Jump-Start January! The January 2023 Monthly Challenge

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Jump-Start January! The January 2023 Monthly Challenge

This topic contains 397 replies, has 27 voices, and was last updated by  michelinme 1 year, 8 months ago.

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  • Day 3 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD 154.2

    I’m a bit slack-jawed that my weight is AGAIN unchanged. This is not what my body has been doing for a long time, so it startles me every morning to weigh the same as I did the day before. I think I’ll be okay to WF today, so I’m fascinated to see what that does to my weight; in the past few months a WF typically took off three pounds. Today? Tomorrow morning’s weigh-in will tell.

    @malee57 Any thoughts as to why you’re so consistently tired? Is it as simple as because you occasionally work nights and your body struggles to cope, or is it more?

    @aberdonian It’s a joy to hear your excitement; 5:2 is indeed very rewarding when beginning (I mean, it still is, but I’ve been doing this long enough that the excitement is mostly gone), so I’m excited right along with you!

    @matpi Nice NYD’s foods!

    @maui I agree: a 10lb goal over 3 months is perfectly reasonable and achievable, and I’m sure you’ll do it!

    @dramaqueen6 Aren’t those unplanned and unexpected FDs the best? Well done for seizing the situation instead of shrugging and overeating!

    @gardenlily I smiled to read your description of the beach mat DGD wants. You’re a good grandma and an impressive sewer that you’ve finished the one and ready to start the next!

    @missybear “too many processed and sugary foods have crept back into my diet recentlyโ€ฆ..comfort food that ultimately makes me feel terrible” Ain’t that the absolute truth! After last week’s stomach flu, I was cautious putting anything in me the rest of the week, and so was on high alert to notice that a cookie…a single, innocuous cookie…that was so wonderful in my mouth took only moments to make a commotion in my stomach. Not a flu commotion, you understand, but an I’m-not-healthy-for-your-body commotion. That was astonishing to me, and I’ve eaten very little of the remaining sweets in my house.

    The weather has turned a little icy and a little snowy, and it’s going to snow again this afternoon apparently, so it will be an interesting day of driving from house to house to teach. Oh well, I am WOMAN, I am STRONG. Right? <<snort>>

    Have a grand one, everyone!

    Day 3 UK F800

    @missybear @stitchincarol with hindsight I see my consumption of crisps , biscuits and other treats has been gradually increasing and got a bit ridiculous for someone who is trying to lose weight Iโ€™m aiming to cut back massively

    Hoping all is well with @at and weโ€™ll hear soon

    Day 3 USA/HI FD

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 3 ๐Ÿ’
    @malee57
    @gardenlily
    @northgeorgia
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme
    @maui

    Hello can I join please?

    A prodigal returned, fell off the wagon over the Christmas break, restating this week. However doing it in stages, cutting out junk first, then carbs later this week. Finding it difficult to stay motivated after Xmas!

    Day 3 second post

    Feeling a bit rough and off my food. I wonder if it’s resurgent virus. Anyway, holding that silver lining and calling it a day after baked eggs with spinach, marmite tea and bananas with vegan custard.

    @stitchincarol @brightonbelle @missybear and all – me too on the treats become habits.Before Christmas when i was rarely eating sugar I would really notice the bodily sensation, almost as tho it was magnetic and heading straight to my gut – stick and swell! After a single FD I found myself doing the old ‘cast my mind around for what’s in the house’ thing but not feeling the attraction/irresistability of it at all

    @jibjabba48 Prodigals are especially welcome here! Welcome back to 5:2 and to the Jump Start January challenge – settle in and make yourself at home. Whereabouts are you?

    Thinking about @at @daffodil2010 @jaifaim and other regulars – if you’re hanging out do check in, we miss you x

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 3 ๐Ÿ’
    @malee57
    @gardenlily
    @northgeorgia
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme
    @stitchincarol
    @maui

    Didn’t manage 2nd fast today low energy but did do 16/8 will fast on Thursday now instead. How is everyone else getting on?

    Day 3 USA (Illinois) NFD

    Eating up some leftovers (NYear’s morning quiche, pizza, etc.) today so cleaning out the fridge. Scale has been good lately, so happy for that.

    DH’s postponed before Christmas surgery will happen early tomorrow morning – have to get him to the hospital at 6:10. Ugh!! Expected to have his hernias repaired laparoscopically, so supposed to be easy. Prayers much appreciated!

    @michelinme – sure do hope you are completely good very soon.

    Onward and downward.

    Day 4 country West Australia FD 86.4 kgs ( 190.08 lbs) BMI 30.1 ( obese!!!)
    NFD day 2 , wasn’t….๐Ÿ™„
    I was doing very well until I had a cup of tea – and noticed the stained window Christmas cake on the counter.
    One slice became 2 slices became 3…. ๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฑ
    Then controlled lunch became uncontrolled with an added slice of toast…. and so on.
    Day 3 was quite controlled UNTIL DH opened a jar of chocolates someone had given him.
    The top 3 layers are Jaffas !! I have not had a Jaffa for many years .
    Long story short , 1 Jaffa morphed into several , after rolling them on the carpet to see if they behaved like they used to in the cinema!!
    Today IS going to be a FD as I am back to work.
    Like many others I need to up the exercise component.
    @stitchincarol, the dreaded plateau may be the reason for the constant number.
    In 2017 when I was doing 5:2 very conscientiously I stayed on the plateau for THREE months !!!!๐Ÿ˜ฒ and then fell off the wagon and am back here today….
    Do NOT despair .
    The number WILL go down if you keep on keeping on.
    Do NOT give up. ( apologies for shouting but I would not like anyone to end up as I did/have!!)
    @michelinme I do hope you improve soon. Sounds like a nasty virus.
    @jibjabba48, welcome back. I think many of us are/ have been prodigals over the years.
    @getfitme, I am simply going 1 step at a time, short term goal to lose 2 kgs in January and keep them off.
    Seriously, the fat I lose must have a homing device in it – because it keeps coming back!!
    @brightonbelle, ditto for me with the treats!!
    ‘ If not now – when??’ Great mantra for today.
    Have a good one all.๐Ÿ˜

    Day 3 Ohio, US — NFD

    Today saw me finally recovered from the holiday season, at least from the direct effects, i.e., food lethargy.

