Third time lucky: about the NHS guidelines, I was startled too by the huge range of acceptable weight for my age and height but in a good way. My doctor has suggested 60kgs as a good weight to aim for and I have 3 to go. It’s at the top end of the NHS recommendations as I’m 5′ 4″ and 66 years old. So I was quite pleased I didn’t have too far to go.

I have been 80kgs so I’m on the last lap really. This 5:2 diet is really helping. I had come to a complete stop whatever I tried.

It sounds like you’re doing really well. As is everybody. Such an inspiration. I wish I’d known about this diet earlier. I’m looking forward to being able to wear my old skirts when the autumn term starts instead of elasticated trousers. The students will be in shock.

Hi everyone, Since Wednesday I have been visiting my daughter and will not be able to weigh until my return home on 2 September. Since I arrived here I have been indulging in some home bakes and chocolate, always feeling guilty while doing so which obviously ruins the pleasure of the indulgence, so why do I do it? After reading all the posts since Wednesday (difficult getting online), I know that I will not be indulging again as I want to be able to donate to Miss Muffin Top some of my muffin top and help this Challenge Team to success. Everyone’s posts are motivating and inspiring and I will JUST DO IT!!! We can overcome the temptations. Onwards and downwards we will go. Have a great day everyone. Ray.

Goodness TTL, that’s not a very healthy progress report is it plus I think we are a bigger group than July also, maybe some still have to report in for the month, just thinking. Maybe these next 7 days will see the flab simply melt away LOL

Great idea AH! Mind you anything is a great idea today because I’m down another 1.2kg this morning. Amazing how positive that feeling is when you get on the scales and you have lost. Was thinking of changing my weigh in day to Wednesday because I always weigh more on a Monday (after the weekend and my last fast day would have been the Wednesday before). I suppose as long as it’s the same day each week. What do other people do? Weigh in after fast day? Weigh in after non fast day? Would love to hear your thoughts! Have a great last week of August!

An excellent idea – I have updated mine!
Looking forward to a new month and renewed goals – had a bit of a splurge while away for a couple of days in Limerick – boy did my body tell me in no uncertain terms it didn’t like it. Reminded me of a saying ‘Eat foods that will love you back’! Note to oneself to remember that in future. Hopefully there will not too much damage on the scales – weigh in tomorrow evening. Will then report my last weigh in on Tuesday 1 September ready to begin September with renewed vigour. So this week I will keep a careful eye on everything and put in a final push.
Must say how much I appreciate being part of this group – I feel the belief!

Hi Coda, well done for taking up the idea, I looked up where Comber is and waved to you. You have set a great goal to achieve for next year, maybe have 3 or 4 clear milestones along the way, break the big goal down into say monthly or 2 monthly targets so you can measure the progress along the way and the whole end result doesn’t slip away after a couple of “bad weeks” which we all have.

Start with September and set a realistic figure to reduce for that month then each month until May the whole task will become a lot less daunting if the “Big Picture” of the total by May 2016 seems over whelming, just a thought to make the whole journey enjoyable and reassuring because little reductions all add up to big ones.

Sorry, Ms Marple, misread your post.

Yes, let’s wait and start in September if you like.

Another pound off for Miss MT – four in total and I’m SURE there’ll be another by the end of the month… I feel my weight loss has been agonisingly slow this month but hey, 4 (maybe 5) pounds – I will take that…
I’m a daily weigher which it what makes it seem slow, all the uppy downies, but in spite of other advice I find it is the one thing which makes me think ‘well you can eat that (insert something yummy) if you like but it will show on the scales in the morning!’ I fear if I don’t keep that check I might allow myself more licence than I already do (and believe me that’s plenty)! After more than a half century of practising (and perfecting) eating, I know myself too well alas.
I have also hit 200 pounds on the way down…I remember hitting this milestone on the way out and thinking how could I weigh 200 pounds!!! As it turned out, it took almost two more stone to get the brake on and turn it around, but hey, here we are, feeling fab and looking well, quite warm. For the time of year.

Hi All

I have been missing in action for a while, and it has taken me a while to catch up on all the posts. I will never be able to respond to all of them, but was so happy to read that you stepped away from the cake MsMarple. AH and TTL all your posts are so motivating!

So there is the bad news and the good news as to why I have been absent. The good news is that by following this WOL and loosing 22 lbs, I finally gained enough confidence to pluck up the courage to join an on-line dating service for those over 50. Well, I have been stunned at the response and have spent much of August in a whirlwind of dates. After having kissed several frogs, I have found not one, but two princes. This is very difficult as it is quickly coming to the time that I have to choose, before either relationship begins to get serious, and I simply can’t!

The bad news is that I ended up in hospital this past Sunday and was being treated for what seemed to be a severely infected foot. I had received several doses of IV antibiotics (which were having no effect at all), until they finally got the blood work and cultures back. No infection! Guess what they finally came up with as a diagnosis – Gout! I had a fit, how could I possible have gout when I live such a healthy lifestyle? It turns out a precipitating factor for gout can be low dose aspirin, which I have been taking for close to 6 months.

