D7 NFD UK Lake District

Just checking in. Not gone AWOL. We have gone away for a few days booked at very last minute. The internet here is very slow. I am reading all the posts on my phone to keep up to date with everyone but may not post every day. I will still be thinking about you all and will respond when I get home.

@stitchincarol – re the fruit mix …. Mrs IHL mixes her own favourites ie combination of cranberries, sultanas, raisins, currants, cherries. So as she says, anything you like, it soaks in the rum so plumps up well.

Day 8, FD? Aus

It’s Thursday so it should be a FD for me. I wish I’d read your encouraging post first @stitchincarol. I was hungry so had some pasta for lunch with OH. I googled how many calories that might have been to see whether I could still call this a FD. Did you know there are different calorie amounts depending on whether the pasta is dried or cooked? Who would eat dry pasta!!??

I think I can still call this a 500 calorie FD provided I swerve dinner completely. But I know what OH is cooking and I can sense my resolved faltering.

Where o where did that mojo go?

Day 8 – Lake district UK – NFD

Good morning everyone

Managed to get out twice for a wander yesterday, then a bit in the garden and helped Mrs IHL making the Christmas puddings! Very old family recipe for the puds, instead of suet etc grated apple and breadcrumbs, much lighter. It came from Mrs IHL’s great grandmother from many years back, she was ‘in service’ in one of the estates, it’s based on a nursery pudding originally, but adapted with the usual Christmas spices etc.

@at – Great minds etc, we use less cheese than we used to but finely grated Pecorino works really well, nice strong nutty flavour!

Nice morning, but cool, so bottle the latest batch of beer, then a couple of ‘phone consultations and a wander later. Feeling a lot better this morning, the stiches where the tusks were removed went yesterday afternoon, even had a beer last night to celebrate 😉

Take care all

Day 8 – Country NSW, Australia – NFD

The day started out OK, saw my doc and got a form for pathology (full bloods etc) to see what they are at the start of this diet and see if there’s a difference in like 4 months time. Came home and had my boiled eggs on Rivita. Followed by some carrot sticks and hummus, although for some reason this brand has twice the calories of the last lot I got, something I’ll have to look at more closely next time. Thought that I was on track for another good FD800 day.

Then my body decided to surprise me with unexpected lady issues despite not having them for almost a year thanks to the pill (I think it’s just my body reacting to the diet) but an afternoon of cramps and heatpacks meant woman’s best friend (chocolate) was consumed in non-diet amounts and probably close to 3000 extra kj for the day. But we’re allowed a ‘cheat day’ every now and then, right?

Going to get my bloods done tomorrow morning so only doing a 13 hour fast tonight, cause if you go over about 15 hours it can skew the results somewhat (from ex-pathology collector mother), but definitely think I’ll be having something after that!

Day 8 – USA/GA – NFD

My scales wanted to give me a 241.0 today, but I did rock it a bit to 240.8, and since I can feel myself retaining fluids (I’m wearing the same outfit as yesterday, but I have to loosen my belt a notch from where it was yesterday afternoon), I think it’s fair to say I have reached 240! I’ll mark that as a mini-milestone as I last weighed 240 in June 2017.

***

Before I can read the features of the park, Wesley stands up, looking annoyed. “Wesley, what is it?” Lola asks. Wesley leans over the table. “You two can hang out here if you want. I’m waiting outside.” Lola and I look at each other. “It’s fine, Wesley. We’ll come outside.” We gather up our things once again and make our way to the door of The 240s Club. The imposing looking bouncer is no longer there, as we hear the bartender shout “last call” behind the bar. Lola and I zip up our jackets as we head out into the cool night air. The streetlights illuminate an avenue still full of parked cars but with little traffic. The buzz of the neon sign of the club hanging over the door hums above our heads, only broken by the sound of a few cars driving past. My ears are still trying to readjust to the relative quietness of the street compared to the booming dance beats that are still penetrating the walls of the club. In fact, I missed it when Lola asked, “how much longer until the car arrives?” Wesley says, “It should be only a few more minutes. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t take it any longer.” I nod in agreement. “I’m beat.”

***

Good luck to our Thursday pocket-listers!

Day 8 Egg fast day 2

I am still exercising and trying to keep my head above water. Its been oddly difficult 🙄so to get through this difficult period I am engaging in an egg fast just to tread water until I can screw my head on right and pack on the mojo.

slow and steady, slow and steady, one day at a time.

Pocket list day 8
@penz
@snowflake56 FD800
@basyjames egg fast

ZCB day 8
@snowflake56
@markie99
@basyjames

Exercise day 8
@markie99
@basyjames

Day 8 Minnesota, USA FD
Day 7 NFD, and over TDEE 😞

I feel like the week has gotten away from me, and I really need to reset and complete my action goals today in order to feel like I’m on track for the month.

