2026 : We've Got This!

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• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 27 Apr 2026 at 09:49

  

  Dawn and Sue
  So lovely to read your posts. You have both lost weight since the beginning of the year and so don’t be too hard on yourselves. We know that the plan works but we have to be in the right mindset. You both sound determined to make the best of the remainder of your time on the plan and to learn about what will work for you. I am going to stay on the plan with you for the next few months too to navigate my way through to maintenance. Because we got it at a discount price (thank you Dawn) I feel like it’s worth the investment to keep going a little longer. Unlike you, I only stuck to the food plan. I did a little bit of the exercise and enjoyed a few meditations along the way but my plan is to make more of the exercises going forward. My walking pad is great and I really enjoy it but I think I went a little too fast last week and have spent a week with a bad knee! Note to self! I have noticed some loose skin on my arms and so I will do some of the weight exercises and I’ve read that fasting to autophagy can help with loose skin. Might try a couple of long fasts each month.

  Sue losing 500g a week is most certainly doable and I have every confidence that you will reach your goal by September. Dawn, I hope you have a wonderful 60th birthday and when you get back from your Scottish Highlands holiday I feel you will be ready to embark on the 12 week plan. We have definitely got this but as I know only too well, the time has to be right. The online plan worked for me and I know when the time is right it will work for you too. This week is my last week on the plan. I will finish on Thursday before my little holiday and when I get back I will be back on it with you both. Together we can enjoy the next few months and make a difference to our health. HBA1C test tomorrow for me. Hope to get my result before Friday.

• posted by ADD6605
  on 27 Apr 2026 at 19:25

  

  Thanks Cathy, I hope you enjoy your holiday and am pleased you will be continuing the plan alongside us once you are back:) Dawn X

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 27 Apr 2026 at 20:25

  

  Hi everyone,
  Great to read everyone’s progress and determination for continuing. Even if it has only been a little bit of weight lost, it is still progress.
  I have certainly been one for letting myself get off track over the years, but I’m hoping that things are changing for the better.
  I had a really stressful incident in town on Saturday when I took my car in to change tires involving someone following me. It turns out he was a casual acquaintance who just wanted to say hi, but it really freaked me out. I called a help line to talk about it but got a guy who did not understand at all why it was a big deal for me. Talked to my godmother who is normally pretty good about providing some comfort but she said I should feel flattered that someone liked me enough to come and say hi. The drive to comfort eat after all this was really, really high, but in the end, I called a special line that I have access to that will put me through to a counsellor (I don’t like to use them and tie up resources for others but my counsellor is away right now) and they put me through to a counsellor who happened to also be neurodivergent and a sexual assault survivor and she was able to understand and assured me that it was understandable that I was upset. So that really helped. I opened a tin of soup after that and had that for dinner whereas I might have used this as an excuse previously to run into town to load up on junk, so I am pleased about that.
  I think I have lost some weight since being on the meds. Interestingly my belt has only gone in one hole, but I seem to have lost more in my legs than around my waist, which is very different, because usually it is very hard for me to lose anything around my hips and in my legs. So I suppose I will carry on doing what I’m doing and see how much I can lose before needing to switch things up.

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 28 Apr 2026 at 08:22

  

  DAWN and SUE – me three! I’m frustrated with myself as I got off to a great start on the online programme but gradually allowed myself to be derailed. So in that sense I’m annoyed that I’ve “wasted” it : but on the other hand, like both of you, I have lost some weight and am probably further forward than I would have been without it. My aim at the beginning of 2026 was to lose 20lb by the end of the year, slow and steady, at around 1-2lb per month. And I’m on target for that – am half a stone down – so in that sense it’s all good. It’s just when I started the online programme I began to lose more rapidly so I upped my expectations. Never mind. I’m away for a week as of Friday and will then get back on board again, probably changing to a faster programme (I was on the 5:2).

  CATHY I hope your blood test goes well today. You’ve done so well with the weight loss and I really hope that this reflected in the results. And I’m also hoping for you to hit 140lb by Thursday. Enjoy that G&T! Thursday is my birthday so I will raise a glass to you too 🥂

  ARCTICFOX your experience of being followed sounds very scary, even though it turned out to be well-intentioned. Sometimes people just don’t think! I’m sure there must have been a less confrontational way to come and say hello. But well done for not rushing for comfort food. And it’s great that you’re losing inches where you didn’t expect to. I’m looking forward to your next update!

  If I don’t post again this week I wish you all well and will be back on here wc 11th May. Hope everyone has a good couple of weeks X

• posted by SueBlue
  on 28 Apr 2026 at 09:01

  

  DCT – Wishing you a very happy birthday for Thursday 🙂

• posted by Mariet
  on 28 Apr 2026 at 11:17

  

  Happy Birthday DCT, I hope you have a lovely day and enjoy your break as well.

  Arctic Fox, I can’t believe the response you got after you were followed, even though it was all innocent in the end. I would have thought any woman would be able to recognise the common fear so many of us have of assault and more. I am not surprised it affected you powerfully and I congratulate you on the way you handled it.
  I didn’t weigh for a few weeks, I have been milling around the same 200g for weeks and weeks and my digestive problems took a long time to clear up after I stopped the online program. So I was thrilled this week when I weighed and found myself 1.3kg down at 65.8, my lowest for about 6 years, and the smallest waist measurement for 9 years. Still more than half my height but oh well!
  I hope you all find the online course continues to help you. I love reading all your posts even though I don’t post often myself.

