Day 20 – Perth, Western Australia – FD

Day 20 Wales FD

Feeling very motivated recently, maybe because I have a holiday on the horizon. Meals planned for today include lots of hot fibre rich veggies as I do feel the need for hot filling food on FDs now that the weather is colder. Bought some Twinnings liquorice tea yesterday, it smells odd but tastes good so that is a winter FD ‘treat’ I also got the spiced ginger tea but haven’t tasted that yet.

Thanks to those who have shared your success, it really helps to keep me focused.

Thinking of my fellow Monday fasters – stay strong today.

well I did my weigh in today and I have lost 1Kg in a week as well as 4cm off my bust, waist, hips and thighs. Today is a NFD. Will be interesting to see how I go tomorrow as it is my 3rd FD. Going to try and get some sleep as I have an early and busy day. I am a little sleep deprived as I didn’t sleep well last night. oh well nite nite all. Hope you are all doing well in this challenge.

Day 20…..Florida…..FD

Oh, it’s definitely has to be a FD today, indulged in so many good foods while I was away. Thank goodness, that’s only a once a year sometime twice adventure. I actually didn’t do to terribly only a gain of three pounds. A couple FD’s and I’ll knock that right out of the park.

I hope everyone is well, it will take me a minute or two to get caught back up with everyone.

I did read a few, so I just have one comment. One of you asked if 5:2 was substanable in the long term. Here’s my experience and my thoughts. I’ve had this WOL (way of life) for well over a year….. okay well 1year and 1 month, I do a 16:8 daily, my FD are like monkeys and their running the circus. I feel it’s very substanable for the long run.
This WOL, has never in its true form felt like a diet. Although, I did have my struggles and still do, I never once thought about giving up, I never thought I blew it (sorry I got to say it, I know it’s forbidden please forgive me ) or failed because I screwed up on a FD, over indulged and what have yous. I was and still am living life and those things happened. I believe that why most diets crash and burn because their so restrictive you feel as if you can’t do it right, so you give up.
It’s only two days a week, I miss today, tomorrow I can do it again! I have 7 days to get in 2 FDs. If I FD Monday, screw up Tues, Wed, Thurs, Friday, Sat too. Sunday I have another FD, I’m still 5:2ing it. I got my two days in…. make sense?
Never a hurdle I can climb over…..
OOH, but we can’t stop there…… another reason and the most important reason this WOL is substanable is because of each and everyone of us who tell our stories here, offer support, cheer us on. I learn something new daily, the old timers keep me balanced and the newbies keep me excited. I know that when I hurl myself off the wagon, play dead on the road, someone is going to stop pick my big butt up, hold my hand and carry me back to the wagon. All the while, encouraging me to be not only who I am but the best me I can be….. and that just doesn’t stop at the diet aspect but they have supported me when mother was giving me troubles, every aspect. Having a team behind you makes it so with it.
I wish, I could say it’s all because of 5:2, I lost all this weight and so far kept it off and I’m in it for the long run but I really can’t. This WOL is substanable because well it’s easy but really because of you and everyone else on this forum.
Still not sure if this is it, I encourage you to click on my name read all posts I’ve written, then read a few more, you’ll see everything I talked about and more!

Oh my gosh…. I’m going to late!

I do not have ducks 🦆
I do not have rows!
I have monkeys 🐒 and they’re running the circus!

Day 20- Colorado USA- FD

Have been so looking forward to this Fast Day…
Dropped my Mom off at the airport. Had such a lovely visit with her!
And we did not go wine-crazy during her stay (as may have happened in the past.☺️) Generally, we’d just order one glass of red while out to dinner. Nicely controlled. And no regrets.

I’m also officially off Prednisone now too!! YAY! So very happy about this! Corticosteroids are notorious for rapid weight gain. 😩 But I already know the Solution: the one-two knock-out punch of combining 5:2 intermittent fasting with LCHF (low carb, high fat.) I’ll concentrate my meals on fresh veggies, healthy fats & a protein. Mediterranean style.

