OK…I lost 2 lbs after Annette’s challenge week. And not just the same 2 that wander off after a FD (I hope). I weighed today what I usually weigh only after a FD. And my last FD was Weds. Whew!

I did feel deprived on a couple of those nonFDs, but mostly because I’m an idiot about calories. I should accept that all pastries have 500+ calories, because thinking I can eat as many brownies as I want is like thinking I can fly.

But I also had nonFDs when I didn’t feel deprived. Those days went like this: (1) no breakfast (just coffee, maybe cream — note: buy good coffee, it helps); (2) light brunch (usually low-starch like fruit-cheese, or decent salad not just leaves) — that left me feeling light and healthy, with the promise of a nice dinner with hubs, and finally (3) a good, balanced, funnish dinner (veg, protein, carbs, maybe even a dessert). I found that sugar, surrounded by all that “good” food, was less likely to turn me into a maniac.

While pondering what worked, I could see two simple rules to avoid my own overeating: (1) I feel deprived if I don’t get to eat “what I want” on a nonFD (so, no cutting out carbs/sugar altogether); and (2) if I can wait to eat “what I want” at dinner, then Godzilla will likely toddle off to bed happy. Not always, but more likely. If I awaken Godzilla in the a.m., then forget it, Godzilla will eat Manhattan.

So Queen, YES, I have that day almost anytime I eat breakfast. Especially if any pastries are involved. But even a “healthful” breakfast grows exponentially into a meal that lasts all day. I just have no cut off. Godzilla rampages until she falls asleep. Thank heavens each new day gives me another chance.

OK, I’m off to Sat activities in hopes that I can follow the above rules! hugs and kisses to all for our mutual struggles xxxxx jade

Great news Jade. Really interesting to see what works for you. Keeping Godzilla asleep for as long as possible is clearly the key. I have thought several times that I could do without breakfast and I may try this on a NFD too.

Hey Mary, thanks for dropping by! I love your explanation of HALT (or BALT) – easy to remember. I think the principle works with all eating, even in celebration, i.e., why am I STILL eating?? “Drunk” might need to be in there 🙂 Anyway, congrats on your success so far! Best of luck with the plateau kraken, he’s a stubborn one.

I still overeat searching for that terrific buzz I get when the first bite hits real hunger. I may ignore that logical fallacy, but now I KNOW. So…a few months ago, I’d overeat thinking (if I thought at all) “yes, this is totally worth it, yum doughnuts.” Now I think, “I know this isn’t worth it, but I’m eating it anyway because FU MFP, I’m [bored, whatever].” And seriously, I’m starting to be mad at food for letting me down. I mean really, screw you food, do what I say and make me happy, or I’m not going to eat you. How weird is that? I came here weird, so I can’t say. Maybe it’s part of being normal, intuitively seeing food for the flawed joy-giver it can be.

Kitty, the book is by Sheryl Canter, called Normal Eating for Normal Weight. I believe Sheryl could also be a wizard 🙂 She is calm about the whole thing but doesn’t sugar-coat that it takes a long time to change habits. However, I found that encouraging, because she suggests smalls steps that even I can do. And yay, even FUs are part of the learning process. Nailed those.

Annette, how exciting to anticipate another half-marathon. (And I KNEW you were a wizard – you’re a nurse! How did I not guess that.) Brilliant plan to TDEE without fasting for now – go you! I enjoy road races occasionally, though I’m quite slow – my goal is to finish, and bonus points for finishing before the course closes.

Have a lovely and mindful weekend all – xx jade

Michel, you are mysteriously silent – hope all is OK. xxx

Kitty: It’s nice to have you back in the wagon and swinging the lard baton w/the rest of us. And I agree that snake analogy was very fitting for me on “cookie day” as I now call it.

Jade: Way to go! 2lbs down! Woot!
Godzilla, snakes & kraken…..what is it with you & reptiles?

Annette: Good luck on the HM. I’m sure you will do great. Your commitment level is running very high these days.

Mary: Welcome to our “isle of misfits” (do we have a dentist?). Thank you for sharing your story. It is always inspiring to hear of others successes. BALT…….Anger was my motivation on “cookie day”.

Mindful Eating is the motto of the day!

