Morning one and all!
FD yesterday and the most difficult of all. Not sure why but I was hungry all day and kept peering into the fridge and shutting it quickly. Managed on a satsuma, cup of soup and omelette with salad for dinner. Usually the in her pangs came and went but not yesterday. My second FD of 2019.
Still celebrated my success? with tea toast (wholemeal with sunflower and spelt) and Welsh butter this morning.Yummy.
Start 3 night shifts tonight so no fasting..too difficult but will watch the calories and snacking!
Have a good day everyone. Gill

Day 5, Cornwall UK, NFD

On track and managing to swerve very tempting offers of sourdough bread and crisps/potato chips.💪 But fell at the 🍷 hurdle! But its ok as i am following mostly ‘Dry Til Fri’.

Went to a new eating place in Roseland called Tatam’s Taverna – gotta give them credit for the plant based food options. Really really good. Some eateries in our area just can’t be bothered to cater for people who want to eat out healthy but i want to give credit to those who do it well.

Thanks @northerndawn. I am watching your progress as we are the same height and heading for the same target weight and you are getting there faster than me! I know its not a race but it motivates me to see others succeeding. Just think how many people you may be helping just by your own achievements?

People in our family have been boasting to aquaintances how well my OH and I are doing, which i find touching. I suppose we all like a little praise. But oddly, people are more interested in the plant-based diet than the fasting, when i know the fasting delivers the weight loss. I think the diet has some impact on my blood pressure, now down to 115/75 ish and resting pulse down to 55-60. Not bad for someone who is still BMI 25.5 and only does yoga and walking for exercise. This is all part of my Jan stock taking to make myself keep going this year and not find that dreaded reverse gear.

Nice quote @at!

Day 3, UK, FD
Day 4, UK, NFD

I had a successful FD yesterday, first one in a while, very happy with that as it makes me feel so much better and I’m getting back on the wagon 🙂
Also, my weight is down to 55.4kg, which is a great start 😀 . I’ve had a few CDs since after all the festivities and also, it might have been water retention, so the difference if quite big.

Thanks everyone for your nice comments about my starlings murmuration viewing, it was such a stunning natural wonder to see 😍 ❤ . I captured a bit of it, not all of it though, because the “fans” kept getting in the way 😂 . I feel I should share it with you 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCPSzdQ5jPk

Have a great weekend everyone 🌹

Day 5 Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 NFD

@basyjames Happy Birthday 🥳

Saturday fasters have a successful day 💪

Day 5, North Canton Oh. I turn 44 today!

Oh joy 🙂

It’s a beautiful sunshine filled day. There is joy in my heart and I was very close to my pre-christmas blowout weight this morning – just two pounds away. The b2b are working!

I am taking a day off today to celebrate with my family and I’ll hop back on tomorrow.

Thank you @micheline and @missybear
Enjoy your weekend everyone

Day 5 – Ireland -NFD

Today started badly as I woke early after a good FD yesterday but very little sleep and thought about what was left in the house after Christmas… promptly ate 6 Kimberley biscuits ..to finish a pack ..for breakfast….oh well at least they are gone now…but not great as I am trying to stay sugar free 😳

Did try to remedy things by getting out in the bike… 40km with some hills hopefully has worked to reverse things a little…

Happy birthday @basyjames – have a lovely day!!

Good luck to all the Saturday fasters!

Onward and downward ⬇️

Day 5 Canada FD
Signing up for a serious FD

Day 5: Gloucestershire, UK: NFD
Still haven’t attempted a FD….but no worries if, at least, I don’t eat after mid-afternoon and make a 14-hour break before breakfast. Past mistakes have been to put too much pressure on myself, and then not be able to stick with my self-imposed rules!
Cold and busy and late day on the mail at work…an hour late out of the office because the last lorry bringing mail from Bristol had more (by far) than the first two so we all had to pitch in sorting it up first, whereas earlier, there hadn’t been enough to do. More bad planning from the managers!
@basyjames: It’s your birthday? Oh to be 44 again. Have a wonderful day xx
@shinything: Well done on jumping back on the wagon….give me a hand up.
@gylyb: But you did it….that’s main thing.

