This time of year is always a time of reassessment and regrouping … everything here talks of renewal and the start of a new school year .
So I always see September as a reboot when I clear out any bad habits that sneak in . For me it is overindulgence on dairy fats and nuts and I can no longer pretend it’s not doing any harm because a few extra kilos have crept onto my bum and belly !!!
I am good at telling myself it’s ‘healthy’ so it’s ok but the calories mount up and I have to go back to checking more carefully . So my pledge is to sort that out !!

If you too see this post summer time as a good (re) starting point than feel free to join us ! Our lovely Aussie friends will be contemplating the Spring which is another time of renewal .

Sunshinegirl should be checking in pretty soon.

Remember we are not just a ‘diet forum’ We are here to support each other whatever the struggles and we have seen that they can be really tough . Be assured that you can shout out to anyone of use at any time.

Please join us and let’s make this a positive time looking forward !
Wendy, SunnyB and sunshinegirl xxx

I am not going to post the list yet as it is getting a bit long ! I will wait to see who checks in and start another list for the September reboot as lots of people on the list haven’t reappeared . I always live in hope that they will come back .

I am going to check out more recipes . I really like divalicious for simple low carb recipes

https://divaliciousrecipes.com/

Also Melissa Sevigny’s recipes from “I breathe I’m hungry ”
https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/

and of course http://www.dietdoctor.com

Hi Wendy, thank you, I’m in! I rebooted over the weekend and had Friday and Saturday completely on plan, yesterday was completely out of my control due to a prior engagement but today I’ve been on plan and have some tandoori spiced chicken in the oven as I type which I’m serving with some homemade raita, a minute teaspoon of mango chutney, cauliflower rice and mange tout. I feel in control and quite zen at the moment which is surprising as yesterday’s family gathering has made me feel terribly sad (damn depression) and that would normally be a massive trigger for me to emotionally eat

Let’s do this and remember be gentle to yourselves x

Lauren x

Well done Lauren ! Just keep going. Great to hear you are feeling more upbeat. I remember your telling us about difficult family gathering. Well done for surviving that xx

Hi Wendy and Lauren,

Just checking in, read everyone’s posts which are so inspiring and shows nobody knows what others are going through so it’s brilliant everyone here is so kind and supportive and I hope things improve.

Been sticking well to the woe but struggling as feel hungry for the past week or so and not for good things either but sticking with it and lost and put on the same lb this week, which has made me a bit sullen but I think it’s only cos I’m so close to the next stone bracket and the end of the holidays. Hubby is like a machine doing really well and churning out those lbs.
Still can’t get my fibre up past 13-15g and that’s even using psyllium husk but everything else is pretty good.

Here’s to another week, hope you have a good one xx

Hi Onestep nice to meet you!

You’ve probably already been told this by someone else, I’m just coming back after a long break, but things like chia seeds are great for fibre – I struggle to get mine past 15g most days if I’m keeping carbs ultra low but chia seeds are great sources of fibre and so are beans/pulses if you can fit them in to your carb or calorie counts. There’s also a supplement called Optifibre you can get, it’s completely soluble and dissolved in hot water or coffee doesn’t taste of anything, and you can do the same with inulin powder – just stir a spoonful into your tea or coffee, doesn’t taste of anything and both are minimal calories/carbs for almost completely all fibre. I think if I remember right a teaspoon of each was about 20 calories, 0.7g carbs and 8.8g fibre

Worth a thought anyway x

Hi all
Had a week where the weight wouldn’t shift just kept yo-yoing up and down it it’s finally started moving again over the weekend. Probably to do with the double birthday celebration last Monday even tho I tried to choose the best thing on the menu.
OH has been away yesterday and today at a football match so have been feeling lonely, I have no family here and covid doesn’t really go with socialising with acquaintances.
Had a good moment earlier, when I was on SW earlier in the year I used to treat myself to 1 bar of orange club a day, I would buy a multipack and hide them. When cleaning I found 3 left hidden that I had forgotten about. I never thought I could forget chocolate but I had and have to say that I haven’t missed it one bit whilst following this woe.