Mary I love HALT. So true for me. That has become my mantra now, so thank you for sharing that. If it works for alcohol and smoking, then I can’t see why it wouldn’t work for food too.I am going to start today.
The HM is very daunting, as I haven’t done any regular running for a year. I intended to start a gentle 12 week training plan, but was ill with a persistent ear infection and after 2 courses of antibiotics I was able to start 4 weeks later.I literally had to hit the ground running!
The most depressing aspect is just how far I have to run to use up significant calories and then how easy it is to eat far more.Last week I ran/walked 11.6 miles which earned me 1,316 calories, but by the time I had eaten my breakfast, scoffed the jelly beans(pure sugar), sports drink, pint of milk(post run recovery), an ice cream and x2 pain chocolat -I had consumed nearly 400 calories more than I had earned and that was by lunchtime! Yesterday I ran/walked 8.3 miles=943 calories, but I had consumed more calories by the time that I had finished. I am consuming more calories than my TDEE by several hundred at the moment and the only saving grace is that I am running 20 miles/week and only scoffing on the long run. To maintain my weight at 10 stone 5lb is quite an achievement as I was struggling to get below 10st 10lb in July.
I have no doubt that keeping a count on my consumption is the way forward for me until I learn the ‘cost’ of all the things that I like to eat and combining that with HALT will bring great rewards as the weeks tick by.

Congrats on your great week Michel! Sounds like success on several fronts. Sorry to send out an APB 🙂

I know what you mean, seeing those huge carts of things I shouldn’t buy. Kitty makes an interesting point, they could just be an earlier version of us. Wow that feels good to say. We have come a long way….

And Kitty, go you, down 2 lbs as well, yay! Unexpected gifts are the best kind and sooo motivating. Think what you can accomplish in the months ahead. I feel for you not being able to exercise, but remember it isn’t the key to weight loss. I wasn’t able to do any this past week, either, and look we both lost 2 lbs 🙂

HA, I’ve been reptile intensive lately, haven’t I. I’m fascinated by them, in a way, but they’re still creepy. “Happy eater” that I am, if imaginary reptiles represent junk food, I’m not hanging out with them. In fact, my stomach lately has rebelled at the sight of junk food – and I mean before I even have “the talk” (i.e., being mindful) with myself. Could be a virus, could be a new habit! I’m going with…probably a virus! But it could be another unexpected gift, I guess?

Annette, great work on all the math as you continue your HM training. You are inspiring! The way you simplified 5:2 for me with math has done wonders. And there you were coaching us all week, you sneaky one 🙂

Happy Sunday to all as we rest up for another FD – everyone on board for tomorrow? Let’s make it a kraken free week! xx jade

Ha no worries Kitty, my head is frequently up my backside as well. I enjoy all the posts and 2 minutes later can’t remember who said what. I’ve lost 15 lbs so far, just in time for school and fitting into some “prof” clothes I haven’t worn in ages. I feel as though I went on a shopping spree.

Speaking of which, it’s time to do some class reading. I enjoyed a jog in the lovely weather, lots of townspeople out with kids and dogs, so nice to see everyone smiling. One young family called “good job” to me as I toddled past at about 4 mph 🙂

All right, go Fast Club go, I’m up for sharing the lard baton tomorrow! xxx

All I can say is, I’m glad there were no sweets in the house today. They would all be gone. But with no kraken hiding in the pantry, I think I stayed in TDEE. Fingers crossed for tomorrow’s weigh in.

Waiting for the handoff of the lard baton.

Say strong & fast on!

Well isn’t this something….nice going, Melb! I’m with you all the way on wanting to continue appreciating a fine day like that, pistachio cream cake and all. Sounds like a perfect day. You were in control!

Good luck at the weigh in, Michel – no matter the number (ha, we all say that, but it’s true), you’ve made exciting progress. Love that you’re asking “who am I” — it’s as though we have this inner normal person who’s decided to show up.

I poked Godzilla yesterday…really wanted Sunday breakfast as I had ended Sat with too few cals. (Now that in itself is a miracle, but it was a busy day and that’s what happened.) So I snacked my way thru Sunday, final tally over TDEE, but no craziness. Not sure whether to call it a FU, as I think I should expect that kind of Sunday occasionally. Still, I will aim to let Godzilla sleep late as often as possible. Can’t trust her.

So today I’m gripping the lard baton with you all. Good luck and let’s continue on this path toward success. I like it 🙂 xxx

Oh well done Melb! Brilliant progress, keep it up, you’re obviously doing something right.
Jade – ma, not FUFD – you had fewer calories on Sat so had more on Sun – balance? That’s what I’m trying to do if I go over TDEE one day, just take it off the next.
Michel – how wonderful for you, well done girl! Best Monday weight with a pool party on the horizon. I’m sure you will achieve your 3lb goal. You’ve totally got this, keep slaying dem krakens!
Are we all on a FD today? Have had to switch to decaf as my black coffee consumption increases exponentially on a FD and I was getting palpitations! Still delicious though. For the first time I’m able to have black coffee without sugar, big deal for me. Haven’t eaten yet, but think I’m going for roast veg again, it’s my FD favourite.
Good luck to all, strength and motivation!