I am home now, and am on anti-inflammatory and morphine for the pain – it truly is excruciating, I am actually starting to have some empathy for Henry VIII. I have been in so much pain, I haven’t been able to eat since Sunday, so I am simply staying on top of my fluids and am waiting for the anti-inflammatory to kick in. So bad news is I can barely walk, let alone exercise, good news is that without even trying I have been on a 4 day fast! After doping myself up with a dose of morphine this morning, I got on the home scales which showed 122.9 lbs. If they are to be believed that is a 4 lb loss this week and puts me below goal. So TTL, I tentatively am donating 4 lbs to miss muffin top this week. I think it is close to accurate, as I immediately put on my “goal” dress. Not only does it fit, it is a little loose around the waist. Anyway, enough babbling on.

Congratulations to those who lost last week and commiserations with those who didn’t. I think though, at this high time of social functions we all have a lot to be proud of!

PS Silversue, I was on day 18 or so of the plank challenge when this hit. It is tough, but worth it – I see an enormous difference in the size of my belly.

Hi everyone, late in posting after fast day yesterday. Had quit a few days eating with family/friends, I was so glad to be able to shut it down for a while. First lunch out I chose chicken kebab with salad, but the wine mounted up,, then yesterday I checked something off my bucket list that I had been wanting to do for years. Took a boat out to The May Island in the Firth of Forth. It was a lovely sunny day,, but of course the North Sea can be rough at the best of times. Needless to say half the people on the boat were throwing up. So glad I decided to stick to my FD, no breakfast or lunch , so had no problems. Took a flask oh bone broth with us on the island which did the trick. Blew it all when we got back to Anstruther! Anyone who knows the area will know you can’t visit Anstruther without having a fish supper! Delicious!!! Couldn’t manage a pudding. (Ahem) of course I was over my 500 cals. That showed as a 1/4lb gain from last week (amazed it wasn’t more) but a great time was had by all, and well worth every mouthful.
Back to business now. Just a few days left to unload 2 lbs so need to get cracking.
Well done Kate, the pounds are just melting away. Ouch DJ, Your foot problems sound agonising. There seems to be a few of us with foot/leg problems. Isn’t that a sign of being fearful of moving forward?!
Nothing to be afraid of, just follow Dr M and keep sharing with this lovely group of people and we will all get through it together.
After all, Action is taking over soon – got to be fit and healthy when he gets the whip out!
Good night all. Hoping for a fourth consecutive sunny day tomorrow – wow, summer has finally arrived in Scotland TTL.

Oh, gout is awful! I had an attack years ago but luckily the pain meds kicked in really quickly.
Ever since I’ve been very careful about foods and drinks that aggravate it and I’ve never had another attack.

It is SOOO painful!

Hi All and especial DJ, we are both in sick bay – the cat sit went brilliantly, the weather glorious so decided to make it a holiday, good food and good wine, a total of 5 lbs gained – dear me! Fell ill on the last night,very ill, looong trip home and straight to A&E, end up with gall bladder out – and – an 8lb loss in a week.

So 3lbs to add to the total, and I’m retiring to the sidelines.

See you all in September and tuck your chins in in the meantime, not long now to the end of the month!!

That’s a bit dramatic Milena, getting sick and having an operation to drop 8lbs for the week, I haven’t read that Chapter in the book !!!!

Boglett (cute name) you are most welcome to join the group, there are no rules, just good old fashioned support and inspiration welcomed from anyone who wants to contribute. We will record a starting weigh in at 1 September then monitor everyones progress during the month with a nice big group total kicked out the door on 30 Sept.

Hi Fit , yes pretty much the same reading in The Real Meal Revolution book. Carbs are the problem with holding on to weight. If you google carbohydrate foods, you will be amazed what is listed. Most people forget that sugar is also a carb, and it’s in everything pretty much. I have always posed the question. If you took all foods and drinks off the supermarket shelves that contain carbs, what would be left to buy? Answer NOT MUCH!
Have also read,, Don’t buy anything with a label on it, as it will contains carbs!

The sad thing is, we are pretty much feeding our children this way which is really just setting them up for a life of dieting one way or another . Oh well, at least we all will have the answer to that problem – just tell them about 5:2.

Was at Aquafit this morning, a really good workout. Home to chicken salad, then fish for dinner tonight. Hope to keep today to another 1000 cal day. Out for lunch tomorrow so am moving my FD to Friday this week.
Well Action, or should I say ‘what’s new pussy cat?’ No whips eh? Don’t know about cyber slaps, sometimes I just need a good boot up the arse! We’ll see how we go in September, but I’m sure with your words of wisdom you will keep all us ladies in line. What’s happened to your buddy? Have all us females frightened him away. If you’re lurking do join us, I’m sure Mike would appreciate your company.
Milena, well that’s one way of dealing with overeating! How will that affect your food intake now? Will you have to say bye bye to the vino? Here’s hoping all our invalids get well soon, we have a September challenge to get into gear.

