Jovis is grateful and a little humbled by your kind wishes. It has set him up for a wonderful birthday. Thank you all very much.

I have found the fasting to be very easy. I haven’t been a big eater for a long time and when I started this WOL I found it difficult to eat 3 times a day. I began eating between 12 noon and 6 in the evening. Then by accident didn’t have breakfast and just waited for my evening meal. I have found this very very easy! I am never hungry and make sure I am drinking plenty of water/fluids…of the non alcoholic type lol.

Thank you all for your support. You are the best people ever! I wish you the same results or at least good times.

Lots of love
Nonna Mary
xxxx

Hi, Everyone – I hope our “silent sisters” are having a good week! Thank you, Nonna Mary, Esnecca, Theodora and others who have shared experiences
with fasting. I know that Jason Fung has published much on this topic.
It is encouraging to realize what an effective tool this can be! I really
can’t afford to lose anymore weight at the moment, but if a few extra
pounds creep up, I’m thinking of going for it…
All of this chat about beach life makes me long to be there! I really
envy you, H66, being able to spontaneously just pick up and go, and
then be at your destination 40 min. later. Our favorite ocean beach is
3 1/2 hours away, well worth the journey and it would be gorgeous
there at the moment. Alas, the life of a professor is ruled by the
Fall teaching schedule, so no trips will be made from here until
the Spring semester is over. The seals doing the backstroke will
have to carry on without me. We did get away for 5 days in
early June, though. Our last evening we witnessed the most
vibrant full rainbow I have ever seen in my life! It was a lovely
way to end our stay.

Love to All

Allie

Happy Birthday wonderful Jovis! I feel he is like our silent partner (him and Kev) 🎂🎉🎁

I’m on call tonight. Got a poor girl being “bluelighted” to us from North London for emergency leukaemia treatment. She’s literally being asphyxiated by the leukaemia, so we have to treat tonight. My on call wasn’t planned, so the beautiful cheese omelette with roasted vegetables is languishing in my fridge at home and dinner turned into a ham sandwich. Ah well. I had to eat for blood sugar reasons and it’s in a good cause.

Fasting. I’m a fan and find that once I “break my fast” I’m much hungrier. Today I went til 2pm with just a coffee with cream on getting up which is apparently good for stabilising blood sugar in the morning for those of us with T2. It also helps me feel satisfied as I tend to eat more (within allowance) when I do eat, so no cravings.

Oh, how I love the ocean. The sound of the waves 🌊 breaking is my favourite ever. I have it on my kindle for when I’m having trouble sleeping. It soothes my soul. I might need it tonight.

Slowly catching up on everyone’s news. You have been a busy (and accident prone lot!)
Hope, you are all recovering and feeling positive.

Liz and Kev we are thinking about and missing you.

Thanks all for your sympathy. It’s certainly been a rough year, bereavement wise.

Funny story. Had to get my work I.D updated today. The photographer compared my 10 year old photo to me now and asked me delicately “have you changed a lot?” I replied yes, I guess about 6 stone or so 🤣🤣 So now my photo is turned the right way out. Im not embarrassed by it now.

L xx

Jovis is sending HUGE BIG LOVES…to all of you.

Leelee… we have no problems do we….blue lighted because of Leukemia…I am so effing healthy it stinks!

Enjoy whatever you eat…you deserve it…such a shitty job…

Lots of love
Nonna Mary
xxx

Do you know what Mary, you are so right. My job does help keep things in perspective. When I’m feeling rough, I will always try and push through as it’s nothing like what our patients are facing.

Leukaemia is such a shitty one. By the time you have something other than vague symptoms, you are fighting for your life. It must be such a headfuck. One day your gp sends you for a blood test because you are tired or getting unexplained bruises and often less than 24 hours later, you are in hospital urgently being pumped full of chemo. No time to get your head around it at all. 😢

Life is short. Embrace it.

L xx

Lee lee…love you…respect…mwah hugs and nugs !

Leelee – I have so much respect for what you do. For a decade I was
an assistant to a neurological surgeon. Nothing was ever so hard as
recurrent brain tumors in children. It does change your perspective
forever on what is an actual problem. Try to get some good rest tonight!
I’m intrigued by your ocean sounds that help you sleep. I would be
most appreciative to learn how to access it?

Love to you,

Allie

Hi Allie

I was done by midnight, so not too bad.

The album is dreamsurf “ocean waves for relaxation” I downloaded it onto my kindle fire and can shove under my pillow to help relax me as I drift off to sleep. It’s lovely, try it!

L xx

Hello dear Army!!

Many apologies for being MIA for so long- I have missed you all and your strong words of encouragement dearly. Let me start by saying Mary, marvellous loss! I know you struggle for big weight losses so that must have felt like you were being handed the world! Hope Jovis had the best birthday ever and that you managed to relax and enjoy a small treat with NO guilt whatsoever. Life must go on and what the hell is life without a slice of cake once in a while?? Kazz just been reading back on all the posts and loved loved loved the one about your mum. What a wonderful lady she must be. What a dreadful time for her and for you- especially since you are obviously close. I have no relationship to my mother at all (she is a horror- long story) so I get a lovely warm (and slightly envious feeling!) to hear of others who adore each other. Allie, how is your poor head? SOOOO glad your tests didn’t show up anything terrible going on. What a high level of anxiety you must have had for a while there. Hopefully you are looking less battered and more yourself by now. Bluebell I could have cried for your lady. Losing her husband AND her wee pet. I am an animal person and break my heart when they die, so I can’t imagine how that must have compounded her grief over her husband. I hope your daughter is doing ok. She sounds like a “sowel” as we say in this part of the world, but thank goodness she has you to love her and keep her :-). EC hope you continue to do well and recover. It’s tough being an invalid and I too am not a patient patient so I very much sympathise. FFBB glad to hear the job is going well. Nothing is more important when you are working than you feel valued at what you do and don’t dread going in every morning! LL sorry for your sad news- life is so hard sometimes. At least you have these lovely ladies to offer support, and not just for eating issues either. H66- I could smell the waves as you and Allie were talking about being near the sea. I love where we live but one of my regrets is that we are not closer to water.

So- my news. Lost 3lbs this week totalling 12 in 2 weeks. Delighted by that. Feeling good and confident that I can keep going. For the first time in more than 30 years I am not craving sugar or chocolate, am sleeping like a brick other than nights with ankle pain and generally feeling good. We had our get together on Saturday, a lovely time was had. I had cheese and salad before others arrived, they all drank bottles of prosecco, demolished gargantuan amounts of pizza and chips n dips. I am proud to say I ate NOTHING!!!! I had two very small rhubarb gins with slimline tonic between 3pm and 11pm and enjoyed them enormously but was content with that. Major proud moment for me!
My sister has also started the diet!! Very very proud of her. In 5 days she has lost 9 lbs and is feeling good. Some issues with hunger but they are fading and she is excited to go back to the doc in 4 weeks and get bloods done again. They must have improved surely!! She will need to keep her motivation up once the sugars have reduced but one thing at a time.
Other big news is that I am now walking with one crutch!!! After 6 months of using two walking aids night and day this is such a relief!! I can carry things myself and generally have more independence and freedom. I’ll hopefully get back to work and normality this time next month!
Kitchen reno is carrying on apace. Builder is hoping that it will be finished by the end of next week!!!
And finally, we rescued our chooks. Got them on Saturday poor little skinny bald things. Very frightened initially but have settled in well, loving the more free range lifestyle and also getting cheeky and curious with us humans. Love them to bits and they have been keeping me occupied and busy and happy, hence the radio silence.

