Day 10 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

Had a good FD yesterday, & managed to prolong it until after noon & clocking up nearly 10,000 steps this morning.

We’ve been without power the entire day – again 😣. I heard a rumour about a substation being sabotaged during the night. What people won’t do for weekend overtime?! Anyway, it’s back on now. @matpi – I think there’ll be more than one nice glass of something tonight. Very apt poem; straight to bed with no supper for that little girl 😅

@i-hate-lettuce – good to hear from you.

@gardenlily – ‘God save the King’ really does sound odd. The only time we’ve heard it until now is in an old movie or period drama.

I hope everyone’s having a good weekend 🌤 🌈

Day 11 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – FD

I’m feeling kind of invincible today, so I’m going for another FD while it lasts 💪

@matpi – no, unfortunately I don’t have a generator. The regular ones are horrible, noisy things anyway. I’ve got a couple of power banks, so I can at least keep my phone charged, & I’ve got a portable gas stove. But I’ve heard great things about these inverter generators. Although they’re expensive, they’re becoming cheaper & they’re almost silent. So that’s something I’ll definitely look into once I’ve found a permanent place.

Looking forward to Monday morning PFDS. Anyone else…? 👀

Happy S🌞nday!

Pocket List – Day 11 🍏
@funshipfreddie

Day 10 16:8

Returned home a couple of days ago, and have been so very busy. The visit to my family was wonderful, my friend’s wedding was beautiful. Both Brides were radiant and their almost adult children were their attendants and they were all so happy for their moms. The weather threatened, but stayed clear for the outdoor event and afterward there were games like croquet, sandbag toss, and other such old-fashioned outdoor entertainments – and after dark a bonfire and s’mores! ‘‘Twas so much fun and a joyous day. The hundreds of photos I took will be culled and put into a photo book I will send on to them next week.

Saw DH ex-girlfriend and she (as usual) looked fantastic so was very happy I had shed those dozens of extra pounds so I could look my best. Her news – that she is moving to Hawaii- helped me feel more comfortable, as she is the touchy-feely flirty type. My dress fit perfectly, and I was confident because I knew it looked good on me. I did get lots of compliments, but less so for the dress, than the navy pea coat style hoodie I donned when it got cooler later on in the evening. That hoodie was a big hit with so many people commenting on it. My comfortable sensible but still stylish shoes were also a hit, and I sent the link to buy them to several friends.

It was odd, we haven’t seen many of the these long distance friends in years – and age has pushed topics like health to the fore. And although I am the eldest (by a few months to a few years) I seem to be one of the few without chronic health conditions. We arrived early and helped set up wedding decorations and preparations — that day I ran up and down the stairs so many times as few others outside of the brides children were physically fit enough to carry stuff down the stairs. Physical limitations have changed the group dynamics quite a bit. And yes, it does appear to me that extra carrying that weight is a particular indicator of the other health concerns.

Returning to routine has required resolve – my hunger is up due to eating many things I normally eschew and my body quickly adapted to the lesser amount of exercise I got on the trip and keeps urging me to put off exercising so I am having to be strict with myself. I know I’ll adapt back but it is requiring a lot of attention and willpower to do so at the moment. I picked up 2.5 pounds so I need to make sure I reverse that.

So hello to all, glad to be back and see everyone is safe and sound here. Just a few mentions or I’ll never get moving today – @michelleinme – that is very impressive progress since May, good for you! @matpi I had acupuncture for a strained back/neck a few years ago – it was the only thing that could relax those muscles so I could heal! I’m glad it gave you a good night rest! @funshipfreddie I have so much sympathy for the power troubles, and am glad to hear power has returned. Otherwise It sounds like you and Boo are settling into to the new quarters happily 😀

Cheers!