Finally got on the scales & have my official starting number post-surgery… Ugh! Had to be done.
Unfortunately, I’m back up to my all time highest weight. But I have this awesome WOL & my Fellow Fasters here to move forward.

Starting weight = 156 lbs. (71 kg)
Ultimate Goal = 138 lbs. (62.5 kg)

So please grab my hand, wagon-load of 5:2 friends! I’m re-joining this journey!!

Day 20 – Massachusetts – FD

Looking forward to this FD. Ate way too much this weekend and I’m ready to control my life again! I really didn’t feel good eating that much and I’m not sure why I did it. Hoping to undo the weekend damage before thanksgiving. Maybe I’ll try B2B this week.

You guys have some inspiring stories on here and I’m always amazed by those in maintenance. To be at goal weight! Or lower! Seems incredible to me. You guys are an inspiration to us noobs.

Off to start the day. Have a good Monday everyone!

@songbirdme – Fantastic!! So glad your choir’s performance, in fact the whole entire evening, was a smashing success!! Congrats!

Day 20, Gozo Malta, fd

At around 800 calories

Day 20 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – FD

The cardio results are in and I have a perfectly healthy heart 😃 So relieved. My Mom passed away from a heart attack at only 54, and Dad has had a triple bypass, so I was worried. But now, the heart is good. So whatever that pain is that I occasionally get is, it is NOT the scary heart pain. Could be indigestion? Could be anxiety? Doctor told me to note when/if it happens again and consider the circumstances.

There was cake and mince pies at work but I didn’t bother. So far so good, had lentil soup at lunch, and might have an omelette for dinner.

Feeling good today, and it’s great to read up on all your stories too ☺️

Day 20 FD Oregon USA

Feeling good this morning and have an activity planned for the day to keep my mind off fasting–I hope anyway. Going to drag out all the Christmas boxes and get started decorating.
@songbirdme thanks for sharing your choir and your great red dress! Just coming off the weekend watching my youngest son’s final performance in a musical in high school(which made me a little melcancholy)and your video is a great reminder that he can keep on singing for the rest of his life.
@bert1802 loved all your wisdom on this WOL. I have high hopes that this will be the path that works for me. The support system is invaluable and I really appreciate all of you long-timers and newbies too.
@bigViking–congrats on your success–inspiring.
@awilson the trussed turkey comment made me smile. 😊 I hate buying any clothing right now as I really don’t ever want to fit into it again, so I totally understand.
@happymargo I’m right there with you on my highest weight (well that was at the beginning of the month.😉) but still I presently weigh MORE than I did when I was nine months pregnant with the child I gained the most weight with. Hmmmm…..here we go and let’s keep on rolling.

To my fellow Monday fasters–good choices and strength today.

Day 20 Canada FD

Love reading everyone’s posts, such a wide cross section of people.
@bigviking thanks for sharing your success, it’s contagious.

Day 20-Portland Oregon-FD

Just a bit of random ramblings below.

I’m onboard for a FD, I don’t feel so lonely having many of you in the same boat. Sitting here sipping a bit of black coffee which is going to take some getting used to, I love my splash of creamer but I don’t want to count the calories.

Planning on eating mostly veggies today. I like to keep most of my calories for one large meal(Dinner)at the end of the day. I think a lite chef salad tonight with a bit of Protein will wrap the day up.

I enjoy watching the food channel when close to a Holiday to see if maybe I can improve or learn anything new for the holiday meal. Needless to say while fasting I’ve been staying quite clear of the food network.

Did a bit of grocery shopping to prepare myself for my fast days. I know many of you watch other things such as sodium intake etc..but I find I do enjoy my salt and crunchy. Dill pickles have been getting me out of binds when I feel I need a chip, or just something to eat in general. Also a packet of Cup-a-soup has kept me from blowing it more then once.