That’s all my updates- no its not! My dear OH is taking me to the cinema this evening! After 6 months of being practically housebound and having little social life, you have no idea how exciting this is!

Right that’s really all my updates. Funny how so little of it is about food 🙂

Have a happy Thursday dear Army 🙂 xx

Ladies (and Jovis!) I have no idea if this is permitted or not and pretty sure admin will delete if not. But I had to give you a look at the updates my partner has been writing every night since we got the chickens. People are actually demanding that they get their own Facebook page! Hope it give you a giggle- and remember- she is terrified of these chickens and also states she has no feelings for them! And yes the vet really is called Madonna!! And the chicken ninja is me apparently!

*****************************************************************************************************************************************

Well, what a chucking day we’ve had here at chq! It’s been eventful so, here goes!
Up early, as we will be every day. Hens don’t do long lies and needed set free for the day but rather than just open the door and let them flap the chicken ninja had other ideas. We’d open the back of the coop so she could lift them out one by one so she could examine their crops! Until yesterday I thought the crop was the wee wobbly red bit on their chin. Wrong! It’s their puffed out chest bit which they fill with whatever they can get throughout the day to digest and keep them warm at night. ‘We’ were checking for sour crop ( basically really bad hen indigestion which smells putrid and can kill. So no big deal then 😳).
I fearlessly opened the door as the ninja reached in and lifted them one by one rubbing their chests, confidently exclaiming that each was fine. I’ll not lie, my bum cheeks were firmly clenched until the last girl was declared safe. Then it was Miriam’s turn. Soft crop!!!!!!!!!!!! Veterinary intervention required!! Consumed by terror but attempting, as ever, to remain calm and positive I confidently stated that all could be well as the day wore on.
So, with bum cheeks only mildly clenched I went to work. All was well until the communication I had feared came through. Specialist avian vet services has been secured at 18.10hrs.
Our vet is called MADONNA!!!!!!!!
Another terror inducing communication with the ( temporarily) disable chicken ninja was the arrangement that since h had physio at 5 we’d just get them in the run, scoop putrid Miriam into her carrier, go to physio, I’d wait in the car with the putrid hen then we’d go to meet our Madonna.
Of course I played it down, trying with every fibre of my body to remain calm in the face of this development.
Corn was scattered, putrid Miriam scooped and hen chariot prepared.
Unattached as I am to the poultry I checked on her as soon as we pulled up, pit calming radio 4 on for her and chatted .
Very soon after temporarily (slightly less disabled) ninja came strolling out with only one walking aid!!
Next stop Madonna!!!
Upon arrival it was clear we’d have a wait! There were several dogs, a parrot, what we suspect was a budgie and 2 ferrets were also waiting. Convinced Miriam would die of sheer terror I held her tight for the 40 mins after our appt time when Madonna called for us.
Well, I’ve never seen anyone handle a chicken but by gum Madonna knows her way round a hen!! We were shown how to ‘finger her vent!!!!!!!’ 😩. Mind boggling, we were talked through crop examination, feet checks and then, ultimate bum clenching horror – how to ram a syringe down her throats to administer the medication we’ve to give Miriam twice a day for a week!!!
To be fair, Miriam was a trooper. She didn’t even shit on the table! She was perfectly happy being molested by Madonna and apparently is in reasonably good health despite being a ‘battered battery’.
We headed back. It was dark. The coop door was open. Even though we’d paid the price of a new sofa for a predator proof run we were both expecting to come home to a massacre…………….
The lovely Nic and Mark were outside in the pitch darkness waiting for us ( we were late and blame the parrot!). Ever practical Mark brought his big boy torch and we steeled ourselves for chicken-geddon. 😱👺.
What we found were our five girls all tucked up safely in bed. Miriam had some supper and joined them. All is well.
I doubt it’ll be well at 7am when I’m wrestling a rancid chicken while the ninja rams a syringe down her!
I’ll go to bed tonight praying to every deity known to humanity ( and henanity) that no vent fingering will be required.
And now wine 🍷

Good day,evening, my friends!

LeeLee, thank you kindly for the information on ocean waves. I’ll
get on to looking for it when I finish blogging for the day. I’m happy
to hear that you were able to get some rest!

Oh, Heather, where do I start in responding to your 2 extraordinary posts?
With the diet, I suppose…. 12lbs in 2 weeks is phenomenal! You clearly
have this, and my intuition tells me (and it’s rarely failed me in almost
7 decades) that you are going to be one of the outstanding successes
here. Congratulations! I’ll be anxious to see how you finish up the first
month. Go, girl! I took enormous pleasure in reading about your slice
of life with the chooks. (of course I had to once again resort to google
for a definition at first!) Sometimes I feel like I speak a different language
altogether. Tending to them using handheld walking sticks must be a
challenge, but clearly one that you are up to. I’m happy that they are
giving you so much happiness! You will probably become an accomplished
poultry vet in short order. I was delighted to read your wife’s view on
what life as a chicken farmer was shaping up to be for her, as well.
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this. I always wonder what our significant
others are all about 🙂 You had a major challenge with pizza nite. Wow!
You handled it so well. Now, an 8 hr party is my kind of an event!
I’m doing much better, thanks. I still have a lot of brain fog, but it will
abate over time. The black eye is healing well, but the big lump has
yet to begin to shrink. All in all, I was extremely lucky to have escaped
this crash with nothing more than a concussion, rather than a fractured
orbit or cheekbone. Can you imagine me having to have my jaw wired
shut? There would be utter silence here, as O/H isn’t the greatest
communicator. He’s generally off in his own intellectual world, con-
templating his next lecture, etc! 🙂
thanks again for the fabulous read. Delightful!

How is everyone else doing? I hope all injuries are improving.

Much love,

Allie

Just popping in for a quickie….ooo err missus….

Jovis had a wonderful birthday. Our lovely favourite Italian Restaurant (we have been going for over 40 years), made a fuss of him and he loved the Steak …and the Prosecco! I had Liver (Fegato) and Onions, and just green vegetables. Joe was very touched that you all thought to wish him a happy day. He is very fond of you all. He awoke this morning to a hang over, which he had to get over very quickly as he had a interview for an interim job this afternoon. Fingers crossed please.