Last week of August – lets get Miss Muffin loaded up and out the door ! Good luck all TTL

PS: summer has def arrived in Scotland, sun is shining and it’s p…..g down with rain!

Hey little voices! Hope everyone is having a good August and good results also.

Mary I’ve just read your article, really enjoyed it. Some great images and motivation to not lose track of who we want to be. Definitely want to kick some damaging habits that are not feeding my true self off a cliff!

I’ve been out of touch this month and annoyingly regained some pounds! A wedding at start of month and a holiday has led to an indulgence of alcohol and sweet treats. So here I am looking to be more focussed for here on out. Schools go back on Tuesday, normal routines begin.

My best month was July and I really enjoyed it. As I felt like I was feeding my body(engine) right and in return I felt better and looked better. Also it felt natural, like I wasn’t on a diet. 16:8 definitely works better for me.

4 days left of this month and I am aiming to budge those regained pounds back off (a cliff) then bring on super September and I would also like to incorporate plank challenge to boost inch loss.

I am now going to read so many of your missed posts. Wishing you all good health 🙂

Hello Skinnies,

Fast day number 2, really enjoying it today… agree with other posters, once you get used to it, it’s actually quite a buzz.
Also, knowing I can eat the next day makes restricting calories so do-able. Feel lighter, not just weight wise but conceptually too.

Pleased to see a planking sub group beginning to form, I am starting to do a bit of pre Sept training in preparation.
There are lots of other exercises on the 30 Day challenge if anyone else wants to join in.. squats anyone?
Must find scales before the end of August so I can see if I have anything to off load on Ms MT. Not seeing aged parent this weekend….perhaps there are paying scales in Boots.

Love to all, Ms M

Hi all you good people.
I have been off line (read away in Melbourne eating, drinking, seeing the David Bowie is exhibition among other things). Home again and Spring seems to have sprung – weather is stunning, apricot tree covered in blossom and garlic poking its head above ground.

Have caught up on most of the posts and so pleased everyone is feeling positive even if results aren’t always what’s hoped for (I know that feeling). Lailmarie, hope you climbed out of the dumps without breaking out of 5:2.

Will weigh in on the last day of August/1st September and have made myself a plan for that month. As a fellow Kiwi I can’t let AH down! I will add my profile before 1 Sept and set down goals as part of that – aim to keep myself honest.

Good luck everyone for the last few days.

Yup, will definitely have to sneak in another fast day. Tomorrow methinks. Been a bit up and down this week and have ended up where I was last week at 9st 9lbs so nothing for miss Muffin I’m afraid. Still 2 lbs short of target for Monday. Am cutting down most days now and aiming for 1000 cal days (give or take), but do wonder if I’m actually eating enough. I def don’t want to plateau when I am so close to target. Will get August out of the way, and then rethink. Time to read THE BOOK again!
Well done on your book MaryWwriter. It’s funny how you get a mental picture of what people look like, your photo was really nice, and you already look quite slim!

Have a good day everyone, final push to load up Miss Muffin, before we start on Action Heros little baby. TTL

Well done MaryW – I enjoyed your article by the way – you certainly have worked hard at overcoming your demons to love a healthy life – I respect that so much.

On thee last few days I am trying to ensure I have something to give Miss MT. Fast days Thursday, Saturday, Monday (though guests that night) so Tuesday weigh in for the month. I am hopeful if not optimistic!!

I agree TTL – time to read THE BOOK again, and I have just ordered Fast Exercise from Amazon so September is my big month to see results!

Hi everyone, I have been awol for the last couple weeks with my moms visit. I have been fasting two days a week but it is more maintaining with all the deserts and camping food I have had. I would love to join in September. School is starting for my kids so it will be a good time to focus and work hard.

Those weird foods don’t surprise me MaryWW. No offence intended, but North Americans seem particularly adept at creating the worst sounding (and worst for you foods) imaginable. A couple of years ago when I was visiting the States I came across a range of unbelievable “delicacies” and wrote a blog about it. Apparently anything you can stick on a stick goes down a treat!!

To have your mind expanded see
http://agoodsetofknives.blogspot.co.nz/search?q=deep+fried+butter

Now I’m off to the local Farmers Market.

I enjoyed your blog post @chipmunk13. It seems to be a thing about fairs and midways, this high-fat food on a stick thing. I was glad to see that Iowa lists “Popsicles”and “fruit with yogurt dip” as food on a stick and that someone has created “salad on a stick”!

I think the stick is needed because there is never anywhere to sit down and eat at the exhibition. We ended up choosing sandwiches rather than plates (with salad, rice etc) for that reason. I did moderately well compared to my younger days at the ex — nothing exotic held any appeal. But I did enjoy a waffle ice-cream sandwich!

Hello all hope you had a great August. I went away on 31st July and came back yesterday so will weigh in tomorrow and see what the damage is! I want to lose 8lbs on the September challenge. I am not sure who is organising it but please add me to the list. Thanks