I’m a pear ? the sequel!

Morning All and a warm welcome to Spice101 you’ve come to the right place for help and encouragement. Our thread has been going for about two and a half years and we have some original members as well as some enthusiastic newer members.

Even if we gain weight we discuss it here and make an effort to get back on track.

I’ve let a few pounds slip back on so I too will renew my efforts.

As our motto says Onward and downwards ?

I hover around my target of 130lbs within 1 or 2 lbs. I am hoping I can muster up some enthusiasm to get a couple more
pounds off . Preferably off my tummy!!! Keep well everyone.

I haven’t been in for a few weeks as I haven’t had anything good to report about weight loss and I’m up 1 1/4 lb this morning from last week.

So as I did some batch cooking yesterday I hope to get back on track and look after myself eating wise better than I have been doing. I might even start the only eat between certain hours thing as I’ve tended to think about something in the fridge or cupboard and eat it for the sake of.

I’ll go back and catch up on everyone’s news.

Due to disability I cannot walk, but do “chair exercises “. I think those merely get the blood pumping....a good thing, but no major metabolism surge. I started the Keto diet 6 months ago. I am losing steadily and feel good. I did adopt the concept of time fasting....read on this isn’t fast in the truest sense. I allow myself 9 hours during the day when I will eat. If it isn’t in the time frame...no eating. This totally ended my tendency to snack before bedtime. I am satisfied with what I eat. Believe me, that’s a major change.

Hello All, I've just started reading this thread and would love to jump on the bandwagon, for that matter I would love to be able to jump anywhere! What a lovely supportive thread. Well done to all of you on the effort you have put in to making yourself healthier and on the results you have achieved.

An introduction - apologies for the length.

As someone who has struggled to loose weigh virtually all of my life in spite of committed efforts, I am suffering greatly from the effect my weight has on my physical being. I have osteoarthritis severely in my feet and this includes multiple bone spurs which makes it very hard to exercise due to pain, lack of balance and stability. I had been doing hydrotherapy several times a week and this included classes designed to help arthritis but of course that option has not been there this year. I also had a hip replacement 12 months ago and a knee replacement 4 months ago. While not 100% better the lack of pain is wonderful and my hip no longer gives way.

After a very stressful year, selling our property and trying, unsuccessfully at this stage to buy a new one, OH having a triple bypass operation, COVID restrictions and my Mum passing away I knew I had let my eating habit get out of hand and needed to do something serious about this..

Last week I bit the bullet and started a weight loss program. This is a meal replacement based program developed in conjunction with the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research I am in Australia ). While I do weigh myself daily as it helps keep me on track and motivated I will have an official weigh in and consult every two weeks (my choice it could be weekly).

So far this is working for me in part because it is quick and easy to follow. In the first week I have managed to loose 2.2kg so I am delighted. Of course I know this is not going to be a weekly loss but it is encouraging and shows that I am doing something right. Although a very small amount in relation to where I should be. At the moment I set myself small goals so that rather than focusing on losing 40 kg I focus on 5kg and when that is reached I'll reassess and set a new goal.

I have an app on my phone which allows me to record my daily loss and graphs the weight, gives me recipes and tips and various other things to help along the weigh way!

I hope to pop in regularly to see how everyone else is getting on in their quest to be healthier and probably happier.

Morning.....lost 3lb this week. That's 1 stone 9lbs. and I'm on week 10. The NHS better health app it's such a good app. I think not fancying going out for a drink and a meal now has helped me with my weight loss as most weekends that's what my DH and I did...a nice meal with me always ended up with a lovely dessert at the end of it ???

Well done sarahmob, that's a good amount. Yes fourormore , everyone seems to be ticking over ok in these times.
Not looking forward to what Boris has to say later. I'm expecting the family down for a long weekend in a fortnight (they are in our bubble)... Just hope Boris doesn't stop the bubbles.
Anyhow, have a good weeke guys.

Sarahmob well done with the loss. Especially after that lovely treat yum. Fourormore half pound is nothing. Dorsetcupcake61 well done staying the same. At least here we are happy for eachother whether we loss or not.

Be honest this year is going to go down in history as one of the worst year's world wide. That idiot Trump will get elected again because a lot of Americans believe his lies and they don't have a good history picking presidents. Obama was the best one they had for years they could do with him now. Rant over.

