Reading back, we sound like a bunch of crazies…’I love starving myself’ š
How’s the sourdough VM?
This topic contains 11,627 replies, has 174 voices, and was last updated by hermajtomomi 7 months, 2 weeks ago.
Well I haven’t fasted properly today! But then quarter TDEE fasts have rarely been part of my maintenance routine. Instead I’ve sort of semi-fasted, with a low(er) cal day, no processed carbs and no alcohol (!). I’ll check my weight tomorrow, but have made preparations for a proper fast if needbe.
Still, it feels good to eat light!
And I’m afraid I can’t get particularly worked up about being towards the top end of my maintenance range… I’m so far from the puffy bloater I was a year ago!
Well done bayleaf, that was quick, losing half the excess weight with one fast.
I had a successful fast today and feeling good for it. I am always amazed how fasting reduces/eliminates my sugar craving. When I got home from work tonight, DH had not removed the tempting fudge and I had absolutely no problem being in the same room. They will need to disappear though before my eating day starts tomorrow…always baffles me – the mental side of fasting (or eating) :-))
Maybe you would be interested in the link below. It’s not exactly news to anyone on this forum thread but always good to get confirmation.
I had never considered that the introduction of cooking our food increased the chance of survival of the human race because we needed less food compared to raw food. Unfortunately this is not such a great benefit in today’ day and age.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2015/01/05/calorie-counts-wrong/#.VKsAo4GQGrU
The mind games are amazing, aren’t they L?
Eating day for me, and even though there is a container of honeycomb, from Mudgee, in the kitchen, I really only feel like healthy vegetarian today.
You are so right Happy. It IS hard to get too worked up when you are still in the ‘wriggle room’. I am happy now to range anywhere between 55 and 59 kg and don’t get worked up if my fasts aren’t minimal any more. If I head close to 60 that will be different. Maintenance IS a bit of a tricky game.
Keep maintaining MC mates. š P
Well I was 59.5 this morning after a sensible eating day yesterday. That’s not enough wriggle room below 60, so I have fasted today. Came in close to 500, so a bit over quarter TDEE, but close enough.
And I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was (it’s been a while since I’ve needed to do a proper fast). I guess that was because I had properly committed to it, and knew what I’d eat.
I’ve also got that mood lift from fasting, which I’ve not experienced for a while. I must have been a depressingly happy person in the office today! There were a lot of grumpy people embarking on a variety of bizarre diets… I almost felt bad that I’d not gained more over Christmas š
Hello,
I was able to complete my fast day yesterday. I was a little grumpy the end of the day, but other than that it was easy. Like Happy, I didn’t gain much over December (only a pound). I agree Happy, isn’t it such a relief to not have to search for a new diet anymore? I was tempted to give up and diet hop during the first 2 months, but now I’m not even tempted. I love eating (and not eating) too much
The really crazy thing is that despite 5:2 clearly working for me for quite some time now, friends and colleagues are determinedly embarking on regimes that are doomed to failure…
I’m just eating an apple for lunch and salad for tea.
Oh, you’re intermittent fasting?
No, I’m going it every day for the whole of January.
Good good…
It’s a good many posts ago, but some of you may remember that when I first joined the MC we had a discussion about friends and relatives who seem to feel the need to sabotage our weight loss – I mentioned one in particular, who had been nagging that I had ‘lost too much’ and who had suddenly started to eat (and need to share!) cake whenever we met. She has been away for an extended holiday over Christmas, and before she left she gave me a festive bag containing 12 small gifts – one to be opened on each day of Christmas. How generous! I opened the last one today; not only was every single one a small parcel of high-calorie deliciousness: they were all precisely the forms of sweetie I find most tempting. That woman has known me since I was 12, and obviously has a direct line to my tastebuds! She is a dear friend – but the moral is, do not on any account trust well-upholstered friends bearing gifts! I now have a squirrel store of chocolate and caramel in all my preferred forms, which at my normal rate of one square a night will keep me going for about 6 months. I know she means well, but with friends like this, who needs enemies?!!!
