Super October 2022 Challenge

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  • Welcome to this Super October Challenge – Did you know that every year, October ends on the same day as February. So yes, in 2022, February ended on a Monday and so will October.

    The monthly challenge was started by @coda in May 2016 and has been growing strong and successfully ever since. Our goals can be overwhelming when viewed as a whole. But by breaking them down into small achievable pieces (monthly challenges), you’ll be able to stay focused and motivated to accomplish your goal one step at a time in bite-sized monthly challenges. Here’s how it works:

    1. In your first post, introduce yourself to the group – helps us to get to know each other, especially helpful for newbies. Perhaps say something about where you started, journey so far, what you’re aiming for or how you are benefiting from fasting. You might like to include your starting weight or your goals for the month. But you don’t have to – share only what you are comfortable sharing.

    2. Posting – This is the ‘HOW TO POST’ bit.. Start each post with the day of the month, where you are, and if you’re on a fast day (FD), non-fast day (NFD) or controlled day (CD). We’re all over the world and in different time zones so it helps us keep track of which day we’re talking about, who else is fasting with us on a particular day etc. For example, I’ll start my post (on 1 October) with “Day 1 – UK – FD” …. that’s if I am on a FAST DAY (FD)
    alternatively for someone else it might be “Day 1 – Monday – Ohio USA – NFD”… if they are on a Non-Fast Day (NFD)

    3. Spreadsheet – It’s in alphabetical order by username. If you find it helpful, you can use it to record and track your progress as well as keeping track of how others are doing. It can help with perspective, accountability or planning. And if you need help just ask – there’s always someone happy to help. But you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. It’s just another tool you can use if you choose. Here is the link:-
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tKPPboEuy13Uzl0TWNw0GSivNYzB31ZjQwT4bRAuhRc/edit?usp=sharing

    4. Frequency – Some people post daily, others check in every few days. Some are brief, others are long and chatty. If you’re posting for a second time in the same day please head your post eg Day 1 second post.

    5. Content of your post– Comments or questions, complaints or celebration – anything you’d like to share with the forum. Recipes, tips, tricks and bright ideas are always welcome. Remember: we all have good days and bad days, days we fall off the wagon or days when we are hanging on by our fingernails, days when our mojo deserts us and days where we feel completely in control. So DON’T GIVE UP – whatever it is, you are not alone!

    6. Community – This is a worldwide forum so there’s usually someone online. We all do our best to offer advice, support and solidarity.

    7. Pocket lists –A ‘pocket list’ is a list of the names of people who are sharing the same goal on a particular day. It’s great psychological support in mentally keeping that list in our back pocket, knowing we’re not alone. Anyone can join a pocket list or start a pocket list. Typical pocket lists are for FD but in the past they’ve been used for people doing daily exercise or planks, or DTF (dry till Friday).

    8. 5:2 basics – answers to many FAQs plus top tips:
    https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/

    As this month’s host, I will try to read every post. Apologies, however, if I miss a question or fail to comment on a post. If I miss it, I know someone else will step in. That’s what’s great about our little community.

    And by way of translation, we use a LOT of abbreviations. Here’s a guide to some of the more frequently used ones:
    ABBREVIATION LIST – useful for those new to the challenges
    Common abbreviations used throughout this challenge and added to on an ongoing basis:
    16:8 – 16 hours fast 8 hours non fast
    5:2 – 5 days NFD + 2 days FD (IF)
    ADF – Alternate Day Fasting (FD – NFD – FD – etc. etc. etc.…….)
    atl – All time low
    B2B – Back to Back (consecutive FDs)
    BMR – Basal metabolic Rate
    CFD – Controlled Fast Day (a FD below your goal weight TDEE, whatever that is!!!)
    DH, DD, DS, SIL, DIL – Darling Husband, Daughter, Son, SON-IN-LAW, DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
    DTF – Dry ‘Til Fri (for those limiting the booze to weekend only ………….. & aiming for sainthood!!!!)
    EE – Emotional Eating (reflex grazing out of a need for instant comfort instead of satisfying hunger)
    EFS – Epic Face Stuffing (we’ve all had one of those days. Definitely due to a faulty OFF button!)
    FD – Fast Day (500 cals)
    FDW – Fast Day – Wasn’t!
    HUNGER DRAGON – that dreadful psychological beast that sometimes cannot be satisfied. Some people even name theirs (e.g. @i-hate-lettuce has an INNER WARTHOG!)
    IF – Intermittent Fasting
    IRL – In real life
    Keto – way of eating that generates Ketones
    K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid!!!………………or Sexy!!!
    LOCA – Lady of a Certain Age
    LC – Low Carb way of eating
    LCHF – Low Carb High Fat way of eating
    LFD – Liquid Fast Day (incl. tea, coffee, miso, bone broth & water)
    LOL – Laughing Out Loud
    M/WOAM – Man/Woman on a Mission (courtesy of @i-hate-lettuce)
    MFD – Modified Fast Day (800 cals) on the new Fast800, it’s a FD
    NFD – Non Fast Day
    OH – Other Half (eg spouse/partner)
    OMAD – One Meal A Day
    PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of @penz)
    TDEE – Total Daily Energy Expenditure (see the ‘how it works’ link on the home page to work out yours)
    TRE – Time Restricted Eating
    WFD – Water Fast Day (Water only)
    WFH – Working From Home ……………….. Covid-19 enforced!!!
    WHOOSH – after being on plateau for a while then suddenly WHOOSH the scales drop inexplicably
    WOL – Way of Life
    WOCA – Women Of a Certain Age
    ZBC – Zero Breakfast Club

    My personal motto since losing weight and reaching maintenance has been “If I quit now, I will soon be back to where I started. And when I started, I was desperately wishing to be where I am now”

    I will need to join in after this very “wine” vacation! Thanks so much @at for keeping this great feed going!

    Day 0 – thank you @at for hosting Super October 🙂 Please count me in!

