It’s commendable that you’re seeking advice and taking steps towards your health goals. Water fasting can be a challenging journey, especially for an extended period, so it’s great that you have an upcoming appointment with your local doctor. Second opinions are always beneficial, and medical professionals can provide personalized guidance based on your health history.
Considering your financial constraints, it’s crucial to prioritize essential nutrients during your fast. While I’m not a doctor, here are some general suggestions:
Hydration: Given that you’re water fasting, staying well-hydrated is key. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day.
Electrolytes: Maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial. You can consider low-cost options like adding a pinch of salt to your water or consuming homemade broth.
Vitamins and Minerals: If possible, focus on obtaining essential vitamins and minerals. Foods like leafy greens and vegetables can be relatively affordable and nutrient-rich.
Protein: Since you mentioned concerns about organ cannibalization, consider sources of protein within your budget. Eggs, legumes, and inexpensive protein-rich foods might be options.
I understand your financial limitations, and it’s essential to work within your means. If you find yourself in need of additional financial support during this period, you might explore options like https://paydaysay.com/200-dollar-loan/ service.
Remember, the advice from your doctor should take precedence, and I wish you the best on your health journey. Posting before and after photos is a great way to track progress and inspire others.
When looking to purchase these capsules, I recommend checking reputable health and wellness stores, both online and offline. Many retailers and e-commerce platforms carry a variety of dietary supplements.
Before trying any new supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs.
If you’re interested in other approaches to manage hunger or enhance your fasting experience, you might find helpful information in online health communities or forums.
Wishing you the best on your health and wellness journey!
Day 0, London, UK
I’m with you @northgeorgia, I’m planning to increase the exercise whilst decreasing the waistline!
I’ll commit to 2 x 500cal FDs per week ………………. even Xmas week! I’ll be mindful on NFDs and imbibe🍷🍷🍷 very very carefully, as over indulging leads to bad, bad choices!!🍰🍷🧀🍕!!
Let’s do this!!!
Day 30, London, UK, NFD
Well, I’m closing out this month with a NFD rather than my planned FD. I forgot the office Xmas drinks are this evening! My tuna & cauli-rice will wait until Saturday, I’m following you @funshipfreddie and vowing not to miss my 2 FDs/week. I’ll just shift it to Saturday and pat myself on the back!!!
STAGNANT………… not a great word, not a great feeling, but a heck of a lot better than Gained, Up, Increased, Added or……………… EXPANDED!!😱😱😱
@northgeorgia, Thank you, I’m looking forward to you hosting December!! We’re going to NAIL this!!! I’m going with daily reminders that IT’S ONLY ONE DAY!!!!
Congratulations to those who’ve discarded some timber and also to those of us who have been marching in place, it’s all about perspective!!! November may have been a small group of us, but ……………………
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Day 0 – USA/GA
I’m ready to get back to the 210s and lower. Gained too much weight since March, but went a bit crazy on my NFDs, including letting a lot of not so good for me stuff back into my diet. December will be a tough time, but I think how much better I feel eating homemade, good-for-me dishes over fast food, junk food, and other quick bites and I imagine it may not be too terrible. I’m not happy hovering around 225 lbs, but it’s better than the 280 lbs where I started. Ready to restart!
Welcome to the December 2023 Challenge: Happy Xmas!
Give yourself the gift of a lighter you this season. Feast, but not every day. Enjoy a tasty treat, but remember “sugar is poison!” so don’t overdo. Enjoy the impromptu parties, but don’t fill your plate. Don’t be bigger than Santa! Deck the halls with a trimmer waistline. Ho ho ho, you can do this!
Everyone is welcome to join the monthly Challenges. So whether you’re a fasting veteran, just trying it for the first time, or if you fell off the wagon and are coming back to the fold, let’s make every day of November count! Fasting is tried and tested, it’s free and for many of us it’s the only thing that works. We eat what we like – most of the time – and still lose or maintain weight and stay healthy.
These monthly challenges were started by @coda in May 2016 and have been going strong ever since. Goals can be overwhelming when viewed as a whole. But by breaking them down into small achievable pieces, we are able to stay focused and motivated to accomplish our goals one step at a time in bite-sized monthly challenges.
There are no rules, but as a general guide, here are some tips for any new people:
1. Posting – Please start each post with the day of the month, where you are, and if you’re on a fast day (FD), non-fast day (NFD) or controlled day (CD). We’re all over the world and in different time zones so it helps us keep track of which day we’re talking about, who else is fasting with us on a particular day etc. Look at the various posts, and you’ll soon see the pattern, and will learn how useful it is for reading.
2. In your first post, please introduce yourself to the group – this helps us to get to know each other, which is especially helpful for newbies. Perhaps say something about where you started, your journey so far, what you’re aiming for or how you are benefiting from fasting. You might like to include your starting weight or your goals for the month. But you don’t have to – share only what you are comfortable sharing online.