    A little bit about me: I’m a retired teacher who used the 5:2 diet to get my weight down to 172 lb (78 kg). I was a regular participant on this site, but in 2020 with the pandemic I dropped away for a while. This last May I returned and my weight at that time was 183 lb (83 kg). The last Friday of December saw my weight at 180 lb (81.6 kg), so in the last three weeks of December I gained a total of three pounds. The first order of business for me in this new year is to get back to where I was the first week of last December. Thus my goal for January is to get the weight down to something stable below 177 lb (80.3 kg). In the last seven months there have been lots of ups and downs and plateaus in between. With any luck January will be “down” all the way!

    @songbirdme Hope your DH’s surgery goes well and that he comes out with flying colors! All five surgeries I’ve had have been laproscopically done, and they weren’t bad at all! It was another matter with the physical therapy after my shoulder surgery, but that is another story.

    @jibjabba48 As you can see I too have been a prodigal. I think that many people try some other methods of managing weight, but come back to 5:2 simply because, imho, there is nothing better! And even when the weight doesn’t come off lickety-split, we know that with this WOL our whole body benefits from the practice!

    @stitchincarol Ah, those wonderful English homographs!

    Day 4 Melbourne, Australia NFD

    I think my FD yesterday went from the usual 500 to a FD800. That was because of all the stone fruit I ate. I am not good at holding back when it comes to summer fruit, and I am not worried about that as the fruit season does not last long.

    I think my best thing about 5:2 is its flexibility. If I am not able to fast on my usual Monday and Thursday, I just fast on another day. And if I am really feeling stuck with my weight I add in an extra FD.

    @funshipfreddie that was an interesting article about the advantages on reducing the amount of carbs we eat. On my FDs I try to either severely limit carbs or avoid them altogether.

    @northgeorgia and @michelinme sounds like you are going well on getting rid of the Christmas excess.

    Day 4 – South Africa ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ – NFD

    @jibjabba48 – welcome to the forum!

    Today was going to be my 2nd FD for the week, but a lunch date came up, so it’ll have to be tomorrow. We’re trying a new Italian place – Doppio Zero, which means ‘Double Zero’ & is just a stone’s throw from the casino ๐Ÿ˜ณ My friend Val loves the slots, so I imagine I’ll be accompanying her after lunch. It would be rude not to ๐Ÿ˜…

    @michelinme – I agree with @malee57 – the best thing about 5:2 is the flexibility. And its simplicity.

    @songbirdme – praying all goes well for your DH later today. 6:10?!! That’s just about 5 hours from now as I type!

    Happy Hump Day! ๐Ÿซ

    Day 4 – UK – FD800

    I have been wandering in a food/drink wilderness since mid December ๐Ÿ˜ฑ but pressing that important RESET button today so here I am on Day 4 logging on for accountability and to rejoin this marvellous group and yes @funshipfreddie I have happily pulled a spreadsheet together for the challenge and here is the link for those who want to use it
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Swmy3Z2FjUop3nm0xFLTawzIxvTusEQ2XvdWRrgNtv4/edit?usp=sharing

    Many apologies to @gardenlily for my lack of commitment in the Decidedly Dangerous December Challenge (as it turned out it was decidedly dangerous for me ๐Ÿคฃ) and a big THANK YOU to @michelinme for hosting the first challenge for 2023 ๐Ÿค— these are for you both ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’

    Wonderful to see some newbies joining us @aberdonian @tulipcc @committedtothecause @getfitme @dramaqueen6 and @jibjabba48
    Welcome back to a long absent old timer rejoining @tlc2 (from back in 2019) and to @missybear who has only be MIA since Aug ๐Ÿค—

    A bit about myself:-
    I am a 64y.o. female living with my OH in the beautiful Lake District โ›ฐ having moved here when I retired in 2013. We have a married daughter who has 4 fur babies โ€“ 3 black ๐Ÿˆโ€โฌ› and an adorable beagle called Archie ๐Ÿถ
    I started this WOL on my own in January 2016 as I had gained weight during the last couple of years of my working life and was fed up with being overweight and wanted to enjoy my early retirement and get fitter!
    I discovered and joined the 30 Day November 2016 Challenge with @back2thefuture โ€“ best thing I ever did, as it got me to my maintenance weight and has kept me motivated and on track with this WOL!
    This December will be my 6th anniversary in maintenance and I certainly want to reach it still in maintenance!!
    Total weight loss = 22kg/3st 7lbs. Height = 164cm
    My maintenance weight since then has been around 58kg โ€“ Iโ€™m fairly fit, doing 5 exercise classes during the week (yoga x2, pilates x 1 and aerobic x2) and I also enjoy walking/hiking on my local fells at least 3 times each week

    Well done to those who managed to lose or maintain at the end of our Decidedly Dangerous December Challenge ๐Ÿ…

    I am another who is mightily relieved that the festive season and all the associated food/wine/parties has come to an end – a couple of my walking buddies are joining me from today in cutting back on all the unhealthy foods and definitely on the ๐Ÿท๐Ÿฅ‚ Yesterday I also cleared the house of the Christmas decorations and gave away the unopened tins of biscuits/chocolates to the local food bank so no temptations left in the house!

    @stitchincarol – thank you for remembering ๐Ÿค— OH results from that mole was unfortunately confirmed as a Melanoma but the good news was that the excision showed clear margins ๐Ÿ™ however he will have to undergo a second wide excision in February to ensure no local recurrence ๐Ÿคž I am afraid I did let the stress of it all get to me and used it as an excuse to allow way too much food and wine to find it’s way into my mouth so I dare not set foot on the scales until I get a couple of FDs under my belt……
    @michelinme – hoping that you start to feel a bit better soon
    @stitchincarol @brightonbelle @missybear @michelinme and all – me too on the treats becoming habits over the past 3/4 weeks but making a fresh start from today ๐Ÿคž
    @songbirdme – I do hope that your DHโ€™s surgery goes well and that he has a good recovery x
    @northgeorgia – I have a feeling that you will find your weight loss mojo this year and have positive start with this challenge

    As I woke early and could not get back to sleep I made a pot of tea and logged on to create the spreadsheet and to read all the posts so far and also to write my first post as I hope to contribute more this month!