I suppose that didn’t quite make sense saying I had no family here but there was a family double birthday celebration, it was OH’s Dad and 4 year old nephew.

Thanks Lauren it’s nice to meet you too and thank you that’s really helpful, tried the chia seeds in all sorts but I’ll give those others options a try thank you, I hope it’s great to be back x

Hi Elle-mae sounds similar to my week, minus the birthday celebrations, but fantastic on forgetting about chocolate that is some win, one I don’t think I’ll get 😀

Hello. Amz here, checking in.
My weight climbed the past 2 days but I’m looking more at the long haul so I kept on task with my food.
After 2 workouts last week, my body was so sore that I had to take 2 days off, lol. But I did complete my video for the day, along with my darling daughter. (She griped at the beginning but I could tell she was into it be the end, hehe).
Today I made some stuffed peppers. I put in sweet onion, mushrooms, chicken, collard greens, and cauliflower rice, all carefully measured, of course, and topped them with pepper jack cheese. I thought they were delish, but my family were not fans. They ended up eating nachos. *Sigh*

Your stuffed pepper recipe sounds lovely Amz x

RubyG and hubby still here, just a bot quiet on the forum as life is a bit chaotic again.
Welcome back Lauren 🙂
Hope everyone else is OK, enjoying family meetings in some cases, or coping with new lockdowns and other catastrophic events which seem to be occurring almost daily.
We are more-or-less maintaining at the moment, but had a toasted sandwich while out on Sunday – within an hour hubby was ravenous! I upped the intake of milk kefir to help the gut biome cope with the carb load, and the next meal was straight back to low carb, but it was an eye-opener.
We are away from home and the scales here are iffy at best, showing me 10st something for the first time in a decade, and while I’d love to believe them I know I have not lost half a stone since weighing on Friday last week!
Re. food – I forgot about a courgette on the allotment for a week, so we are having stuffed marrow for supper tonight 🙂

Have a good week all!

Reboot you say Wendy?!?!?! ABSOLUTELY!! I am ready! Really ready, and committed to 4 weeks proper Fast800 and finding the zone again.
I have completed my Marathon (literally – ran for 5 hours, its a really reeeeeeally long way!) and i’ve managed to turn 40! SO all excuses are over, I’ll keep running but without the ‘fear’ of a looming big race and a “need” to eat more than my body really wants! I’ve been spoilt over the past week with birthday celebrations, remained carb aware although off plan quite a lot. On the up-side, i never want to look at Unicorn cake ever again, even the smell of it!
So here I am, sipping my black coffee, not dwelling of food and what will be ‘tasty’, I have meals planned and I’m going to focus on being well, happy and enjoying treats other than food…… I’ll be fuelling my body with good nutrition, no snacks, plenty of water.
Really quite excited to feel like im back in the place to get some progress and hopefully drop a good bit of weight. I mean, running has to be easier if i could be a wee stone lighter.
I havent fessed up to standing on the scales….not sure i could take it. I’ll stand on Friday, get hubby to note it, then he can just record the pounds dropped every week! Still living in hope of seeing 10st something one day!!

Glad to be back, I’ll catch up with everyone I’m sure.

Julz

Amz, great that you have been exercising, could be the reason the scales have blipped upwards, while your journey recovers. Wise to look at the big picture… I find daily weighing a good way to help keep me focused (doesn’t always work 🤭) but it is the big picture that is most important.
Julz, well do on the marathon and turning 40, esodvislly as you managed to keep some carb control, whichbis amazing!
Ruby, maintaining is no small feat, especially when away from home. Learning from unplanned carb intake is really useful, helping you to understand what happens when you indulge.
Ellie, onestep and Lauren, good to see you still travelling with us this week.

Okay, well weigh in this morning was pleasantly not as awful as I’d feared. So I’m starting my reboot 3.2lbs away from target weight… had expect it to be more like 5lbs. Given this situation, my plan for the rest of this week, is two fold … 1) to stop grazing between meals (these little ‘snackets’ have been mainly on nuts and little bits of cheese) and 2) to get better control of fat intake, which has been sneaking upwards. Using this as an initial strategy, with a view to returning to full on counting cals and carbs next week.

