The Maintenance Chatbox… come and share your success with us!

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The Maintenance Chatbox… come and share your success with us!

This topic contains 11,627 replies, has 174 voices, and was last updated by  hermajtomomi 6 months ago.

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  • Carolann, yes she looks great. You’ve prompted me to go back and view the first two episodes – and reminded me to set up our table tennis table as that activity ranked highly among activities that promote brain health and well-being. But that could also have been because the participants were learning a new activity. Activities that promote brain growth include walking, life drawing and learning a language. I don’t think that trying to learn the same language over several decades as I’ve been doing would count since that would not be a new activity.

    As I said before, Pol, it was quite unexpected but very heartening. This time there was a marked improvement but, as you rightly point out, even if IF prevents eyesight deteriorating further, it’s still a big plus.

    P,it’s great to hear you and Mr P have had the same experience of improved vision. Obviously, it’s all down to 5:2, but unless I’ve missed something – which is more than likely – I’ve never seen this particular health spin-off mentioned in the literature.

    Yes, Angela played tennis I noticed Thin.
    Did you do the exercise- sitting down and riding again without using anything as leverage?
    I’m ok going down but had to use my leg to rise. Apparently a good test for core and muscular strength which we need as we age.
    Didn’t know walking was good for brain growth. Pleased to hear it as I’m hopeless at tennis! πŸ˜€

    Morning all

    I was just following this thread and interested in this discussion. I firmly believe that IF addresses a whole range of health concerns but I am afraid improvements to vision might not be one of them.

    The last time I went to an optician my reading vision required an upgraded prescription but there was an improvement to distance vision especially in one eye. Thinking I was probably a medical miracle, I asked the reasons for this and was told that that this can happen with age and is not that unusual.

    I’ve also had to see an eye specialist recently for a non vision related problem and the Prof who saw me said that I had the early beginnings of a cataract in one eye and it would probably need to be operated on sometime in the next 10-20 years. He also said that in the early stages of a cataract vision actually improves for a while as the orginal lens thins.

    Apologies for pouring cold water etc etc.

    Morning all – re exercise, my OH has recently got very disinclined to go to the gym – his various disabilities mean there are only 2 machines he can use, so when it’s busy he has a problem, and he’s bored, and sitting on his scooter in the cold to get there…etc etc, you get the picture… So he’s bought himself a static bike, a freestanding punchball and some boxing gloves, which he’s keeping in his man-cave (aka the garage. ). I continue with dance aerobics, pilates and walking, but have been persuaded into a pair of boxing gloves, with the idea of a bit of light. sparring once I’m good to go again. Anyone here box? Recommendations for learning a few of the (most basis of basic) basics, please??

    …and btw, before anyone says it – it has already been mentioned that the idea of me in boxing gloves is a tad hilarious / threatening. My riposte is that I couldn’t be any less dexterous with them than without, so might as well give them a go….

    We babysat on while son and wife went to see Lion on Saturday. They said it was wonderful, but we’ve seen the trailer a number of times and I think I’ll find it too harrowing.

    Back to normal here today, adults to work and boys to school/ crΓ¨che. I shall sneak upstairs and weigh as soon as it’s clear. Just made a coffee, though and had water with my supplements. ( maculshield, calcium and evening primrose.)

    I’m vegetarian, Carol, that was cause of dispute with dear son yesterday! 😁

    Pol πŸ’πŸΌ

    Just weighed. To my surprise I’ve lost half a pound. In fact I seem to be losing a small amount quite regularly. I am eating to my satisfaction, full rather than enjoying while here, as the priority is getting the boys to eat and it’s very meat based, being America. We will venture as far as a mall today, although I can’t see us buying anything with the appalling exchange rate. I might treat myself to a ‘real’ New York pizza slice though.

