I’m in for January, and busy thinking through my action goals for the month, and desired results. Thanks for hosting, @northerndawn!

Count me in too. Raring to go and very motivated. Thanks @northerndawn for hosting.

Count me in!! I think I need to start afresh after the past 10+ days. And thanks @northerndawn for hosting.

Thank you for guiding us @northerndawn I’ll see you on the 1st

@northerndawn – I’m definitely in for this January 2021 Challenge – Rejuvenating January – needing the motivation 🤗

Here is the link for the spreadsheet – hopefully I have given you all the proper access – let me know

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u9-9iJVc4Xjj9RLAcuCWuk0WUE1ua9ovCw_Wwh-2TEo/edit?usp=sharing

Hi @northerndawn, I’m in too, I’m really looking forward to the next year!

@at Thanks for making the spreadsheet again, I was able to add things so it seems to work well.

@elektron Welcome back!

I’m in for January and all of 2021!

I’ll go ahead and introduce myself here. I am a 46 year old man who lives in the northern suburbs of Atlanta.

On Jan. 1, 2020, I weighed 276 lbs. When I hit 279 on Jan. 21, I gave up a couple of days later and didn’t weigh-in again until the 28th (278 lbs) and really got upset. So I didn’t weigh-in again on a normal basis until February 23: back at 276 lbs. All of that to say that I likely topped 280 lbs sometime in January/February but didn’t want to face the music. By early May, I was able to get to about 269 lbs doing the traditional dieting stuff, but it was starting to slow and I knew I would start rocketing back up if I didn’t do something different. So, I went online. That’s when I discovered the 5:2 fast on YouTube, and I thought, “I could actually stick to something like this. I wonder if it really works?” I thought — might as well try it! So, I started 5:2 the next day, on May 11.

Officially, I have lost a total of 49 lbs in a year (279 lbs to 230 lbs), and I likely lost a little more than that. I would have never thought that was possible! My hope is to lose another 50 lbs or so this year. Through the plateaus and slowdowns, I’m going to see myself get back to a healthy weight. The support and encouragement in the forums are great, and it really doesn’t take a lot of your time to check-in once a day! I’m hoping all newcomers and longtimers a very successful 2021!

Day 1, Emden Germany, NFD

Happy New Year everyone!

I’m a Dutchwoman living in the North of Germany, married, 64 years old, 163 cm/5’4″ tall. My weight was 56 kg/123.5lbs all my adult life until starting a new job in 2011 where my weight crept up to 72.9 kg. I read the book and joined the challenges on and off from March 2017 on. I lost 20 kg very quickly but gained half of it back after retirement in March 2018. I’m in maintenance again, my goal weight is 60 kg/132.3lbs, my weight today is 58.2 kg/128,3 lbs, BMI 21.9.

@northerndawn Thanks for hosting this challenge and your warm welcome.

@missybear Thanks.

@suki2 Welcome back!

I second @northerndawn: ” Let’s have a wonderful, wonderful year together!!!”

Day 1 – UK – CD

Happy New Year 🤗

I have to admit I have not been brave enough to step on the scales this morning – OH and I enjoyed a wonderful tasting menu at home last night thanks to one of our local Michelin Star restaurant and OH had got me a bottle of Bollinger to toast the new year; so my idea of an alcohol free NYE went out the window – sadly no willpower…….but it was all wonderful and the champagne certainly was a treat!

So aiming to start this new year with a CD today and a controlled weekend followed by a FD on Monday!

One of my goals this month is to ensure that I do some form of exercise every day – either a hike (10,000+ steps) or an online zoom class or even both depending on the weather! Also aiming for a dryish January by reducing my wine intake – had thought of a Dry January but OH and I have ordered two special meals – one from Rick Stein at Home and the other from our local Michelin Star restaurant during January…….they will need to be accompanied by some nice 🍷🥂

Spoke to DD this morning whilst she was out walking her dog to wish her Happy New Year – then baked a batch of scones for OH – logging on here for a catch up before going out for walk…….hopefully not too icy out there where the snow will have partially melted the frozen overnight……

I reached my goal weight in early December 2016 with the help of these challenges and have remained around 54-56kg/119-123.5lbs and a BMI of 20-21 and I certainly aim to stay there! If I creep above that 56kg mark I take some action to ensure it drops back, hence the need for a more controlled January than December was 🤣

Back to remembering my motto “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”

Day 1 UK NFD

Reflecting on what has been a very strange year I’m going to try and focus on the positives – I’m around 10lb down on the year which is great and I’ve improved my fitness so I intend to concentrate this year on my health and happiness ( and hopefully lose a few pounds on the way ) Will go for my first FD on Monday Good Luck all looking forward to this months challenge @northerndawn💪

Day 1 UK

Greetings everyone. Sorry for not posting much last month but have had health problems.
I think i am the oldest one on this site, 83 and female.

