I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 2 !

Good morning ladies and thank you for all your encouragement, knowing that there’s a community of friends who understand the hard slog of losing weight makes it seem just that little bit easier. I’ve maintained this week which after last week I was expecting so I’m not too concerned especially as I’ve had a ‘hungry’ week and so have eaten a little more (of the right things) to meet that. I’ve worked more this week - we’ve had staff off isolating after COVID contact and I’ve been called on to fill in at different times and in more physical roles than my usual teaching commitment. I’m looking forward to Tuesday this week as I’m going to see my lovely boys - whilst I am enjoying my ‘maternity leave’ I’m missing the older one so much. So a Grammy fix is called for. (It will be good to see my daughter too ?)
I hope that you have all had a good week and look forward to reading all your news, you all write such chatty posts that I feel like I’m getting to know you all.

Do not despair, Dorset- your gain could be muscle ( all that exercise), or even water. In our house we think our super duper electric scales are bonkers and try not to let the ups worry us too much (not always successfully) as they can register different weights at THE SAME FLIPPING TIME!! Eg : this AM, 68.8 kg four times, 69.4 kg three times within the space of two mins. This does my head in, if you’ll forgive the vernacular.

Well done on your losses Fourormore and Sarahmob, and I bet your medication will come down in dosage Sarahmob. I found I was sometimes getting dizzy ( low bp) if I stood too quickly, and even faint til the GP adjusted mine. Although I used to get huffy at the suggestion my high bp was to do with my weight, of course it was.
And Whiff- maintaining is great. I really think it can be harder than losing.

Well, I’ve confessed to today’s weight- I have counted in kilos since I started this “programme” in 2017 ( at 132kg, I’m embarrassed to admit). Somehow because I can’t work out what that is in stones and pounds without a calculator, the numbers do not niggle me as much. I have been 65/66 kg, and that is what I’d like to return to ( and stay!), but am finding the last few kg v hard work. At least I’ve shed whatever was the consequence of the week of my MIL’s visit- possibly a bit more if I believe the 68.8 kg reading, rather than the 69.4. Also- fanfare- the white trousers now do up, and are quite decent with a longish top. Not a great look with a short one- so that’s my new goal.
2.5 weeks til niece’s wedding. Trying to be ultra good til then. Have to figure out how to behave this next weekend-we are away doggy sitting DD’s puppy, while she and new little family go to DSiL’s sister’s wedding. Being away from home is always a challenge- going to try to wear dog out with v long walk and pub lunch- any suggestions on what best to eat?
Lovely to blather on, dear Pears.

Well done for the loss fourormore and sarahmob.

Good that you went on the scales dorset but your not alone....for I too have put on 3 ?...not unexpected.....daughter and gds came Friday overnight to celebrate sons birthday....we had a Thai delivery...yummy it was.....also daughter did a spread Sunday for Father’s Day so hence the 3lb.....back to the drawing board now....
Weather such a change around this past week, rain and not that warm.
Let’s see what this next 7 days brings ....have a good one...

Sarahmob 5st loss is amazing. Congratulations.
Dorset You were brave getting on the scales when you knew it would be a gain. I chickened out this week. My eldest grandchild was 12 on Friday and we had our first family indoor gathering for 15 months. The birthday girl wanted an Indian takeout and a chocolate fudge cake. I made the cake and licked the bowls, stuffed myself with takeout and cake on Friday. Saturday was an outdoor swimming party and a picnic. On Sunday the birthday girl had her first Covid vaccination ( available here for aged 12 and up now) and I got my 2nd shot and was given an icecream afterwards. Yay! Funny how regaining some social life was actually a bit tiring. Back on the wagon re diet now.
28 degrees here this afternoon and rising with heat wave warnings on the news.Have a good summer everyone.

Sarahmob RESPECT ?a 5 stone loss in a year. I know the commitment that must have taken. I think you should have a gold star ⭐️ Keep at it.

Good losing to the rest of us this week.

Measures meant measurements.

Four well done with the loss. You have set yourself a goal not to hit 13st again which is a good incentive .

JoMarch I never brought clothes that didn't fit. I knew I would never get into them. But it's good that has given you a target to achieve.

Dorset you say you are doing more exercise . It may not count for all your gain but muscle weighs more than fat. You may be getting more muscular. I don't mean like a weightlifter. But your muscles may be getting toned. Have you recorded your measures at the start of weight loss and have you taken them recently. You may have lost inches.

Sarah well done with the loss. Your GP will have a nice surprise at your medical and hopefully your medication may be reduced. I call my grandson's the boys.

