Thanks guys – I’ve not eaten since 5 yesterday afternoon and I know that that is good for my body. Mentally I feel like I’m punishing myself by withdrawing food so I do have some lunch with me and will eat after around 20 hours fasting.

I do seem to be able to ‘reset’ much quicker than I used to but these binges seem to happen every fortnight or so which isn’t helping. Need to get to the bottom of why and mindfulness is definitely the key I think. I have an app. 10 minutes every day – do you think I can find 10 minutes??

Note to self – work harder at finding 10 minutes every morning!!

Good evening (for me) everyone. Love the smaller size clothes ambitions and successes. I found that I had lost inches about my middle within a week or two of starting. I can only think that a lot of it was bloating so perhaps one day my reflux will go away. I have a bunch of pants that are designed to make one look a size smaller. They do help and the trick is that the front pockets are not loose but are connected to their respective side of the zipper. Enough. They stretch and now the 16s I bought a year or two ago look very loose. The new ones are tight. But I do think they might have been wrongly labelled or cheated on the fabric because having lost inches, and I know I have from other clothes, these new ones should not have been so tight.

Anyway, I can’t wear the 18s any more, they are too loose! Hooray.

Onto matters more serious. This is not a blood sugar issue, but is vital for everyone. Please get your skin professionally checked at least once a year for any possible skin cancers. Thanks to an observant colleague I pointed out a particular mole at my recent check only to have it immediately biopsies and yesterday further excised. It was caught very early but can recur in the same place and I will have to have checks every three months for probably the rest of my life.

Given yesterday’s activities, I did rather overdo the calories with sourdough cheese and capsicum X 2 for dinner followed by a hot chocolate. Came in under 1200 cals, but a long way from the 800. But each day I start afresh whatever has gone on the previous day.

Next clothes purchase will have to be new bras. The tits have been washed once too often and have now shrunk. My favourite bras didn’t go up to size 18 so have not been able to get them for some years. Perhaps this time I can buy the 16s. Other favourite place to buy bras is M&S but we don’t have that shop in Australia. Wonder what size I will be by the time I get back to the UK and go shopping there!

Girls and boys, you are all doing so well. Too many individuals to name but as always we push on and win.

Topic, I too know what a real binge is like and sometimes I seem to “test” myself and just keep on eating! The after mouth is awful both physically and mentally and the guilt makes me feel like a failure. Fortunately it is getting less often and usually I can get back on track the next day as opposed to days and days of overeating.
Keep on keeping on!
X B

Oh, topcac, I do feel for you. I so hate that feeling of once started unable to stop. Good that you shared here, no better place. And it does sound as though stresses have been piling up on you so here’s hoping you can resolve that (perhaps utilising Mindfulness strategies?)
Virtual hugs coming your way. 🙅🙅🙅 xx Marilyn

That’s fantastic, congratulations on reaching your half way point!

Hi all

Am pleased to report another 1 lb down. This is slow but the ship is going in the right direction! When I was away visiting relatives I got fed a couple of times and wasn’t able to avoid pasta so I had a little of that as it was served to me. I did keep off the sugar and whenever I eat more calories than I should, and I do do that more than I should according to the strict 800 rules but without bingeing, which is major for me, then I always stick to low carb foods such as nuts or cheese. My mood is excellent and my thought processes are very clear.

I feel very good. Think this is half way through now and 9 lb down.

Confession time – have to do it – apologies in advance

Self sabotage in full flow yesterday. Had no less than 6 bars of chocolate (Snickers and Bounty) a packet of crisps, a 200g bag of Revels, a 200g bag of salted peanuts, a tube of Softmints and a packet of American Hard Gums (which I don’t particularly like). This is what bingeing looks like. It felt like utter crap and I’ve not eaten anything since (not that I would need to for about a fortnight now!) I got the shakes, felt bloated, nauseous – none of which is particularly surprising.

I’ve tried to evaluate why this happened. Bad day at work – check, not had the result on the scales that I wanted – check, ovulating – check, just being bloody minded about always having to eat the right thing – check check check!

Challenge is the right word for sure.

Today is a brand new day – no mistakes so far – trying to keep busy at work but has to share

Have a good day everyone

TC x

Note to self, down 1.3 k this week so far, .7 k to go to reach weekly target on Friday. Which at this stage is doable as I am loosing approx.3 of a kilo a day.
So focus, stick to my daily plan, and ignore tiredness, and any distractions. Keep at it jan

Morning everyone. Amazed to have dropped 3lbs since Monday morning! I know its the first week whoosh but makes the headaches bearable. I think the fog is starting to clear today, so feeling positive for the rest of the week.

