Day 9 – Ireland – NFD 🚫 ✅ 🚶‍♂️ 🌾
154.6 lbs
Yes 🙌 I am back in the zone…. But question is – can I stay here??? No luck just effort… focus… resistance… won’t power, whatever 😂😂😂 I felt lighter last night actually in my outfit so thrilled this morning… 😃
Well done @northgeorgia on no weekend gain so far… poca a poca…
And @excelsior12309 bravo!!! A loss… enjoy tonight and happy birthday to your DH 🎈🎈
And @stitchincarol – trending downwards 👇 ✔️

@brightonbelle ah you are gone for a week 🇮🇹 have a blast! And you are in your happy zone 🎯

@merryapple wow – how lovely you saw Pink! I like her music and her fiery character and wonder what the challenge might have been… 🤔 we will never know..but I challenge you to take your time and look after yourself and enjoy this time with friends who are looking out for you now… nice that Pink is there to provide some background music too 💕

Oh no @penz! That’s a shame but I have to say: you are a great host and I don’t think any host should feel the need to respond to every post… that’s too much to expect – it can take quite a bit of time and puts pressure on the person who volunteers … some days you can chat, some days you can’t… and we can all keep the chat going… no fear of that says you!! 😂 the fact that you set the challenge up and get us over the starting line is most important. ⭐️

Ok I have to rush now…

Slán! 👋

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 10 NZ NFD 75.3kg

This a quick post!
It’s my Sunday morning bike ride to meet Paisley the Scottie and her Mum. I have to take off Mr Mac’s bike seat. I have never ridden it without him😢 We did over 300km together back and forth to the dog park.
@jaifaim Thank you for the direction and advice. I’ll be happy to set up my routine. This is the second morning I’ve slept in till 9am (too late…) in part because I had excited young Pink fans in Monkey Hill screaming with joy after the concert until 1am… Pink’s challenge was do you recognise me, I think.
@excelsior12309 Have a fabulous 🥳 🎈 birthday party. Yum! Lobster! I don’t think I’ve eaten it at a restaurant in a recipe but I have had plenty straight out of the sea!!
@northgeorgia well done on your plans working. Could you possibly post your great chilli recipe?! It’s cooling off here – perfect weather for it!!
@cocco Hope your FD went well too!

Cheers everyone and have a good day!

Day 10 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

Checking in for accountability. 😱 Not going to mention food. Glorious late summer weather. I’d clocked up + 7000 steps before 9 am, so I’ll have done at least one thing right this weekend 💪

A longer post & possibly a FD tomorrow.

Happy S🌞nday!

Day 10 – USA/GA – FD

Weigh-in: 226 lbs. Yay! The OMADs seem to stabilize my two regular NFDs’ weight (that, along with a big reduction in sugary drinks and an increase in fiber). No weight gain, other than a few spare ounces, since Friday morning. Hoping for a nice number tomorrow, “Chili Day at Work” haha! I guess Tuesday will be my next day of fasting. Wednesday is my brother’s birthday, and Thursday is the leadership class with breakfast and lunch provided. So, it is a week of interruptions, but in any case, I’ll keep the OMAD workweek concept in mind for the next couple of weeks to see how progress goes.

Pocket list – day 10
@northgeorgia

USA. Day 10. FD

Pocket list – day 10
@northgeorgia
@ccco

Day 11 Auckland FD 75.3kg

Today is a day to reset for me after a rather chaotic two weeks. My monthly aim of a kg loss means I need to be at or below 74kg over the next 3 weeks. RESOLVE!!!

Belated mothers’ day wishes to all those who are! @woosoo, @at, @excelsior12309, @brightonbelle and @stitchincarol. If cats count @flourbaby and @funshipfreddie! If cats count so do dogs, @penz. And a special mention for @jaifaim and @northgeorgia who support their mothers.

@Excelsior Now that sounds like a scary drive! Glad the day was a big success!!

Onward and downward!!

Pocket List
@woosoo
@funshipfreddie (maybe!)
@merry🍎

Day 11, London, UK, FD,

I’ve just caught up with the weekend posting, It’s been a difficult one for me. Mum would have been 85 yesterday AND it was Mother’s Day, so a tear or 1000 were shed.😥😢😭 Thanks to those thinking of me yesterday.

