Day 29, London, UK, FD

I struggled to get out of bed this morning, I slept last night but it was disturbed, again, at 3:11 a.m …………………………..Deja Vu!!!!

@basyjames I’m glad the CBT is working for your daughter, it’s something I would like to try next year to deal with a multitude of ‘issues’ although MO, niacin, daily meditation and tapping have been working well in combination. I think my hormones are out of whack, whether it’s pre-menopause or not. I self-medicated yesterday with 2 handfuls of cashews!!! I believe it was Dr. Saul (who’s study on niacin hooked me!) who said just 2 handfuls of cashews before bed had the same effect as a dose of Prozac!!!! Not bad, but only on a NFD!!!!

@matpi ……………………………….”I used up all my executive decision-making reserves by the end of the work day and had some donuts for supper” …………………been there, done that…………………………. Enough said!!!!! LOL!!!!

@daffodil2010, good grief, snapped calf muscle!!! It sounds too painful to think about ………………………………. I don’t suppose you were planning to take him Xmas shopping & he just “Happened” to get injured??? It may sound drastic, but I’ve known men who feigned paralysis to avoid shopping!!!! Don’t stress too much, he’s in good hands & brave or not; if the pain kicks in, I’m sure he’ll holler/ bellow/ shout/ scream!!!! Get well soon Mr. Daffodil.

Sitting on a plateau of my own making, and unless there’s an early Xmas miracle today or tomorrow, there won’t be a massive fat eradication this month!! Hey-ho, as long as I know where I went off track, I can either beat myself up about it, give myself a stern talking to or simply chalk it up to experience …………………………..again!!!!

It’s my brothers’ birthday tomorrow, 54 going on 24!!!! I guess there will be wine!!!
Stay strong everyone!!

Day 29, Surrey (UK), FD

@judyjudes, @northerndawn and others – thank you for your supportive comments. I’m glad that if, by sharing my journey, I’m helping others even if only in some small way.

Yes I agree about Varady’s book – I too didn’t warm to the style of writing, but I did gain one or two insights, especially about maintaining. I do like to read around a subject to gain many different points of view.

Like others have mentioned, maintaining will be harder in the N hemisphere now that the gloom seems permanent all day long, and there are all these festive goodies to tempt us! So my strategy is to keep on keeping on with 2x FDs per week at 800 cals. Thankfully there won’t be too many occasions to derail me – my Christmases are fairly quiet these days. We even have a park run taking place on Christmas morning, which will set me up quite nicely for a late Xmas lunch!

The other thing I do, which I think is useful, is to weigh myself daily. This just helps me to get a general sense of what my fluctuation range is, and what might be causing those daily changes – quite often there is nothing I can pinpoint. I only record my weight once a week on my tracker, and I can see that the range isn’t that great – maybe 5lb max. and I can go up or down by as much as 3lb in a day, depending on whether its the day after a FD or I’ve enjoyed something like a Chinese meal. I don’t agonise over it but I think I’m gradually gaining an understanding of what are ‘normal’ fluctuations. This was something I couldn’t do when I was in the weight loss phase, because there were underlying losses mixed up with daily fluctuations. I hope this provides some reassurance for those who are currently struggling on plateaux.

Keep on keeping on folks, you know you’re worth it!

Day 29 UK FD

@annemarilyn – like @debster251 I had to google Chex Mix too, not something easily found here but your Muddy Buddies sound a bit like chocolate crispies made with Rice Krispies here, but with peanut butter, can’t imagine how savoury ones would turn out though, but take your word they are scrummy!

@michelinme and @ccco – I’ve finally made some decisions on presents and feeling less stressed by it all. I’m a bit like that, hard to start but then I get into a groove! Stuff ordered and going charity shop hunting for some nice jewellery for DD and son’s partner and some homemade goodies and I’ll almost be done, £10 challenge sorted phew!!! Thanks
Oh and @michelinme – ‘Why is it that I actively resist the things that are really good for me?!’ Yes, why do we do that??? I have that problem as well, soooo frustrating a little blip that knocks me out of a routine and I forget to carry on with x or y, when what I need is to carry on with x and y. Guess my brain resets to an unhealthy default mode, especially in times of stress, must create a new default mode, not factory settings as these haven’t got me anywhere!!!

