CalifD, I see you’ve already reported on LJ. Yes, my email address is the same but I’ve had issues with not receiving mail for months due to my laptop being so old (14 years) that it couldn’t support further OS updates which affected the email programme. I bought a new laptop in Australia specifically to address that annoyance (one of the few things that was less expensive than England) and I’ve now got a new issue with receiving emails. I’ve also had to purchase separately features that were in-built in my MacBook Pro but that this one doesn’t have. Frustrating as I despair of this ‘technology throwaway era’. Now I need a new iPhone for similar reasons (I’m still using the iPhone7). Absolutely nothing wrong with either the laptop or the phone other than the tech companies have deemed them obsolete. I wish people would stop this mindless consuming, perhaps they will think twice as we enter our new tariff world.
Quacka, thank you for the information on storing shoes. I had no idea. I did love leather boots when I owned a wardrobe and I will heed your advice about not storing them in boxes if I ever get any more. $200 for a pair of shoes, my goodness. I think my boots cost around $100 (always on sale) but they would last me years and years. A huge congratulations on your weight loss, thank you for posting the actual weight as it’s so satisfying to read.
Anzac, hurray, congratulations! Only two days a week on the train – are the passengers still rude?
Hello all, I’m a bit behind with reading.
LJ has replied apologising for worrying everyone and will post here soon. Whoa! Loads of posts to read now.
Morning All..
Sad news yesterday, Tony , Steve’s best man and my friend, has died. A bit of a shock for me. Although he had a lot of things going on but he was reasonably fit. He fell in a garden where he had been working broke his arm/shoulder, he went home, his daughter who lives away couldn’t get hold of him, the police broke in and found him.
Hemmy…
Glad the dentist went well, it’s not good when you have to change, good price too.
Nails look good bright pink a change from my usual colour.
Hedgehog..
Hope all goes ok with mum today thinking of you all. You always seem very busy. Good luck at the dentist too..
Dave..
Knowing you .. you will keep in contact with your more life ladies….
Jean x
Day 2 – USA – NFD
Greetings, everyone! It’s great to be in Astro April now! I lost 3 pounds in March, and I intend to do better in April. Finding that spark to make it happen is challenging these days, but I still try! 😀
I read posts daily, and I’m trying to catch up with responses now! 😀
@funshipfreddie – Regarding the licorice twigs, they arrived! They’re like wooden sticks from a tree branch. I think I’ll go back to sugar-free gum. LOL! I strongly agree with your comments: “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.” Well said!
@brightonbelle – The Pontefract cakes sound interesting! I hope your CD went well for you!
@penz – I sincerely apologize for not responding to you earlier. On Day 26 (March), you asked me about testifying in court. I’ve been doing that for so long, and speaking in front of large groups for so long, that it’s old hat! The uncertainty of when I will be called to the stand is annoying. One would think judges and attorneys would have schedules they adhere to, but they don’t. Testifying in legal matters is only about 2% of what I do. The other 98% is conducting metocean studies and writing reports for clients. It’s a lot of fun, and I enjoy it even after 39 years in this career field.
@merryapple – Thank you for setting up the forum for Astro April! Your autumn veggies and fruits sound delicious! I hope the wind has abated for you. I envy you heading into autumn and winter—winter is my favorite season, and summer my least favorite. I also saw your Day 3 post about losing a post. Frustrating! It’s happened to me a few times, too, so now I always copy mine before pressing send. The servers here are very unstable (sorry to be negative!). Definitely copy your post and paste it into Notepad or any text editor before pressing send—otherwise, it might vanish into the ether again! 😀
@northgeorgia – I’ll also be on an FD tomorrow as well, and looking forward to it!
@stitchincarol – I’ve noticed each time you mentioned ‘tax preparation,’ and I will say I share your pain. I just wrapped up my quarterly taxes. I’ll stop there and spare everyone because I could write a book about the annoyances of taxes. I hope your house closing goes smoothly later this month. 😀
@jaifaim – On Day 26 (March), you wrote: “It’s tough to stay focused but you’re really doing very very well and inspiring us as you go…” Thank you, and the same is true for you as well! I love your sayings: “Onward and downward | We rise by lifting others.” Wonderful thoughts and words to live by! I enjoyed learning about the meaning and different aspects of your nick. Very cool! 😀
@iona72 – That’s great news that you are no longer pre-diabetic. I like your dry humor with “March proved that I am very good at maintenance…” Believe me, I know what you mean. Yet, I know that just capturing that mental spark of motivation is all it takes to set significant weight loss into motion. I’ll keep trying.
