Hello PreciousBooBoo,
I had a fabulous time at the Drifters Concert, I sang every song and danced throughout the second half of the show. I did not resist the very lovely honey and ginger ice cream. Lunch was healthyish – grilled chicken and ratatouille, then they added chips and pudding was creme brûlée. But reality hits home today, fasting day so back to breakfast- porridge cooked with water and 15 blueberries, lunch – ww soup, dinner salmon, a boiled potato, broccolli and green beans. Filling up on water and fruit tea but finding it tough today after a week of restaurant food and birthday cake(my daughters, not mine). Fed the dogs the leftover cake to save my soul today, I would not have resisted it. Weighed in this morning – no loss but no gain so happy.
After the blow up on here which I think happened before I joined, I have received an email today about resignations and accusations in my community choir. Needless to say I didn’t know anything about it because I am not on the committee so have missed all the arguements, thank goodness. What is going on! I put it down to ‘not enough sunshine’ SAD Syndrome. Let’s hope the sun comes out and it all settles quickly. Such a shame all those hurt feelings!

To answer P-Boo-Boo’s question about opting out of dramatic energy in my life: Because we exist in the world, we are aware that hiding among fabulous and well-intentioned people are high maintenance individuals, narcissistic attitudes, highly emotional and defensive individuals, people with low self-esteem, unhappy people and basically corrupt or lost people. We find these people lurking everywhere; even in families and churches. No surprises here. It’s our personal responsibility to monitor our mental and emotional filters and make sure we’re not taking in too much dark energy from others. I did a major personal filter clean/change a few years ago and realized there was a number of high-maintenance people in my life because I did not change filters often enough. I allowed too many negative, high-maintenance individuals, from many areas of my life, to play important roles in my life. It was truly dragging me down. My fault. As a result, I made a filter clean/change along with personal shifts, and allowed more light into my life. Lesson learned. I’m the keeper of my mind, soul and spirit so I’m responsible for changing my attitudes, destinies and filters when necessary. I can blame others, but I wasn’t taking good care of myself by allowing too many people with dark issues (perpetual sadness, jealousy, troubled spirits, selfish attitudes, undisciplined ways) into my life. My graduate training is in organizational management and conflict management. I knew better, but I am a bit too compassionate for my own good at times. It’s like the drowning person often drowns the person who is trying to save him. If we don’t take inventory of the good and bad energies in our lives, we can be dragged down. I hope it doesn’t sound as if I’m preaching. I just get weary of people with dark energy dragging well-intentioned people down. We must fight back – not by lashing out at others – but by taking good care of ourselves. I have this Mediation background, so you’ll have to excuse me! I think if we could all shed some dark energy, we may lose a few more pounds! Happy ‘almost weekend’ to all. Spring is an excellent time for personal cleansing and filter changes!

well done PreciousBooboo that 10 is lookin good and well done for sticking at it. Like Stef I am also on a plateau still, so needing to focus on how much better I feel having cut back on the wine and cheese and the sweet stuff.
Whew jeanDee you are right here in my headspace !!! what a great way of putting it–the filter change. I work in an area where there are many high maintainencers–my job is to upskill them in a particular and vital area but heh guess what, the ones who need it the most are already perfect!! I got a neutral professional in to look at my practice and what barriers I was creating, he walked away scratching his head about the prima donnas and advised I get paid double. How it relates to this WOE is that I used to eat big slices of carrot cake to console myself now I record my interventions send it on to my boss and keep the filter changed–I leave it to him to eat the cake of frustration. thanks for your metaphor

For some reason the rest of my post cut off. Is it because I put a smiley face? I love your name Pbb and your posts. 🙂 To achieve the fast weight loss ( pun intended), I chose to ban sugar and all sweet food for the first four weeks of the 5:2. The first two fast days were the most testing. After that, I look forward to the feeling. Food tastes so good after a fast.
My diary records weight loss, inches lost, BMI, exercise of any kind, food intake and BP. I agree that sometimes when no weight is going, the inches appear to be rearranging themselves, which is so-o-o satisfying. I still have 7 kg to go (=15 lb). Also still need to lose another 4 inches from my waist to be healthy. The best result so far is that the doctor has reduced my BP meds by one third.
I swear by Michael’s book and drink lots of water. Glad to hear that everyone plateaus. I think the remaining weight loss will be a very long time going. Sorry if my posts ramble in the middle of the night. Beautiful Autumn sunshine this morning after days of rain.

