The 31 day October Challenge

This topic contains 1,627 replies, has 93 voices, and was last updated by Fuvvie 8 years, 1 month ago.

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HannahWatto

10:04 pm
4 Oct 16
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Australia Day 5 NFD – well yesterday’s FD was a total success. I made bone broth for the first time on the weekend and for 36 hours had only black tea, black coffee, one cup of miso soup and two cups of bone broth. Breakfast today will be a relatively low-cal, low-carb frittata, lunch will be fresh Vietnamese rolls with smoked salmon and we’ll have pork and veggies for dinner. I walked four about an hour yesterday and will do the same today. Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement. It helps so much.

Rocy65

10:14 pm
4 Oct 16
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Day 4 Cornwall UK

NFD kept under tdee with natural goats yog and mixed seeds for breakfast, big salad with cottage cheese for lunch and chicken with lots of veg then fresh raspberries and nat goats yog for pud.
HIT on my static bike folowed by strength exercises and then pilates. brisk walk this afternoon.

Sheilybee condolances to you.

Edzeko and Coldpizza good to see you back!

good luck all.

back2thefuture

10:45 pm
4 Oct 16
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Still Day 4: Pacific NW USA, FD, water, white tea and ice coffee so far

MissJ – Welcome to our ‘cyber cafe of support’, I’m sure Fuvvie, our leader this month, will tell you that you are not too late! She will add you to her list and log you in each day. Many of us have found the success in our challenges since May has been the foundation that Coda established of posting everyday and that it’s been the key to keeping our commitment to ourselves and each other.

So you log in everyday leading with the day of the month (for Fuvvie’s spread sheet), your geographic location and whether it’s a FD or NFD for you. You can add any other details or not as you wish. A couple of other resources on this site, if you want, you can also go to ‘Your Profile’ at the top right of the page and add a little bit about yourself so throughout the month as we all keep reading the posts we can give ourselves a reminder about who you are. Also, if you want to use the ‘Your Tracker’ at the top right you can track your own personal journey with 5:2

Missj2002

10:57 pm
4 Oct 16
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@back2thefuture cheers
OK got it many thanks for that I will check in regularly, a great way to keep motivated 🙂

Merryme

11:57 pm
4 Oct 16
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Australia, day 5, NFD
Day after FD 64.8kg ( multiply by 2.2 to get lbs)

Fuvvie

12:50 am
5 Oct 16
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Sunshine Coast Aus Day 5: NFD: Tough FD yesterday. I thought I would try the 500 cal gig and had about 300 calories for lunch and then several handful of nuts throughout the afternoon (what happened to NO SNACKING Fuvvie???!!!) and chicken broth with 3 chicken drumsticks and a few pork and fennel meatballs (small). So I guess you could say I screwed that one up right royally. However, the scales this morning said 105.9kgs, so 100 gas up on starting day.

HealthyTanja, may I piggy back on your comments? You have done such a lovely wrap up of peoples efforts and I’m time poor today. The care that everyone is showing everyone else on this thread is such an example to the world. If a few of those so called leaders in our various countries could read this and realise this is how we want our world to be, it would make such a difference.

susiecarp, you are actually Day 4, even though you didn’t start posting on Day 1. Much easier to enter the data if your day is reflected by the date this month. Glad you got wifi. Makes such a difference when posting. I’ve had lots of FDs that have morphed into NFDs. Just keep on keeping on. We will get to our goals in time, just may take a bit longer than we hoped.

Moth54, isn’t it sneaky they way they try to unveil you into thinking you are saving so much, but you are wasting the extra money on something you didn’t want in the first place. It’s happening all over the place. So when it comes to snack foods, reward yourself by denying them the extra maybe. You are to be congratulated on saving the excess for later. How much are they making on this stuff if they can give you something so much more cheaply than the single serve? Are they scared they are going to go stale? Having said that, when I went in that fashion parade, I did buy more clothes than I had intended as the clothes were 50% off the second item.

Coda, I can see why everyone stuck to your challenges. Such empathy.