So glad Dismal December is over. Have had a bad UTI which lasted a week on antibiotics and two flare ups of PMR, the second one was sufficiently bad that I had to increase the dose of prednisolone which messes up my weight but I need it to cope with the pain. Now it’s the long and slow process of trying to reduce the dose again.
Not sure how to approach weight now. Have decided not to sign up to lists as there seems little point at the moment but I think the best bet is to try to keep to around 1000 calories but can’t start straight away as there are still too many goodies left.

@IHL I made your Christmas cake which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. I did find it was a bit crumbly to cut but that may have been my cooking? Any tips?

In severe lockdown here and waiting to receive notification of vaccine, I should be in the second group because of age but until then staying at home most of the time except for occasional walks.

Have just listened to the New Years Concert from Vienna. Good, but not the same with no audience.

I read all your posts and will pop in from time to time to keep in contact but as for weight not quite sure how to approach it but will see how it goes.

I wish you all a healthy New Year, it surely must be better than 2020.

TTFN

it was a bit crumbly

Day 1 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in this morning: 232 lbs. I’m going to be in the 220s this month! Somewhere between 227 to 225, maybe LOL! My weight has been bobbing up and down all December, staying the same after my bout with COVID and then the holiday treats, so it’s time for it to decide in January what it’s gonna be. Thinking of a 4:3 instead of a 5:2 starting on Sunday to kick-start the year.

Happy New Year everyone!

Day 1 – Rural Nebraska, USA – CD perhaps?

Starting on Monday, I’ll know what’s my eating plan, but at this point I’m allowing myself to still be in “vacation mode” even though we’re simply at home. Last night’s dinner with our friends was lovely and I was down a smidge this morning on the scale, so at least it didn’t go higher yet again. I’ve decided that fasting for 19+ hours a day is not the way I want to live my life, so I’m going back to the basic 5:2. The only drawback is that I always find lunch to be a difficult meal because I struggle to find something with the appropriate calories and nutrition, and so often end up with poor nutrition and higher calories than I want. But I’m a grown-up, so I’m going to pull up my big girl pants and cope, LOL!

Here’s my introduction. When I was 22, I got down to 112 lbs (I’m 5’4″, so I was quite skinny) and stayed there for several years. Then when I was 30, I married and gained up to 132 lbs and stayed there until I was 42. Then my husband went to seminary and the move there and the move to his first call as pastor saw me gain weight and eventually get up to 166 lbs. I’ve see-sawed several times in the 14 years we’ve been here, but am currently about 150, having lost 15 pounds since last February. My goal is at least 132, and possibly 125–I’ll figure that out when I get there.

I love to cook and love my beer and wine, so I struggle to cook in a way I enjoy without packing on the pounds. But I prefer how I feel at a thin weight, both in clothing and in my gut. So I’m determined to persist in this journey of getting thin, and to learn along the way how to stay there.

Concurrently, my cholesterol is quite high and my doctor thinks it’s time to start me on statins, but I truly don’t want to do that. So I made him a deal in November that he’d give me six months to get some weight off, and to exercise 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week, and to work at eating in a style that will reduce that high cholesterol number (another number that has see-sawed over the years we’ve been here).

So, I’ve decided to join the Leslie Sansone website and do whatever her walk is on the six days she gives one (she gives Sundays off). That means that some days I will only be walking 15 minutes, but other days will be much longer, and doing a sixth day ought to land me virtuous woman territory, right?

I’ll continue to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

I’ll continue to aim for 800 calories on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

I’ll continue DTF.

The big change is that I WILL COUNT CALORIES ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY. (Sorry for yelling, but I’m working hard to make myself commit to this, LOL!) Clearly I’ll be counting calories Monday-Thursday, but I also won’t be cooking much, so those days seem easy to count. On Friday, Saturday and Sundays, my calories are not to exceed 1500.