Day 5, Rocky Mountains, US, NFD

I am so crazy cold today. Had to break my fast at 11 am and ate 3 servings of nuts (almonds and pistachios) and drank hot tea. That is my lunch.
Later we have a dinner invitation at a friend’s house. I chose an early time, 5pm, but I am afraid that he will just start cooking then (duck dinner) and we will be eating late. Oh well, he is an artist…I bought Digestive Bitters drops for prevention of digestive troubles. I never eat after 6pm because my system cannot take it. Let’s hope for the best. 🤔🤨🙄

Have a good Saturday everyone! 😊😊😊

Day 5 – California – NFD

Another meal out today as my son is coming to visit unexpectedly.

Day 5 UK NFD

Life has been very hectic, exhausting and very very exciting.
The brilliant fantastic news is that we’ve bought a house! As some of you know we have been in house limbo for some time but found our dream country escape in November and completed the purchase on the 2nd of Jan. I was so anxious that things might go wrong that I didn’t want to jinks it by telling people, we didn’t even tell friends and family until just before Christmas once we knew things were proceeding well. The house is in Herefordshire near Hay on Wye, it felt like home as soon as we walked through the front door. Removals are happening Tuesday/Wednesday so we will be officillay in and living there Wednesday onwards!
So pleased this has happened so early in the year as now life can start to settle into a rhythm and following this way of life should be so much easier without the exhaustion and chaos of house hunting.
@snowflake56 I feel I’ve let you down, not managed an FD today, so busy rushing here there and everywhere sorting stuff out but once we are settled into our new home I’ll be back to my usual Friday/ Saturday FD’s.
Might be off grid for a bit as we haven’t sorted broadband at the house yet and I know my phone doesn’t get good reception there but will try and keep accountable hear when I can.
In the meantime wishing everyone lots of joy and happiness and successful fasting and controlling.
Ta x

Day 6 Wellington, NZ – FD

Just had my morning coffee and off to the fruit and vegie market. Have sesame tuna planned for dinner – OH went fishing – from Mimi’s book, with salad.

NFD yesterday went well til wine with dinner reduced willpower and poor decision making meant many chocolate almonds were consumed. Really is best if I don’t drink and maintain willpower.

Day 5 – Eastern WA USA – NFD

Good to have a weekend! @northerndawn – we have it unusually warm here in Eastern WA as well. Only snow in the shady patches. I need to do as you do and get out and walk more. As I was reading about your hubby, I thought of another book that might be helpful: The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung. Subtitle: prevent and reverse Type 2 diabetes naturally.

@erika 45 – sounds like you’ve made some wonderful choices in getting back in gear for the new year.

@Bellyfast – if you’re doing an FD, I think you have @snowflake56 with you as well today.

@gylyb – I think if we’ve taken a break from our fasting routines for a while, we have to rebuild the fasting muscle again. I know the 70 hour fasting I did this week was a little difficult at times, because it’d been a while since I’d done a longer fast. Also, there have been more carbs. As I take out more carbs and increase the healthy fats, the FDs will be easier.

@ShingThing – TY for sharing your starling murmurations with us. It’s really pretty amazing to watch.

@basyjames – enjoy your 44th birthday! Wishing you many blessings!

@ciren2 – your time restricted eating window is a great step in the fasting process. I still remember when I needed to break up my 500 calorie FDs into at least a little at noon and then most at the early evening meal. I would never have thought I could do extended fasts. The body is pretty amazing. I find lower carb, moderate protein & healthy fat before my fasting helps me make it through much better & starts my body burning its fat; which is my goal (get rid of the excess 🙂 )

@rafiki44 – enjoy your son’s visit! This WOL is flexible and allows for enjoying life!

@dingping – Congratulations on finding your dream house! How exciting!

Enjoy the weekend forum friends!