Hope there will be more of our ‘crew’ climbing aboard for a reboot and if you are someone who hasn’t posted on the weekly thread before, please feel free to join us too … the more the merrier.

Hi everyone, back after a very hectic week with the family. OMG it was so wonderful to hug my daughter and my 2 grandsons. Left yesterday but not too many tears as we are going to see them in around 5 weeks (fingers crossed).

I could have told you I have been super good and not gained over the week but I accidently sent my weight to Wendy (Wendleg) when it was meant for my daughter. Then because Wendy was the last dialling I made I also managed to send her a 2 minute audio file of me in the car with hubby saying how good I had been until that massive meal on Sunday. Do be careful with the words ‘hey google’ – she is always blo–dy listening. Anyway, after being sort of back on track yesterday I have gained 3.5 lbs in total. That will be gone in a week so not worried. My head is so full of things right now so I’ll not hang around here today. Back in full swing tomorrow.

Keep on keeping on everyone…

Welcome back sunshine girl, glad you finally got to see your family x

PS hi WindyJulz and RubyG x

Hello All. Thank you Wendy for your encouragement. We have had family over from England so the time has sped by. Sinful eating has occured!🤦‍♀️ I will catch up on the posts later – let’s do this!

Hello 😊….everyone is doing fab!! 100% on for the September reboot- I’ve been pretty much on plan since Monday lunchtime and I am currently 7.5 lbs from my goal. We can do this! I have so many different things to do this week, but this WOE is very much needed right now, so that’s right up there on my priorities list!!

Love to all,
Tulip xxxx

Well yesterday was my first day 100% back on plan and it went well!! Popped into the shop on way home from work to get sorted for meals for the rest of the week. And It was the least stressful shop i have done in ages – had my list, only bought fresh mean and veggies, no worries about ‘should i, shouldnt I’ in the naughty aisles, left feeling relaxed and pleased with my bags! Resisted the wee urge for some chocolate after dinner and just had a mug of decaf instead. Excellent!

Woke up today with a migraine which was less useful, dont think its connected, but some paracetamol and an hour in a dark room and I was fine. So far so good today, determined to stick with it and ride out any rough moments.

Good to see you back Lauren. Try your best to use / perceive this WOE to support your mental health and to eat well to feel well. My anxiety has dropped over the past couple days just knowing i am putting myself back in the game and prioritising my wellbeing, this WOE is part of that. I’ll combine with mediation, more disciplined skin care and that sort of thing. Hopefully it help you and you can manage it without going OTT with tracking. Broad principle work.
Lets get through the first few days to the place we know is easier and where we know we will feel good and be on the right track!

Tulip you sound set and ready for September too! We can and we WILL!!

Good to read everyones posts and see how its going. We are in it together!

Julz

Julz it’s strange you say that, I do feel somewhat calmer at the moment and I think being back in control is helping, I just have to make sure I don’t let it become obsessive again. I’m working hard on trying to be kind and forgiving to myself for slipping up, both in my personal life and in my eating x

Yesterday was not great for me. I ended up eating a super carb dinner with biscuits and rice. Some of you know that I hate to throw away food; I was raised poor so wasting perfectly good leftovers is something I cannot stand… however, my family is picky and while they will agree to eat what I make, they often change their minds if they aren’t in the mood for it. It is frustrating! So that is how I found myself chowing down on a dinner that was sure to ruin all the effort I had made in the past week. When I was about halfway through, I realized what I was doing was wrong. I have been trying so hard to clean up my diet and I have even included workouts into the schedule, so it made no sense for me to be sitting here eating something that was just making me feel sick and frustrated. So I threw the rest away and made up my mind that since they were acting like that, I would only cook meals I could adjust to fit this WOE. If they want to add some pasta, rice, bread, etc on their plates, that’s fine by me, but I am not gonna force myself to give up my health just so they don’t have to eat leftovers. Thankfully, the scale this morning was forgiving. 🙂

Well done Amz, there’s nothing wrong with prioritising yourself once in a while!