I’ve been on Weight watchers so many times I’ve lost count. So glad I’ve found this WOE, the simplicity of it makes it feel like a manageable WOL.

Everyone have a Wonderful Day.

Day 20 – Iceland – NFD

1 kg down in my first week, was so desperate to see results that I squeezed in an extra FD yesterday. I am really excited to see how the next couple of weeks will be and am determined keep on fasting! One unexpected upside of this WOL is that I am always looking forward to something, when fasting I look forward to eating “normally” the next day and when I am a little bit too full on a NFD I look forward to a new, clean and disciplined FD. Variety is the spice of life 🙂

It would be great to hear some of your experiences regarding keeping the pace… should I expect an ever slowing weight loss or is it possible to maintain a relatively steady tempo?

Day 20, FD, Germany
Had a pretty good FD today – even though quite chaotic…
Hadn’t excactly planned on what to eat. Was thinking about tomatoe soup, but then was too lazy to cook… Just steamed some brokkoli and managed to burn it… So I mainly did Liquid fasting today except from snacking a little bit of fruit and beet root and 1 Harzer cheese.
After telling you that I had a much better time with my Kids on the Weekend, today was really horrible again! I managed to stay calm though (at least on the outside…) but it cost me so much energy!!! Nevertheless I am happy now that I didn’t freak out…
My FD endet with 490 cals. I am so happy that I can do FDs with 500 cals or even less now. This was not possible for me in times before I joined this Forum!!! So cheers and thanks to you all!!!

Day 20, FD, US

I’ve been away with work – which means far too much wine and food. Had a good time though, and caught up with an old friend of mine I had literally not seen since last century! But the sort of friend that we just picked up where we left off. It was great.

I think you said it so well, @borealis, that 5:2 means always looking forward. I looked forward to my FD today, and I’m looking forward to a nice salad tomorrow.

Still catching up on everyone’s posts but looks like we have some newbies (welcome!) birthdays (happy birthday!), great weight losses (congratulations!) and milestones (more congratulations). What a great crowd you are!

Day 20 – SW WA USA – FD

Keeping it a liquid FD so far! I overdid the eating yesterday so I was ready for a FD today.

@bigviking – congrats on the new low
@Strawberriesandcream = get feeling better. Glad you’re you’re part of the operation shoebox. I learned in NIcaragua how much they’re appreciated from the person heading things up on the ground there.
@daffodil2010 – so glad for your healthy heart news!

Together we are stronger!

Day 19 and Day 20 – Cumbria UK – NFD but very controlled ☺️

Had a lovely Sunday stayed just below TDEE – Great Yoga class this evening – lots of strength moves but felt wonderful and enjoyed a light supper on my return home, coming in at under 1000cals in total for the day 😇

@steffieagle – great job – life on 5:2 is great isn’t it 😀
@toddybear – a cafe in Windermere called Homeground – they serve a great brunch there – I don’t live in Windermere but it’s close enough to drive for Brunch
@songbirdme – good to hear that the concert went well – you all looked great, it sounded wonderful and you have a great voice – thank you for sharing your photos – looking fab and I love the dress x

As @flourbaby said hope all our old friends who have not posted recently are doing OK and still keeping the faith with this WOL – @coda @brightonbelle @lynzm @okeydokey @lindasue @penz @liathanail @in-it-to-thin-it @redrockgirl302 and anyone else we have not heard from for a while – we do think of you often……HUGS to you all
@metatauta and @songbirdme – So agree with that feeling of trying old clothes that were too tight and now fits or even better is too loose – I have a gorgeous pair of cigarette pants/trousers from Hobbs that I used to love but is now way too loose – I’ll follow your example @songbirdme and see if I can get them altered – I’m no seamstress so will have to get it done for me….
@happymargo – great news coming off the prednisone – grabbing your hand and getting you back on that 5:2 wagon – you can do this!

