DAy 3 FD- NY

Winding down on my second fast day this week. My first fast day was New Year’s Eve: I don’t ever celebrate it or do anything. If anything,I thought a fast was appropriate.
Over the holidays I tried to cut out soda but found I just replaced it with wine. So, it was more of a lateral move. (I like Riesling and Pinot Grigio. I just don’t like red wine. My favorite mixed drink is a grey goose sour)
I think instead of saying “I can’t have….” I substitute, “ I don’t drink soda”. I’ve also found lots of tricks to taper things down; if I eliminate something I automatically want it. So, before I drink a Coke I drink a glass of water. Then if I still want it, I might indulge. But more often than not, it gets easier not-to. Or sometimes I say, “ well that would taste good” but I think being smaller in the future would be more rewarding. It helps.
My husband does 16:8. He lost about 20 lbs only doing that. He’s gained a few back in the last month but not much. He did this with me a few years ago but found it too difficult. Now he thinks it’s cause he ate breakfast. I never eat before 12pm on a fast day. I sacrifice food calories so I can drink my americano the way I like it, usually before 12, but it helps keep me happy. So, I do have sugar before 12 but I don’t think it’s as bad as when I eat. Then I’m hungry for the whole day.

Okay, I know this is my third post but I have a very important question to ask……

I do not want to leave my Christmas decorations up until Candemas Day which falls on Feb. 2nd….

With that being said….. do I take them down the 12th night which is Jan. 5th or epiphany on Jan. 6th.

I can’t remember what I did last year and for what ever reason, I’m sick of look at Christmas decoration. Not sure why this is….I did not actually put them up until about a week and half before Christmas and I only put up a quarter of what I normally do.
Plus, We didn’t even put our outside lights up either! The only thing we did put up outside was the Star of David which went out two days after Christmas!

Oh….. my……. I’m trying my luck with St. Peter this holiday season!

Day 4 Massachusetts USA FD I’ve been gaining 1/2 pound/month on maintenance. That’s not acceptable to me. I need to go back on a strict 5/2 then devise an effective maintenance plan. I have five pounds to lose. That’s not much compared to the 23 I had to lose in 2917/18. I’m back on track.

Day 4 – Perth AUS – FD

Going for the 3rd fast day in a row. Was meant to start off with 4 in a row, but three is pretty close and I’m feeling the fast a little today, so will not be a water fast. Looking forward to something substantial to eat tomorrow, but part of me is hoping that a three day fast means my stomach will tell me when I am overeating by saying “I’m full”. The Fast 800 book is out today, so will be hunting down a copy from BigW – only $19 there and don’t have to wait for shipping 🙂

Realised I haven’t done any Just Dance yet, so will have to do 4 songs to make up for the 4 days. It’s a fun way to exercise though and isn’t weather dependent so no excuses!

Day 4 pocketeers:
@dykask
@mogaman
@emma Taylor
@elektron

Day 4, Wellington NZ – FD

lilymartin – you are singing my song! And I’m back again too, and everything you said applies to me – half hearted fasting etc and ending up heavier than ever at 81kg. When will we learn this is a way of life, not something to come and go on??

I was on earlier version of this forum a couple of years ago, even taking the reins a couple of times. I have a couple of family weddings coming up and have started a six kilos in six weeks thread, but I am signing on to this and putting myself on the spreadsheet to add to the commitment and tap into the support.

hi to everyone

Day 4 – Melbourne AUS – NFD

A scorcher here today at 42C (am sitting in the office with a jacket on, typical!)

Successful first FD of the year at 490cal yesterday, and feeling much more like myself with that under my belt.

Official Jan weigh in had me at 70.1kg, so a gain 3kg in 2 weeks. But all good, it’s what I expected. Think some food in transit, not to mention a bit of extra water retention from the extra salt over the holidays (salt rimmed margaritas, I’m looking at you!!) but after two good gym sessions and a solid FD I’m feeling the body tighten back up, so I’m sure the number on the scales will come down a bit next week. Quick on, quick off! And can’t expect to lose it in 2 days if it took 2 weeks to put on…lol!

@emmataylor I feel you! I often overindulge over Christmas. Just be patient and trust the process, you’re not the only one!!
@michelinme congrats on the restraint!! Not easy with temptation at your fingertips.
@at thanks for the welcome back and for hosting! The forum is always on my mind (warmly, with loving support) even if I don’t post daily. A bit of an internet cleanse was welcomed over the break 
@redrockgirl302 hope you feel better soon!
@debster251 & @emma1202 I also absolutely love the idea of putting ticks against days avoiding sugar, probably a pipe dream on some days, but I might join in on that too if you don’t mind?!