    Sadly no excercise classes since the week before Christmas ๐Ÿ™ they are restarting next week but so far this week I have at least managed to get out for a daily walk, even in pouring rain!!!
    Sunday – short low level 4km as it was โ˜”๏ธ most of the day
    Monday – 8.54km and 465m height gained with 5 friends in glorious sunshine โ˜€๏ธ
    Tuesday – 5.5km low level walk done with my regular walking group in pouring rain โ˜”๏ธ
    Today I’m meeting with 3 girlfriends around 10am for another walk, one of our regular local hikes, aiming for around 11.5km and 315 m height gained – sadly more โ˜”๏ธ expected but we will be out there (as we are the four aiming to lose those unwanted lbs/kg that have crept back on โ˜น๏ธ over the past few weeks)

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 4 ๐ŸŽฏ
    @at

    Today I am definitely reminding myself of my personal motto since losing weight and reaching maintenance:-
    โ€œIf 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 nowโ€

    Day 4 NFD

    So lovely to hear all your news. @lilymartin I have never heard of rolling them on the carpet, thinking about it maybe Jaffas in Western Australia are not the same as Jaffa Cakes here in the Uk?

    @songbirdme: Definitely be praying for swift recovery as well.
    @funshipfreddie: You sound like you have a whale of a time in SA, sunnier than Manchester. Ihope you enjoy your lunch

    This is my 3rd day of the diet or WOL, I always get so hungry on the 3rd day so definitely a NFD today. I planned all the receipes for the week, so it has made life much easier, I hope I can keep this up!

    Have a lovely day everyone.

    Day 4 – Ireland ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ช – FD

    Yay, back on the wagon for 2023. Haven’t caught up with January posts yet but can see there is a good robust group already!!

    Thanks all who encouraged me in December when I saw a shock weight gain! As I have been on this road a long while now I have the memory and tips and tricks to get me through, and the thought of not eating today until this afternoon, doing an 18:6 fasting period, does not faze me.

    It will and can be done.

    Pocket list day 4
    @daffodil2010

    Day 4 – UK – NFD
    Definite PFDS today, it seemed an easy FD yesterday – just kept busy and away from the kitchen. Not jumping on the scales until Friday – I find weighing just once a week, on a Friday works best for me otherwise the daily fluctuations can be so depressing and it is a slow decline I want, not a see-saw! Talking of declines – DH finally managed to speak with a medical practictioner (altho’ not from our regular centre but from a call centre somewhere!) who has arranged for more medication to be put out for him. Like so many of us in this forum we spend much of our time caring for (or worrying about) our loved ones. Hopefully this latest batch of pills and potions will get him feeling better both physically and mentally.

    Outdoors day planned for today – plenty of physical exercise with logs to saw, apple tree to prune (no connection!) and dog walks x 2 (doing DH’s stint as well). someone asked how old my DGD is – well, she is 11 yrs old but being autistic and having a high score on the aspbergers scale is more like 5 going on 30 – incredibly adult most of the time but with very young (childish?) traits as well, hence our farm games involve topics such as genetic breeding plans for the horses, biochemical warfare and, naturally, environmental issues – viz the beach mat scene to demonstrate rising sea levels. 3 hours play with her wipes me out!

    @at – so pleased to see you have rejoined the group but saddened by the news of your DH’s mole – wishing you both lots of strength for the next steps. thanks also for the spreadsheet – you’re a star!

    @dramaqueen6 – agree with you, our Jaffa Cakes don’t roll well at all – but you can toss them in the air and catch them in your mouth … (don’t do this at home, kids!)

    Great to see so many people on the forum making a good start to January – let’s all keep up the good work!

    Onwards, and downwards

    Day 4 – USA/GA – NFD

    Weigh-in: 215 lbs. ZBC by accident this morning. In the middle of the morning storms, while trying to watch the weather, lightning created static and fried my living room TV. Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.

    OK, well, off to work pttttttttttttttftt.

    Day 4 – UK – FD

    Thanks for the welcome back! First FD for a long timeโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆIโ€™m joining the Day 4 pocket list with
    @at
    @daffodil2010

    Day 4 UK FD800

    Good to see a few more familiar names back with us ๐Ÿ‘‹@at @daffodil2010

    Didnโ€™t you have a big win the last time at the casino @funshipfreddie ? good luck๐Ÿ’ฐ๐Ÿ’ฐ

    Still feeling enthusiastic about my 2 week Fast800 trial , like @northgeorgia I have a trip away booked for early Feb and it would be good if I could actually fit in some clothes ! So big incentive there

    Pocket list day 4 ๐Ÿ’ซ
    @at
    @daffodil2010
    @tlc2
    @brightonbelle

    Day 4 Wales ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ NFD

    The best thing about 5:2? Difficult to pick just one thing although I agree that the simplicity of it is probably top of my list. I also like that it doesnโ€™t cost anything and eating less saves money ๐Ÿ™‚ and participating in the forum keeps me focusedโ€ฆ..and not to forget that it actually worked when I actually did it properly following the very simple rules to just eat very few calories 2 days of the week and eat reasonably the other 5 days.

    I have looked back at my tracker on this site and if I repeat what I did in 2017, ie 5:2 as Michael Moseleyโ€™s book describes it, then I could be close to my goal again by August. Definitely something to aim forโ€ฆ..one day at a time ๐Ÿ™‚ so today will be another careful day of TRE within TDEE.