Hubby just announced he was going to the shop for chocolate for us – I said, No, not for us, for YOU! I’m fasting today. He looked so shocked that I refused choc that I thought he would faint dead away there and then. Hahaa!!
Damn I’m enjoying this rush of power!

Thanks all — you’re the best. The only thing that bothered me about yesterday was the constant grazing, a bad habit. But I think I found out something good.

Here’s how yesterday went down in the kitchen:
-are you hungry? (not really)
-Is that food worth it? (maybe)
-Eat a bite anyway, see what happens! (sure!) (aagh!)
-Did you love it? (eh…no)
-How about you go do something else? (but but but …ok)

I had that conversation dozens of times, but ALMOST without trying, I ended up acknowledging that food wasn’t what I needed. I know it could have ended differently if I’d had loads of treats on hand, but I’ll worry about that another day.

So the good thing is that “think first, eat second” has become a habit. Even if the next step, the “not eating” part, hasn’t yet. But the thinking part seems to have carried over (enough) to control the eating part. I’m not even sure that makes sense, I just know what happened.

So somehow, I was alone almost all day and there is still food in my fridge. And the rest of you did even better. Michel bopping her husband with the lard baton (not too hard I hope), no wait that’s Kitty! Well, let’s just all bop our OHs with the lard baton when they approach with chocolate! Anyway, I am loving all these normal people I seem to have just met here 🙂
xxxx
ps: woo Melb 0 cals and going for YOGA. Won’t be much of the lard baton left!

Jade – Sounds like you are really making some new habits. Good for you!
MFP is the only thing saving me, I’m committed to entering everything I eat and sometimes that makes me think twice. That and no sweets in the house, plus I have not been alone yet on a weekend.

Melb – Way to hold firm and beat off that nasty kraken. You will feel so good after yoga and be free to enjoy a lovely, healthy dinner.

7 hrs left for me until dinner. Used the baton to tell a co-worker “No, I’m Fasting” when offered a free lunch. She was surprised, but encouraging.

Holding tight to the baton………Strength to you all!

Kitty – Good thinking w/the wicker basket and the omelette.
Saboteurs are all around us. They know how much we love sweets and are just being nice, but so not helpful.

Stay ever mindful!

Kitty my mother in law in worst saboteur ever, and genuinely means to sabotage. “Oh go on, it’ll take more than one chocolate to make you thin” “of course, I’ve always been naturally slender, but we all know how much you eat” “goodness, I hope you give my son more than that for his tea. I’m sure HE will be able to metabolise it!” etc etc yawn bloody yawn.
I deal with her by living at the other end of the country and limiting visits to once per year.

I’ve never heard of wicker-phobia, Kitty! Interesting. I’ll have to ponder how I can use that idea. Maybe paint snakes on the pantry door :/ Seriously, I’m starting to appreciate the power of psychology in new ways. I think that’s our true super power. It all starts in the mind, after all.

I’m lucky not to have a saboteur around. Hubs rarely wants sweets (clearly we did not bond as a couple over food!). Treats at work usually vanish within minutes, no worries there. It is thoughtless to push food on someone who has declined. It’s not as though we’re being coy or playing hard to get. Mel, your MIL sounds like a kraken, best take the lard baton on your next visit! Eek. And Michel, nice going with the assertive approach at work – sounds like it’s working.

FD here has gone well, got lucky at a lunch date when the soup du jour was “tomatillo” (extremely light) then dinner of roasted veggies, a small bit of chicken, and a few strands of angel hair (hubs is a pasta freak). I fill my bowl with mostly veggies and we both dig in. Everyone’s happy!

One more FD in the books, next train leaves Weds for me! xxx
ps holy crap Kitty, just saw your post, that is one weird friend. Glad she is history – I’m hoping she has met the karma kraken and turned into a lard baton herself.

Mel – OMG really? I wouldn’t live near her either. How mean spirited.

Kitty – We are here for you……Stay out of the kitchen! YOU CAN DO THIS!
Why would someone talk to their friend like that? Certainly not a friend. Friends want what’s best for you, not to add to your issues.

I STAYED OUT OF THE KITCHEN!!!!!!
Ah Jade and Michel, you’re truly stars. Thank you for your support..it feels so good not to have given in to my sugar inhaling urges. I even ignored hubby eating his enormous choc bar in bed. Honestly, how is he so slim?
Anyway, I’m hoping this iron will continues. Got you guys to thank for getting me back on track, I’ll be forever grateful for that.