    Day 0 Ohio, US

    Thanks @at for hosting! I’m definitely ready for a Super October Challenge!

    Day 01 – Saturday – Gold Coast Queensland Australia – (NFD)😎😍🤩😎

    Thank you @at for taking on host for Super October 2022 Challenge! 👏👏👏 And also thank you to @matpi for taking care of us for Saucy and Svelte September! 👏👏👏

    Also once again thanks to @at for putting our October spreadsheet together… I recommend using the spreadsheet to anyone thinking about it…
    Here is the spreadsheet again:
    October 2022 spreadsheet
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tKPPboEuy13Uzl0TWNw0GSivNYzB31ZjQwT4bRAuhRc/edit?usp=sharing

    I have already set my row up for the month … so ready for another month! I actually came in under for September, but gives me a little more wriggle room for my WOL maintenance. 🥰🥰

    91 days to New Years Eve. 🎆🎇🎆🎇 My goal is to maintain till then and beyond!

    Hello to any newbies.. you are very welcome here and will find all the knowledge, hints, hacks, tips and support you will ever need. 😍😍😍

    I’m a LOCA…(Lady of a Certain Age) newly single, still working (own business), live in the best part of the world ie Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Have successfully completed 5:2 in 2019 and now again in 2022. Goal now is to maintain FOREVER!… And to move forward with my life and hopefully meet a lovely partner to share exciting adventures in upcoming retirement.🎈🎈🎈

    cheerie dearies

    THINK – IDEA – TRY – DO – DO AGAIN – AND AGAIN – KEEP DOING = SUCCESS ✅✅✅

    Day 1 – UK (somewhere in the Highlands of Scotland!) – NFD
    Just a check in – on holiday, special celebration yesterday – Golden Wedding Anniversary! It poured with rain ALL day but the waterfalls were spectacular – the hills just leaked water. I won’t mention food, except to say it was out of this world, Highland Hospitality meets French Haute Cuisine. Will check in properly when we return on 10th – I suspect the scales will hide under the bath …. (:
    Start of a new month, lots of resolve to you all, I’ll be joining you again soon.

    Day 1 – UK – NFD

    Good morning everyone

    Firstly thanks to @at for escorting us along the journey 5:2 this month and to @matpi for last month. Unfortunately I’ve been incredibly busy for the last few weeks and shortly heading away for a break again! This retirement lark is incredibly busy 😉

    A bit about me …. I ‘found’ this group in July 2019 and have never looked back! I’m a bloke who now in my mid 60’s had put on a lot of weight over the years, but thanks to this WOL I’m now down to a weight that I am comfortable with and feel a lot better!
    I have found the help and encouragement of the members of this group fantastic. The 5:2 WOL really does work.

    Currently maintaining and staying within my ‘buffer zone’ in fact I really do find it easy having done the hard yards getting to where I am now from where I was.

    Hobbies, travelling, brewing craft beer, baking bread, rugby union (watching these days, my playing days are long over) fishing and gardening.

    @gardenlily – Enjoy the Highlands and your Golden Wedding Anniversary 🙂

    Take care all

    Day 1, Germany, CD

    Good morning everyone!

    @at Thank you for hosting again!

    I’m a Dutchwoman living in the upper North-West of Germany, married, 66 years old, 163 cm/5’4″ tall. My weight was 56 kg/123.5lbs all my adult life until starting a new job in 2011 where my weight crept up to 72.9 kg. I joined the challenges on and off from March 2017 on. I lost 20 kg very quickly (too skinny then, I overdid it) but gained half of it back after retirement in March 2018. This morning my weight was 64.5 kg/142.2 lbs, a bit above my maintenance range of 58-60 kg/128-132 lbs. Nothing dramatic, as soon as I go back to ZBC, 18:6 and a few FDs this month, I should be fine. I did it before so I can do it again!

    @gardenlily Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary!

    Have a nice day everyone!

    Day 1 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 🚫🍷

    @at – thanks again for hosting Super October.

    About me:- David, 60, retired casino/cruise ship crew member. Originally from Manchester in the UK, living in Port Elizabeth (aka Gqeberha) on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. I’ve been fasting on & off since 2014, & maintaining for about 3 & half years with the help & support of this forum.

    The doc put me on BP meds after the reading showed 160/95 yesterday 😱 So I’m determined to get off the pills asap. As the doctor said, “lifestyle changes are always the better option”. I’d already decided to do ‘Sober October’. So here we go… The youngest doctor I’ve ever seen, btw. Think Indian Doogie Howser. Very nice guy, but I wasn’t crazy about the pierced eyebrow. I know it’s fairly common now, but I just can’t help staring & thinking, ‘damn, that must’ve hurt?!’. I would’ve drawn the line at neck tattoos though 😅

    @gardenlily – Happy Anniversary & enjoy your holiday!

    Let’s Rock October, fellow fasters 💪 🎯

    Day 1 UK CD

    I hope you don’t mind that I have added my name to the October spreadsheet. I am not ready to join the forum just yet. However I have been following all the posts since March 2022.

    Day 1 UK NFD

    You are indeed a ⭐️ @at thanks for hosting

    Looking forward to our October journey 💪

    A bit about me – F 60 living on the south coast of England with DH , an avid 2 days a week faster but with too many bad habits , I’m putting it down to being a WOCA but I can put weight on by looking at food but it is increasing difficult to shift , so it’s the slow and steady club for me 🐢

    Nice to hear from you again @snowflake56 👋 I think a few other “old timers” may be joining in this month

    @gardenlily Happy Anniversary- Enjoy🥂

    Glad to hear it wasn’t anything more serious @funshipfreddie I’m sure you’ll be off those meds soon

    Day 1 – USA/GA – NFD

    I am in for October! This is my month to get back on a good track and find my motivation into 2023! I’m a 48 y/o man in northeast Georgia and I have been on the 5:2 since May of 2020. I’ve lost more than 72 lbs in that time, though I’ve gained somewhere in the region of 7 lbs back mid-year — basically a plateau 2022 for me. However, I’m ready to get things going downwards again. By the end of the year, I’d like to match or beat my last low weigh-in in March of 207 lbs., hopefully reaching 202 lbs which means I’ll no longer be considered “obese” by the major health organizations.