I cannot bear the idea of committing to this for very long, so I’ll do this without fail through January 23, and then decide how much I’ll continue on for the rest of the month. I toyed with saying January 16, which is only two weeks, but I know I can manage three weeks. Perhaps at that point counting calories will no longer feel so onerous. Perhaps at that point, my results will be so thrilling I’ll be eager to continue. Or perhaps at that point, I’ll be so much in the habit and so much more aware that I’ll be able to continue without much effort at all. Or perhaps I’ll quit counting calories and just maintain. But I can commit to three weeks.

There.

I’m in, Christmas was too much for me – too much food, too much chocolate, too much alcohol. Today I begin again. It is my first Fast Day. Here I go. I am 68, weigh 142 lbs, am 5’6” – hoping to see 136 again sometime in the not too distant future.

Day 1 – NSW, AU – NFD

Well not a good start to the year when you end up doing some baking as gifts for friends and end up eating a few yourself! But I know when I get back home, away from the temptations and back into my normal routine I’ll settle back into this. Starting Monday (4th) I’m taking part in a FB fasting group’s “OMAD Challenge” where we have just OMAD for Monday to Friday… Monday will also be the day I put myself on the scales to see what kind of damage these 2 weeks with my mother has done.

Day 2 – Lake district UK – NFD

Good morning everyone

A clear, bright and cold morning this morning, the sun is creeping up and the clouds are under-lit and glowing, so looks like a day for a longer walk.
Regaining strength and recent muscle loss, eating is getting so much better and easier, with the exception of anything very acidic or anything really hard or crispy ie nuts or cracker type biscuits, doing well.

@annabelle48 – re Christmas cake, it is quite a moist cake, so it could have been one or two things?
If it was dry and crumbly, it could have been how it was stored, Mrs IHL made ours in October if I remember, once made it was double wrapped in foil and kept in an airtight container, every 2 weeks it was ‘fed’ with a spoon of dark rum over the top.
If it was soft and crumbly, allow the fruit to soak longer before making, or a little less liquid in the mix and ease up on the ‘feeding’. Hope that helps, we’ve just finished ours yesterday, it was quite soft and crumbly to cut, but, with so much fruit etc was delicious!

@lilymartin – BMI, I’ve finally got mine below 30, next thing is keeping it there! I’m another who has been a poor ‘guesstimator’ so I tend rely on MFP app diary and no kidding myself, except for my Friday off (and Christmas Holidays) 😉

Take care all

Day 2, London, UK, NFD

Happy New Year everyone!!! Phew, I’m glad to be back, my weight is where it was in Dec 2019, I’ve truly hurled myself off of the wagon recently, so I’ve totally written off last year, especially since nothing noteworthy happened since the end of 2019 (😷😨😱😭) ……………did it? So, as far as I’m concerned ……………………… saying we went from 2019 straight into 2021 works for me!!!😜

I’m with the majority of posters here, I’ll start properly on Monday since it’s gonna take some serious willpower to get back into truly fasting 😳 (I was only kidding myself!!), ditching the vino🍷 (again …………………………. I was only kidding myself!!) and admitting that those jeans did NOT shrink in the wash and that top button was NOT designed to withstand the pressure I’m currently putting it under😜!!!! Clearly, I’ve spent a LOT of time kidding myself!!!
I’ll spend the next 2 days slowly, slowly easing myself back into it and getting rid of the vast, ginormous excessive quantities of food I have left over, my holiday guest-list was cut by 70% due to you know what, so wherever possible, the freezer is going to be working overtime!!!!

Oh @lilymartin, it may have been me you nudged off of the wagon! I had hoped that fat fairy had lost my address even after I specifically directed her to my numerous skinny friends😂 (joking………….. no, really!), but no, she visited, outstayed her welcome AND she left only after welding the tyre you deflated to MY waist😢!!! I’m begging for some of your mojo!!!

@daffodil2010, I’m with you on focussing on getting rid of the menopause/covid addition I’ve recently acquired!!! I realise that you really have to get your a*se back on the wagon as soon as you fall off otherwise you’re on a slippery slope to obesity and it’s a hell of a climb back up to the road let alone getting onto the actual wagon!!!!