Day 11 – UK Cam – NFD
Totally hectic day yesterday so no post. Started the day with usual dog walk – glorious morning out at 7 am and, after a quick breakfast, off to judge at the local garden show – NEVER AGAIN!! Oh my, how on earth do you judge the ‘longest marrow’ when there is only one, rather sad specimen on the bench? OK, the tastiest carrot was fun (apart from 1 carrot that was absolutely foul – thank goodness I took a bottle of water with me). The main problem was the lack of entries – caused partly by the awful growing season / hot weather we have had this year and, of course, by the death of the Queen. I was surprised they went ahead with the show. Anyway, that took up all the morning (no snacks, save those carrot pieces!) and dash home, baked beans on rye toast and off to visit GD for an intensive Lego session (3 hours). By the time I caught my breath and sat down (in the dark!) it was supper time and, guess what, nothing planned. Anyway, today has been much calmer and spent the morning picking and sorting my delicious cox eating apples. Sewing an Advent Calendar for my niece’s little boy all afternoon and lemon & herb roast chicken for dinner.
Tomorrow will be a FD as usual – volunteer day at the gardens. Hope it’s not too hot.

@northgeorgia – I sympathise with you – eating at a friends house can be fraught with dangers – just another chocolate ginger biscuit/slice of chocolate cake … But at least you have cleared temptation out of your own home and that’s a positive move.

@funshipfreddie – methinks many of us will be looking at getting home generators with the increased cost of power in the UK. My memory is of really noisy smelly machines in the cow shed and there’s no way one of those (ancient) things is coming in my home!

@MarieElena – sounds like you had a wonderful time at the wedding and saw off your DH’s ex – well done. Your outfit sounds great – and when something fits well, you always feel so much better and self-confident.

Off to baste that chicken and pour myself a glass of lime & soda – my go-to long drink on a Sunday.

Day 12 UK FD

Monday reset , last week went well but the scales ain’t budging but I do “feel” lighter so just keep on I guess

Pocket List – Day 12 🍄
@penz
@brightonbelle

Day 12 – FD 800

Thanks for the Fung link, @funshipfreddie and I had a morning coffee spit take when he said to remember the 1970’s and wrote this: “If you looked at an old photograph from that era, perhaps you might be amazed at several things. First, why anybody ever thought bell bottoms were cool.” – 😂😂😂 But seriously, it is a great read. I do think it is a bit simplistic (I’m becoming more and more convinced individuals need individual solutions, person A might need more attention to calories and person B to when they intake the calories – because bodies and hormones are complicated!) to say just address the when we eat part of the matter — but to ignore the hormonal part of the equation – as most do – is indeed why most diets fail, imo. Great read, good reminders.

And the funny thing is I seem to have intuitively known this. In college, to reduce the ‘freshman 15’ pounds I had put on I decided not to diet, but to eat dinner at the earliest time available (5pm) and then stop. Unless it was a party or ‘event’ I just stopped eating for the day at about 6pm. Since I was never a big breakfast person (I’d choose the extra sleep 45 minutes over walking to the cafeteria or later, messing in the kitchen every time) I was naturally doing an intermittent fasting 16:8 life most days. It worked and so effortlessly I almost forgot that was what I was doing. But, I do remember that I just don’t have the same sweet tooth that many others have – so my insulin levels probably don’t spike as high as the next person with a Western diet regularly- and thus IF protocols appear to work especially well for me.

That so many struggle with weight, diet, hunger cues (not to mention impulsive and emotional eating) etc., is the best proof to me that this is complicated (hormone control (timing, spikes, effect of sleep and stress) AND calories AND energy expenditure). And diet advice that only addresses one factor – especially calories – and then shames those for whom it doesn’t work is both obtuse and cruel, imo.

Now I say to myself, enough with the seriousness! Basta!

@matpi – this trip I just returned from was one of those
All holds came off my eating and anything goes seemed to have been my mantra. I did try to temper that with a sincere attempt to make sure I had the proper amount of veg every day, but that is hard for me to do, especially when eating in restaurants. And my favourite Chicago meal – hot dog and fries – well it comes with a pickle sliver and a tiny amount of diced onion, but 😂 not the proper amount of veg for sure! Now that I’m back, I am enjoying my regular roasted veg and/or homemade salad and dressing quite a bit – I missed them!