    Day 4 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD 153.0

    Yesterday’s plans were entirely discombobulated! It started when DH arrived at his appointment with the dermatologist (was thinking of you, @at!!) ten minutes early as instructed, and me ten minutes behind, and he got a phone call saying “support staff were unable to be there that day” so he has a new appointment on the 24th. Really? They couldn’t have called sooner than that? So we went out for coffee instead, and I had a latte. Granted, it was skim milk with no other additions, but I was sad to be losing my strict WF. So then I headed to piano lessons, and they all were going well…and then it started snowing much harder than expected. I tried to move the last three lessons (sisters) up and they couldn’t do it, but assured me waiting until next week was fine. So I finished my grocery shopping–and found the most gorgeous steak ever and heavily discounted because it was at its “best by” date. So I headed home, cooked a lovely dinner, and my WF was well and truly scuppered.

    And this morning I’m down a pound.

    How does that even work??? I’m not complaining, but I’m sure astonished! Tomorrow will also be a bit of a challenge because my students are having a Twelfth Night recital of Christmas music, but I think I’ve figured out how to arrange the refreshments to be WF friendly…we’ll see if I pull it off.

    @jibjabba48 Welcome! You are certainly invited to join us; where are you located in this world? Notice that we all put a header at the start of each post; you’ll want to do the same. As to getting started…yup. It can be easy enough because of enthusiasm to start, or it can be hideously tough because of past behavior. One of my favorite quotes is “It’s going to be hard, but hard is not impossible.” Be strong, search deep for your RESOLVE, and you’ll get this!

    @michelinme Any better today?

    @getfitme Where are you? You still aren’t putting on a header as all the rest of us do.

    @songbirdme Will most certainly pray for your DH!

    @lilymartin Actually, my astonishment at the number that doesn’t change is that it isn’t going UP the way it usually does. In other words, any day I eat “normally” usually adds a pound. The next day adds a pound. The next day adds a pound. Then I WF and lose it all. Then the cycle begins again. But I’ve been eating and not gaining weight. And yesterday, I ate a bit more than other days and LOST 1.2 pounds. This is a new behavior cycle!!! ๐Ÿคช And I’m not troubled by your shouting, but just feeling loved that you’re making sure I don’t give up!

    @matpi Homographs??? Okay, what did I say? No idea what you’re referencing. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    @funshipfreddie That’s what makes you such a special friend, that you’d never expect a lunch date to go to a casino alone!!

    @at Yup, the timing simply had to be worry over your DH’s mole. So glad it’s all being resolved nicely and that you’re back with us!

    @dramaqueen6 May I make you a suggestion? Don’t hope it goes well, but promise yourself, then keep that promise the way you would a promise to anyone else. Or, in the words of Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.”

    @daffodil2010 Awww, WELCOME BACK!! You’ve had a tough go over the past few months, and it’s a joy to have you here again!

    @gardenlily Well done on yesterday’s easy FD!

    @northgeorgia I saw on the weather last night that you’d be having lots of storms, and already have too much water for more to have anywhere to go…and then, trying to be safe by knowing the weather, your TV gets fried?????? Gah!! I hope the rest of your day is better! At least you had a nice drop on the scales this morning, right?

    @tlc2 We’ll all be cheering you on!

    @brightonbelle Impressive that you’re doing FD800s consistently; that’ll certainly give you some stellar results!

    @jaifaim @snowflake56 @mariaelena @flourbaby @penz … We miss you!!

    Okay, time to get started on my day. Decorations are still up and will stay there until Friday, but the rest of the clutter from the kids being home is nearly cleared away, and will be entirely cleared by the time I go to bed tonight!

    Have a grand one, everyone!

    Day 4 UK FD

    Slept like the dead then woken for parcel delivery – my Christmas candles. Thanks to the postal strike I’m really early for December 2023 ๐Ÿ™‚ I think it might be the cashews which are enabling this improved sleep – three nights now.

    Feeling a bit better today tho looking pale and interesting, cheered by the silver lining of weighing in at another lb down to 171lb. After 3 days b2b FD800 there are just 3lbs to go to get back to my end November weight ๐Ÿ˜€

    Today I’m focussing on wider self care – a bit of cooking, more steady catching up with chores/laundry mountain and some gentle beginnings to project work. Starting with something I enjoy, adding in something that will help out, working towards the more difficult/brain demanding things. I’ve set up a work station on the sofa and will see what I can do in a couple of hours.

    My menu is late lunch of baked eggs & spinach, early supper of parsnip & carrot dahl with black rice, berry and apple compote with vegan custard and finally some bedtime cashews. My brain must be resetting because already it feels like a feast!

    ———–

    Host Post!

    @songbirdme hope everything goes well with DH’s surgery today
    @lilymartin We all have days like those – I ate a whole packet of dark chocolate covered orange biscuits on NYE! But you are here today for a FD – you’ve got this, one step at a time. ‘IF not now, when’ – exactly that.
    @matpi food lethargy is a Thing! Amazing that what we think of as treats make us feel so bad
    @malee57 ‘I think my best thing about 5:2 is its flexibility. If I am not able to fast on my usual Monday and Thursday, I just fast on another day. And if I am really feeling stuck with my weight I add in an extra FD.’ This is it – 5:2 in a nutshell! Everything else is a battle with our heads. We make it complicated, hide, wander off …. and then come back because it works!
    @funshipfreddie here’s to another casino win!
    @at Great to have you Jump Starting January and thanks so much for the spreadsheet! I always enjoy hearing about your daily walks. Sorry about your DHs melanoma, tho great that it was clearly excised and hope all goes well with the second operation x
    @dramaqueen6 well done for planning your recipes for the week – sounds like you are off to a solid start!
    @daffodil2010 yay for having you in JumpStart January! Looking forward to learning from your tips and tricks as you settle back on the waggon. So many of us prodigal people coming back – bc we know this works and we’re stronger together x
    @gardenlily glad DH has got some more medical advice, and hope this works.
    @northgeorgia great start with the FD – but wowsers re lighting and TV! Hope you are all okay and nothing else has been damaged? My house was hit by lightning a few years ago and it fried lots of the electrics
    @tlc2 hope it’s a good FD!
    @brightonbelle hope your FD800s are going well

    Day 4 Thought: What’s your favourite 5:2 food?