I didn’t get this nickname of 40+ years ‘cause of my love of cucumbers!!! The cycle is indeed vicious as once the carb dragon awakens, getting him sedated and keeping him that way is soooooooo hard!!!! Avoiding ‘those’ things (pasta, bread, rice & potatoes) was the game changer for me, ‘everything in moderation’ just doesn’t work in my case, so it’s back on the wagon, and buckling myself into to carb free section ………………………………. I see myself donating some carbs to those skinny friends, not the vino though, let’s not go crazy!!!

Daily posting, daily weighing, daily walking no less than 10k steps, daily 3L water (happy abused kidneys!!) and a daily resolution to be positive, love myself💜 and NOT focus on what could have been!!!!

Keep the faith & stay strong folks 💪💕!!!!

Day 2 – UK – CD

Yesterday was definitely not a CD and even ended up well above TDEE 👿 I blame it on the remaining champagne from the day before that had to be finished – could not waste it 😈
Must try harder today 🤞 as I have to find my fasting mojo by Monday……..On the plus side I did go out for an 11km hike/14634steps 😇

Did a Broga Class this morning whilst OH was out for a run – cold and icy out there!!! Luckily our Broga teacher sent us a link for a pre-recorded class as a thank you and to help us start the year as we mean to go on – live zoom classes restart on Monday 4th!

@elektron – welcome back – nice to have your company once more 🤗
@brightonbelle – congratulations on being 10lbs down in 2020 – way to go!
@songbirdme – I think a few of us maintainers are “a little more than I want to be right now ” so definitely need to nip that little uprise in the bud this month!!!
@annabelle48 – sorry to hear that you had some health issues last month 🤗 wondered why we had not heard much from you. You say that you’re not sure how to approach weight now – can I suggest that you go back to basics but perhaps of doing your 2 x FD500 you aim for 2 x FD800 – might be easier to stick to especially if you have to take medication. Re your issue with the cake – mine was the opposite more pudding like than cake but tasted fabulous – thankfully all gone now!
@suki2 – nice to have you back too – sorry to hear about your MIL – sending healing vibes her way
@missybear – you are not the only one avoiding the scale for now 🤣
@stitchincarol – good job on that 15lbs loss in the last year – I’m with you in going back to basics this month
@nellen – welcome on board – these monthly challenges offer great motivation
@lilymartin – another with a positive outcome for 2020 ” lowest I have been in 10 months” well done you!
Your post made me smile 😊 so many home truths there for a lot of us!!
@i-hate-lettuce – So good to hear of your health improvements 🤗
@daffodil2010 – I suspect that Monday Pocket List will be a big one!!!!
@flourbaby – In view that your weight is what it was a year ago – be positive and think of 2020 as a maintenance year – and now it’s time to make moves to step of that long plateau. I’m like you in trying to ditch the 🍷🥂…..not really going to happen…………but working on reducing intake this month and getting back to increasing water intake back to a minimum of 2L

The sun is now shining out there so going to brave the cold and go for a walk

“JANUARY,
The first month of the year,
A perfect time to start all over again,
Changing energies and deserting old moods,
New beginnings, new attitudes.”
―Charmaine J. Forde

Day 2 – Rural Nebraska, USA – FD800

I was planning to wait until Monday for my first FD of 2021, but decided yesterday that I needed–and wanted–a head start, so today it is. although 800, not 500. I got some turkey thighs at the grocery store a few days ago, so I’ll roast them and have some steamed veggies and leftover rice from NYE and a beer, and that’ll be close; I’ll actually count the calories, however, since that’s my plan for three weeks. 😇

@annabelle48 So sorry to hear about all the health issues you’ve been having; I hope and pray 2021 sees an improvement for you!

@suki2 Welcome back!! I’m so sorry that your MIL is still in the hospital; does she get to come home soon?

@missybear I adore your plan to celebrate until 12th night! I leave up my Christmas decorations until then, and wish everyone the appropriate day each day during the 12 days–as in, Happy 9th day of Christmas! 🎄

@nellen Welcome! I dream of the day I only need to lose 6 pounds to be at my ideal weight! 💖✔💪 I hope it comes off reasonably easily for you!

@toady If you’re like me, you won’t like the scales, but you were doing such a stellar job that you’ll soon manage to return to it, I’m certain!