I know portion size is a common cause of people failing on diets, and I always thought I was pretty sensible, until just now when I poured myself a bowl of my favourite muesli. And decided to weigh it. Oh my…instead of the recommended portion size of 45g, I had 130g, at a calorie count of 630!!! The bowl wasn’t even half full. Needless to say I’m ditching it from now on. I measured out the suggested serving and it was 4tbsp. Who on this planet eats just 4tbsp muesli? Sorry, rant over, I was just so shocked!
Think I will fast on Wed too now, keep you guys company. Strength in numbers!
What’s on the menu for you all today then? We are having a BBQ later if this unexpected sunshine sticks around, and I’ve spatchcocked a chicken and marinated it in Greek herbs, lemon juice and a little olive oil. Mmmmm! Add a pile of salad and I’m happy.
Strength to fasters today, and here’s hoping the rest of us come in at TDEE.

Morning Fast Clubbers!

Kitty – So happy for you! I know not giving in was a huge step. You deserve a pat on the back!
I totally understand what you mean by portion size. That is what MFP is helping me with. Everything had so many calories in it, it’s just not right!
Your BBQ sound delish, enjoy.

So far today I have faced the leftover Cake Kraken. I have no idea where it came from, it was just in the kitchen waiting to pounce when I got to work. I barely avoided being taken down.
Next I have to face the Breakfast Kraken being delivered for a meeting and then there will be the Lunch Kraken to fend off later. Why-oh-why are the people here not huge, there is only 1 overweight person in the office. WTF?!

I really want to stay in TDEE today, but boy it is looking like it will be hard to do. So, I’m going to suck it, take a page from Annette’s book & just do it. I may be checking in many times today.

Hope everyone is facing an easier day than I am….
May your day be kraken free!

The Breakfast Kraken has arrived. Bagels & fruit.
I think I can resist both of these and avoid unleashing Godzilla for awhile. I will eat my imaginary bagel & cream cheese, over & over & over!

Kitty – Your “wicker phobia” is very intense. And with good reason. Smart to use it to your advantage.
I’m agreeing w/ Jade, I would have used the lard baton on my hubby if he ate sweets in front of me on a FD. He knows I need his support in this struggle, just as I support him in his.

Because of the calorie count, I try to use granola only as a topper. I try not to buy trail mix and the like either. Talk about a kraken in disguise. I need more volume for the calories. Sometimes I will make my own granola and store it in the freezer. All organic & healthy, but still full of calories.

All calories count towards TDEE.
I’m in control of what I eat!

Well done all of you! I have been keeping up with the thread so far.I was staggered how many calories I was scoffing with my huge portions of meusli that didn’t even come up the side of our large bowls. I now have 75g of meusli in some small bowls that I bought on line, purely with the purpose of making my small breakfast look much much bigger. It works and I highly recommend buying smaller crockery.
I am back to work now, which has meant a pub lunch out today and then work lunch tomorrow, so maintaining is my goal at the moment.
I am using HALT lots of times, to really check that I am hungry. I walked home today wanting chocolate and knowing that I have 2 large bars in a cupboard for after our HM in a couple of weeks. Got home and ate a few brazil nuts and then a handful of almonds and then found that the desire for chocolate is quashed.
I am really looking forward to hearing what the results are this weekend. I can pull my zipped up jeans over my hips now and I need smaller bras…..

Hard to tell how I did on my calorie count. I had a big greek salad w/ feta cheese (w/o dressing), a scoop of this amazing saffron rice and the bottom half of the cinnamon bagel (no cream cheese). I opted for the bagel over the leftover cake (how can it still be in the kitchen? Who doesn’t eat cake?)

Hope everyone else is having fantastic day!

Go Michel! Slay those krakens! MFP is our friend, and you’re using it to fantastic effect. Sounds like your lunch was healthy! And my goodness, way to go defeating cake kraken! I mean, that must be the most fearsome of them all!!! I am truly in awe of your kick assness today. You will surely come in at or under TDEE. Jade is right, you really are Wonderwoman these days!
I’ve had a beastly migraine all day so haven’t eaten a thing, they make me feel so sick. So no BBQ, boo. Still will have the nice chicken though, maybe in an hour or so if I can.
And good for you Jade, you’re slaying krakens good style too. Brilliant. And yes, I feel I’m gonna have to bop hubby with the lard baton next time he dares to eat choc beside me on a FD, or any day for that matter!
Annette, well you’re just the poster girl for 5:2! Doing so well.
Such positive happy posts today, I’m delighted for everyone! Keep it going!