This topic contains 1,551 replies, has 125 voices, and was last updated by steffieagle 6 years, 10 months ago.
Day 24, Finland, NFD
Sounds like lots of people are struggling with week 3 in January….I tend to have that psychological battle every week! Monday and Tuesday go great, and struggle with Wednesday! Just had choc chip biscuits in fact…until then day was going well. It is coming home from work, and going straight to the cupboard that is a huge problem for me. After a late shift I literally go straight to bed (at 10pm) just so i don’t gorge myself. One of the many things to work on…Thinking about more tangible goals for February….
@lilymartin I love your ‘won’t power* phrase and also your definition for @saffy420‘s lunck, which I think is a wonderful word that shall be used from here on in!
Strength to everyone for the last week….
Day 24, Gozo, Malta, fd
More like a cd. I ate a slice of Christmas cake, 2 fruit chocolates and a truffle. This evening I’ll just have a yogurt or a bag of rice chips to bring me up to around 1,000 calories.
I’m at a plateau at the moment. This morning I was the same weight as Monday morning.
I’ll just keep going on. But I’d love to lose about 4 kilos.
Onwards and downwards. Have a lovely evening everyone.
Day 24 California CD Maintenance
I spent yesterday snacking on everything in sight and gained a kg from the day before. It wasn’t that I was actually hungry, it was more a matter of a busy and frustrating work day. Unfortunately, I still have the habit of turning to food, mainly bread products, as a pacifier. 😒 I need to stop that. So far today I haven’t eaten anything and feel like doing a FD, one day early. It isn’t out of guilt about yesterday, but just about feeling better. Having fasted so many days, I’ve come to realize that I don’t feel bad or particularly hungry when I fast, I feel good. Overeating definitely makes my body feel bad and slightly headachy. It make me slow and lethargic. After eating the 5:2 way for so long I’ve come to recognize these differences. Does anyone else feel that way?
I’m making that Nigerian Bean soup tonight for the 2nd time, so not committing to a full fledged FD, but maybe a CD.
In the book The Obesity Code by Jason Fung, he talks about how the body is always trying to reach equilibrium and everybody has a ‘set’ weight which the body will try to return to. Hence reduced calorie diets not working and weight being quickly regained, because the body wants to return to its ‘set’ weight.
The reason people’s set weight is too high is because they have built up a resistance to insulin by eating food that encourages insulin levels to be too high ( bad carbs, basically) or they eat too frequently so not allowing the body’s insulin levels to drop. So, if you have been doing this WOL for a while, your body’s set weight will have dropped due to fasting/ avoiding carbs, and even if you put on a few kilos your body will be trying to return you to your new, lower set weight. Unless I’ve completely missed the message, which is quite possible.
So, no need to panic if you put on a bit of weight. If you get back to 5:2, or whatever your version of it is, you and your body will be trying to do the same, or similar things. When I read that bit of information, it was like a massive light bulb going on. Who knew any of that??? Not me anyway.
I think I’m going to try to get some royalties, or whatever, from Jason Fung and Alcohol Explained man. William Porter. They both seem to completely know their stuff…
Day 24, Rocky Mountains, US, NFD
NFD today but below my TDEE. Have to cut back on nuts.
@basyjames: no whoosh yet but thanks for wishing me one. Same to you and all of us. Good luck at the dentist tomorrow! ⚘⚘⚘
@debster251: yes, this crazy plateau! But I thought I am doing this also for my health and weight loss is a nice thing to happen along this journey.
All the best to all of you! 😊🌸😊🌼😊
Day 24 – Ireland – FD
Thanks Emma Taylor for your tip for staying dry last Friday…I just made my water look like a gin with ice and a slice..
This week has been tough with several temptations put it my way.. But second FD done for this week… having lost 7 lbs since Christmas (which had gone on over the Christmas period) I seem to be bobbing around the same weight for the past two weeks..I am happy that this WOL is working but would absolutely love to drop just a little more…
Wishing you all well!
Onward and downward!
Day 25 country West Australia B2B second day
FINALLY!!! 2 mindful FDs this week AND being honest with myself ie Yes Lily !! Cheesecake definitely contains calories ….. by the hundreds!!!!! Think about it !!!!!