@daffodil2010 – That sounds horribly painful for your OH but it’s surprising how different we all are to pain. My OH fractured his leg whilst out running several years ago, by the time it was diagnosed they said it was too late to treat. My point is you would never have known by the way he was walking or not complaining that it was that bad. He said it hurt but the only bit of comfort he felt he needed was an ankle support I bought in Poundland! Maybe your OH has a high pain threshold like my OH? Either way wishing him a speedy recovery.

@flourbaby, @basyjames, @northerndawn, @fatfingers, @annemarilyn, @daffodil2010, @cornish-jane and many more – love the learning that comes from people just sharing personal and useful stuff. Thanks I’ve learnt so much these past months.

@fatfingers – enjoy your festive Christmas Day Park Run, its great fun even as a spectator! The Bushy Park run in Teddington has been the perfect start to OH and DD Christmas’s many a time.

@anna6 – sounds like you have a bit of ‘me time’ enjoy Sicily.

Day 29 Pocket Fasters
@flourbaby
@missybear
@fatfingers
@dingping

Stay strong everyone.

Ta x

USA Day 29 FD

Just checking in. Today is my second FD of the week!

Putting myself on today’s pocket list!

@flourbaby
@missybear
@fatfingers
@dingping
@ccco

Can’t believe the month is almost over! They sure go fast!

https://www.pillsbury.com/everyday-eats/dinner-tonight/italian-pasta/italian-hero-crescent-ring

Not going to use the peppers, though, cuz I don’t like them. Going to use the alternate of sliced olives.

Day 29 Canada NFD

The scales have stalled in their downward progress but I am still feeling there is more spare room in my jeans. My main motivation in this WOL is for the health benefits, losing a couple more pounds will happen at some point along the way. I have reduced the amount of alcohol I drink to less than a glass a week which has been a big achievement for me. It left me sleeping way better at night and definitely shrinking that belly of mine.

@daffodil2010 I am also a fan of kefir, make my own and drink a glass a day. The whole gut biome topic fascinates me and I love the taste of fermented foods
@dingping I have also been feeling a sense of panic about the fast approaching Christmas crazies. Spent some time yesterday planning and that has helped me lots

Thanks @michelinme @shinything @debster251 @snowflake56 I look forward to being part if this group for the next months and next years challenges. This forum has made a big impact on my life.

Will be fasting tomorrow to finish up strong!

Day 29 – UK – NFD/CD
Day 28 – NFD 👿

Busy last couple of days with volunteering but still managed to fit in my daily exercise quota! Yesterday ended up being a bit of a feast day involving a bit too much 🍷🍷but it was a good evening😈

Today was my team’s morning cooking in our local parish centre’s Fareshare’s kitchen – we made curried parsnip soup, vegetable pasta bake, mushroom pasta bake, mixed salad, apple crumble and custard and fruit salad and we fed 42 people!! The cooking part is fun but the washing up afterwards is not!!!!

Enjoyed a much needed rest this afternoon as I’m out with a group of girlfriends to see a live telecast of “The King and I” from the London Palladium this evening with Kelli O’Hara (Anna) alongside Ken Watanabe (The King) – looking forward to that!

Re menopause chatter – I was one of the lucky ones where in a blink of an eye it was all done with minimal symptoms – I did take Sage Leaf capsules for a year not sure if that helped or what but I stopped after a year and have had no problems.

Re Christmas and presents – this year a group of friends and I have decided to stop exchanging presents but to enjoy time with each other instead so I have minimal present buying! We don’t do a traditional Christmas meal in our house – I usually cook a nice fish/seafood dish!

