Day 13, London, UK, FD,

My 2nd FD this week and I’m slowly getting back into the swing of doing 5:2 properly, I really overate last night because I had defrosted one of the batch cooked meals I keep in the freezer and felt I had to finish it, even though I had had my lunchtime soup. I’ll know for tomorrow NFD, that the day after a FD (DAFD) should be lighter because of tummy shrinkage!!! Perhaps OMAD on NFDs, still tweaking (after nearly 2 years!!!) to see what ‘fits’.

@diana123, my heart really goes out to you. You’ve had the worst year imaginable, so much on your plate to deal with. I really hope thing settle down for you soon, you’re coping fabulously, whilst maintaining your dedication to improving your own health ……………………. Quite inspirational!!!! Stay strong!!!!

@debster251 & @annemarilyn, I saw the programme ‘Trust me I’m a doctor’ last night, it was so informative, 6x 5min burst of medium intensity exercise throughout the day are equivalent to 30mins continuous med intensity exercise …………………… great for the time poor!!!! Also had a great piece on muscle mass loss after 50, I think we lose 1% strength per year and 2% muscle mass per year after 50 (might be the other way around?) and just by doing some simple exercises at home we can reverse this loss, Sit-to Stand, Knee-bends & rising onto the balls of your feet are some of the simple ones to do. I’ll be looking at the BBC website and getting the full list for my mum to practice, I can actually see the deterioration in her strength and stamina!!!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1Kd56GzbL8vx1YrtXrY3Q9s/issues-covered-in-series-8

Happy fasting folks ……………………………………….

“It doesn’t matter how slow you go, just as long as you don’t stop!!!”

Day 13 Lima, Peru – 16:8

Productive work day yesterday. Good news and a bit of a Peruvian dessert to celebrate (I am weak!) So weight is holding well at 80.9 kg or 178.4. Feeling very positive and following two days of no cycling due to early morning calls I was able to get up at 4AM (my usual wake up time) for my bike ride. All well and a few personal records along the route.

As others have said – everyone hang in there! Winter is almost over in Lima… so consider your Christmas vacation plans if you like to wear your Santa hat while lounging by the pool!

Day 13 NC USA NFD
Decided to skip weighting myself this morning. Maybe will wait until after next FD. Though not sure if will do a FD on Friday like I planned with the hurricane coming then. Will see how it goes.

May all your plans go well today.

Day 13 North canton OH FD!

Be safe everyone!!!

Day 13 USA – NFD

I’m doing well, eating quite smartly and getting in some exercise.

Hugs to you @diana123 as you face Florence’s rain and wrath.

Onward and downward.

USA Day 13 FD

I love reading about everyone’s holidays! Here in the States we can’t jump from country to country to vacation, so it is always interesting to hear what you all are doing! I did make it to NYC Fashion Week but I am thinking that this would be the last time. I am really too old to dress like that. The clothes they show tend to be more a spectacle for publicity than anything most people would actually wear! LOL

Anyway, we are waiting for the hurricane and we have had some water swells already from the advancing hurricane, which has caused some flooding downtown! I just hope we don’t lose our electricity!!! 🙁

Today my plan is to fast with 452 calories. I am going to try with all my might not to deviate. Evenings are the most difficult for me, not because I am hungry but because all the stress of the day is built up by then!

My prayers go out for all of you who are caring for aging family members!

Have a great day, everyone! 🙂

Day 13 UK FD

Right then. Struggled this week. Monday’s FD was good. But Tuesday and Wednesday were awful – like if ‘Attack of the killer carbs’ was an actual film, then it was filmed chez moi.
Mrs R has been encouraging me not to fast, just to exercise more instead. Tuesday’s planned fast day collapsed into a heap as a result. So I have secretly fasted today, and she and I will eat a healthy low carb curry tonight.
It’s beepin’ hard enough without having to do it in secret.

Onwards and downwards folks. 🙂

Day 13 Canada FD

This is the 4th FD of the 12 I have planned for my health improvement quest. I think I am on top of cutting down alcohol (aiming for 102 glasses of wine a week).
So next habit to work on is a daily meditation!