    Pocket list Day 4
    @lilymartin
    @at
    @daffodil2010
    @tlc2
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme

    Day 4 UK second host post

    @missybear I love your best things about 5:2 – simplicity, affordability, focus and it works! I’m tracking my 2017 self too and on a similar trajectory – if it works as well as it did last time I should be hitting my goal by September

    @stitchincarol yay for being down a lb! Was it something to do with the protein / low carb menu? Maybe worth repeating it if you can and see what happens – as a controlled experiment ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m feeling about 60% better today, thank you. Determined to keep on with this self-care thing

    Day 4 USA (Illinois) FD

    Doctor just reported surgery went well for DH – 3 hernias repaired, all done laparoscopically. Will be a fairly quick recovery it sounds like.

    I decided since we left home so early (5:45) and DH could not eat, i wonโ€™t eat today either. Makes it a good day for fasting.

    Hopefully will be able to get back here later on โ€” thanks one and all for prayers!

    Onward and downward.

    Hope you are ok?

    Hi all managed a 600 cal fast today made sure I had my 5 a day so I’m happy with that. How’s everyone else getting on?

    Day 4 – second post

    FD800 completed so didnโ€™t quite manage 500 but itโ€™s a good start to 2023! Well done @getfitme for managing 600.

    Hope the rest of the Day 4 pocket list are doing well??

    @michelinme Iโ€™m interested in the 3 day B2B FD800. How long have you being doing this for?

    Day 5 country west Australia NFD
    Yesterday’s FD was going extremely well until I came home from work and for the first time in 30 years my darling DH had cooked a full roast dinner!!!!!!!! ๐Ÿ˜‡๐Ÿ˜ฒ
    Time to tell him I am on 5:2 again perhaps!!!!! ๐Ÿคญ๐Ÿคญ
    @michelinme and @missybear I too am revisiting This WOL as I did it in 2016/ early 2017. It works.
    @songbirdme, hope your DH recovers quickly
    @dramaqueen6, it’s interesting what we learn on this forum apart from doing 5:2.
    Jaffas here are little round chocolate sweets/ lollies, about the size of a small marble. They have a hard red or orange outer covering, like smarties, and chocolate inside.
    It was a pastime of children in the 70s to sit up the back of a cinema and to drop a jaffa or 2 on the floor and watch to see how far they would roll down the aisle!

    Day 4 Ohio, US — NFD

    A successful day in keeping on target for eating. I also had an acupuncture treatment this afternoon, so I’m taking it a little easier this evening. Here’s a question whose answer I’m always curious about at this time of year: Do you celebrate the Twelfth Day of Christmas? If so, do you celebrate on January 5 or January 6?

    @tlc2 Hi! It seems as though, after Dr. M’s book on the Fast 800, most people who do FD800’s here count 800 as a FD. Before his book, many people labelled FD800 as a MFD. But what’s in an abbreviation (apologies to Shakespeare)?

    @songbirdme Glad your DH had a good surgery. As he recovers, will he have any physical therapy to help strengthen those muscles?

    @michelinme Hope your 60% moves on up to 100% in short order!

    Day4 USA/HI NFD
    Forgot to post this morning and now itโ€™s 6:30pm. Trying to stay accountable. It was a NFD but total calories were under 900 and I donโ€™t plan to eat anything else today. Iโ€™m working tomorrow and then acupuncture on Friday. I may not get in another FD this week but will be watching the calories as usual with MFP app.
    Nice to see so many people returning to join us on this amazing journey.

    Day 5 Melbourne, Australia NFD

    Today is a just hanging on day. But I am aiming to keep it together for the rest of the day and be aware of my eating and not let it get too out of hand.

    Day 5 – Ireland – FD ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿšถ๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธโœ…
    163.5lbs

    Happy new year everyone.
    Up a little to start the year at 163.5lbs but I am on the case.
    And not as bad as I had expected so a big phew.
    How are you all? Well I hope โญ๏ธ
    Wow so many newcomers! Welcome to you all! And welcome back to some names I recognise from
    years gone by ๐Ÿ‘‹ @tlc2, @getfitme @jibjabba48
    @missybear was thinking of you a few weeks ago as I was back in Walesโ€ฆ great to have you back!

    The second half of 2022 was probably my most difficult 6 months in a long timeโ€ฆ Covid threw me off kilter in July and led to many other issues and fatigue. It was also another sad year. Iโ€™m determined to get back to me nowโ€ฆ still have lots of pressures on my time but my focus has to be good mind and body practices this year so that I can mind me and those close to me (most importantly my beautiful mother๐Ÿ’–)
    No other resolutions as suchโ€ฆ
    Continuing with AF ๐Ÿšซ. Daily 1 hour exercise ๐Ÿšถ๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธAnd as sugar free as I can be โœ…. Thatโ€™s the plan.

    One thing I have noticed in the past 6 months is that Iโ€™m exercising enough but not like I was before (long distance cyclist, hikes etc) and my weight has not shot up drastically – so really – 1 hour or a good walk most days is great for the spirit and will help with the weight but itโ€™s about the calories in!

    Thank you @michelinme for hosting this month – always a busy month here! And @gardenlily thanks once again for December – you kept us focussed and I learned more then I ever knew about the holiday itself! ๐Ÿ‘

    I have to catch up on the other news but will do that later today.

    Onward and downward โฌ‡๏ธ
    We rise by lifting others ๐Ÿ’•

    Day 5 – Ireland ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ช – FD

    Yesterday’s first FD of 2023 was ok, but there was a night time glass of Baileys and ice (leftover from Christmas), so planning another FD today. I breezed through the day until lunchtime, once I get my teeth back into the bit I will be good with this 5:2 WOL.

    Good to confirm though that there are 2lbs less of me from shock weight of New Years Day ๐Ÿ˜„

    @lilymartin so glad you explained what Jaffa Cakes are in Oz, is they are like Maltesers then? Jaffa Cakes on this side of the world are spongy orange and chocolate biscuits/cakes which would be very difficult to roll on the carpet ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ˜†

    @matpi we celebrate 12th day on January 6th but it’s called Nollaig na Mban in Gaelic, or Women’s Christmas. The Christmas decorations are taken down, and women have the day off from all household chores and duties (hah, yeah that works), but it’s particularly relevant in rural Ireland.