3. Spreadsheet – It is in alphabetical order by username. If you find it helpful, you can use it to record and track your progress as well as keeping track of how others are doing. It can help with perspective, accountability or planning. And if you need help just ask – there’s always someone happy to help. But you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. It’s just another tool you can use if you choose. @merryapple kindly created the spreadsheet for this month 🤗
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j4AEl8Vu-1U1PiKnE0x8hRybmI3XK2qkIa9nLPTm2_A/edit#gid=0
4. Frequency – Some people post daily, others check in every few days. Some are brief, others are long and chatty. If you’re posting for a second time in the same day please head your post e.g. Day 1 second post. Past history shows that posting every day truly does help with motivation for staying on track with your goals, so please don’t feel shy about suddenly posting daily; we love new members!
5. Content of your post– Comments or questions, complaints or celebration – anything you’d like to share with the forum. Recipes, tips, tricks and bright ideas are always welcome. Remember: we all have good days and bad days, days we fall off the wagon or days when we are hanging on by our fingernails, days when our mojo deserts us and days where we feel completely in control. So DON’T GIVE UP – whatever it is, you are not alone!
6. Community – This is a worldwide forum so there’s usually someone online. We all do our best to offer advice, support and solidarity
7. Pocket lists –A ‘pocket list’ is a list of the names of people who are sharing the same goal on a particular day. It’s great psychological support in mentally keeping that list in our back pocket, knowing we’re not alone. Anyone can join a pocket list or start a pocket list. Typical pocket lists are for FD but in the past they’ve been used for people doing daily exercise or planks, or DTF (dry till Friday).
8. 5:2 basics – answers to many FAQs plus top tips:
https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/
And by way of translation, we use a LOT of abbreviations. Here’s a guide to some of the more frequently used ones:
5:2 – 5 days NFD – 2 days FD
16:8 – 16 hours fast – 8 hours non fast
IF – Intermittent Fasting
ADF – Alternate Day Fasting (FD – NFD – FD – etc)
AF – Alcohol-free
B2B – Back to Back (consecutive FDs)
BMR – Basal metabolic Rate
CFD – Controlled Food Day (a day’s eating comfortably below your TDEE)
DH, DD, DS – Darling Husband, Daughter, Son
DTF – Dry ’til Fri (no wine, beer, etc.)
EE – Emotional Eating (reflex grazing out of a need for instant comfort instead of satisfying hunger)
EFS – Epic Face Stuffing (Definitely due to a faulty OFF button!)
FD – Fast Day (500 cals)
FD800 – Fast Day 800 calories
Hunger Dragon – that dreadful psychological beast that sometimes cannot be satisfied. Some people even name theirs (e.g. @i-hate-lettuce had an inner warthog!)
IF – Intermittent Fasting
Keto – way of eating that generates Ketones
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!!!
LC – Low Carb way of eating
LCHF – Low Carb High Fat way of eating
LFD – Liquid Fast Day (incl. tea, coffee, miso, bone broth & water)
LOL – Laughing Out Loud
M/WOAM – Man/Woman on a Mission (courtesy of @i-hate-lettuce)
MFD – Modified Fast Day (800 cals) on the new Fast800, it’s a FD
MFP – MyFitnessPal – a smartphone app & website that tracks diet & exercise.
NFD – Non Fast Day
NSV – non-scale victory (courtesy of @flourbaby)
OH – Other Half (eg spouse/partner)
OMAD – One Meal A Day
PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of moi!)
Pocket List – Names to “keep in your pocket” for a common goal for the day
TDEE – Total Daily Energy Expenditure (see the ‘how it works’ link on the home page to work out yours)
TRE – Time Restricted Eating
WFD – Water Fast Day (Water only)
WFH – Working From Home
WOL – Way of Life
WOCA – Woman Of a Certain Age
ZBC – Zero Breakfast Club
Let’s get this month going!
Day 30 – USA/GA – OMAD/FD
Weigh-in: 225 lbs. A two-pound average gain over last month. Ho-hum. OK, I forgot it’s already December on the other side of our planet, so let me close this up and get it going….
Day 30 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 70.8 kg
A whopping 0.1 kg below November’s starting weight. How’s that for maintenance? 😅 It’s been a roller-coaster month, for a few of us I think. Would’ve been good to accumulate a bit of wiggle room before the silly season starts, but we’ve still got the best part of a month to work on that.
@stitchincarol – I don’t think I ever experience my stomach growling. I wonder if that’s unusual? But I remember an author stating – “real hunger is experienced in the mouth”. Can’t remember who it was, maybe Jason Fung or Michael Mosley? I’d never thought about it until I read it, but that’s certainly true for me. It’s hard to describe the sensation. As for me being busy, I certainly can’t claim to be that 95% of the time. I’m never at a loss for something to do, but I’m naturally lazy. This week’s been a bit different, but usually I could spend the whole day on the sofa, so I have to push myself to move. And I only use the car when it’s absolutely necessary. I think my success with fasting is mostly down to tenacity. I’m tenacious when it comes to my fast days. I may switch the days around, but whatever happens the rest of the week, I WILL stick to my 2 FDs. I don’t think one week’s gone by this year without me sticking to two FDs, sometimes three. And I never bake cookies, even on NFDs 😜
@jaifaim – just above maintenance is a good place to be! Hump day was okay, but I didn’t enjoy having to go to the mall on a FD, because that’s one of my favourite places to have lunch. I’ll try to avoid Wednesday FD’s in future.