    Today’s weigh-in: 214 lbs, and was actually an ounce or two lighter today. This was after a 5:30 p.m. OMAD at a pizza restaurant (which included a generous portion of salad). Although my mom did press me to take a brownie when I got home (and I failed at resistance!), I did manage to keep the other temptations at bay a little later that evening by eating a small lime and apple. I want to remember for this month — the more carbs you eat now, the quicker you’ll feel hungrier later and will want more. Time to up the good fats and proteins. Cooler weather is coming, so soups may be coming back to my menu!

    Day 1 – USA/HI- NFD
    Very thankful I found this website again. I participated some years ago and found it very helpful. Looking forward to getting back to the IF way of life.

    I am 76 years old and caregiver for my 88 year old husband. Still working a couple days a week. Great life but, as normal for all, comes with challenges. Iʻm seeking to improve my energy level to enable me to take care of husband and enjoy the life we have for as long as possible.

    starting October Challenge at 177 lb. Seeking 8 lb weight loss this month.

    Day 1 – UK – NFD

    Busy but lovely day, so a bit late posting but felt I had to do a quick check in to welcome you all to this Super October 2022 Challenge

    So a big welcome to @songbirdme @michelinme @matpi @linda.b @gardenlily @i-hate-lettuce @funshipfreddie @brightonbelle @northgeorgia

    A very special welcome back to our old friend @snowflake56 – we have missed you – so lovely to see your post today 🤗

    @kazoo – welcome back to you too, from just short of 2 years ago I think – definitely happy for you to use the spreadsheet and please do post if and when you feel able and FYI we have another local member from the Lake District in @i-hate-lettuce

    @maui – I came across your name when I first joined these challenges way back in November 2016 with @back2thefuture and I have been participating ever since………so a big welcome back to you too!

    @gardenlily – Wow your Golden Wedding Anniversary!!! certainly something to celebrate 🥂 and have a fab holiday in the Highlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    Been enjoying some fab seafood this weekend – a veritable feast and a definite NFD on Friday night of Dressed crab with a spicy mango slaw in Asian dressing – Lobster with mirin butter, seaweed potatoes, seared brocollini and smoked mayonnaise and to finish a Dark chocolate fondants with dulce de leche and creme fraiche
    Today was within TDEE and tonight we had a much lighter meal of pan-fried red mullet fillets with crispy spiced breadcrumbs & a herby tomato salad and a very nice Chablis was drunk over the 2 evenings 😋

    Tomorrow I will be back to a CD followed by a FD on Monday so as not to undo all the effort of the last week of the September Challenge

    Right my bed is calling as I have an early start tomorrow doing some marshalling for a fell race so will catch up in the afternoon

    I am reminding myself this month that “If I quit now, I will soon be back to where I started. And when I started, I was desperately wishing to be where I am now”

    Day 1 Ohio, US — NFD

    About me: I’m a retired teacher who used the 5:2 diet to get my weight down to 172 lb (78 kg). I was a regular participant on this site, but in 2020 with the pandemic I dropped away for a while. This last May I returned and my weight at that time was 183 lb (83 kg). Right now it is at 180 lb (81.6 kg) and my goal for October is to get the weight down to something stable below 179 lb (81.2 kg). That has eluded me so far, but will work to make it so! It’s become very clear to me that what I do on NFD’s is crucial. I always keep in mind the experiment described in “The Fast Diet” in which the subjects fasted on the 5:2 schedule, but were instructed to eat enough on the NFD’s so that they didn’t lose weight. Ha! Ha! Apparently I’m living that experiment! So that must change.

    @at Wow! Your seafood feast was fit for King Neptune himself!

    @maui Welcome! This is a superb WOL to get back as I did this last Spring.

    @kazoo Glad to have you as a fellow traveller!

    @funshipfreddie I really laughed at your description of your doctor! Pierced eyebrow indeed!

    @snowflake56 It’s great to have you back on the forum!

    @gardenlily Congratulations on the big 50! Have a fine time in the Highlands!

    Day 2, Germany, CD

    Good morning everyone!

    @brightonbelle and @matpi Thank you both for the welcome back, it’s good to be here again!

    @at Thanks, I missed you all too! I started my weight loss journey when you were hosting back in March 2017, you were such a great help, your encouragement always kept me on the right path. This summer was filled with lovely friends and family coming to stay so a lot of food, esp. desserts. We’re back to our normal live again so the extra weight should disappear again. Your seafood dinners sound delicious!

    @kazoo and @maui Welcome back!

    My participation in this challenge wasn’t thought through at all, it was a spontaneous reaction after weighing myself yesterday. I hadn’t prepared anything and decided to start after having breakfast containing bread, butter and the last slice of Belgian black pudding. The rest of the day I only had a small orange and a scrambled egg. I wasn’t hungry in the evening but cold.

    Have a nice Sunday everyone!

    Day 2 – UK – NFD

    Good morning everyone

    Beautiful sunny cool morning, off out for a long wander with Mrs I-h-l this morning, then a few more gardening jobs for this afternoon. Going to be a careful food day today I think, preparations for forthcoming break!

    @at – Marshalling the fell run today? Picturing you halfway up Fairfield or Red Screes wearing a Stetson, shiny badge and horse tied up to a rock 🙂

    Take care all

    Day 2 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – FD 🚫🍷

    @snowflake56, @kazoo & @maui – welcome back!

    @matpi – I loved the pic of the kitty sprawled out on the laptop 😅 That’s one of Boo Boo’s favourite spots; & she doesn’t care whether or not you’re using it.

    My first ‘dry’ evening in forever was a cinch. Only 30 days to go! 🥴️ So I’m going to follow that with my first October FD.

    Happy S🌞nday!