Missj2002, Welcome to the thread. I’ve added you to the list and Back2thefuture has pointed you in the right direction. Good luck and I can see you are planning your days. Way to go.

Got to go. Have bookclub at a restaurant this morning. Discussing I am Pilgrim. Great book.

Quebecoise

1:13 am
5 Oct 16
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Day 4, Québec, NFD

I had the nice surprise this morning on the scale to break through the 130 pound barrier. My weight was 129,2. I now have to hold on and go on going down. I find it very difficult now since I came back to bad eating habits, but I feel that I’m getting better each day.

Bonne soirée x

Time4me

1:52 am
5 Oct 16
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NZ, Day 5, NFD
Weight – 64.3
Apologies for not posting yesterday – sat down at mid day to read & post but got called away & never returned. Yesterday I finished FD at mid-day (36 hours) – was hoping to keep going till dinner (work event) but started picking & pecking at lunchtime (had 5 “little people” home yesterday for school holidays). I know just from sitting here catching up on everyone’s posts that that probably would have given me plenty of motivation to keep going! Also, I did terrible with my water – so today I am almost at 2.5 litres already & feel much better for it.
Weight bounced up a little this morning but I’m having a sensible NFD day – walked 30min with my girls (relatively slow though), had 1 1/2 hrs gardening & will have a run around with girls & 2 nephews at hockey turf later.
Really enjoy reading everyone’s successes & challenges – I don’t mention to family/friends what I’m up to with this 5:2 – and that’s the great thing anyway is that you can work it so it doesn’t stop you from enjoying social gatherings etc. My husband knows my FDs as “light days” & hopefully understands that it helps me feel lighter mentally as much as physically.
Enough from me – take care all.
PS – hello Lany36 (fellow Kiwi!). Hoping our summer weather arrives soon!!

Baygirl

2:09 am
5 Oct 16
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Day 5, Perth, Australia, NFD

Sheillybee, my sincere condolences for your recent loss. I was very moved by your story. As one of the other posters said, I hope warm and happy memories are helping to sustain you.

Thank you too for the encouragement

Today, I should be at uni, but I’m going to study from home. I’m going to go for a walk along the beach first, weather is holding out!

Good luck everyone

back2thefuture

2:13 am
5 Oct 16
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I heard a radio program driving home that piqued my interest. It was about a researcher looking at how sugar changes your brain chemistry and why it might not just be a matter of lack of self-control when we don’t seem to have any brakes attached to our appetites. The researcher said children are especially vulnerable and that a steady diet of sugar when you are young sets you up to eat more than you need throughout your lifetime because a diet high in sugar alters normal control systems in the brain.

What I wanted to know is, so what do you do about it??!!

Here are a few things I found that are similar to Dr’s Mosley and Fung’s advice and from others who share on this thread:

The ‘Why Diets Fail’ author did a TED.ed 5 minute video on how sugar affects the brain https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lEXBxijQREo

And, this article with some tips on taming “food addiction’ http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/01/08/260781785/is-sugar-addiction-why-so-many-january-diets-fail

Sheba0518

2:34 am
5 Oct 16
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How do we sign up for Oct challenge. I am just starting on this plan

moecho

2:43 am
5 Oct 16
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FD, another one down! I feel great every time I complete a fast day — like two extra challenges every week. Challenges that I am in control over. It feels good to do things because I choose to and not be swayed by this or that..

Waiting patiently for the work to pay off and drop below that 140 mark.

Cheers from Ottawa, Canada.

NorthernDawn

3:39 am
5 Oct 16
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USA Day 4 NFD
Black coffee, tea, water until 5 pm. Then salad with shredded roasted chicken, parmesan, olive oil, avocado, olives, red onion. Plum and 6 almonds this evening. Calorie total of 650 today. I had considered doing another FD today after a very successful one yesterday, but felt like eating a bit more than 370 cals. I wasn’t really very hungry so I’ll make this a low cal day and have a NFD tomorrow and plan a FD on Thursday or Friday.
Good luck to everyone! As coda has said in past challenges, visualize your goal, in detail. It really helps.

neostaford

4:13 am
5 Oct 16
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Croatia, Day 5, FD
Weight: 76.5 Kg

Itsmytime78

4:42 am
5 Oct 16
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Does anyone see their weight jump up quite high after your NFDs? I am in the habit of fasting Monday-Thursday and weighing in on Friday mornings after my final morning workout for the week. I’ve lost 35 pounds since mid-April but some weeks on Monday when I weigh in I can be as much as 8 pounds up from Friday?!?!? Seems crazy to me.