Congrats to PBB and to ply24mp on dropping poundage. Good to hear of recent successes. well done.

I am in a funk for some reason this week (stress at work and a very very long 14 hr work day early in the week) meaning not getting good sleep this week = ditched the diet. At least not devouring pints of ice cream but no effort in doing a fast this week.

So turned to the thread for inspiration….need to get back on the wagon tomorrow before this gets out of control and 3-4 off days turns into 3-4 weeks. Just not in the mood to deal with it.

When I get like this I don’t even want to weigh ….in no mood for bad news. So off to bed earlier tonight and begin anew tomorrow (I hope). Hearing good news from other is the best medicine. Needed inspiration.

Have a lovely weekend to you all.

Hi Precious

Such good news for you reaching a new number on the scales. Well done!

Here in Oz we use kg so while the numbers gradually change mostly downwards 🙂
the markers don’t require such long-term effort as stones.

Fantastic news, PreciousBooBoo and a big WELL DONE for sticking with the FD despite all the backwards/forwards/sideways moves that many of us LOACA’s know so well.

And well done to all the other LOACA’s who are on the FD journey …

Keeeep fasting!

I am 68 years 5 ft 3 ins & weighed 12st 12lbs determined not to reach 13st I started 5/2. At first I over ate on feast days ,until I got the hang of it.for me eating minimal carbs seems to be the answer,although have allowed myself treats without bingeing.To compensate for any lapse in discipline I changed to 3/4 & have managed to lose 16 lbs in2 months, so 1kg per week is excellent.i manage to complete at least 10,000 steps daily,as I live in Wales hills are par for the course!!!

lol @sharatl I also seemed to have lost half a shoe size not to mention all my rings are loose and swivel around my fingers! My bracelets (which I needed help fastening) are also swinging now and my boots no longer cut off the blood supply to my feet 🙂
Well done PBB – you tinker I now have to revise my virtual image of you!
I am feeling more positive today as shhhhh……but it appears I am off that b****y plateau 😀

Reading everyone’s posts here is inspiring the do’s n don’ts and the highs and lows …. it’s only my 2nd day here … I have posted everywhere so I have no escape (giggles) I have to do well or bow my head … I am hoping to use tomorrow as my first fasting day … I think that is ok after 2 days of normal eating ( if not let me know ) then Wednesday will be my 2nd fasting day as it’s my bday on Tuesday and we are having a family meal.

I am 55 on Tuesday 5ft 2 and 10 stone 2 lbs I would like to lose 2 Stone but

appreciate that may make me a little too slim so 8 and a half stone would be
fine … Don’t want to look ill … I have posted else where that I am doing
this for health reasons too, I want to remain as healthy as poss now I am
heading toward the other side of 50 plus …already been thru the change thing
(blush)

I love reading how much you have all lost in weight and am excited about doing the same, so I know I want to be able to show my loss next friday no a gain (giggles) I don’t want to rush the week away but am excited about weighing
myself! Hoping you will all be here for support and hints and tips during the
weekend and week

Good luck EVERYONE and well done on your results so far (smiles) xx

to JoJo…had to laugh at your comment about being “built for comfort and not speed”. That is priceless. I am right there with you….we I stretch out in bed to watch a bit of TV before falling to sleep I invitably have one of my 2 cats call dibs and curl up to nap on my stomach. Seems they see me as a nice warm pillow. Sigh.

sarATL: mood better today (thanks for asking)…my fast days are TUES & WED….I like them back to back (and allow myself a bit of a high protien snack before going to sleep). By going on record that I WILL FAST ON TUES & WED it is much more likely to happen. Hold me to it ALOCAs

Welcome to Corfumay from Wales. I love hearing where everyone is from…like traveling while not leaving home.

And to yellowsun….what a fabulous user name! It sort of sounds like a cross between the beautiful names the Native American Indians have, like LaughingWaters and LittleFaun, and the hippy songs of the 60s (Here Comes the Sun). Sounds very optimistic.