Adding myself to the pocket list!
@gretta
@sparklyshoes
@skinnyminny57
@dingping
@sarahbob
@debster251
@kaywesterman
@bellyblast

Have a fantastic day!

Day 13 USA CD

Hey ya’ll! Good morning! I took a slight break but have continued to lose (just not as fast) but am back doing ADF and tracking again and will update on the September sheet. I’m 30 pounds down from where I started, so this WOE definitely works. It’s so nice to “see” you again. Now I’m off to catch up on all the September posts. 🙂

Day 13 – Atlanta,GA,USA – FD
Day 12 – NFD
Day 11 – NFD

Adding myself to the pocket list:
@gretta
@sparklyshoes
@skinnyminny57
@dingping
@sarahbob
@debster251
@kaywesterman
@bellyblast
@moukinator
@mishty

Day 13 – Eastern WA USA – LFD

On my phone, if possible can someone add me to the pocket list?

@snowflake56 – how wonderful you were able to have a few patients embrace 5:2.
@dingping- not sure what OTT is.

Still need to catch up on the rest of the posts. Off to an aptmt.

Enjoy your day!

Day 13 UK NFD

So not the wisest decisions this last couple of days. Having got the week off to a good start with a WFD that became a 100 calories FD and a MFD of under 800 calories, I set off for my 2day conference.

Yesterday was carbtastic and had some poor choices. Every break they presented me with v special GF vegetarian goodies which I somehow felt compelled to eat – flapjack & millionaire shortbread, vegan sandwiches and fruit. I ate more cake, flour, sugar in a day than I’d eaten in a couple of months but at least stayed away from gluten. Simple supper of tomatoes, salad & egg, & last night my abdomen was swollent to around the 2nd trimester mark.

Today was at Lambeth Palace – v well known for its excellent catering! I avoided morning coffee time biscuits & cakes and saved myself for lunch- vegan mushroom & lentil bake with spicy rice salad and steamed green veg – followed by plum crumble with cream! (Someone else fetched it for me, and I was offered fruit salad then crumble without cream but auto brain said yes to the tempting stuff) By close of day I was exhausted – it was so full on inc over lunchtime – so stopped off for tea in the park on the way home. Somehow I found myself resisting all the things that came with chips but settled on scones with cream & jam plus peppermint tea. Abdomen now 3rd trimester prob bc gluten 🙁

I have a feeling that my Friday weekly weigh day may be somewhat *ahem* disappointing. On the bright side it was a v successful couple of days – some great conversations, building relationships & creating connections. Well worth going, and on the whole I think I did pretty well tho rather tired & grumpy this morning.

Sorry not to have read posts yet, but tired, wired and brain not taking things in any more. I’ll catch up tomorrow, but wishing you all well xx

Pocket list
@gretta
@sparklyshoes
@skinnyminny57
@dingping
@sarahbob
@debster251
@kaywesterman
@bellyblast
@moukinator
@mishty
@annemarilyn

Day 14, Emden Germany, FD

just a quick check in this morning to start the pocket list, have a lot to do today.

@dingping did you try to drink some broth when feeling light headed on your FD?

Pocket list day 14

@snowflake56
@dingping 2nd of B2B2B

Have a nice day everyone and stay safe!

Day 14, Cornwall UK, NFD

Weekly weigh-in and 0.8kg down. Not bad for a tortoise!
Down to 72.4kg, and just 1kg to go to healthy BMI. REALLY REALLY hoping to make it this month. It must surely be possible to drop 1kg in two weeks. Some focus and determination is needed here.

I still fast 2 days a week, Monday and Thursday and have not cheated once on fast days in over a year. So I call that a new routine/way of life and feel very hopeful that I will stay with this in one form or another for a long time.