My challenge for October is weekend exercise and cutting back on wine during NFDs.

Lany36

4:58 am
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 NZ NFD
Second post today

Just revisited the urge to stop at the shop and buy lollies.
Only managed because I knew I had he craving and left my wallet at home on purpose when I went out.

Hi to time4me my fellow NZer!
Which part of the country are you in? I’m in Southland and am also working my way through this amongst kids and husband who doesn’t really know I’m fasting.

Itsmytime78

5:02 am
5 Oct 16
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Washington, D.C.
Day 5, FD success! Less than 500 calories consumed 2 workouts totaling 100 minutes and 17,000 steps
Weight: 190.8

smileycgirl

5:41 am
5 Oct 16
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Calgary, Canada
NFD doing well, had a fast day yesterday but didn’t have the energy to post… only kidding.
On my fast day I had oatmeal with almond milk at 7:30 am and then some homemade pumpkin soup with chickpeas and spinach for dinner for a total of 515 cals. I felt okay, it was my 3rd FD overall and I am doing okay with them… I think since i am used to skipping lunch at work anyway that it isn’t too bad.
I am noticing some people are not eating at all on FD Am I doing something wrong?

HannahWatto

6:40 am
5 Oct 16
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@itsmytime78 – I have the same problem. I work hard all week and see the scales go down and then sabotage myself on the weekends. Better control on weekends is one of my goals for October.

Bajlish

7:06 am
5 Oct 16
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Day 5, Essex uk. 143lb.

@itsmytime78 yup. That’s my problem too. This weekend is likely to be the same old. Wedding anniversary Saturday and family roast Sunday. I think I’ll be sure to have portion sizes as a huge consideration to be able to stay in limits.

FD today. On bake off day….! Great British bake off is a tv competition notorious for making the viewer crave cake or pie or bread..!!!! I will persevere. I am looking to the scales dropping past 140lb. It’s a milestone and completely within reach.

Have a good day one & all x

Jayneyb69

7:34 am
5 Oct 16
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UK Nottingham Day 5 NFD

Bajlish, I just love the Bake Off, you are so right though it doesn’t do your cravings any favours.

Today’s weight 240.4lbs, same as yesterday. I’m fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and sticking to 16:8 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, then the weekends stay within TDEE (hopefully).

Well done Quebecoise on breaking that 130 barrier, I would be delighted to eventually get to the 230 mark!!

Have a good day all xx

Zelle

7:50 am
5 Oct 16
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Newcastle UK – Day 5 – NFD

I weighed myself this morning as it was my weekly ‘weigh-in’ and I’ve lost 1.5lbs. I’m really pleased with that. I’m happy for 1lb per week. So I’m now 14st 11lbs (207lbs).

Yesterday’s FD was a success as I stayed within the 500 calorie limit. I did have a Slimming World Beef Sag frozen meal which came in at 400 calories. I discovered I’m not keen on chickpeas (there were a few in there!) so I probably ate less than 400 calories as I didn’t eat many of them, haha. The other 100 calories was skimmed milk in coffee during the day.

I’m trying to be mindful of my TDEE but if I continue to loose 1lb per week then I’m not going to stress over it. That’s the beauty of this WOL.

Have fun today everyone x

Coda

9:58 am
5 Oct 16
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Hi everyone UK day 5 NFD

Just a quick catch up

Smileycgirl – no you are doing not doing anything wrong however you may find once you get into the swing of this you may want instead of eating 500 cals on a fast day, you may want to eat to a quarter of your TDEE which may be lower. Then you may progress to a liquid only fast or a water fast just to see what it feels like. They may or may suit you but wait for a while before trying any adjustments. What works for one may not suit another and this is all about getting something you can live with.

