Day 2 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD
Okay, I’m down a pound and a half from yesterday morning, so it truly was simply bulk in my belly–that’s a relief after a week of not weighing when I thought everything was going fine.
Here’s a challenge to figure out: I’m paying more attention than ever to how I feel in my belly, and everytime I’ve eaten too much of something, I’m sorry, because I don’t like the feeling, and far prefer the feeling of being relatively empty. But has my brain and will power picked up on that sufficiently to turn into won’t power? Nope, my mouth and eyes win out every time. I WILL conquer this, but it’s not proving simple.
Oooo, @funshipfreddie, copying the trustees was a SMART move–no wonder Judy was peeved, LOL! 🤣🤣🤣
@excelsior12309 I do that also, look at the menu before I go to a restaurant, and then spend the day telling myself what I will–and what I will NOT–order! Enjoy, and employ your RESOLVE!
@flourbaby Thanks for the encouragement. ❤️
@northgeorgia I remember back when I was steadily losing weight (one time that comes to mind is August to October 2022) and DH would hold out a package of cookies or a bottle of wine or whatever, and ask if I wanted some, and I’d frown a little in puzzlement and say, in a tone that clearly said he should know better, “No.” <<SNORT!>> That woman has abandoned ship, but I’m looking to find her again, LOL, because the answer is almost always “Yes” these days.
@brightonbelle The thing about the lamb taking so much longer is that we had several recipes that said it would be fast–16 minutes. So WHAT was different, because recipes aren’t consistently wrong by 400%! (Or should I say 300%? I can’t remember how that works, to go from 16 minutes to an hour-plus) Enjoy your appointment with Leslie!
Pocket list Day 2
@northgeorgia
@brightonbelle
@stitchincarol WFD
Day 2 UK f800
Wow 6lb – that certainly is a whoosh ! @northgeorgia Good luck with getting back into better habits this month
Good choice @flourbaby going dry really does boost weight loss and I was amazed at how good some of the 0.0% options are 🍺
Yes just had a flashback to when I did a crown of lamb many years ago @stitchincarol it does take far longer than you think ….I’d forgotten all about that or Id have pre warned you
Right must get on have an afternoon appointment with Leslie🏃♂️See ya tomorrow and hopefully a few more Will join us
Pocket list Day 2
@northgeorgia
@brightonbelle
Afternoon All..
Our rainy day turned out very nice, walked in my fleece..1 1/2 hours this morning …had a sleep pm 😂.. shattered!
Cleaned upstairs as I didn’t finished it yesterday.
Having a normal food day.
Hemmy..
My beef ..I like it done long and slow definitely not rare.
Mines finished now one dinner and two beef salads.
Nothing much going on here really, it didn’t feel like any holiday time. My garden chairs are out, nice to see the area filled I need to get the table out too.
Dave..
Only full fat milk goes into the puds.. I lie 3 tablespoons of tap water when rested before the oven. If your oven is very hot they should crisp up..a tip of the chefs.. when your puds are rising high and starting to brown, open the door slightly about an inch for 5 secs and close gently.. it takes the moisture out the oven.
Hoping to do 2 more fds Wed and Thurs..
Jean x
Day 2 – USA/GA – FD
Weigh-in: 230 lbs. Good, a six pound whoosh after my first FD in two weeks is magnificent. My biometrics appointment is at 12:30 today. I’ll be interested to see what my blood sugar levels are after the weird results earlier this year at the doctor’s office. Definitely no food until after that. I’m hoping to OMAD it today and do a FD500 at home. This pollen is ridiculously high with a count over 6,000, and it’s killing me. I’m over whatever mystery stuff I had the last two weeks, but the pollen has stuffed me right back up again with lots of congestion and nasty drainage that is what worries me on an empty stomach. I’ll pack a bag of mixed nuts and whole grain crackers “if needed.” This is what derailed me in February — a B2B FD, and by the mid-afternoon of day two, I got nauseous driving home with a really bad headache, so I knew I had to abort mission. Really hoping that doesn’t happen today, but I want an “emergency kit” that’s healthy just in case I don’t make it.
Still, that’s just a backup plan. I’m putting myself down on the list today. Maybe I’ll even see the 220s again tomorrow!
@stitchincarol We’re still here standing, though! Yes, I have to resist caloric displays of love more hahaha! I think what I’m going to do to get my January vibe back is to tiptoe back in while this pollen is so nasty with a regular 5:2 (except, for the metrics, I wanted a WFD until the test), then start mixing several techniques: FD500, WFD, OMAD, ZBC throughout the week. Obviously, the FDs are still working OK, but the NFDs have become self-destructive.
Pocket list – Day 2
@northgeorgia
Day 2, London, UK, NFD
Not a great start to Amazing April ……………….. late on parade!!!
Thank you @brightonbelle for continuing these challenges which began way back when!! I’ve been here since 2017, with a couple of MIA’s along the way, but I’m back in the groove now & can see the pointlessness (and results😱😱) of throwing myself from the wagon!!
This weekend was a great time for connecting with family and, wait for it ………………………….. a DRY weekend!!! I think I just heard @penz fall off her chair, but it’s true!!! Zero vino🚫🍷!! I survived with a couple cans of Gordon’s 0% Pink ‘Gin’ & lemonade (lovely) and some 0% Rose (awful, awful stuff!!!) I felt like part of the gang, using the proper glassware helped as well as the continuous halo polishing!!!😇😇
This month WILL be dry, with some help from Gordon😉 and I WILL up my exercise and not have excessive NFDs ……………. That’s the plan I’m sticking to!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
@funshipfreddie…………….. and the Gategate saga continues!!! I love the drama!!