Has anyone else noticed that your heart rate goes up at the end of a fast day? My average is under 60 beats per minute now, apparently in ‘Athlete’ range for a woman, although that is laughable for someone whose only exercise is yoga, a bit of walking and gardening. At the end of a fast day it is generally up to 70 beats per minute, and goes down again on non-fast days. Interesting. Perhaps follows the research findings on fasting, that metabolism goes up in the first few days, but then starts going down after 3 or more days – something like that – I’m not sure of the exact details. And I realise now that a slower metabolism that comes with weight loss is not necessarily a bad thing – it means I need to eat less, but it should extend my life span. I set out at first trying to increase my metabolism, but maybe I needed to change my assumptions about these things? My journey into fasting and plant-based eating has taken me into reading such a wide range of things and busting a lot of my personal beliefs about dieting, exercise, healthy foods, etc. I’d say I’m properly indoctrinated now!

I have a plant-based doctor interested in writing up my case study (and my husband’s). Not sure it I should do it as I find the ‘before’ photos embarassing and I still want to lose a bit more weight. I guess the before photos are needed to make the story interesting for other people. Fortunately I did not have a lot of health issues to reveal, as that would feel intrusive. I wonder if any of you have done this?

Day 14 – France – NFD

Scale finally moved downwards by half a kilo after being seemingly stuck for a good couple of weeks despite lots of effort on my part. Yay!

Today I will have a nice Chinese lunch with friends, and the good news is that this particular Chinese cook doesn’t make greasy or heavy food so no need to feel guilty.

@michelinme reading about all the food at your conference was like… porn 🙂

@cornish-jane I would totally do the case study if they promised not to show my face. It can be very motivating for other people. Congrats to you! You have worked hard, changed your life and had fantastic results!

Day 14, UK, FD

Today is my 3rd FD and a final one for this week, 800cal though. It amazes me how easy it is to overeat, because only this week, while I’m monitoring what I’m eating in order to follow a new routine, I noticed that I was eating well over my TDEE! 😲
Trying now to visually remember the sizes of portions, because I don’t want to count calories forever.

@cornish-jane I noticed my heart beat going up on FDs as well, but someone mentioned here (sorry can’t remember who) that it might be the lack of hydration, and to drink more water on FDs. I tried and it seems to make a bit of a difference 🙂 . It might be other factors involved too, I’m eager to find out too 🙂

Missed to say this: Dr asking for permission to make a case study based on you is a fantastic recognition of your success! You are an inspiration and your story would inspire so many people. But do it only if you feel comfortable with it 🙂

Off to work in a while 🚗

Have a great successful day everyone 🌻

Day 14 Belfast NFD
Back comfortably in the middle of my maintenance range today and can honestly say that my sweet tooth is getting less so. That still doesn’t stop wine gums etc slipping between the teeth, but I am getting better!

@flourbaby – caught up with that programme and you’re right. It’s very interesting. Despite being pretty active, as a 63 yo I have noticed a big difference in my muscle tone. Something to work on for sure. I’m a little late this morning. Had a slower start to the day (read ‘lazy’ – slept in and missed my swim!) The holiday starts on Monday!
@missybear – glad to hear your dad is responding well.
You are certainly an early riser @Formerly Fat Pete! Well done on those personal records. The morning is a great time to exercise. Am curious about your Peruvian desert.
@ccco – yes, we have a wealth of different cultures on our doorstep just a hop and skip away. We’re luck in that respect. However, the USA has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, so you’re lucky too!
@johnnyr – good luck on your covert fasting! Sounds like torture to me. Surely Mrs R could be convinced by your increasingly svelte form?
@bellyblast 102 glasses a week lol?! You’d have no calories left for food!
Welcome back @ OnlyHermes and well done on your 30 lb loss.
@michelinme – I hope you get rid of your food baby soon! You’re certainly socialising in lofty places!
@metatauta – 50 lbs is a lot to lift at any age. Something else will turn up around the corner.
@CornishJane well done. You’re nearly there. Wow! You haven’t cheated in more than a year? I wish I could stay the same. You must have willpower of iron! Your journey would be a huge motivation to others.

Thoughts and prayers for everyone In the path of the hurricane. Stay safe.

To quote @fatrabbit – ‘thin feels better than anything tastes’

You don’t get what you wish for … You get what you work for!

