Day 13, London, UK, FD

@ccco, such unexpected news. I hope you find strength and resilience to deal with the diagnosis. Thinking of you & sending positive healing vibes your way.🙏🏼🙏🏼

@stitchincarol, I’m tired just from reading your post!!! I think you need a holiday!! No proposed exchange date yet, although the estate agent said the vendors mentioned June!! So, I’m still keeping everything crossed!!!🤞🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🏘

@jaifaim, I hope you have great weather & enjoy your cycling. I hope you packed a balm for any saddle soreness or …………..ahem ………………….. chaffing!!!😲🤭🤭

Welcome back @metatauta, if I remember correctly, you and I were the founding member of ‘Club Tor-twah’ ………………..I’m still a member but have come to accept that downwards is downwards🤨 …………………….. even though it’s soooo painfully slow!!!😩

@brightonbelle, you just cannot get away from the rain!! I hope the forecasters are wrong, as usual!!!😎☀😎

Onwards & Downwards folks, we’ve got this!!!

“People often say that motivation does not last. Well neither does bathing-that’s why we recommend it daily” Zig Zigla

Day 13 – Lincoln, NE – NFD

What a lovely time away. We drove on many random roads, looking to see if we could find an area where we’d want to buy a house when we retire; who knows at this point, but it’s gotten us thinking. Stopped in Ashland and enjoyed a sampler of ciders and a small baguette with dipping sauces. Got to the hotel and spent the rest of the day in the lobby visiting with our eldest son, next to a little “water fall” and never did go out to dinner since the hotel’s complimentary drinks and nibbles filled us up sufficiently. Slept better than I have in several weeks. Today is out for coffee then a walk with the boys, and who knows what else. Happy 35th to us!

Day 14, London, UK, FD800

Late on parade again! Very busy at work.

Feeling ok this morning despite the return of the gloomy weather!!! It’s really, REALLY starting to annoy me now!😡😡

Happy anniversary @stitchincarol🥳🥳 I hope ‘getting away’ from it all is doing the trick!!

I hope everyone is doing ok, I’ll have to catch-up a bit later.

Keep the faith people!!!💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

Day 14 – Rural Nebraska, USA – no idea – 163.6 and dropping

I can’t catch a break. We had a lovely day yesterday, playing wingspan with the boys for a couple hours before heading home, and we stopped to get me a Jimmy John’s sandwich to eat when we got home. I love those, but DH truly doesn’t (too much bread, he says) so it was my final treat of the two days. Ate it at 7. Went to bed at 10:30. By 11, I was miserable. Don’t know what made me so miserable, but I was up at least once an hour if not more, and am still racing into the bathroom. I’m sure I’ll be fine by tonight–and hopefully far sooner!–but that’s the bulk of my chatter, as I feel quite miserable.

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 15, London, UK, FD,

Even later on parade today!!

Yesterday’s FD went well, so I’m throwing another one in today! Another FD800 to get me used to mindful eating, if I have to plan my 800 cals carefully, I make better choices and hopefully I’ll reset my tendency to ‘treat’ myself on NFDs.

@northgeorgia, your making this FD very very difficult!!! As are you @merryapple!! Both of your menu’s are right up my street!!! 🤤🤤🤤

@stitchincarol, I hope the food poisoning(?) has gone as quickly as it arrived, nothing worse than being attached by your favourite meal😳, I had something similar with my favourite tuna pasta salad many moons ago……………… I haven’t had it since!!😩😭

Keep the food facts coming @funshipfreddie, I can FEEL my brain getting bigger!!!