    Pocket List – Day 2 🍇
    @funshipfreddie

    Day 2 UK NFD

    After a very rainy morning, the suns out so off for a nice walk See you on the list tomorrow ☀️

    Day 2 USA (Oregon – on vacation) NFD

    We made it to our 50th state! Finally. Happy to jump in and say hello, but can’t post long. Hubby has come down with a cold, runny nose but otherwise feeling okay. We are off to Crater Lake today.

    Hope to catch up more in a few days. Onward and downward.

    Day 2 – USA/GA – FD

    Weigh-in: 216 lbs. Well, we we go again! Yesterday was a regular NFD with the memorial service and all, but I tried to keep to only three meals (although not the best choices). I am pleased with a 216 lb weigh-in, though. That’s two pounds under last week.

    This week, I have a doctor’s visit on Wednesday morning, and they want me to fast for blood work, so I’ll make Tuesday a FD, take off the day on Wednesday as an OMAD then eat after the appointment. I’ll also probably do another FD on Thursday, making this week a 4:3. That should jump-start my month in the right way if I watch myself on NFDs.

    I’m determined to get to 209 this month. I hit 210 twice last month, 210 once in August, 210 once in July, and in June I hit 208 and 209! So, I feel confident, as long as I make better decisions on NFDs.

    Pocket List – Day 2 🍇
    @funshipfreddie
    @northgeorgia

    Day 2 USA/HI NFD
    Weigh in 176 lb today, down from 177
    Thanks to all for the welcome backs! I read every post and find it very encouraging to be on this shared journey.
    On all NFD I aim to make it 16/8. Eating only between 11am to 7pm. Is that called a Control Day? Still getting organized but will schedule 2 FD per week. Seeing my acupuncture doctor tomorrow and he is putting together a Chinese medicine powder to help with the weight loss. He’s very supportive of IF. Good accountability opportunity as I see him weekly right now for treatments.

    Day 2 Ohio, US — NFD

    A pretty slow day: A food reaction kept me up til 3:30 am, so I slept late and have been groggy all day. With any luck everything will be back to normal in the morrow.

    @maui Acupuncture has been a very big factor in my health journey. I’ve been able to work up to three weeks between visits.

    @northgeorgia Congrats on being down 2 lb. When I used to have regular fast days and morning medical tests, after the tests, I’d go to a little restaurant near the hospital that served the best pancakes with real maple syrup! I always considered that my “medical test recovery” routine.

    @songbirdme Crater Lake is absolutely beautiful! You can get a good hike in if you want to go to the lake shore. Are they still running boat tours out onto the lake?

    @brightonbelle Hope you had a fine walk!

    @funshipfreddie Maybe developing fasting chops carries over to going dry mojo? Congrats on Day 1!

    @snowflake56 Maybe your subconscious had been pondering doing a challenge for a while, and then just said: “Today is the day!” ? I find many a solution to a problem that I’m working on just pops into my mind that way.

    Day 3, Germany, FD

    Good morning!

    @funshipfreddie Thanks, it seems, I can’t do without the support of others!

    @maui Perhaps a CD is different for everyone. I call it a CD when I stay below my TDEE and make healthy decisions.

    @matpi Of course I noticed for a while that my weight is going up but hesitated to do another challenge, I like communicating with people face to face but find it difficult to express myself on an internet forum with people I don’t know.

    Pocket list day 3
    @snowflake56

    Have a nice day everyone!

    Day 3 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 🚫🍷

    @matpi – I think you’re right; so far so good. But this isn’t my first serious attempt. I quit drinking in ’19, after dry February continued for almost 7 months. I was sort of expecting to feel down yesterday, with a, ‘poor me, no drinking & now no eating?!’ attitude’. But that just wasn’t the case, & I know it’ll just get easier.

    @maui – as @snowflake56 said, a CD (also CFD) is when you stay below your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure). Having an eating window, as you’re doing by eating between 11 am & 7 pm, is TRE (time restricted eating).

    @snowflake56 – I tried ‘solo’ fasting a while ago too, & it didn’t end well 😅 Sending you & other Monday fasters RESOLVE on your first October FD 🎯

    Day 03 – Monday – Gold Coast Queensland Australia – FUN DAY (FD)👸🤴👸🤴

    Strangely it is our Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday today (in Queensland). Of course the Queen has passed and her birthday was actually 21 April 1926 not 3rd October! In Australia we don’t let minor details get in the way of a public holiday.😉 I’m supposing the day will soon be replaced as the King’s Birthday Holiday in future. Anyway, it is also a long weekend which just happens to coincide conveniently with the end of the football season ie 2022 National Rugby League grand final. Not my thing….. but if it’s your’s then hope your team excelled. 🏉🏉🏉

    @gardenlily … Happy Golden Anniversary 🥂🥂 cheers to you both!

    @at.. your seafood feast had me salivating…. crab and spicy mango slaw… how delicious and along with the lobster and then next meal with the red mullet fillets… you are feasting well!😋

    I’ve had a slow day, some IT issues in that my 🐁 failed… replaced the batteries but didn’t help, then had to dig and delve to find another 🐁 … working ok now but still don’t know the problem with my expensive 💲 ergonomic 🐁. I am prone to RSI so using the correct 🐁 is very important.

    @funshipfreddie… I’ve found the trick to AF is to still use a lovely wine glass, muddle some lime and/or lemon into the bottom, fill with ice and then top with water. I’m so used to it now that I really feel like I’m enjoying a wine. In fact when I started AF in January, when I was out, my friends assumed I was drinking wine and didn’t notice the difference for 6 weeks. It certainly helped my mission to lose some kgs and now it’s just second nature. I feel healthier for it too…. which is even more important than losing the kgs. Doesn’t mean I’ll never drink again, just for occasions.

    cheerie dearies

    Thought: Imagine yourself 6 months from now. Don’t stop, it’ll be worth it!