Happy Friday everyone!

Day 3 Ohio, US —- FD(#43)

A good FD, stayed on task and had a little more energy than in the recent past.

@gretta It was 42 here today also! Of course that’s Fahrenheit and we’re having a little heat wave. (I guess that translates to 5 C.)

Also @gretta, @debster251, and @emma1202 I too need to tame the sugar monster. What’s amazing to me is that when I realized I was consuming too much alcohol, I just stopped and never had the urge again. (I do partake now and then — at Christmas I had some alcoholic eggnog, but the time before that was probably some time in July.) On a cross-country trip about 20 years ago, I decided to stop eating meat and fish and never have had the desire to consume them since. So why is it that I can smell the sugar in the air as I walk by the candy aisle at the grocer’s and immediately have a craving? I’ve often wondered whether having a couple of beers and a steak every night would solve the sugar problem, but I can’t bring myself to run the experiment. Hopefully we can all find another way!

Additional post day 4

I’ve been noticing that when I back off from working out or fasting I tend to put on fat really fast. Then I realized it isn’t any faster than before, it is just more noticeable because I’m starting from a much lower amount of fat in the first place.

For example people tend to gain about 2kg/year in the U.S., mostly over holidays. When one is really slim, that is a lot of fat and very noticeable. After 25 years that is less than a 2% gain in body fat (assuming 50kg has been put on) and probably not so easy to notice.

So when we are at the point where we can see the changes in body fat, that is a better than being where it is hard to notice the changes.

Jan 1 fd, Jan 2 fd 70.1 kg , 200g loss. Jan 3 nfd, jan 4 fd

Day 4 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Finally got my first FD of 2019 done yesterday. Loss of 2lbs. Still loads more to go (at least 8lbs and then a further 5 to reach maintenance) so yup, I have put on a stone weight since starting my sedentary job plus trips, holidays, celebrating, …..what a difference 4 months can make.

Can I lose that stone in 4 months? Yes I WILL!!! And even if I don’t I will continue on with this WOL. I will get there.

Off out tonight though for an overnight at my friends then an early start tomorrow for some serious retail therapy with the girls in Northern Ireland and hopefully lots of bargains.

Have a great Friday all

@lilymartin so glad to see you back and welcome. Hop on board.

@emma1202 thanks for the shout out, yes it was my day!

@bert1802 here in Ireland it’s 6th January when decorations come down. It’s knows as “Women’s Christmas” and in rural parts of Ireland its traditional that the women get a day off from traditional “women’s work” …(I know, I know)……anyway, most people take them down on the 6th, and we will too.

Day 4 – Ireland – FD

Fall off… Jump back on…yesterday’s FD unsuccessful as the temptation to have a full portion at my business lunch was too strong…also there were too many sweet temptations in work as treats brought back from exotic places meant I had to try them or miss out 😂 I like tasting new things which is why I will never be truly sugar free…but there you go…I’m back on the sugar free train from today..

Thanks @emma1202!!! It makes me smile too 😁…so in French jaifaim is “I’m hungry” but also up to now my private mantra has been : Just Another Intermittent Fast And I’ll Maintain…😂… I wish!!! BUT one day I will! It made me chuckle when you mentioned it 😂😂😂

@dykask love your comment about weight gain when starting from a lighter base…makes a lot of sense!

So…here we go.. First week of January nearly done..always a tough one..
Pocket list day 4

@emma-taylor
@mogaman
@dykask
@elektron
@chipmunk13
@betsylee
@rosy-posy
@gylyb
@snowflake56
@jaifaim

Day 4 UK CD

Well… I blew yesterday’s 3rd b2b OMAD FD at the last minute by eating a whole box of chocolate truffles. Annoying automatic eating- I think late night,not doing yoga and meditation, feeling unwell but overdid chores bc I had help.

On the other hand, I fasted for 22 hrs yesterday,drank 2.5litres water again and ate a rainbow of vegetables. Lesson – sleep early, go gently and make time for yoga and meditation.

Amazingly this morning I’m back down to 65.5kg, 2.5kg down this week and only 0.5kg over pre-Christmas weight. Most of my gain was bc carb consumption so water weight/bloat -how easily scales go up and down when eating patterns change. So a good 70 hrs fasting this week – and reminder why I need to work on bedtimes!