OPM..you’ve made a great decision. The carb fest will soon be in the distant past and forgotten – just get back on plan. After a couple of weeks off plan ( with family visiting) I am feeling really hungry (carb withdrawal?) But I’ve been good this week – average under 800 cals and 4% carbs…can I last til bedtime?

Hi everyone, back on track. Said I had gained 3.5lbs on my week away but I have now lost all of that so aiming for a new goal. Quick think and check the calendar. Doctors on 17th so I will aim to be another kilo or 2.5lbs. Should be do-able although I am slightly stressed to say the least.

We have decided to sell up and go back to UK. Oh boy, it is so complicated now we are out of the EU and cannot just walk into another country and buy like we did when we came here. We wont be classed as UK residents until we have spent 190 days there so will have to pay all sorts of penalties to get back on the housing market. Not even sure we can now afford that. Good news is our house is on the market for more than we expected so hopefully we will get a bit more to play with. Further good news is it hasnt actually gone on the market yet (paperwork going through takes a few days) and we have 3 viewings over the next few days, Saturday, Monday and now Tuesday as well. Unfortunately hubby is tearing his hair out and thinks it is all moving too fast. Firstly it doesnt mean it will sell fast just because they have people interested, and secondly, it is better than when we were selling in the UK and had NO interests for 12 months and, thirdly, we still dont have to sell.

Things are in motion now so we will have to go with the flow. I am going to lock hubby in a cupboard for a few weeks.

I have been reading your posts and intended to chat with some of you but my head is in an all together different space so will just hover around for a while. Take care everyone and keep on keeping on.

Hi Sunshinegirl, that all sounds very stressful so do just look after yourself and we’ll look forward to chatting with you when you can

Lauren x

SG I am so glad you were able to have a good time with your family and hope the moving all works out well 😁
We are going through a covid scare OH had test this morning, no symptoms but he had been with someone who has tested positive, 🤞he is clear or we won’t be able to visit my daughter on the 10th. Just been for my 2 1/2 mile walk, will have to rethink the route when the weather gets bad as it is along a country lane between fields. I see cows, horses and sheep in the distance is a donkey.
All keep well xx

Amz- well done! Not polishing off leftovers, your own or other people’s, or feeling like you have to leave a clean plate even if you are served too much- these are lessons I reckon a lot of us have to learn….you’ve made an amazing step with that, prioritising your health 😍

SG, my thoughts are with you- moving/ deciding to move….not easy at all!

I’m having a not too bad week getting on plan- as in little to no carbs and lowish cals- today is the 1st day I have managed to get under a 1000 cals…..I find I have to ease myself down to it…..and I am surprisingly full, so 😁
I have been feeling tired tho, but I am not sure that is terribly diet related as so much going on atm….however, I didn’t feed my tiredness with easy carbs like I have been doing for the last few weeks, and took a rest instead….progress.
Love to all 😚😚😚

Happy Friday everyone, stress doesnt seem to be affecting my dieting and I have now lost a further 1lb so 4.5 since Monday. Maybe there is some nervous energy there.

Didnt say yesterday but when the photographer/estate agent was coming out on Wednesday to do the photos our sit upon lawn mower completely conked out. Fortunately, a neighbour came round with his massive machine and did our whole garden in 40 mins. Okay, so now we need a new part of the mower, the belt drive has gone, just needs a new belt. Hubby (who was an engineer) says he cant fix it as the mower has to be turned over. Anyway, went round to the agents yesterday and they said they can come here to do it but waiting for a phone call. No phone call so we will have to go again later today. No good ringing them because we would have to start from scratch explaining to the girl on reception then she would put us through to the parts people, explain again and they would put us through to maintenence. So you see how complicated it gets. If we lived in England we would know exactly what to say etc and we do speak French but it is knowing how the French work. Another reason for leaving. I think I will start a new blog about moving back to the UK and all the trials and tribulations. Maybe a book idea although they go out of date so quickly.