I have run out of time to catch up with all the posts so have skimmed through the last two days – cannot comment on everyone’s post but stay strong and focused everyone – 10 days left in this November Challenge – enough time to make a difference – TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

Anyone volunteering to run the December Challenge????? Think about it – it does help to keep you focused and is very satisfying……..

I need to go and have a shower and get to bed – early start tomorrow going for a long walk with friends

“The best investment you can make is in yourself”

2nd post…..

Trying to get caught up……

@toddybear…..Congrats! Your well on your way!

@ stephanieS…. I hope you feel better soon!

@ HappyMargo…… Congrats on the RX downgrade….. no worries, Love, just keep on, keeping on you’ll hit your goal in no time!

@ big Viking…… cheering you on!

@newbies…. I’m so glad your here and my trials help you along the way! It reminded me of a sign I have hanging on my kitchen wall. I think it sums everything up perfectly.
We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!

Holy moly….. I almost burnt dinner….. yikes!

@ jaifaim…… at bedtime, I normally just drink good old water but I also take my potassium pill, as it help with my restlessness during the night.

@ jessyoursize…….. Happy 😃 💃🏻 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

@woods women……. I’m a coffee drinker, always have been always will be. The stronger the better but I need creamer in mine too. I just one tablespoon of fat free half and half in each glorious cup I drink. It equals up to about 50 calories or so….. I have found I can cut out a small percentage of something else to make up for it….. example instead of having 4 Oz of meat…. I can cut it to 3oz with out much difference…. equals about 1 bite. The point is you don’t have to scarafic anything to make 5:2 work. Find small tricks that won’t matter and replace them with something that will make a difference. I love chocolat, so in the beginning, I use to downgrade all my portions by a teaspoon, so I could have one Hersey kiss nightly. I don’t do sweets anymore but it set me up for brighter days!

@ borealis…… oh how I wish this question was a one size fits all, but what we have is kind of a double edge sword. Not an easy one to answer. With 5:2, a lot of it comes from learning your bodies signals and actually listening to them. Yes, I believe you could continue to see a weight difference each and every week providing life does not get in the way and you listen to your body. But realistically, it may not happen, only because well we live and stuff happens. I so want to set you up to be the best 5:2er you can be because I know you can do this! I know you will do this! So, I’m hoping this helps….. the scale will not show you all the wonderful victories you are going to have but your body will! It will show you in being more energized, less brain fog, clearer memory and smaller clothes! Oh, I could go on and on! But I think you get the point. Try not get wrapped up in the numbers but what your body is doing. You could go weeks with a weight loss everyday but your body doesn’t change, then you’ll have weeks were the numbers stay the same but your out buying new pants, shirts a couple times a month because every time you walk your pants drop to your knees. That’s because your body is changing. Both are great, but in time you’ll learn which one you like best…. strive for that one!
Gosh, this was kind of long…. I hope it explains what you were asking.
You can do this….. don’t forget your AMAZING!

@pamie….. glad your feeling better!

Okay folks… I must stop here…. I’m seriously going to burn dinner if I keep going!

I do not have ducks 🦆
I do not have rows!
I have monkeys 🐒 and they’re running the circus!

Day 21, NDF/CD, Norway

Thanks for all the kind words about my second job  My mom has worked there for 20 years, she just turned 62yrs, but she still doesn’t want to retire. I must say I admire her efforts! It really is hard work, heavy lifting. After my evening shift on Friday, after my 8hours at the office during the day, my body was hurting all over the place, a good hurt though, means I’ve moved a lot  On top of this, I have a small “business” of my own, I rent out slush machines, popcorn machines, and candy floss machines…and on Sunday we had a Slush stand at a children’s handball tournament. We were also “babysitting” my 11yrs old nephew the entire weekend. Almost feels like a “vacation” to get back to my office 

Busy week this week though. Today: Out to eat and play shuffleboard with “the union” (the work union, do you know what I mean?), on Thursday out to eat with three of my colleagues, Friday I’m going to take my mom out to dinner, it’s her and my dad’s 44th wedding anniversary. My dad past away 9 yrs. ago, but I still like to celebrate their day. Then on Saturday we are all going to a comedy show. I’m going to crash the coach on Sunday!! Holy! And in between all this I need to think about what I eat.