My weight has stayed the same. Which is better than gaining . I went for my exercise referral on Friday morning. It made me laugh when I saw the name of it . Its called exercise referral and diets don't work programme. Was there 90 mins. But told them there is no way I can use machines. My balance isn't stable enough. So I am going to join the Active ageing programme. It's a chair based exercise class . 12 weeks free them £2.80 after that. One of the women who runs it will ring me and tell me where to go and when. Because I am having a 24 heart tape will probably have my induction before it but they won't start the exercise until after it. Even though it says on the paperwork once I have it on to do everything I normally do but no showers or bath. But who in there right mind would mix water and electricity.

Have a great week ??

Morning all, I’m pleased to report a good week with a loss of 1 and 1/2 pounds. I’m spurred on by the knowledge that I’m at the GP next week for my annual hypertension check. I have lost nearly 5 stone since last years annual MOT and I’m hoping for a reduction in medication…but we’ll see.
Thank you all for your lovely comments about my photo of ‘the boys’ as I’ve started to call them collectively. They certainly make me smile daily, the oldest last week wanted to send Oscar back ‘cause then Grammy will need to come and look after me on Mondays and sleep over again’. He’s finding maternity leave confusing (I appreciated the space in my week if I’m honest?)

Dorset, you’re right about honesty on here being important - it’s what keeps me focused and accountable and I appreciate the honesty of the struggle that each of us shares. It’s good to celebrate with the losers and commiserate with the gainers and know that the community support and encouragement will help us on our downward path.

Have a great week everyone

Good morning all?. I did forget to mention Sarahmob how lovely the photo was of your grandsons ♥️.
Well done Fourormore-keep at it?.
Hope things are going well JoMarch. I think clothes can be an excellent way of keeping motivation going and fitting into something can be more rewarding than seeing a loss on the scales,as can feeling that usual clothes fit better. I think that may have been the problem for many last year,including me. The vast majority of the year was spent in casual stretchy clothes with none of the reminders to cut back when work/going out outfits get tight!
This week I have put ON 3lb?.
In retrospect I can see why. I must admit this morning I was tempted not to get on the scales,and when I did had quite a shock?. On the one hand I am certainly getting more exercise than have done in past year. During the day I stick to plan. BUT. Last Saturday I met with friends for the first time in a year-very lovely. I had some wine and party food and a slice of cake. Sunday evening I had fish and chips. Thursday I had a chinese and Friday a burger?. Maybe I was sort of hoping that by having minimal calories by day it would even out! I must admit,even for me it was unusual-if I'm going to over indulge it's never take away! Still I enjoyed each one,and only ate what wanted and stopped when felt full which I suppose is a positive!
It felt important to be honest on here-both to share the ups and downs of weight loss and to be honest with myself.
So back on track I go! I'm not quite sure why I fell off the straight and narrow,and on the days didnt have take away I kept to my calories. I suppose I can view it as a holiday,often the cause of weight gain. I have been stressed but this didnt feel like previous comfort eating-I enjoyed without guilt!
Hey ho back to making better choices this week. Good luck everyone ??

Scales today say that I've lost 2.2lbs but having put that pound on last weekend I am not getting over-confident. However I am determined not to go back to the 182lbs (13 stone mark)
Keep up the good work everyone - whether this week brings you losses or slip ups the important thing is to hang on in here and we will all get through!

You are so right Dorsetcupcake about the mindset. Get your head in the right place, and everything follows.
Congratulations Sarahmob on your gain ( GS) and loss ( weight). I like the idea of “owning my own goal” ( thanks Shirleyw) and as Whiff says goals help keep us focused.Hope all goes well on the 7th Whiff. I too am hovering around a stone mark, Fourormore and before Xmas I was well below. It’s taken me since January to lose just half a stone of the stone that those festivities and naughtiness put on. Seems to get harder the longer you’ve been doing it for. Counterintuitive. But I’ve found a new goal that isn’t in pounds or kgs- bought self some cheap white cotton trousers in Red Cross Charity shop today: lovely weather= more summer clothes, but you can’t try on atm. As bought jeans ( well, jeggings) in size 12 few weeks ago thought a 12 would be ok. Well, it’s not. ???So instead of taking them back ( seems a bit mean to a Charity Shop) they are my new measure of attainment. Hope I manage to get them done up before summer ends! Onwards, downwards!

Lovely pic sarahmob and that was good losing a quarter and eating out.
I stayed the same so not quite an oops but on the verge lol....that will be soon off fourormore.
I joined the *own your goal*;Davina McCall’s site. Two weeks free, their is a lot on it all different fitness exercise, Pilates, yoga all different fitness levels...I might keep it going for a month or two. See how it goes, I’ve done a couple exercises, they have ‘old school aerobics’ which I like and what I used to do .
Weather is lovely, let’s make the most, have a good one girls.