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 29 Apr 2026 at 13:16

  

  Hello everyone
  🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁 My HbA1c result is in and it’s gone down to 35 from 44 so I am well under the “below 42” normal result. My 12 weeks low carb 800 keto diet has achieved the health benefit that I desired along with a 25.5 lb weight loss . My last day will be Thursday so I will see if I have got down to 140 lb. Today I was 141 lb. I’m over the moon that my hard work has shown in my blood work.
  I’ve got my eye on an almond croissant from Pret A Manger at the airport as a holiday treat! I’ll be having it too! I hope it doesn’t make me feel unwell! I’ll report in tomorrow with my final score weight and then I’ll be back here again when I get back next week. Just wanted to share my NSV result today.
  Thank you everyone for sticking by me over the difficult times and for your kindness and support. It’s been a roller coaster at times and like a game of snakes and ladders but with too make snakes and not enough ladders and now I at the finish line – just got to avoid that long snake thst always lurks about near the finish line!

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 29 Apr 2026 at 18:08

  

  Amazing Cathy! So well done! Very proud of everything you’ve managed to accomplish. Enjoy your treat and the holiday. You deserve it!

• posted by ADD6605
  on 29 Apr 2026 at 18:58

  

  That’s fantastic news Cathy, well done! Dawn X

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 29 Apr 2026 at 20:33

  

  CATHY and MARIET well done to you both for your losses! And Cathy that’s so great about your result too. Fantastic news. Enjoy your holiday and your treats 😊

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 29 Apr 2026 at 23:45

  

  Yes, Mariet too, well done. I finally just had time to go back up and look at the other posts.
  Thanks everyone for your support around the incident where I was followed.
  In other news, my belt has gone in another notch this week. I have been struggling with eating but because I am not inclined to do the impulsive thing and run to the supermarket for easily consumed things I am trying to make simple meals at home. I put some lupini beans, frozen spinach nuggets and paneer into a bowl and microwaved it and then added curry powder and greek yogurt. It was tasty and it made a lot so I had it for 2.5 days. So that was good for getting some nutrition into me at least.
  I had a work lunch today at a local cafe and bakery that I thought would be good because they do gluten free baked items, but the only gluten free low carb option they had was tomato soup and even though I have been able to have small amounts of again tomato recently, I did not want to risk that amount. So they made me a gluten free toasted cheese sandwich instead. It was not very nice nor very satisfying, but it was hot and enabled me to at least eat something. I had greek yogurt and a pear in my bag that I ate when I got back to the office.

• posted by SueBlue
  on 30 Apr 2026 at 01:52

  

  Cathy – wow! Well done on your blood test results! You really have done so well so far this year – I’m glad you have your trip to look forward to as well, that’s a nice reward for all of your hard work 🙂
  Mariet – congratulations on your loss too!
  ArcticFox – don’t want to leave you out so well done on your latest NSVs with your belt and healthier eating.

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 30 Apr 2026 at 09:23

  

  Happy Birthday DreamsComeTrue 🥂 🥳
  Have a wonderful day and enjoy your holiday . I’ll see you back on here when you are back. Holidays are for fun so don’t be too hard on yourself whilst you’re away. Enjoy it and get back to it when you come home.

• posted by ADD6605
  on 30 Apr 2026 at 13:34

  

  Happy birthday DCT, hope you’re having a lovely day🎉 Dawn X

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 30 Apr 2026 at 20:53

  

  Happy Birthday DCT. I hope you had a good day.
  Just another NSV to report. I went for a walk and talk session with my counsellor today to unpack all the stuff that has happened this past week (it’s a lot!!!) and I usually wear my athletic compression tights because they support my lipedema tissue on my legs during exercise and also have a leg pocket for my phone. But they are not acting like compression tights anymore because they are too loose! Good and bad news I suppose. Not great that they are not supporting my legs anymore but the good news is that they are not too expensive and I can get another pair in a smaller size at the mall.
  Anyway, we unpacked what happened on the weekend and like the counsellor I spoke to on Sat, my counsellor confirmed that of course it would be upsetting to me and validated me for being so persistent in seeking help and seeking the right person to help me after that situation. I also had another situation on Monday that really blew my mind. I had an online interaction with my old counsellor on a therapy social media page. She did not know it was me as I was posting anonymously, but from her post I found out that she is high masking autistic. Wow! In 2 years she never told me that. I know she didn’t have to disclose it, but here she was disclosing to some anonymous person on a public forum. It would have helped me to know that. I have training and experience working with autistic people, but although I was picking up on a lot of signals from her, I wasn’t connecting the dots, I think because of her masking. If she had disclosed it, it would have helped, although I now see that she was getting really overwhelmed by how intense I can be, and that was causing me to feel like there was something wrong with me. So it has been a huge week of insight for me and that was why there was so much to unpack. I have also realized that I really need daily deep connection in-person with other humans who accept me for who I am. We were talking about how to identify those humans who can do that and who do not get overwhelmed by me, and how I have been trying to shrink myself down to fit in with those who do not accept me for who I am my entire life. I feel like this shrinking down is likely connected to the binge eating in a big way. We were also starting to talk about some workplace accommodations for me that would result in less interaction with people who wear me down so that I have more energy to connect with people who build me up outside of working hours. So, yeah, a really big day. Thanks for listening! I come across much less intense and more manageable for most people in writing!

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 6 May 2026 at 14:54

  

  Hello everyone
  I am back from my book club holiday to Kassiopi. We had a wonderful holiday and as you can imagine there was much merriment and copious amounts of eating and drinking was done but not by me! I did, at times, feel a bit of a party pooper but after working so hard for the last four months I was happy to eat well but not over indulge. As I was in Corfu I adopted a Mediterranean style diet with the odd glass of red wine and G&T. I am not weighing myself for a week or so. I will have put a few pounds on as I’ve upped my calories over the last five days. I don’t want to see the scales for a few days to give myself time to get back on track,
  How is everyone else doing? I think the first few months of this year have flown by. I am looking forward to warmer weather here in the UK as summer approaches. I am going to stay with the online FAST 800 programme to help me navigate towards maintenance and my plan is to get to 138lb by my birthday in five weeks time. I think it should be doable but I don’t yet how much I’ve put on. I would guess about 5 lb. I will get weighed on Friday 15th May and take things from there. I like to make monthly plans and write them down on a post it note and then I like to see if I have achieved my goal. I find that keeping things simple and manageable is rewarding if it’s been achieved and if not, then it’s something to aim for without being too difficult. Small steps, big wins.
  Looking forward to reading your updates. No weighing for me this week but I’ll be facing the music next week. In the meantime, I am back to healthy, low carb meals but I have to increase my calories now after 12 weeks on 800 calories. It will be interesting to see how my body responds.

