yesterday and today with DH clearing away a lot of debris, weeds etc. I often pull out the weeds and if they don’t have seed heads, I leave them as green mulch.
BUT I have now got rid of a lot of that so the ground is quite bare so I can see anything that creeps or crawls.
I also crashed and bashed around in the garden making a lot of noise as noise is believed to make the snakes go/stay away. Here’s hoping!!
We also have bobtails or blue tongued lizards that stroll around the garden.
They almost give me a heart attack when they appear out of the garden beds but they are harmless creatures and I don’t mind them.
Nearly the 13th and I will try for a FD but church morning teas are usually pretty scrumptious and ate Christmas time…. ‘Delay don’t deny’ will be my mantra….

Day 12 – USA/GA – NFD

End of a meh week. 232 lb weigh in makes me a pound heavier over last weekend, but hey, at least I am finally out of COVID quarantine. The congestion is lighter but lingering; still, it’s the only symptom I have at this point. Wearing a mask whenever with family, too, at least for another week. Hopefully, I’ll be off this plateau and start drifting downwards again next week.

Have a great day!

Day 13 FD country West Australia
Feeling strong about being able to do an under 500 calorie day today.
Delay don’t deny !!!!!!!!
@northgeorgia, the gain is not so much. Just glad that you are so much improved. Hoping the congestion goes and maybe with a kg of weight.
@stitchincarol that drunken fruit recipe does sound delicious!
Once I made something similar and gave it to friends for Christmas gifts but it is a different c recipe from yours so I plan to try this recipe this week. Delicious with fresh vanilla ice cream ( and obviously not on a FD!!)
@northerndawn, what an awful experience for you being stalked. I don’t mind giving out my email but I am very careful not to divulge personal info ( except here!) and especially on FB.
The joke is that many years ago when I started my FB account they wanted all these personal details which I just made up because of privacy reasons.
Now every year on -it’s NOT my birthday – I get well wishes from people on FB and acquaintances. My real friends know when my real birthday is!!
Off to water the garden , sans snakes.
Have a good day everybody.
Nothing tastes as good as thin( healthy) feels.

Day 13 – Lake District UK – NFD

Good morning everyone

One step forwards and two steps back! Was warned about post treatment, but it really is frustrating. Christmas moving ever nearer, have had to cancel most of our food order! Not even off liquid diet yet, just can’t manage solid food, so decided to be sensible and not push. Have lost quite a bit of weight since end of October so when things do improve … actually need to put some back on!
However, don’t feel as ‘wobbly’ this morning so see how we go!

Being a keen gardener I’m reading with interest the activities some of you are having in different parts of the world, especially those with various wildlife and snakes etc.

A very good pal of mine, we fished together for nigh on 40 years, decided to ‘up stumps’ and head off to Australia to go live near ‘the kids’. Well, me being the helpful sort of mate decided to help him ‘prepare’ for their new life ‘down under’.
Every day for weeks before they left, they got a morning email, with attachments about snakes, spiders and all sorts of ‘bitey’ things. The sort of thing a mate will do to ‘help’.
We were out one day and he asked me to stop, his Mrs was getting a bit worried about going suddenly. They’d visited so many times and were used to the wildlife (seldom saw much, as much wildlife does, they tend to shuffle off out of the way of us humans)

Take care all

Day 13 second post.
Am very happy to have almost finished this FD properly!! I had forgotten how many gallons of water I have to drink to keep those dreaded hunger dragons at bay. They are almost all drowned by now so am off to bed early to stop them firing up and heading me to the kitchen….🤭😇🥛🥛🥛( no emojis for water only milk??!!)
@Ihate lettuce – what a friend indeed!!! 🕷🦎🦟🐍🐍There are a lot of nasty creepy crawlies here in Oz but one gets used to being careful round about the place. I do hope your mate and his wife enjoy being in Oz and near their children. 🙃
@bellyblast, with you on MFP. Its a chore but definitely keeps you on track. Who knew how many calories there are in so many innocent looking serves of food ? I’ve had to cut down/ cut out my large flat white coffees on FD s 3 or 4 a day and too many calories start to add up.☕️☕️
Off for a good night’s sleep in a freshly vacuumed , dusted , tidied bedroom …… bliss.