JoMarch sorry no diagnosis. But at least they are still running tests. Sounds like you had a lovely time with your visitors. And we all know what it's like having family around we provide enough food for an army. Hoping there are no left overs but there always are the naughty sort. Hope you have a good week.

Dorset you sound as if you have a good time planned . And still had a loss. Doesn't matter how small it's a win.

Sarah beautiful picture that's one to frame. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. And lost weight as well another win.

Four you will have a good week this week . You have set yourself a goal not to be 13st which is always good. Goals and routine help us all achieve what we want in our life.

Much to my surprise my weight has stayed the same as last week. I expected to gain. I have been eating apple cake, bread and butter pudding made with brioche spread with butter and my orange marmalade, raspberry and blueberry crumble and we had fish ,chips and mushy peas at a garden centre. Plus I made an English breakfast as my brother and sister in law wanted to only stop for the loo on the way home. Must admit I enjoyed every mouth full of the naughty foods. Lunch on Wednesday was falafel wraps with roasted peppers and sweet pot wedges, dinner was Quorn sausage pasta bake with lots of veg in it. I did it as they hadn't had Quorn before. Thursday's dinner was chicken breast cooked with bulgar wheat and spring onions and just peas.

Jumping the gun. They came Wednesday their dog greeted me outside as she gets so excited to see me she always does a little wee. After that she was fine. We had a wonderful day they couldn't get over how the bungalow had changed. We didn't go to bed until 1am.

Thursday went to Crosby beach to see the statues some have been taken to restore as they have been in place since 2005. It was over cast so it was comfortable to walk. My brother took a lovely photo of my sister in law and me. But he said it looked like Gandalf and a hobbit. I am 5' 2" and my sister in law 6'. My brother is cheeky. Had a lovely photo of me and him . Both will be framed.
Then we went to the garden centre. Can't resist buying plants my sister in law is the same.

While my brother took the dog for a walk in the evening to my local park . We sat in the garden it was lovely. They both said how hard I had worked on the garden. They love the greenhouse . Their shed is coming down as it's on its last legs. They are going to have a greenhouse . Showed them the site I had it from.

Took them 3 hours to get home Friday. Already said they are coming next month. As my daughter and family where on holiday . So they want to see them. Already asked me to visit them. Just need to sort out date. My brother said he would fetch me but I said no it's only 2 hours on the train.

Had an appointment for my 24hr tape it's 7th July. Quicker than I thought. Made me laugh it said don't shower or have a bath with it on. Who in there right mind would do that. People know electricity and water don't mix. Still waiting for my urology appointment. But at least I am on the list.

Have a good week ?s.

Had a bit of an 'Ooops' week this week as been unable to resist naughties on several occasions so completely my own fault.
Next week we have things happening that may be tricky but having put on a pound today it means I am 0.2 of a pound away from the dreaded 13stone mark and I don't want the 13 again!
I intend to be mega-good on the days I can and as 'sensible' as possible on the other days. Fingers crossed!
Sarahmob what a gorgeous little pair of munchkins - making me broody!!!
Well done all losers - every loss (even fractions!) are losses - those of you who, like me, have had an 'Ooops' week, remember we will get back into the swing of it!
Enjoy the sunshine and keep safe everyone!

Good morning ladies, isn’t this weather gorgeous? I do hope that you are all enjoying it and don’t find it too hot. I’m looking forward to an afternoon enjoying the garden later today after what has been a hectic week with travelling to meet Oscar, work and spending yesterday with my DD and our lovely grandchildren again so that Pops could meet the youngest member.
I’ve shaved off a quarter of a pound this week but as I’ve had a couple of meals out I’m quite pleased that it was down and not up. That 1/4 pound shaved off my stone figure too, I’m now only 13lbs from my target so the ‘end’ is in sight and I’m really hoping that I’ve learnt how to manage my appetite and moderate my treats this time so I’ll keep it off when I eventually get there.
I know one thing that will help is our pears thread, you are all so encouraging and supportive so whenever I get there, you will continue to be a part of my maintenance plan, just as you have all been a part of the loss.