• posted by ADD6605
  on 7 May 2026 at 08:14

  

  Hi everyone,
  Welcome back Cathy, I’m pleased you had a lovely holiday and well done for not over indulging! I’m going to weigh myself on my birthday next week. I don’t think I will be down into the 10s as I had hoped to be by then but I would be pleased to be back down to 11st 3 which would mean I had lost the weight I put back on over the last half of the 12:week online plan. Dawn X

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 9 May 2026 at 02:44

  

  Hi everyone,
  Welcome back Cathy. Glad you enjoyed your holiday and the food but managed to not overindulge. That must feel good. Here’s hoping you did not put on too much and can get back on track quickly as a result!
  I have a NSV to report. I noticed that the size 18 jeans I have been wearing were getting quite loose, so I tried on another pair that are also supposed to be size 18 but fit quite a bit smaller. They were a bit snug when I first put them on this morning, but loosened up enough by the time I was ready to leave the house that they were quite comfortable. So going by the numbers I haven’t gone down a size, but I think in reality I have. My counsellor was worried that I might not be getting enough to eat, but I reassured her that not only am I getting enough, it is quite healthy too. The only thing I went a bit overboard this week on was the dark chocolate, but I think that is okay on occasion as it is the Lindt 100% with orange peel, so a reasonable source of iron and magnesium and no sugar.
  I have been eating spinach and asparagus from my garden for veg. Unfortunately, I lost a lot of the other veg that I had planted several weeks ago as we had a hard frost and down to -8 C one morning last week. It even set back the asparagus and that hardly ever happens. Luckily the snap peas survived, so looking forward to those in a few weeks. I found some sweet potatoes at the garden centre. I tried to start some myself, but was not successful, so it was nice to get these plants. I bought two and planted them out already and put a frost cover over them for the night. Apparently it is common to get around 2 lb of potatoes per plant, so fingers crossed this works as I really miss having the occasional sweet potato.
  I started my first human nutrition course today. It is just an introductory course, so will be pretty basic. My aim is to get a good grade so that it will help with my application to the dietetics program. I’ll keep you posted how it goes!
  Hope everyone is doing well.

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 11 May 2026 at 12:36

  

  Hi everyone just checking in to say hello! I had a wonderful week away and felt very rested when we got back on Friday, though life soon begins to take over! But I have that fresh post-holiday sense of determination to make some positive changes to my lifestyle – a bit like New Years resolutions I guess.

  A small gain for me whilst away, which was what I was expecting, but am starting afresh today. I’m still using the online plan and am starting off this week with “TMAD 4:3 transition” which does 800 calories for 4 days and more relaxed for 3. This should hopefully work as I have 3 events planned. I think I’m going to adjust the plan week by week to fit in with what else I’m doing rather than try to go all out for 12 weeks and fall by the wayside. I’m hoping that by doing this I can see a gradual and steady loss of 1 to 2lb per week for the next few weeks. Here’s hoping 🤞

  CATHY I’m so pleased you had a good break, and I have every confidence you will reach your birthday goal of 138lb. I’m really proud of you for being determined and single-minded, and you really deserve your brilliant results!

  DAWN I hope things are going well for you and that you lose the weight you have recently put on. I always think of recent weight being easier to shed than established weight, but maybe that’s just being naive! Good luck anyway X

  ARCTIC FOX how satisfying are those NSVs! Well done. I’m also really pleased you are doing well with your new counsellor, and also that you are making a start on your nutrition training. On which point you mentioned magnesium. I seem to be being inundated with adverts and articles about magnesium at the moment. The gist being that it’s very beneficial for older people to take magnesium supplements, particularly magnesium glycinate. Just wondered if anyone on here has any related experience? Have you tried them and did they do you any good?

  Hope that everyone else is ok? Do post to let us know how you’re doing X

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 11 May 2026 at 13:19

  

  HI DCT and everyone
  Glad you had a lovely holiday and felt rested. I understand what you mean about starting afresh post holiday. Holidays can be difficult times when trying to keep low carb and low calorie because we do like to enjoy our holiday treats and that is what holidays are for. I had a delicious ice cream when I went for a walk by myself on holiday – choc mint chip my favourite and I sat outside a beautiful ice cream shop enjoying it. I didn’t beat myself up – I wanted it and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
  I have every confidence that by continuing with the online programme you will be successful. Let’s keep going for a few more weeks with it and see how it can help us .
  I too am doing 3:4 transition for the next four weeks before going onto the way of life programme. I’m finding it difficult to change from 800 keto but I am sort of adapting the meals around what I like and increasing the calories. I’ll weigh on Friday and then I’ll be able to see how the increased calories and food is inpacting any loss- though I am expecting a gain! Now that my blood glucose is normal I feel that is my main win from the programme during the last 12 weeks the weight loss has been a massive bonus too! I do want to achieve 138 lb but I’ve got a whole month before my birthday so depending on how much I gained last week it may take a few weeks. I’ve been really hungry this week because I am not in ketosis. I really would prefer to stay on a keto diet and increase my calories so I need to do some research. I’m not sure the programme will allow me to stay keto.
  I’m busy invigilating for the next few weeks as it’s A level time. I find it quite stressful but I want to continue to the end of term. we have a family weekend away at the end of June to celebrate my husbands retirement and I plan to have that weekend off plan. I think my new rules are going to be strict unless it’s a holiday/ feast. It has to be a sustainable way of living and enjoying life.
  I hope everyone is well and having some weight loss success or NSV’s . Do come on and let us know how you’re doing.