Calling all loaca’s
Just a thought! Please share!
Is anyone losing 2lb per week regularly and sustaining it? 5:2 or 5:3.
If so please tell all so that we can understand what it takes? What are you eating, not eating, what exercise are you doing and at what level? How do you use your 500 cals or do you just have water that day( so far I have had three small meals but usually stick to 500). Also are you getting any side effects? I had a miserable time with headaches, sleeplessness, irritability although all have improved now I am in month 4.
I was really hoping to lose this amount per week as a very active person.
Can you help me?
I changed my goal to one pound per week but it’s so slow(I know many people on here would be thrilled at one pound per week) but I simply am not. Call me impatient but with over 120 lbs to lose my dieting life looks bleak)
I know I can lose quickly on a 1000 cal per day diet but that is a health risk over such a long period. A friend had a heart problem she is convinced started through her lighter life program when she lost three stone in three months. Apparently it was down to drinking too much water without electrolytes. No evidence of course but she has now regained two stone so it doesn’t tempt me.
Is anyone else in my boat, so much to lose, so impatient to do it! Everyone on here seems so resigned to losing slowly. I have tried to accept this but I am going against my nature which is do, do, do, right now! ( perhaps I need counselling?)
Help me please! I need a kick up the butt( so needy am I not? Be honest, I am tough too)

Hi Speedy,
Thanks for your reply. That sounds good advice. I gave up my daily vice of bread six months ago but I could change my porridge to egg. What other veg gives you carbs? Parsnip, turnip? I thought only potatoes were carbs, only have them for Sunday lunch.
I have just joined lawn bowls club today which will get me more active at the weekend, practice Sat and game Sunday. Seem quite a jolly bunch, most retired but a few still working like me. They have a choir too and social events. The tea and cake after each game might be an issue though. They even have a bowling holiday in Spain planned in October so I might sign up for it. Why not!
I will also give consecutive days fasting a go but not sure I am strong enough, will power wise. Start tomorrow, watch this space!
Congrats on your incredible weight loss journey, I am really impressed.

Hi Cath,
Thank you so much for your reply, it is very interesting to see what people actually do on their individual methods. I am going to try Speedys non carbs everyday and consecutive day fasts. I will try your liquid only approach too. You have done incredibly well, congrats. At the moment I am not ready to hear I can’t lose weight more quickly. Let’s see what ideas actually work then I will report back to other impatient dieters like me.

Hi Speedy,
Ok so I am definitely is ignorant about carbs in anthing other than bread, pasta, cereal, rice and potato. I have now looked on line and plan to investigate all the foods
I eat. That should keep me busy. I will look at u tube too. Looks like I will be too busy to eat. Thanks again
Hasta Luego
Jojo

Simplycatt: your story is NOT an uncommon one on this thread; I, too, was in your shoes, with a seemingly impossible-to-reverse slow and steady creep of unwanted weight (especially around my middle) as I inched toward 50 and was decidedly peri menopausal. It almost seemed to have no rhyme or reason to it and any small loss I managed–a pound or three–was quickly back on again. I had my last child at 42, and I never got back to my previous weight with a bump up to 140 lbs (about 12 lbs. above my former ‘normal’ weight) which did not surprise or even dismay me that much. 140 didn’t present any health issues and I was still active and felt good. But…..at age 46 (sound familiar?), my weight just started on an upward trajectory until I was officially ‘overweight’ on the BMI calculator. I revisited Weight Watchers (my go-to plan if I needed to lose a bit in the past) but even when I followed it closely, the weight came off so slowly that I just couldn’t seem to build up any weight loss momentum. And I was so hungry ALL the time! At that age, my calorie requirement was so friggin’ low that I was ALWAYS semi-hungry…not fun. I gave up in discouragement, packed on a few more pounds and finally, on my 47th birthday, I committed to doing SOMETHING. I started journaling everything I ate, joined a gym, worked out a ton, cut back on calorie intake (w/o following any set plan) and over the next 6 months, worked my way back to the low 140’s. BUT, once again, after a few years of maintaining that weight, it crept up again in the past year, even though I still work out 4-6 times/wk, and especially as my period has become sporadic, periodic hot flashes kicked in, etc. Cut to last August: I was 50, my weight was up to 157 lbs., none of my clothes fit well (or fit at all) any more, and I was so frustrated that I was ready to scream. Or cry. Actually, I think I did both. Then, an acquaintance mentioned that he was following the 5:2 WOE with some success. I had just heard a radio interview on NPR with Michael Mosely and found the idea of intermittent fasting intriguing. I decided to give it a try. Well, the first week I had an artificially big loss (3 lbs.) because I had just returned from a week in Paris, so you can imagine that ANY sensible eating plan was like a desperately needed cleanse for my poor, overloaded system. After that, it slowed to maybe a half pound a week, sometimes nothing, then a whole pound…nothing very regular, but little by very little, it did start to add up. By the time I’d lost 7 lbs., I was hooked, and willing to hang I there until I reached my goal. And that meant no matter how long it took me. So, here I am nearly 7 months later, down to 136 (today; admittedly, it could bounce up a pound or two tomorrow), FINALLY feeling like I am the one driving this car again. I even believe that I will actually get back to the 128 lbs. that I weighed for years and years, pre-late life baby!

