Day 13 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD

Around 3:30 yesterday, I was startled to realize that, other than the small amount of lunch I had–like, 2 or 3 oz of pork I brought home from a restaurant on Tuesday–I’d not only eaten nothing else, but hadn’t even thought of eating something else. I’d pulled some freezer-burned shrimp (oops) from the freezer for supper, and we had steamed green beans and leftover roasted carrots to go with them, so yesterday was a true control day.

@northgeorgia Wow, so much commotion at your dad’s appointment, to have a procedure not in the shorter notes! But it sounds like some positive progress toward better daily health for your dad.

@at @daffodil2010 and others We’ve been seeing all sorts of reports of how awful the gas prices are for all of Europe and my heart aches for you all–a warm cozy house on a cold day is one of life’s simple pleasures, and to have the cost of that warmth so hideous is not a choice anyone should have to make. Gas for cars is certainly not good here in the States, but gas/electricity for heating and lighting our houses hasn’t skyrocketed.

@at What a miserable and odd reaction to the vaccination; so glad it’s all resolved now.

@mariaelena It didn’t even sink in until @matpi mentioned it: What an impressive accomplishment that you’re still within maintenance even after all your traveling!

@i-hate-lettuce Have a grand time!!

@songbirdme Glad your hubby is improving, and nice to have the silver lining of dropping a couple pounds, but what an ordeal for both of you!

Woke up with another doozy of a headache, but the medicine has begun to kick it so I’m feeling much better. I’m thinking it must be the change of seasons because I’ve sure had lots of them recently. Now it’s time to get dressed and functional so I can be out the door in fifteen minutes; have a grand one, everyone!

Pocket List – Day 13 🎈 (anyone with me, jump on board!)
@linda.b
@i-hate-lettuce
@northgeorgia
@at
@stitchincarol WFD

Hi Everyone,

I’m joining October challenge. I regularly fast and have managed to lose 10Ibs, but still have about 20 Ibs to go, but I like the ‘slow and steady’ approach as don’t want it to be too demanding on body. I also need some accountability. I’m hypothyroid which does impact metabolism but cannot use it too much as an excuse. Have just hit 60, and am mindful of keeping healthy. I do a fair bit of exercise, but can eat unmindfully and end up scoffing more than I need.
Lifting weights has been a revelation, building muscle and important regulating hormones are 2 of the benefits, as well as losing weight from my waist.

Wishing everyone well!

Day 13 USA/ HI NFD. 16:8
Getting hubby ready to go to adult day care as I am working full day today. With all going that’s going on, I will just be sure to post daily and be mindful of what I’m eating and staying within the 16:8 but that’s probably about it. Trying not to fall into “ it’s got to be all or nothing” mindset… giving up if I don’t do it all. Better to do something than not try at all.

Day 13 Ohio, US — MFD

The fasting has gone well. This morning I was able to do my yoga practice and this afternoon I got my walk in, so it looks as though I’ll make 10K steps — the first time in a long while.

@maui I agree with you — even doing a little each day can add up over a long time. The trick is to maintain for the long haul!

@michelinme Ever since I was really ill, food allergies have been present. When I was really ill, there were only 9 foods I could eat without a reaction. Over time things have improved, but I still run experiments to expand my nutritional range.

@amiya Welcome to the October challenge! It sounds like you’ve been doing a good job of things, and this forum can help you make it a sustainable and pleasant journey.

@mariaelena It is a truly wondeful experience seeing photos of relatives from a couple of generations ago. It gives me a sense of continuity that makes me feel as though I have real ground under my feet (and not just floating by on a raft of text messages).

@songbirdme There have been some scientific studies showing that milk can help with weight loss. Here’s a link to a report of one such study. It’s an old study, but I believe that it is representative:
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20100922/milk-drinkers-may-lose-more-weight

Pocket List – Day 13 🎈 (anyone with me, jump on board!)
@linda.b
@i-hate-lettuce
@northgeorgia
@at
@stitchincarol WFD
@michelinme
@metatauta
@matpi

Day 14 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Keeping you all in my thoughts as we head into weekend zone. Yesterday’s FD wasn’t, so it will be next week.