“Some people spend their entire lives waiting for the time to be right to make an improvement.” – James Clear

Day 16 – FD – South Africa
Hi all, sorry Ive been so quiet – things are so hectic this side.
@funshipfreddie thank you for your advise on the water consumption that it might be too much. I have it careful consideration and took it down a notch.
@merryapple its great, I am in charge of the Law Interns which is exciting. I get to teach them the law theory on certain aspects (which were not covered in much detail at their Universities). I then give them the opportunity to apply that new found knowledge to practice and have them working on the clients with me so they get constant on-the-job experience. Its tough in the sense that since they are newbies in the field a lot of time is allocated to them (my own doing) which means I put myself under so much pressure to get my work done. Also unfortunately like with most enterprises, when you start new you inherit some old matters that remain unresolved and unfortunately have now become pressing. So its 02h45 in the morning here in South Africa, I have been awake since 01h00. I can’t sleep because of the stress. We deal with Government Departments. Apart from the stuff being long overdue – due to ….. well not so capable or competent people in the past (I’m sorry don’t know how to be more diplomatic) you deal with Government Departments with their own internal regulations so I can through the Acts/Laws at them all I like they do not give a darn. I also have my own studies and apart from my studies, a very expensive advanced course that I pay for running over 10 weeks. I already missed 3 of the 4 weeks as I am just to busy with work. So steps, exercise all that is out of the window because when I am not working or attending to family needs its staying abreast of legislation. I love what I do and am so grateful for my position. I am just used to being a Manager/Senior Manager at other firms where I had staff that were already trained or had experience so this is a bit new for me but so far the Interns are enthusiastic, they are starting to love the work, enjoy my trainings and the morale is changed. That means I’m on the right track. I apologise for this long essay but since I don’t come on here much apart from updating the tracker I thought I would just give you guys some background as to why.

Pocket List
@leoniraats

Day 16 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in: 231 lbs. Yeah, yesterday didn’t work out. The business lunch wasn’t cancelled but turned into an all-you-can eat buffet celebration for those that were already planning to attend. I tried to stay away from carbs, but the desserts were so tempting… I started off good at supper, but then had some leftovers, then fruit, then the ice cream cake leftovers came out. So it was a double whammy. Today, I have a business appreciation lunch and then a chamber dinner. Thankfully the dinner will likely be just rubber chicken, so I should be good with a ZBC and being a lot more mindful at the lunch.

Day 16 – Rural Nebraska, USA – Dunno – same

I have now gone two full days of only eating at a hunger level 3. Two days isn’t much–and yet it’s everything, you know? So, I’m toying with a FD today, but I’m also not willing to push myself too hard and break the streak of success I’ve started. With no piano lessons on Tuesdays/Thursdays, I have no simple way of having a WF, so weight doesn’t fall off, but am looking forward to getting those going again soon. The complication there is that I’ll only teach on Tuesdays during the summer since I’ll have all day (kids won’t be in school) and also because there are so many cancellations due to vacations and camps, that it’s easy to fit all lessons onto one day. But that’s the future; right now I’m focusing on eating ONLY at a level 3, which has been easy enough, and guarantees I don’t nibble between meals, a HUGE accomplishment.

@merryapple Your sweater sounds lovely. Do you have the Barbara Walker book? I did a few sweaters using her book back in the day, but I’ve become lazy and tend to use patterns. And yet, I learned enough skills from Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Knitting Without Tears that my most recent finish was made following the 3XL size, because that’s how many stitches I needed for the gauge my yarn gave me, LOL! DH’s sweater will be done by Christmas if I get 24 rows (a pattern repeat) done every 3 weeks. I got 3.5 rows done yesterday, however, and am realizing I could easily push–at this point in the year, at least–to accomplish two a day, and that would have it done in September. There’s not a lot of joy in it because I chose the pattern poorly and there are no discernable X, O, and + patterns, a feature I adore, and a lack I deplore. That’s one reason I’ve been slow to make progress, but it’s looking lovely enough now that I’m grudgingly learning to like it. Care to post a link to the YouTube video you’re using?

Good grief, @leoniraats, I’m exhausted just reading your explanation and woes! And well-justified woes! The funny part of it all is that I thought you were a nurse, LOL! Don’t know what I misunderstood in the beginning, but I’ll quit thinking that now. 😉

@funshipfreddie Yeah, a friend of mine really buys into the “never let yourself get hungry, but snack every 2-3 hours so that you feed your metabolism well” nonsense. She has the same weight problem as I do: basically thin, but sometimes carrying an extra 20 pounds. It was the Obesity Code book that really persuaded me what nonsense it is to eat so frequently. Just read your Anne Lamott quote–made me grin at its aptness! @leoniraats It’s perfect for your situation.