So, this very long-winded, very me-centered post is truly written to offer you the hope and encouragement you need to give the 5:2 a serious try. It seems to take most of the women on this thread a certain amount of time to figure out what works best for them, and there are so many differences in how they approach it. I can imagine your frustration if you are adhering to the two fast days with 500 calories or less, and not seeing results. Or, worse yet–gaining back a couple of hard-lost pounds! A few things that worked for me in the early weeks was keeping a food journal, both on fast & non-fast days. I started out by calorie counting on fast days, and just kept a record of what I was eating on non-fast days. Turns out I was eating more than I thought I was, and whatever I dropped from fasting was replaced with my ‘feasting’ on regular days. So, I had to make some changes on the other 5 days, too. And, I learned that doing 5-6 bouts of cardio/week is essential to me if I want to lose rather than just maintain. And have you measured yourself at the front end, too? I was shocked to see how many combined inches I had lost on my waist, hips, upper arms, bust, thighs and calves after 8 weeks, even when the pounds gone were not very dramatic.

I guess my the biggest point I want to make is, give it a try for a few months and see if you are able to find a way of doing this that works for you. It took me a while, but this is the only way I’ve been able to address the extra, unwanted weight in what feels like a livable, sane, doable approach. It’s been slow but REAL, and my body no longer feels like someone else is in control of it. I was so discouraged before trying this WOE (not a diet!) that I really thought that I might be headed toward dealing with a serious weight problem someday; it seemed like nothing I did worked long-term, and the numbers on the scale just kept getting larger. I am so relieved to have reversed the trend, no matter how long it takes me.

So, good luck to you simplycatt; let us know how it’s going. I think you’re very self-sacrificing and committed to give up your half and half in your morning coffee; I just can’t do it! Hope that some of the other LOACAS have encouraging words for you, and will share their wisdom as well.

Just another thought on the 1 pound per week rate, it really is the math. If your TDEE is somewhere around 2200 (avg for “our” age/activity and someone 175 lbs) then 2 days at 500cals is a weekly deficit of 3400 which is roughly one pound of calories. If you are losing more than that, your feed days must be very lean or your workouts arduous, or both. The reality is a pound per week is the average rate for this plan unless you really tweak it, and then i think the ‘manageability’ of it is at risk for the longer term. Just my two cents. I know 1 lb per week may seem slow, but that is a healthy, achievable rate your body can maintain and your psyche can manage! Anyone’s further thoughts on this are appreciated~

Hello simplycatt, SharATL, thintoartinCal, bayleafoz and other fasters,

Firstly simplycatt, we all know how you feel and respect your knowledge and dedication to dieting. You are wise to concentrate on getting it done now before you end up like me with a serious weight problem. Just a thought ! Have you thought of totally changing the type of foods you are eating. I switched from farmed salmon, tomatoes and canned low cal soups early on, dropped 4 lb straight away. Seems you can have intolerances to these products which although they sound healthy have heaps of chemicals which you body can’t process. Also daily good pace walk for one hour seems to be more effective of waistline and happy factor than an hour in the gym on a machine or class, must be the sunshine. You may need to split that time into 3 x 20 mins to fit in with work. 4 inches off my waist since Jan.
SharATL, all your advice and comments are so true, well done on your sucess.
ThintoartinCal, fantastic work and advice.
Bayleafoz, I will get the book, information is power, I read lots in January but have been busy since then, moving. Now settled so I will re-read Moseley and anything else that might help. Your detailed information is exactly what we need on here. I think we can all learn from each other and success is a great motivator. Agreed that there is no ‘ one size fits all plan’ I am cobbling lots of ideas together. Today I start use a kettle bell, anyone else tried that? Great for underarms apparently and burning calories, can’t do too my harm for my new sport either. I fancy taking on those old guys at the bowls club who ‘won’t play women’ because they can’t handle heavier balls. I love a challenge, especially gender wars. Watch this space!
Well today I start my first two day fast with only ‘chewy food’ for evening dinner, wish me luck!
P.s. I used to have several things I simply refused to change, those ‘one sacrifice too many’, semi skim milk in tea, butter to cook my fish in, drinking gin and tonic – but change is key if you want to win this battle, they are things of the past and I am still alive, still happy, not missing them anymore.