@daffodil2010 – I’m sort of a newbie here, too, although I saw that you’ve posted here in the past, so welcome back! Your 16:8 sounds like a good plan. Happy IF-ing!
@lilymartin – Thank you for hosting Astro April! I know your tech issues were frustrating, but it’s cool to have you here and hosting! I look forward to a successful month with you and all IF-ers!
@excelsior12309 – It’s good to see you in the Astro April challenge with everyone! I wish you and everyone great success toward your goals this month!
@at – Thank you for maintaining the spreadsheet! I think I populate spreadsheets in my sleep! LOL! I will eventually join that with you and everyone who participates, but thanks again for maintaining it! 😀
@molij – You’ve been through a lot, and I certainly wish you a speedy recovery! I hope you receive great results on Thursday (tomorrow). Sending positive thoughts your way!
Best wishes to everyone for a great and successful journey during Astro April!
Kind regards,
Joseph
This one, you mean??? 😇
============
Merryapple wrote on Astro April ⭐️:
Day 3 NZ FD 70.9kg
It’s a FD except that it’s a dear friend’s birthday and we’re going out for lunch… hmm… the road to hell is paved with good intentions…
@stitchincarol So great you have found a lovely house with what seems to me not too much effort. Your open plan upstairs is going to look very chic with a grand piano in it🤣
@Iona72I’m with you – more EFFORT required!! It’s toooo soon for maintenance eating… 6kg to go…
@funshipfreddie The article is suggesting 4:3 is the successful way to loose 7.6% of body weight over 12 months…🙁I did throw in a few extra FDs on my downhill slide, usually to compensate for a big eating day… but I❤️eating like everyone here!!
@jaifaim It sounds like you had a lovely local holiday and are feeling restored. We are neck and neck 70.9kg =156.4lb!! I’ll race you to below the 69.9 / 154 mark!!
Liberation Day is here… It looks like NZ is getting 10% tariffs.
If some of these multinational companies paid their taxes we would all be better off…
Have a great day everyone!!
Pocket list
@merry🍎🤞
@molij
@funshipfreddie
Thanks Neil. I’ll look that up. The smoke and fire one sounds delicious – or maybe I shouldn’t look it up lol
That’s good about the walking, it’s good to change up your exercise sometimes. I forgot to reply to your post last week about the walking/riding sorry. I was hitting around 13k average steps until the weekend that is. It absolutely bucketed down with rain on both days (all day!) and I was lucky to get to 1k steps, it felt horrible. My joints started to ache and I just felt so lazy. I should have got off the lounge and did some floor exercises but I was so lazy I just sat there. Not a good feeling.
Morning all
Cali, Good to hear Ljoyce is ok, just busy. I really hoped it wasn’t like the situation with Penguin a couple of years back.
Quacka, A local NZ company “Fix and Fogg” make the everything butter,
https://fixandfogg.co.nz/products/everything-butter
they have some really nice products including smoke and fire, which is a peanut butter mixed with chilli and smoked paprika.
I got some walking in over the last couple of days, I rode my bike in to work on Tuesday, left it there and walked home. Today I’m doing it the other way around. I walked into work, then I’m going to ride home.
Have a good one everyone
Day 3, FD, Aus
I’ve been so bad posting regularly of late. That must change!
Nice to see you back @daffodil2010!
Wishing you a speedy recovery @molij and that your voice returns quickly.
Day 3 NZ FD 70.9kg
Crap! Just lost my post and have to go out…
Something to do with editing…
Good Morning everyone
73.8kg this morning. I’m pretty happy with that.
Yesterday’s FD was ok although I was really super hungry by the time dinner came around and I was actually getting hangry! I had a lamb chop and a big plate of veggies so should have been quite satisfied but my tummy decided it was still hungry and spent the evening carrying on. Then it just stopped. Must have got the message that it wasn’t getting any more food, for tonight anyway.
Anzac, good to hear that you started your new job and yes it will get easier. You will be talking in acronyms and super lingo before you know it!
Lol thin about the shoes. I never used to have so many but working in the shoe biz has lead me to accumulate many more than I need. I have so many that are not even in my size (not included in that count) but I keep them in hope that I find someone who can wear them. Usually they are good quality/expensive shoes that have a tiny mark or some other minor fault that wouldn’t bother someone if they were given the shoes for free, just people understandably don’t want to pay $200 for a marked shoe.