And the handful of nuts here and the spoon of peanut paste there;
here a bite there a bite every where a bite, bite;
Lily Martin ate too much E I E I O!!
( apologies but that was what was happening since November 2017 and trying to fool one’s self doesn’t really work in the end.)
@dykask, yes! Fancy not knowing there are only 3 ways of fasting. A 7 day water fast puhleeeeese!
( well apparently for $ 99 you too can find out these little gems and more……)
I obviously didn’t bother following up with them.
I did get another nice reply though to point out to me that 2 female doctors had written books about intermittent fasting WELL before Dr M and apparently they have not rested on their laurels but done MORE research so their information is really up-to-date.
And what’s more you can get all this support from the online subscribers! Who knew!
( apologies – again – for the sarky nature of the latter part of this post .)
Good lunck everyone.
Day 24 – Massachusetts – nfd
Fine on calories today, but I ate too much junk! Going to have to really work on that. Finally returning to swimming and I feel so much better!
The days have been to busy to respond to your posts, but amazing progress is being reported! Makes me want to work hard to report good news too. Working on it!! 💪
Talk to you all tomorrow!
Day 25 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD
Lost nearly another pound on a good 500 ish FD. So I am down 2 pounds on holiday weight, which, for me, is going very sloooooooowly. I might need to throw in a liquid fast soon to get things moving.
I felt hungry last night and really had to pull all my forces together to stop getting a snack. Funny, although the cupboards still have biscuits, chocolate, and crisps from Christmas, it was not for them I was pining. It was just for something more….oat bran porridge, or a little ham and cheese sandwhich on oat bran bread….nothing sugary thank goodness.
@flourbaby I did think of you and the barbed wire around the kitchen cupboards 😆
I made some lemon and ginger tea,had a Laughing Cow light cheese triangle wrapped in a slice of deli ham…..50 calories?….and went to bed.
It’s my sisters wedding today. 20 odd years and 2 children and finally tying the knot. I am driving so will enjoy the day but no alcohol. I am bringing the children back home after the reception so will not be having a late night. Hopefully such saintliness will be rewarded on the scales tomorrow.
Happy Thursday all.
Day 25, London, UK, NFD
I’ve officially given myself a holiday ‘til the end of Jan (or maybe just until Sunday!!). My head isn’t in the right place, I’m on a plateau, I’m starting to hear the deprivation dragon far too often & I’m under the weather ………………….. and ……………….. yep, making lots of excuses to justify poor food choices!!!! @daffodil2010, I’m still keeping that kitchen closed in the evening, the new problem is hoovering up carb heavy food during the day, I actually had breakfast yesterday at 10am, unheard of in the last year!!!!
I’m not signing out of the challenge, I’m just having another pity party for one, but hormonally speaking (!) I’m up and down like a yo-yo which is giving me whiplash!! No doubt by Sunday I’ll be back on track and raring to go. This is just frustration playing games with my mind!!!!
I’ll be re-reading my posts since Feb last year, I’ll highlight the positives and discard the negatives; & learn & focus on what worked before. I must not get despondent, especially when I’m definitely toning up with the additional exercise ……………….. I just need to keep telling myself the SCALE is NOT My Friend!!!! Sunday is measuring day, so maybe less inches will help with relighting my fire!!!
Congrats to the losers amongst us!!!!!
Onward & Downwards Folks, keep the faith even in the face of disappointment!!!
Day 25, Newcastle UK, CD
Another good controlled day yesterday – and a further reward on the scales this morning. This is the last morning I’ll be posting until we return from our cruise so I’ll post my results to date.
SW January 1st 138lbs
January target 133lbs
This morning 133.9lbs
Totally alcohol free since 26/12
I’m sure there will be scales in the gym on the boat, so I’ll continue to monitor myself and aim for my January target.
@califdreamer – yes, this WOL has helped me listen to my body again and this month particularly, I’m finding my digestive system is far more responsive on a mainly veggie regime. I’ve had meat 3 times since New Year and whilst I enjoy meat and will always eat it occasionally, my body is naturally cutting down. I find that very interesting.
@emma-taylor – also very interesting – thanks for that further nugget of knowledge.
Hang on in @tlc2 and @rainbowsmile – Spring is springing and that’ll help I expect.
Great job @molij – I’m so looking forward to maintenance this year and it’s finally feeling possible.