@northgeorgia & @stitchincarol, it’s so hard when you seem to be hurtling in reverse!! You really need to apply the brake ASAP, believe me………………. I speak from unwanted experience!😥😭😭😭 Join me this month in remembering these are monthly CHALLENGES, (Love the chatter of course😁) so I’m planning to make myself a wee bit uncomfortable, make the tummy dragon roar, drink water, water, water and actually DO this!!!!
When I started this fasting thing, my appetite had a distinct reset, now I seem to be ignoring the cue’s and eating as though 2 or 3 FDs will reverse 5 uncontrolled NFDs!! Stupid!
MINDFUL is the word of the month, I’ll actually think about every morsel that passes my lips ………………….. & NONE of it will be alcohol!!!💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
@excelsior12309, I think I need to be more compulsive!!! I’ll be logging everything & specifically watching my carbs ……………………. Flour is in fact, NOT my friend!!!😭😭
We can & we will do this, let the fat battle commence!!!!
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher
Day 2-No. VA USA-NFD
Fasted yesterday, but relatively a lot of salt in my foods in the evening, so no weight loss this morning. I have been charting calorie intake on MyFitnessPal and that is helpful. A bit more compulsive than I like to be, but it does keep me honest.
Supposed to go to dinner with son, his girlfriend, and husband tonight. I have looked at the menu available at the brewery and hope to stay reasonable and keep dodging the bread!!! (and beer!)
Rare meat goes in the dog, any pink meat and Chloe gets it, I like it well done. I watched the boat race,I support Cambridge because they are light blue my favourite colour. Jean do you use sparkling water then to make your puds crispy?Chloe enjoyed her roast beef dinner and likes my puds, she’s not fussy if they are crispy or not. When we went to Oxford for the speedway we got there a few hours early and went road the city. We also on another day went to Cambridge and had a walk done the river,Wensum I think but could be wrong maybe the Cam. Then went to speedway at night.
Day 2 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD
April 2nd, Easter’s over, kids back at school, workers back at work – just the way we retirees like it 😜
We had a heck of a downpour yesterday afternoon. I do wonder about these weather apps sometimes. At 4 pm it said ‘mostly sunny’. Not a hint of rain, but it poured, with thunder & lightning for over two hours. It wasn’t quite the violent, join-Boo Boo-under-the-bed variety, but not far off 😳
@stitchincarol – oh no?! I feel for you. Both you & @northgeorgia have got your work cut out this month. I guess the competition is still on then? 😅 But you’re both still here, & you’re not quitters 💪 I’m sure you’re right re Judy, the truth hurts. I think the fact that I copied my email to the trustees –
something she hadn’t been doing – would’ve stung the most. She isn’t used to people fighting back & likes to get her own way.
Laundry day, & another lunch date, busy busy. Have a great day/month y’all 🎯
“A month from now you can either have a month of progress or a month of excuses for why you haven’t” ~ Unknown
Good morning everyone,
Those guidelines for the 30 different plants do sound sensible, Neil.
Omg I love the smell of quinces!
And I am so glad that eating some breakfast is helping your poor tum.
My mum’s birthday was the 19th of March, and she also had a granddaughter born on her birthday!
I can imagine how poignant your family found this year’s gathering.
After some glorious Autumn days it has rained all night here, and it is grey and cool. The garden is SO happy. It had been very dry.
Accountability:
Yum cha is too sweet!
I had a lovely ‘pork in a wrapper’, fried, but there was plenty of sugar in it and it was sprinkled with sugar. Then I had a chicken pie, smaller than a party pie, but the pastry was so sweet I only ate half of it. Saved by some whitebait that wasn’t sweet at all, hooray! Nearly had some vegetables but decided their beautiful glaze would be too sweet, and stopped eating.
Infact I said my goodbyes and came home as it was so loud there and not really any chance to chat with my sister’s interesting friends, and I was fading. (I’d had a lovely chat with the person beside me about the differences between theatre and film).
Breakfast was (homemade) bread, half vegemite, half peanut butter, and I got veg into my evening meal with some yummy beef stew.
Sugar and carb heavy, but not too big, quantity-wise. I hope to balance it out with a veg heavy day today.
USA. Day 1. FD
Thank you, Brightonbelle, for steering us through April.
Morning all
Cinque, I think the herbs and spices count as 1/4 point towards the different plants, so 8 different spices in curry powder would count as two different plants towards the total. I think it has to be a full serving too, so nuts and seeds you need around an ounce, fruit and veg it’s a standard serving you’d have for the 5+ a day, spices I think a serving is half a teaspoon, and dried herbs it’s around a teaspoon.
Thin, I didn’t have any chocolate this easter, I did have a couple of hot cross buns though, my wife wanted me to make a batch, so I did a batch of a dozen of them, gave a couple to my dad, had a couple myself, then my boys polished off the rest. I’m having a fast day today, I’m trialling having half my calories first thing in the morning and the rest in the evening on fast days. I started eating breakfast again doing my 30+ plants and found it seems to have helped with my digestion, so I’ll see how I go skipping food in the middle of the day.