Sheba0518 – just jump in where we are. Commitment to the challenge is daily posting, begin with where in the world you are and the day we are on (day of the month = day of the challenge. State if this is a non fast day NFD or a fast day FD and the rest is up to you. Post as much or as little as you want. If you haven’t (or anyone else hasn’t) already, update your profile with a little bit about yourself. It’s always nice to read about someone – or maybe I am just nosy ha ha! Have a good one everyone.x

BrightonBelle

10:21 am
5 Oct 16
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UK day 5 NFD SheilyBee Your post made me realise it’s OK to have a week off and enjoy my week with my Mum visiting as you never know how much time you have with them ❤️ I’m sure she would understand and be supportive if I told her I wanted to fast for a day, but like quite a few of you I haven’t shared my 5:2 journey with friends or family , I don’t want that extra pressure , I think that’s why I like logging on here so much.

Already planning how I’m going to get back on board next week so that’s reflects a big change in mind set

Erika45

10:36 am
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 NFD Portugal
68kg
Just completed 20minute HIIT routine.
Great FD yesterday. I hope I don’t overdo eating today. National holiday here in Portugal so kids at home. We will be going to the park today for a nice long walk.

Coda: Algarve is lovely. We live up north … also beautiful.
Back2thefuture: what I mean by a ‘block’ of chocolate is a small 1/2 inch square broken off the bar. I am guessing for some a block might mean the whole bar!

susiecarp

11:01 am
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 nfd (UK)
Day 3 for me personally!

HollyLJ

11:45 am
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 Italy – FD
Sheilybee my condolences for the loss of your parents, such a sad coincidence it must have been devastating.
Yesterday was a healthy Day i managed to stay within my TDEE with no problems.
I’m trying a FD today, so far so good. I’m going for a 4:3 this week to give myself a bit of a kick start.
This morning i transformed my cross trainer from a clothes horse and will try and use it daily. So many of you seem really dedicated to exercising, i’m impressed and inspired.
Hope any of you at risk from Hurricane Matthew stay safe and that it passes Quickly and without too much damage

Minka

11:49 am
5 Oct 16
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Tweed Coast Australia / Day 5 / NFD

Feeling a bit of strife all around which is being reflected in my eating. I can feel the root of this strife embedded in me having committed to something that my heart isn’t really into and that I really don’t want to do. This eats at me and makes me eat! I can feel that until I extricate myself from this situation that that goes against my grain, I’ll be vulnerable to bingeing. It feels relieving to be able to write this here. Thank you for letting me vent.

Pissupoosa

11:49 am
5 Oct 16
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London (on the train to Gloucester) | Day 5 | NFD

Apologies for not posting yesterday. Was busy with and packing for the retreat.
Made a good start with the NFD yesterday but a piece of carrot cake at tea time ruined it 😔
It was somewhat redeemed by 12560 steps and a 7am TRX class.

This is my last post before the meditation retreat, fuvvie. I’ll be back on the 16th.

Good luck everyone! See you in 10days 😊

Pissupoosa

11:53 am
5 Oct 16
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Sheilybee, my thoughts are with you. It must be such a difficult time. Take care of your self and take strength in the love your parents have given you.

Lou Belles

12:07 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 Australia Fd/nfd

Finished my lunch to lunch fast. Was planning to fast until dinner but had a late lunch. Hasn’t eaten at all since yesterday’s lunch, so think it went well. Though never find I lose much from that type of fast, but wanted to fit something in. Next week will be able to get completely back to normal hopefully, no more family staying and out of holiday mode.

Sheillybee so sorry for your loss.

JFitzy

1:09 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 London

Had a very successful FD yesterday and even though I had an early morning swim, wasn’t that hungry – really bizarre as the day before I was ravenouse! Did my “bingo wing” work out this morning and will be walking today – aiming for 10,000 steps plus! NFD for me and I am staying low carb.