@merryapple & @metatauta – both almost 4 lb down! And still a day to go 🎯 🏅 & well done to everyone else for maintaining or/& clinging on to the wagon
@northgeorgia – thanks for offering to host December 🙏 & thank you to @at for hosting November 💐
Hoping to see everyone in December 🎄
“Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.” ~ Louis Pasteur
Day 30 – Ireland – CD🚫🚶♂️✅ 🌾
155.2 lbs
Hi all, I hope everyone is well in our little November group and hi to all those lurking. Hopefully we see you all in December and thank you @northgeorgia for taking over from @at – thank you @at for hosting this month and I really hope all is ok.. 💕
@merryapple bravo to you on a great final check in ⭐️
@stitchincarol come on… go easy on you… you are here.. you are in the middle of two big holidays and you can do this – it’s the bigger picture and we have time ⭐️.
I started accupuncture a few years ago to help with the headaches and general issues from autoimmune conditions.. it helps even to just balance me out once a month.. and I sleep so well during and after 😄
@excelsior12309 that’s so great to hear! I’m going to attempt a very interesting healthy Christmas cake recipe before Christmas so I will let you know how it goes and post it if it works… I am GF since the start of this year but don’t bake a lot anymore…supermarket GF foods are generally full of sugar so I need to bake my own now… sugar doesn’t like me either 😂😂 results in creaky bones.
Thanks for the recipe link @stitchincarol I’ll take a look and I will be inspired.
@flourbaby well done on the successful FD and stagnant is better than rising and you’ll see a drop soon I’m sure if it.
@funshipfreddie – hope you had a good hump day 🐪 ! You were busy so hope it was a good one.
So for me – finishing out this month happy enough…Weight crept crazily after last weekend to 159 but I didn’t publish that 😂. I was hoping it was to be short lived and focus this week means I’m now just above target for maintenance range… again ⭕️
It’s never easy but we can do this ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕
Hi P Pio, I’m just starting as well. How did you go the past few days?
That’s a great idea, I’d like to join. Although I am scared to weigh in, haven’t done so in ages.
Tempted by chocolate though. Will leave it until Christmas week now hopefully.Drooling already thinking a about it. If I knew where Denise hid the toffees I would be raiding them.
FD Day 30 FD NZ 80.7kg
-1.7kg for November… I’m on a FD today. I’m not quite sure how I managed a good finale after being in the doldrums in the middle of the month except to use one word – consistency. I followed my daily timetable of eating earlier in the evening at 6pm with salads and vegetables and protein (rump steak, asparagus and cauliflower last night), no supper and having carbs mostly at breakfast and lunch for energy in the daytime. I haven’t done any particular exercise except carrying Mr Mac around, gardening and general moving around. I needed to get my weight down before I began targeted exercises like a gymn which will be on my New Year’s resolutions list!
Go well!
Pocket List
Merry🍎
Hi F FB Brits hope you are having a good day xxxx
Its been a lovely sunny day but ohh so cold this evening.. When we went out at 4pm it was freezing.. never stayed long aa it is not good for a mature dog. Or me lolol.
Just hoping there is no snow here..
I haven’t achieved much as such today.. walked late then late lunch..just a sandwich and Cup of soup.. This evening its Chilli I made last week .. really enjoying it.
H H .. Yes we are both Christmas B Days.. Yes try those mince-pies they are wonderful very moorish though lolol.
It will be lovely having the break nice to get away and relax..
Dave.. you are so lucky not being tempted by the Christmas fare. I love it unfortunately lol.
Nana .. Enjoy the rest of your busy week..
Sym .. Hope you are having a good day.
Take care everyone.. its bitter out there .. Xxxx
Evening everyone, a very chilly bike ride to and from the guided busway stop today.
A nice lunch I had jacket potato with prawns in marie rose sauce and two medium glasses of pinot grigo wine.
Usual visit to Ely tomorrow and then once back home we’re going to get the Christmas tree and decorations down from the loft ready to be put up on Friday. We’re meeting a friend Friday in the morning for coffee and cake, and looks like it’s going to be a curry Friday evening.
Enjoy the rest of your evening everyone and stay warm.
Nana xxx
Good afternoon everyone. Had 2.5 hours bowling but did keep my coat on today. It’s 2°C so chilly. Will take Chloe out again for our second walk.
Day 29 – Rural Nebraska, USA – CD
Second day in a row I’ve walked with Leslie–only fifteen minutes, but I did it. Part of the motivation is that I’m treating my body deplorably with far too much sitting and working on my laptop, and part of the motivation is that if I’m to have a chance to lose weight I have to MOVE and have to burn more calories. It’s not many calories, but a few more is better than a few less, right?
Anyone care to join me, and walk for 15 minutes–however you choose to walk, but I’m going to do Leslie or one of her cohorts–every morning, Monday through Friday? December is an excellent month to add some extra calorie burning activity since we’ll all be confronted with extra calorie consuming activity.