Ljoyce, best not to try to rush things until you’ve completely recovered from your illness, I remember that the All Blacks fitness coach said at one stage that 1 week of flu will undo a month of conditioning training. You really need to build it back up again slowly.
Anzac, you were lucky with the weather, our weather over Easter here was grey and dreary.
I got plenty of cooking done though. I bottled all the pears off our tree, I got some quinces and bottled them too (I had to fight my wife for the quinces because she kept grabbing them and sniffing their butts), I made the hot cross buns, I made an apple shortcake slice from some Peasgood Nonesuch apples that an old lady from Church gave me, and I dropped half of it around to her. Then we had a family gathering to celebrate the March and April birthdays. It was also a bit of a poignant one because it was our first March celebration without my Mum. Her birthday was on the 18th March and she shared a birthday with her youngest grandchild.
Well back at work now, just under 2 weeks to go and then I’m off on holiday for the school holidays. I hope everyone is well, I’ll catch you all tomorrow.
Weight fluctuations are totally normal and can be influenced by various factors like diet, exercise, and even sleep patterns. It’s all part of the journey to a healthier lifestyle!
Good evening FB Brit friends How is the day going for you. Xxxx
A much better day today with no rain and lots of sunshine. Very wet over the fields though as it rained in the night.
Very quiet here all weekend .. even the road going through the village very quiet.
This evening I have the other roast to look forward to with no effort today only warming through.
Weight staying good .. I am just not very hungry these days….stomach must have shrunk.
Dave… Oxford is 30 minutes away from me.. They didn’t do well in the boat race.lol
Sym… You have done soo well doing a Fast on a Bank holiday… Well done you. The beef is lovely melts in your mouth how I like it.. rare is not for me. lol
Kristy is here Fri – Sun so will need to do a big shop this week.
Enjoy your evening every one .. Life is short, so why not do what makes your heart happy xxxx
Dave..
Yorkshire Puds..I make them crispy and well done or they flop but soft in the middle…
FD finished at 550 cals same as yesterday as same food eaten….
Day off Tuesday…
X
Good afternoon everyone. Went to speedway and we won but don’t think we got enough points to win on aggregate, second leg is in Sheffield Thursday.Oxford have returned to the top division this season, is it far from you Hemmy? I’ve been there to Sandy lane once or twice. I don’t go around much these days usually bowling.Jean how do you make your Yorkshire puddings,soft or crispy.I do both ways.
Day 1 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD
I have now officially gained back every bit of the weight I lost starting back in February 2020–Easter candy and abundant wine and an amazing Easter dinner did me in. But I’m back on my good behavior today.
Thanks again to @penz for hosting March; I didn’t lose a thing, but don’t think I particularly gained (until this morning), so that’s a win, right?
And thanks to @brightonbelle for taking on April for us!
@northgeorgia I think that when you show love to your mom by agreeing to go out to lunch/dinner with her, or eating what she’s cooked–even when you’ve planned a FD, or have already eaten, or aren’t actually hungry–you’re automatically NOT loving yourself, and we cannot well take care of and love others if we haven’t first taken the necessary steps to love ourselves. It’s not selfishness, it’s common sense…says the woman who hasn’t lost any weight in forever. So if you have insight to what’s holding me back, please speak up. 🤷🏻♀️
@daffodil2010 Hugs to you as your mourn your mother’s anniversary.
@funshipfreddie Perhaps Judy thought your email wasn’t very nice because she recognized the truth in it, and when someone’s trying to give a song and dance as she is, the truth hurts…
Ran one dishwasher load last night, got them put away this morning and have washed the antique china plates by hand and am using the dishwasher to hold them until I go hand dry and put them away. And the entire time, I’m remembering different moments from our dinner yesterday, and how fun it was. The crown roast of lamb took FAR longer to cook than any recipe said it would (like, not 16-20 minutes, but perhaps a bit over an hour?) and it was still mostly rare, so it was certainly not overcooked. But everything else was either easily left on hold before it got cooked or was fine to hold, so we just all chatted and laughed and it was fine, and the lamb was glorious when it was finally served. When I’m done here, I’ll go wash the rest of the dishes–serving dishes and the like–and then I’ll only have the kettles to go, and the house will be restored.
The stages of a holiday, right?
Have a grand one, everyone!
Day 1 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD
In for April. I am 56, Female, and drifted away from this forum for 3 months or so, but coming back again to shift this excess weight which seems to be recently entrenched. I am very much a breakfast person, so doing ZBC and not eating until lunchtime, effectively 18:6, is what I aim to do during the working week in April.
It’s my mothers 32nd anniversary today so feeling sombre. I am now older than she was when she suddenly passed and I intend to have at least another 30 plus years, and this intermittent fasting is the way to keep us all healthy.
Until tomorrow X
Day 1 of April
I tried to post a “Happy Easter” yesterday as I walked home after services, but my phone wasn’t cooperating, and once I was in the door, I was busy. So, here are my good wishes a day late…and a dollar short??????
Se you all in April, and thanks, @penz, for hosting!