I havent felt hungry but this hot weather is really helping!

Have a great day

Thank you Marsie. There seems to be a lot going on here with many struggling with the carb demon. I love your analogy of peeping around the brick wall and am trying to get an image in my head of what my demon looks like.
I am pleased that the weight gain must have been mainly fluid as this morning the scales show the five pounds have gone so now I need to lose the three I gained before I went away and then head off down the slippery slope towards the next half stone.
Keeping the faith O.D.A.T.
X B

Another pound off so 2lbs in 2 days has put me back to where I was 2 weeks ago but still only a total loss in 6 weeks of 2lbs, still better than gaining over that time. Reduced insulin to 20 units and BG was 5.7 – I cringe when I see that figure but have to remember that ‘normal’ is between 4.5 and 6.5 so I am doing well.

Managed 55 mins in the pool yesterday but probably not today as we had a massive storm through the night and it still looks like rain but should be okay tomorrow. Cant expect sunshine every day.

Breakfast, Greek yog with passionfruit and sprinkle of almond flakes, lunch, ploughmans and dinner will be a frittata. Comes in around 700 calories.

Have a good day everyone.

How’s everyone doing?

I’ve had a very bad few days, it was my birthday yesterday so have various meals out, cake etc. Scales told the tail and I’ve not lost any weight or reached my mini goal. I’ve purposely not gone into the office today as I know there is leftover cake by my desk, hoping that gets eaten today but if it’s still there tomorrow I shall relocate it! I really noticed the effects of the cake yesterday, I could of quite happily slept the afternoon away, very sluggish and lethargic for the first time in 3 weeks!

I’ve been working on batch cooking over the last week, I now have a soup, curry, skinny chilli and cottage pie with cauli mash in the freezer. I found some curry kits which made a lovely Goan curry and I’m going to attempt a lasagna of sorts today using aubergine instead of pasta and no white sauce (I don’t like it so no big deal), I’ve done lots of googling and reading through posts to get some ideas so – there’s quite a lot of easy to follow recipes out there when you look!

Hope everyone is having a better week than me 🙂

Morning EC….good luck with the renos….we are hoping to have the bathroom done later this year, dreading it.

Liz, we were told that it would be very unusual for Joe to get the memory problem again, and so far so good, but he is willing to keep on trying. Bless him, what is he like? So noble, brave? What is the word I am looking for lol

It is a beautiful sunny day here, and already a little warm. I do not do well in the heat and find it difficult to exercise etc, so I am going to have a cup of tea and get half an hour in quick before it gets unbearable.

Thank you all for your support and good wishes. Have a great day.

Nonna Mary
xxxx

Well my little veering off the track yesterday didn’t do too much harm weigh in was 10 stone 4.6 so up a little, total calories 1470, still below TDEE by quite a lot and even below BMR, rather than the planned 1250, including cheese and yoghurt both back on the menu. Protein was a little lighter than I have been doing pre reboot at 48g which I guess makes it a true transition day. Today is now aimed at 1700 cals with 90g protein, and back to double badminton so the bulk of the protein in the evening, with my usual shake, and then meatballs in tomato sauce with vegetables planned. I will try to remember to get my healthy egg salad this lunchtime, rather than having to resort to emergency food again. The 1700 cals is over BMR but still below TDEE particularly for my double badminton days, and also isn’t far off what I usually eat on those days.

I started BSD in June last year so am crediting it with the bulk of my success, I have never found another way of eating so easy to follow, as once I had the carb monster locked away I had no problems sticking to it (or at least sticking to it often enough, nobody is perfect).

Tea is fine, herbal, black tea and green tea are all allowed, and green tea and herbal tea can have other nutritional benefits. When you have started the way of eating your taste buds change, and you will probably find like i did that the chocolate craving is satisfied by a touch of the good stuff (dark choc, square or two at more than 70% cocoa, raw cacao powder, cocoa nibs) which are still frequently found in my diet.

Thanks Esnecca that sounds like a good recipe. I’m not really a meat eater, I do eat chicken and fish, but when it comes to cottage pie and Bolognese I do eat meat versions. I certainly think mixing the stuff with herbs or spices will help. At the moment I’m finding it pretty bland maybe because I do like pickled foods, especially herrings and cucumbers, which can be very vinegary.