My workers are done, the soffits, fascia and gutters installed and it looks great. They did a good job. No more workers until the end of October for a new garage door and opener install.

@stitchincarol I hope you have a lovely time with family, and drink plenty of fluids to counteract that elevation difference. It always takes me a couple of days at elevation before I feel normal.

@snowflake56 I know exactly the relief you are feeling to have your home to yourselves for the next several days…..It is so unpleasant to have strangers around and in your home…so disruptive and unsettling even if they are friendly and polite. I hope next week goes as planned and you and your cat can hide out in a cozy room and do something you enjoy.

@markie99 I hope things quiet down around your neighborhood and you and your property stay safe. It causes such anxiety when you know a protest is coming: and you have to wait and see who shows up at protests these days….the idealists who want their voices heard, the kids looking for action, the opportunists who have their own agenda and looking to take advantage, or the violent sociopaths who are there to cause destruction and get selfies. Best of luck the next couple days. I’m glad you are staying with us and also sticking to your healthy plan. It’s the best thing for you in these times, to take care of yourself.

Pocket list day 8
@penz
@snowflake56 FD800
@basyjames egg fast
@northerndawn

ZBC day 8
@snowflake56
@markie99
@basyjames
@northerndawn

Exercise day 8
@markie99
@basyjames
@northerndawn

DTF
@northerndawn

Happy to read of all of you that are doing well with their action plans…..It’s very encouraging!

Day 9, NFD, Aus

Oh dear @markie99! I’m so glad this forum is helping you at the moment. It’s bad enough that the world has to deal with COVID but the additional unrest situation in the US is worrying. I hope you are able to stay safe.

Hang in there, @betsylee. Things aren’t great in Melbourne either, but if you’re maintaining, that sounds like success to me!

Yesterday’s planned FD was a complete bust. (I won’t say fail – but it really was.) I’m going to think on your promise post, @stitchincarol. The additional question for me is do I really want to promise myself? Like you say, is not wanting to promise myself something code for giving myself an out?

have a great weekend everyone.

Days 8 and 9 – Country NSW, Australia – MFD

I’m also including Day 8 (NFD) as I think my post got lost in cyberspace.

Day 8 Had to go see my doctor just before 9am, asked if I could some blood tests done as a kind of base level for things and another lot when I see her again in late January if all goes well. Egg and Rivita for a late breakfast, ended up with a 16 hour fast again. Lunch was carrot sticks and hummus, though I discovered that this brand has way more calories than the one I had before. Was well on the way to another under 800 day when my body decided to surprise me with lady issues and resulting cramps from hell and there’s only one thing for that… chocolate. So Fast800 went out the window for a day. Banana for dinner cause I didn’t feel like anything else.

Day 9 – MFD

Had a shorter and later fast to go and get my bloods done, of course the place I like to go is shut due to COVID and the only one open at 7am had like 8 people in front of me… thankfully got it done just in time for work. Broke my fast with a Nut Bar (not good I know, but it’s what I had at hand) and several mugs of rooibos tea. Lunch was 3/4 of a serve of my vegie stew and dinner was a chilli con carne. Again just got in under the 800.

Randomly, do people in general NOT read signs that businesses post up in their windows? My workplace (yarn mill with a small ‘shop’ out the front) is now accepting visitors and customers again. I put 2 signs up with the guidelines, including not to touch items you don’t intend on purchasing (it’s quite hard to disinfect yarn) and what does the first person through the door do?? Yep, wanted to touch EVERYTHING. Sorry, end rant.

Day 9 Stoupa Greece OMAD.

Just checking in to say hello. We are off to Athens tomorrow. It’s so chilled here, and we are outdoors all the time, so COVID-19 seems a long way away. I am always ready to come home by the end of a holiday, but not this time. DH keeps saying ‘ we might as well stay here’, which seems exciting and slightly mad at the same time.
@Daffodil2010- I know what you mean about the grounding sounding hippieish. I have a very right on friend who has tried lots of alternative ideas over the 40 ( really? 40?) years I’ve known her, and I’ve usually responded with rolled eyes and enormous skepticism. But it seems to work, so I’m sticking with it. My friend has bought a grounding sheet, and reports better sleep and aches and pains reduced, and another friend with insomnia now sleeps well with hers. But I still think just the basic, walking barefoot on the ground is the best way of grounding.

Day 9 – Lake district UK – NFD

Good morning everyone

Friday weigh in … despite Mrs IHL feeding me up and not much walking, yet again no change, which is a result!

@markie99 – hope things settle down soon for you and keep safe.