@lilymartin This made me and DH laugh: “Nearly ended up in Antarctica last night it blew so much.” Too funny! And very, very admirable about two cashews. Not behavior I’ve been engaging in, trust me!! 😂🤣😂

@daffodil2010 Well done to have gained so very little! As to walking on a “windswept beach,” I grew up on the west coast, just six blocks from the ocean, and your description made me feel and smell that ocean beach walk; thanks for the lovely phrasing!

@flourbaby You are so very funny! Thanks for the giggles, chuckles, and out-loud laughter at your post!

@at thanks for sharing your wobbles in your maintenance journey; it’s so encouraging to hear that it doesn’t come automatically, and sometimes not even easily, to those who are already thin. I mean, I KNOW it’s not automatic and easy for anyone, but those of you who are already in maintenance sound so confident and peaceful that it can be easy to slide into the thoughts of “Well, it’s easy for @at, but it’s much more difficult for me!” So the reminder that this is normal to have some weight gain following the holidays, and that the answer is not to give up but to get back on the wagon…priceless.

There’s a heavy fog outside this morning which gave us some hoarfrost again…it’s so lovely. But it also means that there’s ice, so I’m content to leave the loveliness viewed from inside. I walked with Leslie this morning, and will again starting Monday. I’m nearly back to my pre-Christmas-confidence and will-power, and am hoping it’ll roar back on Monday morning!

USA. Day 2. FD

Today will be my first FD of the new year! Also, I intend to do DTF (or more) because I find that I lose weight more easily when I don’t drink alcohol. I wish you all a ver good new year!

Day 2 USA (Illinois) FD

Since I haven’t done an honest 500 FD since right before Christmas, I am getting one in today. Did a couple 800-1000 days lately are all. In honor of our recent ice storm and cold, I did simmer up some gluhwein yesterday for sipping and supper. Very nice and homey. Our first Christmas married was in Germany (DH in US Army), and we discovered gluehwein at the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg – fell in love with that winter warm-up.

We are watching collegiate sports a lot – Big10 football is doing well and our ILLINI basketball team is excellent and fun to watch.

@suki2 – no need to apologize for anything. We’re here for you and know we will be around for support. This forum of challenges does seem to be indestructible.

@northgeorgia – your resolve is great. I just know you will reach your goal.

@stitchincarol – I like your strategy with your doctor re: cholesterol levels. My GP had me begin fish oil (before my 40 lb. weight loss) to help with elevated cholesterol. It did work, but then again so did my losses. I still take a MegaRed Krill Oil a day.

Counting calories is MUCH better for me with MyFitnessPal. I am amazed how much I actually enjoy putting in my daily intake. I use the free version (it’s on my phone and tablet/synced) and do not enter exercise as it skews the numbers. I’ve now been entering for several years.

@nellen – welcome to our little band. You will find this group much more supportive IMHO than most anyone in D.C. 🙂

@toady – how kind of you to have home-baked items as gifts. Always appreciated.

@lilymartin – you had me chuckling at your “fat fairy” comment. Don’t we all just know what you mean?!

@daffodil2010 – so sorry your restrictions are so stringent to keep you from your beach walks. May this all vanish quickly with the vaccine.

Onward and downward.

Day 2 OMAD London

Happy new year everyone. We went to Hampstead Heath for a walk today to blow away some cobwebs. But it was very busy and very muddy. I hate mud! We managed nearly 22,000 steps on some steep hills but DH has knee issues and was very cronky by the end.
I’m reading ‘Alcohol lied to me’ in the hope it will help me stop drinking again. That is what stalls me. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Don’t know if this is useful but it’s works for me. I saw a girl on a video for intermittent fasting day that she only says nice things to herself, and never criticises herself. I do that now and it really makes you feel good. When I look in the mirror I say to myself ‘ you look great’ or ‘ your hair is lovely’ or something. No bad talk. It really improves your mood. Mad? Dunno.

Well I just goofed. I thought I was posting and instead managed to unsubscribe. Oh boy.
Here’s what I was trying to say.
I have decided to have a dry January. Somehow for me, saying no alcohol for a designated period fits in to what works for me, just like the fast days on 5:2. I know when the period is over I can imbibe again. Cutting out alcohol for a period of time will help me get rid of my Christmas gain quicker. And I’m all for that.
This is just my approach.
I’ll let you know if I really last all January. :)))))