I almost caved yesterday, because I was HUNGRY in a way I don’t always experience on a WFD. But I remembered you saying one time, @flourbaby, that when you feel your stomach growling, that’s when you know you’re burning weight (or something to that effect). Don’t know if it’s actually true, but the possibility of it was enough to keep me committed. This morning? Not hungry. That’s the best part of going to bed hungry is that I don’t wake up that way! 😏👍🏻
@flourbaby Good to hear from you! Being busy is always a good thing when we’re fasting, huh? We’ll look forward to chatter when you have a spare moment. ❤️
@songbirdme Speaking of spare moments, I’ve been thinking of you and wondering if your house truly will be done in time for you to be moved in by Christmas. I pray all is going wonderfully for you!
@merryapple Having grown up in California–northern California, but still, not the midwest with midwest temperatures and weather–I can well understand not itching to put up decorations mid-November. You dream of red and green knit stockings sounds lovely…perhaps this year?
@funshipfreddie How busy you are is perhaps one “secret” to maintenance!
@jaifaim How often do you have acupuncture, and what sent you to the process?
@excelsior12309 Nah, my energy is short-lived, and then I return to the sofa. Must get better about that…
@northgeorgia Every FD is one step closer to reclaiming the teens; you can DO it!
@flourbaby Your two quotes are resonating deeply with me:
I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday!!!
You can find inspiration from others, but determination is solely your responsibility.
When I weighed myself this morning, it was a gasp-worthy weight: 160.0 I started into the shame and self-recriminations–and then firmly put a stop to that. “Yes, it is indeed my own fault that I weigh that, but it’s not the fault of yesterday that I weigh that, and it’s not the fault of right now. Instead it’s the result of behavior over the last few weeks, and you’re changing that behavior, so let’s be kind to myself, eh?” So, yes, I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.
Second quote: I suddenly realized that’s what I was saying when I was gone for those few days: Every day, I’d come on and post and say all sorts of grand things…and having no determination except what I pretended to possess, I’d rely on the inspiration from all of you to succeed…and it wasn’t working. I’m not fully there even now, but (first quote!) I’m finding my own determination again. I wish I’d found it five pounds ago, ten pounds ago–or even not gained back any of this weight!–but I’m closer than I was, and I’m still here.
So, those are my musings for today. However we finish November, let’s all be STRONG for December, shall we?
RESOLVE.
Day 29, London, UK, NFD
Well yesterdays FD meal was resounding success, as a founding member of the ZBC I split my prawn, pea & shallot fried cauliflower rice (492cals!) between 2pm lunch and 7pm dinner. It worked a treat, no hunger, no urge to snack or throw in the towel in desperate need of FOOD!!!
I’m glad today’s a NFD, especially after reading your breakfast menu @merryapple!!! I may be ZBC, but Mmmm, Mmm, Mmm …………creamy porridge!!!🤤🤤🤤
@northgeorgia, hang in there!!! You CAN do this dragon slaying!!! The hosting will help🐲⚔
@excelsior12309, unfortunately, stagnant might be my word of the month!!!😁😁
Onwards & downwards!!!
I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday!!!
Day 29 – USA/GA – FD
Weigh-in: 228 lbs. Today, I begin fighting the 230 dragon and plan to flee from its wicked territory on its border.
I’ll try to get things ready tomorrow in prep for December 🙂
Pocket List – Day 29 🥚
@funshipfreddie
@northgeorgia
@jaifaim
@excelsior12309
Day 29-No. VA USA-FD
Well, fasting again today. Weight is stagnant. @northgeorgia, I believe you are right when you refer to the water-holding capacity of carbohydrates! Thank you for hosting for December.
@jaifaim, I made a lemon cake with almond flour and olive oil, (I think) for a birthday cake for a person with celiac disease. It was delicious, though not very Christmassy, I guess…otherwise, I have not done much gluten free baking. Coconut macaroons, I suppose, are gluten free. @stichincarol, I salute your energy! And welcome back, @flourbaby!
Day 29 – Ireland – CD🚫🚶♂️✅ 🌾
Hi all, another one of us with a quick post today.. up and out super early to a work event and then accupuncture later this evening. 😄
Oh wow @merryapple that breakfast 🍳 😋
Be well everyone!
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕
Day 29 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – FD
Last FD for November. Gotta run…
Happy Hump Day! 🐫
Pocket List – Day 29 🥚
@funshipfreddie
@northgeorgia
Day 29 NFD NZ 80.0kg
Morning all! It’s a keep reigned in day in preparation for tomorrow’s weigh day so for breakfast I had porridge with cream and sourdough with ricotta and apricot jam. I can hear @funshipfreddie’s voice in my ear!! It’s all about quality not quantity!!
@stitchincarol Every year I tell myself I am going to make lovely big red and green sox to hang up on the mantelpiece… Have I done it yet – no! I’ll get my decorations out on Dec 1, I think.
Thanks for hosting December @northgeorgia. It’ll be busy but we’ll all chip in😄
I have a busy few days coming up so will get going.
Steely Resolve for the next 24 hrs!!!
Evening!
Dave- well done with your FD yesterday. Poor Denise, I hope the wait’s not too long for a new knee 😞
Jean- nice to go somewhere different…glad grandson is enjoying Oz so far!