Heather! Brilliant weight loss and I loved your posts. We have such literary people on this thread. How well you all write. Lovely story about the Chooks…hope you enjoy your evening out. I used to love going to the cinema. You won’t remember this, but there used to be just one screen in proper theatres…and it was about 30 feet away from the first seats. Now with the multiplex cinemas the screen is too big and close and gives me a Migraine, even if I sit at the back with the snogging couples!

Hope you are all well…stay safe.

Lots of love
Nonna Mary
xxxx

Thanks for popping in, Mary. I’m elated that Jovis had a splendid birthday.
Unfortunate about the wee hangover, but turning 65 doesn’t happen every
day. He’s obviously been a hard working man and provider for many many
years, so this occasion deserves much celebration! He’s very blessed
to be able to spend it with you at your favorite restaurant. I have fingers
and toes crossed that his interview today went well, if this interim job
is of interest to him. Let us know!

Hugs,

Allie

Oops, Mary – I forget to tell you that Jovis and I share a birth sign, Libra!
Soon I’ll be flipping the calendar to begin my 69th year. How can that
even be possible? 🙂 Sooner or later I suppose I should begin acting my
age, but that seems a long way off at the moment. I now feel about 40,
and thanks to my parents genetics, I don’t look any older than @55.
Long may that continue!

Well its been busy here since my last visit , great to see .
Lee you have a demanding job , a hugely important one , and one that helps so many fight their worst challenges , you certainly have to be able to leave some of that behind when you go home .
All the very best for your poor girl with leukaemia do hope she responds well to treatment plan .
I’ve looked after many people with leukaemia , most heart breaking with little children with associated symptoms , lethargy , bleeding gums , swollen little faces due to huge doses of cortisone , broken hearted parents and families to support at end stages of their precious little ones lives .
Heartbreaking being the operative word here …..

Heather many congratulations for your fantastic weight loss , 12 lbs in 2 weeks , wow ! and what strength you showed with your pizza night in , eating and drink wise you’ve got this in the bag as they say down here 👏👏
Great to hear that you’re now a one stick girl , certainly makes life a lot easier having one hand free to carry things etc ., you’re probably going to notice very soon that this weight loss will make it easier on your ankle too , which will be an added bonus as you weight bear .
Do hope you enjoyed your night out at the theatre , what did you go to see ?
So pleased to hear your sister has joined in and is doing well , you’ll be able to support each other now you’re both on board .
Your OH chicken notes had me in fits of laughter , and had me bum clenching when she did also ! A great read , perhaps a writer in the making ?
Laughs aside , thinking and visualising crops and vents aside , I do hope Miriam is doing well .
Medication , a little TLC , and being able to run free will surely help her back to healthy hen status pretty soon .
Your Wife really does have a way with words Hearher , if your new feather babes do get their own Facebook page , please please please share it with us , I’m sure I’m not the only follower they would have . 🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓
Maybe you could name their page HEATHERS FEATHERS .
Or Ninja Chick H.Q.

Nonna Mary so good to hear Jovis had a good Birthday , and you both enjoyed your dinner & evening out at your favourite Italian Restaurant , fingers crossed he did well at the interview and got the job , look forward to hearing .

Allie do hope you never start to act your age , when my Mother turned 90 a dear friend bought her a book Growing old Disgracefully , she loved it .
I now have that book it’s hilarious , written by Rohan Candappa .
She lived and laughed and loved until she was almost 95 , she would have been 103 today September 29 Th .
We’re about to travel down the Coast to Mum and Dad’s Resting Place with flowers , then will have a meal out with my Brother and his Wife to Celebrate our wonderful Morher ‘s Birthday .
And yes I will be having a Champagne to toast the best Mum a girl could have wished for and was lucky enough to have ❤️
I had a big fast day yday , to make allowances for perhaps a little over plan today , but will be sensible 😂😂😂😂

Do hope all is well with everyone else , and having a good BSD week .
Love H 66 xx

Hello 66 – Oh, how I laughed at the title of the book, “Growing Old
Disgracefully”! This might have been written for me. Do you know
that it still is on offer from amazon? I might have to add it to my
“birthday wish list”. Family and close friends know me to be a little
feisty, and more than is often comfortable I get asked “Allie, tell
us what you REALLY think!” This usually follows something I’ve said
that is taken to be “politically incorrect”, and thus is mock shocking
to friends. Of course, I’ve done it solely to provoke a bit! I no longer
need my cane, but O/H says that if I start carrying it again, it will probably
be used to poke some rude” millenial” that has dropped a door in my face
or exhibited some other sign of cultural decline in the USA. It does seem
to get worse everyday.
I join you in lifting a champagne toast to your much loved “Mum”.
Whenever we make the trip to the cemetery, I always bring 3 roses,
one for me and the other 2 for my sisters. My Mother’s death is still
too new to me to be something we think of in terms of celebrating her
birthday, however. I look forward to the day that I feel that way about it.
What would have been her 96 birthday took place about a month ago.
I was feeling rather subdued and reflective that day, and then my wonder-
ful cousin and his wife called me because they intuited how I would be
feeling. So loving and sensitive of them. Unfortunately, I don’t have
any brothers, but my cousin is that to me in every sense of the word.
I sincerely hope that you had a lovely dinner with your brother, and
shared memories of “Mum” that only you would know. What a won-
derful way to honor her memory!

Lots of love,

Allie

Allie I just Googled ‘ Growing old disgracefully ‘ and it is still available , their description of it : How to upset and perplex your children with increasingly erratic and unreasonable behaviour : Rohan Candappa – then …. Where’s the fun in growing old gracefully ? Humorist Rohan Candappa believes it’s “ far better to put your name down for a course in bad behaviour , irresponsibility , and questionable fashion choices . Advice on dressing well . Lycra is always a good bet says he ? You get the drift Allie ?
To look younger . Tell people you are 15 years older “ .. etc etc , heaps of great tips for you to get it right Allie 😂😂😂😂
We had a lovely trip down the Coast , despite it being tinged with sadness of course , we took some beautiful flowers , pale pink roses with yellow and white gerberas , other lovely spring flowers beautifully arranged together , some florists just get it perfect , this one did .
I had made cauliflower sushi for take for lunch which I took all seperately wrapoed in glad wrap in a cooler bag , which I cut into shorter lengths justcprior to eating .
They were , a great hit with my Bro . , hardly believed there was no rice !
My Sister in law had just taken a banana loaf out of the oven when we first arrived , to have with a cup of tea .
I just felt it would be rude to say no , so I did have a piece !
I made a good choice with dinner though , I chose a char grilled fillet steak , with a green salad on the side , with lemon and olive oil ( my request ) to dress it .
Yes to 2 glasses of Chsmpagne .
No to dessert
Yes to a Long Black , and No to continuing the evening back at my Brother’s place , as we had our journey home .
The invitation to stay over when the day was planned , had been refused , as we wanted to come back up this way , as we want to go to the shack today which is in the opposite direction .
On the journey back up the Coast I rang my Sister & we talked for almost 3/4 of an hour , the rest of the journey a phone call with our daughter , a shorter chat with our Son followed after we arrived home , he too had thought of Grandma several times during his day , & had raised a glass to her over dinner.
This completed our day nicely , it was about 1130 when we sank into bed , lovely memories helped me drift off into a lovely peaceful sleep .
I do hope as time goes by , you will be able to Celebrate your dear Mom’s Birthday this way Allie ❤️
Well yesterday has gone , today is another day , so it’s back to BSD , I’m going to fast all day , Atlantic salmon with a baby spinach salad planned for dinner tonight , and a heap of BSD friendly food all ready to pack into the Esky for the next few days .
So it’s off to the Shack , will have a good long walk when we get unpacked , and will drink plenty of water today to flush out the banana loaf and champagne 😂😂😂😂
Do hope it’s a good weekend coming up for everyone , look forward to hearing .
Love as always , H 66 xx

Hello everyone!