I don’t label my shoes as they are not in boxes and I can see them all on the shelves. All my shoes are kept loose as it is better for the longevity of the shoes, allowing air to circulate and the shoes to dry out properly after wearing them – it helps stop mildew on the shoes too. I also make sure I open the windows to that room often to get fresh air and sunshine in.
Hi Cali, it’s good to hear from you and also good to hear LJ is ok too
Neil, that’s a great approach to prepare meals in advance. I only track my food on FD’s and am usually really strict about it, weighing everything and logging it. It’s harder when it’s a mixed in food (like soup or stew) but I still try.
That everything butter sounds good. I have most of those seeds at home and been trying to find something different to make with them. I usually make a keto cracker which are yummy but last time I made them we didn’t eat them all and I hate food waste so I will have a break from them for a while. I made a granola last week, my first time trying that. It turned out really well but I’m not sure it’s something I would eat all the time. It’s very high in calories with the honey and the coconut oil, and then also all the seeds and oats. It is yummy with yoghurt though.
I hope you your food tracking helps to get your weight heading down again. Keep your chin up and keep going. You know this works!
G’day, how good is homemade mayo! I was making it when I was doing keto and it is delicious. I haven’t made any for a while, mainly because I don’t really eat that much of it but also because eggs are so expensive. I’ve heard mayo can also be made with aquafaba (chick pea water) but I have never tried it. Apparently aquafaba has so many amazing uses that I would never have thought would actually work. One day I will try some…..
Well I better start work. I got through most of my 110 carton plus the extra 30 that were delivered afterwards. I have 4 left for today.
Oh I went to a new class at the gym this morning. It was a strength progression class and this was focused on the upper body. Oh joy. My poor triceps are hurting already and are probably only just starting to cool down. Lucky I’m posting today because I may not be able to lift my arms tomorrow!!
Have a great weekend everyone xx
Anzac, congratulations on the new job! So happy that you weren’t off for very long. Commuting only 2 days per week doesn’t sound too bad.
Hi friends
I started the new job on Tuesday (yes April fools day lol) and everyone is so so lovely. The commute is awful but it’s only 2 days per week. I’m so happy that I was easily able to start WFH immediately
They talk almost exclusively in acronyms and having zero superannuation experience I am massively confused but hopefully time will heal that
I hadn’t weighed myself for a while and was horrified this morning to see how much it had crept up. Back on the horse
I’m on the train (ugh) so will have a catch up over the weekend
I spoke to LJ on FT a couple weeks ago and had a text conversation with her last week. She’s just been busy, and like me, it takes her a while to catch up on pages of older posts. I’ll give her a nudge. I’ll get caught up here again too. I do enjoy keeping. In touch with everyone here. It’s just difficult with caregiving here these days.
Thin, is your email address the same as way back when? I get so much junk email these days that I do most things with texting or FaceTime.
I checked on the date of LJ’s last post and it was Christmas Eve. I can send her an email to let her know that she’s missed here.
Quacka, that’s also probably more shoes than I’ve owned in my entire adult life! Still curious how you label them though.
Evening!
Sorry, not sure where the time is going, busy & I forget to post! Really well done Dave with your loss 👏
Jean- that sounds quite a bit for the pedicure but nice to get them done for the holiday!
Nana- well done with your loss too, must’ve been hard not seeing your daughter, & for her too being away from her boys…enjoy your trips out!
Hemmy- glad you were okay at the dentist!
Been busy with the garden, reorganized some pots & planted the potatoes out yesterday. Fasted until the evening. We’ve been out today, lovely weather! Youngest son is coming for dinner, I’ve made a steak pie. Not looking forward to tomorrow – dental hygienist first, then would’ve been Mum & Dad’s 60th wedding anniversary, so will see her, she’s been feeling quite sorry for herself enough without that as well! Upset with my sister as she didn’t get invited there for Mother’s day, even though she was coming to us! Roll on Friday!
Day 2 NE England IF 16:8
Hello everyone, and @daffodil2010, nice to meet you!
Here we are in April already. March proved that I am very good at maintenance, but I should still be losing! I think the issue here is, after my recent blood tests showed I’m not longer pre-diabetic, I became a little complacent and let some of those old ingrained habits creep back in. So in April I am aiming to be more aware of that and make more effort to keep on track.