    All going well, my two friends and I will celebrate Women’s Christmas on Friday night with a meal out, all depending on one of the girls not testing positive for Covid, ( her husband has it now).

    Have a great Thursday. Good to be back

    Pocket list day 5
    @daffodil2010

    Day 5 – South Africa ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ – FD

    @at – great to see you back, & thanks for the spreadsheet!

    @dramaqueen6 – lunch was lovely, thanks! South Africa has been home since ’87, so I doubt I would survive even one Mancunian winter now.

    @brightonbelle – I did have a big win at the end of October, but that certainly wasn’t my last visit. The casino is barely 2 kms away, so way too close! I lost a little yesterday, but had 3 hours’ entertainment, so it was worth it ๐ŸŽฒ

    @stitchincarol – ‘discombobulated’! Great word! ๐Ÿ˜…

    @michelinme – my favourite FD food? Hmm, good question. By the time I eat on a FD I’m usually ravenous, so everything & anything tastes great. But, for convenience, nutrients & just to feel satiated, I’d have to say eggs are at the top of my list.

    @songbirdme – so pleased all went well with Mr. @songbirdme‘s op! ๐Ÿค—

    @matpi – I don’t celebrate the 12th day of Christmas; but I was raised Catholic & the 6th Jan is an important feast day – the Epiphany. It was mandatory to attend Mass on the 6th, but I don’t know if that’s still the case.

    It’s pouring with rain here, but our dam levels in this part of the country have been getting treacherously low, so it’s a welcome sight. Maybe it’ll send the holiday makers home a little early too ๐Ÿ˜…

    @jaifaim – you’re back! ๐Ÿ‘ Joining you & @daffodil2010 (talking about Jaffa Cakes on a fast day?! ๐Ÿ˜ณ) for a much-needed FD.

    Pocket List – Day 5 ๐Ÿ
    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie

    DAY 5 – FD – DORSET

    @stitchincarol thank you for those words. I actually had about 200 calories left over which was quite exciting.

    @lilymartin. thank you for the explanation, unfortunately, they sound delicious!
    @daffodil2010 Womens Christmas sounds a wonderful tradition to keep alive, that should be a tradition everywhere!

    Went to gym yesterday and then did a youtube “walking” exercise video this morning. Then off to work, if my aching bones will let me.

    2nd Post – Day 5

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 5 ๐Ÿ
    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6

    Day 5 Wales ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ FD

    Together we are stronger ๐Ÿค—

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 5 ๐Ÿ
    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6
    @missybear

    Day 5 – USA/GA – FD

    Weigh-in: 216 lbs. Ohhh, only a pound gain and I ate a huuuuuuggge lunch at a Mexican restaurant yesterday. Wasn’t perfect, as I snacked on a few pieces of candy at work and some small portions of meat, cheese, fruits, nuts, and vegetables snackishly that evening. But, yes, it worked out nicely. Hoping for a nice result tomorrow.

    TV on order and hopeful for delivery by tomorrow evening.

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 5 ๐Ÿ
    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6
    @missybear
    @northgeorgia

    Day 5 UK FD

    Yesterday became a NFD with the late addition of cheese and crackers, both in moderation. I think 4 b2b FD800s was a bit of a shock to the system. Weight = 173lb, 3lbs down on the shock 176lb of NYD so going in the right direction.

    Today will be another FD800 before Friday’s weekly weigh in. I weigh daily but record it weekly. Weight fluctuates so having a weekly weigh day helps me to compare like with like – first thing Friday morning, the day after my last FD of the week. I usually fast Mon/Thurs but am giving myself a Jump Start January with a few b2b FD800s.

    @tlc2 Michael Moseley’s first 5:2 book advocated FD with 500 calories women/600 men. The second book – Fast 800 – suggested a start period of a couple of weeks at FD800 then switching to 5:2 with each FD at 800 calories. If I’ve been off the waggon I find that some b2b FD800s will get my brain back in the swing, make me less likely to over-eat on NFDs and jump start weight loss giving me extra motivation to keep going. FD800s feel like a feast compared to FD500!

    Slept like a log again but this time woken up abruptly by the sound of the bin men! I missed last week’s collection so had plenty of post-Christmas stuff to pick up. I rolled out of bed and grabbed 3 bags of recycling just in time to catch the van right outside my house. Bumped right into a lovely refuse operative who said to leave my non-recycling outside the fence and he’d collect it on the way back round -PHEW!

    I remember conversations on here about handfuls of cashews at bedtime. Huge thanks to lovely past forumites for that tip which stuck in my head and is helping so much now as I don’t think I’ve slept so deeply for years. Apparently cashews (and some other nuts) are rich in magnesium and melatonin, who knew?

    I didn’t get any project work done yesterday in the end – wiped out by chores, cooking and self care! Today I’ve got a wodge more chores to do then I’ll do a couple of hours project work; this evening I’ve got my first zoom meeting of the year which will be a useful guide to health. Yesterday I felt a bit weird so was in bed by 8.30pm.

    @matpi today is the 12th day, tomorrow is Ephiphany.I’m taking down the shiny Christmas decorations today but leaving the lights up until Candlemas on 2 February.

    @songbirdme glad things went well with DH’s operation – hope he recovers well and you both get a rest now!

    @getfitme well done on your FD with 5 a day! Please could you add a top line to your posts with the date, where you are and if it’s a FD etc. It’s really helpful for this busy international challenge group

    @lilymartin I had to laugh at your DH cooking his first roast in 30 years on your FD! What are the chances of that?!

    @maui @matpi really interested that you both have acupuncture. If you don’t mind sharing, is this Chinese-trained or western and does it help?

    @malee57 hope you hung on in there ๐Ÿ™‚ Adjusting back to 5:2 after holiday eating is hard!