Today I visited the Doctor to have my flu jab…she commented on the fact that I have lost 8kg or one stone since last November. I said yes I am trying. Then she asked what diet I am using. I said Intermittent Fasting (because I am) and she asked if it is difficult and I said not for me. Then she said, well it’s working so keep it up! Positive feedback. Very pleased. However, my weight has stalled since Tuesday so I don’t think there will be a loss next Tuesday. Hey ho…never mind.

Hello66, enjoy your weekend by the sea. I love that you celebrate your Mothers life in that way. I lost my mum 11 years ago. We didn’t have the relationship that so many people do, but I loved her and it hurt terribly when she went. I still talk to her though and I see her in my daughters and grandchildren and in the mirror as I look quite a lot like her too!

Allie, I have never acted my age and I never intend to. Jovis and I have a saying that we are fond of….Growing older is inevitable….growing up is optional. We behave like two kids and young lovers even now. Life is too short to be moaning about numbers! Although I would like to know how mine got so high, when only yesterday I was starting my life!

On a food front…Jovis has never been a fan of salads, but he really loves the Rainbow Salad from the recipe book, and the Red Slaw salad too! In fact there are several recipes he enjoys. So even on fast days I can have a lovely fresh salad. Tonight we are having Cod and Chorizo and Rainbow Salad. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Can’t think of much else to say, but I am wondering where EC and a few of the others are hiding at the moment….you are missed!

Lots of love
Nonna Mary
xxxx

Hi, Mary my love – It’s good to hear from you! Whenever you skip a
day posting, I always notice. Knowing all is well with you has become
part of my day, obviously. I am heartened to know that you share our
attitudes on aging. I much enjoyed the image of you and Jovis
cavorting like children! It must feel wonderful to be able to see
your mum in the faces of your children and grandchildren, as well
as in your own mirror. It took me a good year to be able to handle
having my mother’s photograph on the night table beside the bed,
but I now talk to her all the time, and I drew extra strength from her
image while Jim was hospitalized this past Spring.
Speaking of children, here’s a little story about who I was at the
tender age of around 7-8, I think. I had just been granted the privledge
of being able to take a bath alone. I had filled the bathtub, but not
before running thru the house to inform everyone in no uncertain
terms, STARK NAKED, that I required “complete privacy”, and that
no one was allowed to enter until I was done! Our little personalities
are indeed formed at such an early age. I believe I’ve read that it is
about 4 or 5.
Good that you got your flu shot. My doc insists on that, too. I’ve
always been prone to bronchitis and pneumonia, thus I comply!
Best news that your doc is supportive. I think there can often
be a little stall on the weight scale following a whoosh week, so
don’t worry, it will all come right again soon enough.
You two “kids”, have a wonderful weekend!

Much love,

Allie

Hi Gang, sorry for absence. Not hiding, life got crazy.
I’m still losing weight, and still on the wagon, barring a very small ( 1/3 of a tasting glass) red wine with dinner on 2 evenings with dinner, while at the folks farm.
I confess though not managing being under 800 cals much in past 2 weeks. It is school holidays here. I got busy in the week leading up to the holidays, my tonsillitus turned into a nasty cold, which knocked me flat for a couple of days.
Very hectic here and pretty much crashing into bed once now 10yr old, (yes birthday celebrations in there too) was asleep.
Other factors impacting on the personal front, preparation for family court matters, been to the country to stay with my dad (78) and step mother, doing the grandparent visit.
Mary-Belated birthday wishes to Jovis for his 65th. Well done on the weight loss, and pat on the back from your Dr too!
Well done on the pizza night Heather, and weight off.
The Ninja chicken warrior story sounds great! We have 3 chooks that free range in our suburban yard. They lay daily which is great. Currently more eggs than I know what to do with!
Allie glad to hear your bruising is going down. I’m glad too that the injuries were not any more substantial. The brain fog you describe, does not dampen or impede your talent at writing!
Hello what a lovely way to celebrate your Mum. Great work on the good eating /drink choices. Have fun at the shack.
Bluebell- I’m sorry about your daughter’s core beliefs about her dad’s death. It must be heart breaking for you too.
EC hope you too are recovering.

The beach is my healing place, it rejuvenates my soul. Living on the west coast of Australia, I am lucky enough to live within 30 mins drive to the Indian Ocean, it is Spring here now, but soon it will be warm enough to be at the beach for daily swimming and beach walks. Child now to father for a week, I return to work in a couple of days, so a bit of time to myself now. So I will be in more regular contact.

Thank you all for the well wishes , I’m catching up on posts, I hope all are well as can be considered. Condolences Lee on the passing of your dear Aunt too.

I know much more has been mentioned, I hope I am not appearing insincere in not acknowledging the deep and emotional content of messages here. I’m sorry, that is no reflection of how I actually feel. Just been a struggle at this end but nothing I couldn’t manage with early nights and eating well. Anyway Happy Sunday to you all.

Much love, missed you all

Searching rockpools

Hello again, Searchingrockpools….wow your life is hectic…it’s much easier for the likes of me…retired…you are so busy…well done for sticking with it. I find it difficult to reply to everyone too…I think we can be forgiven for not commenting on everything!

I had my wine with my favourite programme last night and as today is 1st October, I am hoping to take part in Stoptober, or Sobertober, wherein no alcohol WHAT SO EVER is imbibed. Fingers and everything you can manage crossed for me please. lol.

Nothing else to report really, just keeping on keeping…Jovis thanks everyone for their best wishes.

Love to all,
Nonna Mary
xxxx

hello dear mates
likewise, not hiding…just life!!!
I do love that we are more than just a support for physical health group here!
Mary….belated wishes to your amazing man….and I agree with you and Allie re aging…it is, after all a privilege….my own dad died at 60….way too young and missed out on all those grandchildren he would have loved….so every year older is a blessing!
Lee…sorry to hear of more family losses
Heather and wonderful wife…chooks are the best!! (my OH reckons he has built more chook pens than gardens in our many years (and many house moves) together…we currently only have the border collie and a very vocal cat (as well as the resident possums, wallabies and pademelons that eat any veggies we try to grow)..but I do love poultry…at one time owned about a dozen hens, several ducks and seventeen geese (including a blind gander!)