Day 5 USA (Illinois) NFD

Had a funeral lunch today, but was good with my choices (except the frosted pumpkin bar at the end… oh well, counted the calories in MFP.) Hence today is a NFD.

@basyjames – “Happy birthday, dear Basy ♫♪♫♪ happy birthday to YOU!” This SongBird is really a singer!

Onward and downward.

Day 5 Ohio, US — NFD ✔️

Today was a good NFD: I ate within the TDEE and also kept the added sugars to less than 30 g, so well within the American Heart Association guidelines. Also I was able to get 30 minutes of exercise in, including some qigong. I haven’t been able to get that much in for more than a month.

@northerndawn It’s been very warm here also for the last few days. Today it got up to about 50 F (10 C). There’s been no snow on the ground for more than a week. Although around New Year’s we had some heavy rain. When I first moved here in 2002 it was standard that there would be 3 feet of snow on the ground by now. Most of the mascots for the local sports teams were arctic animals. It’s been years now that we’ve seen any winters like that. The changing point seems to have been around 2010.

@northerndawn and @hyacinth About the only accents we can get into our posts are emoji’s. I remember starting to watch a critically acclaimed movie that took place in a working class section of London. I had to stop watching because I couldn’t understand it at all. (I’ve had better luck watching movies in Arabic!)
Unfortunately since it was purportedly in English and aimed for an English-speaking audience, there were no sub-titles!

Hope everyone enjoys the dark of the moon!

Day 6, Emden Germany, CD

@dingping that’s fantastic news, congratulations! I fully understand you have other things on your mind now, I might switch my FDs until you’re back again. Just enjoy the new house and don’t get tempted to go to Hay on Wye every day to fill up your bookcases! I will miss you, hugs and take care xxx

@missybear and @michelinme thanks for the mental support and also @annemarilyn for telling @bellyblast she’s not alone fasting on a Saturday. It helps me to have some support.

Have a nice day everyone!

DAY6 UK NFD

Ate just under TDEE yesterday. There was plenty of food and alcohol drinks available all day and evening but I ate sensibly and just had 2 alcoholic drinks (which is a lot for me). Having a lovely weekend away with some friends. Will be going home later today. I will read thread and reply properly probably tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a lovely Sunday.

Day 6 NSW Australia NFD
7.30pm Sunday

Hi everyone. Just checking in. Enjoying reading all your posts. Warm welcome to all the new 5:2’s – this is a very supportive, informative, helpful forum. I may not post everyday, but I really enjoy reading all your interesting comments daily!

We’ve finally had a gorgeous, cooler day ~ 25’C, has been high 30’s for days and 41’C yesterday. The older I get, the less I like the heat!

Looking forward to getting really serious with FD’s, next one tomorrow – the good thing is, I’m not bothered with all the chocolates, given to us as gifts, currently in our fridge. There was a time, many moons ago, when it would have been so easy to devour 1/4 box without thought – thank goodness for 5:2 and a better style of thinking!

I’ve just had 3 weeks annual leave and look forward to getting back to work tomorrow. We’ve had lots of happy times with family during the festive season.

My OH is finally getting back to his old self – so pleased for him and his new found health! My dear Dad, aged 86, and lives with us, is a treasure and has just restarted doing his oil paintings – every day with him is a joy!
My Sister has gone to Hawaii for 2 weeks – first overseas trip, so happy for her.

I’ve purchased ‘The Fast 800’ book – look forward to reading same and learning more!

Must go. Enjoy whatever you are getting up to and bye for now xx

Hi all. Checking in for an update..

Day 6 (day 7 of my week) today is a half fast day (16:8)

Success with 2 fast days, 1 24hr fast and a 16:8. Its too much if anything but while I battle the sugar in the house the fasting is the only time I feel like I’m not on a blood sugar roller-coaster.

@anna6 – would you share your risotto recipe? Made my mouth water and I could definitely do with some!

@debster251 I know what you mean about sugar. Before Xmas I had it under control and was at a point I could take it or leave it. Now it has control over me! My other half and son, both slim and can eat anything, would be outraged if I got rid of the chocolate! I’m finding a set eating window on nfds helps massively. Less time to destroy hard work!