    Pocket List – Day 3 🥦🥑🍄🌶🥕🍅🥦
    linda.b

    Day 3 – UK – FD

    Good morning all

    Monday, start the week with a FD as usual today, could be a good one today, work to do, large hole to dig in the garden as well as a FD 🙂

    Take care all

    Pocket list day 3
    @snowflake56
    @linda.b
    @i-hate-lettuce

    Day 3 UK FD

    First Monday of the month , kicking off with a FD

    Pocket list day 3🔥
    @snowflake56
    @linda.b
    @i-hate-lettuce
    @brightonbelle

    Day 3 – USA/GA – ZBC/NFD

    Weigh-in: 213 lbs. Not sure why I said today would be an OMAD; I’m doing 4:3 this week, so no…it’s just a regular NFD, except skipping breakfast today. I have a handful of nuts at work to break my fast about 30 mins before lunchtime.

    Another FD tomorrow before my physical on Wednesday, then another FD on Thursday. Hoping to kickstart this October into the right direction!

    Day 3 – Rural Nebraska, USA – CD

    Whew! The weekend was every bit as busy as I anticipated, and I even got 5,000 steps yesterday just from the walking I was doing while setting up and then running the meeting–all in my high heels! 😂😂 So I didn’t feel the least bit guilty last night bringing home a “take and bake” pizza (Cowboy, from Papa Murphy’s, for those of you who know the chain), and the scale didn’t seem to have much of a reaction to the sodium and my two beers.

    But today, I begin my good behavior. For October, I’ll continue my habit of WFD on Tuesday/Thursday; and work to find mega-quantities of RESOLVE for the other days so that I finally turn around the 14-pound weight GAIN I’m dealing with. I have been considering all the rules I could set for myself, but know I’ll rebel if I’m too stringent, and it’s the misbehavior on NFDs that got me to this point. So I’ll simply set TRE for myself of Noon to 8pm, and search for the behavior and attitudes that were natural for me in my 30s, that kept me around 22BMI…surely I can do that again!

    Thanks, @matpi, for your excellent hosting in September! And, thanks, @at, for taking on October; it’s good to hear from you so often!

    Welcome back, @snowflake56, it’s a delight to hear from you! And welcome, @kazoo and @maui!

    I’m a 63yo woman, married, three adult kids, the daughter lives 600miles away with her DH and two daughters; the sons live 50 minutes south, both single, and they live together. I used to be 5’4″ but have shrunk now to 5’2.5″, which means that when I finally hit 145lbs last spring, I was still overweight. 😢😢😢 (That also explains why a favorite dress never did fit me this summer…must weigh even less for it to be flattering again.) Somehow, in June, I started eating and went from hovering around 140 to hovering around 154. So now the work for those pounds needs to be repeated, and then I can continue on my journey to…who knows. 137 at least and perhaps 132, and even perhaps 125. I figure I’ll know it when I weigh it.

    And for the first time in a very long time, I’m setting a weight goal for October; I want to weigh 149 on Halloween. (Well, no, I want to weigh 137 on Halloween!!! But 149 seems a reasonable goal for October.)

    Today’s menu is up in the air, as DH and I need to drive the hour to go visit his 93yo mom, so I have no idea if we’ll give up and eat out–and we generally split an entre when we do that–or come home and eat here. Tough to plan food when I don’t even know the day’s schedule! 🤷‍♀️ It WILL, however, be OMAD, since that’s one thing I can control, and I’m always a ZBCer so that should be easy enough.

    What a joy to see back some familiar names, and read your chatter; I do adore this group! Have a grand one, everyone, and remember:

    It’s going to be hard, but hard is not impossible.

    Pocket list day 3🔥
    @snowflake56
    @linda.b
    @i-hate-lettuce
    @brightonbelle

    Day 3 – USA

    Hello, all! Here I am again after a few years off the 5:2, ready to recommit to IF in earnest and be part of this forgiving and encouraging community. I already see names I’ve posted with since 2017, and am amazed at your determination to keep on course. I’d like to be added to the spreadsheet, please?

    Can’t even begin to list all of the happenings of life since I last posted, probably around 2019-2020?

    My intention is to get back down to the weight I was the most comfortable at – about 136-137. Today I weighed in at 147 after having had Mexican carbs galore over the weekend! My biggest downfall, and I really don’t want any lectures, sorry, is that I enjoy beer and although I keep saying I’ll cut down, I’ve not done so, and it’s really inhibiting my fat loss. I’ve produced a muffin top, and although I can fit into my size 10s still, I am very uncomfortable and need the gentle accountability of this group.

    Day 4, NFD, Aus

    Thank you so much for hosting @at – but please refrain from those descriptions of your seafood meals. How can I possibly be in a fasting mindset and mindfully thinking about NOT eating when you fill the forum with such delicious tempting notions!!! 🙂

    Welcome (back) @kazoo @maui and @metatauta

    Still struggling to find my 5:2 mojo but at least I’m still posting… here’s to an awesome October!

    Day 3 USA/HI FD
    175 Lb. Down 2 lbs so far.
    Since it’s noon and I haven’t eaten anything, I am making this my first FD. I had dental appointment for cleaning and and now getting mani/pedi so it’s turning into a self care day. Next is acupuncture.

    Day 03 – Tuesday – Gold Coast Queensland Australia – (NFD)🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

    Blue sky today, sun shining… always lifts the spirit!

    So good to see everyone popping back up on the forum and sharing their resolve for the month…. it really is helpful…. after all a problem shared is a problem halved!

    @stitchincarol you are taking this one step further with a meal shared is a meal halved😁😋😁 that works too! Often when we eat out, meals are more than you would serve at home but, of course, like the good girls and boys that we are, we eat it all… to our detriment! So splitting a meal is a perfectly good plan!✅

    Hope all yesterday’s (Day 03) FD fasters stayed on track. Remember the best tip of all, is don’t undo on the NFD what you achieved on the FD as, we all know, its too easy to be one step forward and then two steps back. 5:2 works and is easy to fit into your everyday life. Most of us find the FD very ‘doable’, the challenge is always the NFDs! Have a plan for the NFDs too!

    cheerie dearies

    Thought: Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork. – English proverb🍴🍽🍴🍽

    Day 3 Ohio, US — MFD

    While the fasting has gone well, I’ve been fatigued all day and am feeling a little hungry right now, something that is unusual for me on fast days.