You did it @bigviking – yay for you!
@mjrbcd44 – I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book…. I’m loving this quote at the moment because it is spot on regarding going dry. I really was afraid of giving up alcohol – but that is just another of its addictive ploys.
“Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.” – Robert Jew
All the very best for the rest of January and a great start to February. Thanks so much for your excellent hosting @mjrbcd44. See you all in a few weeks. xxx
Day 25 Wales FD
@strawberriesandcream Bon Voyage 🛳 enjoy your holiday.
@flourbaby whilst you’re taking a ‘holiday’ maybe re-reading the 5:2 book and/or other IF authors (eg Valter Longo) would help for February. I plan to read The Obesity Code and order Longo’s Longevity Diet.
Rare blue sky here right now but it won’t last so I need to get out for a walk, I’ve kind of got out of the habit of my daily exercise this month……always find January a challenge, fighting the urge to hibernate!
Good lunck for a successful day my fellow dragon slayers 🐉
Day 25, belfast, FD
Day 24, belfast, NFD
@coda welcome back…and congrats on the good news, both grandchild and hen!!
@flourbaby – I know how you feel…January has been tough for me to focus and get disciplined again. You’ll be grand. Just take it easy.
@basyjames – nice comment from you yesterday 🙂 It very much resonated with me
Starting a wee Pocket List for today:
***DAY 25, POCKET LIST***
@lilymartin
@missybear
@belfastsink
GOOD LUCK XX
Day 25…..Florida…..FD
Yesterday, I ended up being a bit over 800 calories and today will be right around the same. I’m definitely almost better from the terrible illness. I did up my calories for a couple days to try and coral that sweet dragon. I think it’s working, although, I really wanted a chocolate sweet, I resisted. I really think it was because I ate a bit more and there was no wiggle room in the calorie department.
I’ll try it again today!
I’m going outside to stand, so if anyone ask just tell them I’m OUTSTANDING!
Day 25, South Wales, FD
***DAY 25, POCKET LIST***
@lilymartin
@missybear
@belfastsink
@lynned
Happy St Dwynwen’s Day to you all (Welsh valentine’s!)
Day 25: Wales, UK, NFD
Weight: 49.7kg
Hello, I haven’t been around for a while. Been busy busy busy. I have managed at least two fast days a week though. I have switched to Sunday and Wednesday though.
Been lazy about weighing because I can’t be bothered to get fully undressed to do it! Checked this morning after a successful fast yesterday and I am below 50kg!
Quite a surprise as I can’t see any really noticeable weight loss.
January is so so hard. I feel like the days just aren’t getting longer fast enough.
Good luck to all!
Day 25 – Colorado USA – FD
Tuesday was a FD, Wednesday was 16:8 eating just lunch & dinner well under TDEE. Almost done knocking off the vacation weight jump up. So today will be a FD, saving all my calories for dinner. That should do the trick.
Honestly I used to panic before holidays like @strawberriesandcream cruise (who is managing splendidly BTW. Have a fantastic time, strawberries !!) … Firstly, I’d scramble to “drop some pounds” before the trip because we always travel with family & I wouldn’t want to “look fat” since they’d last seen me.
Plus, all the photos! And bikinis to squeeze into…Oh my! 😮 Then I’d worry about all the fabulous food & flowing alcohol on the ship. And the guaranteed weight gain. Double oh my!
But now, with a tool belt full of 5:2 + 16:8 + 4:3 + OMAD (one meal a day) + LCHF (low carb healthy high fat) and the motivating words on this forum, I know I can handle the ups on the scale. And I’m looking forward to getting down to some new lows.
I’m also fortifying my motivation by re-reading Dr. Moseley. Dr.Fung’s Obesity Code and Complete Guide to Fasting. And Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt’s Low Carb High Fat Food Revolution.
Now it looks like @missybear has given me a new book to fortify my resolve, Longo’s Longevity Diet. I’ll take all the help I can get!
Now I’m lacing up my trainers & hopping on the treadmill… 10 pages to catch up on with you all. May not make it thru all the posts, but I’m gonna work up a sweat trying! 😅
Day 25, FD, Norway
This week my NFD days have been visited by a voice in my head saying: remember to eat something gooood, (chocolate) cause today you can, tomorrow you cant… so i’ve eaten a chocolate fondant serving both tuesday and wednesday… 🙁 … well today is a FD…sticking to eat, and need to remind my self i dont HAVE to eat snacks just because its NOT an FD.