Joining the Monday pocketlist and this will be my first FD in three weeks, so I’m hoping it goes smoothly.

Warm wishes to all!

Pocket List – Day 12
@penz
@brightonbelle
@i-hate-lettuce
@mariaelena

Day 13, NFD, Aus

Took some will power (or “won’t” power) but another successful FD yesterday. I still don’t feel in control, but.

Interesting article, @funshipfreddie and reflections @mariaelena. When I started university, I was very much an OMAD eater (dinner). I recall for a special treat – often on exam days, I would treat myself to a black olive bagel for lunch, but such snacks were rare. These days I defn eat two meals a day. I might try to revert to my old ways, because they worked.

Day 13 UK NFD

Horrid grey rainy weather here today , but apparently it’s only for a couple of days and then we get the sun back , good for the garden to get a bit of rain

Off for an eye test later , I was planning to walk in and get my 10k in but we’ll see might need to drive in

Have a good one all

Day 13, FD, Scotland

Well this is a first for me, a fast day on a Tuesday, but here goes! Im unsure whether to do Tuesday/Wednesday,or Tuesday/Thursday, i will see how I feel tomorrow. Ive never did consecutive days.Body attack after work.

Lets go Tuesday fasters!!!

Pocket List
@goal10kg

Day 13 UK FD

I managed a WFD with just marmite tea, black decaf coffee, ginger tea and fizzy water – yay! it was wonderful to wake up this morning and feel my fat suit had shrunk in the last 24 hours. I’m back down to where I was last Friday, at 173lb.

Today is full on and it makes sense to have another FD, tho more likely a FD500 or 800 than a WFD. Thus far tho I’m finding fasting energy and brain boost is really helpful. I’ve got thru the memorial service planning, which left me really moved and sad, and production planning for tonight’s book launch – phew! My mother is due for tea any moment then I have 3 hours to write my piece for this evening and relax until later. I’m hoping it will all be straightforward once i get started!!!

It’s funny how fasting becomes easier when you do it! And definitely easier for me to have non-food fast days. Going with what works, and going with the flow.

Doorbell!

Day 14, NFD, Aus

I’m donating blood today; had to change my appointments so many times that I completely misaligned this with my new Wed FD. Oh well. Maybe I can do OMAD instead.

@matpi – I think if the bagel is fresh enough, and you don’t mind a bit of extra chewing, a bagel with nothing on it is completely doable. I quite liked the saltiness of the olive bagel and didn’t feel the need for any topping. Give it a go!

So true, @michelinme “It’s funny how fasting becomes easier when you do it!” Practice makes perfect! Just gotta focus on control for those NFDs…

Day 14 – Wednesday– Gold Coast Queensland Australia – (NFD)🌸🌻🌼🌺

Helloooooo everyone, sorry I’ve been missing in action for a few days. Life has suddenly become very complicated and feeling overwhelmed and so tired.

Visitor arrived from NZ last Friday to stay for a bit (she is ex-neighbour who now lives in NZ). There are some complications as her marriage is failing and she is needing some refuge and to download her predicament ….. so employing my listening ear but mouth shut skills. Really that is all I can do at this point, just to let her talk and then I suppose later she’ll start to think about the way forward. But for now, just to listen is all that is needed and that’s what galpals do.😊

