FLY in JULY🧨 2024

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  • Fly in July 2024 World Wide Monthly Challenge
    Day 0 New Zealand

    Welcome to Fly in July🧨 – the next of our monthly challenges in 2024. All are welcome to join in!! @jaifaim is handing over to me, @merry🍎 after a stellar month with an extra focus on exercise – and alliteration!!

    I’d like to continue with these themes! Doing the 5:2 WOL to lose those extra cms/inches is all about the what, when and why you eat. Add exercise into the equation and you’ll also get to feel happy, healthy and hip!!

    Y’all be Fly in July!!
    ———
    These monthly challenges were started by @coda in May 2016 and have been going strong ever since. Goals can be overwhelming when viewed as a whole. But by breaking them down into small achievable pieces (monthly challenges), we are able to stay focused and motivated to accomplish our goals one step at a time in bite-sized monthly challenges.
    There are no rules, but as a general guide, here are some tips for any new people:
    1. Posting – Please start each post with the day of the month, where you are, and if you’re on a fast day (FD), non-fast day (NFD) or controlled day (CD). We’re all over the world and in different time zones so it helps us keep track of which day we’re talking about, who else is fasting with us on a particular day etc. Look at the various posts, and you’ll soon see the pattern, and will learn how useful it is for reading.
    2. In your first post, please introduce yourself to the group – this helps us to get to know each other, which is especially helpful for newbies. Perhaps say something about where you started, your journey so far, what you’re aiming for or how you are benefiting from fasting. You might like to include your starting weight or your goals for the month. But you don’t have to – share only what you are comfortable sharing online.
    3. Spreadsheet – we will have a spreadsheet available and we will post the link on a separate post when we have it. It will be in alphabetical order by username. If you find it helpful, you can use it to record and track your progress as well as keeping track of how others are doing. It can help with perspective, accountability or planning. And if you need help just ask – there’s always someone happy to help. But you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. It’s just another tool you can use if you choose.
    4. Frequency – Some people post daily, others check in every few days. Some are brief, others are long and chatty. If you’re posting for a second time in the same day please head your post e.g. Day 1 – 2nd Post. Past history shows that posting every day truly does help with motivation for staying on track with your goals, so please don’t feel shy about suddenly posting daily; we love new members!
    5. Content of your post– Comments or questions, complaints or celebration – anything you’d like to share with the forum. Recipes, tips, tricks and bright ideas are always welcome. Remember: we all have good days and bad days, days we fall off the wagon or days when we are hanging on by our fingernails, days when our mojo deserts us and days where we feel completely in control. So DON’T GIVE UP – whatever it is, you are not alone!
    6. Community – This is a worldwide forum so there’s usually someone online. We all do our best to offer advice, support and solidarity
    7. Pocket lists –A ‘pocket list’ is a list of the names of people who are sharing the same goal on a particular day. It’s great psychological support in mentally keeping that list in our back pocket, knowing we’re not alone. Anyone can join a pocket list or start a pocket list. Typical pocket lists are for FD but in the past they’ve been used for people doing daily exercise or planks, or DTF (dry till Friday).
    8. 5:2 basics – answers to many FAQs plus top tips:
https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/
    9. The “rule”. The F word is not allowed!! (This is the only time I will use it – but here, the F word is FAIL.). We all stumble in our journey – it happens. But acknowledge it, think about what you can do next time, and continue. We’re all here to help!
    We tend to use a LOT of abbreviations in these posts. Here’s a guide to some of the more frequently used ones:
    5:2 – 5 days NFD – 2 days FD
16:8 – 16 hours fast – 8 hours non fast
IF – Intermittent Fasting
ADF – Alternate Day Fasting (FD – NFD – FD – etc)
AF – Alcohol-free
B2B – Back to Back (consecutive FDs)
BMR – Basal metabolic Rate
CFD – Controlled Food Day (a day’s eating comfortably below your TDEE)
DH, DD, DS – Darling Husband, Daughter, Son
DTF – Dry ’til Fri (no wine, beer, etc.)
EE – Emotional Eating (reflex grazing out of a need for instant comfort instead of satisfying hunger)
EFS – Epic Face Stuffing (Definitely due to a faulty OFF button!)
FD – Fast Day (500 cals)
FD800 – Fast Day 800 calories
Hunger Dragon – that dreadful psychological beast that sometimes cannot be satisfied. Some people even name theirs (e.g. @i-hate-lettuce had an inner warthog!)
IF – Intermittent Fasting
Keto – way of eating that generates Ketones
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!!!
LC – Low Carb way of eating
LCHF – Low Carb High Fat way of eating
LFD – Liquid Fast Day (incl. tea, coffee, miso, bone broth & water)
LOL – Laughing Out Loud
M/WOAM – Man/Woman on a Mission (courtesy of @i-hate-lettuce)
MFD – Modified Fast Day (800 cals) on the new Fast800, it’s a FD
MFP – MyFitnessPal – a smartphone app & website that tracks diet & exercise.
NFD – Non Fast Day
OH – Other Half (eg spouse/partner)
OMAD – One Meal A Day
PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of moi!)
Pocket List – Names to “keep in your pocket” for a common goal for the day
TDEE – Total Daily Energy Expenditure (see the ‘how it works’ link on the home page to work out yours)
TRE – Time Restricted Eating
WFD – Water Fast Day (Water only)
WFH – Working From Home
WOL – Way of Life
WOCA – Woman Of a Certain Age
WW – Weekend Warrior (c/- @jaifaim)
    ZBC – Zero Breakfast

    Here’s the link for the Fly in July Spreadsheet
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WzBYA92AZ56xlyZwpAlcwEYpUEsDp_ioILL6LoK86OE/edit

    Dear @merryapple, thank you so much for hosting Fly in July🧨, I’m in!