@daffodil2010 – 🤗 thinking of you on the 20th anniversary of your dear brother’s parting
@bellyblast – as others have said the forum is here to offer support in many forms – we would miss you if you left us – stick with the challenges and post when you can 🤗
@daffodil2010 and @basyjames – my DD found CBT and a low dose of antidepressants very useful when she experienced a period of depression towards the end of her university days – I’m glad to report that she has had no relapses to date and continues to thrive without the need for ongoing medication xx
@gretta – great to have you back from your honeymoon – sounds like you had a fabulous time all round
@ciren2 – hope your poor hands recover sufficiently before you have to go back to work x
@flourbaby – I’m sending lots of positive vibes your way – Please don’t leave us – I so enjoy reading your posts – you have such a way with words xx Happy birthday to your brother for tomorrow 🎂🥂
@debster251 – another of stalwarts feeling under par – must be the weather – this is for you 🤗
@basyjames – great job on getting “back to where I was before I threw caution to the gallows”
@metatauta – good job on achieving your 2nd FD for the month and nearing maintenance!
@matpi – hope your fur buddy is doing OK – he’s a good age and sounds like a good companion 🐶
@daffodil2010 – your poor OH – sounds very painful
@fatfingers – I’m with you on your thoughts re maintenance – no park run for me on Christmas Day but OH and I always go for a hike in the fells near us and we have our meal in the evening – just a lovely quiet time together. We have always had a quiet Christmas even when DD lived with us – this year she and her new husband are staying in their home with their fur family – 2 cats and the new puppy who will be 10 months old by then!
@songbirdme – thanks for sharing that recipe – sounds 😋
@snowflake56 – makes you appreciate what you have at home 💑 Glad to hear your friend is doing OK – maybe this will stimulate her OH a bit???

I was going to London on Saturday to sort out my passport at the Australian Embassy but I see that there is now a Train Strike so will have to check if I can still get there!! So annoying if I can’t as I will probably have to wait until the new year to get another appointment…………

I saw this the other day and loved it and so thought I would share with this group
“Believe in yourself and in your dream
Though impossible things may seem
Someday, somehow you’ll get through
To the goal you have in view
Mountains fall and seas divide
Before the one who in his stride
Takes a hard road day by day
Sweeping obstacles away
Believe in yourself and in your plan
Say not – I cannot – But – I can
The prizes of life we fail to win
Because we doubt the power within”

Day 29 – Eastern WA USA – FD

Day 29 pocket list!

@flourbaby
@missybear
@fatfingers
@dingping
@ccco
@annemarilyn

@daffodil2010 – your hubby’s injury sounds quite painful & he’s not demanding! I do pray he heals well

@anna6 – enjoy your visit to Sicily! Visiting another place in the holiday season must be quite festive.

@bellyblast – it sounds like you’re at a healthy place with your body. It is good to be aware of our goals in the decisions we make. You’re right that the health benefits of fasting go beyond weight loss.

@snowflake56 – it is sad when those we care about don’t care for themselves as they could. You’re right though that change is not in his future unless something changes within him.

@songbirdme – interesting how things have a variety of names in different regions.

@at and others describing and talking about Christmas plan makes me reflect on ours. Now living close to my adult children, and no one is needing to travel to see each other we are having different conversations. Maybe some new “traditions” will be started for us. One we have done and will continue, is to have advent together. We each have some kind of an advent wreath set up with the candles for the season. Then each day of advent leading up to Christmas, we light the candle(s), read a piece for the day, and meditate and or pray. We sometimes do a conference call so we’re doing at the same time a few times during the season. We even do it in person a couple of times if possible. The advent wreath/stand I use, my son made for me when he was 8 years old.

Hoping to finish November strong.

Glad we’re on this journey together!

DAY 29 – UK – CD

Should have been a FD but genuinely forgot! Didn’t have breakfast or lunch anyway and had a medium sized evening meal and 2 roses chocolates.

Will have a FD tomorrow.

Warm Regards to you all.

Day 29 – Ireland – CD

Quick check in after a busy day. Have eaten quite well today thankfully.

@daffodil2010 – I have great sympathy for your DH.I tore my calf muscle whilst skiing one year that I happened to have two ski holidays booked so had to try get back on track five weeks after tearing it … I recommend dry needling -that worked really well for me and I was back on the slopes five weeks afterwards having thought I’d never walk normally again…
Onward and dowward ⏬

USA Day 29 NFD
Second Post

Today turned into a NFD. Tomorrow will be my next FD. Have a great evening, everyone!

Day 30, Emden Germany, FD

last FD of this month, didn’t do too bad. No weighing this time, tried on my measurement dress, it fits perfectly.

@dykask hope your hand gets better.

@northerndawn enjoy your success, well done!