2nd Post – Day 1
Pocket List – Day 1 🥕
@excelsior12309
@northgeorgia
Day 1 UK NFD
Hello everyone, I imagine it will be a quiet start today with it being Easter Monday , but we’ll be ready to go tomorrow
I’ve been on these challenges on & off since the start , I have been losing and regaining the same 20lbs most of my life , sometimes it stays off for years sometimes not so long
I had a very unexpected serious health event last year which has made me determined to be the healthiest I can be , had a great start losing around 16lb over Jan/Feb but lost my way a bit last month , quite a few good days but far too many not so good days I have a very busy May looming so April is my month , hope you can join me on my way to health and happiness
Pocket list Day 1
@northgeorgia
Day 1 – USA/GA – FD
Weigh-in: 236 lbs. OMG! In less than a month, I gained 13 pounds. Horrible sickness and pills kept me from fasting about half the month. Allergies are still causing a lot of congestion, so I’m hoping it won’t mess up my planned B2B FDs. I could get upset, but it will do no good — I just have to start where I am and work hard this year to get my weight back down. I think remembering my January motivation will help; adding OMADs and ZBCs on NFDs will also be beneficial.
Pocket list – day 1
@northgeorgia
Day 1-No. VA USA-FD
thanks to @brightonbelle for hosting this month, and thanks to @penz for hosting March! March gave me some weight loss momentum for the first time in a long time, so for me, it was a good month. I think being mostly alcohol-free and avoiding bread and pasta helped me quite a lot.
Brief introduction, for any newbies: I am a 73 yr old pediatrician still practicing 4 1/2 days per week in what is now a solo (but still busy ) practice. Trying to retire in the next year! My husband does the business aspects of the practice. I like to cook and bake (so that is a problem sometimes!). I also garden and grow orchids in free time. We have four smallish dogs and several random cats outside. And sometimes raccoons, foxes, and possums.
Started 5-2 in 2016 and lost 23# and then, over the next two years drifted off the plan and grew and grew. Re-started last year and so far have lost 15# from March of 2023, or, more up to date, 10# from January of 2024. So headed downward. As long as my beloved breads stay out of my way…
This is a welcoming and supportive group. Advancing through April!
Day 1, NFD, Aus
Hello everyone! V much looking fwd to having an Amazing April. Thank you so much @brightonbelle for stepping up and getting us going for another month.
I look back at March with some sense of disappointment. Despite hosting, I did not stick to the plan of two FDs per week and DTF! I usually do WFDs on Mondays and Thursdays, but as I am having a year off work, I am challenged in trying to establish a new routine. So that is my personal challenge for April – set a routine which features two WFDs on days when I otherwise have programmed sufficient distractions from the siren call of the fridge. Fortunately, there is very little Easter chocolate in the house and what there is I know I can steer my husband’s way!!
Hello all!
Looking forward to Amazing April – I will post from Wednesday. Thank you @brightonbelle 🐣⭐️
Day 1 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 69 kg 🚫🍷18 Months Teetotal! 🥳️ 🎊 😇
For any new members this month – about me:- David, 62, originally from Manchester, England. Retired & living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Been 5:2-ing/IF-ing since 2014. I joined the Challenges in 2018. Currently maintaining, 69 kgs/BMI 21.3. I do basic 5:2, having around 600 – 700 cals on FDs – one evening meal – and I have an eating window of around 12 noon to 8 pm on NFDs. I did ‘Sober October’ in ’22. Then I decided to aim for 100 days, & I’m now at a year & a half. Quitting the booze certainly helps with maintenance; I’m still about 4 kgs lighter than when I was drinking.
@merryapple – there is no editor or policies. Just the Body Corporate (owners/trustees) & the Conduct Rules. There’s nothing in the rules about colour schemes. That’s what makes the whole Gategate situation so ridiculous. Judy, who refers to herself as the complex manager (she’s actually the maintenance & admin manager) is on a mission, & the situation is becoming a witch-hunt of sorts. But it’s all good. She’s forcing me to educate myself about this whole area of sectional title rules, etc. & the more I learn, the more I realise that she’s actually clueless 😅
Wishing everyone a truly Amazing April! 🎯 🏃💪
Day 0 – USA/GA
I’m in for Amazing April. Thanks for hosting, @brightonbelle
February and March’s illnesses and events derailed my January momentum, so I’m working hard to get it back in April.
Hello to everyone,
What a lot of catching up I have got to do.
Welcome back Thin, so lovely to have you here again!
Hello Gday,
So good to read your catch up post. Laughed hard when I saw spellcheck changed ‘Intesha’ to ‘Intestate’, I hope she sees that and laughs too.
All power to you with the backyard transformation. How is it going? It will be so wonderful when it is all done. I hope you are taking photos as you go, they will always remind you of what worthwhile hard work it is.
Congratulations on getting back into your eating routine that suits you. (I am struggling a bit trying to do the same). I am so glad to hear you feeling and sounding so positive again. Ofcourse there will still be ups and downs, but hooray for the up-supremacy.
Neil, It sounds like the difficult things might be settling down, at least a bit. I am so glad, and really hoping that continues.
My sisters and I talked about that ’30 plant foods a week’ and I must say I found it easy. A teaspoon of curry powder and I have maybe 8 different plants! (But maybe that’s cheating).
I have loved having it in my mind as diversity in foods is so good for our health.
Thin, it is excellent to know you are back on the canals and enjoying the beauty and (comparative) easiness of living there.
So sorry to see how much disappointment and bad world news there was in your trip. Poor world, it is not in a good way.
It was the inroads ultra processed food made into South America, causing immediate and terrifying obesity rates, that set off the work for a definition and some regulation of those foods. I hope they figure it out and can make things safer and healthier for people all over the world.
Anzac, Hello to your dad! Happy Easter.
