ooh, thank you, that is good to know xx

Hi all, happy sunny Saturday. Florob, you can add a bit more protein as the 12st 7lbs is more like 79.5 kgs. Still no ill effects from jab, so many people complain and I am sure that it is psychological, you are told you might get something so you do. My husband does, but even he has been okay.

Daughter and I gave ourselves a good talking to yesterday as we have both been creeping up on weight, not much just half a kilo here and there. She decided that as Monday is the 1st of the month she was going to forget about it until then. After a bit of temptation and a lot of thought I messaged her back and told her I didnt want to be another half or whole kilo heavier on Monday and couldnt face a weekend of cheating – yes I mean cheating rather than just not being so careful. Anyway, she agreed with me and we are both down nearly a kilo this morning. Feel so much better about myself and motivated to keep that cellar door locked for the rest of the weekend.

Recipes – the pancetta recipe can also be a great veggie treat if you leave out the meat, maybe add something like stirring in a chopped hard boiled egg just before it goes in the oven. Or vegan if you use vegan cheese – but it really needs the cheese. I love adopting recipes. On that subject I have had a lovely mediterranian salad for lunch. Usual salad like lettuce, tom and cucumber and very red pepper with one slice of parma ham, 40g of feta cheese crumbled, 4 olives, and a warm raspberry and wine vinegar dressing. Frozen raspberries microwaved for 30 seconds, add vinegar of choice and a dash of olive oil. It was so nice.

Husband just signed up to Netflix after I have nagged him for a couple of year. Didnt even consult me!!!! Currently binge watching Bridgerton but honestly I am not taken with it, still a bit Jane Austen but with the sex. Hope it gets better. TTFN.

I’m not convinced by Bridgerton either SG!

My protein calc – 12st 7lbs = 175lbs = 79.5kg

79.5kg x 0.8g per kg = 63g – so actually I’m a bit over what I should be but I’m not dropping it further!

Just watched another Bridgerton and hubby had to keep nudging me awake. Yes the Duke is dishy but not worth the waste of my time. Any recommendations.

Depends what sort of thing you like – Suits is quite addictive and Breaking Bad! If you like historical stuff the Medici series are good

Hi Everyone,
I have been trying the diet for one week now. The recipes are truly amazing. It is a new way of eating as my culture is British Caribbean that has a high starchy base. Just exploring the recipes keeps me interested. However, I must admit that I have much cravings. I try to cope by drinking a lot of water and hot drinks.
I look forward to reading of the struggle that others face so I don’t get discouraged. Truly I am in for the fight.

Welcome aboard Faithlyn, you’re in the right place here for support. It takes awhile for the cravings to die down, but it will happen, likely by the time you get to the end of your second week. Unfortunately, it’s harder for those who formerly had high carb diets, but you’ll find it does get easier. If you find the hunger is too much, opt for a small high fat snack, to help sate the pangs …. a tablespoon or two of full fat yogurt, a small cube of cheese, a few nuts, that kind of thing, eaten slowly to give your body a chance to recognise it’s been given something.

Please keep us posted on your progress and shout out if you need advice or support, someone will respond.

Hi everyone
Just chiming in to the discussion on protein, and the .8g per kg topic, and a thought for the not-so-young amongst us. 🧓👴
I am 64, and have read studies on the protein requirements of older adults. Many studies on this topic are aimed at the under 60s, and that’s where the .8g recommendations came from. However studies including older adults now recommend 1 – 1.2g protein per kg body weight. You can read about it here – and there is a link to the research papers. https://khn.org/news/why-older-adults-should-eat-more-protein-and-not-overdo-protein-shakes/ There is even a recommendation for higher levels of protein again for older adults with chronic disease.
Lovely reading about lots of recipe ideas. 🥩🥣🍓
Merry

Hi Merry

I think I read that in the same article I read about the 55g female thing, nutrition is interesting.

Good to hear you enjoyed the lemon achar Ruby. It does add a zing! 🍋🍋

Hi everyone – just tuning in on the chat.welcome Faithlyn – sounds like you have a great attitude. And Lauren sorry to hear about your foot. How annoying! I have been interested reading about carbs and protein and I have another question re fat. I have been using the new book a lot for cooking and am often surprised recipes say two tbsp oil when I think one is plenty (and reduces overall calories). So for example I use one tbsp oil in Greek salad to make it 200 cals a serve, and have used one instead of two in lentil and feta salad (which incidentally happily serves three rather than two), chicken dhansak (on stove) and the puy lentils and sausages, which says to use two tbsp to fry sausages! I know oil and coconut oil is good for you but for the sake of fitting 800 cals, sometimes in three meals, is it wrong to cut out some oil? Feeling happier today as have been properly on plan this week after a couple of weeks of mucking round and after two months nearly 10kg lighter and fitting all my old clothes!! That and new recipe book definitely giving added mojo.