    Hi @merryapple – I must find some motivation to get back to this WOL on a more regular basis so hoping to join you all for FLY in JULY🧨 2024, now that my and OH birthdays are over – June ended up with lots of celebrations with various family and friends ending up with a special ⭐️⭐️⭐️ birthday dinner out for his 70th last night ❤️

    Also can the access to the spreadsheet be made accessible to all, as at the moment we can only view it but not input/edit

    Hope to sign in on Day 1 and catch up with everyone

    Thanks for hosting @merry🍎 I’ll be flying with you in July ✈️

    Thank you for hosting @merry🍎 I joined this forum quite a few years ago and had considerable success. I am 68, a mother of 2 daughters and a stepson and 6 grandchildren. I live in North Wales but I want to move to be closer to them all. My youngest daughter is getting married in 13 months and I want to lose some weight for that and to improve my general health and fitness.

    I am very disappointed in myself for allowing the weight to creep up again. I used to tell myself that the 5.2 was a way of life and I believe it is, but I fell off the wagon. I am feeling strong and determined and I know that I can do this 💪
    Thanking you all in advance for your support. ❤️

    Hello @merryapple! I’ll come fly with you for July… ✈️ 🎶
    See you here on Monday!
    Welcome back @molij – we have all been there… you can do this 💯.
    👋

    Day 0 – USA/GA

    I’ve gotten into the 230s, and was in the 210s and lower for a long time. This is still better than the upper 270s I found myself in before starting 5:2. I’ll be 50 in a few months, and I’m looking forward to getting back to my weight as a young man during my 50s, or at least close to it 🙂

    I haven’t decided on a firm goal for July, but I think 228 lbs is reasonable.

    USA

    Merryapple, thank you for taking this month’s lead. I will see you all there soon!

    Day 1, Germany, FD 63.5 kg

    Good morning everyone!

    I’m a Dutchwoman living in the upper North-West of Germany, married, 68 years old, 163 cm/5’4″ tall. I’m here on and off since 2017, lost a lot of weight and gained a lot again. Last month I lost 2.5 kg and this month I’m going for another 3.5 kg. The only thing I have to do is to stay away from sugar, my eating habits and my activity levels are fine so I don’t need any change there. I don’t post every day but will be here on most FDs this month.

    @molij Welcome back!

    Pocket list day 1
    @snowflake56

    Have a nice weekend everyone!

    Day 1, 2nd post

    No weekend anymore so have a nice day everyone!

    Day 1 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 70.5 kg

    Finished June with a 0.3 kg gain. Still at maintenance – just! @snowflake56 – I need to do the same as you – stay away from sugar!

    About me:- David, 62, originally from Manchester, England. Retired & living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Been 5:2-ing/IF-ing since 2014. I joined the Challenges in 2018. Currently maintaining at 70.5 kg. I do basic 5:2, having around 600 – 700 cals on FDs – one evening meal – and I have an eating window of around 12 noon to 8 pm on NFDs.

    @merryapple – thanks again for hosting the Challenge. The spreadsheet is working okay now 🙏

    @molij – welcome back!

    @at – belated birthday wishes, & good to see you again too! 👀

    @ccco – good to hear from you, & to know the operation went well! 🤗

    “Cheers to a new month and another chance for us to get it right.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

    Pocket List – Day 1 🍏
    @merry🍎
    @snowflake56

    Day 1, London, UK, NFD

    @jaifaim, thanks for herding us cats during June, as usual, I started off the month with heaps of enthusiasm, but the stresses of life meant a less than stellar final 2 weeks!😳 A 1lb gain for June so I’m here to try my best for 2 weeks until I face the numerous temptations Italy has to offer!🍷🍝🍰

    @merryapple, thanks for hosting this Flying month, I’ll be 1/2 present at least!!🤣🤣It will be hard, but hard is not impossible!!!

    “You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.” – Timber Hawkeye

    Day 1 UK FD

    Thanks for guiding us last month @jaifaim 🚴‍♂️and thank you @merry🍎for a new start in July

    I’m looking forward and hoping to stay on track this month – I’m a lifelong yo-yoer losing and putting on the same 20lb I know I’m happier and healthier at the lower range I’m sort of in the middle just now ,a real good month would could see me near my goal but I’ve strayed the last couple of months mainly due to holidays but I’ve not got a lot planned for this month so pressing that trusty reset button

    pocket List – Day 1 🍏
    @merry🍎
    @snowflake56
    @brightonbelle

    Day 1-No.VA USA-FD
    I am joining the Fly in July group. Not much time to post as husband has catheterization procedure at the hospital at 6:15 this morning so we have to leave soon. Hopeful it will put an end to his episodes of atrial fibrillation. Supposed to take 4-6 hours of hospital stuff and then go home.
    June was a good month for me generally, although a birthday festival at home put some carbs back in my system, and boy are they good for rapid weight gain! but easy on, easy off as we say!

    Nice to “see” all the fasters, old and new!
    Thanks @jaifaim for hosting June, and to @merryapple for flying us through July!

    Day 1 9pm NZ FD

    Hi everyone and welcome to Fly in July👋
    It’s rather late to be posting on Day 1…
    I returned this afternoon from holidaying with friends on a dairy farm. I did lots of walking and managed to avoid the cow pats!!😁 My friend Paisley the Scottie, however, got zapped💥on two separate occasions when she touched the electric fences and became very dubious about walking on green grass because she had no idea where or what the predator was…
    About me: I started 5:2 in 2018 and got down to 78.5kg from around 90kg. This time around I’m intending to get to the finish line!🏁 I’m a Reg Nurse with a FA degree. I married my DH 3 1/2 weeks before he died after living together for 25 years. I now look after his art works and liaise with his galleries in 4 different countries.
    Sleep well and I’ll see y’all tomorrow!!

    Pocket List
    Merry🍎

    Day 1 – UK – FD

    @merryapple – thank you for hosting the FLY in JULY🧨 2024 Challenge and the spreadsheet is working fine. June was a bust with both OH and I having birthdays, his was a significant 70th and we certainly celebrated and indulged……

    This month I need to make every effort to get back on the wagon and stay there!!! At least I did not gain any weight in June as starting this month at exactly the same weight I was on June 1st 64.5kg!!!!