@michelinme it’s annoying every brand has it own sizes, you really have to try everything on. That’s why I only buy in real shops, not online, I don’t want to send ill fitting clothes back. It must be a great feeling, hearing your daughter call you skinny.

Pocket list day 30

@snowflake56
@dykask

Have a nice day everyone!

Day 30, Cornwall UK, NFD

Agghhh – up 01.kg this week to 71.9kg. Its infuriating as I had a good week. Just assume its increased muscle mass as the yoga is going well!

So for the month I am down 0.4kg. Not bad for a Tortoise Club member and at least its down. But with BMI at 25.2 I still have to hit the 24.9 target. It will happen…

I think I have to eat less now I weigh a lot less. A big adjustment not completed yet.

Day 30 UK CD

Seeing friends with a Chinese meal tonight so aiming OMAD today.

Not weighed myself this month as I know I’m only standing still which is good enough for me right now, hoping to be more engaged next month and come January full on.

@ciren2 – hope the wrists hold out.

@songbirdme – thanks for the advice re Chex Mix recipe.

@snowflake56 – pleased to hear your friend is making good progress. It’s always good to get home and sink into your own bed and your own routine and even better when you get a lovely welcome home. All that dog walking had an added boost!

@bellyblast – I hate feeling out of control and the start of Christmas countdown always gets me, until I work out a plan, glad you’ve got yours.

@at – being with those you love and like is the best gift, hopefully we are keeping it simple but special.

@michelinme – congratulations for tomorrow such a shame your shopping trip was frustrating – clothes seems to come in all shapes and sizes and hardly ever conform to regulated sizes. Better luck next time. Good luck with your Christmas pep and if I find the answer to our forgetting to do what’s good for us problem then you’ll be the first to know!

@dykask – quite agree there are many conflicts in December!

Many many thanks @basyjames for hosting November.

Good luck Friday Fasters, stay strong.

See you all in December.
Ta x

Hello just popping in to say hi Day 30 one meal today

I must make a concentrated effort to catch up on my group of friends, so sorry I have lost touch with all that is going on in your lives but I hope you will forgive me as I once more get off my chest with what is going on in mine.

I started of the month well, lost the plot and though it has taken a bit of an effort I feel I am on track again. I did have a dry November and apart from that sip of Gin I managed it. At times I would have liked to pour a large glass of wine and sit and enjoy but I resisted. I am however looking forward to one, or 2 in December. I am back running and playing squash as rib injury number 2 is much better, I can at least sneeze now. I have also started to do a body weight exercise plan, starting small, 6 exercises, broken into 3 parts, each part 3 repetitions. Squats, lunges, planks etc. I certainly felt muscles I had forgotten I had. Also trying, again, to log everything into MFP, I usually fall by the wayside on this one.

The matter regarding my Son is now with Solicitors, whether that will make any difference I don’t know. If any are interested in reading a book on a similar subject look up, Please…let me see my son by Thomas Moore. It’s a true story of one man’s journey to have access to his son and how the courts let him down so many times and the will power he needed to continue. It was a few years ago but I don’t know if things have vastly improved. So many things are familiar in our journey with the Mother of his child albeit my son is getting to see his son, at the moment. It is however under her control, in her house and apart from sitting on her sofa getting to hold his baby, he is not permitted to do anything else. The good news is that our son finally agreed to see a counsellor. I could have cried after his first session. He was so animated and up beat. Not sure if I told you he was let go from his job 🙁 on top of everything else but he has sourced another though not as well paid and the hours are not as settled. This will most likely have an impact on his ability to visit his son during the week but we will cross that bridge in due course. We, the extended family, have not been permitted to see Theo or him us for 4 weeks now which is heartbreaking as they grow so fast and any bond we had is diminishing as time goes on. He is a stranger to us. How anyone can be so heartless and cruel to use, the baby she professes to love, to hurt is beyond my comprehension.

On a lighter note, its only 4 weeks now until my OH and I fly to NZ. The only thing we need to do is book car rental. My head is now full of things to do and pack as well as the normal Christmas stuff.

Thank you @basyjames for taking care of November – these are for you
https://kenyastockholm.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/flowers.jpg

I also see that @michelinme is taking care of us in December – many thanks to you all for keeping the challenges going.