Anyway, I’ll experiment today although I believe you need to take introducing fermented foods slowly otherwise they can cause problems.

I have almost put last week’s disaster behind me now and am just a smidgeon of a pound over last Tuesday’s weight so it’s onwards for me now. Tonight will be one of my occasional meat meals so it’s steak and vegetables. Not much to say about that really. Hope you all have a good day.

Hello Busybee, welcome back. So glad you enjoyed your stay with your beautiful family. Well done you with the difference between last year and this
Year ☺

I’ve had another little win with 63.1kg weigh-in this morning. That is 1.4kg less after 2 disciplined days. I know that weight loss can be capricious even when you think you are doing everything right, but by golly, I’ll take this reading! As with yesterday, I’m in no way thinking that I have the carb demon kicked but feel that I’m maybe about to go around the end of the wall so that its at my back. Then I keep working so as not to turn around and run into it again.

Just setting up a visual scene for myself ……. Brick wall across my path; evil carb demon sitting on top beckoning to me😈; me stepping back then sideways until I can see clearly that the path continues on the other side of the wall……. hmm, yes, but always was a drama queen 🎭👸!!!

Have fun everyone, one day at a time xx

I’m down south in Georgia, but my family is in Massachusetts. What a cool vocation for the next phase of your career. I’m fascinated by wholistic pedagogical approaches like Waldorf and Reggio that enlist childrens’ imagination and instill a love of learning instead of creating a regimented, dry, standardized testing-obsessed environment that drains any enthusiasm from students and teachers alike. It’s a noble endeavor and I wish you the very best. 🙂

Where are you located? I just spent a wonderful week in Montvale NJ and Chestnut Ridge NY at the Sunbridge Institute — am working to get my Waldorf teacher certificate — I have practiced law for 35 years but I want to do something different in my future — I am planning to open a Waldorf school here in Lake Tahoe, California

Good to know TJ sells it by the case. I found it at an organic market so of course it was very expensive. I checked Costco today on the offchance they carried it and they don’t. Let’s hope my local TJ here on the east coast stocks it.

You’re welcome Esnecca! So happy you liked it! I am personally keeping them in business by drinking 2 liters a day (or more) — we are having a hot summer here in Northern California and Gerolsteiner water has kept me sane. Such a weird year — we had record rain, now such a hot summer — I like to keep it cold in the fridge in the barn and when I feel cranky or thirsty, I just drink straight out of the bottle!
We can buy it here by the case at Trader Joes — I figure that with all the money I save on wine and on food this is just a small expense and worth it.
Can’t tell you how many times I drank sparkling water instead of stuffing my face….. 😜

Hi Verano,
I bought a jar recently that was pretty challenging to eat but mixed a teaspoon of creme fraiche through it and that really helped cut the eye watering vinageriness of this particular one but love Esnecca’s suggestions, a mix perhaps?

good morning everyone!!

GOOD sleep last night so raring to go into a new day……and the sun is returning to our cold little wintry patch…at least can see it hitting the ground across the road!!

The renos continue, and I’m sure that sharing an office with my beloved and washing up in a tiny bathroom sink (oh, dishwasher, I promise endless compliments when you and stove are hooked back into my life!!) will lose its appeal after 3-4 weeks….but like the BSD life we aim for the long-run!!!

Liz….Happy to be a Charlie’s Angel if we don’t have to do the hair!!! (it was a bad look even in the 70s)

Well done on the scales moving southwards Mary, and the shrinking wardrobes all….just think how much fabric we will be saving the planet!

I bought some new PJs when I was away last week…and they’re already a little looser. It was one of those luxe shops that sold pretty underwear as well as sleepwear and I was very tempted by a gorgeous silk cami to motivate me (not a good look with the underarm flab)….but I will hold the picture in my mind and buy it online WHEN it will look good!….considering joining the gym to firm up all the bits but as I work from home, I’m worried that I won’t go…..they do a trial period, so will sign up for that

love the JFTF idea Mixnmatch…If I can get back into my bushwalking pants, that will be a great start..

wishing you all a wonder-filled and cruisy day whenever you’re awake
xx
erin

Hi Maximatch,

That’s a great achievement, well down. Is that all down to B.S.D?
Thanks for reassurance. I love tea, can you take tea on B.S.D. i never carried weight around my middle until i turned 40 but i must admit I’m a chocoholic! Lol

