Hello everyone from NI – day 2 fd
day 1 fd – estimate 691 calories
today’s estimate so far is 322 which evens out about 500 for the 2 days if the kitchen stays closed.

Thank you @debster251 for looking after this months challenge.

I am taking things rather slowly and trying to put things into perspective but it has been a rough time. I feel exhausted by it all, and still very raw. I probably spent the first weeks constantly crying and not sleeping. It has really knocked me for 6. I have questioned myself as a mother and as a person, could I really have got things so wrong? What did I do, what could I have done differently. I wake in the morning and my stomach turns, its like a reoccurring bad dream. I really didn’t see this coming from a person we welcomed into our home and who I thought I got on well with. At first due to all the stress I couldn’t eat, then the last few weeks of September I awoke the midget gem and carb dragon but new month, new week and I have posted as I realise I have to look after me so I can look after others.

Good to see some familiar names and some newbies joining our October monthly challenge. It is only for 4 weeks – you can do great things in 4 weeks. Try to stay mindful and don’t worry about a little set back, it takes practice, be kind to yourself and remember baby steps. Much love to everyone x

Day 2 – France – NFD

Working from home today and also feeling blah. I suspect PMS. The closer I get to menopause (and I am pretty darn close) the worse the PMS gets. Of course PMS unleashes the carb dragon, so I’ve been fighting with it all day.

@coda hugs to you. i don’t know if i missed a previous post with the backstory but whatever it is I feel for you.

USA Day 2 NFD

Just checking in!

Hi Coda. I don’t know exactly what family crises you have. But as you know we had one ex son in law that we’ve always welcomed in our mists and what he did with our eldest daughter. Ie cheating on her for years before she found out.

Take care of yourself because you have to in order to take care of others.

Virtual hugs 🤗 from me to you.

Day 2– Colorado USA – NFD

Yesterday’s FD pushed the limits up to 800 calorie mark.
First time in quite a while that a FD felt tough… usually I work on Monday, but had the day off. Didn’t keep my hands busy enough to stay out of trouble, so over-shot 500 by a bit. 😬 Oopsies!

So today’s NFD, I met a friend for lunch. Both our husbands hate sushi…. so that’s what we had! Mmmm. What a treat.

Now time to take doggy & kitteh for Annual Wellness check up & booster shots.

@coda — sending huge hugs and so much love and respect for you. Family situations and foibles can indeed wrench our whole being. So many of us here truly care for you.

Day 3, New Zealand, FD

Am going to try ADF this week, managed water & steps ok yesterday. Still working on having an early night. Thanks for the welcome back @at. My eldest daughter is turning 21 in December and we are having a big family get together, with lots of photos, which is my motivation (plus summer is coming!). Can I join in with @snowflake and @debster251 for a plank challenge – are there any specific rules for me to follow?

Day 3 London UK NFD

Trying to keep up with reading everything. There are so many of us…. Does anybody else find that after a good FD, the next day it’s fairly easy to fast until late afternoon? It’s like once you’ve broken the habit of eating, it feels good to prolong the fasting for quite a bit longer. I feel much happier today because I’ve eaten very little after fasting on Monday.
On another note, went to see the film Cold War today at the lovely Rio Cinema in Hackney. Independent, local cinema. Tiny screen and around thirty seats at most. Lovely, lovely film. Really worth seeing.

Day 2 Minnesota, USA FD 16:8

9:00 pm: Under 500 calories and about to go to bed and read with my kindle to avoid any last minute snacking. Babysat for my two yr old granddaughter this morning and then had my hair cut this afternoon, which always energizes me, for some reason. I may try another FD tomorrow. Like you, @emma Taylor, I feel it’s quite easy to continue a fast well into the next afternoon. Might as well take advantage of that.

@ciren2; I’m glad you are back on the wagon! Stay right here and the next 4 months will fly by and you will again be proud of your achievement.

@at; I am also looking to you as a role model. You’ve done so well and sustained so long. A little break in September was just fine; here you are all fresh and ready for the challenges ahead.