Day 13 – USA/GA – NFD

I was sooo tempted to make this a FD, but I think I just need to concentrate on upping my water intake, stop any unneeded snacking, and prepare some healthy meals for today before going into tomorrow’s first FD back at work. Weigh-in is 232, but really wanted to jump into 233 this morning. Going to up the liquids today, and stay away from the empty calorie types. It’s almost mid-month, yikes!

***

All eyes fall upon Rita, who despite being friendly and polite, just seems a little down. “Hi, I’m John,” a young man says, extending his hand to me. I take it and introduce myself, Wesley and Lola. “This is my fiance, Rita, and her sister, Megan.” “It’s nice to meet you,” Lola says. “You, too,” Megan says, before giving Rita a worried look. The server returns to our tables and John says, “Tiramisu all around the table, and any coffees?” I decline, but Lola and Wesley nod yes. “Oh, and please put their meal, ours, and the dessert on my tab. Here’s my card.” John hands the server his credit card and the server responds, “certainly. I’ll be back with your coffee and dessert.” “Oh John, you didn’t have to do that, we…” Rita takes Lola’s hand and smiles, “No, please. It’s our treat. We need someone to talk to. I’ve had an awful day.” “What’s wrong?” Wesley inquires. Rita folds her napkin nervously in her lap. “Let me tell them,” Megan says. “You see, my sister and John were planning on getting married tomorrow.” “Oh, congratulations,” I interrupt. “That’s wonderful news!” John and Rita thank me, but Megan holds her serious demeanor through her smile. “But there’s been a snowstorm and a lot of our guests and participants just aren’t going to be able to make it in time.” “Oh, Rita, I’m so sorry,” Lola says in sympathy. Megan continues, “yes, it’s terrible. We’ve already booked the hotel rooms, the reception, the venue — they won’t postpone anything. You know, the Overlook is just such a popular area, there is little wiggle room.” Megan pauses and looks and John, who is about to speak when the server says, “Tiramisu all around,” placing the desserts in front of everyone at the table. Another server quietly slips cups of coffee to those that requested a cup and places carafes of cream and milk and a small bowl of sugar in the middle of the table. The server that provided the dessert also puts down the leather-bound booklet containing the check beside John and says, “Thank you. No rush; whenever you’re ready.” John thanks him and looks up at us. “Well, this is going to sound odd as we have only just met, but there is something we’d like to ask you,” he says.

***

Have a great weekend, everyone. Let’s have a good 5:2 week ahead!

Day 14 FD country west Australia.
Yeeha!!!!!!! Finally a proper FD without cheating AND with a good result. The scales are ever so slowly inching ( or is the centimetering if you use metric??) downwards.🤔
It’s only a small downward dip but enough to motivate me want to try for a B2B. And it’s been years since I’ve tried that.😇
@flourbaby, so agree about drowning dragons. Does tend to make for very efficient kidneys. I love the image of ‘ vino swerving!!’😇😇just for you.
@northgeorgia, all the best for your first day back at work.🤞 Hope it goes well. I’ll have to come to the forum tomorrow for the next instalment – it’s just like 1001 Nights !😃
Have a good day all – nothing tastes as good as thinner/thinnish feels!

Day 14 – Sweden – FD

I’m joining you in the middle of the month as I feel I can’t wait for January to start. I hope this is ok! This is my first FD in 1.5 years and my health has been deteriorating quickly this past year. I’ve tried regular calorie restriction for some time but I just can’t seem to stick to it. Fasting has worked in the past and hopefully I will be able to stick to it for life this time :). I will however modify the FD a little and only have a small dinner of 250 kcal on my FDs.

