Day 18 Oxfordshire, UK – FD
Day 17, CD

Yesterday became a CD which was ok as it started as a NFD. Today will probably be similar. Aiming to keep busy to help reduce my stress levels as that’s when I start to eat more than I should.

So today I have spent an hour in the front garden trying to get on top of the winter debris. It was a bit chilly but it meant I was able to catch up with some neighbours out on their walks. At the moment spirits seem to be high here in the countryside.

My mum is in self isolation, with my brother doing her shopping etc. At least I am able to speak to her each day because she is finding it lonely. My neighbour’s mum is in a care home and she can only write.

@michelinme – your comments about nature struck accord with me. I was eating my breakfast and watching a blackbird tugging a worm out of our lawn. I think he enjoyed it.
@emma Taylor – glad you’re home safely. Look after your cold and stay healthy

My friend’s brother and wife are travelling in Australia and need to make a decision whether to come home early.
Another friend was due to fly out to NZ to join her hubby, currently staying with their daughter. She can’t go now and doesn’t know whether hubby will be allowed back in if he returns as planned in 6 weeks. I’m so grateful that my family are with me and that my mum is in good hands.
Stay safe and well everyone.
This is the new norm at the moment.

Please can somebody add me to the pocket list. I need the help… although supermarket shelves bare in Fulham. Actually, I’m not scared of running out of food. I’m more scared of running out of loo roll…. once you’ve done a bit of fasting, lack of food is much less worrying.

Day 18 UK FD

Fasting today – maybe become a more regular thing , who knows ?
Glad you got back safely @emmataylor Who could have predicted the toilet roll thing
Pocket list – Day 18 🥕
@i-hate-lettuce
@betsylee
@funshipfreddie
@saffy420
@flourbaby
@basyjames
@ccco
@emma Taylor
@brightonbelle

Hello from UK everyone 🙂

I am not taking part in this month’s challenge because my mind is not in it at the moment, but I just wanted to stop by and wish everyone well in these extremely difficult times.
At the beginning I wasn’t thinking too much about this virus, and it seemed so far away, but last night I stopped in my tracks and I thought: What has befallen us?! And I felt really tearful 😥 . Its so quiet everywhere and so lonely.
I can not believe how some people behave, specially in supermarkets, almost pushing people aside and grabbing so much of everything! There was a lady who made a video and posted it online, saying that she comes from the generation of WWII and how people behaved totally differently than and helped each other!
But there are some heart warming stories as well, thank God!

We will get through this, just take care of yourselves and lets take care of each other ❤ 🤗

I will lurk and read, I find being here and reading everyone’s experiences helps 🙂

Day 18 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Very late post from me as this morning was turmoil. Woke up with DH telling me he had to see a doctor as he had gone blind in his left eye. Only for about 10 minutes and his sight was back, but those migraines and sinus pains are still there after nearly 3 weeks, despite taking anti-biotic.

We drive to a private health clinic and he was diagnosed with severe sinusitis, there is fluid in his lungs and in his ears……how did that happen?

He is on loads of further meds and now would be somebody in the risky sector so he is staying home until next week. No visitors allowed. No symptoms of Covid-19 thank God but very worrying.

I then went into work late where there was new rules and regulations….and honestly, by lunchtime, I felt quite overwhelmed and almost tearful of this scary, frightening, dangerous new world we are in.

I will be ok tomorrow, keep on keeping on, stay safe and washing hands.

@ccco keep on coming on here, this community will spur each other on.

Day 19, FD, Aus

Ouch, @flourbaby! Dobbing me in to @michelinme – thought we were PB partners in crime!! :) Ok ok, no more discussion of that particular temptation….

Hi @suki2 – is it bad that I just ordered some wine to be delivered? At least there’s no panic buying depleting these stocks (except maybe in my own household!)

Hi @shinything! Good to “see” you.

Sending everyone comforting thoughts today – seems lots of people are feeling the emotional and physical effects of this crazy time. I so love this forum though – we’re full of support and kindness.