I’m healing but a little overdoing it atm as in Melbourne with family…helping one son move house…another recently done so and this week helping out with grandchildren for school holidays…..all of which means a little behind with work deadlines ….but we always manage so I am refusing to stress (except perhaps in my dreams)

BSD wise…I think all as good as possible…the scales are moving VERY slowly but loving the loose fit on many articles of clothing, so all good ….and while a little unable to track food in family chaos am just opting out of the “extras” so think all is fine

will be in and out of wifi access this week …but love to you all…..it’s a journey….thankfully shared!

Happy October 1st, everyone! It’s wonderful to read such inspiring posts
today, and I’ll be back later to address one and all. However, I’m
a little pressed for time today, so I just dropped by for a quickie to ask
if anyone would like to join me and post any goals for the new month?
I’m feeling more and more confident with maintenance, but I have a bit
of the “what next?” going on in my head, so I think I would like to
aspire to doing some research on autophagy, and attempt some fasting
of more than the intermittent 16/8. I’m fascinated by Esnecca’s experience
of “euphoria” on an extended fast. Have any of you tried this, and I would
really appreciate your experiences, my friends! Now, here comes my
admission of shame….About 12 yrs. ago I took up smoking again, and
I have been unable to quit. I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (enlarged
heart) 2 years ago, so I know the risks here. But every time I even begin
to think seriously about it, it only seems to cause me to chain smoke
at the very prospect! I know that this is imbecilic behavior. My DR.
is of course not too happy, but tells me that cutting down never works,
and that I simply have to pick a day and go cold turkey. Well, I feel
better for sharing this.

Allie
I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! Back later,

Allie, Allie, Allie,….thank you for sharing your ‘naughty’ secret with us. I have said many times before…we are all addicts of one sort or another. I used to smoke! I started when I was 15, then stopped at 23 to have my babies…then started again when I was 32! What was wrong with me? 16 years ago (I was then 44) I went to the Doctor with a chest infection. He asked me about my parents…I told him my father was dead at 62…Emphysema and Heart attacks….Mom was still alive at the time, but was living with COPD (Emphysema again). He asked if I smoked and I said yes. Then he looked at my records…wiped his hand over his face, looked at me with a weary eye and asked “Are you stupid? You have had 3 chest infections in 5 months and your parents both had breathing diseases! Why do you smoke?” I was a little shocked to say the least. I can’t remember what I said, but I left the surgery with my tail between my legs.

As I passed a bin I took the pack of ciggies out of my bag and threw them away. A few weeks later we were going out and I knew people would offer me a cigarette, so I told Jovis….”I may have one, but I am not going to start buying them again.” Every time I was offered one I said, “Oh thank you, but not right now, I will have one later.” Later never came. 16 years later and I have never even contemplated having one. I had ‘tried’ so many times to cut down, but it never worked. I have always said, giving up was easy….not smoking again was harder!

You have the most wonderful outlook on life. You are strong and brave and have given up so much! When you are ready, you will stop smoking too. I know you will and I will be here to hold your hand, offer some tea and understand exactly what you are going through. Don’t be so hard on yourself, Nicotine is a very powerful drug. It takes a lot to overcome it.

Lots of love
Nonna Mary (ex smoker)

Good morning friends – a flying visit….

Well, stayed the same again. I fell off the wagon a bit on Friday and Saturday and demolished half a loaf a bread. Paid the price and spent 6 hours yesterday morning in and out of the bathroom. I think I’ll have a fast day today and have a light evening meal… give my guts a rest!

Allie – I gave up smoking just over 2 years ago. I vape! But I would like to stop that now. I couldn’t go back to smoking now and it never bothers me at all. However vaping… I vape more than I ever smoked so I’ve just replaced one habit with another. I’m not sure how “bad” vaping is for you… but it’s better than smoking I guess.

Right, best get ready for work, so see you all soon.

Loves xxxx
Kazzzzii

Hi gang
Oh Allie you have already overcome so much, and done so much, you will quit when you are ready and really want to.
There is shame attached to the now antisocial habit isn’t there. Once upon a time all the interesting people at parties and events were the smokers… Well I told myself that!
I’m pretty impressed I was reading in another thread yesterday about your total weight loss, that in itself is an achievement!

I know it isn’t about the numbers on the scales really, it’s the lifestyle, and longevity we are affording ourselves and our family/loved ones/ pets etc.
I’m an addictive type, smoker (that doesn’t smoke- I still want to though but haven’t since 2016). I’m a drinker too, on the dry mainly except for 3 occasions since Doing BSD 800. Actually since coming across CanadaLiz’s first post on this thread perhaps a month ago. That and reading the posts of our fellow travellers and our struggles brought me to my sobering senses. As recently as last night I’m tossing up whether I could just have a nice glass of red while I’m watching some drivel on tv. I was firm with myself, and made a pot of tea. Tea/coffee at night doesn’t keep me up;probably burnt my adrenals out years ago.
So every day is a struggle, for all of us on some front.
I’m on a slight downer and not shifted my fat arse out of bed today despite it being an absolute ripper of a beuatiful sunny day outside. Not sure what is driving it. So another reason to be glad I didn’t down a bottle of red last night!
Lets face it, no one checking on me, or to be accountable to at home last night, I wouldn’t have had 1 glass… it would have been the whole 750mls. And then as we all know, the subsequent absent minded grazing/ or to be honest scoffing of anything not tied down. So PHEW!

Oddly today I am feeling hungry with pangs, I don’t usually feel too hungry, and have been eating mostly 2 meals a day lunch and dinner. I usually start the day off with a cafe flat white on my way to work. I ate natural yoghurt with plums, and slivered almonds. Two cups of tea so far today. So guessing my protein is down.

Anyway bruised battered mottled army of fellow travellers, I must get out of this spot, and move into the daylight. Need to get to the bank before it closes.
Oh well 1 more day and I’m back at work, so perhaps that is the go slow today!
Cranking up to get out of my house clothes, ohh really do i have to put on a bra… It’s one of those days!

Alright I will check in later, feeling the need today with my old glum bum mug on today!
Well my lovelies Searching rockpools

PS Allie autophagy? I googled it Cellular level breakdown of nutrients, or is it more pertaining to fasting?

Hello everyone. Allie, I like the idea of setting goals. I am aiming to lose 14 lbs before Christmas…I know that is 12 weeks and with my slow loss I think it is possible. In total so far I have lost 18 lbs since the beginning of June, but I didn’t stick strictly to the rules until July.

Searchingrockpools, I too have an addictive personality. I am hoping to get addicted to being healthier! Well done for keeping to this WOL. You sound like you have it sorted.

We seem a little sparse on the ground here at the moment. Hopefully everyone will be back soon. Lots of love to everyone.