Today is about yoga, meditation then a few hours of urgent project work. This evening I’m off to celebrate an old friend’s big birthday at a smart do in town with fork buffet. I think as long as I long as istay away from wine I’ll be fine! Feels like a lot with limited energy, but I’ll pace myself and aim to be home by 10.30pm.

Onward and downwards!

Day 4……Florida……NFD

So, the hubby and I decided that the decorations will come down on the 6th. Since this old school tradition is falling to the side for most, the true day is I think undecided.
We continue do it not only because of our faith but as a way of keeping the true meaning of Christmas in our home and in our children’s hearts.
Now, as the kiddos are older it definitely is getting harder, here to hoping when their little mini me’s come along, Christmas will again take on a new sense of wonderment for us.

Although today is an NFD for me, I am in hopes of keeping it some what controlled. I will eat my very low calorie lunch which is just a salad for 35 calories. The hard part will be keeping my belly from rumbling during mass. It’s at 7:00 tonight, will arrive at the restaurant and possibly have our food on the table by 8:30. If mass doesn’t run passed 8pm. I guess it all going to depend on which Father we get. Some are quick, the younger ones but the older ones, I think they give you more time to digest the message before the move on.

@dykask……. when I was walking alone on the path and not participating. I did find that my mid section got a bit potty. I marked it down to not allowing my belly time to do its thing. So, I know your our resident scientist, so, have you found any research or experienced how long it takes for our bodies to resume storaging our excess food as fat? Do you think the time between stopping and storing is the reason some people never really stay with in there weight loss? I’m eager to know your thoughts.
Your research has always giving me that extra amount spunk to stay on the wagon!

Okay well…..it that time again!

I finally did it!
I bought a pair of shoes with memory foam
So, no more forgetting why I walked into the kitchen!

Day 4: Gloucestershire, UK: NFD
Cold and mostly grey. Parcels galore at work. Is it the sales now?!
@erika45: I haven’t done a FD for months, but currently I’m trying not to eat after mid-afternoon, making it about 15 hours till breakfast. It’s all I can manage at the moment.
@redrockgirl302: Hope you managed to fight off the sore throat lurgy.

Day 4, Gozo, Malta, cfd

Bert1802 such a warm thank you from you, you’re welcome.

I take down our Christmas decorations 7 January normally.

I cooked a chicken, mushroom, and sweet corn risotto and a chicken noodle soup. I had the risotto after coming from my daughter s flat and babysitting baby Eve and her brother. Baby Eve is keeping her mother awake at night and while I babysat my daughter slept for a couple of hours.

Today is the last of a B2B2B I’m having this week. I’ll eat within my tdee these next three days and Sunday will be a feast day.

Keep on keeping on. In a world you can be any be kind. Not my quote but I like it

Day 5 Wellington NFD

So jazzed to weigh myself this morning after 2 FDs and find 2 kg gone. Not kidding myself this is anything other than mostly water weight but it’s still very motivating!

Reading through the posts this morning I see how happy we make ourselves by taking control of our eating. This is so consistent it’s a mystery to me why we then fall off the wagon 🤔

OH and I are off for a big bike ride this morning- yes, Summer has finally arrived and it’s lovely. I sympathise with you Aussies and your high temperatures, I’m happy with our modest mid 20s (that’s in the high 70s for you Fahrenheit folks)..

@at yes, I was part of the challenges @coda started when we werecalling each month Little Voices

Go well to all those on an FD today

Day 4, Rocky Mountains, US, CD

I think I might get the upper hand in fighting the sore throat. Thank you @gretta, @judyjudes, @ciren2, @at. 😊❤

Unfortunately, the sugar dragon got me again yesterday. It is a real addiction.
Trying again today but after I eat a healthy low carb meal, the need for something sweet is there. I tried an apple yesterday but still ended up with my ginger candy. Sugar is just so bad for you on so many levels! Keep on fighting.

Walking to the museum coffee shop for an Americano, then perhaps also a round in the botanical garden.

Later salad with chicken, avocado, shredded mozzarella, same as yesterday.

Have a good Friday everyone! 😊😊😊

Day 4 Belfast CD

Last night I attended a WI meeting where an entertainer performed a soliloquy about the blitz, telling her mother’s story. It was very moving. And… I drank a cup of tea afterwards and avoided all the beautiful biscuits and buns. I’m so pleased with myself. The really motivating factor was that I had already put the tick on the spreadsheet and didn’t want to change it or let you down!