Day 25, FD, USA
It’s true EmmaTaylor, I think (believe!) my set weight has naturally dropped over the last 18 months. It’s only gone down by a few kilos, but I’m happy to take that. I’ve really only been back on 5:2 seriously for about 6 months, so with some more dedication, I’m optimistic I can set my new set weight even further south. Interestingly, the body has set weights for many things including temperature (which of course for most of us is a much narrower and predictable set).
Hey BigViking – I can smell maintenance in the wind for you. How exciting!
Daffodil2010, you’ve only just got home, relatively speaking, so the fact you’ve shifted 2 lb already is amazing. Well done!
FlourBaby, I don’t think any of us would really call the scale our friend. But we’re all friends! Hang in there, and as you say, focus on the positive. Don’t chuck away the rest of January – there are still 6 good days to be had!! Tomorrow is just the first day of continuing this WoL.
And for all you out there concerned about what the scales say, I pass this on. Yesterday, just for the fun of it, I stepped on the scales before my shower. Later, I stepped on them again, and it showed I was 2 kg heavier. 2kg!! So what had changed in the space of only 3 hours? Well, when I first got on them, I had just returned home after a game of tennis and was not wearing anything. I hadn’t eaten for 6 hours and I was a little dehydrated. A few hours later, I had drunk a lot of water, had dinner, and was wearing some light clothing. There was no way I had gained 2 kg of actual body fat in that short time frame, but I think this little ‘experiment’ demonstrates how much weight can appear to fluctuate in a way that doesn’t reflect reality. The scale show Fake Weight! This is why I think it’s important to weigh-in at the same time, same place, same bat channel (to counter some of those changing influences like clothing, recent meal etc) or (what I prefer) go by the tape measure, how clothes are fitting and how I feel.
Whether you’re FDing, CDing, or NFDing today, good lunck all!
Day 25 – Hampshire – CD/NFD
@debster251 thank you for sharing, I have added my details, I think it saved it – not sure how it works!!
I have realised that while I call them NFD during the week, I always stay below my daily allowance so I should really be saying CD – is that right? The weekends are definitely NFD though as I don’t keep track.
well done @bigviking for doing so well, we now have the same Jan target 🙂 I’ll keep an eye on your final weight!!!
Successful FD yesterday even though I had my sister round for dinner but as I was in charge of cooking, I made sure dinner was suitable, we had a really nice chicken stew with lots of veg, my sister & husband got to have it with some Bulgur wheat while I stuck to just the stew and 1 peace of chicken – wasn’t that bad as had saved up my daily calories for the dinner so I got to enjoy a good size portion. I had a hectic day at work in & out of meetings so I was glad it was a FD, had it been a NFD I think I wouldn’t have had the chance to eat either way….
As always, I couldn’t help but weigh myself this morning (I always do it after a FD because I wake up proud that I made it through the day) – another 0.5KG down eeeekk – total loss this week so far is 1.7KG, I would be super happy with 2KG for January but I might try and beat that as we still have a week to go!!!
Just came back from my lunch time running session, trainer made us do 6km of interval hill training or shall I say interval hill hell – the things we do to get slim!!!!
Good luck today’s fasters – its almost the weekend…hang in there 🙂
Day 25 Belfast NFD
Had a lovely brunch with two girlfriends and we went to watch Three Billboards. A very thought provoking g film, but also what beautiful scenery!
@Strawberriesandcream – enjoy every guild free minute of your cruise.
@rainbowsmile – hang tight my friend. I’m holding your hand from across the Irish Sea.
@flourbaby – hope your sabbatical clears your head and gets you ready to start again with gusto.
@missybear – I haven’t heard of Longo’s diet. I’ve read quite widely but I think I’ll will give this a go. And Happy Margo your ‘Andreas Eenfeldt’s Low Carb High Fat Food Revolution.’ Falls into that category too. Maybe reading the two will gird my resolve.
Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose”
Day 25 – Massachusetts – FD
Good day to all! I am doing a LF today. Hoping it can speed things along. We will see what the end of January looks like!