Day 14 UK ?FD

Friday weigh day showed me up again to 144.5 – unsurprisingly after this carbtastic couple of days & mini cake fest 🙂

But the beauty of this WOL is that I can simply reset with a modified FD and enjoy a couple of NFDs this weekend, being mindful of TDEE and previous indulgence. It’s all about knowing what works for my body, making conscious choices & taking responsibility for the results. I’m not depriving myself but investing in better health!

I didn’t drink enough at this conference even tho I drank loads more than everyone else – how do they do that?! My usual consumption of 2.5-4 litres wasn’t possible, despite drinking a couple of glasses of water at every opportunity plus zooming to the loo at every break & twice at lunchtime.

On the upside – even tho it feels like a downside – this morning I put on one of my old between-the-seasons stalwart dresses today. Lovely deep blue, stretchy dress with pockets, fabulous to dress up or down. Last worn this time last year – before I was quite at my heaviest – when it felt rather small & unflattering. Today it was so big that the neck actually slipped off my shoulders!

I loved that dress, but it’s not one that would work taken in. Reluctantly put it in the give away pile and resigned myself to a slow rebuild of my currently v restricted wardrobe, when capacity and resources allow. I guess I’m decluttering and letting go of old skins, ready to be my Current & Future Self.

@matpi interesting re your body & quorn. Just a little mince in the freezer to use up & I’m off it now too. Great that we learn what works for our bodies – often by taking a break and having breathing space to notice what happens

@shinything me too with 500 calorie days. I seem to be comfortable with a Monday WFD and a Thursday 800 calorie FD then bump to mindful 1500 for the other days. If I have a blow out it will show up somewhere & I’ll need to adjust, but 500 restriction simply isn’t sustainable for me x2 wk

@diana123 thinking of you as you weather all the storms in your life xxx

@skinnyminny57 you’ve made a great start to 5:2 – congratulations!

@daffodil2010 loving hearing about your holiday – and murmurating starlings!! xx

@missybear Hospital visiting uses a lot of capacity – glad your dad is responding to treatment x

@johnnyr goodness, secret fasting doesn’t sound good or sustainable. Worth having an open conversation with MrsR and getting her support, if not encouragement?

@bellyblast *only* 102 glasses of wine a week?! hope it’s 1 or 2 😀

@onlyhermes hello again

@metatauta good like finding the role that fits you within the company – like trying on new clothes, there’ll be on that’s comfortable and gives you a little room to grow 🙂

@cornish-jane yay to tortoise progress. Maybe the headless option might work for you? There’s something about sharing your story publicly that feels very exposing – and of course you’re opening yourself up to others’ opinions. But if you do find a way to be comfortable with the idea it would definitely inspire others, and that might over-ride your embarrassment. It’s not about where you were, it’s about what you have done with it xx

@sparklyshoes food porn 😀

@bert1802 yay for escaping, missed you & your storytelling 🙂

@debster251 thank you for the Trust Me link – and @flourbaby for details – definitely going to watch that this evening. Hard to keep going when holiday head arrives 🙂

@beedoo your situation makes me think about collusion, and reminds me of my own behaviour among smokers when someone gives up the addiction. I think it’s generally how we behave when one of our number changes and we don’t want to think about changing. Staying the same is much more comfortable, change and growth is painful. Witnessing change can be an threat, reinforcing our own status quo as needing attention.

I’d go with it, and don’t let your mindset be derailed. You are making healthy choices for you, how they respond is about them. Being in the minority doesn’t make you right or wrong, you’re only responsible for yourself xxx

@at get well soon – we miss you 🙂

Wow that’s 2 hours disappeared! Time for yoga & meditation, hanging laundry and then doing 3 hours or so of project work. Good to pick up loose ends and look after future me. Looking forward to an early night and a wonderfully restful Saturday.

Amazingly we’re already almost at the halfway mark of this month’s challenge! Maybe worth reviewing what’s worked well, what’s not worked well and what we’re going to focus on for the rest of the month..?