Also on Friday discovered major leak in my new kitchen under the sink! Epic fail of very expensive Blanco Silgranit Pull Out Mixer Tap, the leak tracking down from the faucet/hose into the cabinetry.😬 Why do these things only happen on a Friday or weekend when it is impossible to get a tradesperson? Murphy’s law… Fortunately under warranty still… yay! Blanco call centre took the details and said they’ll have their service department call me FIRST thing Monday morning… ha ha ha ha … but don’t get my own plumber as will void the warranty…. ha ha ha ha! 🤣😆😬🥴😵. Put buckets into cupboard and emptying regularly. Mid morning on Monday I followed up with a call to Blanco to be told that it would be 3-4 weeks! ha ha ha ha ha!🤣🤣😂😝… a full and frank discussion ensued! Faucet and hose replaced on Tuesday.✅

Still trying to work in between all of this and getting further and further behind and distracted with everything going on. Honestly I feel just so very tired and thinking how @michelinme 🤩 was able to plan some ‘me-time’and just did it. Really just want to crawl into bed and pull up the covers. Rant over! Now I’ll just get on with it for now.

Ok, on the positive front, I’ve maintained my WOL and completed my FDs as per plan. Scale stable. At least that is one thing under my control.✅

Also had a very physical day on Sunday spring cleaning the deck with visitor watching on (she has an injury) as I scrubbed the decking, attended to the neglected potted plants, tidying up, pulling down the old fairy lights, and three trips to Bunnings (do you have Bunnings in the UK?) Man at Bunnings suggested I tape up the leaking hose and faucet with self-fusing silicone tape as a stop-gap measure. Worked fine until turned on tap when the silicon expanded with the water under pressure like a balloon🎈 and then… exploded….. ha ha ha ha! 🤣😂 Mop up kitchen. If it wasn’t so funny, you’d cry! 🤣😂😜😛😁

@matpi I have an idea for you…. being coeliac, when I go to morning teas, meetings etc I take along some homemade mini egg, asparagus, cheddar frittatas.
https://www.today.com/recipes/mini-asparagus-cheddar-frittatas-recipe-t123178
The beauty of them is that they don’t have flour (ie gluten free) and are also high protein as opposed to high carbs. Ideal for us and tasty too. You could make some egg and bacon, or egg and mushroom too. You can make in advance and freeze too. Scones, bagels etc are high calorie and full of carbs. Just a thought….

cheerie dearies (thanks for listening!)

THOUGHT: 🤔
Take Control With Others
Taking control of whatever it is that you’re choosing in 2022 shouldn’t be a solo journey. We need connection and we need to feel as if we are not alone in our struggles. Whether it’s wanting to drink less, eat better, improve health, get organized, change careers, become body positive, or whatever your goal is when it comes to choosing you in 2022 – find support and a community to be your backup. 108 days left to choose you

Day 14 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – FD

@linda.b – so sorry to hear of your trials & tribulations?! No Bunnings here either, but we’ve got Builders Warehouse & Mica. But great job on sticking to your FDs despite everything you’ve been going through! 💪

@michelinme – fasting really does get easier, like exercise in a way. If it’s done regularly it’s no big deal. But skip a week or so, & just the thought of getting back into it can seem daunting.

Funny story about a prank Prince Harry once played on the Queen. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-11206201/Hilarious-voicemail-Prince-Harry-recorded-Queen-saying-Wassup-Liz-revealed.html

Happy Hump Day! 🐫

@brightonbelle – joining you for a Wednesday FD

Pocket list day 14 👑
@brightonbelle
@funshipfreddie

Day 14 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD

Yesterday’s WF didn’t entirely succeed. I did swerve any dramatic indulgence, but was so hungry, I bought some cauliflower during a break in the day and broke off pieces to eat raw, LOL. When I got home at 8pm, I was just not as comfortable as I usually am, so had about 200 calories worth of macadamia nuts, savoring the saltiness with each nut. So, not a success, but still a success, if you get what I mean.

As I type, I’m watching the procession of the queen’s casket. Amazing to watch.

@songbirdme I just read your post where you said to have fun and “let loose” with my sisters. 😂🤣😂 We did indeed let loose, LOL, not only with typical sisterly squabbles but also with loads of pinochle, many memories, lots of laughter, and fun.