@excelsior12309 Good to hear from you, and impressive that, while your weight isn’t dropping fast, you’ve still dropped a pound. Every little bit adds up to our goals. How’s the sale of the building going?

@northgeorgia Being disciplined at buffets is so stinking hard! One trick I’ve used is to walk behind a thin person, and take only what they take. Only. Try it and see what you think.

Okay, it’s time to face my day. I have church secretary work this morning, some computer work this afternoon, and meeting with a couple this evening to help them choose music for their wedding; did the same with a different couple last night because, after no weddings in this congregation in something like two years, we have back-to-back weddings on May 25 and June 1.

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 16 – post 3
Thank you @funshipfreddie nope just more work. Im ober exhausted at this stage buy you know as a fellow South African, work in SA is so scarce if you have a job you work hard to keep it. Voting day is around tge corner. That will be my iff day. Hope I sleep the whole day after voting.

USA. Day 16. FD

Still Here! :). Putting myself on today’s pocket list.

Pocket List – Day 16 🍏
@merry🍎
@leoniraats
@funshipfreddie
@excelsior12309
@ccco

Hope you all are having a wonderful day! The sun finally came out here! 🙂

Day 17 NZ NFD 73.0kg 🏃🏼‍♀️

Sometimes you just have to trust 5:2 and don’t lose it when your weight swings around. Here am I back at 73kg after sticking with the programme of eating well (3 home cooked meals, being mindful, eating at the table not kitchen bench) and metaphorically closing the kitchen in the evening!! Long may it last😊
@ccco Glad you’re still with us and posting!!
@leoniraats Wow!!! Your new job sounds amazing and potentially really fulfilling once you get it and those interns properly under control then hopefully you’ll have time for you!! What are you studying? Remember your brain needs lots of glucose to function properly so make sure you are eating well!! Stress and sleepless nights don’t exactly help with weight loss. Maybe your gym workouts will help you to sleep???! Anyway, all the best with establishing a routine that works for you and try not to run yourself into the ground…
@excelsior12309 Really bees 🐝are a survival food?? They might try you on crickets today!! If I lived in Florida I‘d go for Alligators… more bang for your buck!!!
Reroofing versus owning the roof🤔You’re in the wrong business!! It’s the same here. The tradies (as they’re called in Oz and NZ) earn more than the professions now… unless you’re a partner in a law firm…
@funshipfreddie I went for a walk in the fresh air between rain showers!!
You got my attention when you said there was a good deal on Whisky… then mentioned the cat… What!!! 🙀
@stitchincarol If #3 works for you, ✔️Just do it!!!
(Apologies to the non knitters…!!)
Oh no. Did you choose the colours? If the pattern is not easily discernible that makes it hard to knit as well. I hope it turns out better when DH is actually wearing it🙂He might prefer a more subtle colour scheme!!
I have Barbara Walker’s top down knitting book. I’m just finishing the neck and short rows shaping for the back and front.
I’ve based the neck on a fisherman’s gansey (knitted bottom up by picking up stitches around the neckline) where at the top above the ribbing you knit four rounds of garter stitch then one of knit then cast off. The roll curls inwards (rather than outwards) above the neck ribbing, if that makes sense!! Obviously for top down, I’ve reversed the order (co, 1 k row, 4 p rows then 1 and 1 ribbing. Then I’ve gone onto to follow this YouTube video by Knitty View Make the neck on the raglan sweater Part 1&2
https://youtu.be/luJBOKrzGgw?si=8eXlz2_uV7ArWkQL
I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll do a plain raglan or an 8 stitch repeat circular pattern. I’m about to draft up some ideas…
@jaifaim you’re a machine. What a lovely holiday you’re having!!
@northgeorgia I have no idea how you survive all those catered meetings… So much food… Everyone must be half asleep through the meetings🤣

Steely Resolve for the weekend!!

Day 17, London UK, FD800

I’m sticking with the FD800’s for the moment as I seem to manage a huge salad or salad & soup (all low carb) with ease! Swerving that #4, low carb, high protein …………………. Eggs, tuna or prawns are my go-to food heroes at the moment!!