    Re vision, I had no change on my last check, which was before I started 5:2. I’m paranoid about the risk of macular degeneration, though.
    Fast, you’re very good to take up boxing. πŸ˜‡

    Pol. πŸ’πŸΌ

    Wouldn’t put it as strongly as ‘taking up boxing’, Pol – just bashing a punchbag from time to time to relieve frustrations while using a few calories…..Pity Friday will be too soon to start…
    Congrats on the weight loss; enjoy your time with the family – youllnremember it long after you’ve forgotten what you weighed that day!

    Hi Fast,

    I don’t box, although throwing punches is part of the HIIT workouts I’ve started doing. Perhaps have a look on YouTube? There’s probably lots of tutorials online.

    Hermaj,

    I haven’t had any improvement in eyesight, but I do know it varies depending on how much time I’m spending in front of the computer. Sadly it’s my 9 to 5, but after a week or so away from the computer I do notice a difference.

    My memory’s certainly better since I’ve been fasting though!

    Good on you Fast! I’ve tried a number of different ways of getting exercise but never boxing so can’t help on that one I’m afraid. Sounds to me though it would be one of those exercises that is good for body and mind.

    Polly, I now understand your frustration over the steakhouse lol!

    I also understand what you mean about the meat. We go to Canada annually to visit our son and the menus over there are very similar to US and I always forget when you order a meal, there are always ‘set’ sides that come with it that add to the size and calorific content. Overweight is the norm there.

    I am in brIsbane minding grandies and bought all my own breakfast foods with me! My DIL is brilliant about getting in the food that I like but things like my kefir she doesn’t know where to buy and neither do I so brought that with me along with a few other essentials.

    No scales here so I just wing it. It was much better when they lived in their first house – we walked to school and back, partly uphill, pushing g’daughter in the pram. I always lost weight when I visited which meant I didn’t have to worry about not being able to weigh.

    Your post brought back memories, Carol. When DS lived in Florida I used to walk their dog twice a day and was delight to hit 150lbs! I thought I was doing well!

    We took loads if exercise there, as it was flat and warm! So damn cold here, although we had a great play out yesterday, all wrapped up.

    Carol Mr P bought a powdered kefir to take on an overseas trip later this year, but found it very disappointing. We usually travel with our kefir gremlins in the frozen state when doing Aussie trips, but you can’t do that going o/s. It’s a dilemma. We have found some very interesting places while travelling around trying to buy kefir!! πŸ˜‰
    I love the image of you with boxing gloves Fast! I do it occasionally on the Wii and find it surprisingly enjoyable.
    With Polly, Carol and I all on grandparent duty it sounds as if our kids are lucky to have us young and healthy!!
    Cheers…off to bed in a much cooler house (32 overnight last night). P

    They say that God moves in mysterious ways. So, I would add, does the inside of Hismaj’s head.

    Some of you may recall that back in the summer I tried to persuade him that it would be a wonderful idea for us to move away from London to Cambridge, for a whole series of reasons. More space for us and for putty visitors up in comfort,a garden after 35+ years in a flat with no external access, proximity to BOTH our families, no nosy, noisy, smelly neighbours in the same building, we can have cats again – the list goes on. Not to mention the fact that it’s a beautiful city with the countryside close to hand – like on the city’s edge – with plenty of β€œculcha” but at less than London prices, but still dead easy to get to London.

    All dismissed amid accusations that I was deranged to even think about moving. What was wrong with our present flat, etc. etc? We compromised by searching in the neighbouring borough, only another 8 miles or so from Central London. To cut a long story short, yesterday the prospective buyer of our flat suddenly dropped out. More yelling. I simply let him get on with it. More accusations of insanity.

    Then suddenly, calm and sweet reason. We spent the entire evening looking online for Cambridge properties. Today, we went to see a couple from the outside only and are in the process of arranging internal viewings. Of course, more tantrums may occur. But could it be a case of slowly, slowly catchee monkey?

    Ah Hermaj, classic! I hope it works out for you!