My brother hosted a celebration day for the family yesterday, there are 6 birthdays in Feb/March (including mum😘) and Mother’s Day, so we all got together to celebrate, priceless!

@penz, you’re doing a stellar job hosting, my friend!! No need to respond to everyone, you know this thing practically runs itself!!!

Glad to know Bo-Bo is now being admired internationally!!😂 He’s been a cardboard box lover since he was a kitten, any box, any size, he’ll attempt to get into it, I have a photo somewhere of him squeezed into a wine box!! Perhaps it’s the feeling of security, like swaddling babies!

I’m resetting for March this morning as the vino and carbs have crept back in to haunt me, especially yesterday (Zero guilt!), reset, Reset, RESET!!! I’m with you @excelsior12309 ………… “moderation is not easy for me when bread is involved”😞😱

@northgeorgia …………………….. Violet Jelly???? I’m baffled!

Welcome back @lilymartin, I dream of warmer weather, but 40ºC + is taking it a bit too far!!!

@funshipfreddie, I note you haven’t posted ….. yet! I hope the little food slip-up you hinted at hasn’t led to an epic case of the “Sod it’s”!!!🙏🏼😬🙏🏼

Pocket List Day 11 🦸‍♀️
@woosoo
@funshipfreddie (maybe!)
@merry🍎
@jaifaim
@flourbaby

“Your body can stand almost anything; it’s your mind that you have to convince”. ~ Vince Lombardi

USA. Day 11 FD

Pocket List Day 11 🦸‍♀️
@woosoo
@funshipfreddie (maybe!)
@merry🍎
@jaifaim
@flourbaby
@ccco

Day 11 – Rural Nebraska, USA – CD

Lovely weekend, with some crazy schedule stuff and some fun stuff, too, as we went to see Dune, Part Two. I’d forgotten much of the details of Part One, but enjoyed the movie even so…truly delightful.

And this morning I heard from DD as she drove back to school from her 38½ week doctor appointment, and she’s 2.5cm dilated and 80% effaced, so that baby may be showing up a bit sooner than planned, which suits her just fine. Makes my heart ache that she’s SO far away (all the way across Iowa and Illinois and half way into Indiana for a total of 654 miles and 10+ hours of driving).

And texts have been flying about our Easter dinner where three other couples are joining us (the friends that function as “family”) and are wondering what they should bring, but DS27 (the “chef” because he went to culinary school) and I are still nogotiating the menu–we both have strong opinions, which should surprise no one on this list that I do, and he’s my double, so there you go, LOL!

And more texts have been flying because choir is hosting the dinner on Wednesday before our Lenten service…

Some weeks are simply like this. I’m sitting on the sofa, however, still in my nightgown as I do all this texting, and I’m savoring the cup of Kona coffee made from the beans DS27 brought back from Hawaii, where he visited his cousin for a week.

And there. Sorry, @penz, I’m not going to comment on ANYONE’S post today, but you can all cope, I’m sure! 😂😂 I’m going to finish the Leaguer (yes, I know you don’t know what that is, but it doesn’t even matter except that it’s about a 3 hour project and I want it OUT OF MY HAIR TODAY) and then I can breathe and think about other things.

Retirement cannot come soon enough.

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 12 Auckland NFD 75kg

I’m back to the monthly start number… 1 kg to go🤐 over the next 3 weeks… I’m with you @flourbaby on the reset!!
Your family party sounds wonderful and a great way to celebrate your lovely mother.
@lilymartin I’m so pleased you’re back! The antipodean representation had got a bit thin on the ground (nice metaphor!) with @penz and me! We didn’t hit 40 in Auckland over summer but we do get 99.9999% humidity and it rains like you’re standing under the shower…
@penz I was a wee bit behind the 8 ball regarding Mother’s Day. Ours is in May as well. I did enjoy the no ad MD!!
@jaifaim Decluttering! I completely agree with that superhuman sensation when you achieve it! I so need to do this on a regular basis… My favourite programme on TV is the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. I need to rewatch it to gain inspiration and motivation!!
@stitchincarol Wow!! Baby on the way!!! Your giraffe blanket is going to be so welcomed!
@ccco Hope your FD went well y’day!

Steely Resolve one and all!!

