Day 5 Canton OH NFD
Thank you for asking all these interesting questions @penz, I have missed a couple days of posts and it was great to read all the responses. I feel like I know you all better
My handle is a combo of my name and my OH’s name, my first name is Bassey which means “born on a Sunday” my grandma and I share the same name.
Water and self-control is how I keep from messing up my fasts. Once I find the commitment sweet spot, that’s it for me. I am a creature of habit and a change in my routine is the most likely culprit to keep me from staying true to my fasts. I like @funshipfreddie’s tips and I will try it this weekend for my upcoming extended fast. I have also found that mindless snacking is the greatest enemy, because there is only so much that you can consume when you sit down to a meal
@brightonbelle you are right – no shortcuts, no cheats

Day 4, UK, NFD
Day 5, FD

Yesterday’s FD became a NFD after having dinner with DH and eating more than planned. I should have known I wasn’t going to stick to a salad when OH was having burger and dessert. Still ended up being a controlled calorie day so not too worried about it.

Today’s FD going well, busy at work which pushed lunch to around 3pm (veggie quiche with salad). Keen to have a low cal soup and tea to finish off the day.

To answer some of @penz daily questions: I have 2 gorgeous pairs of branded jeans that I was given by a friend many years ago – I have never been able to wear them, but I have carried these jeans across countries and new addresses and I still hope one day to fit in them.

My handle is one of my favourite names (if I had a daughter I would name her Georgia). 83 is my year of birth.

I have a few tricks that I use to tame the hungry dragon that lives inside me, but they dont work all the time sadly! Drinking lots of water does help, as well as drinking a cup of miso soup or similar. Distracting my brain with tasks also helps (baking something for my OH and cleaning up afterwards; popping a handful of popcorns on the hob; writing a work report; videocalling a friend; anything that keeps my hands busy is worth a try).

@judyjudes I am currently reading ‘How not to die’ too. He definitely advocates the vegan lifestyle, and it made me more mindful about all the animal products I eat.

@dee22 I don’t miss my days of job hunting, it’s really tough! I always tried to send at least 10 applications a day because (and you are so right about it!) the chances are only one of them will get looked at. It’s a numbers game and luck too! Stay positive!

Day 5 London, UK, FD

It’s a super late check-in from me today, I think I needed some ‘me’ time, relaxing yoga and meditation with NO thoughts about food ……………………………….. hence my 2nd unplanned LFD this week (😁 😁), I know the day isn’t over yet, but, I’m 90% there so unless I have a complete & utter meltdown …………………….. I’m calling it!!!

@michelinme, I hope you’re taking things easy at the moment, your body needs some time to recover from everything you’ve been through. 🙏

@penz, in answer to today’s question …………………………….. I just DROWN that sucker!!!!! 😂 😂 😂 It doesn’t always work, but most of the time the roaring stops after I’ve slowly sipped my 750ml bottle, I always say I’ll eat if that doesn’t work ………………………………………. It’s a delaying tactic ‘cause it can take a long time sipping!!!

@daffodil2010, the best thing to do might be to open the chocolates there and then!!! Generosity might just save your waistline!!!

@i-hate-lettuce ………………………. “the BBQ and Bacchus bus!” 😂 😂 …………………. I’m glad mine currently has a flat tyre!!!!!

@funshipfreddie, your tolerance must be that of a Pioneer (I have no idea how they do it!!) so unless you want the mother of all headaches or to wake up in the bath fully clothed ……………………………… go steady with the ‘dops’ my friend!!!! 😂 😂

I feel like LFDs are easier than regular FDs at the moment, my off button is broken and the evening small handful of cashews or baby plum tomatoes definitely start an avalanche!!! So perhaps LFDs are for me???? I’m still avoiding the scales, but (TMI warning!!) my knickers were falling down this morning!!!I think if I start to falter I’m going to jump on the scales to see exactly what LFDs & walking with Leslie is doing for me!!! That might be when a boost is most needed as mojo is currently keeping me on the wagon!!

Lovely to learn some real names!!! Don’t expect me to reveal mine though ………………………………….. for all you know I could be famous!!! 😂 😂 😂 😂

Keep the faith people!!!!