    Herm, let him thinks it’s his idea to move to Cambridge. πŸ€”

    I’ve just had lovely Italian bread, a salad sandwich, went back for more and find he’d off with dome chocolate! I loveHershey! I definitely do not want to lose anymore weight and wouldn’t mind a couple of pounds on.

    Pol. πŸ’πŸΌ

    How clever of HimIndoors, who might soon be HimOutdoors, to think of moving πŸ˜‰πŸ˜‰
    Your property selling system in the UK is dreadful. It takes forever and with very little certainty. Ours is tied in within weeks and often less, and normally completed within 8 weeks.
    Good luck Herm 😊😊

    @hermajtomomi – I lived in Bury St Edmunds for years before moving to Cumbria when I retired – Cambridge is such a lovely place – hope you get your OH to make the big move that you obviously want!

    I firmly believe that our move to Cumbria was meant to be – we sold our house down south within 3 days of putting it on the market and put in a cheeky offer for house in Cumbria and it was ours within 2 months!!!!!!! We have been up here 3 years now and definitely no regrets – a lovely relaxed lifestyle…….

    @purple Vegie Eater – I see kefir mentioned a few times – never heard of it – what do you take it for?

    A lovely NFD today after B2B FDs (300cal days on average) – broke my fast at 1200hrs today after a yoga class and feel good that I stayed within my TDEE today

    I have restarted my yoga classes and don’t do anything that causes pain to my left knee/thigh – I have a physio assessment on Thursday next week so hopefully will learn exactly what damage I did….

    “There is no single way to lose weight. The reason people are successful at it is because they dig, and search, and discover a way that works for them, through patience and trial and error”

    AT,

    Would you believe we moved up here from near Huntingdon!

    I hope you get your leg sorted. I have a back niggle and, while it’s been pretty good in the 15 years since surgery, I put it out repeatedly at the start of last year and had a miserable couple of inactive months. Hard to live in Cumbria, but not be able to go walking πŸ™

    I like today’s quote, very true!

    Kefir is brilliant for your gut bacteria. Mr P used to be gluten and lactose intolerant. Kefir every day has basically overcome it. P

    They say parience is a virtue hermaj! 😊

    Purple, depending on where you’re travelling to accessing kefir may not be too difficult. I found it readily available in Canada and I would expect it to be available in Europe. Were you able to get it in UK when you were there?

    I didn’t know you could get a powdered form, not that it sounds like it tasted very good.

    I’m ‘ addicted the the stuff now – love it! My DIL is on a weight loss program and I convinced her to try some when she was in Adelaide with us but she didn’t like it. I’ll mention Mr P’s lactose and gluten intolerances as there are plenty of those in her family and she may be willing to try it again. DIL had some probiotic yoghurt in the fridge which I tried yesterday but nowhere near as nice tasting as the kefir.

    There’s many more bacteria in the kefir. I find the taste and consistency varies widely, depending on the milk brand (always full cream) that I use.
    We’ll be in Asia next time, so highly unlikely to get. P

    Hi PVE:

    It is not surprising that kefir has helped Mr. P. Science now accepts that most food ‘intolerances’ are caused by FODMAPS in the food. Some individuals can’t digest (tolerate) some FODMAPS very well. Wheat and lactose contain a lot of FODMAPS. But people are not intolerant of all FODMAPS – they may have trouble with wheat and other grains, but not onions or watermelon. People with food intolerances are now finding relief by identifying the FODMAPS they are sensitive to and cutting them from their diets.

    But changing their gut bacteria can also allow them to digest FODMAPS they could not digest before as a result of introducing bacteria strains able to handle the guilty FODMAPs in question. Kefir is a source of many bacteria not all people have in their bodies. I suspect eating kefir (and other probiotic foods) could help many people with food intolerances improve or get rid of the intolerances entirely.

    This is the second ‘probiotic’ wave I’ve lived through. The first was in the mid-1980s. Hopefully this time science has the right tools to allow it to reach what may be some very beneficial and exciting findings. And convert a ‘fad’ into an accepted dietary practice capable of helping many, many ‘food intolerant’ people.