Thanks
Claire

Thanks DUMPTYNOMORE…sounds like you’re right in the zone! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Keep up the good work! So pleased you have dumped Mr Kipling! And the toast etc..the less you have carby stuff,the less you crave it, and then yr carb monster has to admit defeat and run away! XX 😀😀😀

Californiagirl, I finally got around to buying a bottle of Gerolsteiner based on your recommendation and I love it. It was so refreshing when I got back from doing 15,000 steps. All those minerals replenished my electrolytes like nobody’s business. Thank you for the suggestion. 🙂

Hey Nonna Mary, If you an Joe get to doing the dirty and he gets that global memory thing again for Christ’s sake call me, I’ll get on the first Air Canada flight and stand outside the cubicle as you explain 14 ways of Sunday what you were doing. I swear I pissed myself when I read that account. Brilliant!!
Liz

Lee, please don’t be worried. I usually eat around 700 to 900 calories a day. Today I haven’t and I am really quite satiated, so don’t want to eat any more. I do not make a habit of this, but occasionally, it happens. For breakfast tomorrow I intend to have…smoked salmon, watercress and scrambled or poached egg. Then for dinner (I don’t eat lunch) I will probably have Steak and mushrooms, with vegetables. I really do eat healthily. I have to be careful with dairy as I am lactose intolerant, but I try to sneak in a little yogurt and fruit from time to time. I had this yesterday and today I have the shits. I am used to a restrictive diet as I have been on one most of my life, which I why I don’t find this way of life difficult. I used to get my extra calories from wine, but prefer not to now. I promise I am not being silly. Yesterday my calories were 688, and the day before I had Bacon Egg and beans for breakfast, and chilli con carne with veg for dinner. I hope I have put your mind at rest, and that your back is improving. Don’t worry about me, my Jovis makes sure I eat properly and he is eating everything I do, except he doesn’t weigh his to work out the calories.
Stay well.
Nonna Mary
xxx

I wouldn’t worry about it, this way of eating, particularly if you stay really well hydrated, seems to improve the skin’s elasticity in many of us, and I have lost 8 1/2 stone over 2 1/2 years (but most of it since last June) and have very little sag, mainly under my arms, and a little on the stomach and thighs, but improving all the time.

Re the clothes to shrink into, that was a major part of my success I think. On the Hello thread we had several people who had jeans of the future or JOTF, once loved jeans that they could no longer fit in but as the weight came off they got closer and closer until that magic day when you could do them up and still breathe and walk. I didn’t have any smaller jeans left, as I had been big for so long so I headed to the sales and bought myself a pair of skinny jeans in each size down from where I currently was (size 18, I think, having started at size 22) I almost missed the window for my size 16’s and needed a belt almost immediately but the day I got into my size 14’s was one of my best feelings on this journey. The pair of size 12’s I bought at the same time looked crazily tiny at the time, but I now need a belt for them too, and can fit into (if not entirely comfortably) size 8’s that weren’t part of my box of the future in the wardrobe as I never dreamed I’d ever get there. Mini-goals aren’t all about scales, inches and improved health are important too 😀.

Mary, I think your issue is that you are not eating enough. It’s ok to be a bit under the 800 occasionally but not by 400 😱😱😱

My weight didn’t really start to shift until I varied my intake between 600 and 1000, the average remained around 800.

Try some babybel cheese, nuts and an apple every so often. The fage yoghurt is brilliant too. Perhaps have that as a pudding with blueberries or strawberries?

Don’t mean to nag but I’m really worried about you now…..

L xxx

Hey Liz the Perv,
I can indeed eat more than 400 calories, its just that tonight I am full after a humungous salad and cold meats. I don’t eat a lot anyway but can put away a chicken kebab like a navvy!
My Joseph is very happy that we may have meat and two veg tomorrow so long as he doesn’t lose his memory again.
Sleep well.
Love Nonna Mary xxx

I have read the B.S.D & it sounds great. I am a sugar addict & love chocolate! I’m 2 stone overweight, due to really enjoying Christmas this year & stating a new job where i don’t move about a fraction of what i used to in my old job.

I am considering starting the diet after my holiday but am worried if I lose weight too quickly it may cause my skin on stomach to sag. Any advice?

Thanks Claire.