Hemmy- I didn’t realise your birthday was Christmas Eve, & Kristy Boxing Day…a big celebration! I might try the Co-op mince pies, I’ve not bought any yet…Not made the cakes yet, it was going to be some point this week but have changed plans!
Nana- you’re doing so well, it’s certainly working! A lovely idea for daughter’s anniversary present 🥰
We have booked 2 nights away, just to the barns we’ve been to before, with Xena. We’ve wanted to go for a few weeks now but the weather has just been so awful… Must be careful not to over eat & spoil the good work! So the cakes will have to wait, I don’t usually make mine to early anyway, they get in the way!
Had a bit more to eat today1400 calories still miles below my tdee.Bowling again tomorrow,I don’t like Christmas food,mince pies, Christmas cake or any other Christmas stuff.Bought some Christmas garlands thought they would make a change, cost enough.My some birthday is the middle of December and my daughter’s the end of December. Must be a cold month March🤪.
Hi F B Brits hope all is well with you and yours. Xxxx
Its been a lovely sunny day wth blue sky to match. .. A good 2 hr walk for us.
Came back and did a bit more wrapping.. I think I had said over the years its my Birthday Christmas Eve .. and Kristy’s Boxing day. So we have 2 a day celebration on top of Christmas. lol.. That’s why Mum named me Carol Mary. lolol
I have only just realised since Mum went I haven’t been able to really find the interest in Christmas the last few years she was so much part of it. I am sooo pleased I seem to have renewed my enthusiasm again.
OMG for anyone buying in Mince pies.. The Coop have won “Which” best pie award.. I bought a box of six today to see. They are soo lovely you honestly would have a job to beat them.. Its their Best luxury range I think it was £2..75 for six. Gorgeous crumbly star cutout dusted with icing suger .. Ohhh dear I have eaten 3 lolol.
Nana … Well do you think you will have time in between all these lunches to write those cards lolol Xxxx Actually once you get going you soon do it.. I did so many per day.
Dave.. Well done on 800 cals yesterday.. How is today going?
H H …. Hope Mum is careful as there seems a lot of Covid about again this year. I bet your cakes smell lovely while baking. A real Christmas smell.
Sym.. Glad you enjoyed your Italian.. I haven’t been for ages to one but they used to be my favourite restaurant
So glad your G Son is settling in.. a lovely experience for him.
Enjoy your evening everyone. Every step is progress, no matter how small.Xxxx
Great to have company.. was feeling lonely 😄
Thanks for offering to host December @northgeorgia. We will all help out in that busy month ⭐️🎄⭐️
Pocket List – Day 28 ⭐️
@jaifaim
@stitchincarol WFD
@flourbaby
Evening All..
A better day quite nice walking out still very muddy… I felt warmer coming towards home…
A lovely lunch out at an Italian, I don’t usually like them but I did enjoy it, 8 of out boules team.
James seems to be enjoying Sydney, lots of walking and getting off and on trams really looking around the area. He has met quite a few different people and they all went out as a group last night. A walk organised from the hostel to Bondi Beach which he is going on tomorrow…he is on a high hope it continues.
Hemmy..
I must get some cards and get them sorted out, a job for tomorrow…running late this year.
Dave..
Bowling with a jumper on.. you must be very hardy!!
Hedgehog..
Are you running late making Xmas cakes, I used to do them in late October …loads of colds about, 3 of the girls had them, one has had it for three months!!!.. hope I keep clear!
Hope mums ok..
Nana..
A different anniversary pressy, good idea they always sound lovely.
Jean x
Day 28, London, UK, FD.
Late on parade AND I’ve been MIA for a few days!!! Time definitely flies by, the older I get☹.
Anyway, today’s FD is going well, Prawn & cauliflower fried rice with garden peas, high protein, low carb. I’m keeping it as my new FD favourite, I’ll just swap the type of protein.
I hope everyone is doing well, no time to catch-up. Work has exploded in the run up to Xmas, if I wasn’t getting paid🤔………….. or if I won the lottery!!!🤑🤑🤑
Must dash, Stay strong everyone!!!
You can find inspiration from others, but determination is solely your responsibility.
Day 28 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD
DH and I went to visit his mom yesterday, and on impulse stopped at a Mexican restaurant afterward instead of coming home to yet MORE turkey leftovers. We’re still enjoying them, but they are becoming monotonous. But Mexican sure has inspired lots of bloating for me, so today’s WF is much needed!
@funshipfreddie I mixed up and scooped one double-batch of cookies yesterday, and they’re in the freezer. I’ll do two more tomorrow, then thaw and bake them all on Friday. So, yes, the aroma is killer, but I set myself limits and generally succeed. It’s when I’m mixing them up that I struggle not to eat a bunch of cookie dough!! 😂😂
@jaifaim Special time with your mum and family and friends is so lovely. As to the GF Thanksgiving foods, some of the less-than-stellar results were down to mistakes I made (for example, I toasted the breadcubes for the stuffing far too long), but the bread I made from the website I was using was STELLAR…my son’s expression as he ate a slice he’d toasted and buttered and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar? Priceless. Here’s that website and you can hunt around for other recipes. https://www.mamagourmand.com/best-gluten-free-bread-recipe/ So far, I think her stuff is as good as it can possibly be.