Poor FFS!
It is very hard to tell a good friend. I did it last week to someone who gives me chocolate, but I chose a time when we were just talking about something else. I prefaced a sentence with “as someone who doesn’t like chocolate…”. She nearly fell off her chair. “Everyone likes chocolate!”
I tend to keep them in the packet and give them to my kids if they are having a party. I couldn’t justify eating them or giving them as a gift. I’m very careful these days not to give people food as a gift, unless it is healthy homemade stuff.
No matter how healthy we are there are always going to be people who want to undermine us. I’m lucky to be surrounded by supportive people, mostly. I try to model good eating if I am with non 5:2ers. I keep my indulging for mates. š P
So would it be wicked to feed them to my book group (alongside the celery sticks and olives) when I host it later this month? (I do know the answer to that, actually, but you must admit it’s tempting! Sadly, friend H won’t be back in time for the meeting…!) but those who have joined us recently, please take note and beware!
FFS, are you proposing making some kind of dip to go with the celery sticks? Hummus, taramasalata, melted down caramel and chocolate… š
Is it sabotage though? A gift of homemade food is personal isn’t it? There’s something of the giver in it. And she went to the trouble to make all your favourites… š
And I guess for people who are still very ‘treat’ oriented, and who aren’t maintaining a healthy weight, it’s difficult to understand that you wouldn’t want the temptation or that you might not even like the ‘treat’. Hence the but everyone likes chocolate comments! No they don’t. And even if they do they don’t necessarily want to eat it all the time.
Thanks for your efforts to be charitable, Happy! Actually they were boughten, rather than home-made, but each beautifully chosen and wrapped, at a time when she was busy getting ready to travel 3,000 miles, so I’ve never been in any doubt that they were well-meant, and given in love. It’s just that ‘love’ can sometimes have a destructive side (says the preacher!). I’m sure my friend genuinely wishes me enjoyment ( and perhaps wants to protect me from getting too ‘pi’ about my food!) but has no real understanding that long-term I get more real joy from being a healthy weight (and is perhaps the tiniest bit miffed that her 5:2 lasted a week, before she ditched it as too difficult!). I’m not really cross with her – I do appreciate the love behind the gifts, and have teased her via email that I know what she’s up to – but it’s a real eye-opener to the truth that even those who think they care for us may not always have our long-term best interests at heart!
FD tomorrow, so safe until the day after. But melted chocolate and caramel dip sounds interesting…..there’s a thought…
Love reading all your posts. I solved my chocolate dilemma by feeding them to guests and then yesterday by eating all the remaining chocolate dusted almonds in one go. š
We’ve had 30C this morning and now it’s 2 pm and a front has moved across the sky. Huge grey cumulonimbus clouds. I have picked loads of ripe apricots from the tree and am now deciding how to cook them. š
Just broke my fast with cold homemade vegetable soup, after 18 hour fast. Yummy!
Cheers, Bay š
Warming up here, too, Bay, with a wind developing. Are you sending another storm our way? The pool is filling with leaves coming down with the wind!
I did a quick skim read of your message (I am meant to be doing bookwork) and read “cold marmalade soup”. Mmmm…that’s a new one! You are getting good at 18/6, aren’t you? It IS interesting how many of us (me included) thought we couldn’t survive without breakfast, and then find it is easier not to have it. P
Morning!
Well it’s windy here today, but in a wet and windy UK winter way š I far prefer icy cold and dry…
But it’s a good day anyway! This morning I am 58.8. Gotta love those fast days š
On the subject of swimmers, I now wish I had some brutal ‘before’ pictures. I would have taken some I’m sure, if only I’d realised 5:2 would be so life changing.
No you don’t Happy! Really awful to think I was seen in public with a fat tummy (and not pregnant) !!!