    So starting fresh on this Monday 1st July with a FD500 and an evening yoga 🧘‍♀️ class to get my mindset straight 🤞

    @funshipfreddie – thanks for the birthday wishes and the welcome back…….now I just need to keep the motivation going and make July work for me…..

    Great to see so many familiar names here already 🤗

    About me:- 66 and retired to the Lake District in 2013 and loving life here – Been 5:2-ing since 2016 – lost 22kg and found the lifestyle so easy until the last 2.5 years, since when I have struggled and have slowly been gaining some of that weight back…… Currently not happy at 64.5kgs and desperately wanting to get below 60kg once more
    My plan for July (is what it was for June!!) – to get back on track with doing 2 x FD a week, reducing wine drinking days to a maximum of 2 days per week and ensuring control on my NFDs – Luckily my level of exercise is good – I do 2 yoga, 1 pilates and 2 aerobic type classes each week and I hike 2/4 days as well

    “If I quit now, I will soon be back to where I started. and when I started, I was desperately wishing to be where I am now”

    Pocket List – Day 1🍏

    @merry🍎
    @snowflake56
    @brightonbelle
    @jaifaim
    @excelsior12309
    @at

    Great start 😂😂 I posted in the wrong month…. 🫢

    Day 1 Ireland – FD 🚫 ✅ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🌾.
    154 lbs
    Hi all, very glad to see a new dawn… this was a difficult weekend for me.. just lots going on but really all is well with me.
    Thank you @merryapple for hosting July for us and I am focused to stay down in maintenance this month.

    As a group we lost 19.4lbs last month.. I think that’s pretty damn impressive. It was interesting to tot up (obviously not everyone’s numbers maybe and also I only counted losses not gains – I don’t do that 😂😂)

    Onward and downward ⬇️
    We rise by lifting others 💕

    Pocket List – Day 1🍏

    @merry🍎
    @snowflake56
    @brightonbelle
    @jaifaim
    @excelsior12309

    Day 1 – USA/GA – FD

    Weigh-in: 235 lbs. Yeah, got a bit out of control yesterday with the all day snacking and it shows today. Plus burger, chips, and pasta bloat, which I expect again on Independence Day…

    But overall feeling better about July. Let’s go 220s… time to get back to that nest again!

    Pocket List – Day 1🍏

    @merry🍎
    @snowflake56
    @brightonbelle
    @jaifaim
    @excelsior12309
    @northgeorgia

    2nd Post,

    I’m with you @jaifaim; I just mentioned your uplifting post (-19.4lbs!!!) to my friend, who said ‘That doesn’t make sense’ ………………

    “(obviously not everyone’s numbers maybe and also I only counted losses not gains – I don’t do that 😂😂)”

    Clearly NOT EVERYONE will be invited to join these challenges!!!🤣🤣🤣 Gains are just temporary, losses are here to stay!!!💪🏼🙄💪🏼

    2nd Post – Day 1

    Pocket List – Day 1 🍏
    @merry🍎
    @snowflake56
    @brightonbelle
    @jaifaim
    @excelsior12309
    @at
    @northgeorgia

    Day 1 Wales FD
    This is my first FD for quite a while. It is going ok so far. Trying to keep busy. I am sewing a sleep sack for my youngest Granddaughter. I am hoping that will distract me. Thank you for your encouragement @jaifaim and everyone else ❤️

    Pocket List – Day 1 🍏
    @merry🍎
    @snowflake56
    @brightonbelle
    @jaifaim
    @excelsior12309
    @at
    @northgeorgia
    @molij

    Day 1 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 164.0

    After several days away followed by a family gathering, I’m back. It was fun times, but I woke up with a belly ache that’s turned into diarrhea, so I sure don’t feel the best. On the other hand, it’s been steadily raining outside for several hours now, which is a huge blessing in this farming community, so I’m smiling even in my misery. 😁

    @merryapple Thanks so much for hosting again! Are you planning to tally up total weight lost for the month as well? I sure didn’t help June’s number, but I think it’s a grand idea, and have every intention in contributing in July. 😇

    @molij Welcome back; I look forward to getting to know you. And, for the record, I was 137-142 two years ago, and have gained it all back…sigh. So I FULLY understand your disgust and frustration.

    @ccco So good to hear from you, and I’m delighted you’re doing so well after the surgery.

    @at Yet another way in which our lives have some serious parallels: my DH turns 70 in August. Made me smile. What REALLY made me smile, however, was to hear from you. You were who inspired me the most when I started with this group back in the day, so I’m always happiest when you’re a regular poster. 🥰

    I well remember when I was finally “under control,” starting in August 2021 (22?) and seldom ate what I shouldn’t and was steadily if slowly losing weight. People would regularly post about their struggles to do the same, and I’d be SO perplexed, and think, “Just DO it.” And here I am, not just doing it. My goal for July is to once again learn how to just DO it. Weight-wise, I want to be down to 159 multiple times by the end of the month. That will be a challenge since we leave for vacation on the 21st…but I’m going to keep saying “Just DO it,” and see where that takes me.

    Have a grand one, everyone.

    Day 1 – USA – Georgia
    Current Weight – 155.6 lb – FD

    Hi all, I discovered this forum last week, and I’m happy to be joining for July. I’m relatively new to 5:2 but I have done OMAD for 2+ yrs and was successful in losing 40lbs. I’m now finding myself snacking more and have gained 12-15 lbs since, so before I pack all those pounds back on I feel it best for me to get back on track. My goal is to hit 135 by my birthday in November, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Did a road trip with my BF, this weekend, and my eating was way out of control, snacking is my biggest con.

    I don’t have any set days for fasting, but I’m hoping to fast at least 3 days a week when possible. My sister is hosting 4th July celebrations at her home and my BF want us to go to an event on Friday, so I’m thinking most of my eating will be done on those two days.

    @merryapple Thanks so much for hosting, I’m definitely looking forward to flying first class with all of you this July!