Day 12 – Ireland – FD 🚫 ✅ 🚶‍♂️ 🌾

Yesterdays FD wasn’t great and I came in around 1000 cals (so more of a CD), I don’t know why I was so hungry yesterday but there it is.
Today I go again.
@flourbaby 💕💕💕
@funshipfreddie I saw some of that coverage about the photo and am still trying to wrap my head around why anyone would take issue with it? I’m not super in tune with British royalty but the poor woman has been in hospital for ages.. leave her in peace. I was going to say “Bin the Kitkat” but it seems – too late!! 😂
@merryapple 👏 back down again. I must find that show… my dad in his latter years used to laugh at us and the amount of clothes we had and would wonder had we not heard of that Carrie Mondo woman? 😂😂😂 awww the memories 💕
Mind you the very man was the biggest collector of books and documents and clippings and photos 😂 but… could always put his hands on JUST that article, photo in a matter of minutes. ⭐️
Oh @penz to have heat and ☀️ – it is the never ending cold wet winter here…. Everyone is feeling it…

Yes @stitchincarol you must explain leaguer! And your mention of lovely Hawaïen coffee (how special) makes me wonder about our lovely friend @maui? I hope you are ok @maui.
And once more I shout out to @daffodil2010 just in case you are reading and not posting. 🌼

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others

Pocket List – Day 12 🥚
@funshipfreddie
@northgeorgia
@jaifaim

Day 12 – USA/GA – FD

Weigh-in: 228 lbs. Apparently, the chili and fixings were really good. It was a feast all day long, so I paid for that today with a four pound gain! I’ll do a FD today, not sure whether WFD or FD500, but I definitely won’t nosh until evening, should I decide to do so. Tomorrow’s my brother’s birthday, but I am thinking of doing OMAD until the evening because Thursday and Friday look off the table.

Pocket List – Day 12 🥚
@funshipfreddie
@northgeorgia
@jaifaim

Second Post

Back on to solidify the FD focus 🧘‍♀️💪

🙏💕🙏💕🙏 @stitchincarol

USA. Day 12. FD

Pocket List – Day 12 🥚
@funshipfreddie
@northgeorgia
@jaifaim
@ccco

Day 13 Auckland NFD 74.8kg

@stitchincarol Oh do let us know asap about your wee baby grandchild. So exciting! They’re easier to pop out when they arrive early!!!🙏🥰 Another clue regarding PINKs identity was the fact she had perfectly applied bright pink lipstick with a red line on the outer edge plus her trademark hairdo. That’s how close we were!!! And well done on your CD!
@woosoo I’m sure @flourbaby ♥️cauliflower cheese!!! But she does have some delicious cauliflower recipes she posted that don’t involve creamy cheesey sauce!!!!
@stitchincarol and @jaifaim The correct name is The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning… The book (written first) is on the NYT best seller list. I disliked Maria Condo because of her manner and the fact I love everything in my house, well mostly. I hear that now she has kids she has bought them tons of stuff, her house is a mess and she’s given up cleaning!!! The Swedish version is much more insightful and really quite delightful as well as being an integral part of their culture.
@funshipfreddie Thanks. Maybe a giant kitkat has more wafer than chocolate?!! Remember Mr Creosote in Monty Python. “Just another teeny tiny mint wafer?” “F… off I’m full!!” Running 10km won’t defray the effects of drinking a bottle+ regularly on her liver sadly…
@lilymartin You’re always super busy but you can do this!!
@penz You wouldn’t be the first to walk dogs in PJs!! Better than in a red negligee which my neighbour had on the other night in our wee park. Her Staffy puppy tried to take on my Texan friend as he left the house after midnight!!! He said he didn’t know who was more embarrassed!!
@northgeorgia I would love your Chilli recipe if you have the time???
@at Looking forward to hearing your next instalment esp if it involves Michelin stars!!!
Yes @fastingnurse, @maui, @daffodil2010 Hope you’re all doing well and are happy!
I’m off to an appointment with the shoulder specialist at long last. All will be revealed… on the subject of shoulders not nighties…

Onward and downward!!

Day12 2nd post UK
@merryapple thanks for tip off on @flourbaby cauliflower recipes. Where can I find them plse?