For those of you who did the arm routine you can add one more exercise to really feel the burn – tricep dips see link on how to do them. If you build up to 2 sets of 20 each day to go with your 4 minute work out you will see a difference in a couple of weeks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kALZikXxLc

SheilyBee – sorry you are going through a tough time – it is a very difficult time no matter what age you are. I have only read all the posts now so I am a bit behind x

itsmyturn

1:14 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5. Fla USA NFD good nfd yesterday – had 3 pieces of dried pineapple – so sweet my teeth hurt maybe this staying off sugar is starting to work. Last prep day before Hurricane Matthew arrives this evening. FD tomorrow figured with the rageing rains and winds I’ll be in the house with a good book and out of trouble. Have a good day everyone!!!

Coda

1:39 pm
5 Oct 16
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Hi 2nd post

Lael – Just a thought on your situation – you need to find something other than eating to rid yourself of pent up anger or frustration. Eating is not the answer and only leads to more guilt. Try writing a note to whoever or whatever is getting to you. Sometimes just doing that is a relief – you can then burn it or tear it up after you feel better – what about punching a pillow – that is a good way to vent. When the adrenaline is coursing through your body, challenge that energy to something that will help you stay on course – a very vigorous walk is very good and I can personally recommend that lol. Eating in anger will not hurt whoever or whatever has annoyed you but will sabotage the good start you have made.

MisGizmo

1:41 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 South Florida USA
nfd yesterday – actually wasn’t too bad. after all of the effort to fast on Monday, i didn’t want to binge and mess it up yesterday. that being said, i did have 2 glasses of wine – but even with the wine and some mixed nuts, i was still around 1100 for the day.
I have now added a ‘friend’ from this group to MyFitnessPal app. i can see her Diary… which means she can now see mine… Yikes! that’s a bit of an eye opener. It should keep me a little more accountable.
One thing i figured out pretty quickly was that i had zero desire to exercise the morning after my fast day. with the hurricane prep i ran out of time this morning so am intending to get in some sort of work out at lunch.

keep up the Great Work everyone!!!

Yazcat

1:48 pm
5 Oct 16
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Dubai-Day 5- NFD

Today has not been a good day as far a eating is concerned. I have a tendency far too much junk today. Feel terrible!
I did 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer today that was about the only highlight.

@fuvvie thanks so much for organising all of us

@sheilybee so sorry for you loss ((hugs))

@lael I feel your pain I also struggle with emotional eating and it’s so frustrating as I know it’s bad for me but don’t seem to be able to stop.

Missj2002

1:59 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5, Bucks, UK
NFD – slight change in my daily routine, normally walk to work but BF gave me a lift. Will walk home though, 30mins 1.5 miles.
Don’t really count calories on NFD, had flat bread with bavarian ham and philadephia.
No chocolate! but still early days
Just realised I haven’t organised dinner for my 12yr old daughter and me… oh well…

LindaSue

2:15 pm
5 Oct 16
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Morning all – USA, Missouri Ozarks, Day 5 – Fasting

Yesterday went great. I find it so easy to not eat from 7p.m. to 7 p.m. on days that I work (M, Tu, W). Stuck to my 500 calories and got in extra exercise last night so feel very good.

Hoping all have a wonderful day (or night depending on your locale) .

NorrieB

2:19 pm
5 Oct 16
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Surrey UK Day 5 NFD…..quick check in, hopefully I will find time tomorrow to read all the posts at a leisurely pace. Have a good day, everyone!

Sheba0518

2:41 pm
5 Oct 16
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Hi All Jacksonville Fl here. Watching weather as Hurricane Matthew headed this way, trying to decide if we should head out to Orlando to daughters tomorrow night. 100 MPH winds expected here at the beach.
Today is my first day of challenge as I just saw it on internet yesterday. I plan a FD today. So far just coffee with homemade almond milk and butter, 137 calories… not going to have anything til lunch as I work 1-7 so will eat before then and then have a very lite dinner when I get home
Everyone have a great productive day!

Grammaspice

3:01 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5. US NFD. 60 MINUTE workout with weights. I lost my weekend weight gain. Yay!! My goal is to be more focused on making healthy choices through this weekend.
I agree with Lany36 about keeping track of who said what and identifying with so many of your feelings and experiences. It seems I am in good company.

