Day 10 UK FD

Lovely to catch up with the posts. I’m still here tho not posted for a couple of days – been feeling pretty out of it, headache, sore throat, feverish and easily breathless post-vaccination. But something has clicked and definitely feeling better today.

I’m aiming for a solid 500 calorie FD after bumping my regular Monday. Monday was my first online funeral and I felt really strange afterwards – I think the combo of post-funeral and post-vaccination. Very strange to feel ‘at’ a funeral but without any of the usual talking to others and remembering /processing/being together afterwards

Meanwhile I’ve been mainlining air-popped popcorn since Sunday. Carbs really aren’t my friend (she says on loop) even tho I love them, my body doesn’t. My weight has stayed the same, my waist has shrunk again but i’m feeling incredibly puffy. I know the answer but the habit just rolled – famous last words.

I’ve just made soup while having catch up chat with DD. All my slightly tired veg have gone in – leeks, cauliflower, green beans and spinach – along with a splash of olive oil, chilli, garlic, ginger, pepper and stock. I’m feeling nicely warm & full after two bowlfuls totalling 120 calories. Supper (if needed) will be Sunday’s sweet potato, spinach & pea dal with lemon juice and a splosh of vegan yogurt at 200 calories, with an apple for after dinner sweetness. If today goes well I may even to a B2B and pick up my regular Thursday FD. I recall from the dim and distant past that FDs are easier in tandem…

@nellen that was my first dose of Oxford / Astra Zeneca vaccine. I imagine the immune response was greater bc having had covid & still living with longhaul effects. Hope you are feeling well after your jab
@betsylee congrats on an epic loss for your first week!
@basyjames glad you are feeling better after your vaccination – yay for your immune system
@jaifaim well done on your first FD. So glad you are still getting out on your bike and walking on the beach. These think spaces are so important for clearing the head and being present x
@daffodil2010 Love the idea of your night away on the drive 🙂 nil desperandum – we can do this. I was just thinking of a new film title – 28lbs Later 😀

Whatever the day brings, go gently x

Day 11 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – FD800

I realise that although I am not losing weight, all the strength training and stretching and balance work I do every day must be having some effect……this morning I was out for my usual 6am village walk (and sneaky feeding of village stray cat), when I tripped and was almost about to hit the pavement.

But I managed to pull myself upright and carried on. I had an epiphany then……I am stronger, my balance is so much better….at this age I am now my elderly friend was at the zoo with her grandchildren and tripped over stones. She did fall heavily, broke her elbow and her arm, 20 years later,her arm has never been right.

So guys, it’s all about health strength and fitness. I am motivated to keep on with good hydration, good nutrition, and exercise as medicine.

Have a great day.

Day 11 – UK – FD500

Yesterday’s walk ended up at 12.1km and 16,329 steps all with blue skies and sunshine although rather chilly!

I received a surprise present yesterday – a lovely box of handcrafted chocolates from Chococo – I tried these at Christmas for the first time and it seems that OH has ordered one for us to share for Valentines, there are two of each chocolate one for him and one for me 👩‍❤️‍👨 we had the first ones yesterday after dinner 😋 We are going to miss out on them on my FDs but otherwise I will account for my one chocolate a day in my TDEE until the end of the month!!

@northgeorgia – keep the faith – you can do this!
@basyjames – I have to say that it is taking some work and commitment to remain in that headspace and not let that tempting little 😈 get into my head……like those chocolates OH ordered – I could easily have eaten 2 or 3 🤣

Volunteer lunch service at the Parish Centre again today and maybe a 5-8km walk this afternoon as it is another blue sky and sunshine day although rather cold – has been below freezing all morning so far!

Pocket List for Thursday Day 11
@litprof FD800
@daffodil2010 FD800
@i-hate-lettuce
@at FD500

DTF 🚫🍸🍷🍺🥂
@suki2
@stitchincarol
@ccco
@at – (Dry Feb except for 14th and 26th!)

ZBC 🚫
@at – every day!

Exercise 🏋️‍♀️ 30×5
@at (today 45min Broga)

Weigh day tomorrow after my 2nd FD of the week – Let us see if Cruella is still being kind to me!!!