    I actually know all that Simco, I too have been around a long time and seen the waves come and go. I was answering one of our regular posters on this thread.
    Do I presume you are part of the maintenance lot too?
    P

    Hi PVE:

    I’m glad you know all of that. But you did not explain it. So people reading your posts would have no idea that they might be able to improve their food intolerances and IBS by eating probiotic foods (or deleting FODMAPs from their diets). So I just thought I could help them when you did not.

    Having lost over 40 pounds on 5:2, and kept it off for almost 2 years now, I probably qualify for the maintenance thread. But I wouldn’t presume to intrude.

    Sorry!

    Thanks

    Hi P,

    We’ve talked about kefir, and you’ve kindly explained it’s benefits, on this thread previously, but I have to admit I’ve not actually tried it yet. I’m just reading ‘Gut’ and there’s a lot in there about our gut microbiome and what our bacteria actually do for us. It certainly makes me think that I should be nurturing them!

    I’m guessing my local health food shop might sell kefir, if not it’ll be online I expect.

    Interesting that ‘Gut’ became the ‘sleeper’ (i.e. Totallly unexpected but well deserved) bestseller of last year here in the U.K. I read it while in the looooong ongoing process of preparing for and undergoing, last summer’s (and last week’s) bowel tests and surgery. Fascinating, memorable, done – the memory will linger, and only add to the appreciation of the results!

    Yes Happy, the kefir grains (gremlins) are available online, then you just make it each day in milk. I’ll give detailed instructions to anyone who needs.
    As you say, we have been discussing the benefits of kefir, sourdough and fermented foods on this thread for years. P 😊😊

    Happy, I buy my kefir from the supermarket.. When I first decided I’d try it I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not so decided against getting the seeds. We have a company in the city where I live that is owned by German people and they have been making things like quark, kefir, etc for years, all organic and most of it new to Australians of non European heritage. I love the flavour of theirs and every now and then when I’m going somewhere and doubtful I won’t be able to get the kefir I think I should start my own but so far haven’t got around to it. My OH doesn’t eat it so it’s only me and although it’s not cheap from the supermarket it is very easy.
    I recall the UK supermarkets usually have a much more interesting dairy section with European foods than what we do in Aus so maybe you could try some see if you like it. To me it’s quite a lot sourer than Greek yoghurt but far more refreshing. I used to love Greek yoghurt but find that a bit bland.

    Thanks Carol,

    I normally go shopping with a list (ordered to correspond with position in supermarket!), and don’t deviate, but I’ll go rooting around for kefir, on Saturday!

    @purple Vegie Eater – Thanks for the information about Kefir – Can I ask do you use cow or goat milk? and does it have to be full fat milk if you make your own? How much do you take daily? I have since looked it up and read up in more detail – I will look to see if any is to be found in supermarkets near me to try first.

    @happynow – what a small world we live in! and I totally agree that living up here begs us to be out on the fells – I do miss fell walking and hoping that my physio assessment will reassure that this is all very much a short term problem. You protect that back of yours x

    Had a lovely day today – I was part of a team of drivers taking our ladies/gentlemen who attend the group I volunteer at, out for lunch – there was some 35 of us including the volunteers – good company and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the day!

    Hi AT
    Yes. I always use full fat hpmogenused milk as it makes a beautiful rich kefir. About a tbls of kefir grains in a glass bottle of about 400ml milk. Cover with cheesecloth and leave in a coolish spot for a day and sieve through a PLASTIC sieve. You can’t use metal at all with kefir. Use the leftover grains for the next batch. Pour the sieved kefir into a glass bottle and refrigerate. The grains can also be kept for months in the fridge or slowed down in the fridge. Easy. Healthy. Versatile. 😊😊P

    AT, not sure whether you’ve had your physio assessment, but fingers crossed!