Hope all who are unwell, or whose family members are unwell, a good recovery. Can’t believe that Covid still rampant. Take care.

Have a great weekend all.

Day 14 – South Africa – NFD 🚫🍷

@amiya – welcome to the October Challenge!

@songbirdme – I found this link explaining how to transfer a Fitbit from one person to another; hope it helps: https://outdoorshelp.com/transfer-a-fitbit-from-one-person-to-another/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20possible%20to%20transfer%20a%20Fitbit%20from,at%20the%20upper%20left%20to%20go%20to%20%E2%80%9CDevices.%E2%80%9D

@michelinme – I hope you soon get rid of that cold. I’ve had 3 since July! None of them lingered for long, but I had a very irritating cough with the last one.

Happy Fri-yay! 🍹

Day 14 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in: 212 lbs. I am so glad it is Friday 🙂

Day 14 UK CD

It’s been a different sort of week as no LFDs or WFDs but 1xFD500, 1xFD600 and1xFD800 instead. Different sort of progress – just a fraction down on last week but my fat suit feels smaller, my carbtastic tum has shrunk and I’ve lost 0.5″ from my bust. Yesterday was better for drinking more water too and better evening routine all week – it’s all progress!

Compariing myself with Past Me, I’m now down to where I was in January 2021 which feels epic. I’m itching to get below 170lbs and indeed below 12 stone but those are just around the corner. My goal weight is a fair way off but there are all sorts of mini goals on the way there -7lbs, 3lbs, 2lbs, 1″: good stepping stones laid by Past Me to track my progress now.

I’m still feeling rough today but not terrible, working from bed as I prep for tomorrow’s conference. Three things to do – perhaps 4 hours work – then I’m done, and can focus on getting myself ready for tomorrow. My lovely friend who helps in the garden is coming round this afternoon to dig over beds, plant bulbs and add mulch. I love this time of hopeful preparation for the spring that is to come.

I’m going to break my fast with a late lunch of spinach omelette and salad, then supper of baked potato, quorn chicken with sweet chilli sauce, corn and endamame bean salad and berries. Planning for a super early night – hopefully 8-9pm.

@matpi that sounds realy tough with food allergies

@maui ‘better to do something than not try at all’ – exactly that! I find it far too easy to throw in the towel, but not giving up makes progress possible

@northgeorgia congrats on 212 lb!

@linda.b i’m with you on the bah humbug around public health precautions and covid. it’s become such a libertarian issue for some reason. I got super-stressed last year when it was first relaxed in the UK but realised I can only take responsbility for my own actions and manage my own risk by staying away from high-risk events/people. I’ve carried on masking on public transport and indoors around groups especially if it’s not well ventilated. My PA and my gardening friend both mask indoors at my house bc my long covid, elderly mother and DD. Following various public health professionals on twitter and it’s obvious a fast growing wave has started in the UK, it’ll hit the press in a few days…

@funshipfreddie – three colds? Wowsers!I don’t feel very coldy yet, more headache, woozy and sore throat/chest. Hoping the snuffles stay away

Sending strength to all fasters today!

Second post

@linda.b. I remember Paul Gallico! He wrote a classic : The Silent Miaow – a guide written by a cat, “translated from the feline”, on how to obtain, captivate, and dominate a human family. It is a treasure! Now I want to read the Mrs Harris books!

Day 14 – Rural Nebraska, USA – CD

Yesterday’s WF was tough; that headache hung on until late in the day, the lack of calories and the cold weather made my body cold, and I was hungry–went to bed hungry, woke up hungry in the middle of the night, and was almost hungry when I woke up this morning. But I stuck to my guns, and haven’t eaten anything yet and am enjoying my PFDS! 😇😇😇 For today, I’m trying to eat out of the freezer, and the veggies I already have, so we’re having swai (it’s a mild white fish) that I’ll spread with a mayo/parm mixture (something I never get to do on a FD) and bake, roasted Brussels sprouts, and roasted butternut squash. Don’t know what for lunch…something simple and low in calories so the evening meal doesn’t send the total calories too high.

@amiya Welcome to our corner of the internet; we’re glad to have you join us. Where do you live?