And on that note, I’m adding to ‘the answer is not in the fridge’ and ‘nor in the bottle!’

Day 19 pocket list:
@penz

Day 18, md US, NFD

I made it a valiant effort to do 500 cal FD but alas it’s ok, as we’ve said let’s be gentle on ourselves. I did 16/8, remain on that and essentially keeping them CD’s.

Today was a better day, so by the end of the day I was completely exhausted working and our pandemic and being a teacher and kids at home. Also implemented in my teacher repertoire a work out for them…. just hard work making it all work. They need to get outside and we all need to stay sane. Crazy times. Good to see what everyone is experiencing and going through, not good, but you know…. good to have this forum. Hang in there everyone.

Day 19, Melb Aust FD800

Doing okay with today’s reduced calories, and planning another “proper” FD tomorrow. I liked the comment that “the answer is not in the fridge”. I’m spending more time in meditative prayer, which has been very calming.

@ccco, it was me who mentioned my neighbours’ kids writing and drawing for me. So kind of them. I’m going over there soon with “Kinder Surprise” Easter treats; felt it was better to pass them on now, rather than closer to Easter (as anything could change between now and then). Kinder Surprise, for those who don’t know, are chocolate rabbits or eggs which have a small toy of some kind inside.

@michelinme, well done for B2B FDs, like me, so maybe you will continue to streak ahead of me on the downward trail 🙂 Or maybe not. I’m trying hard.

@cavanya, I’m sure you’ll find that with time and establishing a routine, your days will become less exhausting. It’s just the start of anything new tends to be tiring and takes adjusting to. You will be fine and manage well, just be a little patient with yourself as you begin.

@penz, also definitely not “in the bottle” 🙂 Nor the PB jar!

@daffodil2010, hope your DH’s symptoms calm down quickly.

Keep on keeping on everyone, and stay well.

Day 19 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Posting here for normality.

I called an ambulance for DH last night. He woke me up after midnight to tell me he was blind in his left eye and vision still not returned. That’s one of the stroke warning signs so I rang 999.

It took an hour for vision to return but all the other face, smile, arms, talk symptoms were ok so we just talked while waiting for the paramedics. They took him off to the local emergency hospital but, with the times as they are, I was not allowed to.

He is in a medical ward now and going for a CAT scan today to check if it was a stroke. I can’t go to the hospital to see him.

For normality I am going into work and wait to hear from him. Washing hands, staying safe. I felt quite panicked last night but ok now, but tears of fear are not far away.

So glad just to have this place to talk, I have not told anyone else, don’t want the kids to be worried just yet, I will get direction from DH b

Stay safe you wonderful people, we are all in this together and we will prevail.

@daffodil2010 – please call a friend or someone in your family – don’t suffer through this worry on your own… and cry if you need to… thinking of you and your DH right now 🙏

Day 19, London, UK, NFD,

Well, well, well, who would have thought fasting at home wouldn’t be as terrifying as I expected!!! The key? ………………………….. my house is completely devoid of the naughty stuff!!! The only trip hazard in the cupboard is a bag of cashew nuts!!! No wine, no crisps, no chocolate ……………….. I suppose if I get desperate I could eat some toilet paper!!!!

@ccco, don’t mind them!! If they’re fearful of you they’ll keep their distance and you’ll be safely isolated from the teeny tiny super spreaders!!!

@shinything, lovely of you to pop in! I think we’re all in for some lonely times, daily posting is going to be invaluable to me, if only just to vent!!!

@michelinme, there’s NOTHING like an unplanned FD to boost your mojo!!

@penz, we’re definitely partners in PB crime and definitely where the vino’s concerned!! But clearly you’re the kingpin and I’m just easily led!! Thank goodness there’s no booze in the house (at least nothing I would drink!) since I’m working from home and my willpower has been way down since the boozy birthday!!