I hate how your job wrecks your heath. But I know you keep doing everything you can, or it would be much worse.
I am so excited about your plans for life up north making and selling beautiful food. You just need one easy delicious homemade meal/product for lots of happy customers and just enough profit that you don’t need to worry.
LJoyce, how awful that it took so long to kick that cough. And now that fatigue. Look after yourself. You have the right attitude I think, try not to push yourself to do anything (advice from someone with chronic fatigue). Give yourself a chance to recover properly.
I am pretty well but keep sneaking extra food: making my bowl of food a bit bigger, or having a handful of nuts after my meal… just because I can. I have some slight rumbling of reflux symptoms and have added an inch to my waist line, so time to use this group for accountability.
But ofcourse, I am getting out of routine immediately as my sister and her partner are celebrating their 36 years together at yum cha this afternoon and I will be there. At least it will make my accountability post a bit interesting!
Best wishes to all of you eating well today, or fasting well today.
Evening All…
A bit of a book read.. shower and head wash lazy evening..
I finished at 550 cals, it’s been a busy day but kept me not thinking of food.
I met up with another walker on the riverbank so didn’t get as far as I wanted too… but she told me it’s quite easy to miss the cows. I walked back with her.
Hemmy..
I have had two Easter eggs, early so out the way.. making me feel unwell and sickly.. I can’t stop eating it but I know I shouldn’t..
Hope your beef was nice and the wine too.. I like wine when having a lovely meal.
I had cold beef and salad I really enjoyed it.. again enough for tomorrow.. I am fasting again.
Dave..
Like you chocolate is upsetting me…we are all having beef.. enjoy yours too.
Heading to bed now might pick up some news…
Jean x
I had to much chocolate yesterday and felt sick. Today I got two more eggs given to me and a big bar of chocolate. 😫. Will struggle with all that choccy.My power meters may be working will wait and see. It’s a job and a half taking meter readings manually. So I will be glad if they do work properly.Roast beef and all the trimmings for tea. Will put it on at half time in the football.
Happy Easter FB Brit friends. xxxx
Ohh a different day to yesterday here.. no sun at all grey and chilly.
A good walk .. then came back and decided to do the job I really hate.. Cleaned my brass. I have put away some of it but the old cottage doesnt look right without it completely.
I am having my roast at 6pm..with some nice Malbec wine.
Just chilling our now .. I have my book at the ready and intend to finish it today.
Sym.. you are always soo very busy I wish I had your mojo lol ..
Are you fasting today.. What about chocolate lol I started my egg last night .. ate so much I felt quite sick lol ..
Wishing you all sunshine and a basketful of chocolate on this Easter day Xxxx
Day 31 – USA/GA – NFD
Weigh-in: 233 lbs. Just a quick check-in before I put the finishing touches on Easter dinner. I am hoping to do a B2B FD Monday and Tuesday, especially since I have a biometrics appointment Tuesday afternoon. The problem is all the pollen is making my congestion come back, which is what made me sick on my FDs in February. Ugghh… Maybe all will be well!
Day 0 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD
Thanks for setting up Amazing April, @brightonbelle 🙏
Here’s the link to the spreadsheet, courtesy of @merry🍎
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16YGu1SYdIT6FpQNf2CAkLlU72erLjEG3IEvBDCjObag/edit#gid=0
Day 31 UK NFD
Just a quick pop in to let you know I’ve set up next months challenge- Amazing April , thanks to @penz for leading us this month and for doing such a great introduction I have shamelessly just copied and pasted 💐
I’ve let things go a bit the last few days so not getting on the scales and I’m determined to turn things around next month
Have a great Easter Sunday all , see ya in April 👋
Good morning and welcome to Amazing April by way of background, these monthly challenges have been going regularly since May 2016 when @coda started them. We all have an aim in joining 5:2, whether that’s to lose weight, maintain weight or just to adopt a healthy way of eating. Whatever your goal, it can sometimes appear unattainable or overwhelming when viewed as a whole. By breaking your end goal down into small achievable pieces (like our monthly challenges), we are able to stay focused and motivated to accomplish our goals one step at a time.
There is only one “rule” in this forum (see below!) but here are some general guidlelines on how we operate:
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 located 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. Science has shown that public commitment to a goal improves accountability and posting daily is a great way to achieve this
2. In your first post, introduce yourself to the group – this helps us to get to know each other, especially for newbies. You could say something about where you started, 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 – we have a spreadsheet and @merry🍎will be posting a link 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. Again, you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. It’s just another tool you can use if you choose. (And thanks to @nerryapple and @at who have the tech know-how to drive the spreadsheet when it goes off the rails!)
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 eg Day 1 second post.
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 (it started as a literal list tucked in a 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/
9. The “rule”. The F word is not allowed!! (This is the only time I will use it – but here, the F word is FAIL.). We all stumble in our journey – it happens. But acknowledge it, think about that you can do next time, and continue. We’re all here to help!
I’m the host for this month and I will log in daily to read every post. I do this on my phone so lengthy replies can be challenging but I’ll do my best , but thankfully lots of our regulars are brilliant and reading and commenting
We tend to use a LOT of abbreviations in these posts. 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
OH – Other Half (eg spouse/partner)
OMAD – One Meal A Day
PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of @penz)
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
Morning all, any fasters around? It’s a Sunday FD for me. I have no interest in the ‘chocolate holiday’.