    Day 2 NZ NFD 71.6kg

    A 19.4lb group loss is fabulous! I’m happy to do a tally up at the month’s end if that’s what you would like!!! @flourbaby If you put your friend who doesn’t ‘get it’ on a sinking ship with the extra weight, they soon would!!!🤣

    @at You have an amazing fitness routine! While I was away I showed my friend who does Pilates, my planks. She doesn’t have the strength to stay static and hold herself in one position like I do but is more focused on flexibility and stretching. Is that your experience? Think of @snowflake56 who holds her position for 6 minutes!!!💪
    @jaifaim Great to hear you are back in maintenance after your CHO loading for the big bike ride!!!
    @northgeorgia We’ve got to get you back fairly and squarely in the 20s and down… Be 💪
    @flourbaby It will be great to have a RELAXING holiday and let your brother help you out with painting!!
    @funshipfreddie Just out of curiosity what is your BMI? I’m at the top end and was thinking of aiming for the mid point…
    @molij Hi and welcome back!!! On the basis of idle hands find their way into the kitchen, your sewing is a win win strategy!!
    @sldeal And a big welcome to you too!! My routine is I do Monday and Thursday fasts and sometimes throw in an extra one if I’ve had a big eating day the following day. I break my fast at 4pm with a boiled egg to get me through to dinner, which I often have an hour earlier on FDs, then metaphorically close the kitchen… Others might like to offer up their strategies.
    @excelsior12309 Your family birthday pool party sounds gorgeous as do your flowering water lilies. I had a good laugh at your 4th of July comments
    @ccco Wonderful you’re back with us!!
    @metatauta I hope you’re feeling better by now. And you did manage to keep at least some of your impromptu weight loss!! Yum duck eggs…
    @stitchincarol And same. I hope you’re feeling better too. Did anyone else get sick? These days it’s hard to distinguish between food poisoning and viral infections… What happened to your eating at #3 hunger? How’s the fair isle jersey getting on?!
    @leoniraats Yes! We all want you to to hang in with us and look forward to you having some me-time once your new job and study sort themselves out… In the meantime as @flourbaby says, remember your body is not a bin!!

    OK everyone!! It’s you who puts food in your mouth not anyone else… So chose those snacks wisely!!!🍏🍎🍐🍊🍉🫐🥝🍑🍇🍓

    Onward and downward!!

    PS Is someone having trouble with filling in the sheet? I just noticed it’s changed colour and names at the bottom have dropped off. Or do we have an alien in our midst…

    Day 1…..Florida…..FD

    Happy New Month!
    I had a pretty good day, I actually stayed under my 500 calories. I ended at 450 but I’m so full, I could not eat anymore. I actually ended up doing a 18:6, at the office, we all eat lunch together and they were running a bit late so my fast was a bit longer than I expected.

    So, My name is Michelle. I live in Florida with my DH of 30 years. We have three kids, I raised two of them and was blessed with a lovely young lady when she married my oldest. I started 5:2 in 2016, got down to 125 and was in maintenance. Life went upside down, sideways and wonky leaving me at 185 after it was all said and done. I ended the month of July at 182.6.
    I am working towards getting back down to my lowest weight. I plan on doing two FD’s a week, staying around 1200 calories the other 4 days and on Sundays being a no counting calorie day. My weigh in will be Sat. Morning.

    Well, I think that is it for me……

    Day 2 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

    @sldeal – welcome!

    @merryapple – my BMI is currently 21.8 I don’t know what happened to the spreadsheet; I think someone tried to add their name, but it didn’t quite work. e.g, there was a new name next to @snowflake 56 instead of ‘Germany’. I’ve sort of fixed it, but the last two names aren’t in alphabetical order. 👽

    Gotta run! 🏃

    “Everything magical happens between the months of June and August.” ~ Jenny Han

    Day 2 Ireland – FD 🚫 ✅ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🌾.
    156 lbs 🙃
    Good morning everyone!
    Great to see some new people joining and to see our familiar friends back this month… @at I hope you had a wonderful birthday month and happy birthday to your DH also! 🎈 we missed you in June 💕

    I realise my post yesterday might have been confusing …
    “(obviously not everyone’s numbers maybe and also I only counted losses not gains – I don’t do that 😂😂)”

    So : I was conscious that not all of us track on the spreadsheet. So I went back to the posts… to see the difference between start and last posted weight but.. some of us don’t post start/end weight hence the thought that it could have been even more… you know I’ll always be optimistic until I’m not 😂😂😂

    For the newcomers : There is no obligation to post your weight btw it was just fun to see the group total. It’s not a competition to see who lost most.. group effort all the way ⭐️⭐️

    @merryapple I did chuckle though at your comment to @flourbaby’s pal 😂

    @flourbaby you’re so funny 🤣 😂

    @excelsior12309 I hope the procedure went well yesterday for your DH – a long day for sure – EOEO is real 😁

    @molij the trick to a good FD is to keep super busy or mind grandchildren 😂😂

    Hi @sideal – great to have you with us! If you haven’t already, will you read the post on the first page of Fly in July to give you some understanding of the abbreviations etc we use. I tend to fast Monday and Wednesday most weeks but am dipping in and out of maintenance so should really only be fasting one day now… honestly if I could truly manage one good FD a week and good NFDs I’d probably stay in maintenance … 🙃

    @merryapple my plank is still just at 2m10… I’ll improve this in July 🎯. 3m – is the aim for now or the length of a favourite song. Your holiday sounds like it was just perfect. Poor little

    Paisley ⚡️!! Funny on the sheet yesterday when I clicked in I saw Teneer at the end but then today when I look that name was gone… 🤔 . Maybe someone accidentally deleted the last few rows?

    @bert1802 a fabulous FD for you! That’s what we want to hear… it inspires the rest of us 💪

    @stitchincarol I hope you are feeling better today and no better woman to Just Do It when you’re back to feeling well. You have had such busy times recently I would have found it hard to apply myself. When the time is right you’ll be right 💪

    I have lots of concerts this week so will dance the nights away and hopefully walk.