    @linda.b That’s a nice English proverb!

    @maui I almost never eat before my dental cleanings, too. I find that the hygienists treat me a little better when my mouth is pristine clean!

    @penz Keep on going from post to post — your mojo will find its way back! Besides, that’s better than going from pillar to post!

    @metatauta From one recent returnee to another: Good to see you back!

    @stitchincarol In my thirties I used to run 24 miles a week —- Unfortunately that’s not going to happen again.

    @ihatelettuce About digging holes in the garden — Last week my French teacher had a coughing fit in class. As he recovered he said, “It’s a good thing last weekend I dug a hole in my garden, just in case.” He has a wry sense of humor.

    @snowflake56 When I was working, I always preferred walking to a person’s office and talking with them face-to-face. But I realize how important travelling companions are in the 5:2 lifestyle. So glad to be travelling along with you!

    Pocket list day 3🔥
    @snowflake56
    @linda.b
    @i-hate-lettuce
    @brightonbelle
    @matpi

    Day 4, Germany, NFD

    Good morning!

    Yesterday’s FD went well, I found a leftover portion of spicy lentils with spinach (a recipe from the Fast Diet book) in the freezer so when my DH came home we shared it.

    @stitchincarol Thanks, I look forward to reading your daily adventures again! I can relate to your saying “I’ll rebel if I’m too stringent”. I often did too many FDs and felt so restricted that I didn’t want to do this WOL any longer. This month I’ll try to stick to 2 FDs weekly although it’s tempting to do more to get my weight down faster.

    @funshipfreddie and @matpi Thank you both for your kind words of support. This WOL works so much better when you have company. I wonder why we always give up when we’re trying to do this on our own. After a few months on my own my self discipline just slips away. I know I’m going to ruin my efforts but I’ll do it anyway.

    @metatauta Welcome back, how nice to see you here again. I also started again this month. Do you still hoola-hoop?

    Have a nice day everyone!

    Day 4 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 🚫🍷

    @metatauta – welcome back!

    @linda.b – I understand what you mean re making a glass of water special, with a fancy glass & all that. I really don’t think that would work for me though. I hate having ice in drinks; anything that makes the contents taste ‘watery’. That statement alone speaks volumes 🤦‍♂️ And there’s nothing fancy about my wine glasses. Even a rinsed-out old margarine tub would suffice. 😅 But it’s amazing how the market for alcohol-free drinks has suddenly exploded during the last couple of years? All the popular brands here now have non-alcoholic versions. I found some Devil’s Peak beers at a local supermarket. As I wasn’t really a beer drinker, they taste how I imagine regular beer tastes, & they only have 40 cals per bottle. They also have alcohol-free spirits here, but they tend to be more expensive than the real thing. But you’ve done so well?! Almost a year for you now 👏 Did you read any ‘quit-lit’ books before or after you quit?

    @snowflake56 – “I wonder why we always give up when we’re trying to do this on our own”. I guess because we really are ‘Stronger Together’ 💪

    Day 4 – USA/GA – FD

    Weigh-in: 217 lbs (I misbehaved very badly at lunch yesterday; I did better at supper). Still 2 lbs down over last week. Hope I get a good report at the doctor tomorrow, then I’ll reward myself with a day off work mid-week 🙂

    Pocket list – day 4
    @northgeorgia

    Day 04 – Tuesday – Gold Coast Queensland Australia – (NFD)🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞 – 2nd post reply for @funshipfreddie

    re the ice… funny thing is I’ve always hated ice in my drinks, not least because I have very sensitive teeth and rarely even eat ice-cream! However, the problem is if I just had a glass of water with a twist of lemon/lime, I would just simply drink it too fast ie just gulp it down… So I found filling the glass with ice definitely turned me into a sipper because the ice makes it too cold for me to actually drink by the mouthful. Then it turned out that just sipping it was also the similar action to sipping wine… so it slowed me down and felt more like I was enjoying a glass of wine like before when I drank the real thing. It really is all in the mind but I found that even though I wasn’t drinking the alcohol, I needed the actual ritual and physical motion of sipping from the glass more than I needed the wine … sounds weird but even now at 6.00 pm I crave the ritual to end the day and start the evening.
    Re other options…. I do drink AF wines, particularly if I’m socialising but I really do find them very sweet although they are getting better and better. I found an AF champagne that isn’t too bad and will sometimes take a bottle of that to a social thing. Surprisingly, these days, I often find I’m not the only one turning up with AF bottles. I also really dislike soft drinks ie coca cola, lemonade etc (you might call it ‘pop’ in RSA & USA)… way too sweet and too gassy.

    Yes, I did read some blogs after I quit which really reinforced my resolve. You know, it’s a choice, just like IF. I’m not saying I’ll never drink but I think it’s good to know on a personal level that I can take it or leave it. It also doesn’t bother me to be with other people who are drinking and they often are unaware that I’m not drinking too. The health benefits are a bonus and certainly made losing the kgs easier too! 😊

    Day 4 UK NFD

    Last day checking in for a while Early flight to Palermo tomorrow, I won’t be fasting so won’t post , but I will be aiming to stay “mindful” there will definitely be lots of meals shared – it’s a fairly common practice in Italy – @stitchincarol and hopefully the miles walked will offset 🥂🍺 consumed , see you all soon

    Day 4 – UK – NFD
    Day 2 and 3 – NFD

    Apologies for falling at the first hurdle of being the host this month but life just got in the way, I hasten to add not in a bad way at all…..