    @jaifaim Happy New Year! It’s lovely to have you back again and I hope this is a better year for you. Your ‘time to get back to me again’ really resonates. These early days of the new year feel precious and full of possibility. Enjoy your walks x

    @daffodil2010 yay for the 2lb loss already! Writing down the shock weight gives us somewhere to start from – and the only way is down

    @funshipfreddie eggs are the best FD food – apart from maybe lentils? I missed eggs in my vegan years

    @dramaqueen6 Well done with your first FD – hope today’s goes swimmingly too!

    @northgeorgia looks as tho your new routine might be just what’s needed to shift the plateau

    Day 5 Thought – What’s your Top Tip for resisting temptation?

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 5 ๐Ÿ
    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6
    @missybear
    @northgeorgia
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme

    Day 5 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD 152.4

    Down more this morning. Based on what my body’s done over the last YEAR, it makes no sense, but I’m delighted.

    @michelinme Why am I dropping weight? Zero idea. I’m truly eating the same as I have for months, although–and this is probably the key point–I think I’m eating less. But “less enough” to be steadily dropping? Wouldn’t have thought so. Psychologically, however, this is a huge boon to me.

    @songbirdme My assignment to pray went astray: I misunderstood and thought his surgery was today/Thursday. So glad it went so well!

    @lilymartin Too fun to read about the jaffas in different parts of the globe; to my knowledge, that’s not a candy available here in the States.

    @matpi I don’t celebrate it per se, but my decorations are always up through then. As to Jan 5 or 6? I’ve never understood the confusion. January 6 is Epiphany, so how can it be the 12th day of Christmas??? But I know some say so. And since Christmas Day is Christmas–as opposed to Advent–how can it not be the 1st day of Christmas? And if you count Christmas Day as day 1, then Jan 5 is day 12, and Jan 6 is not day anything of Christmas. ๐Ÿคฃ And, for years, I’ve had the tradition of having my piano students do a piano recital of Christmas music on one of the days of Christmas; this year it’s tonight, Twelfth Night.

    @jaifaim There was a gal on this forum a couple years ago who did lots of work in the gym (can’t remember her handle; does anyone? she was from Wisconsin, I think) and one of the best phrases I’ve ever heard came from her: “You get fit in the gym; you lose weight in the kitchen.” There are all sorts of way to argue with that, but I think it’s largely true, so when I feel guilty for not exercising, I remind myself it’s for good health, not for weight loss.

    @daffodil2010 Well done to be down 2lbs already! And I love the Irish tradition of Women’s Christmas!

    @michelinme “I remember conversations on here about handfuls of cashews at bedtime. Huge thanks to lovely past forumites for that tip which stuck in my head and is helping so much now as I donโ€™t think Iโ€™ve slept so deeply for years. Apparently cashews (and some other nuts) are rich in magnesium and melatonin, who knew?” I wondered why you were thanking the cashews you were eating; fascinating detail, and thanks for sharing!

    Woke up early this morning for no discernable reason and got up to finish hand sewing the binding on a baby quilt for a great-nephew; there were four of them in 2022! It’s done now, the headache that showed up within ten minutes of getting up has been conquered by Excedrin, and I’m ready to start this day in a real way. Part of me is all stressed out by the recital tonight and part of me keeps reminding myself it’s supposed to be extremely low key, and DH’s help will make it fine. And I know it WILL be fine, but I’m sure looking forward to the whole thing being over so I can be done with the internal commotion, LOL!

    The more I think about it, the more I see amazing wisdom in @maui‘s words: If not now, when? So here’s to NOW, everyone! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ’ช

    Pocket List โ€“ Day 5 ๐Ÿ
    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6
    @missybear
    @northgeorgia
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme
    @stitchincarol

    Day 5 – UK – FD800
    Looks like a lot of us are all on FDs of some sort or another! My CD day went out the window with a unexpected Granny duty afternoon (pre-school nerves for DGD) and we scoffed maple syrup flapjacks, left-over cheese & tomato turnovers and salted peanuts. I did avoid any supper but even so ๐Ÿ™

    Today was a planned FD – I am definitely joining the ZBC whether on FD or not as I just don’t get hungry in the morning so why feed myself? I am aiming at 800 today and if it comes in less, that’s good. Tomato & Carrot soup for lunch with a thin slice of sourdough, grilled turkey steaks with greens for supper (may add some spicey tomato sauce to pep it up a little) and the usual reserve snack of fruit compote and zero yoghurt if needed.

    @stitchincarol – glad your headache disappeared, trying to do hand sewing with a bad head is not a good move. Great news about the downward trend – keep it up (down?)! Also intrigued about the cashew nuts at bedtime – does it really make a difference? I have a dreadful time sleeping through the night, often awake 2 or 3 times and sometimes have to get up, make a cup of herb tea and sit and read for a while. how many do you munch – are they roasted or plain?

    @daffodil2010 – love the idea of Women’s Christmas – I mentioned it to DH and he just laughed – said I’d use any excuse to avoid housework – he’ll regret that …

    Took our outside lights down yesterday as the batteries need replacing – they were more of a glimmer than a twinkle. Tree and other decs down tomorrow – then comes the big tidy up and clean – ha ha for Women’s Chrismtas day off! Maybe I’ll grab Saturday as a Day Off instead.

    Wishing power and resolve to everyone else on a FD – to repeat : if not NOW, then WHEN?

    Pocket list Day 5

    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6
    @missybear
    @northgeorgia
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme
    @stitchincarol
    @gardenlily

    Day 5 U.K. F800

    Whoops forgot to post – will catch up tomorrow

    Pocket list Day 5

    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6
    @missybear
    @northgeorgia
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme
    @stitchincarol
    @gardenlily
    @brightonbelle

    Day5 USA/HI NFD
    Weigh-in today 165Lb. I know it is going to be up/down but slowly downward and thatโ€™s ok with me. History has taught me that I do seem to need the daily weigh-in to keep me committed.
    @michelinme For many years I have enjoyed acupuncture treatments for various issues (from a number of different doctors) but mostly stress reduction and to quietly refocus. Most recently, treatment has done wonders for decreasing numbness in hands which had been progressing and became very annoying. My doctor tried a different approach as to placement of the needles and itโ€™s made a difference. His training in acupuncture was in Sante Fe and San Diego.
    At work today so must run.
    If not now – then when? Onward and downward.