Well done on a quick fast drop. Pity you can’t prance around in your swimmers. A little cold, I expect.
Windy here tonight, but lovely cooling breezes to enjoy dinner outside.
Have a good day/evening MCs. P š
Good morning/day/evening MCs!
I just wanted everyone to pity me, -20 C (I converted for you all, ha!)this morning. My poor kids could barely see they were so bundled on their way to the bus. Out here, we send our kids to school with snow pants and all, they are little troopers.
Tomorrow’s a fast day for me (my first 2 day fast since Nov.). I’m trying to get down to 56 kg (more metric practice ;). I feel comfortable right now, but I do still have a little extra around the belly. I want to push myself a little this month to see if I can stay a little under 58 kg. It’s hard to know when to stop… We’ll see what my body says about the second fast tomorrow, I think that’ll be telling.
I like the Th fast, but it does seem to take me away from some social events, anyone else have that problem? I hate to change my routine (it seems really set for me for some reason).
Thanks for your support, you are such a fun bunch!
On my second fast day this week and fudgegate affair is over and alleviated. Thank goodness. Phew.
Back to the top of my maintenance range but hope to be in the middle again by next Monday.
This is quite a step for me because in the last two years I had been fasting 5:2 until Christmas and then stopped for the winter period. This January I want to keep up 5:2 and make it truly a WOL not a diet to lose weight.
Hi gang. I know how to cool off when it gets too hot….think of you poor northern hemisphere folk. I can’t even imagine -16!
Emily I can’t remember. Where are you?
Interesting how much mindfulness it takes for us to maintain. I guess that’s the answer to why, traditionally, most ‘dieters’ regain after they reach goal.
It is not a case of a oneoff weightloss, it is eternal vigilance, isn’t it? I think the MCs understand that. ..even when we slip up we know all is not lost.
Dinner out tonight, so I’ll fast on Friday instead… but I know to eat vegan until dinner. š
Cheers P
Lichtle, pleased to hear fudgegate is behind you (so to speak!).
I’m now celebrating my 5:2 anniversary, although much of the maintenance period has comprised IF but not 5:2. I’m feeling pretty relaxed with this WOL now, as I’ve managed to come through holidays and Xmas relatively unscathed, and have maintained roughly +/- 1kg for 7 months now.
In the past I did not own scales, and weighed rarely and was thus able to get fat while turning a blind eye. Now I have scales I intend to keep monitoring and getting strict/ relaxing depending on what the scales say, and always with a mind to not going over the upper limit (or at least not for long š )
You’re right, P, that it does take vigilance but it’s definitely worth it!
Am I right in remembering that this winter is third time lucky for you Lichtle? It’s definitely more challenging when it’s cold and dark and comfort food beckons! But I’m sure you can do it!
Congratulations on your anniversary Happy!! I’m sure you’ll be still here on your 10th…we could meet for a bean shoot salad!
I do feel for you all in the cold and dark. Food is such a part of our boredom relief. How about just hibernating over winter?
I really get into the garlic, chilli, tomatoes and ‘zero’ noodles in winter to bulk up with something warm.
Cheers P
Happy Anniversay HappyNow! š
Mine is coming up in 17 days. š more socialising this weekend, so had my two fast days already. Back to range. Will fast again on Monday.
Well done, Lichtle to be on your third Winter. I’m like Purple, upping the chili, ginger and spices to get through Winter.
Cheers, Bay š
Thanks All! And what a difference a year makes! 58.8 again this morning, so apparently no ill effects from yesterday’s almond binge. Having read the article linked by Lichtle about the effects of processing on available calories, it kind of makes sense that a nut binge wouldn’t do as much damage as the labelling suggests.
It also makes me think of the old diet advice to take your time and chew your food 50 times (or whatever). No! Wolf your food, in fact barely chew it all for better weight loss (obviously break it down into swallowable chunks, we don’t want any choking here girls, but don’t overchew!).