• posted by sunshine-girl
  on 15 May 2026 at 15:18

  

  I know you have got this but can I just put you back up to the top, above the scammers and adverts which are driving me mad.

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 15 May 2026 at 15:57

  

  Hello everyone
  I weighed this morning 10 days after coming back from my little holiday to Kassiopi and upping my calories and transitioning from keto to 3:4 which I’ve not found easy. This morning i was 142.8 lb which was 1.2 lb increase. I am ok with this and mindful that I am eating more calories, feeling hungry as i am not in ketosis and have to learn to eat well, eat enough and keep my weight steady. Ideally i would like some wiggle room so am still aiming for 138 lb by 15th June and then maintain between 138-142. I’ve not been on my walking pad for 3 weeks as I had an issue with my knee pre holiday and i hope i can get back to exercising a little more next week between my busy invigilating schedule.
  My plan for the coming week is to get back on my walking pad, lose 1.8 b so I am 141 lb next Friday and to try and eat intuitively without following the plan too rigidly.
  I know that maintenance is going to be difficult- I can’t go back to how things were and some food is off the menu for me unless it’s a special occasion.
  How is everyone doing?

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 15 May 2026 at 21:12

  

  Dawn- I believe it is your 60th birthday this week. Just want to wish you a very happy birthday. 🥳 🎂 🥂 enjoy your special day.

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 16 May 2026 at 08:21

  

  DAWN Happy 60th! I hope you have a lovely birthday and a great year ahead.

  CATHY great results for you in terms of maintenance. As you say, it will take a while to get into a new groove but I have every confidence that you will do it. Hope the invigilation goes well too. I worked in education for over 20 years and always used to find exam invigilation really stressful. Not sure if it’s better or worse if you know the pupils but I always used to worry about inadvertently doing something wrong.

  I’m vaguely back on track and have lost 2lb this week which I’m pleased about. I say “vaguely” because I’ve had a couple of strict days then other days when I’ve had events that involve eating out and I’ve done my best but the options aren’t always great. And I’m off to a big family event today and don’t know what will be on the menu. Wish me luck!

  Those of you on the online programme, how are you doing? I’m thinking of cancelling it soon. It was great to start with and I stuck rigidly to the plan. Maybe that’s the answer – I know it worked really well for you CATHY. But now I’ve used a lot of the recipes I find I’m not using it as much, just doing my own thing along the same lines. And I’m not doing the exercises or the reading part either. So it’s a bit of a waste unless I really get back into using it religiously every day. I’m tempted to just make a separate note of all the recipes I’ve really enjoyed and make my own plan based on that. Any thoughts from anyone else on it?

  Anyway, heading off soon, so hope you all have a wonderful weekend X

  PS SUNSHINE GIRL thanks for your post too and I hope you’re doing well. I completely agree about all the spam on these forums. I do wish admin could do something about it – perhaps a more rigorous sign up procedure or something. But I don’t know what these spammers are trying to achieve with their often nonsensical posts. Even if I were in the market for anything they are offering, there’s no way I would use a company that employs those kind of tactics! Like you SUNSHINE GIRL I often report them but don’t post on them as engagement is what they want. Let’s hope they get the message!!

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 16 May 2026 at 10:08

  

  Hi DCT
  It made me feel better when i read that even though you spent 20 years working in education you found exam invigilating stressful. Having spent 40 years working in a medical world this is completely different and i do find it stressful as the JCQ rules are stringent and complex. I had to supervise a group of 15 quite challenging students over a 2.5 hour period who had a clash of exams this week and then go straight into a 3 hour sports hall exam. I think ill be glad when the exams are over and I might look for something different going forward as i am not sure it’s the job for me. Also I have to travel quite a way to get to college and parking can be an issue. I will enjoy my wages though!
  Like you, I don’t do the exercises on the programme and I think I too will cancel when my free month is over as I have printed the recipes I like and I need to learn to go it alone now and eat more variety. I have learned what works for me which is low carb and low calorie. I am only eating fresh unprocessed food and not eating between meals. These rules should keep me on track. I think my new rule of being strict unless it’s a holiday or a festivity will also help me to stay on track. Once I get to my target then it’s going to be a weekly weigh in and strict rules when my weight creeps up. I can’t afford to get out of control again!
  Have a lovely weekend everyone. Keep doing what you can. We’ve got this!

• posted by ADD6605
  on 16 May 2026 at 12:27

  

  Hi everyone and thank you for the birthday wishes.
  I had a lovely day but have been feeling pretty poorly for the last few days, really bad aches all over, uncontrollable shivering, high heart rate and temperature, generally feeling out of sorts. I felt it was a uti but it felt worse than ones I’ve had before so I decided this morning to go to the nearest nhs walk in centre as, if it had become an upper uti, a pharmacy wouldn’t have been able to help (whereas apparently they can with lower ones). I had to wait a couple of hours to see the appropriate nurse but it could have been worse. She’s pretty sure it’s an upper uti, kidney infection so has given me a 10 day course of antibiotics. I’m not sure how closely I will be sticking to my online plan menus whilst I’m taking them but intend to try. I don’t feel as if I’ve given the plan my best go after the first few weeks so really want a few months of doing that now then will decide whether to cancel or not.
  Dawn XX

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 16 May 2026 at 21:02

  