Morning all, pleased to report another 2lb loss today, the exercise I’m managing to achieve must be making a difference. DH just watches from his chair and shouts encouragement which makes me laugh but I’m enjoying my walking workouts. I’m sorry to hear about your GD and her boyfriend fourormore hoping they continue to have a speedy, uncomplicated recovery.
At the school where I work, children are being sent home on a regular basis with a ‘cough’ or temperature. Parents are tending to keep them off for a fortnight rather than get them tested which means we never get to know whether we’ve been exposed to COVID or not. I’m thoroughly fed up with the whole thing (as I’m sure everyone else is). I had a real treat this week as a friend took me for afternoon teas as a belated birthday present. I’m surprised I lost anything this week after polishing that off! (Although I did take some cake home for DH)

Hi folks, we all seem to be doing ok under the circumstances - I don't know about others but I can't get motivated at the moment.
Exercise like my swimming is obviously not happening and we have had a bad week when my GD and her boyfriend both tested positive for covid up in London. Bless them, they have done everything right - no partying and no risks. It just proves how easy it is to pick it up. Luckily they are not 'sick' with it but there's another week of isolation to go so fingers crossed.
It's not fair is it when things like that happen - yet the two oldies that I know go out on buses etc. almost every day for 'a ride out' I don't know if I'm confused or furious as they tell me quite openly that they're not doing anything wrong and need to socialise! Technically I suppose they're right but both also mix with others so we are keeping right away!
Last week I had lost a pound but I have put half of it back on this week. However, with all that's going on I have better things to worry about and I am staying in the same two pound 'window' on my weight chart so I'm ok with that.
Enjoy the little fella this afternoon Whiff and keep up the good work Dorset and everyone!

Regarding rats - we were in rented accommodation several years ago and loads of the beggars were running around the back and front gardens. The agent apparently 'couldn't do anything because they're wildlife!' No as wild as we were!!!
We ended up getting a man in!

That should be riser ?

Morning all,and a lovely Autumn morning it is here! Good for staying the same Whiff. I'm the same. I must admit I havent been particularly trying,but have also found I'm quite bored with food which has probably helped!
I certainly identify with time flying by. For decades I was an early rider,usually about 6am. I like that quiet time with the day ahead. I think like quite a few people I have a nasty habit of waking up between 3-4. Problematical when working but not now! I must admit I went back to sleep this morning and woke up at 8.30 and so keep getting a surprise when look at the clock!
I remember seeing a rat in my garden years ago. It was night time and I opened the back door to put something in bin and saw one run across the garden. I shut the door very quickly! Havent seen one since but apparently we are never far from one. Living on ex heathland we get all sorts. A friend once had a slow worm in her flat. Apparently they are more snake like than worm like,and also protected which I remember telling her as she was stood on her sofa screaming!?
Up or down have a good week everyone ?

Morning gang. Well stayed the same again. My wanting to exercise didn't happen this week. I don't know where the day goes. I'm awake early usually about 6 next thing I know it's 11. Weather has been awful. Really want to be getting the garden ready for winter. Started to tidy the garage but didn't get far. Saw a rat in my garden. I know I would have had then in my old garden but because it was so big never saw one. So spent a couple is hours blocking all the holes I could find. Found a use for a couple of left over tiles from my shower room and kitchen. Put bait down not seen one since. I know it was passing through as there is no where it could live in my garden.

Got play time with my grandson this afternoon while my daughter and son in law do something. Love being of use.

Only 2 antibiotics to take and then finished the course. Hopefully this time the UTI won't come back.

Have a great week everyone.

Cocopops that sounds great fun?. Glad you had a lovely week?

Well done Shirleyw on weight loss?. I used to get pains in feet which got a lot better when lighter,I also think reducing sugar reduced inflammation which helped. Sarahmob and Shirleyw I'm totally in sympathy. I really think the only way this virus can be controlled until there is a vaccine is for everyone to follow the rules and we are a long way from that. I think part of the problem is how the virus has been portrayed as a mild inconvenience for the majority . I also think the terrible example shown by MPs etc has made it worse,Margaret Ferrier being the latest. If they can break the rules why should others feel obliged to follow?
I think Christmas may be very different but hopefully the majority of us will cope. Concerns are of course are for the very vulnerable and isolated, especially those in supported living/ care homes. In March I think it felt difficult but short term. Summer helped with outdoor visits. Now with winter approaching it could scarily be nearly a year in limbo. Yes we have zoom and letters but they are not always successful with someone with cognitive or sensory loss. Sadly the only solution other than a vaccine is a test that could tell you within minutes if positive. It may be Shirleyw that the only way your sister can be at yours for Christmas is for everyone to socially isolate for 14days before and after!
I'm still only going out if essential, fortunately I'm happy to carry on doing that. Stay safe everyone ?