Have a good week everyone

Good morning ladies?. Hoping you all well and enjoying the sunshine and families. I'm being very lazy as yet to shower,but all chores done yesterday evening!
Shirleyw I hope you enjoyed your shopping trip. I must admit I popped into bon marche for some knee highs but that's about as exciting as it gets?. Tbh it's probably down to me not actually needing anything and the majority of shops left in my town not being that exciting anyway! I think I do have an element of covid hesitation, during my lunch hour I could pop into a local cafe,there are quite a few at hand. I'm not sure its worth the hassle,fortunately they always seem busy so dont feel guilty.
Well done on being so near target Cocopops ?.
Whiff I can taste that apple cake?.
JoMarch and those who have had visitors I am totally with you. In some ways social restrictions have made dieting life so much easier-no temptation! Indeed Jomarch even when are used to it calorie controlled diets take a bit of planning and extra work,the freedom of just having a sandwich is lovely.
I am meeting with a group of my closest friends tonight, the first time since February 2020 we have all been together other than via video chats.! Its to celebrate a birthday. It will be a cold buffet ,each bringing nibbles.
It's an interesting proposition.i remember a similar occasion years ago. I decided I was going to spend the day eating what I fancied as the evening would undoubtedly blow diet anyway. When I got there there were some very healthy tasty options and i could have stayed on plan.!
As we frequently say weightloss is all about what goes on in head. I have to ask myself how someone with no weight issues would approach the situation. I sincerely doubt they would spend the day over indulging due to maybe having extra calories in the evening!
I will do my best to change my mindset ,have small portions of things I like and not just go for it?. After all the most important part is seeing friends. ♥️.
I have lost a quarter of a pound this week,quite small but down wards and further away from the stone mark I've just passed!
Have a lovely weekend ladiesxxxx

Hello again everyone. Well done to all maintainers and losers- I am incredibly impressed with those who manage not to lose the plot when having family holidays and do’s. I’ve just had a week off piste- I knew I would- DH had hospital appointment which was neither of us was looking fwd to, but still no diagnosis, frightening or otherwise, just more tests, then MIL came to stay,and we all (DS, DD, SIL and all his lovely family) celebrated the naming of GS on a lovely sunny afternoon. Couldn’t have been nicer, but I’ve been eating for England in the subsequent few days - and making my MIL’s stay my excuse! Well, bless her, she’s gone home now, and I have four weeks to really get to grips with “the program” before niece’s wedding. Haven’t dared to get on the scales- too depressing! So back to the fish and veg. It’s not that I don’t like my healthy food- but goodness me- throwing together meals is sooooo much easier when you’re not weighing out every little thing, wondering if you can “afford” 15g of low cal mayo, or 10g of gravy granules to give a pinch of nom! And defrosting bread for DH in individual slices because you can’t be trusted around a loaf. Hey ho.
Well, I hope you all have a good weekend, and I shall check in with this thread next week, and let you know if I’ve managed to be good! Apparently, we ex-larger people need “accountability”, so if you don’t mind, dear Pears, you will be mine!

Well done all the lossers. And thank you for the support. Awake early as I want to get too the Aldi early before it heats up. Then making an apple cake when I get back and finish the cleaning. Have a good week everyone. ?

How lovely Sarahmob a new baby in the family. Happy days baby Oscar.

Whiff I know you will lose those 2 lbs. Onwards and downwards our fellow Pear.

Congrats sarahmob on baby oscar, love the name.

Never mind whif that will soon come off, have a great time with your brother and family....have you got your meals sorted for the week.?
That’s good a ‘maintain’ fourormore
You’ll soon whip that pound off cocoa

I’m down a pound this week.
Batch cooking low cal meals today and tomorrow will be going to London Colney. They have a lovely big M&S there and I love it first time in venturing a department store for well over a year now.....I feel ready now ....do you guys.?

Have a good week, weather has much improved.

Never mind Whiff you'll soon shake it off and as you say, "It's just a blip". Enjoy your visitors.
Congratulations Sarah. I love the name Oscar.
Glad you survived your week Dorset
I weighed in at a lb over target this morning.
Have a great week Pears.

Congratulations Sarah I'm delighted for you and wish you and all your family loads and loads of fun and happiness - sending especially for you!
We had two granddaughters for a few hours this week and had a lovely time - we didn't go out among the crowds but had a lovely time on the 'estate' - the back garden!!! We had a picnic tea with sandwiches, pizza plus the compulsory crisps etc. - bread is my downfall. I love it but for some reason it loves hitting the scales!
I was pleased this morning to have stayed the same in spite of my bread day - especially as I had the leftover pizza with salad the next day. Weighing the same was a relief and this coming week we will be out exercising in public again as the visitors have gone home after the half term break.
Glad things went well Dorset you will soon adjust I'm sure.
Keep safe everyone and stay alert - we are getting there but even double jabbed we can still become ill and possibly worse, we can carry C19 to the more vulnerable. We need to protect each other as well as ourselves but have a good week!
Good luck everyone