@penz, I agree – it’s all about how well I am fitting in my clothes, so when the scales show something crazy I don’t listen to it. 😛
***DAY 25, POCKET LIST***
@lilymartin
@missybear
@belfastsink
@lynned
@mjrbcd44
@leggit
I didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Day 25 UK FD
I got on the scales this morning and after being really good on FDs and NFDS, no alcohol, no sugar, several HIT sessions, planking like a good un, yes I gained 3lbs! I know the scales are evil, I know I shouldn’t pay them much attention but I actually cried😥 and used very un-ladylike language. It’s happened before and will happen again but I really felt it today. Fortunately there’s nothing in the house to splurge on. Work was mega busy so no time to nip out for lunch otherwise it might have led me seriously astray, but it was apple as usual for lunch and fish with salad for tea.
@strawberriesand cream, happy cruising. Have a lovely time.
@penz – you’re post really resonated today, thank you.
@flourbaby, you’ve been so strong on this journey. Just come back when you’re ready. We’ll miss you.
@coda – great you’re back again. Your middle name must be determination!
Happy to have added to the January forum dictionary – lunck, I like it.
Happy Thursday everyone.
Day 25 USA (Illinois) NFD
Managed my DAFD (DayAfterFastDay) yesterday pretty well. I seldom allow myself to get very close to – heaven forbid go over!- TDEE any more. Got right up to it though yesterday, per my typical DAFD. Doing fine so far today. One or two meals on a normal NFD seems to be working for me on maintenance.
I’m PR person for our fledgling Children’s Museum, and we’re having a big fund-raising “Frosty Ball” Saturday night. I’ve been tapped to emcee the event, and even pulled out an old long formal gown I had in the closet. When my DH first bought it for me about 5 years ago, it was plenty snug, but being a knit, I wore it once. Well, I even had to take it in to wear it this weekend! Yeah! (It was either wear that or figure out how to get huge shoulder pads out and altered from a sequin top I have…that item is about 20 years old!)
@emma-taylor — seems that I am not the only one who appreciated hearing about Fung’s analysis of ‘set’ weight being lower now that we’re thinner. Yeah for that! Most fascinating research.
@lilymartin – you’re so right that we must be honest about calories!
@flourbaby & @daffodil2010 – those nighttime cravings… ugh, yes. Closing the kitchen has helped me too, but I also brush my teeth as soon as one hits. There seems to be no reason to eat then, once my teeth are cleaned. Might work for you too?
Onward and downward.
Day 25 – SW WA USA – FD
A little hungry today. Needing to drink more to drown that dragon. @flourbaby – I hear you on the plateau… we’ll keep on prevailing.
@strawberriesandcream – you’ve been doing so great on the weightloss front and the alcohol free front – amazing! Do enjoy your cruise!
Will finish the rest of the posts later. Off to a training.
Together we are stronger!
Day 25 UK FD
Yesterday was such a difficult day. I was really upset by a senior colleague who had decided we had to pull out of an high profile project at short notice. He avoided communicating directly and sent a message via his subordinate. This is someone I really trust and felt very let down. Awful journey back via engineering works and didn’t get home til 1030pm. I’m completely AMAZED that my supermarket trip didn’t involve any comfort food whatsoever. I actually heard a voice in my head saying, “Nope you don’t need sugar – what good would that do?”!!!!
Yesterday was harder CD bc I’d run out of fizzy water but probably drank about a litre of tap water plus maybe a litre of peppermint tea. Not enough, especially being out and away from shops – I got quite uncomfortable and woke up today with a headache. Now replenished my supplies and then some -24 litres of fizzy water lined up outside my back door 🙂
This morning I weighed the same as yesterday morning so the whoosh is still effective & maybe I can claim that weight now. I dug out a new top I’d been looking forward to wearing and found it was much too big – supposed to be fitted but v baggy indeed 🙁
Decided to go to the local smart charity shop for an hour as a cheer me up treat & found a v smart Ralph Lauren lightweight sweater dress – the sort of thing that I would never have looked at before I started this WOL. I tried it on at home, encouraging myself to look for the positives. It fits fine but isn’t v flattering ATM; I reckon it’ll look good in about 7lbs and even better in c14lbs. That gives me something to enjoy in a couple of months.