  Happy Birthday Dawn! Sorry you’ve been feeling poorly, but hopefully you will be on the mend soon.
  I am carrying on with trialing meds. But I think I may have found one that will work long term now. I was wondering if it was doing anything at all as I was having absolutely no side effects, but after being on it for 8 days in a row, I am definitely noticing a difference now. I am starting to be able to task switch much better and even though I have been able to eat more and eat regularly, it has been fairly easy to make good decisions regarding food. I don’t think I have lost much more this week, but it tends to go in jumps for me anyway. I was at physio yesterday for my usual SI joint issue and it was my regular physio that I haven’t been able to see for the last 18 months due to her getting cancer treatments. She said I am nice and strong! So that is good and means I haven’t lost much in the way of muscle.
  I’m in the middle of my super busy season right now on the farm, and of course I had to go and make things even busier by taking the nutrition course. And then there is pottery. I am planning to enter a couple of art shows this summer, so am trying to get some things finished up before the entry deadlines. I picked up one of my teapots yesterday and it turned out really well, and I was getting compliments on it from the other potters, so I think that will be one of my entries. I have had to set swing dancing aside right now as I am just too busy, and the dance studio is only doing classes in beginner west coast swing right at the moment, and no lindy hop for the summer which is disappointing. I might try and find another studio later in the summer when I am less busy.
  Anyway, I have had a productive morning in the garden. I think the meds are responsible for me being able to get things done very quickly and to keep going without the mental fatigue that I used to have that would cause me to quit before I had completed all the tasks I needed to do. I am waiting for my lunch to cook (butternut squash stuffed with spinach, asparagus and topped with kalamata olives and mozzarella cheese), and then I will finish up my first assignment for my nutrition course before hopefully getting back out into the garden to plant some cucumbers and dill before the evening thundershowers start.

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 20 May 2026 at 00:07

  

  Seems we have to keep posting regularly to keep the thread above all the spam. I don’t think the email address for reporting is being monitored anymore. I certainly never got a reply when I sent them a message about my old profile not working anymore.
  Anyway, just popping on to quickly report that my belt has gone in another notch (almost 2, but not quite comfortably yet!), so I guess I had my jump all of a sudden since I last posted 3 days ago. I have been working really, really hard in the garden. At least 2 hours a day of weeding, some days more, plus planting. I fasted for over 20 hours on Sunday because I stayed outside until I got a job done, but unfortunately then made a mistake about how I broke that fast and ended up with some gastric upset, and then I didn’t feel like eating much for the rest of the day. So my downward trajectory may be largely due to that episode. But I’ll take it however it comes!

• posted by sunshine-girl
  on 21 May 2026 at 14:47

  

  Hi arctic, just report them but without mentioning it on their post or you will just bring them back to the top. I have reported over 30 of these posts with no response from admin.

• posted by ADD6605
  on 21 May 2026 at 18:37

  

  Hi everyone,
  I feel today is the first day I’ve managed to get back to normal eating wise in a while and enjoyed some cheesy ham and tomato pikelets for lunch and chicken fajitas (using lettuce as the tortilla) for tea, both very tasty. I think the antibiotics have worked as I feel my kidney infection has probably gone but I will finish the course and hope that they haven’t damaged my gut bacteria too much (I take a probiotic every day so hopefully that will be helping). I’m going to weigh myself the morning we head off to the Scottish Highlands so I still have over a week to get a bit more weight off and we are self catering whilst we are there and will most probably be having breakfast and evening meals in and just lunch out so food wise it doesn’t have to be too disastrous (though I will definitely be buying a cake or two from a gorgeous little bakery we like in Glencoe).
  Articfox well done on your belt going down another notch. We used to have a nice thread titled ‘None scale victories’ NSVs and it was lovely to read about people’s various goals being met.
  I hope everyone is having a good week, nice to see that the weather in the UK is due to be nice for half term week.
  Dawn X

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 26 May 2026 at 08:46

  

  Hello
  Hope everyone in the UK is enjoying the sunshine. My son has been home over the Bank Holiday weekend and I’ve enjoyed a relaxed few days food wise as per my ongoing plan and so today is back to basics. I am hoping it wont be too difficult to keep chopping snd changing but I have to live my life and find a way to make things work. I am going to cancel the online plan today. I need to go it alone now. I hope everyone is finding what works for them.
  Going to dig deep now until my birthday in June and see if i can get under 140 lb. I think it could be a challenge but i will be more than happy to be 140. After the weekend i am a few pounds up but it’s water weigh which will disappear once am back on track. Keep strong everyone- we’ve got this.

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 26 May 2026 at 09:10

  

  Hi Cathy yes it’s been a wonderful weekend in the sun hasn’t it. I confess to having gone way off piste and enjoyed lots of food and drink with friends. No regrets – I’ve had a lovely time – but the scales took their revenge this morning 🙀. My plan is to have a strict day today and tomorrow, then on Thursday I have my lip surgery so I don’t know what I will or won’t be able to eat after that.

  Re the online plan I think I’m going to cancel as I’m not really using at all. The only arguments against cancelling are that when I first started using it and stuck to it I did begin to lose weight at a pleasing rate, even though I was only doing the 5:2. And you Cathy have achieved spectacular results using it! So part of me thinks I should keep it going a bit longer and really stick rigidly to one of the plans for at least a few weeks. I never seem to do as well on my own. Will have a think and report back in due course!

  Hope everyone else is doing ok? Hello to anyone reading this post, and hope you have a good week x

• posted by arcticfox2
  on 26 May 2026 at 22:53

  

  Hi everyone,
  I haven’t been very active here as I am deep into my nutrition course and working hard on the farm at this time of year. Will check in as best I can going forward.
  DCT – if you do cancel and want an accountability buddy, I think I would be ready to do that. I have lost a fair bit just from the medications, but have fallen off piste a little myself this week. After my gastic upset incident I started using my electrolyte tablets again and taking very diluted solution out into the field in my water bottle. Unfortunately that caused some sugar cravings again after being free of them for months. I also got glutened on Friday just by passing an opened packet of biscuits to someone in my support group, helping them find the opening to the packet, and then forgetting to wash my hands after. So I was in agony with my stomach all weekend and did some comfort eating with ice cream unfortunately to try to soothe things. Doing better now though, so hopefully I can get back on track. Eating sugar again after not having it so long started some hot flushes again, so I know I do better without it. Hydration is always an issue here in the summer though as it is so hot and dry, and all of the electrolyte tablets have some sugar in them. I bought some 100% cranberry juice instead this week and I will put a splash of that into my water and add a bit of salt and see if that works better.
  Had my medication review with my GP yesterday and he has agreed to let me stay on the latest medication as it was helping with very little in the way of side effects. So I have a 3 month supply now with renewals for up to a year, and I can choose how to use them, whether that is just on days I really need to focus or every day. So far I am finding I do best if I take them several days in a row and then have a day or two off them. So we’ll see how that pattern goes. I can’t take my PPI medications and this one at the same time, so that is extra incentive to stay away from the gluten. We were told today about a staff barbecue at the office in a couple of weeks and I told them that I would just bring my own food. It is a pain, but gives me more control over what goes into my body for sure.