Edzeko

3:18 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5. NFD. Wisconsin, USA.

Coda and Fuvvie, thank you for your leadership, and thoughtful remarks. I will set aside time to read everyone’s comments thoroughly, so that I can be inspired.

I am learning more and more about the body’s ability to use fat vs. sugar (glucose) as energy. I saw an interview with a 52 year old woman who had suffered with diabetes for years. She learned on her own, by trial and error, that she could reverse her disease by staying on a ketogenic diet. She is off all her medication. What a bizarre situation to have to discover this secret cure on your own. Her doctors had proof that her condition was reversed, and she was no longer taking medication. Yet, they were not very curious about how this happened.

I am currently using 5:2, and a ketogenic diet to be the healthiest version of me possible.

GreatLakesUS123

3:21 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5 | Ohio, USA | FD

NFD was fine yesterday. Probably didn’t need that last glass of wine, but so it goes. FD today, so far so great. Also, I pick up our local weekly CSA/veggie delivery after work so should have nice veggie selection for dinner. Been doing a lot of planks and got a good walk in yesterday. Be well everyone!

MisGizmo and Sheba0518, stay safe with the storm! (I grew up Tampa area).

therealwil78

3:23 pm
5 Oct 16
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GA/USA/Day 5/NFD:

I’m trying to decide if I’m gonna make today a FD. I have a trip I’m taking for the next four days and its hard to imagine a 5 hour flight with no snacks. Lol. I know its sounds silly, but I might take my second fast today. Not sure what to do. I also don’t want to have 4 days between my next fast. I’m so scared that if I miss I’ll not get back on track.
Any thoughts?

LindaSue

3:28 pm
5 Oct 16
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Wishing those in the path of the storm the very best. Safe travel if you must relocate.

K- Lo

3:33 pm
5 Oct 16
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NYC, Day 5, NFD. 119.9 lbs. Yesterday went well. Salad and veggies for lunch. Dinner was black beans, salsa and avocado taco. Just one small tortilla. And a gin / Lillet cocktail.

Today’s lunch is a root veggie soup. Dinner — lamb meatballs stewed witheggplant and tomatoes…and lots of Sriracha!

therealwil78…plan your snacks. Hard boiled eggs, nuts. Don’t eat the airline snacks!

All of you in Matthew’s way…best of luck, stay safe.

August2024

3:35 pm
5 Oct 16
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Day 5|NFD|Toronto
Bit of a disastrous NFD yesterday;I attended a celebration in the evening and went overboard on the desert table.

coldpizza

3:37 pm
5 Oct 16
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Texas, Day 5, NFD.

Brought my healthy lunch today to work, and my goal for today to stay away from vending machine and cafeteria snacks. Little by little…

Going to choir today evening, and planing to fast tomorrow.
Scale does not move… Well, it maybe a good sign after gaining for a while. 🙂

LindaSue

3:45 pm
5 Oct 16
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coldpizza,

Could you possibly change your name? You are making me hungry.

Thanks in advance, haha…

Coda

4:01 pm
5 Oct 16
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hi – another post

Hope all those with Hurricane Matthew heading their way will be safe.

As some of you may know I am a big fan of visualisation and was just wondering if this may help some of you avoid foods that you don’t really want in the first place. If the said object of your desires was covered in flies would you still want it or maybe crawling with maggots? What about turning it around and instead of salivating over said object you pictured it covered in something that you would put you off?

I remember a long time ago (and I mean years ago) I was trying to loose weight. The weight seemed to be coming down really well and then a thought popped into my head – I am loosing weight easily, oh maybe I am not well and that is why I am loosing weight. Guess what, I stopped loosing weight and started gaining. I never really thought about why this happened until I read a book by Jon Gabriel who is very much into visualising and explained why perhaps my weight loss may have stopped and started going in the wrong direction. Your body needs to believe it is good to shed weight – which is why visualising is an important tool we can all use.

Again something perhaps to think on or consider?