@arelkade it’s 4C here. I dream of 25C. I’m sick of wandering about cuddling a hot water bottle!

Sorry to be a real noon but what is the pocket list? I see it in people’s posts but don’t really know what it means?

Day 6 – Wgtn, NZ 10.30pm -FD

end of a successful FD and just checking in. Up early for a flight tomorrow and away for a couple of days so will be working on TDEE for NFDs. And staying off the alcohol!

@daffodil2010 – so sorry about your Dad and wish him all the best. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself while taking care of others.

Here’s to a new week everyone – keep up the good work and keep down the pounds – or kilos

2nd post

@daffodil2010 I’m so sorry your Dad has to go through this, is it stenosis of the spinal channel? I hope the epidural injections work out well. Take care xxx

Day 6…..Florida……NFD

First things first!
@ Bassy……Happy Birthday! May your year be as great as you!
@dingping….. Congratulations on your new home….. enjoy the new adventure of exploration!
@dafodil…….Prayers with you and your Dad! May this just be a bump in the road that will lead to wonderful things!

Someone needs to remind Mother Nature that Florida is suppose to be warm! The last couple days it has just been getting colder and colder! Now, the hubby and I are constant frost watch. My winter crops are doing great, I’d like to keep it that way!

Yesterday feedings we not the best, so hoping for better today! Good news, I did manage to lose 1.8lbs! I’m going to take it although I know it’s just a normal up and down of my weight! Next week is a full week of work, so I do know that it will be easier for me to stay accountable. It will be a difficult road as what days I’ll be fasting will be determined the night before. I have Jury Duty this week, I have a few clients to see and work in the warehouse. All depending on the court system. I do, however, plan to be on the road at least two days this week!
I do have my goals planned out. 3 FD, 2 CD, continue with my intake of water, and try to get my lazy butt to do some type of formal exercise.

Well, that about it for me!
Happy Undecorating to those who will be doing that…..🙋🏻‍♀️ Like me!

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

Day 7 Melb Aust FD
Day 6 NFD
Day 5 NFD

“Starting again” – after a not so good 2 days. Weighed 0.9 kg less than my starting weight Say a.m., but didn’t eat well for weekend. @JumpGold Penguin, @flourbaby and @jaifaim, I did what Dr M recommends in hos new book – cleared out most of my remaining Christmas goodies this evening, after eating too many the past couple of days. I was doing so well, too (Sigh!). @JumpGold Penguin, as Dr M says, if your family objects, give the food to them and tell them to hide it from you or lock it away.

@anna6, @elektron, @bert1802, bought and read the Aust/NZ edition of Dr M’s new book. Just a combination of his older books with added research, recommending the higher fat and lower carb Mediterranean eating on NFDs; start on 800 cals per day for as long as you can tolerate for a big starting weight loss, then move to what he’s calling the “New 5:2”, saying that more recent research has shown that 800 cals per day is an adequate reduction and more sustainable for many, then moving to maintenance on the Mediterranean diet with possibly 6:1. He’s also added the time restricted eating, which I think quite a few folk on this forum do anyway. He says to start with 12:12, then move to 14:10. I try to do 16:8, and I know several folk do 18:6, so that’s not new. I suppose the more interesting thing is telling us what some of the more recent controlled trials have found.

@judyjudes, yes, the fitbit charge2 dashboard shows how many calories you’ve burned on a particular day. However, I agree with @at that it should be of academic interest only. Multiply your Basal Metabolic Rate for your age, weight and height (BMR) by your level of activity to get your TDEE, and stick with that. That’s X1.4 for light exercise, and I think X1.2 for sedentary. I was being slightly hopeful (and facetious) last Friday when I had such a heavy day gardening, but also ate more than intended for my FD, hoping it would compensate. Well, weigh-in Saturday was actually great, but …. start again tomorrow!!!!

@dingping, congrats on the new house – how exciting!