Good afternoon everyone the ladies at MoreLife have decided that are going to meet up once a month and give their weights. They are calling me because I said I can’t go because I will be bowling. That’s it now no more meetings. I’m free😁
Good afternoon everyone.. Xxxx
Its a lovely sunny day here but oh so very chilly. I did an earlier walk as dental check up was noon and road works all over town its horrendous .. people are sick of it been going on nearly a year overall. .
I never slept well I think wound up on getting there on time… plus a new young dentist after 20years of Rachael. .
Anyway I needn’t have worried.. I was there in good time.. Lovely young woman.. even took x rays and all good… £25 NHS.
Easy day now to chilly wind for the garden other than out with Pip
A good eating day yesterday and will be again today.. late lunch so just boiled eggs this evening.. and back to crispbreads.
Nana.. Well done on your Pound loss do you have much to lose to get to your target.
Dave.. Well done on the 5lbs..A good feeling I bet. That’s a long wait for Denise. might be worth seeing the Dr see if he can move it forward,
H H .. How’s you day going ..
Sym..Kristy drinks loads of water she doesnt feel good if she doesnt…I do find drinking well my skin looks fresher.
Your nails sound wonderful lovely to pamper yourself it does you good.
Enjoy your afternoon everyone.. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. Xxxx
Day 2 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD
My weight is at 157.0 this morning and I’m trying to work out what’s happened. I haven’t eaten well, but I didn’t think I’d eaten so badly to weigh that much after a successful WFD. 🤷🏻♀️ On the other hand, I did eat that badly two weeks ago, so maybe that’s catching up with me. I’ll just keep on keeping on.
The negotiating on the house is at a successful end, and we’re close to simply being ready to close, which will be on Friday, April 25.
@lilymartin and @merryapple how frustrating your tech issues had to have been, and @merryapple, that’s some serious wind that’s coming your way!
Okay, back to taxes…
Afternoon All…
Nice and sunny but very chilly here..
Out walking with Natalie no cows out yet on that riverbank.
Just had my toes painted and a pedi.. £33.. gone up a lot.. booked my next two appointments as up to holidays but I shall see if there’s anything cheaper.
Dave..
Denise is in a bad way sounds like my sisters legs, hers were dressed every two days.. hope she soon improves.
Well done on the 5lbs off and into your goal zone. You have really worked hard, it proves it can be done.
Nana..
Well done in loosing a pound… your hair sounds like mine now. It’s nice and easy.
Hemmy..
I never drink enough water, careful on the lemon it gives me cystitis. Yes eating wholesome is the way to go. Hope the dentist went well today..
Hedgehog..
What you up to today?
Jean x
Day 2 – USA/GA – NFD
Weigh-in: 239 lbs. Gastroenterologist appointment this morning, then a work potluck lunch. Tomorrow will be a FD.
Day 2 NZ NFD 70.6kg
Apologies for my radio silence… Like @lilymartin I had IT problems, thanks to the constant upgrading of software… It drives me nuts – change for the sake of change… I have already managed to lose this morning’s post because I accidentally closed the window on my iPhone… Enjoyed reading all the chatter from last month.
I can’t shake the extra holiday kgs and am still over my no-go line of 70kg… I think I need to actually feel hungry when I eat rather than going by the clock. I have been eating well – loads of lovely autumn vegetables and fruits, esp persimmons, fejoias and guavas from the garden. This could be a volume problem!!
I’ve done the hard yards in the garden these last two days doing autumn pruning and clearing the neighbours’ invasive vines… It is so dry here that I have had to water my drooping tree ferns but the weather is about to turn with an “atmospheric river” sitting in the Tasman Sea between Oz and NZ. The sky is low, the light silvery and wind gusty. Check out windy.com and you’ll see what we’re in for…
@molij So good to hear you’re through your surgery and are on the way to putting it behind you. I’m sorry to hear about your voice. Some of our ICU patients used to have a similar problem. Resting it and steam inhalations were the main recommendations, I recall. If it doesn’t improve by a couple of weeks, ask to be referred to someone who can have a look at your vocal cords.
@daffodil2010 Welcome back!! You did make me laugh describing your motorcycle zip scenario!!
G’night one and all!!
Great to be back!!
Evening all
Weigh in today I was back up 300g. So the rollercoaster rolls on.