Hi Whiff.
How I sympathise being in the same position last week. I went from thinking I had finally got this diet business sussed to being very disappointed with myself in a couple of days! In retrospect,which is always easy I think it was stress. You have been very busy in garden and maybe the extra physical work made you hungrier? I have found that being physically tired is a massive trigger. After a week where my activity has probably been higher than most of last year I found myself feeling very peckish last night. In the past I would have had crisps/ cheese and biscuits/ toast/ cereal. Foods that are quick to put together and eat but also often not satisfying! I was sat there contemplating and tbh imagining what I fancied! Tbh none of the usual go tos were available. I have no bread or cereal in,the only sweet treats are high in protein and lower in sugar. I have lentil curls instead of crisps ,I like them but they dont have the same fat/ flavour hit as ordinary crisps. The main option would have been a bagel with reduced fat bacon medallion on. Probably jolly nice but I couldnt be bothered to make. Definitely a case of tiredness not genuine hunger so I went to bed?.
Have a wonderful time with your brother and sister in law plus dog. Very special times indeed??xxx

Morning all and thankyou Jomarch, fourormore and Whiff for your kind wishes. It was tiring but ok. The job itself is stressful but I'm adapting. It was quite funny on Friday,I woke before my 5.30 alarm and stayed snuggled in bed,after a while I thought my alarm must be going off soon-it was 6am and I had forgotten to set it?. All was ok though as I am someone who likes to avoid a last minute dash so had time to get everything done. I have pre set my alarms for every working day this week!
Yesterday my eldest daughter and grandsons visited and with youngest daughter and boyfriend we went to a local country park . The weather was perfect, sunny with a breeze. It really is a lovely place with lovely open spaces to run in,wooded areas to explore, two lovely little playgrounds,a cafe and toilets,plus lovely trees and flowers and ducks to feed. You can also walk along a path where can see the sea! Lots of playing and exploring and a,picnic and ice cream! Oh and lots of benches in pretty areas! It was also pleasantly busy but not overcrowded, I think everyone was down the beach.! For me it felt the most normal since Covid,in fact because I paid and my daughters collected ice creams I didnt see a mask or social distancing sign all day. !
Last summer I was extremely cautious. Universally I think there has always been a variation in how people related to the regulations and the amount of " risk" they would or indeed had to take. The vaccines were a game changer for me,as was my younger daughter moving in. Tbh I still think the messaging from the government is poorly communicated which is compounded by media. I use the bus and mask wearing is still compulsory but still people dont,and the ages vary. Taxis are consistent in mask wearing. Infections in our area are low. Yet restrictions in my workplace are still extremely strict! I am however more in the office now than WFH. It's a strange situation as in many ways you are with a limited amount of people in office but because of social distancing you still communicate via messaging/ video. Another newbie and I realised we hadnt physically met but were just around the corner from each other?. Overall despite the early start etc I've realised I actually prefer being in the office to WFH,and this is coming from someone who is happy in their own company! Its good to be in smart clothes,it feels good to be out there in town even though crowded cafes dont appeal. I think our brains need the stimulation of different environments.
I'm glad you had a lovely week Sarah and congratulations on your new grandson. I think this past week will have created very special memories with your other grandson. I'm not surprised you lost weight they are all energy and limited sense of danger at that age?. I also find responsibility for one of my grandchilderen always feels bigger than it was for my own childeren when younger!
Whiff my youngest daughter is currently signed off work for a few weeks. She has bouts of total exhaustion that have been an issue for a couple of years but maybe the shift pattern of care disguised as never did 5 days in a row. It could be stress related but GP testing for underactive thyroid, Coeliac and considering ME. Hopefully they find the cause. The job itself she 8s doing well at.
I lost the weight i put on after my hungry 2 days plus a further 1.5 lbs. I think work helps as I'm more active. I definitely dont snack at work. In my lunch hour I go out to get fresh air but I find it to much hassle to don a mask just to buy a treat?. Good way of breaking a habit! Have a great week everyone ??

Sarah congratulations and being a Nannie again. Hope Oscar and mother are doing well. And your grandson likes being a big brother. Well done with the loss. 3 year olds are exhausting especially 24/7.

I have had a bad week put on 2lb not happy with myself. Don't know what got into me. I know better. Need to be extra careful. Got my brother and sister in law plus dog Aggie coming on Wednesday until Friday. Can't wait haven't seen them since February last year.

Well my 10 bags of compost is down to 3. Weeded both gardens yesterday. Today's job tidy the garage. Sun's just come out so I can peg out and wash my winter coats .

Have a good week everyone. ?