LJ, sorry to hear you’re still ill. Speedy recovery.
Anzac, I was very interested to read of your dreams for a food van and potential move to warmer climes. That is so cool. Your current career sounds very stressful and who needs that? I’m guessing you wouldn’t want to leave your dad behind though; what a fit and able character he sounds.
Our ride to Viñales was in a ’59 Chrysler – at first we found it exciting but, twenty minutes into the journey, we were also experiencing sore backsides! Our host there would sometimes whisper to us that she had eggs that day – but only enough for us. Our first Havana host was a young GP who made more money serving breakfasts to tourists than working as a doctor. She had to visit several different food stalls every morning to cobble together the various items of bread, eggs, fruit and so on to make up a breakfast which cost us USD7 – always cash.
I forgot to mention that drug cartels have taken over large swathes of Mexico. There was a huge military presence in Cancún and Tulum where two random tourists were killed in the crossfire between feuding warlords in the week after we arrived and five locals were hacked to death with machetes during gang violence. The unprecedented increase in tourism from cruise ships, tour companies, etc has created a huge market for fentanyl and warring gangs are vying for the business. There’s so much government corruption (as in all governments) so it’s unlikely to change.
Our clocks went forward overnight so tonight it will still be daylight at 8pm. Have a great weekend all.
Day 31 NFD!!! ? Hahei, Coromandel, NZ
Happy Easter Sunday!!
I went for a farm walk y’day with Paisley the Scottie then we caught the wee ferry across to Whangamatā and went to the weekend market (bought a huge mussel fritter, blueberries, honey and an alpine plant) then dawdled past the shops and ended up buying an intense magenta top with a split neckline gathered onto a big ribbon which ties at the front like a lush Xmas present… A bit out of my comfort zone on the fru fru front 🎀but the colour is amazing and matches all my lipsticks which match me… I would fit happily into your purple interior @funshipfreddie!
@stitchincarol I hope you are having a beautiful Easter service.
@songbirdme What fabulous news for you on the house front! And you can crack the whip with @funshipfreddie to get us all downwards to maintenance!!!
@jaifaim Well done you!!! Back to maintenance😘 Enjoy your foray into Europe to meet up with your family.
@penz😬Brown snakes… Thanks so much for hosting March. It wasn’t my best month but like you say, I too am looking forward to the fresh start with Amazing April…
@funshipfreddie She who controls the media controls the world… why don’t you write to the editor and ask for the policies for decorating and colour schemes to be published so you all understand what you’re commenting on…
@lilymartin Great to hear from you! I don’t envy you hauling ewes out of mud baths. Wet wool is heavy enough without adding the rest of the sheep and mud into the equation…
@northgeorgia This is going to be your turn-around-month…
Last night I cooked a huge lamb roast with roast spuds accompanied by a warm roast veg and a herb vinaigrette… I’m trying to eat lightly today because we are having another roast tonight this time cooked by a friend who is chef and has worked at Government House cooking for the Governor General… I went for a swim in the sea today at a lovely wee beach called Lonely Beach. It took an hour climbing along and down the face of a hill through bush to get there… It’s so great to be out the big city!!
I hope everyone is having a great Easter weekend!
See you all in Amazing April!!!
Easter Sunday – South Africa 🇿🇦 – FD 🐣🐰
It’s a glorious, sunny day, so the town/beaches will be mobbed. We have rain on the way for tomorrow though, so most of them will be leaving because the schools reopen on Tuesday. The Easter Bunny arrived, but it’s a FD for me, so I’m avoiding chocolate. And churches, because I’m not the least bit religious. I’m going to work on my español & wash some windows. Looking forward to tomorrow’s lunch date with a friend from out of town.
@penz – ‘Orb spiders are really quite beautiful’ 😳 I never thought I’d see the words ‘spider’ & ‘beautiful’ in the same sentence; but then they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I can’t bear any creature with more than 4 legs. Or no legs. I’ve seen a snake here & there – Boo Boo likes to play with them – but most of ours aren’t poisonous 🕷🐛 Thanks again for being our host this month 💐
@songbirdme – congrats on finally having a move date! I don’t envy you the stress you’re undoubtedly experiencing, but I hope it goes as smoothly as possible & that you’re all settled again soon 🏡
@stitchincarol – Judy’s survey is irrelevant. She’s just trying to save face. I’m all for fining rule breakers after a couple of warnings, but you can’t break rules that don’t exist. And you can’t create new rules without calling a General Meeting of the Body Corporate. It’s a mission. Then they have to be approved/stamped by the Community Schemes Ombud Service. By then I’ll probably need a new gate 😂 (I’m toying with red) So it’s water off a duck’s back. She told someone that my email – the nice, sarcasm-free version – ‘wasn’t very nice’?! So much for confidentiality 🤔
Happy Easter S🌞nday & see you all next month.
Pocket List – Day 31 🐣
@funshipfreddie
Morning All..
A lovely bright day again. Walking the riverbank this morning. I am investigating going a bit further apparently there’s another gate. Access from a field gate to the new gate about about a 30 metre dash when the cows are about.. might be another route..
Line of washing dried yesterday so ironing to be done, a few jobs outside to do, jet washing, moss cleaner to put down, sand to be swept into some block pavers. Grass to cut.
Mum would turn in her grave doing anything like that on a Sunday never mind on an Easter Sunday… I was never allowed skipping or playing ball on a Sunday only quiet things..