Dear Mother Superiors! I confess I knowingly mucked up big time. I've had my always hungry grandson staying with me and I ate the same as him eg. pancakes, stir fries with mounds of rice, snacks of peanut butter and this evening a nosh at a sushi restaurant. He's back to school tomorrow and it's back on the wagon for me. Dare not weigh in until next Sunday.
Enjoy your week everyone.

Shirleyw well do with the weight loss. I used to suffer a lot of pain in my feet but lossing all the weight my feet haven't hurt for over 18 months. I am in constant pain with my left arm and leg but that's due to a medical condition. But it's lovely to be able to walk and not have sore feet. You say your knee hurts when you bend it back to stretch. Is it when you do a full stretch? If so try half stretch if it still hurts don't do it . My fittest instructor always said if it hurts stop.

Must admit I have most of my Christmas presents already. Don't think I will be able to see my brother and sister in law this again this year. Last time was February. But with lockdown and having jobs done in their house and me having work done in my bungalow. We haven't been able to met. I live over 100 miles from them . Parts of my county have raised cases and being told to only go out when needed and take all the precautions. The same thing where they live. This virus is here to stay and will only mutant as time goes on. Hopefully there will be a vaccine. But as with the flu jab it will have to be altered every year.

Stay safe everyone.

Sarahmob rant away. Because people don't care that the numbers are rising and not just in this country. The number of people I see getting on the bus with their mask under their nose and one woman insists on having it on her chin annoys me . But you can't say anything. Few months ago a young woman told someone to put their mask on properly and she got attacked. It's not just 1 age group it's all ages. I don't go out unless I have to. Mask and gloves on before I leave home and don't come off until I am back inside. My hand gel is in my coat pocket and if I need to take my gloves off I use it. We can only do everything we can to keep ourselves and loved ones safe.

That's great weight losses guys, i lost 2 and a half pounds this week....well pleased with that.
I have a dodgy right knee, whether it's arthritis , probably, but I'm sure it's weight related as a few weeks a go it was giving me jip, but since knocking off over a stone it has much improved. Can't feel it now when walking, running, etc but hurts If I bend it back to stretch .

The weather over the weekend has been rain , rain and more rain.....not much incentive to go out, we have to as we have a dog but even she doesn't like the rain so was only a short walk then she turns back to go home ?.
Yes, the number is rising, all very depressing news. Doesn't look good for Christmas does it?.. We don't have a huge family , a son still living at home and a daughter with 2 granddaughters. ( that will be difficult this year for another reason due to her splitting up with partner so who has the children over Christmas!)....something I won't be worrying about , I must keep out of it lol.....alongs I see them at some point during the Yule tide,
Who I am more concerned with is my sister in law who has learning disability and she lives in a mencap house with 5 others. The lock down has really affected her as she likes going out everyday and she really misses that, staff have supported her zooming us but I could see a great difference in her...Friday was the first time we seen each other . I was allowed in...masked up , hands etc then we went out for a walk.......she keeps saying about Christmas as she always stays with us for a week....for years ....it doesn't look likely.....

Have a good week guys....

Well done everyone on your losses Whiff I’m sorry to hear that you are still unwell and hope that these antibiotics work this time. Dorsetcupcake61 those sorts of gains are ones that I wouldn’t mind, but I don’t think I’ve got anything stashed away. I view the rising numbers regarding the virus with dread, I find it hard to be patient sometimes when people are so blasé about it. I was really cross at work on Friday when a young teaching assistant started talking about driving to Leeds for the weekend to see some friends “even though I shouldn’t because they’re in lockdown”. She will wipe out a 60 strong bubble and staff, and I won’t be able to provide childcare for my DGS if she catches the virus and comes into work before realising. Rant over, take care of yourselves everyone.

Well done fourormore and Dorsetcupcake61 on your losses. I don't know why people take unnecessary risks. I don't go out unless I have to. Will go out tomorrow as I am watching my grandson as my daughter has an appointment. But I mask up and wear gloves before I leave home and they won't come off until I am in my daughter's. Always washed my hands a lot anyway. I found the hardest thing is not to touch my face when out. Never realised I touched it so much until I made an effort not to.
Stay safe everyone. Winter's coming.