    Tim Spector popped up on my feed yesterday saying “Everytime you eat is an opportunity to improve your health.”

    Leaving you all with those wise words on this lovely day.

    Onward and downward ⬇️

    We rise by lifting others 💕

    Day 2, London, UK, FD,

    Quick check-in from me.

    Welcome newbies…………. “Best… decision …. ever!!!” Questions, queries, support and some metaphorical hand holding can all be found right here!!!💪🏼💪🏼

    Good to see @at and @molij returning to the fold!!🥳

    My ‘To Do list’ is overflowing with house buying stuff, holiday planning stuff, fasting stuff and of course at the bottom of the list work stuff!🤣🤣 I would love to add some exercise stuff, but there’s only so many hours in a day!!!

    Stay strong folks, we’ve got this!!!

    “Don’t go through life, grow through life.” – Eric Butterworth

    Day 2 NFD

    Thank you all for welcoming me back, it feels like I have never been away 😂. Welcome @sideal I am like Merryapple I plan to do my fast days on a Monday and Thursday. The trick for me last time was to reduce calories on NFD’s too. I lost a lot of weight last time I was on here and I hope to do the same this time with everyone’s support.

    @jaifaim I would love to mind the grandchildren more often but we live so far from them 😭. If I am honest I think that’s why I have gained so much weight. I want to move closer to them so we can help more but my husband doesn’t want to at the moment😞. We live in a beautiful part of North Wales with a large garden for growing vegetables. Thank goodness for FaceTime. I do manage to see them every few months but it means spending a lot of time on the road.

    Have a good day everyone

    Remember we are stronger together 💪💪💪💪💪

    Day 2 – USA – Georgia
    FD
    SW – 155.6
    CW – 152
    GW – 135

    Yesterday was my FD but all I kept thinking about was food and what I was going to eat when my fast ended. I’m a junkie (mostly salt-aholic) so my mind kept lingering on chips. I’m glad I held out though, I broke my fast around 5pm and munched on almonds and later ate a chef salad. I then found myself craving something sweet so rather than giving in to chocolates I made a cup of coffee and used artificial vanilla flavor to sweeten it. That killed the craving.

    I’m proud that I was able to get in 75oz of water yesterday, something I’ve been working on for a while, definitely a major win for me. Got on the scale this morning and I’m down 3.6 lbs. WHOOPIE!!! Yeah, I know it’s mostly water weight but any loss is better than a gain!

    My car’s been in the shop for the past week getting painted, so I wasn’t able to get in very much exercise (I know, lame excuse because I can exercise at home, but my preference is the gym) I’ll be picking my car up today and hopefully I’ll be back on the track and/or gym at least 3 or 4 days a week. I noticed cardio usually helps me to get my weight down quickly.

    @jaifaim – my hardest FD is when my grands are here. They’re always eating pizza or munching on chips, my 2 favorite foods. They keep me busy running around but I find it best for me to fast the days prior to them coming.

    @maryapple – I may be the one guilty for fowling up your spreadsheet. I do remember pressing a button, not sure what I was doing at the time, but I think I got it now. Soooo, sorry.

    Thanks everybody for your warm welcome, hope you have a successful FD/NFD!

    Day 2 – USA/GA – FD

    Weigh-in: 234 lbs. And, yesterday was NOT a FD. Of course, what can you do when your college president pleads with you to have lunch 🙂 Then I come home, planning on a light meal, when my mom invites me for supper. I thought for sure I blew the scales up, but was actually DOWN a little this morning. Maybe I’m finally back into the groove. Now for results on the scale…

    Anyway here is attempt two. Hoping to get a FD in today and tomorrow before the Independence Day weekend.

    Pocket list – day 2
    @flourbaby
    @jaifaim
    @northgeorgia

    Day 2 UK NFD

    Like a few others I’m starting on a simple 5:2 this month , with the emphasis on NOT going absolutely mad on the 5 NFDs

    I also want to get into a good exercise routine

    See you on tomorrows list

    Day 2 – UK – NFD

    Yesterday I managed a good FD500 too @bert1802 – lovely to see you back with us – I was absent most of last month and don’t think I welcomed you back 🤗

    @stitchincarol – thank you for those words – I’m looking for motivation to get back to my happy weight and hoping to make July work for me
    @sldeal – welcome to our international group – always a word of motivation and lots of chat about all sort of things go on here
    @merryapple – thanks, I try…….re planks:- I used to hold planks for 3mins until someone told me that after the first min it does not do anything for you really……. .so now I hold for 1 min and do a couple daily and some 30secs side planks……..You can mix by doing high planks i.e. on your hands or on your forearms ” More time held is not necessarily better when it comes to how long you hold a plank. Focus on the quality of your form, rather than the seconds on the clock. “Two minutes is often considered the maximum, and you don’t get much more benefit after that,”
    @jaifaim – thank you – we both had a fab June and I was lucky to escape without putting any weight on but sadly did not lose either 🤣
    @molij – lovely to have you back with us – it has been a while but many of us still here x

    Enjoyed a walk this morning with my regular walking group – just over 5miles covered

    Going out this evening to see a film about the 25th anniversary production of Riverdance……not usually my thing but this 25th Anniversary production is meant to be a powerful and stirring reinvention of the show, which is preceded by a brief documentary detailing the history of Riverdance and the interval features a behind the scenes look at the show….

    Day 2 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD – 163.4

    I actually used some willpower yesterday (not a strength I commonly call upon, or succeed in using when I do call on it), and that was a joyous moment, even while I was a bit grumpy not to be enjoying whatever form of sugar it was I was wanting. Today, I have only 8 of my scheduled 12 lessons (as the rest of the students are on vacation), but the last lesson isn’t over with until after 7, so I should find the WF easy enough, since my willpower is typically strong early in the day and fades as the day progresses. Using the insight I gained last Tuesday, I’ll spend my driving time making a mental plan for how I’ll eat tomorrow and on the Fourth–girding my loins, so to speak! 😂

    @sideal Welcome! We are all well acquainted with each other, as we’ve been doing this for so long, so I’m sure it can seem hard to jump in, but we’re always thrilled to have someone new join us, so thank you for jumping in with both feet; we’re glad you’re here! And snacking is a typical downfall of all of us!