On our way to the tip now to get rid of 16 years of old paint tins and stuff. Then round to the mower people. Besides that I am constantly finding things to clean. Maybe that is why I have lost another 1lb. 🙂

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Hi everyone
Quick covid test update, he is negative so trip next week can go ahead 😁

Elle Mae. Happy for you – super news!

Evening all,

I wondered does anyone have any ideas for a dip for veggies? I loathe hummus, but I was thinking a yoghurt based something but I’m out of inspiration. I’ve got loads of herbs and spices in

Lauren x

Lauren
I made a dip last week with finely chopped gherkins, garlic and mint mixed into Greek yoghurt.

Hi everyone,
I’m feeling a little more optimistic about life today. Our fire was given ‘being held’ status last night and they believe it is unlikely to jump the containment lines now. Such a big relief! My horses arrived home on Tuesday night as well, and it is nice to have them back. I’ve a busy week ahead as I’m off work and trying to get some things done around my property before fall and winter set in. But I will also try to find some time to do some meal planning so that I can eat well once I’m back at work.
Lauren – I make tzatziki to use as a veggie dip and salad dressing. The cucumber in it makes it very refreshing on warm days.
JGwen – glad to see you back and sorry that you’ve had such a rough time with Covid. I am terrified of catching it and getting long Covid as I’ve already had a post-viral fatigue syndrome previously. I’m really worried about how it would impact my ability to keep the farm going on my own. Hope you recover relatively quickly.
S-g – must feel good to have made the decision about moving, even though it is stressful right now. Hope things go as smoothly as they can as you transition back. Beware of reverse culture shock! I’ve had that a couple of times, first when coming home from living in NZ and Aus for a year and then later on after I spent a year of uni in Norway. You don’t always expect it because you think you know your home country, but don’t realize how much living abroad has changed you.

Thank you ladies both good suggestions, arcticfox I’m so glad things are looking a bit more positive for you

L x

Hi all, Elle-mae, phew bet that is such a relief. Arcticfox, so glad the worst of the danger seems to be moving away. People seem to have forgotten about Canada but our thoughts are with you.

Arctic – yes reverse culture shock. I think it is going to be very difficult. England is so crowded and busy that it scares us even now but we will get used to it. I had a massive shock when I moved back from Australia. Landed at Heathrow to snow on the ground and I didnt even own a coat – just a long cardigan and open toed sandals. Also England looked so small and dirty after the wide roads and bright sunshine of Oz. But, you do adjust. Just hoping hubby doesnt change his mind while we are on holiday next month.

Had our first viewing today. It hasnt even gone on the market, no papers signed and not on the net yet. The agent said 1 to 1.30 but closer to 1.30 then turned up at 12.50 and was surprised when I asked them to go for a walk for 10 mins. We have a thing in France called le quinze minute de politesse – 15 mins for politeness. Remember when we first moved here and our neighbour invited us for drinks at 7pm. Like good little Brits we turned up at exactly 7pm to find the lady still with her rollers in. When they say 7pm they mean 7.15. Although that doesnt apply for real appointment but the agent was quite early. Anyway it gave them a few minutes to have a look at our road, the peace and quiet and the river bank.

Weight is down a smidge more and my BG is returning to its normal low readings after having the family over, it had gone up a bit and my insulin was increased from 13 to 18 but will be slowly put down again. Have a great weekend and take care.

Hi everyone !

My week has turned out busier than expected with a few Brit friends calling on me to make phone calls and sort various problems but my September reboot is on track . Weirdly my cravings are less for choc these days than for apples and it doesn’t help that we have 2 trees which have produced loads this year.

I had a bone scan earlier in the week which proved normal so that is a good thing. I have suggested sunshine girl gets a full MOT before she leaves France . She is on the ball . I would be concerned about the accessibility of health care in the UK but I fully understand SG’s reasons for leaving France . Our rustic old farmhouse is here for whenever she misses France ! Hope all goes to plan with the sale SG, hopefully not too quickly though !!!