• posted by sunshine-girl
  on 31 May 2026 at 14:49

  

  DCT I am not sure you can cancel it before the 12 weeks is up, especially if you had the free week. I was thinking of cancelling as I am exactly the same as you – stuck to it rigidly then had a weight increase for no reason – cannot blame the diet as I stuck to it – think up all sorts of reasons, time of month, fluid retention. Anyway, I have had this weekend off with a slight gain so will get back to it tomorrow. I like that I dont have to think about what we are eating and it even sorts out my shopping list for me. I dont follow it exactly but can see at a glance if there is something I dont have in. Stick with it if you can.

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 31 May 2026 at 17:22

  

  SUNSHINE GIRL thanks for that. I confess I’m not sure as to cancellation policies, and have also slightly lost track of how many months I’ve already had. I think I’m currently on the free month but expect to be charged soon. However, I gave myself a good talking to last week and had already decided to stay with the online plan for at least another month, and actually use it! I want to stop messing around and stopping/starting all the time. Tomorrow is a new month – and we still have 7 months of the year left – so it’s a good time to reboot.

  ARCTICFOX thanks for offering to help too and yes please, any input you can give – and/or a kick up the backside – would be very welcome. It sounds as if you are getting on top of things : diet, medications and life in general. Well done, and keep going 😊

  Hello to everyone else. 2026 we’ve got this!! 7 months to go – so however the year has been for you so far, there’s still plenty of time to make positive changes xx

  H

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 31 May 2026 at 19:22

  

  Hello everyone
  I have been having a think and have decided to keep on with the online course after completing the 12 weeks and the free four weeks. I think it is £12 a month and I feel I will be accountable if I stick with it. It’s worth £3 a week! Also, I’ve asked for some hand weights for my birthday as I’ve noticed a lot of saggy upper arm skin since losing weight so I am hoping I will find some exercises on the programme to help. I do need to learn how to maintain and there will be times when I need to lose a bit of excess. I am going to work hard now to my birthday in mid June and try to lose a few more pounds. I would love to be 138 lb on my 65th birthday. I have had a few good days and one particularly indulgent day over the weekend when I ate a delicious chocolate mint chip gelato! I am re-reading a book I read about 20 years ago called End the Diet Trap as I try to navigate my way around maintenance as I want to live life without counting calories or continuously feeling like I am on a diet. It is a very sensible book and reinforces everything I’ve learned doing BSD. No carbs, no processed foods. I am still not eating crisps!
  June is a great time to get started if you haven’t already. Well done DCT on your June reboot and for giving yourself a good talking to. The plan is really good and if you stick with it you too will do it. Still plenty of time to make a difference. I managed to lose 26 lb in four months from January to April and as you all know I am a slow loser. Now I have to keep it off and I am determined never to put myself through the anguish of gaining it all back again. I am still focused and motivated hence sticking with the plan.
  Yowser, Mariet, SueBlue- how are you all doing? I often think about you. It would be lovely to hear from you.
  Dawn- I hope you are enjoying your holiday in the Scottish Highlands. When you get back you can undo any holiday excess.
  ArcticFox- I am inspired by how well you know yourself. Enjoy the BBQ and good for standing up for yourself and taking control of what you eat by taking your own food. .
  I have loved being off work this last week and the weather was fantastic. I am invigilating for the next three weeks and then I am thinking of volunteering in a charity shop as one of the book clubbers has been offered a job as a charity shop manager so I said I would help out in the shop if she needed an extra volunteer.
  I went to see Lulu last week and was inspired by her energy and enthusiasm for life. She looked amazing and she is 77 – she inspired me to be more Lulu.

• posted by SueBlue
  on 1 Jun 2026 at 01:15

  

  Hello all, it’s been a while since I last contributed here – thanks for the mention Cathy 🙂
  I do read everyone’s posts (they come into my email inbox) and so many times I start to compose a response in my head, but don’t get round to it!! I do enjoy reading about everyone’s experiences and progress though 🙂
  DCT – I’m much in the same frame of mind with the program as you are. I did switch to the Transition 3:4 program a few weeks ago, and have been enjoying only having 4 fast days and 3 non-fast, and my weight has stayed stable. Although admittedly I haven’t been following the program 💯, more like 50% I guess. Compared to the start of the year, I am 5kg down, so that’s something I guess, and I have on the whole been eating a very healthy diet, much less takeaway food than in previous years, and less processed foods too.
  So I’ve decided to start again on the Very Fast 800. I know you are only supposed to do it once, but I figure that I didn’t do it properly the first time, then have been on maintenance for at least 4 weeks, so should be fine to do a 12 week round of 800 calories. I’m saying this, I think it will be more 2:5 (so 5 fast days and 2 non-fast as I have a few things coming up on the weekends over the next few months). My free month runs out on 9 June, and I’m happy to pay for another month for the program as it’s only around $22 from memory (AUD), which if I break it down to weekly is the same as a cup of takeaway coffee each week!
  If after a month I’m not sticking to the plan and not making any progress then I’ll cancel and just go back to doing my own thing.
  I really can’t blame the program for my weight loss stall, as it’s me that’s not sticking to it! So I’ll see how I go over the next month.
  Cathy the hand weights sound good – I was really enjoying the Resistance exercises on the plan when doing them. You only do each exercise for 20 seconds, then have a 40 second break, and the whole routine is only about 15 minutes. There are modifications for most exercises and some of them are done sitting down (I’m talking about the beginner level here). Then with the HIIT days, that’s only about 2 minutes. I’ve incorporated that into my daily walks, but you can do it with so many other exercises too.
  It’s the first day of winter here today, and a beautiful sunny day, and I feel inspired! I’ve had a delicious spinach and cottage cheese omelette for breakfast and now going to do some housework and washing (I tell myself that’s exercise too!).
  Hope everyone else has a good week – and as DCT has reminded us we still have 7 months to make a difference to let’s do this!