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” Nelson Mandela

Day 11 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in: 228 lbs. Hmm, according to the chart, it appears I lost a couple of pounds and landed on another plateau haha

Well, the month is still somewhat young; after this weekend, another half month to go. Not sure if 224 is going to happen, but I’ll just play it by ear.

Day 11 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD

Yesterday’s FD was probably a bit high–maybe 600? I didn’t bother to try to count–but it was extra vegetables (brussels sprouts) and I was still starving at eight o’clock, so I simply ate them and skipped any guilt. 😁

@suki2 I bought some felt to do needle felting, and never have; after my big clean-out of my sewing room closet last week, I actually know exactly where that bag of wool is and I’m thinking it’s time I pulled it out and played with it; thanks for the inspiration! Are you pleased with your project?

@basyjames So glad you feel better and the abdominal cramps are gone!

@daffodil2010 What a wonderful realization, and what great work you’ve done to accomplish such physical and core strength!

@i-hate-lettuce 36 pounds since last year this time? You have much to celebrate!

@dvw 25 pounds since last year this time?? You too have much to celebrate!!

@at I’m so impressed you found the will-power to eat only one of those chocolates!

Remember when I mentioned I’d tried hypnosis several years ago to help me control my eating/exercise habits (or lack thereof) and it was very helpful, but I wasn’t willing to go back to that particular hypnotist? I searched several times since then for others and found NO ONE in this area…but when I searched again yesterday morning, I found several dozen! I’m talking with two of them and am going to try it again. I know the primary reason I’m not losing weight is because I’m sabotaging myself: every time I’ve had a great week and am set to lose a pound, I have a day of EFS. My experience the first time had me entirely committed to eating in a way to lose weight, and I didn’t cheat at all for nearly two weeks, and felt no desire to do so, and was eagerly exercising according to my plan…and then the effects of that first session had worn off and I didn’t go back. I’m eager to see if it works as well this time, and if I can finally start the downward movement again!

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

Day 11 USA (Illinois) NFD

Quick check in. I’m doing fine. Hang in there, fellow fasters.

Onward and downward.

Day 11 UK FD

Nice to have a familiar OMAD <500 cals FD after trying to get my head round the keto thing , I’m determined to stick in out for the month , but I don’t think it’s for me long term

Pocket List Day 11

@litprof FD800
@daffodil2010 FD800
@i-hate-lettuce
@at FD500
@suki2 FD800
@ccco FD800
@brightonbelle

DTF 🚫🍸🍷🍺🥂
@suki2
@stitchincarol
@ccco
@at – (Dry Feb except for 14th and 26th!)
@brightonbelle

ZBC 🚫
@at – every day!
@brightonbelle

Exercise 🏋️‍♀️ 30×5
@at (today 45min Broga)
@suki2 (yoga 60 mins, dog walk 45 mins)
@basyjames(upper body)
@brightonbelle

Day 12 – Lake District UK – NFD

Good morning everyone

A very successful FD yesterday and the scales have me down at my target for maintenance which is excellent, especially as its another Six Nations Rugby weekend, beer and tv snacks will be involved!

@daffodil2010 – Good for you getting Dad round and enjoying company watching the Rugby together, that’s one of the things Mrs I-H-L misses, having people round to spoil and fuss over. She does spoil and fuss over me, but you know what I mean, not had the kids here (or seen them) since Christmas 2019.
As soon as the travel ban opens up there’ll be a very quickly arranged visit to see them!

My weekend revolves around Rugby and Mrs I-H-L this weekend, luckily we’re organised and something for both of us!

Saturday England vs Italy followed by Scotland vs Wales
Sunday Ireland vs France

England really need to get going after last week! Scotland on a high, but Wales will be a different proposition compared to Englands performance last week!
Ireland France game I’m really looking forward to. Ireland played really well last week in Wales, the ‘new’ French team are looking dangerous.

Today, forecast of hard frosts and below freezing temperatures, nope, got that wrong. Quite mild and not freezing so out for a wander again today.