Day 5 Ohio, US — NFD

Air conditioning went out today and it looks as though we’re heading into a stretch of some really hot days. I’m going to have to come with some ideas for staying cool. Today’s weigh in showed no change in weight, so I’m back on the plateau.

@penz The only bad habit that I’d love to eradicate is succumbing to the sugar dragon. That’s about my only bad habit, although there may be some annoying ones, depending on whom you talk to. 

@flourbaby You’re definitely famous in my book!

@daffodil2010 Happy Birthday! Hope this is the start of your best year ever!

Day 6 NFD Ire
Hello everyone, FD was yesterday and went grand. I did have a nice afternoon nap though ! It helped to pass some time away as it was raining and I don’t like gardening in the rain. I’m also reading a great book,(poison Garden by Alex Marwood) I can get totally lost in a good book and not think of food. I was woken from my slumber by the phone and guess what? It was a job offer! wipeeee. I start training on Monday via zoom, new experience !! Am delighted . I interviewed for this back in March and had forgotten about it. Covid seemingly delayed the process. So things are shifting , even the pounds 😁. I love the analogy of life is like shifting sands , you move a grain of sand and everything shifts, it can even cause an avalanche !!!!
My bad habit to change has to be picking at food when cooking or other people cooking, I drive my DD crazy. I could eat 500 cals before my food is on the plate, not good.
Have a good day everyone and I’ll watch out for all those dragons, Sugar and
Hunger, Wine and the Warthog too, very Game of Thrones, Mother of dragons is among us.

Day 6 – Ireland – NFD

@daffodil2010 happy birthday to you!!!! Have a lovely day and enjoy your weekend.

Was so tired yesterday I did not make good food choices but I’ve decided to reset ftom Monday.

@penz my bad habit is binging on sugary foods once I unleash the dragon…. when I cut added sugars it works really well for me but when I fall off the wagon it’s a disaster. It affects me in so many negative ways you think my mind would know that and resist.. 🙄

I have a very Irish name but one which is not that common and Ireland is such a small country I always feel my anonymity would be shot if I revealed too much so keep quite a few details private on the forum. Actually I always have to double check that I haven’t used my starndard sign off at the end of my posts just before I hit Submit 😂😂😂

Have a great day everybody 👍 it’s horrible here so don’t feel bad having a lie in. 😴

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 6 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD 🎂

Morning everyone. Thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a controlled day yesterday, generously handed around the chocolate and had NONE myself, no blow out on Friday evening snacks either…there was a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as the sun went down, but that was it, early to bed and early to rise.

So today being my birthday I am going to just relax, eat mindfully, watch a good movie this evening (might even light the fire as its turned suddenly cold) and I will enjoy some red wine.

Tomorrow I am in interview preparation mode as I have an interview on Monday morning for the new re-organisation of the company where I currently am on contract. Fingers crossed I get an offer of permanent employment, I enjoy the work, it’s also handy for me with no mad commute. And it would be good to get something at my advanced age of 53 that would keep me going until I decide to stop working 😄

@jaifaim I agree with the anonymity, I was a bit wary giving my name, but it’s a common enough world wide name …..if you have an unusual Irish name then definitely keep it private 😀

@penz bad habit……if there is white bread in the house I find it very hard to ignore it. I could toast slices and lavish butter until I burst. Apart from that, if mojo is bad I can drink wine and eat crisps and shrug it off and go “I dont care”……thankfully doesn’t happen that often.

Day 6, London, UK, NFD

Happy Birthday @daffodil2010, enjoy that special calorie free cake 🎂 🎂 🎂. I hope you and Mr Daffodil have a chance to celebrate it properly once his shifts change!! Congrats on the interview, I’m crossing everything for you!!!

@bellyblast, I might borrow that countdown idea, yesterday’s planned FD was successful, but the surprising part was that it was a LIQUID one!!! I’ve done a couple before, by accident, but this week there’ve been 2, both relatively easy and there’s no angst, thinking about topping up my FD with a handful of cashews or a BabyBel or a spoonful of yoghurt with a drizzle of honey …………… all good choices, but they start the avalanche that leads to a (I know we don’t use this word here!) ‘failed’ FD!!