Hi Jojo, I should have added to my earlier post that I really hope you find a way to shift the pounds more quickly – it certainly sounds like you are questioning every last thing you are doing so I’m sure your positive attitude will win through.

For me I think I have had the most success when being extremely strict (on fast & non-fast days alike) and doing 4:3. But I find it too hard to do 4:3 every week (impinges on my social life!) – so I am hoping starting to add exercise into he mix will reap some rewards.

Good luck and I really hope you manage to speed up your rate of loss!

Cath

Hi Cathyork,
Thanks for your support. I will not only conquer this thing I will tell the rest of you lovely ladies how I did it. I feel like I am starting a new diet today because I am changing so much of my eating programme. Weirdly I already feel slimmer, must be down to the stretching in my Yoga class today. The sun is shining and I have planted all my garden pots with bright flowers. Not really getting on with my decorating though, just not in the mood. Reading my book ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ by Mitch Albom. It’s about a college professor who is dying but can now clearly see how to connect with life. Depressing in parts but inspiring in other ways. I see from your post to PreciousBooBoo you are a slim 11stone ish, lucky you. Bet you haven’t heard that sort of comment in a while, but to me anyone under 12 stone is georgeous, just a matter of perspective.
Speak soon
Jojo

Hi JIPWGP,
Wow, that is a serious amount of water. I start the day with a glass of boiled water and lemon and I drink fruit tea three or four times per day, usually 9 cups ish. Occasionally I have breakfast tea with semi skim milk but I am going off the taste of milk in tea now, never thought that would happen, used to drink gallons of it. If I go out in the evening or to a restaurant I like to drink sparkling water with lemon and ice. Occasionally I order tap water but only if someone else at the table wants it too.
So if I read your message properly are you drinking all that water in one go? Surely that is dangerous? I think we had someone in our area who was on ‘lighter life’ die of a heart problem through drinking too much water too quickly, I think they recommended spreading it out throughout the day.
It is certainly worth checking.
Also you must have a very strong bladder to cope with that quantity, I would have to move into the loo permanently, sleeping at night would be disturbed. But I take your point I could probably increase to drinking a bit more between meal times.
Jojo

Hi LUVTCOOK,
Hello again, thanks for the information. I cannot believe that after all these years of dieting I have managed to remain ignorant about carbs in veg. They even list them on fitness pal which ?I use to record cals on fast days. So day one of my consecutive fast days is over. I drank plenty water, fruit tea and one regular cuppa with semi skim milk also a low cal soup, ate two apples, one orange, one small banana and one slice of ham. It was supposed to be fluid only but I am not being too hard on myself. I didn’t feel hungry at all although I did wake in the night. For once I ignored my body, turned over and went back to sleep. Woke up with a headache but manageable. Now havi a cuppa. Good news 1.25 pounds down from yesterday. Now having a nice cuppa with semi skim and heading into day 2. Plan on doing fluids all day then dinner tonight. Off to buy cauliflower strawberries, raspberries and more blueberries as soon as the shops are open. Love these tips. My tip for everyone on the forum. Get out of your rut and change everything you do, mix it up, make it work, experiment, keep listening to to wise ladies on the forum especially those who are beating the bulge successfully. Note to myself – must read Atkins Diet.

Hi Speedy,
I hear you, glug, drinking, glug, lots of, glug, water, as we speak.
Ok switching fro fruit tea one to hot water and lemon.

I now think I have been doing quite a lot wrong and am revising plans like mad. Just been reading ‘Atkins diet’ really interesting and informative. I now seriously believe everything I learned at weight watchers was detrimental to my weight loss efforts. Free fruit and veg is ridiculous. If only I had read about fasting and carb values earlier I honestly think I would never have become obese in the first place. We just need the right information and we can do this.

Dogs now whining, time to walk their skinny legs off, can’t wait to have skinny legs too! Well just not tree trunks would be great.

Thanks again, I am taking all advice and experimenting like mad.

Jojo

Thanks for the vote of confidence Cath, I am on a high and determined to spread the energy. You will probably need to pick me up next week. Such is the life of a hormone depressed victim. I really think we can help each other in a constructive way. You can lose that few pounds just like I can lose that few stone. Go girl! I have faith in you!
Jojo