House purchase is moving forward, fixtures & fittings list approved. They moved in 4 years ago, did nothing (except paint the living room ………. Red!!!😳😬😱), kill some beautiful shrubs the previous owners had cared for😥 and made £85k!! I need to NOT think about that part!!! The house seems a little bit unloved, so this is where I (& Bo-Bo) swoop in and fall in love!!😍😻😍

@funshipfreddie …………………. It sounds like just one of ‘those’ days!!! If I have chocolate or biscuits or red wine🍷 in the house, everyday can often become one of ‘those’ days!!🤭🤭

@stitchincarol, I MUST remember your advice about navigating buffets!! I’ll be in Italy in July and again in August & the breakfast buffet will be groaning under the weight of sweet treats, fruit & cereals (& Nutella, no doubt!) which I’ll need to swerve ……………… eggs & bacon for me, please, please please!!!🙏🏼💪🏼🙏🏼

@ccco, enjoy the sun, it’s still thinking about making an appearance here!!🤔 Thinking of you & hoping all is well🙏🏼💓

@jaifaim, 300km in the saddle!?!……………. you’re a machine!!!💪🏼💪🏼 (Now I’ve scrolled down …………..I think @merryapple is in my head!!)

@leoniraats, we’ve a bank holiday coming up and my plans match yours exactly!!! I plan to sleep/relax/do absolutely nothing ALL day!!!!

@lilymartin, I’m disappointed! That doctor has NO appreciation for a good rhyme!!! 🤣🤣 You definitely need to swerve the statins!! I’m sending you some rain, we may have had, at most, 7 dry days in the last 6 months!!!😡

“Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.” Joan Collins

Day 17 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 161.0

PFDS is a thing of glory. 😇😁 I didn’t eat as little as one would expect for a FD (THREE eggs, lots of raw carrots, celery, and bell peppers, and lots of hummus–perhaps an entire cup?? No idea, simply scooped with the veggies), but I stopped there, and dropped two pounds. This morning I have a dental appointment, don’t remember why, but think it’s a crown or something, so if it is, the novocaine will certainly steal away any appetite I have, which is always a win since we’re going out to dinner tonight, and then it can be OMAD. We’ll see how the day plays out; my only absolute rule will be not eating until I’m at a 3, as it’s certainly working so far this week.

@jaifaim What a gorgeous organ! So sad that so little of it is playable. I don’t remember ever playing a four manual organ, but when we were in St. Louis, the church where I was director of music had three manuals, and my back was sore for the first month while my muscles got used to the new arm placement position; when we first came to the church here in Nebraska, I was startled by how “small” it was with its standard two manuals–even though it was the same size I’d always played other than those three years in St. Louis. It’s all in perspective, LOL. Have a grand time; your vacation sounds thoroughly fun!

@excelsior12309 Oh, ouch, indeed; those are steep prices! And until replacement is the only option, patching is perfect. I hope you get some nibbles soon.

@ccco I think of you often, and wonder what’s going on with the plans for treatment; your good cheer is marvelous.

@lilymartin I WELL understand the struggle to buckle down and simply follow–ACTUALLY FOLLOW–the 5-2 program. Read my 5/15 post for details on what has turned things around for me; perhaps it will be helpful for you. Glad to have you back, even if it’s for a less-than-joyful reason!

@merryapple It’s lovely detail in that YouTube video–although I wondered why she wrapped her yard backward for purl stitches, then chuckled in a subsequent row when she had to reposition her stitch in order to P2tog. Oh well, if it works for her, it works. One of these days, I’ll take a picture of DH’s sweater and post it to Imgur. He swore up and down when I was starting and getting irritated at the colors and patterns that he liked it just fine, so he’d best wear it constantly, LOL! As to colors, the yarn specified is no longer made, so I “had” to substitute with Jamieson and we did our best to choose the same colors, but it’s as different as different can be. I have decided the fault is not with my color choices, but with the photography. Maybe. Oh well. It is what it is, and it’s certainly striking, if not what I would have preferred to spend so much time working on.