Today was my lowest in … I can’t remember the last time I saw this number. 85.4…which means 9kg/19.8lbs. Very happy for that. But my goal for November is still seeing the number 84 in some form,,,and with all this “eating out” this week, it’s going to be a hard challenge.

Novembers last week has to be b2b2b2b for me to hit my goal, I guess 

Keep on losing!

Day 21 Newcastle UK 🇬🇧 NFD
Focus focus FOCUS! Especially between 7pm and 10pm tonight that’s my watchword.
This is where I go wrong so many times on NFD.

Day 21 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – FD

Yesterday’s FD turned into a NFD with the addition of some cold white wine. As well as my good cardio news we also had two bad news items – my stepson is in hospital with blood in his urine and kidney trouble, and our cat took a seizure that frightened the bejaysus out of us. Waiting to hear update on stepson. Cat is ok now, need to keep an eye on that.

So no wonder the bottle of white was opened 😨

Still down from weekend weight gain, but need to get moving if I want
to reach November goal. I had planned a 4lb loss, which right now will be 6lb with the weekend gain…..and 10 days to go 😳

@jaifaim I meant to get back to you yesterday re the nighttime on an LFD. I keep a few calories and either make a hot milky drink with a sprinkle of nutmeg, sometimes also turmeric and ginger, or I will have a Cadburys Options drink. The Options is about 40 calories, the milky drink is more, but all in I don’t tend to consume more than 100 calories on an LFD. Hope yours went well.

Day 21 Wales NFD

Day 21, London, UK, FD (2nd of B2B2B2B)

Feeling a bit better today because I’m back at work where loss of control is not an option!!!! I’m hanging onto the wagon by my fingertips, but………………………. I’m still here, and that’s what counts!!

@songbirdme, loving the red dress……….. spanx & 5:2……………. The new power couple!!!!! Wondering if the spanx helped with hitting any high notes???!!

@steve toon taxi driver, I close the kitchen at 7:30 and have done even before starting 5:2 a year ago, but …………………… just recently there has been some loud whispering coming from the chocolate, crisps and biscuits that live there and it gets louder and Louder and LOUDER as the evening wears on and my resolve gets LESS and Less and less!!!! Stay strong!!!!

@bigviking, you are a machine!!!!! Congrats on setting a new target, still with 10 days to go!!!! I had been looking forward to consuming vast quantities of Baileys in December (Before, during & after Xmas!!) but I saw this, particularly the bit about ‘drinks with a high fat content’

http://www.calwineries.com/learn/wine-and-health/science-of-wine-and-health/calories

http://freefitnesstips.co.uk/5-high-calorie-alcoholic-drinks/

and I freaked!!!! I can’t afford to go back THERE!!!!!! I look forward to a fruity red and I’ll donate the Baileys to the skinny friends!!!!

I’m hitting this week HARD, B2B-ing like a pro, ‘cause recent choices have been less than perfect. Stay strong everyone!!!!

Day 21, Belfast, FD

Hubby’s birthday celebrations over the weekend + grandson’s christening on Sunday = a fair bit of overindulgence. Time to reset big time this week. Water water water!!

This group has grown so much, I’m not even getting time to catch up on all the posts! But a big hi to everyone, oldies and newbies 🙂

I’ve set up a Pocket List for today – sorry if I’ve missed anyone…

***DAY 21 POCKET LIST***
**If you want to join just copy, paste and add your name**
**WE CAN DO THIS!**

@onahealthyhigh
@daffodil2010
@debster251
@flourbaby (2nd of B2B2B2B) WOW!!
@StephieS
@belfastsink

Good luck everyone today x

PS. @daffodil2010 – glad to hear you had good results with your tests! Great news.