Best wishes L x

Day 30 2nd post

@snowflakeme don’t think there’s any big difference btw Vegemite & Marmite. We just picked up the Vegemite habit when we visited Australia about 20 years ago and have kept it up…

It works wonderfully easily as a “tea” for cold weather FDs, staving off hunger and headaches. Hope it works for you – people either love it or hate it 😀

Day 30, UK, FD

Today is the last FD of the month, so I will weigh myself tomorrow and post results. I think they not gonna be kind to me 😬 ,I can tell by my clothes that I haven’t lost any weight, and in fact might have gain a bit. Onwards we go 🙂

@coda its a right thing to involve solicitors in your son’s case imo, good luck to all of you! Its a horrible thing when a mother/parent use the child as a weapon. Big hug coming your way 🤗

@basyjames thank you so much for being our host for November 💐

Lets cross the finishing line and go into December together 👭

Day 30: Gloucestershire, UK: NFD:
Well, another month gone by. I’m quite sure everyone on this forum did better than me….that is; got at least one fast-day in…!! So think on, it could be worse. I had a grand total of…NO FDs. @dykask is my hero, 86 WFDs this year and counting. To think; I used to be able to do these….what happened?
@coda: I feel so sad for your son and you. Why are people so mean to each other? I hope, one day, all will be well and you get to see Theo regularly. It’s good for your son to be able to talk to a counsellor, rather than bottle everything up. Best of luck.
@basyjames: Many thanks for looking after us all.
See you all in December xx

USA Day 30 FD

Just popping in to add my name to the FD pocket list!

@snowflake56
@dykask
@jaifaim
@ccco

Yesterday’s FD turned into a CD, so today is my second FD this week. So far so good! I am encouraged as today was my weigh in day and I have lost 2.4 lbs. this week. So happy! Onward and downward! 🙂

Following the yoga conversation is interesting lately! My yoga teacher quit, so I am becoming dependent on DVDs for my classes. That’s fine anyway, since the weather if getting too cold for me! Congratulation on your wedding, Gretta! Have a great day everyone!

Still day 30

@ccco – I already added you earlier; maybe our posts crossed
Hooray for your loss this month!
@missybear – you’re mastering the maintenance phase!

Day 30 pocket list:

@dykask
@snowflake56
@ccco
@jaifaim
@basyjames
@shinything
@annemarilyn

Hello ccco,glad you are still losing (you know what I mean😊)Just wanted to thank you for cheering me up earlier this year when I was feeling a bit low.I got back on track thanks to you and Simcoeluv (he’s another one of my heroes).Still got around 10 lbs to lose….nearly there.Love seeing your posts.Congratulations on forthcoming Nannyhood .Very best wishes .Chris

Final day Belfast CD

Despite a successful FD yesterday the scales show 1lb above top range. Maybe food in transit. Who knows.

Thank you @ NorthernDawn for your very informative input to the menopause discussion.
@daffodil2010 – your poor OH! Wishing him speedy recovery.
@flourbaby – I’m off to buy cashews! I like your brother’s style. Aren’t we all twenty something inside?
@songbirdme – mmm recipe looks great!
Thank you @at

Well done to everyone for staying the course and being part of this forum. Whether you’ve lost, maintained, or weren’t successful this month, by committing to this WOL you are working towards a healthier lifestyle and you are a winner.

I haven’t time to reply to all but a big thank you to @basyjames for taking time from a busy schedule to herd and support us. Also to @michelinme for offering to hold our hands through the minefield of Christmas celebrations.

See you in December.

Day 30 – USA – CD

I will be travelling for a few days, so I will post my weight as of 11/30 as 150.8, a loss of .6 lbs. in November with only 2 FDs. I did manage to reach a few other goals, though, like toning arms with free weights and walking; my new job is also very stressful and I move around a lot. 150 has been my goal weight, but I want a little wiggle room, so I’m going to join the December challenge and try to get myself down to about 145-147 and then maintain. I doubt if less weight than that will look good on me because of wrinkly skin, especially in the face. See you all in December!

Day 30 – USA – CD

Second post – @basyjames, thank you, my cyber friend, for hosting this month! Over the months I have known you, you seemed to pick up on my tone and responded in a way that feels so connected to me! Thank you!!!! xoxox