@funshipfreddie I’m contemplating that quote. That’s worth thinking through and digesting.

@flourbaby Oh, I remember the breakfast buffets of Israel and Germany–amazing things! I was most astounded by all the salads that were options; that’s not something you’d EVER see on an American breakfast buffet–more’s the pity, clearly.

Okay, time to put on my shoes, run a brush through my hair and be on my way. Wish I could remember why I have this dental appointment, LOL!

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 18 NZ NFD 73.5kg

Well I did make myself a light version of two small burritos using wraps filled with chili and beans, cheese, sour cream and avocados. I rolled them up and put them in the oven for 15 minutes. They came out crispy and melty. Yum!!
@lilymartin Welcome back!! I have been the only ANZAC here for a while… No rain in 6 months???… My cholesterol is also a motivator. My numbers are High but since they are coming down I have avoided statins. I looked up my Feb ‘24 results. The GP has written “improving” despite the H and LDL both up. As you can see I haven’t particularly focused on Cholesterol in my diet. Time to again. My father did and brought his right down by diet so it is possible… My DH had to be on statins because he had his coronary arteries stented and they caused him no end of muscle aches and pains. Here’s a med article about it which may be of interest about the overuse of statins and advising a focus on the Mediterranean diet.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684135/#:~:text=The%20research%20is%20clear%20that,density%20lipoprotein%20(oxLDL)%20cholesterol.
@flourbaby Great to hear about your house going forward. What area of London is it in? I was painted my bedroom red in a grand old house up on a hill. It became known as a ‘womb with a view’. Never again!!!!!!
@funshipfreddie You too are a machine!! What a perfect day for you. I can feel the after glow from here!!! I have eaten birds nest soup when in Shanghai with the billionaires club. Honestly the interest is in the story telling not any amazing flavour… like sharks’ fin soup which I accidentally ate to my shame.😥
Ms Paisley the Scottie is coming over shortly so must get myself out of bed into the crispy air…

Onward and downward!!

Day 18 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 160.4

How is it that I had a lovely dinner out last night, and am also down 0.6 lbs??? I did pull off OMAD yesterday except for a tablespoon of peanut butter around 3pm, but still–that drop in weight simply doesn’t compute to me. Every other Saturday morning for the past year-plus, after going out to eat on a Friday night, I’ve usually been up around two pounds. So what is making the difference? Mostly I’m slack-jawed with confused astonishment, but partly I’m giggling with glee. Regardless, I’m certainly motivated to continue this eating-only-when-at-a-hunger-level-3 approach, and see what happens next. Plus, the second week of the program starts on Monday, so we’ll see what they ask of me then.

@metatauta I’ve frequently vascillated that much from day to day, and can sympathize how frustrating it is.

@merryapple I gave up fighting my doctors a year ago, and went on statins, because my cholesterol was so high, but for a variety of reasons, I believe it’s so high because that’s the way my body is, rather than because my diet is so bad. Too bad there isn’t a test to determine if a person’s high cholesterol is an indication of trouble or is simply the way they’re made. I waded through the article you shared…makes me wanna stop taking statins. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Wow, @funshipfreddie. That house isn’t even remotely in my decorating/living style, but is so gorgeous, I think I’d happily adopt that style as my own. And for $305,000 in American dollars? Dumbfounding.

The dental appointment yesterday was indeed for a crown to repair a cracked tooth; my dentist has a machine that makes the crown, so I got there at 9 and walked out at 11 with a new, perfectly formed crown. Gotta love modern miracles!

Today I have gardening that must happen, and practicing organ and preparing music for DS27 to play on his trumpet tomorrow, all fun stuff.

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 18 – USA/Tn

First meal today at 3pm because I stayed up late last night snacking and yakking with all my gfs for hours, lol! Not the best choices as far as snacks, but it’s rare that I do so. My newest grandchild was born so I was celebrating.

Day 19 – Ireland/Mallorca – NFD 🚫 ✅ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🌾.

Hi all just a quick check in before our last cycling day then back to Palma for 2 nights.