    I briefly thought we might turn out to be neighbours… but then I remembered we don’t have any πŸ˜€

    P, I don’t own a PLASTIC sieve. Guess I’ll try to try kefir before I break the bank with a new sieve!

    Hermaj,

    I thought of you (and me) when I saw the recent research that those who swear are more honest!

    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170117105107.htm

    I’ve fasted once this week only, but every other day I’ve avoided added sugar or refined carbs. I’ve felt full up and had no constant cravings to eat. Weight maintenance has been easy this week πŸ˜‡

    Evening, all. It’s quite mild here. Managed a brisk walk around the arboretum this morning, then looking after gds1 who was off school after vomiting in the night. He’s running about like a mad thing now, so fully recovered. Glad his parents are not going out tonight. He won’t sleep after his long nap.

    I had lovely roast veg and salad for dinner. Followed by four squares of a Hershey bar!

    Pol. πŸ«πŸ’πŸΌ

    Sounds like you needed that chocolate! 😊 P

    Good morning to all – woke up feeling very refreshed after a good night’s sleep – best since I started this nasty cold so I think I’m nearing the end of it – YAY

    Weigh in this morning showed a drop of 1.6kg – just over 1kg below my target weight! I did have a good week, no alcohol and kept to my TDEE on my NFDs – I also made a very conscious effort to cut right back on carbs – feeling good.

    @happynow – physio is on Thursday this week – pain seems to be more around my knee but my hamstrings on that leg feel tight too – no fell walking still for me but I have been doing Yoga and Pilates after speaking to my teachers and they adapt some positions for me in class. Would be nice to arrange to meet as we probably live not too far away from each other???
    @pollypenny – dark chocolate is my favourite – intense flavour and only need a small bit – 2 squares to satisfy.
    @purple Vegie Eater – not had a need to go to a big supermarket yet but will look out for Keffir on my next visit before I attempt to make my own – how much do you drink a day?

    I love this quote I found attributed to Audrey Hepburn:- “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I”m possible”

    Hello Everyone,
    Just popped into share my joy. Weight is the same…BUT after around 6 weeks of avoiding rice and pasta…I have finally after 2 years of trying…I have lost a whole inch from my around the belly button waist. Beyond thrilled.

    My plan is to not have those 2 refined carbs from now on at all…and see what happens. I don’t eat bread much now anyway but still eat potatoes just not as often or as many!

    Great news, Annette. A big pat on the back. πŸ™‚ Well done.

    Sounds like your eating pattern is very close to mine – no pasta, rice only occasionally and then it’s brown and sometimes replaced completely by Slim Rice, and only the odd slice of my OH’s bread, based on a recipe in the BSD cookbook.

    The results are yet to kick in, but I’m enjoying this new WOE and seriously surprised a how easy I find 24-hour fasts.

    That’s great news, Annette! I occasionally have pasta now, rice is always brown do small portions take a lot of chewing and satisfy, potatoes and bread are rarer.

    It’s easy while in the States as I have to hunt for good Italian bread.

    Well done AT. As you can see from the numerous experiences on this thread, it is the excess of “white carbs” that causes our problems. Mr P and I avoided rice, pasta, bread, flour and potatoes completely for 2013 while we lost our excess weight. Sweet foods were also banned (we eat unsweetened yoghurt, creme fraiche or cream with berries for dessert). We both took 1 year to lose 30kg each to reach our ideal goal.
    In maintenance, we eat small amounts of these foods on non fast days, but as we had retrained our palates, and have a wonderful new collection of low carb recipes, we don’t need or crave them.
    At a festival last night I chose a duck pasta because the choice was limited and I like duck. I ate perhaps 1/5 of the pasta, but thoroughly enjoyed the duck, greens and parmigiana. I don’t need to control myself when faced with a bowl full of pasta any more. I just stop and toss as soon as I’m satisfied. The cost of the food is irrelevant. …better in the bin than on my hips 😊
    Btw, the performances were terrific and I also recommend rosΓ© slushie on a warm night. πŸ˜‰ P

    Well P,

    I failed to find kefir grains or even kefir in my local town. Apparently they sell kefir in the Polish store though…What Polish store?! Perhaps I’ll go in search of it on Saturday…

    AT,

    Yes, we ought to make the effort. We should put a date in the diary for a warm spring day 🌞🌞🌞

    Happy, the Polish stores do seem to stock it and the kefir milk which I haven’t worried about.