Nonna Mary
xxxx

Good morning (8:00am) friends!
Mary, with coffee mug in hand, I just finished reading your post.
The lovely things you had to say have made my eyes well up. You
have the extraordinary capacity to see right into my soul, and provide
the perfect words of help and support. Your depiction of the lunkhead
Dr. who suggested that you were “stupid”, as well his exasperation with
you was a vision brought to life in your words. I hope that you now
have a Dr. who is less dismissive and treats you with more respect!
I shudder to think what my reply might have been in similar circumstances! 🙂
Your Christmas 12 week goals seem totally achievable, and we will all
help you to achieve them!

SearchingrockpooIs, thank you for your kind words, as well. I really
appreciate them. I’m happy to see you back. What a very busy week
you’ve had, but I hope you really enjoyed the break. Having to appear
in family court on behalf of your son sounds terribly stressful. My
sister went thru that repeatedly, with a “deadbeat dad” who thought
a better use of his child support was to spend it on bags of cocaine.
He was a totally amoral pig who before his death at the hands of
a drug dealing gang in a (blessedly) different part of the country, had
done irreversible damage to his son. I hope that you don’t have to
contend with as dramatic a situation as that. Very extreme! Painful!
Autophagy, as I understand it thus far, is a process of cellular cleansing
accomplished thru fasting. There is good research out there that it
may reverse the aging process and be instrumental in avoiding
Alhzeimers. But, I have more research to do before I fully understand
it, so I’ll let you know what I discover.

I’m working my way back thru the posts.

Love you both,

Allie

Sobertober, Mary? P*E*R*F*E*C*T* !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

Hi Awesome support crew!
Yes Mary…I’m hoping to get addicted to healthy living or perhaps more helpful, exercise?
Thanks for the support. Thankfully it is not custodial matters Allie, that your sister endured. Just the financials at this moment!!!

But on a hopefully lighter note…
Can I join in with a Christmas weight loss goal too?
I started my weight loss journey (this time) on 13 Aug 2017, my BMI was 30.1 and I weighed 96.4kg (212.5lbs) , but this morning 02.10.17 my BMI is 28.4 and I weighed in at 90.9kg (200 lbs). So perhaps I will aim to be 85kg (187.3lbs) by Christmas? That is a weight loss goal of 5.9kg or a bit over 13lbs.
Saying this out loud and in print is a bit scary…
But I guess it makes us accountable. I might just put this goal on my bathroom mirror!

Well team, drinking my tea, early start tomorrow goal is to clean up my house, mow the lawn, and try to get stuff in order. Another declutter coming up this coming weekend. Clearing out the old stuff, literally that potentially holds me back… well that’s the current psycho babble isn’t it!
Must away.
Searching rockpools

Yes sobertober…I’m in! too
Feeling like a copy cat!

Hello troops , well a lot has been happening here , good to read all the posts and catch up with it all .
Searching Rockpools , do hope you’re feeling a lot better after your day in bed , think sometimes our bodies as well as our minds need a bit of extra rest .
You did a great job keeping away from that red , most especially as you were alone , would have been easy to succumb , hearty Congrats 👏👏👏 Your plan to declutter is a great one , clear out the old to make way for the new is the way to go . All the best with the upcoming Family Court matters too . 😘
The beach is my healing place also 🗺nothing really compares .

Allie you have been so strong on the weight loss front , I’m sure when you decide to give up those cigarettes , you will just do it ! I feel the time is getting very close 😊
My goal for this month is to lose 7 pounds , 3.175 kilos to be exact , so that’s my challenge for the month .
I promise to keep sober in ‘tober , but it won’t be quite dry ‘ tober , as we have a couple of Family Birthdays this month , and I know I be having a glass on both occasions , but apart from those days , I intend it to be drysobertober .
So good luck to all for the October and Christmas Challenges , I’m going to focus really hard on my October weight loss , adhere to BSD , and re evaluate at the end of the month .
Will catch up tomorrow ,
Love H 66 . Xx

Hello 66, I see that you have returned from the shack, and from the
beach. You sound relaxed and energized from the change of scene,
and ready to set an Oct. weight loss goal for yourself. I really
love Mary’s concept of “Sobertober’, though we must make allowances
for the celebrations that enrich our lives, right? If we decide to
celebrate my birthday in a few weeks, I’ll certainly be allowing for
prosecco fueled toasts, and perhaps a tiny tin of caviar. My toes
practically “curl up” in bliss when I eat the stuff! It’s a once a
year treat…I don’t much like to share, either! 🙂
That’s a fascinating dream about joining a challenge. It looks
like it’s going to be a popular one.
I had to marvel at the fact that although you are 3/4’s around
the world from me, we were having exactly the same thing for
dinner one night, i.e., wild salmon and spinach! That’s about
as healthy as it gets, omega 3 healthy fats from the salmon,
and spinach is a powerhouse of nutrition. I hope you enjoyed
it as much as I.

See you tomorrow, with bells on!

Love,

Allie

Good morning lovelies

I’ve caught up on posts and I too will join you with goals. I have a fairly clear month until the end of October so I plan to lose 9 lbs. If I can achieve that, I will be 17 stone by the end of the month. I dug the Michael Moseley book out again and re-read some of it to give myself a kick up the bum! I also googled autophagy as I’d never heard of it before. It’s interesting reading. There are different levels of fasting and eating once a day is one version. Some people go 5 days! Like you Allie, I’d like to research further. Thing is though, I just love eating a delicious meal but I could manage once a day I think.

Good luck Nonna Mary on your weigh in this morning. I eagerly await your post!

Searchingrockpools – everyone has to have a duvet day sometimes! I hope you feel better today?

My thoughts go out to my friends across the pond in light of the horrific, senseless crime committed on Sunday in Las Vegas. News of which only just started to filter through to us yesterday. Words fail me. Isn’t it bad enough to endure natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes, for example? I hope everyone and their friends and families are safe.

Love and hugs to you all.

Kazzzxxxxxxx

Morning all,

Well no loss this week, but no gain either so I am happy! I know there were times last week when I wasn’t strict enough with myself, and Jovis birthday, so at least I know the reason.

I would love to take credit for the Sobertober idea, but it belongs to Macmillan Nurses who advocate Stoptober…it just seemed logical to be Sobertober. So far so good. Hope you can all manage it, but it you have a special day, don’t be too hard on yourself…I always think of the people who said no to dessert on the Titanic and then didn’t make it. Life is short!

I have been fasting for 24 hours and am waiting to go into Ketosis…I thought it would be easy, but no short cuts for me obviously lol.
Going to fast again today until 7 pm when I have be break fast…get what I did there? lol. I am also ramping up the exercise…ie. doing some lol. I am such a lazy biatch…but today I have got hot and sweaty (which I hate, I would much rather be cold, I am a January baby).

Take care out there and remember someone loves you and you deserve it!

Lots of love Nonna Mary
xxxxx

Hi fearless warriors of weight and healthful lifestyles! Hope the scales were a happy event Mary!

Thanks for the support gang, shrugged off the bed covers today, ran some errands, none related to housework…oops!
But had an eye test, cholesterol showed up, but it doesn’t usually in my bloods..Might need to go back to GP. Early signs of cataracts too Boo!!