Also managed to process yesterday’s stuff and turn it around, following up with a concerned but productive email. Great sense of achievement at tackling some difficult things as well as I can, recognising and letting go of the emotions and at resisting temptation to eat crap when deeply miserable. I think i’ve been brainwashed!
@mjrbcd44 I also weigh myself naked on a Friday morning, after the loo and before drinking, wiggling around to see if I can get the extra half a pound!!! I will think of you tomorrow morning 🙂
@flourbaby I love your posts which are inspiring, thoughtful and encouraging. I hope some of this is reflected back to you in re-reading and revisting your journey.
@strawberriesandcream have a lovely time!
Hello day 25 fd Norn Iron
Day 24 nfd
Thank you all 😚😚😚 for your kind words of support. I think I had got into that horrible vicious circle over Christmas the food consumed made me tired, so I ate more bad choices which woke up the Dragon and so began the downward spiral. The circle repeating and repeating again and again. Once I actually managed to say how I felt I didn’t feel so bad.You are such an amazing group of people. My hand 🖑 is reaching out for support and to those who also could use a hand 👭👫 together we are stronger 💪
Day 25, UK, FD
Its been a successful FD, I don’t know aout you but I always feel good after successful FD 😊 . I’m really starting to see a small difference in my clothes now, how they feel looser. Its a nice, encouraging feeling 😊
@saffy420 that is so frustrating, when we do our best and still we see no results 🙁 , but try and not get too negative and down. Just like after a relationship break up, have your “cry” weekend and then pick yourself up. We all have moments like that. Hugs coming your way 🤗
@strawberriesandcream I hope you have a lovely holiday 🌅
@bigviking congrats on reaching and bypassing your January weight goal, so happy for you 😍 .
I so enjoy reading all your stories here 💜
Day 26, NSW Australia, NFD
Hi everyone. Just checking in. Currently 78.2kg – only 5 days till end of month and 200gm to meet my target – fingers crossed and here’s hoping!
Just back from our local Australia Day Celebrations – was a good morning. Now sitting in front of aircon – so humid today.
Enjoy whatever you are all doing, keep cool/warm depending on where you are.
Bye for now!
Day 26 – Japan – FD #6 in 2018 … 84.7kg (better than 85+)
Well I’m doing a water fast today. I’ve been eating a bit less, although I went overboard on peanuts yesterday. I guess is better to eat the peanuts themselves rather than a huge bowl of ice cream with peanuts, hot fudge and what other sugar I can find on top of it!
Day 26 – Ireland 🇮🇪- FD
Lovely wedding yesterday. Did not overindulge in food, sparkling water only, then evening spent herding children around the hotel and eventually brought them home so my sister and her husband could enjoy their reception….phew!
Another slight loss, so yeah, it’s going. FD today.
Day 26, Cornwall UK, NFD
Weekly Friday weigh-in and 1.4kg down! Total loss 19kg /41lbs so far. Another 21kgs to go. I hit a plateau mid month – up and down and no net loss, so this feels GOOD. When I started 5:2 in July 17 the weight loss was quite steady week by week, but now it goes in ‘waves’. I have to develop some resilience to ride those waves and not get dis-heartened when the scales don’t show any progress. The snack dragon in wounded but lurking in a cave somewhere…
Weekly Friday weigh-ins – I see I am not the only one weighing myself naked, in the morning before any food or drink the day after a fast day! I laughed when I read many of you doing that too.
Yoga – I think it was @debster that started the plank challenge? Thanks so much, as I have added a few extra moves and I now do 15 mins of yoga most days at home. It is really helping improve my core strength and I get more out the weekly class at well. My plank has moved on from 20 seconds to 45 seconds and I am aiming for 60 seconds by the end of the month.
I have become an unexpected 5:2 ambassador – we dropped into a local cafe called the Boathouse, in Portscatho, which has new owners. I found myself talking about how good is feels doing 5:2 and yoga and talking about the plant-based items on their menu. I don’t normally talk about my 5:2 ‘secret’ to many people, but now I’ve made some progress, I feel different about it. I hope to one day help convert the Roseland Peninsula into another ‘Blue Zone’ where we all live healthy lives to over 100yrs!
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4:38 pm
24 Jan 18