Well done Sarahmob, brilliant achievement ?. Indeed salads dont seem so inviting in current weather. I must admit I do quite like hot foods with a small salad,but not ones with a lot of sauce!
Well done for maintaining Whiff. I do hope you feel better soon. Longer courses of antibiotics can make you feel quite grim. When my mother was on them on the nurses advice she had a probiotic drink daily which helped a lot.
Well done fourormore, indeed an achievement. It's even more important when you have stuck to rules.
Life does seem more uncertain at the moment. My little bit of Dorset is still viewed as low compared to North of country. That said according to the Zoe APP cases and infections are rising steadily by the day. Worryingly at least 3 care staff at my daughters care home tested positive and apparently a resident is showing symptoms. My daughter is isolating until results of a test as she worked with one of those who tested positive. All of staff were asymptomatic and are tested weekly. Part of me is thinking oh no not again,but at least they are slightly better prepared than before and so far have access to tests.
More concerning is that one of her colleagues who tested positive is coincidentally the son of one of my colleagues and lives with her. She is high risk and works in a care home. She had been isolating so she could see her new grandson, which she did last Thursday. It's such a nightmare. I totally understand your friends not wanting to be cooped up Fourormore, but even the government dont really recommend public transport unless its use is unavoidable.
Anyway I stood on the scales this morning. It was pretty much an afterthought as I have avoided them all week! Incredibly I have lost a pound which is incredibly cheering. I can however take no credit whatsoever! All I can put it down to is that when I cook I tend to cook in the same way as when counting calories so that may help!
I did have some unexpected gains though! I have ordered a Halloween maple leaf Garland for the window for the Dorset pumpkin trail. It takes batteries. I knew I bought some a few months ago. Could I find them? No! I looked in all the usual places and some quite unusual!
Eventually I found them in the usual place but I had taken them out the packet so was looking for the wrong thing?. At one stage I even looked through both my handbags. I have a large best one and I have a work one. Neither have been used since March, although I tend to put things in them for safe keeping. To my delight found nearly £50!
Early this week I need to post my daughters birthday present and some Halloween treats for the grandsons. It's about a 20 minute walk. Before I would have got bus,but dont fancy it. The exercise will do me good!
Stay safe and have a peaceful week everyone ???

Well done Sarahmob on yet again another loss! You are doing so well.
Whiff staying the same is an achievement especially under the circumstances with your UTIs etc.
I am pleased to report, at last, a loss of 1lb. I have been really good this week tho so I feel I deserve it
Don't know how this week will pan out - my cousin's funeral went ok on Friday afternoon and my aunty seems to be coping. BIL is the same so we're still on knife-edge there.
At the moment I'm really concerned about my D and GD - everything seems so hopeless at the moment with the Covid numbers rising even in the 'lower' areas. I get so mad at an elderly friend who almost daily goes on buses 'for a little ride out' with her equally elderly friend - she says it's fine as we don't have it so bad here
Please keep safe everyone - we need each other's support at this time especially!

Sarahmob brilliant weight loss. I'm the same again but must cut out the snacks and stick to 3 meals only. Hopefully that will kick start. Weather has been awful and haven't been in the garden all week. On top of that have another UTI. 3 weeks running. First course antibiotics 3 days , came back after 2 days . Took a sample to my GP who sent it away put on a 7 day course. Came back again after 2 days. GP phoned on Friday my sample abnormal now on a course for 10 days. Hopefully that works. As you might guess didn't feel up to exercising. Looked after my grandson a couple of times this week for a few hours each time. He can make anyone feel better. Weather doesn't look promising for the rest of the week. But I aim to sort out the garage as it's now water tight since having a new up and over door fitted. No water has gotten in. So I can put things where it is best for me.

Have a good week everyone and stay safe.

Sunday again and a good weigh in! 3lbs down after a busy week. I’m really busy with looking after my DGS two days a week and working the other 3 so don’t have too much time to think about food. I definitely eat out of boredom and stress so must be doing ok at the moment. I need to look at lunches now that it’s getting colder and I don’t always want to eat salad, so homemade soup sounds like a great option. I’ll have to dig out the pans again. Hope that you’ve all had good/better weeks.

I definitely share your love of home made soup Whiff?. The ones I make are based on the zero point soup from weight watchers many years ago. Even now I still use the spray oil! Like you tends to be what's around but always garlic! I love lentils! One of my favourite Autumn/Winter recipes is a red bean casserole which is a combination of kidney beans,lentils,potatoes,carrots,celery,courgette and tomatoes plus stock and herbs. It comes with dumplings ,but they are a treat.!
Mary Berry's butternut squash lasagna is lovely. Definitely not low calorie though,that lady does like her butter! I think it could also set a record for the amount of pans and dishes you use! Despite all that it's worth the effort as it makes 6 freezable portions. Each portion is small when compare to recipes such as Slimming World but it's very filling and satisfying!

Dorsetcupcake61 I have homemade soup everyday for lunch. I call it what ever soup as it's what ever I have in the fridge or freezer. I always put in red lentils. The one I am eating at the moment works out 26 cal per ladle I have 3 ladles a day plus slice of bread.