It sounds like it wasn’t fermented long enough. That’s what puts the sauer in the kraut, otherwise it’s just salted cabbage. How about using it in a modified cottage pie? Sautee whatever veggies strikes your fancy — chopped celery, spring onion, fennel, a nice sharp green like mustard or radish or the rapini I continue to be obsessed with. Since you don’t eat meat, you could use Quorn crumbles or TVP for a protein element. Add it to the veg and brown with a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce.

Enhance the sauerkraut by mixing it with horseradish and any spices (carraway is classic) or fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme, even mint would be great as long as you had a light hand with it) you like. Put the sautee mixture in a casserole dish and add a layer of the improved sauerkraut, a layer of cheese (I’d go with a strong Swiss like an aged Ementhaler) and top with a cauliflower mash. Bake in the oven until the cheese is fully melted and the pie is bubbling along the edges.

Hey Nonna Mary, You saucy bitch! I might be Canadian but I know “meat and two veg” is another way of saying you’re going to have a heaping serving of Joseph!! (wink). Sure, meat and two veg might be a good back to basics approach. I can’t think why or how you can only eat under 400 cals. Is your belly okay? have you mentioned it to your doctor? I know you have IBS but you should be able to eat more. I’m a bit worried chick.
Cheers, Liz the Perv

Lizzie Canned Cream…I may well give it a go, but not feeling hungry and don’t want to force myself to eat…think I will have meat and two veg tomorrow. Love pickles, but they don’t always like me. Still I usually have the shits anyway (ibs) so I may as well try some.

Stay well.

Nonna Mary xxx

Hi everyone,
Thanks for your support and replies… I’ll go with the heavy muscle theory, lol!

Catriona, congratulations on your degree! That’s truly excellent news. I know it’s disappointing not to get a 1st, especially if you were so close (is there any chance that you’re wrong?).

I had the results of another post-grad course last week, and was disapointed too. Very, actually, although I suppose the grade was not too bad. But I was expecting something better. And my daughters have both gone off into their summer lives. Sniff.

Ho hum. Things of life.

Nonna Mary buy some cherries and get a can of aerosol cream–bloody lush and you’ll feel you’ve had a treat. My cousin is in the UK and buys diabetic dessert cups which I think she gets at Tescos. evenings can be challenging. If you find that low carb Hovis you could have that with a slice of cheese/tomato maybe or diabetic jam with a cup of tea. Don’t forget pickles are usually free food so that’s an option. Whatever you fancy just make sure you make an event of it. don’t graze by the fridge but rather put it on a plate, sit at the table or in your chair and punctuate your ‘meal’ with a cup of tea or large water so you know you’ve eaten.
Lizzie Canned Cream xo

Hey FFBB, hit the stuff you can have lots of–sauerkraut is one! I eat it on my difficult days, then fart, then farting makes me laugh, then I’m all happy and full. Oh, and then shit for Canada the next day and lose even more weight! Tofu is another where you can go for volume. Grab some veg, some shrimp and a big chunk of tofu, get a packet of stir fry sauce and BOOM you’ve got a belly full of food and not a huge hit on the blood sugar or diet numbers. You’ve got this babe. For now, have a cup of tea, something soothing like camomile maybe and hit the hay as I guess it is night where you are. Tomorrow make a point of stopping for some special ingredients just for you. Maybe make the cauliflower pizza or zucchini noodles or something. But make it about you. Hey, pick up a can of aerosol cream at 10 cals per tablespoon and negligible carbs and a bag of cherries. You can have about 10-12 and blast yourself some awesome soul food. I spray it right into my mouth from the can–indulgent and glorious. You’re doing great. You are being mindful and attaining your goals. What’s not to love about how you did today?! I’m proud of you.
Much love for you right now FFBB. Be mindful tomorrow and love just you. You are your priority. Fuck everyone else for now. This is about you.
Big hugs, Lizzie fart fart xo

Well girls….we can all congratulate ourselves for something. I am indeed happy that it is a pound OFF….I would like it to be more especially when I know how hard I have tried. For instance, today I had a one egg omelet with some mushrooms…then tonight, I have eaten, cold meats and salad….my calorie intake for the day….352! Now what do I do…I am full…..don’t want any more to eat and certainly do not want a drink….no carbs means no biscuits, cake etc. What do I do to get my calories up? Don’t you wish you had my problem….the fact is, this happens to me a lot….so that is why I am puzzled that I don’t lose weight. Anyway…onwards….next Tuesday will see a whoosh I am sure.