    So.pleaaing to read all the good results folks are posting. I’ve been reading but no energy to respond!
    School run twice a day with 2 little ones In cars I don’t usually drive! . G’d only started this week so,has been challenging πŸ˜„

    And the Queensland weather is doing my head in! I’m absolutely knackered – low 30’s with about 90% humidity! When you,come from a dry heat state it’s hard to adjust (for me anyway!)

    Whinge whinge lol

    You deserve to whinge Carol. We are enjoying freedom from grandparent duty with an escape to our beach place. 30 deg with a stunning sea breeze. Just had a lovely Clare Valley reisling on the beach and a long peaceful stroll paddling in the waves. Way to go! 😊😊

    Morning, everyone, from a very wet New Jersey. I don’t envy you with such humidity, though, Carol. Now, PVE, on the other hand………… you lucky thing! Sounds perfect! 🍸

    daughter-in-law is away now, so we’re helping out more. Son had two fillings and root canal yesterday, so soothed it with whisky with his father last night and slept late this morning. Two little alarm clocks did the job, though! Rushing the little one was rocky, to say the least and I came very close to giving a little smack!

    Anyway, feet up with coffee. We’re stuck in because of the weather, so it’ll be a boring day, I think.

    I’ve lost half a pound this week. I’m going to have to up calorie somehow, as it seems a repeat of twenty years ago. I had lovely quesadillas yesterday, but OH finished them for me. OH hasn’t weighed since we’ve been here. Things will be easier when we’re home.

    Pol. πŸ’πŸΌ

    Sorry I have not posted for a few days, life got a bit hectic!

    But I’m good – back to doing my Yoga and Pilates classes with some modifications to take into account my knee pain – brilliant teachers! On top I have been doing my hamstring stretches on non class days BUT no fell walking as too painful still!!!!!

    I have my physio assessment tomorrow – be interested to see what she says.

    Weight maintenance going well – still doing 2 FDs per week which allows me the freedom to enjoy a glass or two of wine 3 days a week!

    @annette52 – well done! I too have cut right back on carbohydrates but I do have spelt pasta and brown rice once or twice a week but no potatoes/bread/biscuits…..etc – made a huge difference to my waist line – and I have now been maintaining since beginning of Dec 2016 – early days yet I know – but this is brilliant for me. I don’t allow myself to go more than 1kg above my target weight.
    @purple Vegie Eater – Thank you and duck pasta sounds yum – I often have courgetti and my OH has spelt pasta – our current favourite is a brown and white crab meat sauce – so good
    @happynow – a warm spring day sounds ideal
    @carolannfud – we have been having drizzly, foggy days recently but today was much nicer – a balmy 4 degrees and some sunshine! I’m with you hate the humidity. I grew up living in Melbourne, left in 2001 but go back regularly to visit family and friends.

    For me the 5:2 WOL was life changer “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life”

    Yes AT At home we always have zucchini pasta. Haven’t eaten flour pasta for a very long time. If I have no option when out, I always eat the ‘guts’ and minimal bits of white carbs. Hamburgers without the bun are a good example. Off to enjoy our Aust Day publuc holiday with yhe crowds by the foreshore. 😊😊P

    I ❀️ zucchini pasta and bought a spiraliser on purples recommendation so I can do my own.

    If you grew up in Aus AT you’ll understand our lingo πŸ˜€

    We always type yhe for the?? 😊😊

    πŸ˜„πŸ˜„ Purple!

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