    Anyhow after a very wet group walk this morning, followed by a sociable lunch with some of the group I’m back home with a free afternoon so here I am doing a proper catch-up

    I have a few social outings this week so fasting is not easy but planning on B2B FDs on Thursday and Friday 🤞

    @matpi – the seafood feast was from a company based in Scotland called HAAR – all prepared just got to finish the cooking at home – OH said it was the best crab and lobster he has had for a while!!! so well worth it!
    @snowflake56 – after missing on getting together with family/friends over the pandemic I think most of us have been happy to socialise more freely once more and the price has been a small hike in the weight but we know what to do to shift it don’t we?
    @i-hate-lettuce – 🤣🤣 I was at the top of Kirkstone Pass sorting out parking and ensuring safe crossing of the road for the runners – the first changeover of the relay was in the carpark and the 2nd leg runners were going straight up the rocky climb to the top of Red Screens and onward…..
    @funshipfreddie – I briefly 🤣 toyed with the idea of a Dry October……..
    @northgeorgia – you know you can hit that target – we will all be rooting for
    @maui – I agree that a CD is when you stay well below your TDEE e.g my TDEE is around 1500 so anything between 1000-1200 I would consider a CD
    @linda.b – so lovely to have you with us and always love your chatty posts
    @stitchincarol – welcome on board – I also enjoy your musings very much
    @metatauta – welcome back – it’s been a while but I’m sure some familiar names are still here – You are on the spreadsheet if you want to use it for motivation. If your biggest downfall is beer then mine is wine……I have to be honest in that I don’t want to give up but want to be more in control so I’m trying to do 5:2 i.e. 5 dry days v 2 wine days but I have to admit that often I end up doing a 4:3…..
    @penz – welcome to you and apologies for my food descriptions but as you are probably aware I am a bit of a foodie and enjoy cooking as much as eating the results 🤣 hence my need to stay with these challenges if I’m to stay in control…..
    @brightonbelle – enjoy Sicily – are you visiting other places apart from the capital? Palermo is a fascinating city offering so much that it will keep you busy for a week or so and just a 20-minute bus ride from Palermo is Mondello -a picturesque former fishing village dominated by 606-metre Monte Pellegrino, known for its chapel to Santa Rosalia and you can enjoy its sandy beach and crystalline waters too

    Pocket list – day 4 🎯
    @maui
    @northgeorgia

    “Eat responsibly. You don’t have to be a saint with your food, but you can’t eat like every day is thanksgiving either.” – Brad Pilon

    Day 4 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD

    Thirty-four years ago today, my sweetheart took me on a date out to dinner and to see a touring production of CATS in Omaha–and proposed at the end of the evening. 🥰❤️ And now, thirty-four years later, it’s the day DD and DSIL are closing escrow on the purchase of their first (owned) house. Fun commonalities!

    My OMAD went well yesterday, although I was surprised the scale wasn’t down at all, but was up 0.2 pounds. That’s very little, yes, but I thought I ate little enough that I’d be down some bulk/water weight. I’m getting closer and closer to accepting, and then putting in to practice, that I have to enter my food in MFP. Ugh.

    Today I WF. My first lesson at 10:45 has been rescheduled for 6:30 at the end of the other lessons, and while I’m tired by that time of day, it’s also a huge advantage, because that’s when my restraint is at its lowest, but morning is when it’s at its highest, so I’m going to enjoy the little bit of extra time at home this morning, and then be thankful for built-in restraint this evening. It’ll be just shy of 8pm when I get home, and by then the temptations are nearly gone and it’s easy to skip food. Keeping busy and gone are key for me, and I can’t do this when I’m not gone all day.

    @metatauta How is your name pronounced???????? Please, I need help! 🤣😂😜 I’m trying to remember if we’ve been on the forum simultaneously before and my memory isn’t sufficient to answer that question, but welcome back! I’m another beer lover (love wine, drink wine, love margaritas, sometimes drink margaritas…but beer is always my first love) and know your struggle in recognizing beer is not a friend of losing weight and belly blubber (at least not on my body!), but wanting “normal” on the 5, and my normal includes beer. It’s a challenge, and we all have to find the solution we can live with contentedly.

    @penz Still posting is the hugest thing, and I’m so very glad you are; it’s a slightly less fun forum when you’re not on with us! Somehow, somewhere, you’ll find enough mojo to get you back on track!

    @maui That’s the beauty of this WOL, is that we can suddenly realize we’re on track for a FD and simply follow through on that! How’d the day end up going?

    @linda.b My husband is thin and always has been, and usually eats little enough that it’s clear that’s WHY he’s thin…drat him. 😂😂😂 Except for very rare meals, I can easily out-eat him. Which is clear evidence of why I’m no longer thin! Which is all a verbose way of saying we’ve been sharing meals for most of our 33 years of marriage; it’s not only fewer calories and less groaning-belly resultant, but it’s significantly cheaper.

    @matpi DH was also a distance runner for many years, and actually won several distance races, but a mile at a time is all he does now, preferring his bike for the distances. These days, he often shakes his head in wonder that he’d work all day, come home and play with the kids while I finished making supper, eat supper, play some more, help put them to bed–and then head out to run around 8:30, even though he’d eaten a full supper. @at Does your DH only run in the mornings these days? COULD he still run in the evenings, or are those days gone for him as well?

    @snowflake56 Yeah, moving the weight down quickly is always something we want–after all, we can GAIN quickly, so why can’t we LOSE quickly???? Sad truths, huh? But a pound a week is sustainable–at least for me–and I believe research shows it’s more likely to stay off than more rapid weight loss. Have you read that also?

    @funshipfreddie “And there’s nothing fancy about my wine glasses. Even a rinsed-out old margarine tub would suffice. 😅” You are FUNNY!!!!

    @northgeorgia So spill: how did you misbehave so badly at lunch on Monday? It’s good that you at least are two pounds down from last week, so you’re making progress!

    @brightonbelle Have a grand time on your holiday! DH and I also love making a meal off one or two appetizers, although those can often be more caloric than if we’d simply ordered a meal each, so we’re careful. We’ll be delighted to hear details when you return, or while you’re gone if that works for you!