@penz, today’s question is a doozy!!! However, I must just say, no offence intended, but let us NOT get carried away here, next it’ll be the peanut butter!!!! Why oh-why would you want to eradicate the vino habit???? I mean, there are only so many cat videos I can watch to bring joy to my life, sometimes after a hard day at work (or at lunchtime!!) wine is the ONLY thing that keeps me sane!!!! Perhaps you should amend your answer to read …………………….” Mine would probably be reaching for that wine bottle SO OFTEN” ………….. Phew!!! My answer would be threefold ………………………. to break the “clean plate” habit, the “that’s a bargain, I must have it” habit and the “FOMO” habit ………………….. If everyone else is stuffing their faces with chocolate fudge cake, it takes Hulk-like strength to resist, and usually I don’t!!! ………………….. Of course, needless to say, I’m with @daffodil with the bread (straight from the oven? Good grief!!) & butter I’m sure I persuaded myself for years that that alone covered ALL major food groups, hence my need for 5:2!!!!

Congratulations @dee22, in these turbulent times, it’s great to see the world is still turning, good luck with the training!!!

@funshipfreddie, Not royalty (I’m a princess only in my own house!!) If it’s not red wine, it’s rum & coke, I have a taste for Jamaican Appleton Estate …………………. With Pepsi Max!!! 😂 (dieters joke ………… “I’ll take 12 Big Macs and a diet coke”😂 😂)

So, clearly I can talk the talk but not necessarily, walk the walk!!! I hopped on the scales this morning, I can’t even say it was a reflex thing…………………….. I DELIBERATELY got on!! Daily weighing has been a ritual for such a long time, it was hurting to swerve that small square of hope, despite our tenuous love-hate relationship, it does keep me honest ……………………. I’m not known for my perseverance, I need regular prodding to keep on keeping on!! Today’s result shows -3.8lbs since the beginning of June, those 2 LFDs (just 30cals of milk) seem to have worked, this loss was what I used to have weekly at the beginning of this journey, when I was more disciplined on NFDs, when the kitchen was locked precisely at 7pm with the snack-dragon inside, when FDs were 500cals without exception. The introduction of the FD800 really did a number on my brain, I kept thinking I had an extra 300cals to play with, then brain said ‘well 900 isn’t so far off 800 is it’????? Before you know it I was pretty much eating a low calorie diet, and we all know those just DO NOT WORK!!! I’m crossing everything that this is the start of my journey off of the plateau and into a routine that works for me ………………………… I get it @dykask, finally!!!!! 💪 💪 💪

“Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.”

Day 6 NFD IRE

Thanks for all the good wishes. Happy birthday daffodil enjoy whatever you have and good luck with your interview , I understand the stress. Be positive.

Day 6 Melb Aust NFD
Day 5 FD

Great weigh-in this morning, already down 0.6 kg for the month. Probably blew it with my NFD day today, but pleasing all the same. I was working out my measurement loss since I started this WOL – more than 4 inches from both bust and waist, plus 5 inches off my hips. Still quite a way to go, but happy with the progress.

@daffodil2010, happy birthday, have a lovely day. Good luck with your interview on Monday.

@dee22, congrats on getting the job. What a relief!

@penz,to answer your questions:
To quiet the sugar dragon, nothing used to work, but more recently, a mug of hot water has seemed to work – sometimes, at least!
Habits to change? Would like to manage my NFDs better.

@jaifaim, great you could have some time with your parents. You really do deserve a rest now, though. Who generally looks after them?

@flourbaby, wow! You’re starring with your weight loss, in just 6 days.

@michelinme, concerned to read of your strange turn. Glad it’s being checked out.

Onward and downwards, everyone!

Day 6 USA (Illinois) NFD

Yesterday’s FD went wonderfully at 400 calories. Even though I did one last Sunday, at least one a week is imperative for my maintenance. I really ought to have 1 FD followed by 4 or 5 NFD’s if I know what is good for me. Also, daily weighing for me too. And daily entry of food into MFP.