Day 13 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 70.3 kg ✨

It’s a miracle! After a 3 day splurge & one FD, I’m still on track, just a little over a kilo up since last Friday morning.

@jaifaim – ‘bin the KitKat?!’ There’s so much wrong with that phrase. I can resist buying them, but if they find their way home some other way, I’m powerless 🙀 I could maybe give away a KitKat, but I’d NEVER bin one 😱

@penz – I never said a word 🤐 I can’t throw stones after the last few days 🐽

@stitchincarol – I did feel a tad nostalgic going on that ship, but it was minuscule compared to the ones I worked on. Sending good wishes to your DD & new grandchild! 👶

@flourbaby – I guess it was a slow couple of news days, & sour grapes because the palace didn’t provide copies of Kate’s x-rays & a pic of her sitting up in her hospital bed with her rollers in 😅 Seriously, they need to leave her alone! Although, I wasn’t aware until today that – ‘it is against industry regulation to distribute anything that may have been materially altered from the original image’.

@merryapple – They look benign, but one teeny 40 g KitKat has over 200 cals! I just watched that ‘Mr Creosote’ sketch?! 🤣🤮

Happy Hump Day! 🐫

Day 13, London, UK, FD

I typed NFD, then had a rush to of RESOLVE to my brain, so FD it WILL be!!!

@stitchincarol, I’m keeping your daughter & grandbaby in my thoughts & 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼that all will be well, overflowing with positive vibes!!!

Ah, yes @merryapple, there’s definitely some cauliflower cheese love here!!! I see my favourite FD recipe has been shared, so here’s another favourite @woosoo …………………………… Courtesy of James Martin (I usually skip the cream & olive oil, it really doesn’t need it!)

1 small cauliflower chopped into small florets
1 tbsp curry powder
1 l full fat milk
To serve 2 tbs double cream
1 tbsp olive oil
Method
1. Pop the cauliflower florets, curry powder and milk into a pan and bring to the boil. Then simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Blitz in a food processor until smooth pour into a clean pan and warm through
3. To serve, spoon the soup into bowls, drizzle in cream and a little olive oil

So, I’ll show you mine if you show me yours!!! …………… I mean your Cauliflower White/cheese sauce of course🤣🤣

@merryapple …………………. And just as quickly the dream dies!!🤣🤣🤣……… “Running 10km won’t defray the effects of drinking a bottle+ regularly on her liver sadly…”😭

@funshipfreddie, I see your inner frugal nature is showing, it’s a physical pain 🤕 when I throw perfectly good food away, THIS is why my freezer is bursting at the seams with leftovers I REFUSE to bin, including cake & chocolate I’ve been gifted ……………..but don’t really want to eat!!!😬😬

@jaifaim, I had to laugh ……………….. We rise by lifting ……………………🏋🏼‍♂️🏋🏼‍♂️🏋🏼‍♂️!!!🤣🤣🤣

Off to get some work done, stay strong fellow fasters!!

“Success is the sum of small efforts — repeated day in and day out.”
—Robert Collier

Day 13 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 159.8

No baby yet. Contractions slowed way down so the hospital sent them home, but they were back in the night (why are babies always born at NIGHT???) and delivery is getting close…

Yesterday’s WF was fine right up until I got home a little after 8 with some glorious cheeses. So I had nibbles of one of them, 4 Ritz crackers and 2 oz of wine. How’s that for a FD meal????? 😂😂😂 The crackers were 64 calories, and the cheese really was nibbles, and so I’m guessing 200 calories at absolute tops. My empty tummy was truly happy, and my heart was happy that the little bit of food didn’t open flood-gates of scarfing, so I call it a win.

@woosoo Well done on a 600calorie FD!

@merryapple I found the book on Amazon, and the show on both Peacock and Netflix, so at some point I’ll order the book and/or watch the show! As we think about retirement, we also are dreading the packing up and moving (because we’re in a parsonage, not our own home), so this will perhaps be a good nudge. I hope the news on your shoulder is excellent!

@penz Ooooo, a wine dinner and then a family wedding…it does, indeed, sound like a glorious week! Have fun, and do share fun details!

@funshipfreddie “Miniscule” in comparison? Wow. Those were some big ships you were on, then! That’s something I’ve always thought would be fun, but DH isn’t much interested…we’ll see if I talk him into it. When we get closer to it being a reality, I’ll ask you for advice and suggestions!