As serial glasses breaker, loser I ordered 2 pairs at the markedly increased prescription. Ahh the joys of aging…

I’m about to go to my fortnightly quiz night at the pub. Which as I have mentioned before involves usually wine, and tight arse Tuesday steak night with chips/fries.
I will be tested as it is my first outing for Sobertober…

I recall the drinking part last time, after over thinking it for days prior…was not my issue but the hoovering the plate clean was.
I’ve entered the days calories into Calorie King ( including steak and chips and gravy) and it takes me a little over 1000cal for the day.
I’ve only had 125g of fresh blueberries, and 2 white coffees today.
So what do you think?Do I ditch the fries and ask for extra salad that’ll save me about 360cal… I suppose given I have thrown my hat in the ring for the Christmas challenge I can do without the serve of chips… I’ll let you know later on.
No wine, I’m going the fresh squeeze of lime and soda water again.
Hope you are all having nice autumnal/spring days wherever you are.

Determined Searching rockpools xxxoooo

Kazzi, I love Tuesdays, forum wise, because so many have chosen
this day of the week to post, and I always learn something new and
meet new friends!
Thank you for the kind thoughts about the Las Vegas massacre.
My country is in shock and morning since yesterday, when this
senseless act hit the news. I put a candle in the window last
night for all the families this has affected. Everything in this country
has become so grotesquely politicized that the usual suspects
couldn’t even wait 24hrs before jumping out in front of the t.v.
cameras to push their agenda. Whatever happened to compassion
and mercy?
I’m excited that you are joining us in setting goals for Oct!
You can do this! 🙂
Big hugs,

Allie

Searchingrockpools – I think I’d be inclined to go for extra salad but pinch a couple of fries from someone else so you satisfy yourself that way! 🙂

No breakfast, but I did have lamb moussaka for lunch with salad, but I discarded the potato and refused the garlic bread offering that went with it… I’ll not have any dinner tonight, however, there is a pull of a glass of wine happening as tonight is the final episode of Dr Foster! I love nothing better than curling up under my blankie to watch an enjoyable drama with a glass (or 3) of wine! There are debates at work right now as to whether it is a good drama or just plain ridiculous and not the normal behaviour of a doctor I don’t care, I think Suranne Jones is a fab actress and I’m loving it! Escapism! I will settle for a cup of tea in my special, large china mug. I may treat myself to a new china teapot with matching jug this weekend. I think that would help.

Nonna Mary – I’ve stayed the same 2 weeks now but I don’t feel disappointed at the moment as I feel so good and like you my tummy seems to be deflating from the inside. Have you measured yourself? I forgot to do that and still haven’t. I guess I should though.

Am at work, so best crack on…

See you later and have a good evening/rest of the day!

Kazzie

On nutritional ketosis – I just wanted to share a few tools on this
topic that were very helpful to me when I became interested in
the benefits of fat burning vs glycogen in June 2016. There are
a lot of you tube videos, and a lengthy webinar by Dr. Eric Berg on
this subject. Google ” you tube Eric Berg ketosis” if you’re interested.
He has many videos on all aspects of nutrition, metabolism boosting
foods, vitamin deficiencies, etc. When I started researching health
and nutrition last year, I had no knowledge of M.Mosley or the BSD.
When I finally discovered these forums, 90-95% of my weight loss
had already taken place. I quickly realized that my independent
research had led me to devising the same plan for myself! I’ve
been reading these forums ever since, and I hope that I’ve been
able to make some small contribution to them.
Ketosis was one subject that I was intensely curious about,
because I’ve had Chronic Fatique Syndrome for many many years,
and I just wanted to feel human again! I listened to my body
rather than use keto sticks, and knew when I had reached this
state of fat burning and a limitless supply of energy on call at
all times. Dr. Berg suggests that it takes anywhere from 3 days
to 2 weeks to make the switch. Things like an exhausted adrenal
system, elevated cortisol levels, and hypothyroidism are just a few
of the things that also play a role. My anecdotal experience was
about 10 days for me. Not wanted to lose the benefits of staying
in ketosis is the principle reason that I keep my carbs so low, even
after accomplishing my weight loss. Others may be able to consume
50gr and stay in ketosis, but I’m surely not one of them. I have to
stay below 25gr, or I do feel the difference. Just have had to accept
the fact that this is how my particular body operates.
Good luck to you all with your goals for Oct. and beyond! Together
we will succeed…

Lots of love,

Allie

Good grief, Kazz, I meant “mourning”, not “morning”! I’m not
illiterate, after all.
Searchingrockpools, can you tell me what “quiz nite” is, please?
I DO remember your speaking of it a few weeks ago. Let us know
how you fared with your choices! 🙂
Heather, are you out there?
EC, I had a lot of fun googling wallabies and pandemelons. I
used to refer to that area of my body below the navel when I
was obese as my “kangaroo pouch” ! Good riddance, I say!

Wow…I have spent hours researching, intermittent fasting, longer fasts, which food to eat, exercises to do…I am exhausted lol.

This is what I found out….

1) Fasting is good, it helps the body repair itself.

2) Eating low carbs and no sugary carbs (potatoes etc) is also good…it stops overproduction of insulin.

3) Exercise is necessary no matter what diet or way of life you chose, it cannot be ignored, we need to move to keep building strong bones which are the framework for the body etc

4) Sugar is bad, the body does not need sugar. It is totally an unnecessary thing we eat.

5) Alcohol is the Devils work (I knew this already) It damages the Liver, which is capable of self regeneration…but only if not bombarded by alcohol and sugar and bad carbs.

The result is this…I am going to try to continue this way of life, fasting as much as possible and exercising where possible too! I am not going to use sugar (already drinking tea without it yeuk so far) and alcohol is kicked to the kerb. Did you know that if you drink of a weekend, your liver will not recover for up to 7 days, sometimes more because of the other cr*p we do to it.

I am on a proper health kick here. Allie thank you for your information, I have looked at a lot of the videos and whilst he propounds a lot he doesn’t give proper solutions eg…you can eat these, but not too much….define too much! Most of it is common sense, which you obviously have in abundance.

Ok Rant over.

Lots of love
Nonna Mary
xxxx

Extremely interesting, Mary, about ACH taking 7 days to reverse
after a wine indulgent weekend! Thanks for posting it! A great
real time deterrent , isn’t it?

Hello my friends

Allie and Nonna Mary – thank you both for your posts and research. Very interesting reading. Slightly depressing about it taking more than 7 days to recover from a weekend with wine…! I can kid myself no longer! 🙂 Sobertober it is and I did manage to only have one meal yesterday which was lunch. I didn’t miss not having dinner last night as too much on tv to keep me snuggled on the sofa! It’s a relief to know I can get home from work, dog tired and not have to start cooking! In the past, that’s when I’d turn to something on toast because I couldn’t be bothered! I did have 8 mixed nuts to chobble slowly on whilst watching the Bake Off and a pot of tea!

See you all later peeps…

Kazzeeee xx

Morning all

What a clever lot you are. Will be sitting down at the weekend to read about fasting. I am managing to get to lunchtime without food now but do need my coffee with cream to get going!