@michelinme Are you feeling any better today? I had a dear friend go through breast cancer treatment, and it was grueling for her, but she’s been cancer free for well over five years now, so the disease absolutely can have a lovely ending!

@matpi I was the one who originally asked about the effect of milk on losing weight (remembering that back when I was thin, I drank a gallon a week of it), so thanks for the article. It doesn’t give a definitive answer, but it makes it sound very reasonable to try, so I’ll pick up a half gallon and see how it tastes with meals these days; if nothing else, it will help by replacing beer and wine!

@northgeorgia Nice weigh in!

@brightonbelle You’ll be strong and ready to go on Monday!

@mariaelena When my mom was in her 80s, she would come live with us (from California to Nebraska) for 4-5 weeks at a time, and I was a committed scrapbooker, so my sisters and I spent several years finding all of Mom’s photos and getting them to my house–no small undertaking!–and then I started the job of sorting them. It was a HUGE job, and Mom wasn’t always able to remember the details I needed, but eventually I got two 12″ books filled with photos and names and stories. It’s a treasure to us all at this point, and we often look up details in the books when we can’t remember things. The funniest thing is that I wasn’t even alive for most of the books’ history, but because I spent so much time researching it all, my knowledge of that time rivals my sisters’ knowledge, who lived it. 😂😜❤️

Oh, my word, @songbirdme!!! Prayers for your honey, and for you as well, as you navigate the questions and decisions for treatment!

Okay, I have a long list of things I ought to do today…suppose I’ll do any of it??? 😜

Have a grand one, everyone!

Update on DH: Still in hospital but seems to be getting stronger. No flu, no COVID, but we have decided the dental work of Monday must have resulted in his infection. Even tho the dentist gave him amoxicillin (a penecillin) it must not have been strong enough to combat the bacteria from his mouth. No telling how long he will have to stay in hospital, but at least getting a bit better.

Day14 USA/HI NFD. 16:8
Late signing in! But not quitting!

Day 15 – Ireland – NFD 🚫 🚶🏻‍♀️

Hi all! 👋

I’m checking in early as have been up with mum and can’t get back to sleep just yet so have been reading your posts…

So much going on and I’ve left it too long again 🙃 . Note to self : get back to daily posts 😍

I’ve had two good FDs this week and have been quite focused on getting out for a good 1 hr walk each day- not quite back to the bike yet… I’m still very tired and sleeping lots… busy days with work which is bananas right now and with mum but all good.

@at my colleague had the exact same reaction to the booster as you. She felt so sick for 24 hours. I had mine in March and am due my 5th in a few weeks but was very glad I was up to date with vaccination when I caught Covid… dread to think how much worse it could have been. And yes like the UK there are definitely a lot more cases at the moment here. I’m three months post Covid now and beginning to feel like I need to take more care with masks etc. @linda.b I was shocked to read they isolation rules are being scrapped there… 😱 @daffodil2010 it sounds like we may have mandatory masks back in public transport etc soon.. I think it’s a good idea but I can’t see people going back there now… very divided opinion / we’ll see 🤔

@songbirdme I’m so sorry to hear about your DH and am hoping that he is improving and will be home with you soon. 🙏

@matpi I find your allergies so interesting to read about… think my body acts up in the same way when i am stressed but I’m rubbish at forensically looking at the different scenarios… there are certain foodstuffs which trigger either itching or spots or cramps but actually not every time I eat them.. I’ve often wondered if it’s hormonal and intolerance, or histamine intolerance etc but stress could be a factor also…
Thanks for posting as it is food for thought – definitely 👍

@michelinme I hope your daughter is able to rest up while ill with Covid and is not trying to work through it… you poor things.
You have inspired me to plant some bulbs when I get back home next week and look forward to spring colour in the garden. I love my garden so much 🌱 🌸 .

@funshipfreddie – your BP readings looked great to me! I’d be very happy with those readings…I’m on tablets since 2014 – no real reason for the high bp but most likely down to auto immune conditions. I don’t like taking tabs but they do keep it in check… still higher than your readings though…
and well done on AF. I know you’ve done it before but I’m another of the group who is mainly AF 🚫 except for special celebrations and hols (way too much on the cruise 😂😂) 🍹.