Day 14 North Canton OH Healthy Eating Day
Happy to report huge whoosh, 4 pounds down! I was really worried because I transitioned from B2B2B fasts every week to basic 5:2 and I was wondering if the scale would reflect that (negatively) boy was I surprised this morning – happy dance!!!

@cornishjane if you are able, I would encourage you to go for it – you could impact so many lives. But if it makes you too uncomfortable (especially with your image out there) then don’t feel pressured. @sparklyshoes has a great suggestion about not showing your face in the images; that may be a nice compromise.

@metatauta my heart goes out to you. 50 pounds is a lot to lift, and you have to consider that your quality of life could be adversely impacted if you hurt your neck or back while trying to do your job. Hugs! I am sure opportunities will present themselves and you will make the right decision for you and your family

Welcome back @onlyhermes, it’s good to see you again – although you were with us in spirit, as evidenced by your 30 pound loss

@johnnyr I remember your struggles with Mrs R, I am sorry they are still ongoing. Has she shared why she is so against you fasting? It must be terrible to be doing this in secret. I remember having the same problem when I first started this WOL, OH felt I was being too extreme and after unsuccessfully trying to talk me out of it, would make my favorite meals on FD. I would calmly remind him that I am fasting and then I would save it to eat the next day. It was very annoying for me but I tried to see things from his POV and truly believe he missed the ritual of having dinner time together. Thankfully, when he noticed my results, he decided he wanted in – and now we fast and practice a LCHF diet together. I didn’t realize how much his opposition to the changes I was trying to make affected me, until he stopped opposing me. I hope she gets onboard; it would make such a difference for you.

@michelinme yay for decluttering and letting go of old skins; so glad to see you embrace your Current and Future self!!

Work calls unfortunately, and I gotta go. Please be safe wherever you are and my best to you all.

Day 14 London UK FD

Second post

@cornish-jane Funnily enough, we do have a fruit bowl. It was an initiative I introduced about a year ago when I returned from mat leave. Oh and I’m the HR manager! I even got a budget signed off so every Monday we have a delivery of fresh fruit arrive! They are a fit and healthy bunch on the whole despite all the “treats”! And they are a nice bunch of people aside from this. Makes me think I’m being sensitive? Oh I don’t know. I should add that the fruit bowl is a big hit with everyone!

@michelinme I love this, thank you x “I’d go with it, and don’t let your mindset be derailed. You are making healthy choices for you, how they respond is about them. Being in the minority doesn’t make you right or wrong, you’re only responsible for yourself xxx”

I’m going to try and take a different approach from Monday and remind myself of how I feel about 5:2/intermittent fasting, as well as all the comments here. I feel better than I have in years, both physically fitter and about the way I look, thanks to this WOE. I am back to my happy weight and maintaining without it feeling like a chore. I never thought that would be possible and had resigned myself to the extra weight and lumps and bumps! This is my WOL and my WOE.

Day 14, UK, NFD
A very busy and awful day for me, should have made it a FD really, as I have just had “lunch” at 4 pm- coffee and some dry horrible tasteless slice of cake, with no breakfast and off to the theatre, so probably no time for supper either.

Day 14 Florida

NFD. Doing pretty good. Nothing much is going on.

Everyone have a great day.

Day 14, Gozo, Malta, cd

Today I weighed at 67.5 kilos.

For lunch I made a chicken avocado salad with red pepper and onion, lettuce, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and seasoning. Calories 400.

For dinner it’s chicken coconut curry. Made with chicken breasts, green and red peppers, potatoes, onion, light coconut milk, curry, cornflower and water. Recipe by Justine Pattinson Easy one pot book without the calories, calories 361 calories.

I also had a nutty bar and five peaches. Total 1.200 calories.

I’m happy as it’s below tdee.

Onwards and downwards, have a great weekend dear friends of this wol.

Day 14 Canada NFD

@michelinme yikes typo 😂tonight I’m going to have one glass of wine not 102!
@bert1802 freedom is a wonderful experience
@emmataylor I’m going to definitely use the massive meal line

Have a great weekend!