My addiction: like @funshipfreddie it is artificial sweetener. My morning coffee has to have it (no milk or cream at least) and Diet Coke or Crystal Light Tea. (That’s a beverage you mix up – packaged, add water, also no calorie.) Some say artificial sweetener unleashes the sugar dragon, but it doesn’t seem to for me.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. For me, I will include one Long Island Iced Tea, my summer love.

Onward and downward.

Day 6 Canada NFD

Happy birthday @daffodil2010 hope you have a wonderful day!

My starting weight was 63.7kg and I am down to 62.1kg, that lockdown excess must have been lots of water

@penz definitely sugar, dark chocolate, cake etc yikes I can polish off enough for a family of 6

@flourbaby my countdown strategy is all yours! When I realize there aren’t that many chances to get the weight down it makes is so much easier, plus I have used your drowning technique for a long time.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Day 6 – UK – NFD

Hi All

Nothing to report apart from I’m managing to stick to plan.

Take care, stay safe.

Day 6 UK CD

Solid CD yesterday – funny how much easier it is to make healthy decisions right now! Maybe I’ve had the boot I needed to be firmly back on the waggon.

Fortnightly fruit & veg box arrived today and feeling blessed with abundance. This will shape my meal-planning for the next couple of weeks. And I am actually planning meals after several months of winging it. Great to find that the foods recommended for lowering BP are all the ones I usually eat – portions, salt and not adding in regular junk will be helpful.

@flourbaby @betsylee thank you for good wishes. Definitely feeling fragile and finding my way very gently, taking nothing for granted.

Long chat with old friend today which helped me feel better – more info, and a bit of a plan. There’s nothing like talking with someone who knows me & my environment really well to help me get centred. I’m working on better boundaries to reduce stress – I seem to absorb it like a sponge.

@daffodil2010 happy birthday to you 🙂 Great job with the chocolate – I hope you are feeling suitably self-satisfied! Hope you have a lovely day, and a chance to celebrate with DH soon

@dee22 congratulations on your new job! That’s wonderful news. Thanks for the reminder re shifting sands.. so true

@penz habits to break – black coffee, which had rather crept up in lockdown. I’m back down to 0.5cup the last few days. Evening snacking when tired – always my downfall. White bread, white cakes, white anything, sugar anything – so don’t have the in the house and reframe as occasional poisonous treats 🙂

Day 6UK NFD

Nearly forgot again – just had a quick skim through Lots of good news @flourbaby @dee22

Happy birthday @daffodil2010 🎉

Will have a proper read through tomorrow x

Day 7 Melb Aust TDEE

Going okay. The NFD yesterday only shifted the weight up 0.1 kg, whew! that’s a relief.

Keep on keeping on everyone!

Day 7, Emden Germany, NFD

Day 7 – Ireland – NFD

@daffodil2010 I’m glad you had a lovely day even in lockdown but… great news you’ll be able to see your dad more now I hope 🤞… I’m a little nervous about the next phase… tbh I think I enjoyed lockdown way too much…
I love my Irish name 😊 but it caused many a laugh abroad particularly when I lived in France 😂
https://youtu.be/OcLOKQOpj7U
It is none of these 😂

@betsylee my parents have a lovely private carer who stays with them for the week nights but she was on holidays last week (poor thing had rubbish weather). We have one half hour each weekday from the Health Service (another fantastic carer though 💕 who my parents really like/trust). My sister visits twice a day for tablets and other care..We are due to receive more assistance and have qualified for that but the funding is not available… 🙄 don’t start me… 92&86 terminal cancer & Alzheimer’s respectively but they can manage most of the time and quite like their space too but this is why people end up in nursing homes when it would be much easier to keep them at home with more care… 😖
This week myself and the HSE carer took care of them as I was in the house anyway… it was special and the longest stretch of time I’ve been with them since my 20s but it takes it’s toll – I even feel bad saying that but you understand.. 😊

@dee22 – congratulations on your new job!!! That’s fantastic news! 👏

@flourbaby WOW! well done to you!!!💪 both on the LFD and the weight loss 👏👏

@mia139 👏👏👏 I bet it feels great!!