@daffodil2010, I’m sorry to hear your DH is so poorly. I hope the hospital stay finds & fixes the cause and sends him back to you fighting fit. Perhaps it would be best to let at least one family member know, then they can pass the news on or not, you’re probably not in the frame of mind to deal with lots of questions particularly because visiting is curtailed in this pandemic. Thinking of you & sending healing vibes xxxx

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

Day 19 second post

Oops! Baked a banana cake and COULD NOT resist eating a piece, so CD today instead of a FD800. Well, FD tomorrow to make up for it.

@daffodil2010, to echo others, please let at least one person in the family know. Apart from giving you support, if things become worse, they will be upset with you, to have not been told.

Keep on keeping on!

Day 19 UK NFD

Oh how scary that must have been @daffodil2010 wishing Mr Daff a speedy recovery

Day 19 USA (Illinois) FD

Still on my 6:1 maintenance, and as hard as it is to not eat during a crisis, I know I must not allow extra pounds to stay on.

@daffodil2010 – sending many prayers and hugs to you. My DH had a stroke just 2 years ago, spent a minimal time in hospital, but with therapy exercises, he’s made a full recovery. He turned 73 in February. May Mr. Daff recover well — so sorry you’re not able to visit. Bummer… yes, I also suggest you talk to your family, and maybe even another trusted friend. But I am glad we are here for you to vent.

Day 19 pocket list:
@i-hate-lettuce
@penz
@betsylee FD800
@snowflake56
@songbirdme

Onward and downward

USA Day 19 FD500

I am a little late today posting as I wanted to carefully read everyone’s posts. It has been quite something reading all these posts and taking note that no matter where in the world we are right now, we are all in this together.

Daffodil2010, my prayers go out to you and your DH! I am glad you were able to get quick medical care for him!

Everyone else, it is wonderful to see how everyone is meeting these challenging times!

I am sort of doing 5:2 right now but it is more for saving on food supplies now than dieting. Somehow that mindset has changed everything, sadly. Stay safe, everyone. You are all in my thoughts!

USA Day 19 Failed FD

I wrote a big note saying “The Answer is Not in the Refrigerator!” and put it on the fridge door. I can’t keep stress eating. I’ve already gained back all I lost with those water FDs! 🙁 Tomorrow WILL be a water FD!

Day 20, NFD, Aus

Oh, @daffodil2010 – how terrifying for you! And your DH. My thoughts are with you both. So glad the CAT scan was clear. And also v glad you roped in some family support. While we ARE a great forum, but there’s nothing quite so comforting as having a close friend to lean on in the real physical world.

@flourbaby – I thought of you last night and did NOT go near the PB jar. I just knew you’d rightly pillory me for it if I gave in to temptation! Those pocket lists really work (you’re on my secret anti-PB pocket list).

On a happier note, the weather around here has been positively spring-like (tho it should be autumn-ish). My garden is flowering and putting out new growth. I think it’s celebrating the recent rain we’ve had but so uplifting to see nature rejoicing.

Happy Friday everyone.

Day 20, Melb Aust FD

Posting early today, so maybe still day 19 in some parts of the world. FD today, enjoyed a CD today which included some yummy home-baked banana cake, and the scales are persistently hovering. Hoping like @michelinme, that after a FD today, I may get a post-carb whoosh.

@daffodil2010, so glad to read that DH is okay and safely home. Also pleased that you did talk with your sister. Have the doctors suggested anything to prevent this from happening again?

@ciren2, are you lurking? Hope you’re doing okay.

@ccco, yes, it’s great to be part of this forum. Also, so glad to finally see some sense and kindness being displayed in the midst of the current crisis. Lots of folk over my way are starting “grassroots” initiatives to help others, which is heartwarming to see. If we would all reach out to help a few people around us, no-one would be neglected.

Day 20 Pocket list:
@betsylee

Day 20 – Japan – WFD #23

@snowflake56 – I don’t know what offended you. If you think I said something non-factual you should point it out. As far as I’m aware I’ve only mentioned information that was completely factual.