Cinque, thank you so much for your donation. I thought the donation was from my workmate’s wife Joy. I told him to thank her on my behalf, he looked puzzled and told me he didn’t think it was her because she was “morally opposed to charity”
My goal for this coming week is to premake all my lunches so it’s easier to track. I just made a batch of chicken, vegetable and lentil casserole that should last me 4 lunches, I also made some overnight oats with greek yoghurt, stewed apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tablespoon of everything butter (a peanut butter that’s a mix of peanut, almond, hemp seed, seseame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and flax seeds) so I have 2 of my meals for tomorrow logged already.
Quacka well done on the fasts, I’m sure you’ll smash the weigh-in out of the park
Gday, snap on the sleep. I’ve been getting only around 4 hours sleep, waking up at 2am and dozing off and on until my alarm goes off. I’ve tried to cut my coffee consumption right back because that had been creeping up and I’m sitting at 9 days without coffee, perhaps the withdrawl is what’s keeping me up.
Hopefully Ljoyce will show up soon to let us know she’s fine.
Habe a great one everyone.
Good morning everyone a sunny day again.First league bowling match today but I’ll most it. My last session at MoreLife.I have managed to lose another 5lbs so finishing on a high so to speak. So lost virtually a stone in the last 2 months. Might stick to only getting weighed once a month it seems to work.
Cinque, is your email address from May of 2019 still current? That’s the only one I can find.
Day 2 – Ireland – CD 🚫 ✅ 🚶🏽♀️ 🌾
Day 1 – FD
156.4lbs
Hello all! Great to be hear and to see the team effort to get April up and running…
I went looking for the usual intro yesterday to post it here but then noticed @funshipfreddie had posted it 👏👏👏 and then promptly got caught with work and didn’t even get to post my own intro. Life 😂
Welcome back @daffodil2010!! So great to have you back with us after your turbulent year. 🤩
@molij rest and recovery is so important- wishing you only the very best. 💕
My intro for any newcomers:
The first challenge I joined was October 2017…and I’ve been intermittently fasting in all senses of that phrase 😂 since. Sometimes it’s hard to do but you fall off and you just climb back on again… 🧗♂️
My name is a little play on words as I am a french speaker so “J’ai faim” means “I’m hungry” but also stands for Just Another Intermittent Fast And I’ll Maintain…it makes me smile 😃
Maintenance is haaaard! But glad to be at 156 ish now… after tricky months – I’ll get to 155lbs again this month and ideally down to 152 this year – then aim to bob between 152 and 155lbs forever and ever. 💪
I love being outdoors even in our lovely Irish weather and cycle, walk, swim in the sea but I’m trying yoga classes and other mindful exercises these past few weeks as I work through the grief of losing our beautiful mum in February 💕.
I stay away from alcohol 🚫 most of the time and have reduced added sugars ✅ and eat gluten free 🌾 because of intolerance symptoms – no gut issues – more gluten ataxia symptoms for me 🤕. My little icons help me to stick to clean nutrition. I’m also not trying to keep the cholesterol down.
But….. life is for living and like others I tend to have one blowout (EFS) day a week where I might have some treats like crisps etc.
Ok off we go happy humpday all.
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕
Day 2 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – 16:8
Fasting until later today, not sure when I will break the fast but will keep going until I feel the need. Great to be back!!!
Ha ha @funshipfreddie, I had seen the camel emoji yesterday on my iPad when writing the post and knew it had a reason but could not remember what! Then I see your post with Happy Hump Day 😄 So one hump or two ? 🐪
Thanks for the welcome back @stitchincarol, @brightonbelle @funshipfreddie…..it’s like slipping on a pair of comfortable slippers coming back to the forum, all so familiar, all so good, I feel I know ye all so well over the years. @funshipfreddie off line dancing, @stitchincarol still busy busy busy with piano lessons and other things….ahh it feels like home. ☺️
Hunger is not an emergency. 💃
Day 2 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD
@daffodil2010 – what a lovely surprise?! So happy to see you back 🤗
@molij – great to see you posting again, & I’m so pleased the operation was successful. Wishing only good news for you on Thursday 🙏
Another one of ‘those’ articles from the UK Mail. Looks like we’re onto something! I think they re-hash the same story every few months though..
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14558417/Scientists-calorie-counting-weight-diet-intermittent-fasting.html
Gotta dash, line dancing day 🕺
Happy Hump Day! 🐫
Day 2 country west Australia ,CD belated host !!!!