@michelinme I’m glad you are feeling better and have had precious time with your frien … I have two people who really understand all the pressures I’m under but also the effects of my illnesses in mind and body so I always feel so much better after time spent with them… always being mindful not to overburden them (another stress 🙄). Oh god… when did life become so complicated….Stay well 💕

I’m supposed to be up cycling… but I’m still in bed… I had a birthday zoom for a friend last night and two g&ts – So I’m Lazy… but will seize the day…. now…..
Have a good one gang!

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 7 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

Another glorious, sunny winter’s day in Kwazulu-Natal, 24ºC. The mild winter days more than make up for the unbearable heat and humidity of January/February.

@flourbaby – my poison is Captain Morgan Black Jamaican Rum & diet coke (no Big Macs 😜). And then there’s vodka, which goes with virtually anything. I guess it’s the sugar content that makes spirits so addictive. I really should stick to red wine. The FD800 threw me a bit at first too; so now I split the difference between 600 & 800 cals, allowing myself 700 max on FD’s. Oh, well done on the almost 4lb down, in less than a week! 🥇🏆

@michelinme – is coffee really a bad habit? These days more & more studies seem to point the other way. Here’s an article Dr Michael Mosley wrote for the Radio Times. It’s a couple of years old, but still relevant, I think? https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-01-10/is-coffee-bad-good-for-you/

Happy S🌞nday!

“Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie, which we ascribe to heaven.” ~ William Shakespeare

Day 7, UK, NFD

Yesterday’s take away meal was delicious, I enjoyed every cream and butter filled calorie (mmm tartiflette). Today will be a little more restrained, roast lamb with new potatoes later. I spent a nice half hour yesterday trying on summer clothes. I found I could fit into the dresses I couldn’t wear last summer which was a nice bit of encouragement. I think I’ll take a leaf out of @flourbaby book and target a piece of clothing each month.
@jaifaim the video link was really funny.
@daffodil2010 hope you had a good birthday, yesterday. Good luck for tomorrow.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone.

Day 7 Canada NFD

Had a great day yesterday, a big kale salad for lunch and roast leg of lamb and lots of veggies for dinner. A bike ride up hills felt like more work needs to be done on my cardio though.

@penz the bad habits/downfall question could be one that lasts for a few days! I make sourdough bread, have for 15 years, and can eat ½ a loaf when it is hot and crackling.

@michelinme I get a weekly produce box and I love it, so many leafy greens and vegetables make eating well easy.

Yoga, meditation and a long walk are things I am looking forward to today!

USA Day 7 FD

Jumping in for accountability! Heavy duty gardening has kept me out of the mix but still in the game for the last few days. Today I will get to see my daughter, her husband, and my little grandson for the first time in four months, since the lockdown. She is in the city, so she is still on partial phase one, and I am on the border of the city, so I just started phase 2. It’s hard to make decisions on what to do these days because you can’t account for what might happen. Golfing opened up but no sooner did I play then one of the golfers at my club tested positive for Covid. I stopped play but I really need to start doing something and take a chance. My neighbors plan to do outside eating at a restaurant. I am not there yet. I find coming out of this as hard as it was going into lockdown. Anyway, I could really really use a haircut!! LOL

My FDs went well and I expect today will, too. It seems the more I fast, the less hungry I feel. Very helpful!

Have a great day, everyone!

Day 7 USA (Illinois) NFD

Taking it easy today – online church shortly. I overdid yesterday with yard work, and my back is suffering. Ugh. Sunday for rest.

Glad to read that Dr. Mosely agrees coffee is good. I am right at that 2-5 cups a day considering I usually drink substantial mugs of it, but am done, generally before noon.

@emma-taylor — I had not heard of Twiglets, so Googled them. They sound rather like our Dots pretzels that are also very habit forming for me.

@jaifaim – funny bit about Irish names. I always knew Welsh really does not use many vowels, but Hawaiian uses almost only vowels! Strange language customs we have….

@bellyblast – I love lamb. We can get excellent 2″ thick Australian lamb chops in our Costco that grill beautifully. Not so much into your kale, but do enjoy about all kinds of lettuce.

Onwardand downward.

Day 7, UK, NFD

Just a quick post for accountability 🙂

Have a great Sunday everyone 🌞