Take care all

Day 12 UK NFD

Wow @ccco that’s an amazing result for your sister , motivates me to stick with it💪

Yes I’ll be on the sofa watching @daffodil2010, @i-hate-lettuce and I presume a few others @at, ? with my carefully selected snacks🥩🧀

Very pleased with progress so far it’s slow but I am a fully paid up member of club🐢so I’m used to it I’m sure I can see an improvement in the mirror so that’s spurring me on , as usual weekend are my biggest challenge but I’m all planned in advance ( being in lockdown makes it so much easier ) so here goes Have a great Friday all x

Day 12, London, UK, FD

Today WILL be a FD as my inner saboteur 👿 🐉 was far too active on my last FD, I made it to OMAD time, but then couldn’t stop grazing until I overshot my upper limit & threw in the towel!!! Big Mistake😱, I must remember to just keep calm & carry on, you don’t throw the car away when you get one flat tyre!!!!

@daffodil2010 & @michelinme, I could join you both in looking back and trying to figure out where & why the graph started to climb and just what went wrong with my perfectly doable, easy, successful fasting WOL, but I’m swerving that particularly depressing task!!!!😭

Back to work now, I think I’m doing more now I’m WFH, than I ever did in the office 😲………………………… no gossip time or trips to the coffee shop or commuting time!!!!

Onward & downwards folks!!!

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.”– Unknown

USA. Day 12. FD800

Pocket List Day 12
@ccco FD800

DTF
@ccco

I hope everyone is enjoying their day!

USA. Day 12. FD800

Basyjames, that 5 lb. loss is wonderful. I wish that would happen to me. Of course, I broke my DTF last night in covid vaccine frustration and had a couple of glasses of wine. No good ever comes of that for me!! Keep doing what you are doing! It’s working!

Day 12 – UK – TDEE

Stepped on the scales on waking this morning 56.1kg down another kg in the past week 💃 Cruella is being kind!!!!! that’s 2kg gone since the start of this challenge – Back to Basics is working and MFP has been my companion to help me stay within my TDEE of 1500cals on my NFD.

Another strength yoga class this morning then out whilst the sun was shining for a 10.7km hike at a 11.30min/km average pace – 324m elevation and 14,682 steps but it was chilly despite the sun with a very cold wind 💨

Today is the first anniversary of my dear friend on died last year – she has been in my thoughts this week and I had a lovely chat with a mutual friend when I got back from my walk today sharing our good memories ❤️

@dvw @stitchincarol @basyjames – quality over quantity and really appreciating the treat! I have promised myself that I will stick to my personal challenge for this month 🤞 So I input the chocolate treat into MFP at the start of the day when I have been planning my meals to try and motivate me to keep on track!
@brightonbelle – will definitely be watching the Rugby this weekend and also dipping into the Australian Open and some Cricket too – I will be in good company with yourself @daffodil2010 @i-hate-lettuce and my Irish friend from down south and I will be texting each other throughout no doubt 🤣
@basyjames – 5lbs…….now that is whoosh!!!!
@stitchincarol – keep us posted with your hypnosis treatment – I know a friend who gave up smoking using this and has never looked back

Pocket List Day 10
@dvw
@flourbaby
@ccco FD800
@northerndawn FD800
@stitchincarol FD500

DTF 🚫🍸🍷🍺🥂
@suki2
@stitchincarol
@ccco
@at – (Dry Feb except for 14th and 26th!)
@northerndawn

ZBC 🚫
@at – every day!
@northgeorgia
@stitchincarol
@northerndawn

Exercise 🏋️‍♀️ 30×5
@at (today 60min Yoga and 2hr hike)

Fab Fasters in February let us go together for a controlled and fabulous weekend!
“Your body hears everything your mind says. Keep going. You can!”

Day 12 UK NFD

Blew yesterday’s FD but comfortably within TDEE. I’ll take that for the week and continue eating mindfully over the weekend, ready to start another FD on Monday. Forgot to weigh myself this morning – hopefully tomorrow will be close enough.

GP telephone appt this morning re post-covid health issues. BP is settling down so next up are more blood tests and an echo. Everything is slow but it’ll be good to have more information about what’s happening and what will help. Steady progress.

The sun has shone really brightly which lifts my mood no end. A gentle zoom meeting and long catch up chat with my lovely friend down in Devon. Now for supper and another early night.