Liz, my shoulder loves to feel you resting there. Please stay well. Love to our Kev and Mom…and all the other ladies.

Nonna Mary xxxx

PS… I am not despondent, I only asked for hugs, because I like them lol

Welcome clever – get back on the wagon heave and ho- get through the carb flu and you know you will be rocking again!

Julie- left my heart in Edinburgh as a student! Send my love to Carlton hill and Arthur’s seat and the elephant house!

Mmm I think restrictions often breed a bit of a blow out so go easy on yourself!

Today I ate:

Oat bran 20g made into porridge with almond milk and 30ml cream and 100g strawberries 250 k

Lunch – chipped liver with eggs – Jewish recipe fry onions and garlic add pack of chopped raw livers and fry add two boiled eggs and mayo or yoghurt. Yum. 260k

Dinner- sea bass fillet padron pepper and courgettes. 200k

Bit under but had a few coffees with milk so that probably rounds it off.

Got all meals packed for tomorrow as on the road!

Day 24 in the BSD house.

Short and sweet today. I have really struggled with my appetite and have had just over 1000 calories.

I won’t show any loss this week, well I haven’t so far but as long as there is no gain there will be no pain.

All the best

FFBB X

Hi Besties,
EC your life sounds like mine! Well done on maintaining your goals when all around you is in chaos. I know it’s hard.
Lee–splurge on some clothes–you deserve it!! When you look in the mirror it will be like seeing yourself in your very own hard work trophy.
Mary–for fuck’s sake girl it’s a pound!!!! Go to the fridge and get out a pound of butter. Put it on the counter. Pull up a chair and gaze at it. That is one less pound on your bod! Fucking well done you!!!! Kev and I were at the grocery store when I had lost my first 10lbs. He’s got the cart and is a bit ahead and turns around to see his wife clutching 10 lbs of butter to her chest. I literally loaded my arms with 10 lbs of butter. I just wanted to feel and see what it looked like. Next time you are in the shops try it–it felt amazing. Nonna Mary, I am generally strong but in my weak moments your shoulder is where I rest my head. Thank you for being there.

……and now a drumroll please……..I have just got back from the shops. Because I’m so tall I can only buy my black pants for work at Long Tall Sally and they are frigging expensive as they know here in Toronto tall women have very little choice. I only have 3 pair as they are $98 a pair. My pants were size 22 when I started this diet. After 18lbs I took them in about 1 1/2″……and today I bought a size 18. And girls I’ll tell you I FEEL LIKE A FUCKING ROCKSTAR!!!!!! They are slightly snug but they are on me and will motivate me to keep losing. Even the girl in the shop who is about 25 saw me and squealed “OMG Liz–you are really doing this!!! We get loads of women saying they are on diets but you are seriously doing this!!!!” And she gave me a ‘special event’ 15% off. I gotta tell ya–I’m feeling the love. The self-love. And it feels good.
Loving you all,
Lizzie 18

Thanks for the encouragement Yowser – yeeeeeha! (Cracking the whip good and proper now!) I did a fair bit of whingeing a couple of weeks ago but you’ll be glad to know I’m in a much better place now. I will be kind to myself – with a bit of Kale or something – doesn’t quite have the same ring about it as a Fench Fancy. Suffice it to say French Fancy and I are now divorced. And I have disowned toast and butter -and sugar – that can take a running jump too. There – I feel so much better now!
Wishing you continued success Yowser – please hang around – we need maintainers to keep us moving forward!
Slowbutsuredumpty

Mary – a big hug coming your way as requested! Mary , don’t be despondent. Look at it this way – 1 pound off a week means you will be 52 pounds lighter this time next year – nearly 4 stones. We can never go back to our old habits so I am using this transition as a dress rehearsal for the rest of my life. I know that we want it NOW but some people just lose quicker than others. I too lose slowly. I’m currently about a pound a week too.Was out on Friday and had a proper good time to myself and it’s taken me since then to get back to what I was before the indulgence – serves me jolly well right! The thing to remember is that we are in it for the long haul – I just kid on I am aleady thin and this my life. So, I try not to worry about the odd indiscretion. I have given myself 18 months before I am 60 and trekking the Grand Canyon – Haha! Well- one can dream! Stick in there friend – chin up and forward we march-we WILL be dollybirds no matter how long it takes!