@funshipfreddie, @merryapple teal, thank you SO much for taking the reins for day 1. I am FINALLY back online. VERY frustrating with the tech but I think everything is now fixed and I am available to host for April.
Have to go to work but will be back later to welcome everyone and offer comment and encouragement..
have copied and pasted @ATs first day explanations.
Hello All
It’s a new month and a new challenge – Welcome to anyone wanting to join our Mindful March Challenge! So sign up and sign in and let’s make March a successful month.
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up ends up being the biggest step of your life”
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 – This is our only true rule: 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.
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 – below is the link to the March Spreadsheet – It’s 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.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17-IBPQOxK5UBUK-Vx7pqINE0bJqNaUSTrky_EqH0vNU/edit?usp=sharing
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 – 2nd 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 a 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 (FAIL) is prohibited!! We all stumble in our journey – it happens. But acknowledge it, think about what you can do next time, and continue. We’re all here to help!
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 (e.g. spouse/partner)
OMAD – One Meal A Day
PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of @stitchincarol )
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
WW – Weekend Warrior (c/- @jaifaim)
ZBC – Zero Breakfast Club
Good morning
I’m on B2B fast days today. Yesterday went well and I got through it quite smoothly. Had a lovely home made miso soup last night with the qetoe noodles, veggies, prawns and fish balls. Yes, fish balls! lol
Total calories for the day were 358. Check in tomorrow with weight.
Have a great day everyone! Mine is going to be busy again, yay!
Day 1 UK CD
Thanks @merryapple & @funshipfreddie – Just checking in before bed to see if @lilymartin had set it up great you’ve stepped in , also lovely to hear from @daffodil2010
@molij You sound to be sound to be doing great , just look after yourself
Me – 63F living on south coast of England with DH , long time IFer – with varying degrees of success , started the year 20lb over where I’d like to be , and I’m 1/2 way through getting rid of it 💪really want to give it a good go in April , off travelling for a few days , seeing elderly FIL and other friends and family for a few days so will just be aiming to stay steady
I’ll try and log in , but dodgy WiFi on trains etc make it tricky , catch up soon Looking forward to our April journey 🔭
I don’t drink any water at all unless it as a tea bag in it. Don’t like water, I can drink it when I’m in Cyprus not that’s it. Denise got a letter today saying it could be up to a year before here legs are treated.Hopless, she’s getting them bound by the district nurse on Friday. Still no news from the roofers, they have until Saturday then I’ll contact citizens advice again.
Day 1 second post
WELCOME BAAAAAAAACK, @daffodil2010!!!!!!! And only a few pounds on your year off? Well, well done!! I’m beyond delighted to see your name, and to hear things are going well for you; I look forward to hearing catch-up details over the days and weeks ahead! 🌼🌼🪻🌷🌺💐❤️🥰 (notice I could find tulip and hyacinth, but no daffodil!!)
Day 1 – Ireland 🇮🇪 -FD
I am baaaaaacccckkk!
It’s been a whole year since I last posted, and about the same length of time where there have been no FD’s and not really caring either. A year ago my head was not in a good place. I slipped away from this WOL for a time.
I also lost this IPad (which I only used for posting on this forum,) and then found it, battery dead, a couple of weeks ago. When I recharged I went straight here and was so happy to see familiar names still here chattering away. So I told myself 1st Aprl for the restart.
It’s my mothers anniversary today so a good time to get back in the mode of health and weight loss for a future better me. Plus I tried on my motorcycle gear in readiness for our 2025 season and I had problems with the Zips!! Operation Motorcycle Gear is ON!!!!
I am 57, F, live in rural Meath just outside Dublin with my DH, we used to have a beautiful cat Missie, but sadly we had to let her go over rainbow bridge last May (still heartbroken over it), still working in Finance, quite a few major things happened in the past year but thankfully no health issues, my Dad at 88 is still going strong….and surprisingly, although I am 30lbs more than I want to be for goal, I only gained a few lbs while on my year hiatus.
I did ZBC yesterday and had a protein dinner, and today I fasted right through until 16.30 where I broke my fast with my homemade kefir. Drowned myself with water and herbal teas. Going to have a small chilli dinner. Have not felt deprived at all ( which was my issue last year.)