• posted by Mariet
  on 2 Jun 2026 at 11:03

  

  Hi all, I am still reading all the posts but not much to say, I am maintaining and so far have been able to remain between 66.5 and 67kg. I’m struggling with it, still looking for lower numbers on the scale when the whole point is supposed to be being satisfied with where I am.
  I’m delighted to hear the good results Cathy, after you persevered for so long under difficult circumstances.
  I read that several of you have thought of giving up the online program- it wasn’t the right fit for me but I am sure if you are in the right headspace it would be very valuable. I was able to cancel with no problem although I had not reached the end of the free period.
  I hope you are all enjoying warm summer weather as we start to shiver into winter here. Even though I am not posting much in really interested to see how you all get on.

• posted by Mixnmatch
  on 2 Jun 2026 at 12:22

  

  Lovely to still see so many familiar names here for another year. For those who don’t remember me I have been around these forums for around a decade now, and in the early days of my presence lost an awful lot of weight through the various blood sugar diet variants. I always did mix and match the diets and introduce my own elements to it hence the name.
  Sadly my husband died of pancreatic cancer earlier this year, but in a roundabout way that is what has brought me back here. I have started a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer and will be walking every day in June for it. I need to get back in shape, the combination of lockdown and Ed’s illness which started at the same time resulted in all the weight going back on again, and my fitness which I always managed to maintain before suffered the loss of my badminton playing group when we moved down to Cornwall.
  So I am starting the fast 800 at least for June, no alcohol, no caffeine, and minimal carbs (will vary between 15g and 60g probably depending on fruits and vegetables choices) no white stuff of course, goes without saying. I may relax one or another of my ‘rules’ in July or I may power on through.

• posted by Mariet
  on 2 Jun 2026 at 12:37

  

  Hi Mixnmatch, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I’m thinking of you and wish you the very best for your rest. I remember you from our previous go-around and I am sure you will get there.

• posted by Yowzer49
  on 2 Jun 2026 at 17:57

  

  Hi everyone xxxx
  CCATHY,thank you for the mention. I am reading and thinking of everbody,but not feeling well enough to write.
  MIXANDMATCH,hi,i renember you from over the last decade ( where did those years go,they have flown past)
  So sorry to hear the sad news about your dear hubby xxx but good on you doing a fundraiser. Where can I donate?
  Much love and hugs to everyone. XXXXX onwards and downwards!
  xx
  “ May the dream of peace take flight across the world “
  🐝 ¨*• ¸🌼¸¸ 💞🐝*•.¸🌼¨*•💞¸🌼¸¸

• posted by Verano
  on 2 Jun 2026 at 18:32

  

  Mixnmatch so sorry to hear your sad news and as Yowser says, good on you for doing a fundraiser. Great that you are ‘getting back on the horse’ and improving your health and fitness and raising money at the same time…. please post a donation page.
  Try and stay positive. Thinking of you.

• posted by sunshine-girl
  on 2 Jun 2026 at 22:35

  

  Hi Mixnmatch, I remember you well. So sorry about your husband. Big hugs from everyone here.

• posted by Mixnmatch
  on 2 Jun 2026 at 23:09

  

  The challenge is on Facebook, specifically my husband’s page, linked with his friends who have been very supportive. I will have to look into how to post a link on here. Thank you for all your kind words. On today’s walk I was approached by a lady who had spotted the fundraising t-shirt I was wearing, her husband had died of the cancer a couple of years ago, we had a lovely chat (before her dog got too impatient) and I cried again for the umpteenth time. So far so good with the diet, 820 and 840 calories, but a little low on protein today and a little high on carbs (an apple that needed eating). I’ll hopefully be around for the rest of the year now trying to get myself leaner and fitter again.

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 3 Jun 2026 at 08:01

  

  MIXnMATCH lovely to see you back on here but I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. And well done both for the fundraiser and also getting back on board with the healthy eating. This thread is for the whole of 2026 so we will be with you on both journeys xx

  HEIDI I have been thinking of you a lot, and Mixnmatch’s sad news has prompted me to reach out and say hello to you too. Not sure if you will see this but, if so, I hope you are doing ok and have people to support you xx

  YOWZER lovely to see your post but I’m sad to hear you are still unwell. Sending love your way : you’re a much valued part of this group even if you are not able to post very often.

  MARIET well done for maintaining so well and I hope you either become satisfied with where you are at, or find a way to shift a little bit more if that is what you really want to do. It’s a tough one isn’t it? I remember even when I was maintaining at a much lower weight a while back, I still felt I needed to lose more . . . but now I just wish I could get back to that weight again!

  SUEBLUE I think we’re at a similar stage. I’m working on the basis of being very strict most days but allowing myself a day off here and there if I have something planned. So far I’ve lost 2lb this month (yay! even though it’s probably water weight. But still a loss). But today I’m going to meet my cousin in London and will be having some kind of lunch so I will do my best but not fret if it’s not strictly on plan

  CATHY good luck on reaching your birthday goal. If anyone can do it, Cathy can 🙂 I hope your remaining invigilation goes well. The bookshop volunteering sounds a great idea. And I love the concept “be more Lulu”! I’ve been lucky enough to get tickets for lots of gigs this year, mostly featuring older performers because you never know if they will be able to tour again so it’s good to grab opportunities while you can. I saw Eric Clapton recently and it’s hard to believe he’s 81!! And Paul McCartney has just released a new album. I find it inspiring that so many older people are still out there getting on and doing what they love despite their age – which is another reason to make sure we do everything we can to treat our bodies well.