It’s been fabulous with perfect weather for long days out on the bike seeing the island with our lovely guide. Lots of beautiful small villages perched on hills and lovely coastal scenery.

It’s funny as you would think with so much exercise one would shrink… but the opposite happens as you tend to eat more and of course some drinks but a lesson to us all that exercise in itself is not enough…

Happy Sunday everyone. ☀️🚴‍♀️🥂🏖️ 🇪🇸
I hope you are well 💕🌟

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 19 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – ?

It’s 6:25am and I’ve been awake over an hour and up half that. It’s a rare day I wake up so early and get up, rather than read in bed until a decent hour, LOL.

I don’t feel good. Not as in sick, but as in “Did I have too much margarita last night? Did I have too many slices of pizza last night? Is it because I had pizza at all? Was it the fault of the pizza that DH and I normally love, but just wasn’t wonderful last night?” I have no answers, but it’s been a good exercise in self-awareness to analyze what I’m feeling and try to sort it out. The one thing I’m certain of is that it’ll be HOURS before I reach a hunger level 3! 😂

That was one of the “rules” of the start of the Wondr program, is that you don’t eat until you reach a hunger level 3, but then you eat whatever you would normally eat, and pizza was even one of the examples they offered. So, given that I’d had excellent results during the week following that one rule–which also, you understand, means I didn’t snack at all between meals–I decided to simply follow their guidelines. I’m eager to find out what the next step will be that will be revealed in tomorrow’s videos.

@metatauta Congratulations on that new grandbaby, and your evening sounds delightful!

@merryapple Fig and blue cheese? Sounds glorious, and I chuckled that you want to bake them yourself next time to ensure they remain scones and don’t morph into muffins.

@jaifaim Hmmm…you sure? Did you take your scales along with you???? With as much cycling as you’re doing, despite the extra food and cocktails, I’m surprised at the idea that you’re already certain you’ve gained. I’ll be interested to hear the actual number when you get home.

@funshipfreddie The foghorn makes you feel nolstagic–Yup, I get that. Seagulls do the same to me when they’re filmed just right on a tv show. I’ve been watching Poldark in the evenings while I knit, and it brings back lots of memories of growing up in Crescent City, California. WHAT?!?!? Wine not vegan?? And South African “popcorn”???? UGH.

The sky is barely light and is now getting dark, and there were just some lovely rumbles of thunder. I think I need to race to get ready for church and hustle over there before it starts pouring, LOL!

Have a grand one, everyone!

uSA. Day 19. FD

I haven’t lost anymore weight but it isn’t because of overeating! I have had a few glasses of wine this week and that usually curtail weight loss for me but I haven’t gained, either! Not bad and I am off the juice now! LOL

Joining you, FUNSHIPFREDDIE, on the pocket list.

Pocket List – Day 19 🥕
@funshipfreddie FD800
@ccco

Hope everyone’s weekend is going great! :)👍

Day 20 NZ FD 73.6kg

I am bouncing around on the numbers front which is somewhat irritating. I have hit 73 three times then the next day up I go… I would like to be in the 72s for next month’s challenge… RESOLVE!!
@lilymartin Great you’re back to put a lid on that cholesterol!! I’m hoping I’m in that hereditary category… my cholesterol ratio is 4.4 (<4.5 normal) despite higher levels for both the good and the bad… I had one GP who prescribed himself statins so he could eat more loads more red meat etc…
@northgeorgia That’s tough to handle. You do need less calories to maintain as your weight comes down… (sadly!!)
@ccco You go girrl!! 🍷😉 I’ll be having a wee drink tomorrow evening so will make a toast to you🤣
@stitchincarol 🤣Pizza and beer night is like going to church in the US, isn’t it???!!!! ie a weekly event!! Is that the original Poldark?!!
@funshipfreddie Are you nostalgic for cruising after the dreaded Covid???🤣 I can hear the foghorns of departing cruise ships if the wind is blowing in the right direction.
I have just visited a friend and have come home with an armful of my favourite magazine to read/ look at the pictures – World of Interiors 😍

FD Monday
Merry🍎
@leoniraats
@northgeorgia