And I’d like to add this bit of information: One of my sisters (we’re 80, 79, 70, and 63) has broken her leg and her hip over the years, and one leg is a bit over an inch shorter than the other, requiring her to wear special shoes that have a thicker sole. She lost 70 pounds several years ago, but still carries about 60 extra pounds (I’m guessing, based on her shape) and looks and acts like a 79 year old, as opposed to the 80yo birthday girl who looks and acts younger. Plus, the 79yo uses a walker–REQUIRES a walker, I should say. Our first day there began around 4pm on Thursday, and we walked about 6K steps together…except that I pushed the one sister as she sat on the seat of her walker, because it was too, too far for her and she was exhausted. She sure slept well that night, however! On Friday, she struggled, but I didn’t need to push her very often; again she slept well. On Saturday, she did better. On Sunday, I suddenly pointed out that she was walking FAR better than she had before then, both because she was more upright and because she was walking far faster than she had been. She was reluctant to admit that she was walking better, and to admit how much better she was sleeping having had so much exercise, but we know our sister well enough to know it’s true. I so hope she continues to make the effort to get out and MOVE so that she doesn’t deteriorate physically any faster than her health problems dictate, because the fact that she improved after only a few days is mind-boggling to me! Okay, enough family details. 😜

@mariaelena Your trip to family and for the wedding sounds so wonderful, and I’m delighted for you. And will you share the link for those shoes here as well???

@linda.b Deep sympathies on your plumbing issues, but huge congratulations on your conversation that got results on Tuesday! Is all okay now??

I’m going out tonight with those same three galpals (thanks to @linda.b for the term!), so am trying to figure out the right balance of eating today so I’m not ravenous when we meet up, but also don’t end up eating far too much over the day. Always a challenge!

Have a grand one, everyone!

Pocket list day 14 👑
@brightonbelle
@funshipfreddie

Day 14 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Popping in to say a quick hello, and then I dint think I can post until the end of the month. We are off in our camper van for two weeks of freedom and I really need this downtime.

Great to catch up with everyone and @matpi you are truly a great host ☺️

See you all at the end of the month 🚐💃

Day 15, NFD, Aus

I’ve been donating blood for over 25 years and never had a problem. I have great veins – lots to choose from and they ‘pop’ up nicely. But yesterday the nurse put the needle straight through the vein and my arm immediately started to swell up. That’s ok, I said, just use the other arm. Oh no, I was told, because they had already started to take blood, it was considered a donation. But I know they didn’t get enough to do anyone any good. Wasted opportunity and I feel very sad for someone who needed a blood transfer and may not get one. 

Still not in the right headspace re 5:2. It’s the middle of September and if anything, I’ve been putting on weight. Not losing a gram. Grrrrr. I know what I’m doing wrong but cannot seem to come up with the right game plan, inner-talk, routine, whatever.

Listening can be so exhausting!! You are such a good friend, @linda_b. But I can so imagine you fired up over the phone to get your tap sorted – well done! Hope all the leaks haven’t damaged the cabinetry. How goes your house hunting?

I had a funny moment re our transatlantic English language the other day. An American colleague had over done things at a work function and I said to him “I hear you pulled up rather poorly.” The look on his face was priceless. Pulled up? What, a galloping horse? My socks? By the police? Poorly? What? I’m not poor!!

Day 15 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

Hump Day FD went splendidly. Didn’t quite manage 10,000 steps. But I did visit penguins at SANCCOB, a place that rescues & rehabilitates sick seabirds, & then went to see the Cape Recife Lighthouse.

@daffodil2010 – happy camping! 🚐

@matpi – great article from the Washington Post! That’s exactly what I was alluding to the other day, even when exercising for a lot longer than 30 minutes. Prolonged sitting is the real culprit. https://theheartfoundation.org/2019/08/10/is-sitting-the-new-smoking/

Sending RESOLVE to today’s fasters 🎯

Day 15 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD

Last night was so fun with my galpals, and I’m not up but perhaps a half pound, so today’s WF will dispense with that.