  I hope that the rest of everyone’s week goes well, and am particularly sending love and hugs to those of us that are struggling with grief or illness at the moment X

  .

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 3 Jun 2026 at 12:29

  

  Hello everyone
  So lovely to hear from our “old friends” on the thread.
  So sad to read about the sad loss of your husband earlier this year MIxnMatch. Sending lots of love your way. We are all here for you to support you on your healthy eating journey.
  Yowser, lovely to hear from you but so sad that you’re suffering with ongoing health issues. You are always so upbeat and supportive to everyone. I hope you will soon be feeling back to your bubbly self. We are all here for you.
  Sue glad you’re still here and good luck with your fast 800 reboot along with DCT.
  Mariet – well done for maintaining- I have to learn the art of maintenance. I am still trying to lose a few more pounds to give me some wiggle room when I try and fathom the art of maintenance. For now I have learnt to only eat healthy food and am trying not to eat processed food and to keep low carb which will hopefully make it easier to maintain long term.
  DCT – yes I am “being more Lulu” and embracing old age with a positive mindset and hopefully making a difference where I can. There are some things we have no control over as we get older but I am trying to make a difference to the things that I can control such as what I eat. Good luck with your June reboot.
  Thanks for keeping us posted on your journey everyone. It’s lovely to read your updates.
  It’s lovely to be part of this really supportive group. We are all here to support and encourage each other as we navigate our way to a healthier lifestyle.

• posted by ClarinetCathy
  on 6 Jun 2026 at 11:04

  

  Hello everyone
  DCT- how have you been after your lip surgery? I hope you are healing well and it’s not too uncomfortable. It’s a delicate area and i can imagine you will have to be careful what you eat. It might help your June re-boot though!!

  I weighed today as I forgot yesterday as I was heading off for work at 7.10 am, this morning I am 139.6 so I’ve dipped just under 140. Hoping to be 138 by the middle of the month. Am still keeping to unprocessed, low carb, natural food. It seems to be keeping me stable.

  I tried on some lovely trousers and a beautiful top I bought from Vinted for my October Cruise and they’re hanging off me! Going to have to buy them in smaller sizes. Who would have thought! I’ll be back on Vinted later, hopefully buying and selling!

  Thinking of those who are not feeling tip top at the moment and sending out positive energy to you.

• posted by Dreamscometrue
  on 8 Jun 2026 at 08:30

  

  CATHY what great news about your latest weigh-in! You are acing 2026!! I’m excited for you as I’m sure you’ll reach your goal by your birthday. Very well done 👏 And what a nice chore to have to sell bigger clothes to make way for smaller ones 😊

  Thanks for asking about my lip. In the end they didn’t do the procedure at my last appointment : it will be booked in sometime soon. It was a bit of a communication breakdown as my dentist had done all the diagnosis etc, including X rays which she’d sent to this specialist. So I expected the procedure to be done when I went, but instead he just took all my medical details, looked at the X-rays, said yes it needs doing, and put me on the list for surgery! So I have no idea when it will be. But anyway, I’m in the system.

  I had a good week weight-wise last week and lost 3lb. One of which annoyingly crept back on over the weekend, but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction again. I was in a good groove before I went to New York, with both eating and exercise, and for various reasons it’s taken me a while to get my mojo back again. But fingers crossed it’s finally happening, and I hope to finally get below 150lb this week. Onwards and downwards🤞

  Interestingly though, after much dithering, I cancelled the online plan. Had no problems doing that, just clicked the Cancel option on the app. I think it’s a great programme and would definitely recommend it. There are some fabulous recipes on there which definitely helped push me in the right direction but I’ve got to the stage where I’m confident to prepare meals along similar lines without using the actual recipes any more. I go to the gym most days for classes and/or swimming, and I also walk a lot, so tended not to bother with the exercises, and I felt most of the reading was stuff I am already familiar with over the years with BSD. And there are community groups on there but I have mine here. So all in all I didn’t think I needed it any more . . . . but will let you know how I get on!

  Hope that everyone has a good week X

• posted by Mixnmatch
  on 8 Jun 2026 at 15:44

  

  First weekly weigh in and 7 pounds down. I know from experience it slows down a lot now, a lot of that will be glycogen stores being used up, but at least things seem to be going to plan so far. My fundraising walking is also benefitting my fitness a lot, I have currently walked 18 miles in 7 days for Pancreatic Cancer UK and almost 16 miles for Dementia UK, out of 60 miles in the month for both. My mum and sister have also joined the Pancreatic Cancer fundraising to support me and accompany me on walks, which is really good of them. I have a job interview next Thursday, a part time position and fixed term until 2028 but it’s a start at getting back on the employment horse. I will be having a day off for my birthday and a BBQ hopefully for friends and family, then back to the plan for July too, I think. Still mulling over a couple of options later in the year, but this is definitely going to happen, it’s all coming off again.

• posted by SueBlue
  on 8 Jun 2026 at 21:30

  

  Mix and Match – wow! Well done on both your impressive loss this week and your waking 🙂 Also I meant to reply to your earlier post – I’m so very sorry to read about the loss of your husband. I do remember you very well from this site over the years, so it’s good to have you back with us on this journey 🙂
  DCT – after reading your post about cancelling the online plan I bit the bullet and did the same thing. To be honest I had been thinking about it, and today was my last “free” day, so to avoid being charged for the next month I cancelled.
  I was going through my books yesterday and I have just about all of the Fast 800 and BSD recipe books, this has worked well for me in the past. And I realised I could just do exercise routines by watching YouTube. I’m still walking 5 days a week and have incorporated HIIT into that. I had a good week last week, I shed 1.1kg. I was using a mix of the plan recipes plus my own, I’m finding it best to have a bigger breakfast after walking, a light lunch (soup or yoghurt) and then an early dinner. Calories are around 1000 per day. I’ve just got to keep going!

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