@betsylee – if done well, 2 FDs per week do the job. I would stick to the basics until it becomes second nature. Then think about playing around with the routine if you need to. I wouldn’t count any exercise. Just treat it as a hidden bonus. 😜. @at always advocates working out your Tdee for your target weight and sticking to that.
@emma1202, and @gretta I’m delighted you’re going to use the same system. Its too easy for me to eat sugar and public accountability might just make me think twice about what type of calories go into my mouth! Hope you’ll join us too @matpi and @Redrockgirl. Let’s spur each other on and we’ll all be winners.👍
Good to see you back @lilymartin. You’ve been through a lot. We’re right behind you for your fresh start.
@chipmunk13 – nothing like a wedding to focus the mind! A CD is a controlled day. For me, probably around 800 – 1000 cals.
What a motivating post @cornish-jane.
@missybear – I’m hoping this year will see my taste buds change. For too long I’ve hid my head in the sand and even though I’ve been maintaining, I’ve been eating far too much sugar. Now I must treat this like giving up smoking. Going cold turkey. Watch this space…..
@hyacinth – great idea. I’ll join you in adding a few planks to my daily squats etc.

The 12th day of Christmas is the usual which is the 5th Jan. Traditionally, the majority came on the 6th. However how you calculate that varies. It depends whether you count Christmas Day or not as the first day. In saying that, I usually take mine down on 1st Jan because I always went back to work directly after that and hated coming home from work to the job of removing the decorations! @daffodil2010 – I’d never heard of Women’s Christmas before.

Another day on the way out. No booze and no sugar. What a good girl am I!

I’m so behind but staying accountable.

Day 4 (technically 5 for my week) UK – half fast day!

Fasted full on Monday and Wednesday then fasted Thursday 3pm to Friday 4pm.

So the struggle I’m having is non fast days and the remaining Xmas and new year treats laid around. I fast and then will eat sugar at some point on NFD and the headaches and misery that creates is insane. Also, and I apologise for TMI, I get the runs from the swings between calorie laden food and fast days. My body is on a roller coaster screaming to get off!

Day 4 – California -NFD

I lost just over a pound this week which makes me very happy. I’m only strictly adhering to the two fast days but not tracking anything on the other days although I’m trying to be careful. I love reading everyone’s posts and @ciren2 I was born and raised in Gloucestershire before I moved to California.

Day 4 Minnesota, USA 1840 (6:45pm)

@anna6…I can’t believe that Dr. Moseley’s book will take so long to get to the USA, either! But, I wonder if it is because he will be doing book tours in Australia and then United Kingdom for the next several months.

The 5:2 diet is not as popular here in the states as in Europe. In talking to my friends it is still thought by many of them that I am doing something unhealthy. But it is gaining popularity. So maybe the publishers are just focusing on the areas and countries that will be most profitable?

As always, I wish the best for you and your lovely family, whom I love hearing about!.
@anna6….I admire your dedication to your family and I feel we are the same in our love and dedication to our children and grandchildren.

Dawn

Day 4 Ohio, US — NFD

It’s been a good NFD — relatively close to the TDEE.

@cinque Thanks for the link to the podcast with Dr. Giles Yeo. I just got done listening to it. He does a good job of giving science-based information.

@anna6 and @northerndawn I too ordered the book today and yes, it will 3 weeks or so for it to arrive. Unfortunately I didn’t see a Kindle version that they would let you read while your hard copy is in the post.

Have to sign off now — the dog is getting persistent in reminding me that he’s due for his nightly constitutional.

Have fun everyone!

Day 4 Canada NFD
Went for a run and ate less. That’s a win!!!

Day 5 PORTUGAL NFD
So I still haven’t done my first FD this year but this week (since the 1st Jan) has been very good in terms of healthy eating and exercise. No chocolate, desserts, sweets, snacks. Not easy with the Christmas goodies still in the cupboards and rest of the family still enjoying! I hope to walk 1000 miles this year, that’s about 2.75 miles a day (intentional outdoor walking – not to include all the normal steps I do in a day). I reckon this will help with weight loss. So far have walked 14 miles in the last 4 days. The weather has been great for this time of year with blue skies and sunshine. Weigh in on Monday and then after that will do it daily as it keeps me accountable. Have a great day everyone!