@basyjames congratulations on your epic whoosh! Thank you for your encouragement 🙂
@at great to have lost Another kg this challenge!
@flourbaby @daffodil2010 we’re here and moving in the right direction, that’s the most important thing
@ihatelettuce i’m with you on the rugby – but supporting Scotland! Such an exciting start to the tournament this year 🙂

Whatever the day brings, go gently x

Day 12 USA (Illinois) NFD

Keeping at maintenance, so happy about that. We got our old Silver Sneakers teacher back today (at least for Fridays), and she is more energetic than the Monday/Wednesday teacher. I will be sore tomorrow.

@basyjames – glad your bloating is gone. Had to laugh about your not being juicers, and neither are we. Why do I always think juices often end up being a pea-soup green? Not appetizing to me. But I do like split-pea soup with ham and cornbread. 🙂

@at – yeah for you volunteering at your Parish Centre. I always fine my volunteer “work” very fulfilling.

@jaifaim – I never think of Ireland as getting ice and snow, but weather can be crazy. Our youngest lives in Austin, Texas, and she posted that over the course of the next week they will have a Monday low of 3′ (-16 C.) and a high next Sunday of 70′ (21 C.)

@stitchincarol – why is that hypnosis does wear off? Hope you’re able to find some help if you’re still looking.

@brightonbelle – hope keto works for you. If it is anything like South Beach Diet (which I think some of it is) that can be hard to maintain.

Onward and downward.

Day 13 UK NFD

Yes @songbirdme I’m sticking with it for February but it’s not sustainable long term ( for me anyway) I’m hoping for a bit of a jumpstart to reverse the lull I found myself in post Christmas

I know it’s nothing compared to what you have over in 🇺🇸But it’s sooo cold here I’m really not used to it -4 just now ❄️❄️

Got a lot of preparation to do for the upcoming Rugby fest Have a great weekend all

Day 13 – Canada – NFD

Good morning everybody.

So far this month I’ve lost 2.6 lbs. Very happy with this because I’ve been eating way too much. I’ve renewed my love affair with almonds 🙂

@basyjames – fantastic result from all your hard work. Well done!
@at – you’re such an inspiration, back to basics definitely. Must start using MFP again

Take care all. DVW

Day 13 – UK – CD

Aiming for a OMAD CD today as tomorrow we have our special meal with a bottle of bubbly for Valentines from “Simon Rogan at Home” so will have to make tomorrow a OMAD too to ensure not too much damage is done!

Was us early this morning to watch the cricket – Eng v India – great test cricket – had to stay in for the delivery and I had forgotten I had a delivery from the Wine Society too!!! That will have to wait until March for some tastings!!!!!

Just back from a walk into the village, bitterly cold out there and no sunshine today – OH has gone for a run………so now enjoying a cup of tea to warm up whilst catching up on here.

@suki2 – cheese for me has to be accompanied by some 🍷 and certainly leads to a definite above TDEE 😈 Good news regarding your DD’s house!
@mogaman – good to see a post from you and that you are feeling good – good news that you got your first shot of the vaccine – I’m patiently waiting my turn!!
@songbirdme – loving your “Keeping at maintenance, so happy about that”
@i-hate-lettuce – I’m sure a few of us will be sat comfortably in the warmth this afternoon enjoy the 🏉
@betsylee – join me in my back to basics for the February challenge – MFP has been my guardian angel so far helping to keep me on the straight and narrow!
@dvw – 2.6lbs downs so far in February is brilliant – you have got this!

But first for me a bit more cricket at 1300hrs – SA v Pakistan and then into the Rugby at 1415 – hoping the entertainment and a cup of tea or two will keep my mind off food until my evening meal – planning on something easy to do – mushroom, red peppers, feta and spinach frittata with some brocollini on the side and a treat of one of my special chocolates to look forward to 😋 so should definitely make today a CD

Enjoy your weekend!

Day 13 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD

I commented to a friend the other day that we’re having a “particularly hard winter,” and she shot right back, “No, it’s a /normal/ winter; we’ve just been spoiled for several years!” I realized she was right, but it’s been so long since we’ve had a normal winter that I’d forgotten what a normal winter is. All that is a prelude to the comment that we woke up to another three inches of snow. Spring will be particularly welcome this year!