Day 14 UK FD

Morning Quick check in, determined to have a good week – lots of exercise, eat healthily to get myself in tiptop shape , will catch up on posts this aft x

Day 14 Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 FD

So busy with housework today haven’t had time to think about hunger….. but now I have looking forward to basa and broccoli for dinner.
Is it just me or is December flying by?

Pocket list Day 14
@kazoo
@northgeorgia
@missybear

ZBC
@kazoo
@northgeorgia

Day 14 North Canton CD

@northgeorgia I am so glad that you are doing better and well on the mend

@zenga welcome to one of the most supportive and informative internet groups ever!

@dykask you have inspired me to track and count my water fasts next year, kudos

@flourbaby always a pleasure to read your posts. Vino swerving is very @flourbaby-inspired. Polish that halo!!!💥👼

@songbirdme supporting local artists and small business is always important but even more so in the year of our Lord 2020. Scented sugar scrub gifts sound divine and I am sure will be greatly appreciated

@northerndawn what a horrible experience! Nobody can blame you for being cautious with your info. I used to be a lot more accessible than I am now; however OH is a lot more reserved and cautious about sharing information and his influence has led me to pull back a bit

@ I hate lettuce, slowly does it – One day at a time 💛 this to shall pass

Daily workout complete and kitchen closed for the day. My 40 hour waterfast starts now.

Day 14 – Rural Nebraska, USA – FD500

Yesterday was a lovely day with DS29 and DS24 here; we had brunch after church and played pinochle until late afternoon, then had Clams Casino for an appetizer, and Rack of Lamb with a dried fruit relish, green beans, and an Israeli Couscous dish, and then a Lime Cranberry Pie for dessert. There was beer, there was an excellent wine, and the scales were 150.4 this morning, and I don’t regret a single bite. But today I’m struggling to fast because I’m HUNGRY, LOL! I’ll make it to supper because I’m determined, but it sure would be lovely to wander into the kitchen and start nibbling on leftovers!

@northerndawn, the recipe says it makes 5 cups (I think I left out that detail on accident) but it fit into a jar that says it’s 4 cups. I do find that, as I’m turning it each day, I’m wishing the jar were a bit larger so that the fruit had an easier time moving around and mixing up, so that’s the direction I would suggest you go. I hope you like it as much as we do!

@zenga We’re always happy to welcome new people at any point in the month they join us! Good luck with your goals!

I finally finished the gifts for two of my sisters and they’re wrapped and mailed, so that’s lovely to have finished. I’ve done a bit of cleaning up in the kitchen throughout the day, but now I’ll get a bit more serious and see if I can’t finish it all. We also had the boys go through some games and books and STUFF (you know how kids always think they can leave all their treasures at Mom’s and Dad’s!) and have a huge pile of stuff to take to Goodwill. It’s slow going, but we’re going to lessen the packed shelves and cupboards eventually!

So, off to tackle those projects. Have a grand day, everyone!

Day 15 country west Australia NFD
So. Eating to or under TDEE and being very mindful on NFDs. Fasting under 500 calories on 2 days and …… off comes the weight. Who knew ???????!!!!!!😲😁
I am officially the lightest since Feb 14th this year!!👏
This has done 2 things. Got my Mojo back and reset my appetite to a more reasonable level.
@stitchincarol, that dinner sounds delicious. 🤤
@toady , such restraint with Christmas delights ! 😇It’s a difficult time of year to be mindful but so worth the effort, at least in my case!
@basyjames, hope the water fast goes/went well.
@bellyblast, yes MFP is such a wake up call. A few days ago I decided to weigh some of my food as an idle experiment. Something I have not done before. Not. Ever.
Wow!!! 2 tbsp greek yogurt – 50 gms; 1/4 cup home made muesli 100 gms; small amount of milk 60 gms. Yikes!! All the time thinking well this isn’t much but it ( weight of food) does all add up.
And when you plug the numbers into MFP the hard cold truth is revealed. So I do use MFP to keep me on track at times and will continue to do over the festive season.
@missybear, yes even the young ones are saying how fast this year has gone. I thought with Covid restrictions it might make the year slow down a bit but no.
@zenga, welcome. Everyone is welcome here and very supportive.
Have a good day all.