    @merryapple I’ve lost focus over the last several weeks what with all the activities going on in my life, but retraining myself to eat only at a level 3 hunger is high on my list of goals. My body is still not entirely fine after yesterday’s commotion, but I don’t feel bad anymore, so I’m thankful for that–and, thus, I think it had to have been some sort of viral something. And the Fair Isle has been dreadfully neglected, partly from lack of motivation, partly from “who wants a wool sweater heating up my lap in this weather???”, and partly from not having the yarn color I needed while at convention last Friday and Saturday, and then not being able to see the contrast between the two blues easily enough to feel motivated last night. LOL, lots and lots of excuses! But today I’ll put neckline stitches on a yarn and create a steek, so once that’s done, I’ll be knitting merrily away to finish the body. How’s your sweater coming? Down to the sleeves yet?

    @bert1802 How lovely that your daughter in law is such a blessing you count her as your third; my son in law is similarly treasured by my DH and me. I’m always in awe at people who get skinny when they’re going through life upheavals; like you, awful things in life make me wanna eat, eat, eat, and so I gain weight. Your plan sounds solid and we’ll all cheer you on!

    @at Your film tonight sounds fun! And, seriously, you didn’t gain anything in June? That is indeed most impressive. I’ve heard the same thing about planks, but rather than taking that to inspire me to do “only” one-minute planks, I just quit them entirely back when I started in on them. Okay, hang on—

    Okay, I just did a 30-second plank, and I’ve set a timer to do another 30-second plank when I get home tonight. There! 😂😂 Thanks for the motivation; I feel much better to be part of the plank group, LOL!

    I have a fair amount of tidying I want to accomplish before I leave for lessons, so need to scoot. We had two inches of rain early yesterday morning, and another two inches overnight, so my half-hour of watering isn’t needed–it’s always nice to have back that time!

    Have a grand one, everyone!

    Pocket list – day 2
    @flourbaby
    @jaifaim
    @northgeorgia
    @stitchincarol WFD

    Day 1, 2 – USA/TN FDs

    @merryapple, thanks for hosting this month. I’m going gently, gently in making sure I do not aggravate my already frail digestive system. It’s taken a few days already of eating absorbing stuff (bread, pasta), which has been anathema for at least 7 years, but I found alternatives that are very low carb and made from lupin beans rather than wheat flour. They have agreed with my system so far. Today, I am off from work and started drinking my rocket fuel tea that I abstained from for a few days, and so far, so good. Being cautious, as I have to work again tomorrow and do not want any surprises! The pounds lost were partially put back on, so I am starting out July at 141.8. I’m not complaining, and I am hoping to get rid of at least 3.5 more to achieve my goal weight again that I was in 2020.

    Day 2 – 2nd post

    Ughhhh…. had to cancel today’s FD too, due to an insistent coworker at lunch. Ok, third time a charm, maybe I can at least get Wednesday in.

    Day 2…… Florida…..NFD

    I’ve had a headache all day, but I think it’s just because I am overly tired. I’m finding that on my FD, my energy is at a high and I’m staying up later or forcing myself to go to sleep because I’ve got to work. So, I think my lack of sleep, is causing the headache.

    NFD for me today, managed to come in at about 1400 calories. I’ll take it! I think I’m going to do another NFD, it’s my last day of work before the long weekend. I am thinking I’ll get my second FD on Friday or Sat.

    @sldeal……welcome!

    @northgeorgia……. I find that my weight tends to go down more after a NFD, than my FD. I have a friend that calorie cycles, she was telling me that when you do a low calories day then switch to high calorie you body still thinks your in a deficit and uses your reserves. Which why you can still lose weight when eating more…. Not sure if this is a true scientific fact but that’s what she says. Calorie cycling is awful, so I just take her words for it….

    @at…. Thank you…. It’s great to be back with a new focus.

    @stitchincarol…… It’s crazy, how our bodies deal with stress. I’m like you, stress and I don’t get along.

    Have a great evening!

    Day 3 Ireland – FD 🚫 ✅ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🌾.

    Hello all!
    A super quick check in from me today.
    Having a fun, busy week… late nights and early mornings…

    Onward and downward ⬇️

    We rise by lifting others 💕

    Pocket List – Day 3 🎶

    @jaifaim

    Day 3 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

    Brrr?! A chilly 11 C this morning 🥶️ The sun is a least trying to show itself. Not the best NFD yesterday. But I managed 11,000 steps to make up for Monday’s 7000 🚶‍♂️

    @flourbaby – you’re so busy?! I hope you managed to squeeze in a little work too 😅

    @northgeorgia – you could always be the insistent coworker? Just a thought. Here’s a good quote from Warren Buffett – “Very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything”. 🤞🤞 you have better RESOLVE today 💪

    @stitchincarol – did you enjoy the movie ‘Thelma’? I just heard Netflix is showing ‘Lost’ in the USA? Not here though, unfortunately. I still haven’t seen the last couple of seasons. Brilliant show.

    Happy Hump Day! 🐫 🕺

    A good quote for ‘Fly in July’ –
    “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ~Leonardo da Vinci

    Day 3 – UK – FD

    The Riverdance 25th Anniversary special was fantastic – great mixture of singing, dancing and music and incorporating different cultures so very different from the norm – the four of us all loved it.

    Yesterday’s NFD ended up well under TDEE so I was very happy with that.

    Busy day today – Yoga class (1.5hrs) this morning followed by coffee with other yogis then an afternoon of volunteering, so hoping to keep busy and go for another FD500 today!!