Had a very interesting conversation with dietician yesterday. Went through my history, especially recent weight loss etc. She wanted to know about the regime and was very good, interested and impressed with all the hard work and full of praise.

This was followed with a slight surprise, during the treatment (chemo/radiotherapy) I’m not going to be able to eat normal sized meals (that bit was no surprise) as swallowing is going to be difficult/painful.
The surprise was the list of things she suggested I eat and have 5 or 6 portions a day, basically graze on stuff I’ve been avoiding for over a year! Dairy, whole milk, cheese, cream etc plus high protein and high calorie food. Having said that, she was very good and wants me to try and maintain my weight, virtually everyone having this treatment loses weight despite the high calorie diet.
The good news is I can eat virtually anything and everything I want, the bad news is I won’t want to. So the warthog will still be unhappy 🙂

Managed a slightly longer walk yesterday afternoon seeing as the sun was shining, showery wet day so might have to dodge around them and have a couple of shorter ones today.

Take care all.

Day 9 CD UK

Not ready to add my name to FD list yet but jogging along quite nicely. Small reduction each day but need to increase loss otherwise I will be forever getting to my short term gaol, especially if I eat out which I seem to be doing, catching up on Covid cancellations earlier in the year.
Flue jab tomorrow so hope I don’t have any repercussions.
Have been incorporating small walks and some exercise within my limitations.

My goal is to be less than 11 stones, 154 lbs by the end of the month and at the moment I have 3.5 lbs to go.

Love some of the quotes at the end of the posts, some of them really resonate.

TTFN

Day 9 Murrells Inlet SC CD

I lost my post from yesterday ugh. Yesterday was a good Fast Day as I stayed right at 500 calories. I will weigh myself on Monday, already feeling lighter. The Mudra cards really came in handy.

I had a friend call and said she was heading down to Myrtle Beach for a few days and wanted to hook up. Of course I had to decline due to this darn pandemic. With my husbands cancer and the fact that he is also in a Clinical Trail, well we have to be extra carefully.

I still have to get groceries delivered and the only place we go is to speech therapy and doctors. Praying this ends soon.

“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” Have a great day everyone.

Day 9 – USA/GA – NFD

Oops, just realized my morning post didn’t post! I guess I was logged out and didn’t realize it when I switched off the computer. Since it’s so late, I’ll redo my latest Wesley and Lola episode on Day 10. See you on Saturday!

Day 10 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

My girls night didnt happen as my friend was still waiting to hear about the Covid test of her son in law. The negative result came in last evening so I have rearranged our night for tonight.

And why didn’t I organise this night for a Saturday in the first place as I am so much more relaxed as I have the day to prepare. Getting home from work at 6pm with guests arriving at 7.30pm for dinner did not give me much time.

Looking forward to the catch up, my friend is so relieved she doesn’t need testing, so there will be a few glasses of wine and perhaps a cocktail tonight.

Have a great Saturday.

Day 10, Emden Germany, NFD
Day 9 NFD

I thought, I posted yesterday but I can’t find the post.

@markie99 I hope things have a calmed down by now, it’s not a good situation to be in.

@stitchincarol Enjoy your time with the family. Interesting thought about promissing something to oneself. I’ll have to think about that one.

@northerndawn In the end everything will be fine, I’m just not dealing as well as I shoud. I hope they get it done on time so we can move on. The cat enjoys life at the moment, he’s with me all day while I am browsing magazines and books to find renovation inspiration.

@i-hate-lettuce I really like your positive attitude.

@daffodil2010 What a relief! Enjoy your evening.

Have a nice day everyone!

Day 10 post 2

Re part of an earlier post by

@markie99 – “allowing me to post what is actually happening in my life. I considered just not mentioning the unrest, but trying to keep it real on this forum without getting political or divisive.”

I had similar thoughts but regarding health issues, but then thought that is part of what this group is about? Life and all of its ups and downs.
I certainly find being able to post on here my ups and downs help me enormously, no criticism from anyone, encouragement and positive thoughts abound.

Day 10 Wisconsin USA

Yesterday was a good day for exercise and diet except – Ack! I ate a cookie! Medium-sized with a thick layer of bright orange frosting and brown and white sprinkles. It was not a cookie I would choose. My sweet, emphasis on the sweet, friend brought them to our lunch in the park and I didn’t know how to say no. She brought 5 – I managed to get away with just eating one.

I don’t have many people forcing food on me – how would others handle a situation like that?

Heading out to the farmer’s market and an outdoor yoga class (taught by someone else) so I know I’ll meet that part of my plan today. I’ve been reaching 10,000+ steps nearly every day so I’m going to set that as a goal on my Fitbit (currently at 8500).