    Day 5 – UK – CD

    Busy day just back home after an evening out so a quick log in for accountability

    Today ended up a CD but in view of an unexpected social event I’ll take that

    Will post longer tomorrow

    Day 5 Ohio, US — FD800

    A strange FD: After the acupuncture treatment yesterday for a sinus infection, I slept for 10 hours last night and woke up with searing pain in my sinuses. That kept up until I took a 2 hour nap this afternoon (or should I say, it took me). After I woke up, the sinus pain was gone and I felt really fine. With 12 hours of sleep in the last 24, fasting was easy.

    @michelinme My current acupuncturist was trained in China, the previous one in Chinatown in San Francisco. When I was in my mid-thirties I came down with a serious illness and my Western doctors said that I would be confined to bed for the rest of my life and would never be able to return to full-time work. With that prognosis I started to investigate alternative medicine — after all there wasn’t much to lose. I was lucky enough to find a superb acupuncturist and herbalist and little by little I recovered and returned to full-time work. Since then I have regular acupuncture treatments and they have been able to keep me going with some semblance of a normal life. So for me — yes! acupuncture really works!

    @stitchincarol In some traditions, days of Christmas = days after Christmas. In those traditions then Epiphany is the twelfth day. Apparently in Elizabethan England the twelfth day of Christmas was January 5, since Shakespeare wrote the play Twelfth Night for that night’s celebration at court. My practice for years has been to keep the holiday decorations up through the night of the 5th, especially the lights so that the three kings can find their way to the nativity scene, and then to put everything away on the 6th, once the kings have arrived. In any case, it’s interesting that there are different traditions and practices for this period.

    Pocket list Day 5

    @jaifaim
    @daffodil2010
    @funshipfreddie
    @dramaqueen6
    @missybear
    @northgeorgia
    @brightonbelle
    @michelinme
    @stitchincarol
    @gardenlily
    @brightonbelle
    @matpi

    Day 5 USA (Illinois) NFD

    Yesterday was a long but fulfilling day. FD went great and lost 2.6 pounds overnight. DH did not sleep much or very well, but hopefully tonight will be better. He’s making progress and not groaning as much when he moves as he did yesterday.

    Thanks so much, one and all, for your care, concern, and prayers.

    Onward and downward.

    Day 6 – South Africa ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ – NFD

    PFDS for me, an ’88’ sleep score – & what a pocket list that was?! We really are stronger together ๐Ÿ’ช 0.7 kg down from the start of the week, so pretty much all the pre-Christmas wiggle-room is back ๐Ÿšซ

    @michelinme – my top tip for resisting temptation? Don’t buy it if you’re going to regret eating it. Which is a lot easier if you live alone, & especially if you don’t have kids/grand-kids, I’m sure. Also logging on & sharing the journey with other 5:2-ers – preferably daily – helps with the RESOLVE to stay on course.

    I hope all the Thursday fasters had a good result; & if not, there’s always another FD around the corner.

    Happy Fr-yay! ๐Ÿน < (mocktail)

    DAY 6 – NFD – DORSET

    Hi All, so good to hear how everyone is and their downward trajectories. I am not going to weigh until Tuesday then it would have been a week, plus it will be after a FD!

    @michelinme what is an EOEO?

    Have a lovely day everyone

    Day 6 – USA/GA – NFD

    Weigh-in: 213 lbs. Last time I weighed in at this level was December 15. Progress being made, and planning to fast again on Sunday. It is my niece’s birthday on Saturday, and I think we’re celebrating on the day. Mom still feeling under the weather, dad is better but afib is bothering him again. TV arrived. Found out another component got sizzled…so $100 to replace… well, my Vegas money is going before I even get there! eeeek ๐Ÿ™‚

    Anyway, looking forward to the weekend!

    Day 6 – UK Cambs – NFD
    Woohoo – yesterday’s FD went well and the scales smiled at me this morning, down 1lb this week so now almost back to pre-Christmas level and all set to lose the extra 9lb to my goal weight. I am so motivated – just hope it lasts over the weekend!

    @funshipfreddie – yes, what a crowd we made yesterday, and obviously all the positive energy worked.

    Like @matpi we keep our decorations up until 6th and this morning was a massive clean and tidy up but delighted to say that by lunchtime (albeit a bit late) everything is boxed up and all the shelves clean. Gosh doesn’t the house feel big now! I love the idea of keeping the lights up to guide the 3 Kings, a great image.

    Off now to finish the beach mat for DGD before tomorrow’s playdate. Next FD will be Monday but need to negotiate the weekend first. Trying a Thai curry recipe with sweet potato and chick peas for supper tonight, which one of us did a FD chickpea curry recently from the diet book? Can they please, please share?

    Onward and Downward and positive vibes for anyone on a FD today.

    Day 6 Wales ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ NFD

    Good FD yesterday and today my good behaviour this week has been rewarded with a 4lbs dropโ€ฆ.very motivating ๐Ÿ™‚

    My top tip for resisting temptation on a FD is to plan in advance exactly what you will eat and drink and keep busyโ€ฆ.if hunger pangs strike a mug of marmite tea usually satisfies me. Resisting temptation on NFDs is another matter! I can only reiterate @funshipfreddie and say donโ€™t let temptation cross your threshold. Unfortunately we still have a lot of Christmas leftover temptation in our home and I know there will be moments of โ€˜resistance is futileโ€™ until it is gone, I am encouraging DH to have more than his fair share but what crosses my lips will have to be mindfully consumed with care to count calories to stay within my TDEE ๐Ÿคž

    We still have our Christmas decorations up and Iโ€™m not intending to take them down until Monday, I want to enjoy the cosy glow of the lights over the weekend. Now the question is to ๐Ÿทor not to ๐Ÿทthis evening????

    Strength to anyone fasting today. My next FD will be Monday. My task for the weekend is to resist temptationโ€ฆโ€ฆwithin reason ๐Ÿ˜‰

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