    @stitchincarol – well done on getting your planks in for the day!!
    @metatauta – hope you are back to your usual self soon x
    @jaifaim – I’ll join you on a FD today – as my resolve is strong at the moment I’m aiming for 3 FD this week to give me a good start to the FLY in JULY🧨 2024
    @funshipfreddie – our weather here has turned cooler and wet too despite it being summer and Wimbledon has started but typical for the UK 🤣

    Pocket List – Day 3 🎶
    @jaifaim
    @at

    “The only successful way to reach and maintain a healthy weight is to find what works for you.”

    Day 3 NZ NFD 71.6kg 🏃‍♀️

    Headed up the volcanic cone first thing then went off to our guild’s spinning day. I’ve started with two Gotland fleeces, one is silver and the other a light grey. I’m mixing them so by the time I ply them I will get a subtle tweedy silvery grey yarn to knit. @stitchincarol I am down to the elbows on my top down fern yoke design and still need to knit the ribbing on the body. I’m not that convinced by top down yoke knitting unless its a like an Icelandic Lopi sweater… Enjoy the warm weather while you can! It’s freezing here.
    I have the Texan coming for an Independence Day dinner tomorrow… I’m thinking that its apple pie weather😋
    @bert1802 When I think back, I used to get headaches as I was adjusting to FDs and less food. The brain loves to have lots of glucose… But like you say, tiredness and stress also contribute to headaches. I’ve never heard of calorie cycling. Does that involve a bike???🤪
    @northgeorgia That co-worker is not being a good and supportive friend to you…
    @metatauta That doesn’t sound much fun… The wee ladies in Bali used to make oat porridge for the westerners with gut rot… Can you eat oats?
    @stitchincarol If I could send you our rain I would… Half the plants here think it’s spring and are putting out new leaves and are starting to flower. Keep up with those planks!!!🤩
    @at Thank you for the planking information. That’s really helpful for me and I’m sure others who are giving them a go. You eat so healthily and exercise well, is it portion size that is your Achilles heel?
    @brightonbelle That sounds like a great refocusing plan💪
    @sldeal The sheet was fixed up by the time I looked again!! I started doing the sheet because I didn’t know how to do spreadsheets. It’s all a learning curve!! Well done on a super successful start to the month!!
    @molij Long distances separating families are always tough… Your home in North Wales sounds gorgeous!! Especially the vegetable patch!!
    @flourbaby 1 minute planks???!!!😁You can do this too!! You’ll need a strong core when you start shifting furniture!!!
    @jaifaim I just worked out your under-the-line 🙃smiley face!! I use it for the antipodes!! You might possibly be relieved by @at‘s plank advice or are you going to persevere with longer times??
    Have fun dancing!!! We have an artist’s party at the Auckland Art Gallery on Friday so I’ll have my dancing shoes on too!!
    @funshipfreddie Thanks for your BMI. If and when I get to 65kg my BMI would be 21.5… That’s 6.6kg away…hmmm!!
    That’s a slightly odd quote… In the southern hemisphere between June and August puts us in the midst of winter…
    @excelsior12309 I hope all went well with your DHs cardiac catheterisation and you are safely back home now. I see a new diet, the Atlantic diet (derived from traditional Spanish and Portuguese diets), is challenging the Mediterranean diet. It looks like it switches out pasta with potatoes and wholegrain bread!!
    @snowflake56 Wow !! You’ll be at your goal in no time!!!

    Steely RESOLVE!!!

    POCKET LIST
    @at
    @jaifaim
    @sldeal

    Day 3- No. VA USA-FD 800

    Hello to all the fasters. The cardiac catheterization went very smoothly. Very kind and efficient staff, one of the easier hospital procedures “we” have had in the past few years. We hope this will put an end to the intermittent fibrillations that have been happening in spite of maximum medication.

    @merryapple, your journeys up and down the hills sound lovely (but exhausting!); also, the wool you are putting together sounds lovely.

    @stichincarol, your day of many lessons also sounds exhausting! I salute you for your dedication. And I also can see that trying to knit a large item in the kind of heat we are having lately is very difficult. I am sure the sweater will be lovely once the weather cools off!

    @funshipfreddie, someone should knit YOU a sweater for your cold weather there! We have had two lovely days of low humidity and temps in the low 80’s, but the heat returns tomorrow, with thunderstorms at night.

    It is nice to make the acquaintance of @sideal; I also have to stay strictly away from things like potato chips…”Bet you can’t eat just one” was what the old advertisement used to say!
    also, hello to @molij.
    @bert1802, you are definitely “on a roll”, so it is inspiring to the rest of us!

    Pocket List:
    @at
    @jaifaim
    @sideal
    @excelsior12309 FD 800

    Day 3 – USA/GA – FD

    Weigh-in: 235 lbs. Well, here I go again. Maybe I can get at least one FD in this week. This was not the day I wanted to fast, as it’s the day before the 4th, and there could be big temptations this evening. I’ll still plan to fast today. If it collapses, I’ll restart on Sunday.

    Day 3, London, UK, FD,

    Late on parade and it’ll have to be a quickie😜 too!!

    @northgeorgia, all well meaning generous folks, whether your mum or co-workers, friends or relatives will have your back, be supportive and listen to you if you’re the insistent one when you say no, No, NO!!!.💪🏼💪🏼

    @at, thank goodness you’re back!!! So, @at says I should only plank for a max 2 mins and in fact less is more …………… That’s correct isn’t it?🤭🤭

    @merryapple, I think you confused me with someone else, when it comes to furniture moving, I’ll just need to strengthen my ‘Pointing’ finger!!!.😜😜

    Keep the faith folks, I’m off to do a 10sec plank!!! Phew!!!