@coda: I hope you know how much you’ve helped other people, so many of us on this forum, our lives were changed for the better by your idea of these challenges. We all want the best for you.
I don’t know what exactly is going on in your family but if it involves DIL, I would tell you that in my experience, sometimes it really isn’t as much about you or anything you have said or done, as it is about what her expectations of her relationship with you are. Perhaps her own mother had a poor relationship with her MIL and that is what she expects. She may feel intimidated by your knowledge and experience if she is insecure. She may feel you are somehow a rival for your son’s attention and love. I hope it resolves over time, but until then, try to breathe deeply and remember it is not all upon your shoulders. You can only do so much to reassure. It takes two in any relationship. Others have responsibility in this as well. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, because I know how stressful family problems can be. Hugs.

@claire suzanne; when you bomb out on a FD, just plan for one to make up for it in the next few days. Let it be a MFD if you need to get back into the swing of it gradually, then do a more strict one. Whatever works. There’s always tomorrow!

@redrockgirl302: Danish pumpkin kringle???? How can you resist that? So glad it’s not here. (But kind of wish it was 😉 )

@daffodil2010; let us know how the new position suits you, and good luck with it! You are being very brave….I’m sure you will crush it.

Hope to be on forum earlier in future. Best to everyone!

Day 3, Emden Germany, FD

@strawberriesandcream how nice to hear from you. It’s so much easier with my husband on board, he’s doing quite well.

@at just a case from easy on, easy off, we know how well this WOL works, don’t we?

@coda wise words from @northerndawn. Did your DIL show any signs of a depression during pregnancy? Just a thought. Hugs to you.

@daffodil2010 how did your first day go?

@claire-suzanne we all have been there, take a deep breath and make a fresh start the next day.

@wacm no rules on the plank challenge, just do the planks you want to do, but try to do them every day. It’s just to remind us we planned to do them.

Planks challenge Oktober 2018

@debster251
@snowflake56
@wacm

Pocket list day 3, if you want to join us, please copy and paste the list and add your name to it.

@snowflake56
@rainbowsmile MFD
@lilymartin
@wacm

Have a nice day everyone!

Day 3, Cornwall UK, NFD

Well, I managed to swerve the sourdough bread by taking a different route home from yoga that avoids the bakery. Only to find my OH had baked a loaf while i was out. 4 slices were eaten yesterday but at least it was a non fast day. 5 if i am totally honest.

Another day and this time i will stick to the pumpernickel bread as its virtuallly impossible to over-eat it as its very dense.

@daffodil2010 – how is the yoga going?

@coda – take a lesson from the Stoics – as long as you know you are doing the right things – you can’t control the actions of others. But you can control how you respond. Easier said than done of course. I’ve had some issues in the past and they did improve over time with me letting go stuff and doing a little forgiveness – which took a while and i had to talk myself into.

Day 3: Gloucestershire, UK: NFD.
Good morning.
@coda: To you; big HUGS xx
I’m sorry I haven’t been able to keep up fully on the forum for many months and don’t know exactly what has happened with you/family….but please accept love and prayers from this forum which YOU brought into being in May 2016. We all have so much to thank you for.xx
My day off work today….so I have to be aware that I am apt to sit around eating and catching up on the papers all day (the two are totally inter-connected for me…as eating and cinema are for some)!
I intend to fast tomorrow…a work day. Just need transport….my POOR Car….hurry up back to me…

Day 3 Norfolk (UK) NFD

Thank you @snowflake56 for your words of support.
I guess the calories weren’t major but still….

Up this morning with hopefully determination to get back on track.
Did the sit-ups and crunches with the OH.
He asked if I was up for a run when he gets home tonight so will go carry on the Couch25k training.

Day 3, London, UK, FD

2nd FD of the week, I decided a B2B2B was in order after the weekend I had!!! A well meaning friend gave me a loaf of Co-Op olive bread yesterday ……………………. I didn’t murder him, I just chopped that sucker up and shoved it in the freezer in 100g/222calorie portions!!!!!!!! I did, however, dream about olive bread last night!!!!!