I have continued logging my meals and recipes which is always key for me to keep on track and definitely no snacking . I have also found a simple way to keep myself focused on something in the evening ..just simple colouring with crayons and pastel chalks . I have very simple needs and limited creativity 😉

Everyone sounds pretty upbeat and motivated which is great and we all know the pitfalls so can commiserate with triggers etc .

Amz you really do have to prioritize yourself as Lauren says . It doesn’t matter what other people think . Don’t allow them to judge you and just do what is right for you .

We have another week before we go off on a little break in a region a couple of hours from here ( a gite on a farm which looks really peaceful with lots of little villages and markets to visit so we can organise our own meals ) Looking forward to that as the summer this year has been very low key with no visitors . Too many changing rules re isolating and tests , what a mess.

I have been compiling the ‘new list’ as the other one was getting a bit long and not everyone was contributing . I am expecting a few more regulars to return though .

Hope the weekend is going well . Take good care everyone xxx

Hi wendleg, Perhaps there is a list somewhere for Lurkers-in Chief. I might be better on that one! Otherwise, can you put me on your new list?

I hope you have a lovely time at your gite. We have just returned from a week at a gite in Picardy/Artois. Fantastic. The only sounds (apart from the odd tractor) was the rustling of the trees, clucking of hens, and birdsong. Food was full of flavour. I hadn’t realised how much I missed France.

Anyway, I have resolved to return to my pre-Covid state – more movement (despite all the non-mask-wearing-Dutch!), and back to basics to reach my healthy BMI range. I shall not go into the horrors of details. Looking forward to being more vocal, once I have properly started walking the walk. Take care.

Ooooh..so lovely to see you back with us caronl ! Of course you can go on the list…wow..love it when people come back ! 💕💕💕
Glad you had a lovely time in France . Take care now you are back in the Netherlands

Hi Wendy
I think I need to join CaroNL on the Lukers-in-Chief list. I am here everyday and read every post – but I haven’t posted for a few weeks (apart from reporting spam posts to JJ 👩)
In Melbourne we are in Lockdown – have been since mid July (except for 10 days “out” in late July) – and that will continue at least til end Sept. So with the end of winter weather and not being able to get out to dinners, friends, concerts it’s been a bit blah 🌼 and haven’t felt that I have anything to post. But please don’t take me off the list Wendy ✍😀
I’m double vaxxed – and we have 60% single vaxxed in Victoria now. Aiming for 70-80 before restrictions ease. Big wave to all in NSW and VIC. Hang in there.
On the plus side Spring has arrived – some beautiful blossom on the nectarine and plum tree – and the weather is getting better – some 20deg days due end of the week.
As for this WOE – I am maintaining – sticking to low carb a lot of the time – but larger portions, an extra couple of squares of the 90% choc – and wine – mean I am not losing – but not gaining either. But never mind. I am more focused on all the positives – and will knuckle down a bit with warmer weather (and swimming, and post lockdown).
Lovely reading everyone’s news. So glad you are safe Articfox, and good to see you JGwen. Wishing you all the best with a rapid recovery. Congrats on your wedding DCT – wishing you a wonderful day. All the best with getting prepped for your sale and move Sunshine Girl – a very busy time for you. Hello to everyone else – too many to name 🌻🌺🌻
And those going to gites! (trying not to turn green!) – enjoy your breaks.
Merry

Lovely to see you checking in Merry ! We are so sad not to be able to get to Australia. Hubby has not yet met his little grandson who is already 2 years old 🙁 My boys are not in lockdown ( they just had a scare which led to a few days lockdown) but they can’t travel to France or the UK right now.

At least you have the Spring to look forward to and you are doing really well maintaining.

I am wondering how Julia/ California Girl is ??? Horrific wild fires there . Hope you are ok, Julia.

Arcticfox, so glad the situation is less critical there but stay vigilant . I know you will xx

I’m taking advantage of a lull in my day to set up the new thread ,folks !!