@stitchincarol very interesting musings on milk. 🤔 well done on the WF – 💪

Ok getting tired now so off to snooze… have a lovely Saturday all and be well 🙏

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 15 – Saturday night– Gold Coast Queensland Australia – (NFD) 😵🥴😡😬😩

Especially for @songbirdme ….sending hugs your way from this far side of the world …hope your DH is improving….. here’s some flowers for you both 💐💐

Oh dear @mariaelena, this is all triggering long forgotten memories. One of the other Paul Gallico books we read was THE SNOW GOOSE. I recall it wasn’t a long book but a sad, very sentimental book for a far too impressionable and naive young self way back then….. probably all too sad for me as my Dad had passed around that time and I was very impressionable… as most young girls are. Nevertheless I might seek it out and take a trip down memory lane with a box of tissues to hand!

cheerie dearies

Thought: If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, but never change the goal…🥦🍄🥑🥒🥕🍆🍅🍓🥦🍄🌶🥑🥦

Day 15 – Rural Nebraska, USA – CD

Yesterday’s eating wasn’t stellar, but was decent; I’m aiming for better behavior today but my morning RESOLVE never seems to make it to and last through the supper hour. 😢🤷‍♀️

@michelinme I made your carrot-ginger soup for lunch yesterday and it was delightful!

@songbirdme Wow, such a huge reaction to the dental work, eh? So glad he’s improving, even if it’s tiny little bit by tiny little bit.

@matpi Yay for breaking the 180lb barrier!

@amiya Don’t forget the heading on your posts; it’s our only “rule” here. 😜❤️

Yesterday was DS’s b-day, making him DS31 now. Both sons work (they’re servers at a country club) on Fridays and Saturdays, so the birthday celebration is tomorrow, with both boys here for church, biscuits and gravy afterward for brunch, then off the hour to see Grandma, then home by four o’clock to cook and enjoy Herb-marinated Grilled Shrimp, Pasta Carbonara, Caesar Salad, and a peach-blueberry cake/pie. All that food tomorrow is even more motivation to eat very little today, LOL!

DH and I did some tidying yesterday in our truly disastrous basement, and have a plan for how to tame it into something tidy and pleasant; first step is to scrape the mold and puckered paint off the cement block walls of the closet tucked under the stairs and then paint them. I started yesterday–wearing a mask, of course–and will try to get the scraping done today so I can paint it with the mold-killing paint (Kilz). Once I get the finish coat on (Monday?), putting the stuff back in the closet will certainly help the messiness of the basement, but it was all the stuff in there that kept us from realizing how awful the walls were, so we’ll be more diligent in checking it in the future.

Well, I should stop chattering and get to my day. Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 15 – UK Cam – NFD
Yesterday’s FD went well until late evening – the covid booster jab left DH and me both feeling headachy and sore – probably all in the mind (you’re told you might feel symptoms, so you naturally do!). Hot chocolate drink and 2 chocolate biscuits before bed were def. not on the plan! Today should have been mindful eating and was going well until I visited DD and family where we were baking brownies, banana and choc chip muffins and rocky road tray bake. Need I say more! Still, tomorrow is a whole new day …

@songbirdme – hope DH is soon feeling better and able to come home.
@matpi – well done with breaking the 180 barrier, onward and downward now.
@amiya – I get a reaction to some lager beers and red wine – white wine and spirits are fine. Dreadful headache, puffy face and streaming eyes/nose – not a pleasant sight (or feeling!). I have become a fan of lime and soda as a long drink when out with friends – no alcohol, low sugar and quite safe for driving!

Right, off to bed with good book, spiced apple tea and 2 paracetemol for the aches.

Day 14 UK FD
Day 15 UK NFD

Still here. Unplanned FD yesterday – super stressful 16hr day – but the silver lining was weighing in down 2lb this morning. That set me up nicely for an overeat day today.
V tired so zzz but checking in for accountability. Another full day tomorrow then REST

Strength to all fasters x

Day 16- Ireland – NFD 🚫 🚶🏻‍♀️

Hi all! 👋 And Well Done to the Saturday fasters 👏👏👏

Early check in again and like you all I am trying to get back to good habits… I had a decent day food wise, a good walk with one of my besties and had a lovely meal out last night as my birthday was earlier this week so a good excuse for good food with friends.