Have been struggling with my appetite and getting back on the wagon….
I think I was a bear in a previous life and so my default autumn setting is laying down fat stores and hibernating!

Definitely feeling the cold more now there is less of me and salads for lunch just ain’t cutting it at the mo. Soup isn’t satisfying me, so I’m looking at re-heated leftovers for next week. If I plan my shopping and week properly it should work. Maybe dinner at lunchtime will work for me. Going to look through the recipe book for ideas. I’m kind of bored with food at the minute, probably because I’ve sat with the same things since May, so need to get inspired again.

Got my long day in good old London Town today. It tops off with a meeting 4pm to 8pm so I’m trying to mitigate hunger and cheating opportunities! (The food emporiums along the kings road are tempting!)

So, it has to be a sandwich today (with low carb bread) with some lovely roast beef and tomatoes to pick at. A protein bar to avoid biscuits at the meeting and then head down to the tube and home to an omelette with roasted veg. Well that’s the plan anyhow….

Loved ninja chooks Heather. Your wife has a great way of writing. I could visualise the scene!!

Really first world problems though when I think of the heartbreak in Las Vegas at the minute.

Happy Wednesday everyone xx

Hello all
I have read through a lot of the posts on here with admiration for what you are all achieving!
I have been following 5.2 for a couple of years now and have lost almost 2 stone. Now I need to lose another 12 lbs. What is holding me back is alcohol! White wine to be precise which varies from 1 bottle to three a day depending on stress levels. How did it happen!! I also am now on a quit smoking program through the NHS and my counsellor comes tomorrow. Eek, it is all not going too well a the moment so reading you experiences has given me hope, and I cannot say how much I appreciate that.
At 66 and until a few years ago very healthy eating and into exercise, I am now yuk…..fingers crossed if I stay on here I can turn things around. Pray, pray, pray.
Thanks all for listening.
Solange
(thought that user name sounded cool!)

p.s. Meant to say food is not the problem (most of the time). I don’t have a sweet tooth at all. Yes, there is a God.

hello from sunny (yes, truly…was snow on “my” mountain when I left home at 6am last Saturday…but here in Melbourne its been a truly balmy Spring day and full moon to boot!)

Welcome Solange (I have a feeling that that was the fictional name my favourite author, Drusilla Modjeska used for her own character in her semi biographical book about her mother!!)

Allie..best of luck with the nicotine…my dad was a post POW smoker and always hated the fact….managed to give up for a few years after hypnosis…but as I’ve mentioned before, died way too young!

Mary…you are on a mission!!! go girl!
….I’ve been catching up on all the other posts…it’s so good to see everyone still so committed…I’m still in here!

Once again, with family commitments over here I’m more treading water…but not going backwards!!. Rib is slowly healing so hoping to be back walking briskly (no running for a while!) in the near future

Love to join the Christmas challenge…I’ve been see-sawing between 75/76kg for a few weeks and my aim is to get to 70 by Christmas….eventually to …….dare I name a number? 65? 60?

Allie: re the pademelons, wallabies, possums and all other “browsing mammals” as they are (mostly) fondly referred to in our household…as they’ve just obliterated all our post winter brassica bounty, they’d better act really cute or else!! (btw glad your pouch is a thing of the past…they’re really best for offspring!!…apparently bilbys have a backward facing pouch)….Australian marsupials are endlessly fascinating even to us locals~

home Saturday, so shall be back on track (though to be honest, I think I’m doing OK over here, just unable to check esp re calories as while BSD friendly choices, has been “on the hop” a lot)

Wow you guys have been so busy doing your research. I’m a bit lost Allie with the surplus energy bit. Is that as a result of fasting and ketosis?
Also, how do you know you are in ketosis without using sticks, as that sounds really fascinating. I have sometimes wondered when i fast accidentally mainly, when too busy or too stressed to eat that I still feel fine, after powering through some hunger when I’m too busy etc; but I didn’t realise it was a thing until reading here. Clearly I’m still a babe in the woods so to speak on this journey. I’ve downloaded a high intensity interval training workout from, fitness blender. I’m just needing to brush away the procrastination so I get on with it! Might be a good opportunity for a walk around the river tomorrow too. So like you say Mary exercise is something we really need to keep doing.

The alcohol taking 7 days to clear out of the liver…ouch!

Well happy to report I have still had no alcohol in October!
Allie, Quiz night is essentially a trivia night competition. It is held at a local pub. It is just an excuse to catch up with a bunch of friends, have dinner drinks and laughs etc.

So the lowdown on dinner last night… I drank soda with fresh lime, and had the steak, didn’t order extra salad,I gave 3/4 of my chips/fries to one of the younger guys. Hi to all, sorry brain dead fter first day back at work after a wek and a bit off. Slack hey!

Well my dear fellow travellers, hugs to all keep up the good stuff!
Searching Rockpools xxoo

Hi, Searchingrockpools! Hopefully you’re tucked up in bed now,
but I’ll do my best to try and straighten out the confusion I’ve
created re fasting and ketosis! 🙂 Keep in mind that I’m a completely
right brained person (creative, intuitive), and science and logic
aren’t my strong suit….I see these as two different subjects. Fasting
leads to the regeneration of new, healthy cells in our bodies, believed
to slow aging and possibly prevent Ahlzeimers, etc. Ketosis, on
the other hand, is a process where the body converts to burning
fat stores as the principal energy source, rather than glycogen.
By keeping carbs low, you don’t have glycogen to burn, and can
access a limitless supply of energy. The reading I’ve done thus
far indicates that it takes 3 -14 days to convert to this highly
efficient system. How quickly this is accomplished is dependent
on a lot of other things, the state of your adrenals, thyroid, liver,
etc. I never invested in ketosticks because I had read that they
were rather unreliable, long term. People that choose to be on
a KetoDiet (which differs somewhat from the BSD) use the 20gr
net carb figure. Even though I don’t do Keto, I use this number
because my logic at the time was that doing this all but guaranteed
that I would achieve a state of ketosis. It took me about 10 days,
but I didn’t have proof of this in any scientific sense, but the upsurge
in energy was dramatic, and I also had somewhat of a metallic
taste in my mouth. This latter state of affairs abated rather quickly,
and I’m not at all aware of it now. There are a lucky bunch of folks
that can achieve this on 50 gr, but I’m too insulin resistant to be
one of them. Now that I”m 12lbs. under goal, I’m looking at how
much carb latitude I have to not kick me out of ketosis. When I
go as high as 35gr I notice a drop in energy, but again I have no
scientific basis for that conclusion apart from how I feel. Jason
Fung has written a book on the benefits of fasting called “The
Obesity Code” which may be of interest to you. He’s also done
a lot of you tube videos. I’m sure someone will come along with
more knowledge to share if you’re still confused. I hope this
helps!
I’m really proud of you for your choices on Quiz nite! It sounds
like great fun.
Have a great day,

Love, Allie