Day 15 – Japan – NFD

My water fast was good. This morning I was around 40 hours and felt I could easily do another day. After the pandemic … I might just switch to fewer but longer fasts.

@lilymartin I have some older (bigger) clothes I sometimes have to use. However I never could have fit into them before I started fasting. My waist size is now 33 to 34 inches, in college I was 32 inches. Not quite there but I’m in my 60’s so it doesn’t bother me too much.

This week I started switching from pushups to pullups. I still do some pushups to rest from pullups and I can only do a few pullups right now. However I’m a lot stronger than I was last time I started doing pullups. For me 1 pullup is worth about 10 pushups. Probably more than 10 times the pain!

Day 15, London UK, FD

Yesterday was super controlled, probably 8-1000cals so almost a FD, bumped up to a CD mainly by wine-gums …………………….. substituting for the real stuff????!!

Anyway, 1.4lbs dispatched so a not too shabby return to the wagon!!!

@northgeorgia, I finally caught up on posts only to find you’ve gone and done the whole Covid thing and emerged unscathed on the other side💪🙌💪!!! Still sending you some healing vibes though🙏!!!

@lilymartin, my kidneys were high fiving each other in celebration of a few water filled & vino free days, the poor things were worked off their feet during Not-So-Sober-November!!!! @bellyblast, my only advice is to get the dragon drowning done & dusted well before bedtime, otherwise you’ll be up and down like a yo-yo!!!

Welcome @zenga, nothing but love, support & advice here!!! You’re definitely in the right place!!!

@daffodil2010, I think you’ve just jinxed me!!! Whenever you mention the re-emergence of the dreaded TOM ……………………. I follow suit!!!! I………… Will …………… Not ……………… Be ………………….. Happy!!!!!! Your stormy lighthouse stay sounds right up my street, fabulous!!!!

10 more dry days then mindful boozing (i.e. 1 glass of vino 🍷 followed by 1 glass of water💦)!!

We can ride this hormone fuelled rollercoaster and reclaim our health, no more sleepwalking towards obesity, we’ve got this!!!!! …………………………………………………………

…………………………………. “Too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and too determined to be defeated.” – William Boyland Jr.

Day 15 almost 16 ( which will be a CD) country West Australia
The virtue is positively pouring out of me 😇😇-and hopefully taking some weight on the way.
Posting now as I have to be up with the crows tomorrow and a busy day 8 – 6pm without a break.
Had to go to town for some important business papers which had to be signed, witnessed and sent by …last week ( the vagaries of snail mail in Covid with Christmas post and parcels added – it’s not fast!).
DH decided to stay in town for dinner so we went to the local pub.
Rang some friends at the last minute and had quite a crowd turn up.
Whilst they all ate chicken parmy or fried fish and chips I virtuously had grilled fish and veggies. It was delicious, filling and for once I didn’t overeat and actually left some food and hd only 2 mouthfuls of DH’s wine. Yes truly only 2 mouthfuls. It CAN be done when absolutely necessary. 😅
@dykask bravo on the pull-ups. I agree re strength. Not sure I could manage one pull up , even with my feet on the floor!!!! And the pain……
@at yes time does get away especially at this time of year. Good to have you around and I love your quote. Am using all the positive quotes I can ATM to stay focussed.
@flourbaby, your descriptions make me laugh. I am such a visual person and I can just picture those high fiving kidneys!!
@daffodil2010, that lighthouse stay sounded fab.
Off to catch some zzzz’s. Night all.

Day 15 Canada NFD

A quick check in this morning, the snow is falling and there is some shovelling to be done! Half way point of the challenge today, so glad to be focussed:)

Take care everyone

Day 15 USA (Illinois) NFD

Got so busy yesterday that I am sorry I didn’t get here. Taking care of home items, etc. today. Still maintaining.