Eating is another matter today. Celebrating our 51st wedding anniversary (I was 20, my OH was 21 so now you know, lol), so we’re having a special dinner tonight. Our anniversary coincides with a harvest dinner our town does in the autumn. Usually it’s set up outdoors on long tables in our village area with a choice of appetizer, entree, dessert and wine from restaurants in the vicinity. This year it is virtual, so we’re picking up our pre-ordered and prepared dinner in the early evening and taking it home to dine.

I’ve adjusted my plan accordingly. Good luck to everyone today.

@snowflake56, @songbirdme and @i-hate-lettuce and once again to everyone else, sincere thanks to you all for your concern and comforting words. I can’t express how much that means to me, especially as a new member of this group.

@flourbaby, I’m so sorry that your home situation has come to this point. Keeping you in my thoughts and hoping you find a permanent place soon. Keep posting whenever you can. And I fully approve your Med meal plan.

Day 9 Plan:
Continue walking and daily yoga

Day 10 – USA/GA – NFD

Managed to keep the weight at 241 lbs. yesterday and today (after fasting until after shopping this morning)! At 1/3 of the way through the month, I’m not really sure I’ll meet my goal this month (still 5 lbs. away), but I will see what happens! I may have to make some adjustments in my monthly targets. I do feel that maybe sometime next week, I’ll be exiting The 240s Club.

***

Lola does a little jog while crossing her arms and rubbing both arms briskly with her hands. “How much longer until the Uber shows up?” Wesley looks down at his phone. “About ten minutes.” As Wesley and Lola look up the road, something catches the corner of my eye directly across the street. In a dark alley between two brick buildings, a pair of glowing yellow eyes is looking directly at us. They suddenly disappear. I squint to see better, but there’s nothing there. I sigh, thinking I must be really exhausted, and look up into the night sky. If it weren’t for the light pollution, I could probably see a few more of the stars poking through the clouds. The moon doesn’t appear to be out, or maybe it’s a new moon? Who knows. I look up the road with Lola and Wesley to keep a lookout for the Uber. Once again, I catch a glint of of something across the street. I return my attention to the alley and let out an audible gasp. “Yikes! You scared me,” Lola said. “What is it?” I point across the street, “do you both see that?” Now Wesley is looking. A pair of glowing yellow eyes is now fixed right upon us. Before anyone can say anything, the eyes begin to bob up and down, completely fixated on the three of us. They seem to be coming closer and closer…

***

@markie99 Congratulations on your anniversary!

@flourbaby Stay strong! Sorry to hear about your living arrangements. Maybe things will speed along.

@brightonbelle I loved eating my way through Italy in 2017. Strangely enough though, when I returned, I ended up weighing less than when I left! However, that probably had more to do with my weird layovers with little time to eat anything except the cross-Atlantic airline food 🙂 Now, to get back to that 2017 post-Italy weight — hopefully before the year ends!

Hope everyone out there has a great weekend. We’re going to try to stay dry as Hurricane Delta passes nearby today and overnight.

Day 10 USA (Illinois) NFD

Hanging in there with maintenance.

@diana123 – you’ve got a good plan going there with 2 FD’s along with 18:6. More power to you.

@i-hate-lettuce – your cooking regimen sounds like you’ve got it down to a science! I love it.

One cookie? @markie99 – this WOL allows for that with no problem. One thought is you could tell your friend “just a half – I’m really watching my sugars” to satisfy her. And Happy Anniversary to you! You’re right behind us -also married at 20 & 21. We will have 52 years in January. Enjoy your celebration!

Onward and downward.

D11 CD UK Lake District

Well I am back to continue my journey after spending a few nights away in Scotland. We were very nervous about going as we have been shielding and it was the first night away from home since the beginning of lockdown . As it turned out everything worked out fine. We did check on the hotel’s virus position and how they were managing social distancing. We had breakfast and dinner in the restaurant and avoided the lounge areas. We spent two days walking the coastal path which was lovely and we only got wet once, so all in all a lovely break.

I am back now and don’t plan to compensate for all the lovely food I have had this week but will just carry on where I left off. So it will be a CD for me today.

Exercise Day 11
@kazoo swim

Happy Sunday.

Day 11 – NSW, Australia – NFD

Another 16:8 today, some carrot sticks and hummus for a brunch. Again FD800 day went out the window when I gave into that craving for pizza, but the two lowest calorie ones on the Dominos menu. I think after a week we’re allowed a few higher days, not like I binged out on a block of chocolate or something.

Hopefully tomorrow I might have a better day, and figure out the cause for these random dizzy spells. Maybe hormones, maybe fasting or low calories, I’m not really sure.