@coda, lovely to hear from you, I hope the situation resolves itself and you’re included in the baby’s life, hopefully she will realise that grandparents are invaluable. Stress of any kind alters our ability to lose or maintain weight, I hope you can find some peace in a situation NOT of your making. (((Hugs)))

@claire Suzanne ………………… don’t panic or beat yourself up about the “Rich-Tea-Episode” ………….. just firmly press the reset button and know that ‘just a little’ often leads to an avalanche!!!!! I dare not even sniff a biscuit on a FD!!!!!!

@emmataylor, I guess that’s why B2B2Bs are so much easier for me, my self control is high, my tummy has shrunk and the habit of eating (mindlessly sometimes!!) has dwindled!!!

So, am I correct in saying it’s just @happymargo & myself going Sober-For-October!!!!!?????? Hhmmm, a forum of lushes, who knew???? ……………………. I include myself in that grouping, of course!!!!!

Just keep keeping on people, once you’ve got the hang of this WOL, started looking forward to FDs, know exactly where you went wrong on a NFD and allow yourself to use (& sometimes abuse) that reset button…………………………… you’ll have begun to understand & cherish your body, rather than beat it into submission with a low calorie, restrictive, pain inducing unsustainable …………………. (whisper the word) ………………….. D…I…E…T

Day 3UK FD 3rd of B2B2B2B

Yesterday’s fast day was a bit harder but I stayed strong. 😁

Still got a headache today though.

Sending positive vibes to you all.

Day 3 pocket list:
@snowflake56
@rainbowsmile MFD
@lilymartin
@wacm
@lolastarr
@arelkade
@bert1802
@sarahbob

2nd post

Hahaha @flourbaby – my post above will explain my silence on the subject of Sober October!! However, (in a whisper), so far so good……..

Day 3 – NFD – France

Just checking in. Having lunch with a colleague today, and my goal is to choose wisely and not to stuff my face!

Good luck to all the fasters.

Second post

Day 3 pocket list:
@snowflake56
@rainbowsmile MFD
@lilymartin
@wacm
@lolastarr
@arelkade
@bert1802
@sarahbob
@beedoo

@sarahbob I am already behind on Ripped in 30 as my DVD player is waiting for me to pick it up from the post office! Have been continuing with level three of 30DS but very excited and nervous about starting RI30 from tomorrow. How are you finding it?!

3rd post

Thanks for the links @debster251.
@claire Suzanne – yes that’s the same app I have and I’m using Jo Whiley as my trainer. I started out with Laura but I’m finding Jo more motivating because she was a complete novice. If I feel Week 4 may be too challenging, I’ll repeat Week 3. Off out now for my 2nd run of the week. I too am aiming for our local 5K park run on a Saturday morning.
Hi @beedoo – good to see you.
@missybear – it’s working so far… Yes I know it’s only day 3!

USA Day 3 FD

Just adding myself to the pocket list!@snowflake56
@rainbowsmile MFD
@lilymartin
@wacm
@lolastarr
@arelkade
@bert1802
@sarahbob
@beedoo
@ccco

Day 3 NC USA NFD
Barely TDEE yesterday.

Day 3 USA (Illinois) – NFD

Yesterday turned into a good MFD that I know I needed. I made lunch of Italian stew, Caesar salad,with some cheesy bread. ONly had 758 calories all day when I added my late afternoon apple.

@strawberrriesandcream -I don’t fret with what MFP says about how much to eat. I also do NOT add my exercise into the log as it then says I can eat more calories. The week-ending compendium they send with the email is nice for reminding me the fast days.

Off shortly to yoga and Silver Sneakers.

This afternoon our local movie theater is doing (for the fall — 4 films) “Films Set in Illinois.” Two very interesting and educated men lead discussion before and after. September was “Blues Brothers” and today is “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off” — my lunch will be popcorn and a Diet Coke. 🙂 These film series are well attended mostly by us retirees. They have a matinee and an evening showing.

Onward and downward.

My car is coming back…hooray!!!! The garage just rang to say the part arrived and they’ve fitted it. A man has to come and programme the keys tomorrow morning. So, just one more lift to get to work tomorrow morning then….I’M FREE!
@keeper: The trouble when you start eating sweet foods, eh? I’m the same.