@merryapple I weigh every day, so have seen the up and down of the scale so often that it no longer troubles me. For example, weigh yourself. Go drink a FULL glass of water. Go weigh yourself. You’ll have “gained weight.” I learned that when I was still a teenager, and already working to be thin.
@northgeorgia Thanks for agreeing to host December!! As to an all-you-can-eat buffet? You’ll have to do some serious mental arguing before you go, to ensure that you make good choices, and don’t get sucked up by the way food is displayed to tempt you into eating more than you usually would–and more than you actually want. Those are tough places to withstand, and it’s tempting to think “I have to eat more so I get my money’s worth.” Pizza Ranch is a place around here that is a struggle for me, because their pizza is really good and they also have fried chicken that is stellar. So, we just never go any more (largely because my MIL no longer goes out to eat, and that was her choice of restaurant)!
It’s astounding to me how many of our regulars have dropped away, including our host for November. I miss their chatter! @daffodil2010 You’re one who popped into my mind today…how’s working from home going?
Okay, I’m off. One of my adult students needs to buy a different piano, so instead of a lesson today, I’m meeting her at the house that has a piano she’s considering, where I’ll play it and give my thoughts as to whether it’s worth buying. Fun stuff!
Have a grand one, everyone!
Pocket List – Day 28 ⭐️
@jaifaim
@stitchincarol WFD
Good afternoon,I can see blue sky so that’s a good sign. I managed an 800 fast day yesterday and trying for a low one today. Denise as took good to get Spanish lessons, they all have so having a bit of a party, she said she’ll give me a ring when she’s ready to be picked up. She’s getting really bad now, can barely walk. I said well have to get a shopping trolley that she can get in and I’ll push her around. I’m hungry now only had 2 cups of tea
Day 28 – USA/GA – NFD
Weigh-in: 228 lbs. My goodness, I’ve seen that number way too many times in the past few days! I didn’t overeat yesterday, but I did have more carbs than usual, and it seemed to have worked its bloat magic. Doing a ZBC this morning, having my lunch meeting, and then it’s a long day — probably won’t be home until 7:30 or even 8:00 tonight, so I won’t plan on a big meal. I’m planning on a FD tomorrow.
Sure, I can host December if need be! Unfortunately, December 1 is my work’s Christmas outing, and the only place we could find to host us all was the all-you-can-eat buffet! ‘Tis the season!
Day 28 – Ireland – FD 🚫🚶♂️✅ 🌾
Hi all, I didn’t get a chance to check in again yesterday but back on track after a busy weekend of family commitments and time spent with friends. All good and just what was needed after a sad day on Thursday.
I think I can safely say that everyone here was in shock on Friday and embarrassed that Ireland was figuring in international news for all the wrong reasons…
The events were not protests but out and out thuggery and looting by a minority of mostly young people of many ethnicities who like to rob, steal and instil fear in others because they have nothing better to do with their time…it’s worrying how quickly the call out can go to these people on social media following a shocking random incident and how little our police force can do in the face of such violence. Hopefully this will change now. 🙏 I work with fabulous young people from all over the world and it’s sad to know that didn’t feel safe and honestly still don’t..
I had a lovely weekend with lots of fun times with friends and special time with mum 💕
@stitchincarol well done for trying out baking with GF flour… it’s not great 😌 – and most GF baked goods are super dense and sweet. It means I’m cutting back big time on pastries etc. I’ll have to get my head around Christmas: stuffing, etc I’ll be at mums and my sister is cooking but I’ll have to have GF replacements.
@merryapple – how cute to think of Mr Mac in his backpack.🐶🐶 well done to you carrying him – that’s a workout.
Enjoy the meeting @funshipfreddie hopefully not too long drawn out..
On a FD again.. yesterdays was ok until I met my pal for one little bulmers 🍏 🍻. It was just one but… I go again…👍
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕
Pocket List – Day 28 ⭐️
@jaifaim
Day 28 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD
@merryapple – I had the Kia back by 2 pm. It was just a minor service. I was irritated when they phoned me to say the wipers needed replacing though. I’ve only done 5000 km since last year’s major service (same service centre), & I could count on one hand how many times I’ve driven in the rain. If they think the blades need replacing at every service they should include it in the quote. I don’t weigh myself every day, just after a FD. I don’t want to see those daily variations! Maybe I should though.. 🤔
@stitchincarol – good to hear you’re okay & feeling better. That’s a LOT of cookies?! The aroma must drive you crazy, no way I could do that on a FD?! 🍪
@daffodil2010 – hope you’re okay..?
Got to rush off early again to drop off laundry & then rush back for yet another Body Corporate meeting 💤
“Being motivated is a fabulous tool when it comes to being able to push yourself, but motivation is fleeting. If you’re always waiting around for it to show up, you’ll likely never reach your end goal. Discipline is about sacrificing what you want now, for what you want so much more later.” ~ Maddie Rose
Evening everyone, have had a nice quiet weekend.
It’s our daughters 8th wedding anniversary shortly which is bronze apparently and as they both love their garden we thought we’d get them something bronze and ended up getting them bronze wind chimes from our local garden centre 🤞they’ll like them.