Hi everyone, the cellar door is firmly locked. Workingftf.. sometimes the oil is essential for the release of certain vitamins and minerals in your food particularly salads which are full of vitamins, some of which cannot be used in the body without the oil reaction. For instance it is necessary to help the absorbsion of vitamin A into the system. There is also some connection with its reaction to vinegar which I cant remember (in this case the lemon juice). However, you are right. One tablespoon will do rather than 2 and if it is for cooking and the product produces its own oil – like sausage, bacon, pancetta, chorizo – then I dont use any oil at all and save around 100 cals in one hit. 1 tablespoon is 120 calories on its own so the salad is only 70 cals, you could have a bit more salad or cheese for that amount and still stay within the 190 cals or even go below to help balance out the days intake. However, dont miss out the oil completely, it is good for you.

Thank you sunshine girl – that all makes sense and was how I hoped it might be. Btw I have also given up on Bridgerton. Jane Austen dressed up (or down) with needless porn. Queens Gambit was great if you haven’t already seen it. I’m also quite hooked on French drama Call My Agent.

Thanks wftf – your name is getting shorter 🙂 I like a good psychological thriller with and good conclusion, hate being left hanging. Currently, not a thriller, but enjoying The Great – love the comedy. Found a TV channel called 5STAR and recording The Disappearance. Going to watch Behind Her Eyes this afternoon. Signed up with IMDb for suggestions and reviews. Have made a note of your suggestions. Wish we’d had Netflix at the beginning of lockdown, seems I have a lot to catch up with.

Thank you SunnyB and others. Happy with your suggestions of snacks. Will try these and keep you informed of my progress. The weather in London was good today so was delighted to be able to go for a jog in the park, encouraged by my son; he watches over me with great concern. He was amused by the support I have received from you so far.

Hi all, that’s me booked in for my first post-diagnosis blood test in 1 week (and a blood pressure check too as it was sky high last time I was at the GP!). That’s me down 2st 1lb so hoping for another couple of pounds this week.
I was lying in bed the other night and felt a protusion which made me a bit concerned. Then I realised it was my pelvis. I haven’t been able to feel the bone for years!

SG – good to hear you are effect free from the jab. I had mine on Thursday and sadly I have not have the same experience! Aches and pains, headaches, nausea and an hour and a half spent in the bathroom in the wee hours of Sunday morning! Not so fun! Still feeling off today!

Lauren – sorry to hear about your toe. I recommend taping it to the one next to it for support. It should ease any strain for you. You’ve also reminded me I need to get back to watching Queen’s Gambit!

I’m a bit of an avid gamer and my partner got her hands on a PS5 this week (I managed to get one a month or so agao) but she suprised me with the new Spider-man game which has kept me occupied while feeling rotten! Still managed a couple of 40 minute walks over the weekend so better than spending it all on the couch!

Back on the exercise bike this afternoon, I’m now doing a video call cycle with a friend twice a week to keep us motivated and if I can get away from the desk I’ll also grab a walk now the fog has finally cleared!

Hi ScottM,

I hear that those who have previously had covid even if they did not have symptoms tend to react to the vaccination, because they already have the antibodies waiting in the wings to go on the attack.

It’s time to set up the new thread !!!

ScottM, I felt dreadful after mine- also spent some time poorly in the bathroom in the early hours. Took me about 6 days to feel back to normal and properly able to exercise, but the 1st 2 days were the worst.
JGwen- I have heard that too, and I did have Covid, back at the end of last March; I was pretty ill, just about managed to stay out of hospital.
Tulip x

Hey all

Checking in after some progress.

Down to 86.7kg from 95 odd on the 23rd Feb. No booze has been the biggest challenge but getting there! Proud I’ve gone this far without slipping.

Big fan of the basics from a cooking point of view. Mushrooms with basically everything. Fajitas minus the wraps is always nice, make some guacamole with just what you fancy.

Well done to everyone pushing ahead with this in the face of work, lockdowns and generally what life throws at you.

Keep on keeping on.

Hi WilLuck …. great progress an incredible result in the time frame … and well done on not slipping. You really seem to be in the groove and finding menu tweaks to keep you interested.

There is a new weekly thread with 2nd March in the title, but a new one will also kick off on Monday evening, with Tuesday’s date in it. Be sure to jump in on one or both of those, so that we’re all updated on your progress.

Have a good weekend.