And the mantra “Hunger is not an emergency” is my motto for this month ☘
So I am back, feeling ready for this, and so glad you guys are all still here. I am on the pocket list
Pocket list -Day 1
@stitchincarol -WFD
@ccco
@daffodil2010
Hello everyone, a glorious sunny sunny day here but a bit breezy. Great for getting the washing dry.
Managed to lose a pound last week which I was surprised at, I reckon it was due to having my shoulder length hair cut to a bob.
Dave glad Denise is getting something done at long last. Lovely weather for playing bowls. Hope you’re last weigh in goes well.
Hedgehogs glad you had a nice Mothers day and well done to your sons for not buying you chocolates. This year was the first Mothers day that my daughter didn’t visit me,however, she facetimed me and we had a lovely chat.
Jean you’re very good with doing the spring cleaning, a job I don’t do very well.
Hemmy I really struggle with drinking enough water. Geraldine has been having lots of outings lately, our usual Wednesday lunch meet up tomorrow 🍷
Enjoy the rest of this lovely day everyone.
Nana xxx
USA. Day 1. FD
Thank you, Merryapple, for setting up this page.
MollJ, good to hear from you and glad your operation went well. I hope your voice will return soon.
Stitchincarol, I like “Hunger is not an emergency”. A good thought!
Pocket List – Day 1 🍓
@stitchincarol – WFD
@ccco
I hope everyone is having a lovely day! I can’t believe it’s April already but I love Spring!
Good afternoon everyone.. Xxxx
Another lovely day although quite windy here.. Good for washing drying.
A lovely walking in the sunshine.. we are so very lucky as its still very early hopefully no nasty surprises to come.
I had a really good day yesterday I kept to 3 meals and all ” Clean” ..
I slept well too.. I just need to get water drinking up a bit. At the moment besides other liquids I am on 2 pints of water with lemon juice. .. needing to be upping to 3.
Dental check tomorrow after last one was cancelled by dentist.. So early walking and then Bicester road works to contend with.
Nana .. What are you up to.
Dave.. Lovely weather for bowls .. Hopefully now Denisse is in the system as such they will help her feel better.
H H .. It was a busy weekend for you.. you will soon rectify any damage.
Sym.. Yes I reckon rather than thinking “Dieting” it eating just wholesome food that you can actually see what’s in it and not read a label with stuff with all these numbers .. no telling what they are.
Enjoy your afternoon everyone.. Tuesday is the perfect day to spark positive change and set new goals. Let’s do this!” Xxxx
Good afternoon everyone.. Xxxx
Another lovely day although quite windy here.. Good for washing drying.
A lovely walking in the sunshine.. we are so very lucky as its still very early hopefully no nasty surprises to come.
I had a really good day yesterday I kept to 3 meals and all ” Clean” ..
I slept well too.. I just need to get water drinking up a bit. At the moment besides other liquids I am on 2 pints of water with lemon juice. .. needing to be upping to 3.
Dental check tomorrow after last one was cancelled by dentist.. So early walking and then Bicester road works to contend with.
Nana .. What are you up to.
Dave.. Lovely weather for bowls .. Hopefully now Denisse is in the system as such they will help her feel better.
H H .. It was a busy weekend for you.. you will soon rectify any damage.
Sym.. Yes I reckon rather than thinking “Dieting” its eating just wholesome food that you can actually see what’s in it and not read a label with stuff with all these numbers .. no telling what they are.
Enjoy your afternoon everyone.. Tuesday is the perfect day to spark positive change and set new goals. Let’s do this!” Xxxx
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 – This is our only true rule: 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.
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 – below is the link to the March Spreadsheet – It’s 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.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17-IBPQOxK5UBUK-Vx7pqINE0bJqNaUSTrky_EqH0vNU/edit?usp=sharing
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 – 2nd 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 a 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 (FAIL) is prohibited!! We all stumble in our journey – it happens. But acknowledge it, think about what you can do next time, and continue. We’re all here to help!
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 (e.g. spouse/partner)
OMAD – One Meal A Day
PFDS – Post FD Smugness (courtesy of @stitchincarol )
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
WW – Weekend Warrior (c/- @jaifaim)
ZBC – Zero Breakfast Club
Day 1 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD
Thank you @at & @merryapple! @lilymartin let us down – again…? 🤔
About me:- David, 63, originally from Manchester, England. Retired & living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Been 5:2-ing/IF-ing since 2014 after watching Michael Mosley’s documentary, ‘Eat, Fast & Live Longer’. I joined the Challenges after I quit working in 2018. 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 – two meals + a snack – on NFDs. Currently weighing 71.2 kg, BMI 22.