@daffodil2010 Have a grand time away with your hubby!

@matpi I can help you with those Red Cross phone calls, as I used to be a blood drive coordinator (until piano lessons interfered): make an appointment for a drive (either online or on the app on your smart phone) and then at the drive you attend, make another for the NEXT drive, and that should take care of most of the calls, because they’ll know you can’t give any sooner anyway. And if you do get another call, ask them to put you on the do-not-call list, and that will take care of it. Explaining that was how I got lots of people to make appointments in advance, LOL. The only call you’ll get is one reminding you of the appointment, and if you can’t make it after all, then you’ll already have someone on the phone who can change the details to whenever does work.

@funshipfreddie What a fun day yesterday you described!

@northgeorgia Your weight is currently bouncing around as much as mine was last month; I know how disheartening that is.

@penz I’m really sad for you that your mojo has up and gone. You did so well when hosting; was it that, or was it the dry month you did at the same time? Do you need to host another month to get back in the groove? My mojo is only visible and entirely successful on two days a week, so I’m only barely doing better than you are!

Pocket List
@linda.b
@gardenlily
@northgeorgia
@stitchincarol WF

Day 15 UK FD800

I have ‘fasted’ today. As in, I had awful digestion after last night’s wheat noodles so concentrated on rehydration then got bogged down in tons of emails & phone call and didn’t remember to eat! But that’ll do me for a OMAD early supper and early night.

I dived through autumnal drawers earlier today – so to speak 🙂 – and found that very few autumn clothes fit me yet… I’m still about 4lbs up on where i was in November 2020 and not a clue what I wore last autumn! But weight and size don’t always correlate. I recall that on my previous 5:2 journey (from 178lb Dec 2017 – 148lb Aug 2018) I plateau’d for around 3 months without losing a lb but went down 2 dress sizes. Something is always changing with 5:2 but it’s not always the stuff we measure.

DD is coming to stay for the long weekend having just started her radiotherapy. It’ll be just lovely to see her

@penz getting our heads on track in 95% of the work. Having finally landed mine after a long tussle I can feel the click and how much easier things are – I hope yours starts to cooperate soon

@stitchincarol is there no end to your knowledge?! Good to learn about blood drives, thank you 🙂

@matpi well done on the steps! I’d love to know about your language audiofiles – what do you listen to?

Pocket List
@linda.b
@gardenlily
@northgeorgia
@stitchincarol WF
@michelinme FD800

Day 16, NFD, Aus

Thanks for that article, @matpi; loved the embedded video of the fellow drinking a glass of wine and doing bicep curls. I could do that! And what a terrible way to lose a blood donor by spam calling you!

Ah you’re a good salesperson @stitchincarol! I am most definitely not in the right headspace for hosting! But if your mojo is also wavering, perhaps we could co-host? (NOT a serious suggestion.)

Have a good weekend everyone!

Day 16 – UK-Cam, NFD
Friday weigh-in day = down another lb to 141! Obviously scaling the ironing mountain helped – it kept me busy! Yesterday’s FD went well, keeping busy does help as you just don’t have time to think about eating and although the vegetable bake definitely took the daily total over 500 (the cream cheese sauce was sooooo tasty) it filled me up so no evening nibbles.

Quiet day today, bit of shopping and dog walking – need to get step counter going to check I am hitting the 8 to 10,000 per day. Doing a mile each evening with the dog as well as the 1 hr in the mornings does help top up the daily score but, being a dog walk, means it is not continuous striding out!

Orchard harvest going well – the pears are just ripe enough to munch as you work – bit of a temptation but, like apples, they are 100% not chocolate!

Good luck to everyone on a Friday Fast Day

Day 16 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

Just checking in for accountability. Busy busy….

Happy Fri-yay y’all 🍷