Hemmy..
I cooked my beef Friday in the oven with all the other things. I was working around my fast days.
I went to have lunch with Jacqui yesterday she made a lovely Easter cake with eggs on the top. That was instead of today which suits me I might fast. I have put a few pounds on, bread is one culprit I don’t usually eat bread.
Phil is still not good sitting very quiet..
Enjoy your beef, I would do it in the oven then all can be done together.
Dave..
I do like a good ribeye.. enjoy with all the extra bits. I have nowhere to put a meter reading on my app.. I suppose mine is up and running. Have a good sport day.
Happy Easter Day everyone and enjoy your eggs..
Jean x
Day 30, NFD, Aus
I think I missed yesterday! My brother (and family – ie my niece and nephew!) arrived Fri night for a week so it’s been super busy catching up with them. The kids are at a fun age; not too old to feel embarassed to give their old aunt a kiss and cuddle!
Orb spiders are really quite beautiful, @funshipdreddie. But it’s the legless reptilian locals that give me the heebi-jeebies. The other week there was a 4-5 ft brown snake at my favourite dog walking area. It was just basking in the sun, lying on the gravel, which fortunately made it easy to see. But I felt trespassed upon and did not return for a few weeks! I hate snakes!
One more day of the month, but being Easter weekend with family in town puts paid to any thought of a FD. Looking fwd to an Amazing April!
Hi FBB Friends hope you are having a good day.Xxxx
It s a glorious day today.. Beautiful walk in the sunshine such a lovely change after the nonstop days of rain.
Came back and did a line full of washing which is nearly dry.
Beef out of the freezer for tomorrow.
I have thought about the croc pot but I just fancy that crispy outside you get when oven roasting.
Nana .. Well done on your pound loss. you have done brilliantly
Dave.. Enjoy your treats .. last time i had a sweet binge just after Xmas.. I couldnt face anything sweet again till now….Just had a small apple pie .. not had my egg yet. Enjoy your steak.. Ribeye is my favourite
Sym.. Enjoy your beef .. how are you cooking it… Oh I feel for Kay bless her always hard when its your Mum. ..
Tomorrow I am going to finish my book.. give the laptop a rest.
What are you doing this weekend Xx
Enjoy your day everyone. Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Xxxx
Day 30 USA (Illinois) CD
We have moving dates! Packing on Monday April 8, loading van Tuesday, delivering at new house Wednesday 10th. I am crazy busy still clearing out stuff here, taking care of details at the new house. But think about you all often.
Oh, and GO ILLINI! Still finding time to watch my beloved Alma Mater playing basketball in March Madness.
Hope to see you all more in April?! Onward and downward.
Day 30 – Rural Nebraska, USA – FD500
I’ve decided to weigh in tomorrow morning. And then, I’m thinking I’ll skip weighing for another week. It’s been a fascinating study in restraint, LOL! Somewhere, I’ll find the missing link to control my mind and my impulses, because I’m sure not always in control right now.
@brightonbelle That extra half pound off would feel like a lovely cushion, wouldn’t it? On the other hand, how glorious to be your goal weight, and to be succeeding in maintaining it!
@jaifaim DH and I were at the Paris airport for a 3 hour layover on our way home from Rome then Israel in 2019; it makes me smile to think I know what you’ll be seeing! And congratulations on being below 155!
@funshipfreddie Wow. So much for you taking the high road; Judy is clearly out for spiteful low road options! And what are you doing for Easter?
@northgeorgia Tight clothes are never fun!
My massive to-do list is mostly accomplished; there’s still plenty to do today, but just normal get-ready-to-throw-a-dinner-party stuff that’s all fun, so it won’t feel like work at all. And I almost know that carrilon introduction for our first hymn tomorrow, so another chunk of time practicing it today ought to get me there. I seldom practice more than two hours in a week–and often a lot less than that–but Holy Week sees me practicing ten or more hours, and it’s lovely to revert back to college year’s efforts. But I’ll be glad not to be practicing so much next week, LOL!
I’m sure I won’t be posting tomorrow, although I might grab a moment here or there to use my phone to read posts. Have a grand Easter, everyone, and may we all eat with the restraint we choose as reasonable!
Pocket List Day 30 🐰
@stitchincarol
Day 30 – USA/GA – NFD
Weigh-in: 233 lbs. Steadddddy… Just holding on until Monday! My clothes are feeling tight again…grrr
I had an egg of the chocolate variety last night, must admit I felt a little sick after eating it. Maybe after Easter I’ll leave the chocolate alone all together. A ribeye for tea tonight think I’ll do it in a pan. And make homemade chips in the airfrier. Tomatoes and onion as well with it and maybe peas. Sunny day here today, was lucky yesterday the speedway finished and the rain came down just as the last race was over. It’s a war of the roses match on Monday Aces v Tigers. Should be good. Martin Lewis said everyone should take a photo of their power meters unless they have smart meters that are working. The cost comes down in April so you don’t want to be overcharged.
Happy easter everyone. I hope you are all having the type of break you needed.
I have had an unexpectedly quiet and lazy easter so far. I have been struggling with fatigue in recent days. Unable even to face a walk and needing afternoon naps, which is not like me at all. I assume it’s lingering symptoms from the virus, especially as my blood oxygen levels as still a bit low due to the congestion I’m still trying to shift. I am just going with the flow at the moment and doing small tasks when I can manage them. It will improve, I just need to be patient.