@ciren2, yes, Melbourne weather is very changeable, but not usually to that extreme. The weather forecast is now reasonably accurate due to the weather satellites, so an app on the phone is a good guide. The main times it drops like that is when there’s been a heatwave and a cool change blows in. The reverse doesn’t happen, though, from lower to higher temps.

@missybear, well done not to gain weight over Christmas!

@michelinme, agreeing with you re adequate sleep – definitely needed, and Dr M even mentions it in his new book, the differences to sugar control and self-control made by a couple of days of insufficient sleep. Now I’ve retired, though I’m a nightowl, I don’t have to get up early in the morning for work, so I can still get enough sleep – from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. in bed at the moment, which means more than 8 hours of actual sleep, but I’m trying to move it to 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. Not there yet.

Day 5 – NC, USA – FD
Day 6 NFD

Decent FD yesterday. I was making truffles so although I only ate 400 calories, they consisted of 2 salads… and a truffle 😮

I’m realizing that as much as I think I eat clean (no sugar/processed food), I actually have a lot of slip ups. And those slip ups add up… Thank goodness for fasting!!!! And for this forum/spreadsheet! It really forces you to be honest with yourself.

January is such a hard month as a French person I have decided. First there is New Year’s celebrations of course when I make truffles for all of our friends, but then there is the Epiphany when I feel compelled to make a Galette des rois not just on Jan 6 but every time we get together with other French expats throughout the month and then on Feb 2nd is La Chandeleur (Candemas?) and we make crepes! I mean seriously!!! That’s a lot of delicious food concentrated in a 2 months period of time lol. But still, those are explanations not excuses. Better focus on those checkmarks if I don’t want to sabotage all the good work I’m doing on FDs. I need to create a winning strategy for myself. Today won’t be too bad. I am making 3 galettes but inviting lots of friends and hoping I can send all the desserts home with them. If they’re in the house, they will end up inside me!!! For the many French get togethers this month, I might need to resolve to not eat a thing. I hate to be that person who abstains. I know it’s a bit rude, but I’m afraid once I start eating a piece I might not be able to leave it at that. Or maybe I will skip the gathering…

@matpi, I think all joking aside, I am a bit of an addict when it comes to sugar. I just stop thinking straight the second I eat it. Thank you @missybear for the tip on Michael Mosley’s Blood Sugar Diet book, I’ll go check it out. And congratulations on being on the lower end of your maintenance! That’s fantastic!

@daffodil2010, I am so sorry about your dad. That’s so hard. Sending prayers and well-wishes your way. I hope it gets better.

@lilymartin , @chipmunk13 and @mogaman, you got this! We’re all cheering for you! Good for you for taking control of your health and hopping back on!

@jaifaim That’s too funny! Very clever!!! We’ll get there for sure. One day at a time.

@dingping congratulations on buying your new house! How exciting!

Happy belated birthday @basyjames! Hope your day was wonderful!

Have a great day everyone!!!

Day 6, Rocky Mountains, US, MFD

Well, it turned out to be a EFS yesterday evening at my friend’s house and, of course, the duck, garlic mashed potatoes and zucchini veggies were not ready at 5pm. Ate at 7pm and had the digestive bitters before, in the middle and after dinner which ended with half a gallon of ice cream for the 3 of us. Oh boy,…but no digestive problems, only very unkind scales this morning. But it was a very nice evening.

@northerndawn: these bitters have extracts from roots and leaves of plants such as dandelion root and leaves, burdock root, fennel seed, yellow dock root, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root. It really seemed to help! 😊😊😊

@dingping: congrats on your new house!

@daffodil2010: Sending positive vibes to your Dad.

@shinything: Very lovely video!

Today I start with 800 cals for as long as possible. Next party is a birthday of a dear friend on January 17. Until then 800 cals, no sugar, no alcohol (still dry January), a restricted food window (20:4) and Mediterranean diet. After the party I will restart with my 800 cals plan.

Have a good Epiphany Sunday! I leave my Christmas lights on. It is too dreary outside with freezing rain that I need light for my mental well being! 😊😉😆