I’m now taking a daily multivitamin to maintain vitamin D and not have a zinc deficiency. Probably my normal diet covers those, but I don’t want to take a chance. Avoiding a zinc deficiency is a just in case treatments that depend of zinc workout and are used down the road. Vitamin D is important and something that many people are deficient in. Dr. John Campbell has a couple useful videos on vitamin D. With fasting I’ve always been a bit concerned about water soluble nutrients.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5yVGmfivAk

Day 20, md US, NFD

I am amazed at how my firm (global big 4) was ready for this pandemic and how our employee community has come together through such a crisis. We are all dealing with children at home, or helping elderly parents etc it’s just amazing how, globally we are in this together. Though, so difficult and sad and hard for those who are in other lines of work. There are so many people in our community who still don’t completely understand what this means. The politics, the US Govt, it’s all so surreal and sort of maddening and the day to day. Goodness. That said, how often would one get this much time with their super funny, smart, character of an almost 6yo. Juggling work and all of this is a chore but I am enjoying our time with him and the other children, us all together. Here’s to hoping we all remain sane through this. And then there’s mental issues stemming from this, I’m also very sensitive to. Ok rant over. For now 🙂

@betsylee and @suki2 thank you it’s good to be in good company. @daffodil2010 that is so good to hear your DH is doing ok, and lean on others that’s what they and we’re all here for!!! I have always felt, and shared, that others want to help, and we have to ask for it. People will genuinely want to help if we ask for it. Xo!

Day 20 – Lake District Cumbria – NFD

Good morning everyone,

@daffodil2010 – really pleased to read your news, although scary and not nice at the time, after the checks you must both feel a whole lot better, phew x

After the ‘Daffodils’ good news I can happily share my own …….. The ‘Inner Warthog’ is tamed and becoming domesticated, as long as he’s on the lead! ……. YES, my first target has been achieved….pause for cheers 😉

On 26th July last year, I joined the 5:2 Forum and found you lot! 😉 I set myself a target, which I thought a bit ambitious, of losing 2 stones. This mornings weigh in showed – 2 lbs this week and I have achieved my target! I am so ruddy pleased, the ‘Monthly Challenges’ group has helped me enormously, thank you all.
Stats … 26/7/20 – 265 lb – 120.2 kg – BMI 38 …. Today 20/3/21 – 237 lb – 107.5 kg – BMI 34

Once or twice I wondered why progress was slow and changed things a bit, but on each occasion I went back to basics. B2Bx4FD’s didn’t work for me. Looking back through all my notes, the best results have been Friday ‘Warthog Day’ Saturday Sunday, mindful of consumption. The remaining 4 days, lots of water, more exercise (walking and gardening) the FD’s either 2 or 3 between 600-700 cals and extra water!
Next target, don’t go upwards! Going to initially look to another 7 lbs but see how that goes, might make it another 17 ! Would love to get that BMI down below 30, that’s a big lump, but from my original, starting point, I’m already halfway there!

Beautiful sunny morning again, which matches my mood, off out for another long walk to celebrate!

Take care all.

Day 20 Second post

My FD has gone well; kitchen now closed.

Whew! @Ihatelettuce, I thought I’d lost a year somewhere for a minute there. Congrats on your successful reduction, and long may it continue!

@matpi, hope you got through and finished your FD in style, as hoped.

@cavanya, glad you’re adjusting well to life WFH (working from home).

Keep on keeping on everyone.

Day 20 Oxfordshire, UK – NFD
Early check in today.
I haven’t been brave enough to step on the scales for at least a week, but I did today. There is a slight drop. I am so please as I was afraid I had blown March. But I’m still on track with another 11 days to go.

@daffodil2010 – that’s GREAT NEWS, so relieved for you.

@ihatelettuce – congratulations at getting that inner warthog on a lead and getting to your target.

Stay strong everyone.

Day 20 UK NFD

Good to hear everyone’s good and nice to have a bit of “normal “