Take care everyone.
Day 30 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 69.1 kg
Easy FD for me yesterday, but I was irritated at myself for not just getting it done on Thursday. I’m right on target, so can we just pretend the month is over now? I mean, if 30 days is good enough for April…? Who decided 31 days for March anyway? I blame Julius Caesar 🤔
@lilymartin – good to see you back! So did you reach your goal of under 80 kg for March? Or shouldn’t I ask? 🤐 You seem so busy & active, lugging sheep around too? You should be like a whippet! 😅 Luckily for me I can take or leave hot cross buns, so I leave them. Not so good at swerving the chocolate though, or the butter.
The latest Gategate instalment – The April Newsletter was distributed yesterday. It contains a survey asking for feedback on imposing fines on people who break The Rules, our garden service, & ‘colour preference for yard & security gates’ 🤣 There are two options – keep the colour scheme (which doesn’t exist) as it is, or allow owners the option of of white gates. I would’ve preferred a third option, i.e. ‘couldn’t care less’. Oh, & ‘opinions will remain confidential’. Gripping stuff!!
Dr Mosley’s weekly column:-
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13252085/MICHAEL-MOSLEY-test-reveals-Covid-stupid-it.html
Flying spiders?! 😰 I think if I lived in Oz I’d never get a wink of sleep, & I’d have at least 1 can of Doom in every room 🤯
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3500824/Australian-golden-orb-spider-2-000kms-away-New-Zealand.html
@penz – just in case I don’t post tomorrow – thanks so much for hosting the March Challenge 🙏💐
Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter 🐣🐰
See 👀 you in Amazing April
Happy Easter everyone. What a joy to have four days off and the weather is being superbly kind with sunshine and mid to high 20’s. I think one more week of daily swims then Autumn will kick in
I’m doing lot of overdue chores as well as lots of walks this weekend. My Dad will come tomorrow as he always does and at 98 and a half he is doing so well. He still drives the 15 minutes or so to our place or up to the shops and although he takes a long time to get up our internal stairs he is physically and mentally fit. Amazing
Well done on the weight drop Thin, not that there was ever any doubt. I was horrified to read about Cuba, it in no way resembled the happy, thriving country that we visited. I am so sad and feel dreadful for the poor Cubans. We also stayed in a family home in Viñales and the wife made the most incredible breakfast every day. We had to beg her to stop bringing more food. We also hired a vintage Chevrolet and driver for a trip to a lovely beach but there was zero suspension and we both had sore backs and backsides the next day but it was all part of the adventure
Mexico sounds like it too has gone backwards. I do recall a lot of overweight people but certainly not to the extent that it is now. We were there in 2004
I’m impressed with your 30 plants Neil, I would have about 20% of that daily
LJ I hope your cough soon eases up. Our plan B does involve me leaving the world of IT and banking and heading North – possibly to Magnetic Island but our visit in December showed just how hot it is in Summer so that will be a factor. We hope to do something small with food – perhaps a pop up van or something. We have to be financial enough to not rely on profits from whatever venture we undertake as we don’t want stress, just something more as a hobby and we both love food and cooking so that will be wonderful. So we have to wait at least until the end of next year when I turn 60 and can start accessing superannuation. I am so lucky to have a job that enables me to WFH almost permanently so I am thankful for that and put up with the workload and stress
Anyway, Mr Anzac is busy replacing skirting boards ready for painting all of the upstairs and then we are replacing our flooring. The boards are original so about 40 years old and in serious need of an update. So I am on dog-sitting duty and Mr Maxx is here with his squeaky bear (called Billy) so I must go and chase him around the backyard until he gets tired. Who needs kids?
Day 29 – Ireland – NFD – 🚫 ✅ 🚶♂️ 🌾
End March – 154.6lbs 😁
Hi all!
Checking in now as I am away this weekend…@stitchincarol – flying to Paris for two nights and train to Brussels and on to Ghent for two more nights then home on Tuesday.
Visiting family and some friends .yes I suppose it seems like a big trip but very much darting over the Irish Sea … 😂 because I lived in Paris for so long it’s very much like going home. The distances you all describe in 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇦🇺 seem so vast though…
Thank you @penz so very much for hosting March and keeping us focused 😇 💫 and @brightonbelle you are a ⭐️ for taking over for Amazing April! I am an illiterator (made up word) 😂
Thanks for the company all! Off to eat my homemade relatively healthy sandwich and board my flight.
À bientôt! Have a lovely weekend 🐣🐥 all and I’ll catch up on posts over the weekend . Be strong!!!
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕
Well, PHOOEY.
I moved my fingers on my mouse pad–and I went back a page, and then had to sign in, and now my post is gone. It’s enough of a stretch to type it the first time, but I’m not going to try to recreate it. Just know I responded to almost all of you, and I wish you all an excellent Easter!
Day 29 UK NFD
Friday weigh in shows me same as month start , which I’ll take but if I could just drop even 1/2 lb I’d be happier but I have a lot on over the weekend so seems unlikely
I too had a delicious hot cross bun this morning @lilymartin
Have a good one all☀️
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 26 minutes ago by hedgehogs
in Welcome to The Fast Diet and Exercise forums • updated 2 hours, 44 minutes ago by thinatlast
in Welcome to The Fast Diet and Exercise forums • updated 3 hours, 12 minutes ago by LeoniRaats