Bay, I think I read on jojo’s thread that you don’t blend your soups as you like a bit of bite? Not all soups are created equal! Starting with identical ingredients, yours would then contain less available calories than a blended version? Who knew? Clearly not me… š
Apologies also, Lichtle, for my comment on your 3rd winter. Your post clearly refers to two previous winters, so no amazing feat of memory on my part! The problems of posting and scrolling using my phone…
P, I agree that chilli on a fast day (im fact any day š ) is a winner. I have also found green tea with ginger to be warming.
Hello Maintainers
Just wanted to let you know that you are all my role models! I restarted this WoE in July 14 – this time with commitment. I have lost about 12lb/5kg and dropped a dress size. I still have about another 28lb/12kg to lose (and 2 dress sizes) so keeping my long-term motivation is important.
That’s where this thread comes in. One day I’ll be a fully paid up member: I’m determined to reach that goal.
So see you later!
Best wishes
š
PVE, thanks for the tip, no more scrolling up!
Great job Bootsy! I agree with Lichtle, keep us posted!
Still 40 degrees below freezing here – crazy!! I’m fasting today, I’m sure to be super cold tonight…
I’m going to continue with the two fasts a week through the last week in Jan., then reassess my goals. Do most of you do 6:1? I’m just wondering how I’ll carry on after Jan. I did do 6:1 most of Dec., and was able to mostly maintain…
My brother’s in town, so there will be a lot of beer drinking to come… Wisconsin is cold, but we have the best beer ;).
Hi Emily,
I’ve been maintaining by daily intermittent fasting (16:8), pretty much no processed carb/sugar Monday – Friday, with occasional semi-fasts (maybe 18 – 20 hours without food and/or calorie restriction at perhaps half TDEE) thrown in if my weight appeared to be edging up. I had been reasonably active up til December (running 7k 3x/week) so guess that helped.
I found I couldn’t incorporate a ‘proper’ quarter TDEE fast without losing another 1lb (0.5kg), so haven’t been (until this week, post xmas!). Hopefully that means when I do hit menopause I’ve got plenty of ‘fasting room’ to play with!
Not sure I can agree you have the best beer š The UK produces some very fine ales indeed…!
Lichtle, and confidence in ourselves now as well?
I must admit I hadn’t really thought of it as seeing what we can get away with! But I suppose early maintenance has been a question of ‘relaxing’ 5:2 and adding things back in…until you start gaining weight, at which point you cut it out again or do a fast!
Hi Happy
Yes, it is all a wonderful experiment. I fasted 18 hours on Wednesday, and then didn’t put on any weight yesterday, Thursday, even though I ate some apricot pudding and cream. Only human! š
So, I’m fasting today until we go out to dinner tonight. That won’t give me a fast day. However, I will get a fasting window of at least 20 hours. Or as long as I can. š
Cheers, MCers, Bay š
Struggling with my Thursday fast… I had a weak “I’m going to quit and eat” moment, but I was able to hold it off. I feel a little low on energy and brain power at the moment. I’m hoping it’ll pass and I can be a productive mom this evening…
Happy, I love UK beers as well. I’m dying to go to London, my dream is to watch Wimbledon some day :). My husband gets to go on occasion for work and I get so jealous.
Hi Emily,
Sorry to hear you’ve had a bad day. I must admit now I’m maintaining I’m more gentle on myself and tend to have semi-fasts rather than full blown fasts anyway. And if it’s not working today, well there’s always tomorrow!
Good luck with the Mom thing! I guess you need all your strength and brain power for that!
Happy, thanks for the sympathy, but I think I’ll manage and get through the day. I’m going to be “tough” on myself for two more weeks and then ease up and establish some sort of plan for maintaining.
My husband has commented that I’m crabby on fast days. Luckliy, he’s been supportive despite my moodiness. I wish I could join him on his “beer” (never eating sweets, exercising like mad, beer at night) diet, but that one just doesn’t work for me ;).
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