    Pocket list – day 4 🎯
    @maui
    @northgeorgia
    @stitchincarol WFD

    I still often think of @northerndawn and @basyjames and wonder how they’re doing. And more: @flourbaby (how’s your mum?) @emma-taylor (still doing the RBS?) @ccco (bet that grandbaby is growing like a weed!) @fivetwofan5252 who became @high5 (we miss your chatter; are you still at maintenance?) @daffodil2010 (you’re having a LONG vacation, but think you must be busy having returned) @clemmi (I always loved reading about your gardening adventures in France) @dvw (Last we heard, you’d moved, and were at maintenance…hope all is well!) @betsylee and @lilymartin (you’re both in Australia, if I remember correctly!)

    We’ve made some wonderful friends over the years, haven’t we?

    And here’s a quote from @basyjames: “People often say that motivation does not last. Well neither does bathing-that’s why we recommend it daily” Zig Ziglar

    Day 4 2nd post

    Well, the president asked me to lunch, so it’s officially OMAD now lol

    Day 4 – USA

    Thank you, AT, for putting me back on the spreadsheet and you gave me food for thought about making it 5:2 or 4:3. I can’t seem to shake the habit of going out to do a beer run in the evening. I do a lot of reading, talking with gfs on the phone, but I can’t seem to be able to do it without pouring a cold one.

    I haven’t realized how commiserating with others about this WOL is so helpful in keeping on track. I was doing so well in maintenance but I was doing it alone.

    Stitchincarol, congrats on your milestones of life! By the way, my name is a latin phrase I quickly made up at the time I joined 5:2. I think you may have joined after I was in maintenance, but you seem to remember all the veterans! Has anyone heard from/about Coda? linda.b, what was your m.o. to stop drinking? I can’t say I want to stop altogether, but I would welcome solutions to cutting down.

    I also got back on MFP to record what I eat daily, but I don’t feel that it represents an accurate picture of my future weight because it seems to be modeled on the typical caloric restriction WOL, rather than net carbs. Any suggestions?

    Day 5, NFD, Aus

    Rain rain and more rain. I wish I had the power to send it to drought-stricken parts of the world to even things up! Still, I did manage to drag myself away from my dry warm bed in a break in the weather and took the dogs out for a run. (They ran, I plodded.)

    Still looking for my mojo. It has completely and utterly gone AWOL.

    Speaking of AWOL, good run down on missing friends, @stichincarol and I know there are many more we’ve not seen in a while. Come on back!

    Day 4 USA/HI NFD

    weigh in 176 up 1 lb but I know you don’t freak out if weighing in daily. From past experience, I’ve found it better for me to do daily weigh than weekly.

    @stitchincarol Thanks for asking…Yesterday’s first FD for October turned into a 20/4 day so trying to keep it on a positive note. Still better than not trying.

    Day 4 Ohio, US — NFD

    A lot of fatigue during the day, so not a lot got accomplished. This evening was the 3 hour personal enrichment class, so am a little tired out now. The eating seems to have stayed on track, but my exercise levels are way down. Something to work on tomorrow.

    @maui You are right in saying that trying is better than not. For my money, the only way to lose this game is to stop playing.

    @northgeorgia With the president asking you to lunch, it was more than a social event?

    @stitchincarol Congratulations on the anniversary of the proposal. And CATS —- oh, “Memories”!

    @brightonbelle Enjoy all the great Sicilian cuisine! Moderation in all things!

    @funshipfreddie Non-alcoholic beers are just as good as a couple of slices of bread, imho. And I enjoy toast with a nice jam much more than beer, even the alcoholic variety!

    @snowflake56 I also stick to two FD’s a week —- for me personally, that seems the best way to ensure that all weight loss is sustainable for the long run.

    Day 5, Germany, NFD

    Good morning!

    It’s going to be a nice day over here, 18°C so a good day to do a bit of work in the garden.

    @brightonbelle Enjoy your stay in Sicily!

    @funshipfreddie Being ‘Stronger Together’ must be true otherwise we could all do it on our own!

    @matpi I hope you feel better today! I plan to stick to two FDs weekly this time but it’s so tempting to try to get the weight down as soon as possible.

    @stitchincarol Congratulations, your evening out was one to remember! In the past I used to lose extra weight very fast and keep it off for a while. I have no idea if a slow loss it better. I think I’m just impatient.

    @at At home it’s always the ice cream, desserts and sweets that put the weight back on. I know it does but eat it anyway. Better not to have it in the house at all. When socializing I behave much better and have better portion control.

    Have a nice day everyone!

    Day 5 – UK – NFD

    Good morning everyone

    Glad I’ve got on with the garden, it started pouring with rain last night and more today. At least we have ‘indoor’ jobs to get on with, like planning the next few weeks around the Greek Islands 😉

    @at – Kirkstone Pass Inn, straight UP Red Screes, hopefully those starting that leg were properly warmed up as that really would be a severe test for the muscles!

    Take care all

    Day 5 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 🚫🍷

    @brightonbelle – have a great time! ✈️

    @linda.b – thanks so much for the advice. I can understand the whole ritual side of it. I didn’t realise just how often I was rushing through my evening meal, like it was a chore, just so I could give myself permission to have a drink. I very seldom drank before then. Now I still want a drink, although I’ve discovered it doesn’t HAVE to be alcohol, phew?!

    @metatauta – Have you tried the Carb Manager app? I used that for quite a while when I was following low-carb. It takes some getting used to, but it’s very popular with over 5 million downloads.

    Quite an inspiring 11 minute TED talk from Janey Lee Grace (British author, TV presenter, DJ, singer) for anyone thinking of quitting
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NktRXVUmQC8 @at – just sayin’ 😉

    @northgeorgia – Lunch with Joe Biden?! 😳

    Was planning on a FD today, but got a lunch date so it’ll have to be tomorrow.

    Happy Hump Day! 🐫

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