    “Failures are merely incomplete successes”

    Day 3 UK FD

    Lots of great examples to follow – I haven’t got a pen and paper to hand so can’t reply but some great posts , I’m even considering planking and I do agree @at the technique is key

    Pocket List day 3 🔔
    @at
    @jaifaim
    @sldeal
    @excelsior12309 FD 800
    @northgeorgia
    @flourbaby
    @brightonbelle

    Day 3 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 161.2

    Gotta love a WF for how the weight drops so beautifully. Of course, once I get food in me, beginning the process of digestion, the weight will go back up, but that lovely number is hopefully sufficient motivation to eat minimally today. We have some leftover chicken that I’ll chop up for sandwiches at lunch, and some leftover casserole of black beans and brown rice that we’ll enjoy for supper. Tomorrow? Tomorrow is the day I get a gyro at the Seward Fourth of July celebration, and I’ll eat it while listening to the city band play patriotic songs in the band shell; it’s a serious “Americana moment” that I treasure every year. Sadly, it’s supposed to rain throughout the morning tomorrow, so our usual fun won’t be quite as enjoyable, but the afternoon is forecast to be dry and sunny, and we’ll be spending that at our friends’ lake house.

    @metatauta You poor thing; I hope you continue to get better and feel wonderful soon!

    @northgeorgia Are you possibly letting others and their wishes be more important than you and yours are? I’m bummed for you at your “insistent coworker”…

    @jaifaim Dancing the nights away, are you? 😁💃🏼

    @funshipfreddie LOVED the movie Thelma. Do you mean “Lost,” the TV show? Or is it a new movie?

    @at I’m glad the riverdance movie was so good. I’m proud to say I remembered my second 30-second plank last night, and already did my morning 30-second plank. Part of me is embarrassed by such a tiny effort (30 SECONDS???), but I also know myself well enough to know that it’s only if it’s doable enough that I’ll keep doing it, so it’s how I’m starting…we’ll see how soon I up the time to 60 seconds.

    @merryapple Well done on your progress! I too have never been all that impressed with top down sweaters, but they’re handy for being able to know exactly how long to make the body. After counting my stitches multiple times yesterday to ensure I was centering everything properly, I got the steek made for the neckline, so I’m feeling a bit like a horse headed for the hay after a long ride, LOL!

    @excelsior12309 Our temps the last two days were in the low 70s–unheard of for Nebraska in summer. So unheard of that I wore long jeans and a sweater, LOL! Temps are getting back to the low 80s for the rest of the week, but not much sun and cloudy, so still not usual. But maybe that’s because I’ve become so accustomed to drought weather, and this rain has me befuddled, LOL.

    @flourbaby I love your 10 second planks; perfect place to start! 😉👍🏼😂

    Have a grand one, everyone!

    Day 3 – Georgia/USA – FD

    Morning all! Jumped on the scale this morning, thought it was broken, couldn’t figure out what was wrong, it seems I need batteries. I’ve only had the scale for a few years, never thought to keep extra batteries around. Will run out later to get some. FD went okay yesterday, but probably went slightly over by eating a bit too much chunky peanut butter, something I enjoy eating when I’m craving. Water intake went good yesterday, another 75oz I figure if I can keep it up for the remaining of the week it should be easy going afterwards.

    Decided to make today a FD since I know I’ll probably eat way too much tomorrow (Independence Day & Friday when I go out).

    We’ve been having temperatures in the mid to upper 90’s and a dry spell. The grass looks more like dry hay, I feel sorry for anyone who planted a garden.

    @funshipfreddie – I need to move more, I used to get 12,000 – 10,000 steps daily and then somehow I slacked off. I’ve been sedentary, which I know isn’t good for me, definitely got to get back to moving even if it means through dancing.

    @northgeorgia – good luck with FD, but like the song says “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again…”

    @merryapple – I wished I had pursued furthering my knitting skills years ago, I only know one or two basic stitches and the only thing I was able to knit was a scarf. Good luck with mixing.

    @Excelisor12309 – No, I definitely can’t eat “just” one!

    Pocket List
    @at
    @jaifaim
    @excelsior12309
    @northgeorgia
    @flourbaby
    @brightonbelle

    Hope everybody have a good FD/NFD.

    2nd Post – Day 3

    Pocket List day 3 🔔
    @at
    @jaifaim
    @excelsior12309 FD 800
    @northgeorgia
    @flourbaby
    @brightonbelle
    @sldeal

    Day 4 NZ FD 71.9kg 🏃🏼‍♀️

    It’s a beautiful crispy morning here… I’m back home after a fast walk (no dogs today) and am thinking about making the apple pie. I have some Grannie Smith apples and might add some freshly grated ginger to the spices.
    @sldeal Knitting for grandchildren is a very good place to learn because they are small and their clothes knit up quickly!! I use YouTube music videos when I need to up my activity – private dancing like Tina Turner says!!
    @stitchincarol Go you on your water fasting!! I imagine it’s easier to achieve when it’s hotter… Great that your steek is done! Is this perchance going to be a 70th bday present?!
    @brightonbelle Have you planked yet?! I’ll do mine after writing up this!!
    @flourbaby I wish I had ‘staff’. I could get so much more done!! Did you manage your 10 sec plank?! 11 secs tomorrow if your core can take it!
    @northgeorgia Be strong and don’t let people undermine your good intentions… If they know they can’t, they’ll surely stop attempting to derail you. Or ask them to join you… Do they need to lose weight???
    @excelsior123409 That’s lovely to hear that the procedure went well and is hopefully curative.
    I love that: “Bet you can’t eat just one!”
    @at Hope the FD went well for you!! River dance sounds fun. Are you tap dancing around the house today?!
    @bert1802 You must be up late again because you’re posting after me again!!
    @funshipfreddie I was going to say enjoy your lunch out but I see you’re on the FD list so it’s eggs tonight I take it!!
    @snowflake56 As a 6 minute planker, do you have any thoughts on the value of going over 2 minutes?
    @jaifaim Keep dancing!! With your bike riding fitness you’ll be the last person on the dance floor!!
    @metatauta Are you back on form yet🤞?
    @ccco Hi there!!👋

    Steely RESOLVE plus a plank or two!!
    “Bet you can’t eat just one!”

    Pocket List
    @funshipfreddie
    @mary🍎
    @molij

    2nd post NZ

    🇬🇧⛓️‍💥🇺🇸
    HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!
    🇺🇸

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