@zenga – welcome to you! My father’s family all came from Smaaland to Chicago back on “the boat” in the early 1900’s. Dad never would let any of my mother’s heritage have any weight. I was Swedish. Happy to say, I guess I do resemble Swedes more than Mom’s Scotch/Irish, English, and German.

@bellyblast – we don’t really have enough snow to ski yet, but it has also turned cold, so likely our area slopes are finally making snow. Our closest slope used to advertise their lift ticket price as the same as the day in December. I.e. today, you could ski for $15. Haven’t seen that lately!

@stitchincarol – I also abhor throwing out food! That must come from my mother’s side of ‘waste not, want not’ or having lived through the Depression. That pie sounds wonderful.

@lilymartin – you are so right! Who knew 5:2 would work so well?! I also love MPF (unless it really tells me how awful a fast food menu item has in calories! ha ha!). Congratulations on your lowest weight in 10 months!

@basyjames – I saw our local cheese store was offering gift boxes they package and send, and other items could be included. The sugar scrubs went in their quite nicely. Each family got 4 (2 daughters, 6 granddaughters – well, one is a step-GD) so 2 boxes. The husbands will eat all the cheese & sausage! Usually I just send a check, but this will be nice, I hope. Other 2 kids aren’t really cheese eaters… gotta still figure out what to send them.

@at – always good to see you around. You are such a terrific support for all of us.

Onward and downward.

Day 15 Minnesota, USA 2100 NFD

Today, I focused on my DH….darling Husband. He has not slept well for the last several days. I think he is feeling some stress about the vaccine that he will get this week. He just found out about this on Saturday, he had no input into when he could have the shot… He, like many other doctors, had to scramble to change their schedules. From what I understand, they will schedule shots every 5 minutes. If you are late, you are skipped.
Also, I can tell my DH is feeling the general stress of how covid has changed everything they do, as doctors, to see patients and to try to help them. He says it is awful now, to try to line people up with help in rehab areas, long term areas.

He will get the First of two shots (jabs), tomorrow. We do believe in the science of these vaccines. But, still, it’s kind of scary being the first ones to get it. Well…we will let you all know how it goes, and what DH feels, and how he does.

Best of luck to everyone.

Day 16 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – FD

It will have to be an FD as yesterday was an eating mess due to me feeling glum that TOM might be arriving (it hasn’t yet) and then chocolate sweets dotted all around the office calling me, and THEN we went for a pre dinner 5km walk on the track in the local sports club and decided to have fish and chips from the chip shop on the way home !!

Today it’s zero breakfast, spicy salmon salad bowl for lunch, then spinach soup and avacado salad for a light dinner.

Thinking of your DH @northerndawn, do let us know how it goes.

@flourbaby I hope I haven’t mixed you…..like you….I would not be pleased either…AT ALL….and I thought I would be well rid by now at 53 😱

Happy hump day everyone 🐫

Day 16 UK NFD

Its funny reading the posts how there are many traits common to lots of us – Cookery book hoarding , abhorrence of food waste Who’d have thought

Over the years I’ve got some really good tips from this forum This years winner has to be whoever introduced me to Leslie Sansome with the poor weather and gyms being closed her sessions have been great for me so thanks whoever mentioned her first 👏

Struggling with my December goal but it’s still 10 til Christmas aiming for good day and fast tomorrow and take it from there

@dykask Very impressed with pull ups I’ve been working on trying to perfect my push ups – chaturanga for you yogis out there and it’s hard !
Happy 🐫day all

Day 16 – USA/GA – FD

Rough night; couldn’t get to sleep until around 3 a.m. for some reason. Anyway, going to go ahead and plan for a FD today as planned with a weigh in this morning of 232 lbs. Fingers crossed!

Good luck to everyone on the pocket lists today!