Wishing everyone a Stellar ⭐ April Challenge. I’ll copy the ‘rules’ & abbreviations for any potential newcomers.
Pocket List – Day 1 🍓
@stitchincarol – WFD
Day 1 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD
“Hunger is not an emergency” is going to be my mantra today. Got lots done yesterday, and ended the day feeling as if I accomplished nothing. Gonna do some more work on tax bookkeeping this morning before I head out to teach piano lessons.
Have a grand one, everyone! Oh, and thanks, @merryapple, for getting everything set up (again 🥰)!
Day 31 + 1 – NFD – 🇿🇦SA
Thank you @merryapple!
https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/astro-april-%e2%ad%90%ef%b8%8f/#post-360843
Day 1-No. VA USA ‘Joining the challenge for this month!
Here is the link to the Spreadsheet for Astro April @lilymartin – I’n going to try and join in regularly this month and my apologies for going AWOL during the March Challenge – thank you to all the regulars for keeping it going – you know who you are 🤗
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U9eR2mSJzeKJWh5sqlGwWIapepR6QRnNtuz2xE0-z7I/edit?usp=sharing
Day 1 North Wales NFD
Hi everyone, I have been reading your posts every day even though I have not been checking in. I have enjoyed reading them. I have been fasting every Monday and Thursday when I have been able to. The Operation was successful and I get the results on Thursday. I have been feeling extremely tired since this operation. I think my body is still recovering from the operation in October and having had this latest operation just three weeks ago I think my body is saying I need to rest more and recover. This operation had damaged my vocal cords and I have been struggling to talk. The surgeon assures me that they will recover but it will take time. I intend to do this month as best as I can. Take care everyone. Xxx
Day 1 – USA/GA – NFD
Weigh-in: 236 lbs. Successful WFD yesterday before my biometrics this morning. Need a good reset month!
Hiya everyone!!👋
I have set up a new topic page @lilymartin ready for the introduction.
Astro April⭐️
I hope that’s what you meant… 🤞
Here’s a new topic page for you @lilymartin
I hope this is what you meant!!
I’m heading to bed but can set up a sheet tomorrow
Good Morning everyone
Just a quick post as I have 110 boxes of stock to process today!
It’s my Tuesday FD today. I couldn’t fast yesterday so today it is. It’s almost lunch time and I’m feeling pretty good. Keeping super busy always helps me.
Lindsay, you have more shoes than me! I have mine all stored in one of those big cube bookcases. It fits nicely into a wardrobe in one of the spare rooms but the cubes are the wrong size for shoes so they are tripled and quadruple up in each cube. I probably have about 30 pairs but I admit I only wear a few of them. I have somehow accumulated a lot of shoes in my time working in the shoe biz even though I give plenty away. Time for a clean out soon.
G’day, I hope you can sort out the sinus issue. If you do have to stay off dairy and you don’t mind eating soy, make sure you give the Soy fetta a try. I don’t know what brands are out there but I have tried it in a vegan buddha bowl before and it was really good.
Better go, the next truck is due at lunch time and who knows how many cartons (if any) he will have on for me today. Chat soon xx
Cinque you must have been reading my mind as I had a feeling one of us had LJoyces email and I was going to ask, thank you for looking.
Still no change with the sinuses. However happy to report in the last few weeks a downward trend on all the weight management markers I track. Also noticed some snug outfits are not so snug at the moment which is pleasing.
I’ve been very lax on the exercise front since returning from Adelaide as struggling to find the energy. A week of very late nights coupled with a reduction in the number of hours sleep per night during the fringe has sent my body out of whack big time. I’ve been struggling to fall asleep most nights, my brain won’t stop thinking. Last night, or this morning rather, I was still wide awake at 4am and up at 6.30am so I feel like a zombie today. It’s been a few weeks now so I think I may have to take a melatonin tablet each night for a few weeks to hopefully kick start my normal sleep pattern back into action.
Daylight savings finishes this weekend and that always plays havoc with my sleep patterns for a few weeks. I’m looking forward to getting the early sunrises and early sunsets back over the coming months. Hopefully this, along with melatonin for a few weeks will get me back into my normal pattern of 8 hours sleep per night.