I think the reason I’m managing to lose weight albeit slowly even though we eat out regularly is because I’ve realised that I used to view the meals out as a treat and never thought about the calories that much but it hit me that I need to think more carefully about my food choices and only have two glasses of wine . I’ve stopped drinking at home and will only do so if we have friends round for a meal.
Bronwyn hope you can come back to us soon.
Jean hope your grandson gets on alright.
Hemmy you’ve made me realise that I need to get on writing our Christmas cards but am cutting down on the ones that I post and will hand deliver the ones that I can.
Enjoy the rest of your evening everyone.
Nana x
Day 28 NFD NZ 80.5kg
I’ve started filling in our monthly sheet because it’s amazing how much my weight bounces around. In the old days I would be ecstatic with a drop and lose enthusiasm with a rise. It’s helpful to see daily variations and not throw the baby out with the bath water (such a great quote!) I can keep tabs on the ebb and flow of weight variation without any loss of mojo. Does that make sense to anyone else?
I’ve got out an old soft red nylon backpack I’ve had since I was a teenager and put Mr Mac in it on the walk home after dropping the Mini off. Much to my surprise he tolerated it really well although I did carry him on my front so I can catch him if he tries to wiggle out. Carrying 10kg of dog on one side for any distance was doing in my back muscles. I’m going to swap the arms over so they cross at the back and don’t slide off.
@stitchincarol Hope your cold hasn’t come to much… what an amazing sleep! Gluten free flour can be a poor substitute for the real thing… I would cook the turkey with your usual stuffing and also make gluten free stuffing with a GF sausage and bread to cook in a separate tin… You can pour turkey juices over it later! That way everyone’s happy! Or use a GF crushed biscuit base (like for a cheese cake) instead of pastry for the cherry pie and fill it with your usual recipe. Just a thought!
@funshipfreddie I’m off to collect my car this morning. I had a hose replaced. Need the back brakes done in 3 months. Otherwise it’s a clean bill of health! Hope it’s the same for your Kaha!
3 days to go! Steely Resolve !!!
thats really nice post !
Afternoon!
Hemmy- glad I’m not the only one doing Christmas cards already! Quite a few of mine went astray last year & didn’t arrive until late January, so doing them even earlier! Very wet & muddy here too, dark already!
Dave- nice you had a dry day! Good Denise has hidden your chocolate…a normal FD for you today?
Jean- glad grandson is safely in Oz, hopefully he’ll make new friends & a new life for himself …
Got very wet with Xena, so didn’t walk Enoch, he gets stressed in the rain & wind anyway. Have planned my Christmas cakes but haven’t got all the ingredients so will get those this week, have done quite a few Christmas cards as well as cleaning. Mum’s got a cold, don’t want to catch that so she’ll have to have a day on her own!
Doing a liquid fast again today.
Had a few hours bowling, no coat on but had my jumper on. It poured down this morning but the green was ok, drained off well. Only had 2 cups of tea so far so the fast is going well. I’ve had to hide the Christmas choccies before I scoff them all. Denise hid them so I’m safe now
Hi FB Brits hope all is well with you. Xxxx
Just lost a long post it sso annoying.
Dark wet day here ..soaked on our walk.. so all is muddy again.
Just having a quiet day .. finishing off Christmas cards .. just posted some..
A sandwich lunch then just soup this evening .. so a low day. Must keep this weight now till Christmas week at least lolo.
Sym.. So glad your G son arrived safely and settling in already A relief I am sure.
Just off in the garden to do a bit of throwing for Pip I don’t usually go till 4pm but its got very dark.
Enjoy your evening everyone. Be stronger than your excuses. Xxxx
Day 27 – Ireland – FD 🚫🚶♂️✅ 🌾
Hello all, I’m just checking in but no time to post. Will keep the focus and write a little more later. A very busy weekend and thanks so much for the thoughts 💕💕
I hope everyone is ok. Still very quiet here..
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕
Day 27 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD
I woke up around 4am on Sunday morning and went to the bathroom since I was awake–and I also sneezed about two dozen times. That’s unheard of for me, and I was not happy with my body’s behavior! When I woke up for the day a bit before 7, I sneezed another two dozen times and blew my nose just as many times. I was miserable during church, going through a dozen tissues or more, and then had to work with the kids as they began learning their parts for their Christmas Eve service; by the time that was done, I was wiped out and was thankful to walk home (it’s a block). I found a medicine in our cupboard that promised to help with a runny nose and sneezing, so took it into the kitchen where the boys were already at work and had one of them read the label for me so I didn’t have to hunt up my readers. He made a joke about not being able to have alcohol, and I snorted, took the medicine and within twenty minutes felt FAR better; whew!
So we cooked and cooked and had our appetizers (one of which we all loved, the other of which, based on a small wheel of camembert, I was the only one who loved) and got the turkey into the oven, and went and played pinochle. Dinner was finally served at 5pm, and the GF options were not the rousing success I’d hoped for, but they were fine, at least…and I fell asleep at the dining room table. Literally.
Turns out my son wasn’t joking about not being able to have alcohol with that medicine. AND I’d taken a second dose too soon, not realizing my mistake. So, we’ll always remember this Thanksgiving dinner as the year Mom fell asleep over dinner, LOL! 😂😂 However, I slept last night for ten full hours–closer to eleven, actually–and feel far better than I did yesterday, so perhaps this cold is going to stay away.