Had another good FD yesterday (that’s my third this week) and the scales responded with 148.4, the lowest I’ve been since before Christmas, I think. Just in time for my hypnosis session this morning, and good behavior today. It will be so lovely to have the scales go down again!

@suki2 So lovely about your DD’s house.

@at Your 2kg loss this month is very impressive! You must be so chuffed to be getting back down exactly where you want to be.

@michelinme So sad you’re having long-term effects from your bout with Covid, but so glad you’re slowly getting back to good health!

@mogaman “I remind myself that letting myself actually feel hunger is a rare and good thing.” Those are nearly my exact words in an email I wrote myself several years ago and shared with this group last October. A rare as well as a good thing, indeed, and you’re so wise to recognize and appreciate the sensation!

@songbirdme So are you sore this morning?? 💪 I’m no expert on hypnosis, but I think the bottom line is that the goal is to change your default thinking, and just as muscles aren’t trained after one session, neither is our default thinking. And it’s our thinking that leads us to good/bad choices and to weight loss/gain, right? Hence, the need for more than a single session.

@brightonbelle Yeah, it’s not as cold for you as for us, but the more relevant point is how cold you’re used to, and I completely get how that feels astonishingly freezing to you! I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and I still remember the day in Nebraska not long after I moved here when I discovered cold isn’t simply cold, but cold HURTS. That was quite an insight, LOL!

@betsylee I know that frustration of not losing weight, and gaining back what I’ve lost before eventually losing it again. We’re cheering you on to sustainable results!

@dvw 2.6 pounds is a solid accomplishment in not quite two weeks; well done!

@northgeorgia I sure hope those missing employees are replaced soon with new hires! That has to be so incredibly stressful for you, and stress is never good for weight loss!

I’m making a Guinness Pie for supper tonight; one of you mentioned it several months ago, and when I came across a recipe from the New York Times, I had to try it. I’m making today OMAD in order not to hit too many calories with that treat! Tomorrow is a Valentine’s Day feast, and I spent a long time considering recipes until I got a lovely blend of textures, flavors and colors: Lobster, Crispy Parmesan Potatoes, Asparagus with oranges and cashews, and Lemon Posset for dessert. The beauty of it is that the calories are all within reason, so I’m really looking forward to it. Then Monday is again the first of my three FDs for the week. The weeks seem to be flying past!

Enjoy the rugby games, everyone!

Day 13 MN USA 6:42 pm ( 1842 central) NFD

Crazy cold temperatures for February. It never got above -3 F (-19.4C). Not much wind. I sent my DH to the grocery stores this morning, early. The temps were even lower, then. My DH says he loves the cold; loves the tiega type weather. That’s why we are up here in MN. So, I give him the grocery list and say “Have at it, Sweetie!”. 🥶😂 He came home and brought groceries in the house with his steamed up glasses that were frosted and frozen. HeHe. Said, “Gosh, it seemed pretty cold out there today”. Still chuckling in self satisfaction. Yes, I know, I’m terrible.

NFD but trying to stay within limits

DH brought home roses for V day, but no chocolates. Thank goodness!! He got the big hint. He is needing to get back on track much more than I am. His blood sugars are up, his weight is up, and his his BP ia up….. I’m quite worried, actually. I think he should do keto for a couple weeks. He needs a big push and a big victory. I think keto does that.

Sorry, to go on with personal stuff.

Keep determined….persevere….keep your eyes on the prize, and be kind to yourselves and others.

Day 14 UK NFD

@northerndawn – absolutely no apologies needed I love reading everyone’s little snippets about their everyday lives , Obviously I could research ( but there’s no fun in that) the extent of my Minnesota knowledge comes from watching Fargo series a few years ago so thank you for educating me further

@i-hate-lettuce Yes cracking afternoon yesterday, an Italian antipasti platter added to the enjoyment Very much looking forward to this afternoon’s game

Very pleased with myself, stayed on track this weekend gearing myself up for FD tomorrow Happy Valentines Day all💘

Day 14 – USA/GA – NFD

Meh, 230 lb weigh-in. Patience, patience…

Have a great weekend, all!