@funshipfreddie – some say it takes 100 days to form a new habit so that would be a great target 👍 fair play to you in any case 💪.

@amiya I’m mostly AF 🚫 too as it and Sugar (which it is) are not my friends… headaches, brain fog and other other little signs all follow any excess and unfortunately with alcohol that is 2 or more drinks for me. I heard recently that if you drink 3 or more pints in one sitting that it is technically classed as a binge… that stuck with me also… I’m trying to cut binging generally out of my life.

@gardenlily hope the 💊 did the trick 🙏

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 16 – South Africa – NFD 🚫🍷

Well done to us Saturday fasters! 🏅 It was a bit of a struggle until mid-afternoon. I braved the blustery weather to clock up half of my 10,000 steps & greet the sea. I always feel a bit cheated if I don’t get to glimpse the sea at least once a day. 0.6 kgs down for the month; which is a result considering I’ve definitely been eating a bit more on NFDs. No doubt subconsciously ‘rewarding’ myself for not drinking.

@jaifaim – Belated birthday wishes! 🥳 🎈
I heard that too recently, re binge-drinking. As opposed to deliberately drinking excessively to become kaylied 😅

Half of October done & dusted! Still time to reach for reach for/revise our monthly goals 🎯

Happy S🌞nday!

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” ~ Henry Ford

Day 16 – Sunday – Gold Coast Queensland Australia – (NFD)🥦🥑🍄🥕🌶🍆🍅🥦🥦

Sunday night and just checking in….. sorting out my food for tomorrow’s FUN DAY (FD).

Hope everyone’s weekend went well without too many ‘blowouts’!😁😜😛😊

cheerie dearies

Thought: Everything is permitted but not everything is beneficial 👍👍👍 …. hold that thought!

Day 16 USA (Illinois) FD

Since DH is still in the hospital, I won’t cook today, so I will make it a FD. Still not exactly certain what is wrong with him, but due to it being a weekend, he will not be discharged until at least tomorrow. His fever seems gone, but weakness is still there.

@amiya – welcome to our terrific “fellowship” band of fasters! You will find wonderful support here.

@i-hate-lettuce – have a terrific vacation! You sound like you have a great routine for the cruise without overeating. More power to you.

@stitchincarol – hope the milk works for you! I always drank skim myself, but DH like at least 1% or even 2% so I often put an ice cube in it.

Onward and downward.

Day 16 – USA/GA – FD

Weigh-in: 218 lbs. EEEK! Anyway, forgot to post this morning. Will post again in a few hours with a better number. Today’s WFD went well.

Day 17 – Ireland – FD 🚫🚶🏽‍♀️✅

Wild weather here overnight – I got out for a walk this morning but there are branches of trees etc everywhere… so just a very short one.

Power to the Monday fasters 💪

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Pocket list – Day 17
@jaifaim

Day 17 – South Africa – NFD 🚫🍷

@i-hate-lettuce – Spirit of Adventure, what a stunning ship?! Just done a virtual tour. I’m SO envious. And it’s brand new! Just one small problem – no casino?! But one big plus – no kids! 😅 How’s Malaga? I’ll be tracking your movement daily on cruisemapper.com 👀 🚢

Aiming for Tues/Thurs/Sat FDs this week; maybe? 🤔

The sun’s finally got his hat on today, so I’m off out. Have a good week everyone 🌞

Day 17 – Monday – Gold Coast Queensland Australia –FUN DAY (FD)🥦🥑🍄🥕🌶🍆🍅🥦🥦

Just checking in…. my FUN DAY went well… weird weather here… usually by this time in October it is sizzling hot with afternoon heat storms but nary a one so far! It’s still very cool and more rain…. apparently for the next week or so..

I’t’s 8.33pm and I’m still working so won’t chat tonight…

Thought: Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in, day out 💡💡

Pocket list – Day 17 🥦🥕🥑🍄🌶🥬🥦
@jaifaim
@linda.b