@northgeorgia I heard a small bit of determination in your voice today, and that’s a good sign. Hang on and you’ll eventually begin to make progress again!!! And, here’s a thought for you: we’ve often said that hosting helps increase the motivation and weight loss is more consistent during months someone hosts. Are you willing to host for December?
I got all the fall stuff put away, and the Christmas stuff is all out, except for the Christmas dishes and the two trees, so I’m feeling quite virtuous about everything. This Saturday is the church’s annual Cookie and Candy Boutique, so this is the week I bake like a crazy woman. We’re only asked to bring 6dozen cookies, but I’ve baked as many as 70-80 dozen in some years, so you can imagine how much flour, butter and sugar I’m going through in one week. I have it down to a science where I mix up a double batch of the cookie dough, scoop it out with a scoop, squeeze it out close to the next ball of dough, and when the cookie sheet is full, I freeze them, then drop them into a freezer bag. Then when I bake on Friday, it’s a simple matter of thawing them and putting them onto cookie sheets. (I’m working hard to encourage myself, as I’m not entirely delighted to be baking this week, LOL!)
Have a grand one, everyone!
Pocket List
@merry🍎
Yesterday was the worst FD I can remember. I woke at 5.30am, already feeling hungry so I knew it wouldn’t go well. I was hungry all day long until my 5pm feeding despite several cups of coffee, tea and a miso soup. And then only a meagre 500g loss this morning. Bah humbug.
Cinque, ha the lettuce, it didn’t wilt but it got a bit woody and inedible. I was saving it only because I needed something earthy in which to stick my solar lights. I kept the soil in the planters and might put in some colourful winter bedding plants when we get to a nursery not far from here.
Nice job on the waist measurement maintenance, well below the recommended girth – 80cm is it?
It warmed up all the way to 7C this morning so we headed off in the drizzle – just for an hour of cruising each – most of my half was spent in a tunnel which felt warm and was fairly dry. We have traded cows for sheep in the fields opposite.
Day 27 – USA/GA – NFD
Weigh-in: 224 lbs. Can’t do my normal Monday FD500 today due to a lunch meeting, but what I do have to do is be more mindful on NFDs like today. Fortunately, today’s lunch is at a farm to table restaurant, so it won’t be a lot of processed junk 🙂
I will get back to the 210s, and eventually the 200s. Just going to take a little longer than anticipated…
Good morning cold here but dry at the moment.Going bowling this afternoon so will need a jumper. Looks like it’s been raining so will put my trainers with the good grip on.A fast day today but don’t think it will be a liquid one.
Morning All…
A very wet walk, coat dripping in the garage thought it seemed easier… cold too.
James is in Sydney settling in. I was chatting with him by text all the way and on the plane, it’s all text savvy now. If it wasn’t me it was Katie and his mum. Very time consuming 🤣😂 I am sure it will settle down. He met 4 girls this morning and walked to the Opera House and had had lunch with them, a good 5 hours they are at a different hostel..they were German and Austrian.. he is sat now chatting to a Argentinian who is in his room. It will be bed soon.
I am fasting today.
Dave..
I must find some gloves my hands are cold.
Hemmy..
The weather is so wet and muddy.. dark these mornings too.
I must keep off the Xmas shelf…
Hedgehog..
Keep off the Dutch biscuits I would have them too.. I am usually quite good… tbh I am not good eating them these days they make me feel unwell.
I didn’t sleep well last night so a lazy day for me.. a snuggle with my boy and a book!
Jean x
Day 27 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 70.8 kg
I finally got a mini-whoosh after my Fri/Sun FDs. I’m more or less back to where I was at the start of the month. One more November FD on Wednesday for me..
@merryapple – what a coincidence? I’m also up & heading out early to put my Kia (no Kaha) in for its annual check-up. Thanks for the very festive-looking December spreadsheet 🎄
Last few days of November. Have a good week everyone
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” ~ Zig Ziglar
I am ending the denial and the comfort of eating and getting back to being conscious again. I am up to 216 and goal is 155. I appreciate everyone on here. so inspiring. Thank you PIO
It would be helpful if a person could enter a group of women of similar weight loss goals and check in weekly to weigh and check others progress. Sort of fun to compete a bit.
2nd post
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j4AEl8Vu-1U1PiKnE0x8hRybmI3XK2qkIa9nLPTm2_A/edit#gid=0
Here’s the December sheet for us all.
Does anyone want to host December?😃
Michael is touring Australia this September! Here's a link to dates and tickets. Hope to see you there.
Michael Mosley gives an update for 2019, current research in the field and announces a tour starting in February.
Michael looks at the Horizon special, "What's the Right Diet for You" and tells us which diet they say is best for him.
in Weight loss • updated 1 hour, 7 minutes ago by hedgehogs
in Welcome to The Fast Diet and Exercise forums • updated 1 hour, 18 minutes ago by hedgehogs
in Welcome to The Fast Diet and Exercise forums • updated 1 hour, 45 minutes ago by Maui