Day 3 – UK – CD

Yesterday ended up a good CD and hoping the same for today – weight this morning = 54.7kg

Great strength yoga class this morning followed by brunch out with a girlfriend – had a slice of sourdough toast with sautéed wild mushrooms and a duck’s egg on top with a skinny flat white! (I still have no breakfast whether I’m fasting or not – on NFD I will often have a late brunch and then an evening meal)

I volunteered for a few hours this afternoon at a club for the elderly and now back home catching up on the forum before I tackle tonight’s meal – OH has requested Jamie Oliver’s Crispy-skinned mackerel with Asian-inspired dressing 😋

I am finding myself having to work hard to curb the bad eating habits that I got into last month and struggling on both FDs and NFDs still BUT I know that I can conquer that particular 🐉 if I stay strong – I’m hoping that after this first week it will get easier……..

@ciren2 – thank you – you can do this too 🤗 and yes so lucky to live in Cumbria and have fantastic places to hike on my doorstep – it will be nice to have your car back 🚗
@bellyblast – I find MFP very useful as a guide – amazing how fast the calories add up when you don’t think about it!!!! I suspect that has been the problem for all of us who got overweight – consuming way more that we thought we did……..
@foodfreedomgirl – remember that a bad day does not a bad week make – dust yourself off and hitch a ride on that famous @bert1802 5:2 wagon – there will always be plenty of hands to pull you up 😊
@coda – so nice to have you contributing to the challenges – we will always be here for you as you have helped so many of us in the past – I do hope that there is a good resolution with the family issues 🤗
@claire-suzanne – don’t berate yourself – everyone of us on these challenges have had days like your Day 2 – remember if you managed to stay under 800cals still count it as a FD – if not then park day 2 as a learning experience and refocus on your next FD this week – There will always be someone being 😇on your shoulder to support x
@wacm – you are very welcomed and what a great motivator you have to help you focus over the next couple of months x
@emma-taylor – agree it is often easy to carry on fasting until late morning or early afternoon after a good FD
@bert1802 – you just put that Matilda and those people at work who are annoying you all together into that metaphorical cage and slam the door shut on them and let them get on with it 🤣
@northerndawn – Thank you for your kind words – you are right I was not really sidetracked just had a bit of low month mentally……… I also always find that a visit to the hairdresser has such a positive mental influence on me – I walk out of the hairdresser feeling fab ☺️
@snowflake56 – so glad to have you on this life journey xx
@daffodil2010 – just knew that this change of role was not going to faze you……definitely sounds like the change of job was just what you needed – so nice to work with people who appreciate your efforts!!
@arelkade – hello and how are things with your OH – still going well after that procedure he underwent I hope and congratulations on what I believe is your 1 year anniversary with this WOL
@flourbaby – and that is the reason why I don’t buy or keep bread in the house – I leave it as treat when I’m eating out – if it was in the house it would disappear into my big mouth…………Sorry but I’m not doing Sober October with you but will be abstaining on 3-4 days a week 😉
@beedoo – hello and lovely to have you back after your Copenhagen trip – I was absent for September after the first week but back with a vengeance this October!
@debster251 – thank you for the welcome back x
@yo-yo-fletch – Welcome to the October Challenge and it’s never too late to join – I remember your name popping up on a couple of days in various challenge months last year – we will all help you make this month strong and it does help to post something daily even if it is just briefly – it helps with accountability!
@fatbutnothappy – welcome on board – the challenge month is for those wanting to follow the 5:2 WOL and it is for whatever personal challenge you want to set yourself – read the first post on Page 1 by our host @debster251 for this month and it will explain things a bit for you
@michelinme 🤗🤗 and to anyone else who needs one today x

The number on the scale might go up and down every other day, but that’s OK – this journey is about living a healthier, happier life, not just about fitting into a certain dress size.
We’ve all got to deal with setbacks, whether it’s missing a workout when we’re sick or having to grab something from the vending machine when there’s no time for lunch. Keep your eyes on your long-term goals!

“DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR GOAL TO BE PROUD OF YOURSELF. BE PROUD OF EACH STEP YOU TAKE TOWARD REACHING THAT GOAL”