@jaifaim Thanks for the prayers; they’re always welcome. ❤️ I’m excited to hear what the scales tell you in the morning since it sounds like you FEEL lighter–that has to be a good sign.

@flourbaby Okay, I have to enter the cauliflower discussion. My fave is not a low-cal option, but it’s certainly yummy and easy: I steam the cauliflower and then put it on the plates and sprinkle (well, dump is more the reality) shredded cheddar over the top; the residual heat from the cauliflower melts it and it’s way faster than an actual cheese sauce. And you have to chase the cheese sauce across your plate, whereas the shredded cheese stays where you put it. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣 Your cauliflower soup sounds lovely. I’m not a huge soup lover, but suspect DH and my boys would love it, so we’ll have it one of these days!

Cleaning lady comes today, so tidying is required, although it’s mostly good. I need to shred the already-cooked pork butt roast and make a salad dressing and haul it plus a huge bowl I use for my cabbage salad over to church for the meal tonight. And when that bio and pic come in, I have to get out the Leaguer, which you all know what it is now, LOL!

Have I mentioned I’m eager for retirement to get here???

Have a grand one, everyone!

Pocket List Day 13 💪
@flourbaby

Day 13 NFD. UK

@flourbaby ty for your recipe – I’ll try that. I use this as a base sauce but I often add a dollop of cream cheese then blend with a stick blender. Omit parmesan for white sauce.

1 tablespoon olive oil
▢1 clove garlic, minced
▢1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
▢2 ½ cups vegetable broth
▢1 teaspoon sea salt
▢½ teaspoon ground black pepper
▢½ cup milk (or stock)
▢½ cup shredded parmesan

INGREDIENTS
▢1 tablespoon olive oil
▢6 cloves garlic, minced
▢1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
▢2 ½ cups vegetable broth
▢1 teaspoon sea salt
▢½ teaspoon ground black pepper
▢½ cup almond milk
▢½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet and cook the garlic until tender and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Careful not to burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
Add the cauliflower florets into a deep stock pot and then add the vegetable broth. Cover and cook over high heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
Transfer the cauliflower florets to a blender (or food processor). Then, add ¾ cup of the hot vegetable broth you used to cook the cauliflower, followed by the sautéed garlic and oil, sea salt, pepper, and milk (or cream cheese)
sauce is too thick, you can add equal parts milk and vegetable broth. You may have to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender. The consistency should be thick, but pourable.

I’ve used it over pasta, in lasagna, or over cauliflower and broccoli.

Day 14 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – FD

@flourbaby – it’s a pity we’re not neighbours; you could use my freezer too. It’s empty most of the time. I had to go & buy a bag of ice before my friends arrived last weekend, because even my ice trays are empty! 😅

@stitchincarol – cruising isn’t for everyone, & I’ve only ever sailed as a crew member. But most people are hooked once they’ve tried it, & I can understand why 🚢

@penz – isn’t it odd? I feel the same way about retirement, & I remember my mum saying she didn’t know how she’d ever found the time to work after she retired. Some people struggle with it, & even go back to work. I think it mostly comes down to temperament, as well as the job type, obviously.

@ccco – wishing you effortless b2b WFDs 💪

A couple of articles about Apple Cider Vinegar…. 🤔
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13193115/store-cupboard-staple-loved-Victoria-Beckham-Jenifer-Aniston-BETTER-Ozempic-comprehensive-guide-recipes-scientists-convinced-guide-recipes-apple-cider-vinegar.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13191185/Cancer-blood-sugar-weight-loss-TRUTH-apple-cider-vinegars.html

Pocket List – Day 14 🍉
@ccco WFD
@funshipfreddie

Day 14 – 2nd Post

Pocket List – Day 14 🍉
@ccco WFD
@funshipfreddie
@merry🍎

USA. Day 14. WFD

Thank you, FUNSHIPFREDDIE, for putting me on today’s pocket list. My WF is going very well! I am not even hungry, so far! 🙂

Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Day 14 – 3rd Post

@stitchincarol – congratulations, nana Carol, on the arrival of baby Mae!

Pocket List – Day 14 🍉
@ccco WFD
@funshipfreddie
@merry🍎
@stitchincarol WFD