Good wishes to everybody else – Liz – hope you’re mum’s ok and ‘my Kev’ too.

Hi Mermaid, you have been exercising really hard your muscles have been hoovering up water to help in the repair and building of new muscle so don’t despair. The loss of inches is a great sign that things are working and the water will go when it is no longer needed provided you keep well hydrated.

Well the wheels have come off my plan for the day with an ice cream for lunch and a paneer curry for tea (no rice or naan though) I worked through my lunch break so missed the healthy egg salad I had planned, and the ice cream beckoned. Then my trip to Waitrose on the way home, starving, reminded me why it’s better to shop when not hungry. Will stay within my planned calories today, but the macros may well be out 😊 Off to hopefully sunny Cornwall on Monday probably, for a week, followed by a trip to the Lakes. Missing badminton tonight, mainly because I wanted a nice sociable meal with my husband and a watch of the Tour de France highlights of today’s stage, rather than any weakness, and will try to stick closer to my plan tomorrow.

Hi Jan – I know I’m going to weigh daily regardless, si I don’t even know why I mentioned it. – the OH gets very sarcastic – I’ve told him to mind his own – haha – hard enough to lose weight without him chirping away in the background! Already got 7554 steps-8007 by the end of yesterday – ok I did walk afew ties around my bdroom to kick ot over the 8000). Hopefully I’m addicted to walking now – well – maybe addicted is pushing it a bit. Let’s just say, I’m not arguing with myself to go anymore. You’re right – once you’re out there , it really is lovely – the good weather definitely helps – let’s hope I don’t crawl back in at the first sight of rain!
That’s a proper breakthrough -declining sugar. Onwards and downwards Jan. I know what you mean about low mood -I think a lack of sugar does that in the beginning – I may be wrong – I’m ok just now but I’m still eating fruit so I don’t know if that’s having a positive effect. Will probably need to cut that out when the weight loss stops. But chin up girl – we got this.

Theodora – you story is very inspiring. It’s good to maintenance techniques – I am mad at myself – I lost so much weight then regained – probably because I lacked maintenance skills. I’ve a long way to go – but I’ll keep your methods in mind, because I never never want to have to go through this again. I know I can’t go back to bingeing but that’s ok. – life is so much easier when I can move easily, I’m happier and healthier, not to mention wearing lovely clothes. I have clothes of all sizes – must be over 100 items. And I have about 3 things that I can get into right now. I am proper ashamed of myself. No wonder OH keeps banging on about it!
Don’t know what he’s going to moan about when I finally lose it. Haha – I’m sure he’ll find something. Anyway lovely talking to you both and anybody else that might be reading me rambling on.
Stillonthecasedumpty

Hi Mermaid

You seem to be doing a lot of exercise, a lot more than I can be bothered with. I did yoga last Wednesday and apart from that, the usual housework and stuff. I have got below my standing still bit, but I am a bit stuck again. I got my OU result today and have come out with a 2:1 ( I think…unofficial). A bit gutted as I was hoping for a 1st. It has been an emotional week for me too. My daughter got engaged and then was sacked by her friend as a bridesmaid because the bridezilla thought that Lara getting married before her was unfair!!!! Mother of bridezilla is a good friend and I cannot bring myself to speak to her for a while. She should have stopped her daughter being such a little madam. Anyway, at least that is a few hundred quid saved by not going all the way to Scotland for a wedding, I can use it for my daughters tiny little wedding that she wants. What is the point of spending thousands anyway? I should be losing pounds due to emotional stress, but only a couple in the last week. I am consuming a fair bit of alcohol (a glass or two or three every second night recently). I suppose I will just have to stop that for awhile again. I will probably have a glass or two to celebrate my degree, either tonight or tomorrow, but hey ho…..life is too short to obey the diet rules all the time.

Let me know how you get on in the next few days. I hope the fat cells shift, cms usually means that they are.

Chat soon

Catriona x

Just to let you know I managed to get some raw sauerkraut from a local Polish deli. It was in the chiller and comes in a bag. Ok, so I’ve tried it and can only say that it’s a bit boring. I feel as though I need to add something to it to give it a bit of ‘punch’. I was expecting it to have a more ‘pickled’ flavour but it’s just salty. I feel as though it needs to be mixed with something. I’m not sure what to eat it with …. any ideas gratefully received!

I really look forward to knowing how the ones from Arnold’s condiments taste maybe this one is just not a particularly good one.