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Dieting & exercise

I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 2 !

(1001 Posts)
NanKate Sun 01-Nov-20 20:35:42

On 08 May 2018 I started this thread for those who wanted to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle. Many people have joined up and many pounds lost and a few gained.

However the 2 Gransnetters who have stayed the course from the beginning are Fourormore and Shirleyw who have helped to keep me on the straight and narrow, most of the time ?, and kept up our spirits.

We now have some other excellent new regulars who have joined our ranks and they have brought new ideas and support. Many thanks girls what would I do without you all.

Do join us the rules are simple.

Choose your own style of diet plan.
Check in regularly with a report of the highs and lows of the diet.

Have an occasional binge but get back on the wagon ASAP.
Pass on any useful diet tips.

So for example I started calorie counting with the NHS Diet Plan. I now eat what I like but make portion control my mantra.

You have nothing to lose, other than weight, on this thread.

Please join us at this difficult time in all our lives with the Pandemic.

So Onward and Downward girls ??

Sarahmob Sun 06-Jun-21 08:17:14

Good morning all, what a week! We had a fabulous holiday with our DGS, couldn’t have asked for better weather. Lots of beach days and fun in the sea, lots of ice cream too. But this morning when I jumped on the scales for weigh in I’d actually lost a quarter of a pound. Also late yesterday evening my daughter gave birth to our second grandson (Oscar) so smiles all round.
I hope that work has gone ok Dorset and that you haven’t found it too stressful or exhausting. I have to say I’m quite looking forward to going back to work for a rest this week, strange that 30 five year olds aren’t as exhausting as one 3 year old. I guess it’s the being responsible for 24 hours a day that was so demanding on the energy levels.
Hoping that you all have a good week.

Whiff Thu 03-Jun-21 06:04:06

Dorset hope all is going well at work. Will take you a few days to get into routine. But you will be meeting people which is always nice. Some you won't like but that's life. You may find you are so busy that it will help with your weight loss. Your confidence will grow and you will bloom. How's your daughter getting on with her new job?

Hope it's not going to be so hot today. It was 25.5° in my living room with windows open and fan on.?

Have a good day everyone ?

fourormore Tue 01-Jun-21 09:49:14

Good luck from us all Dorset - sure you will be fine - apprehension plays havoc with us doesn't it!!! [flowers}

Dorsetcupcake61 Tue 01-Jun-21 05:41:46

Thank you both. I'm up and had coffee,shower next. Day 1 here I come,feel so tired!

CocoPops Tue 01-Jun-21 02:33:54

Good luck from me too Dorset

JoMarch1962 Tue 01-Jun-21 01:53:21

Good luck with work, Dorset!

Dorsetcupcake61 Mon 31-May-21 11:01:37

Good morning ladies. ?. Lovely sunny weather at last. I hope you are ok Jomarch, there is something very upsetting about such an incident even when no injuries. I'm the same age as you and relate to how you feel. Maybe it's that little reminder of how things can change on the turn of a,sixpence!
Shirleyw and all those who have had a tricky few days I am joining you.!
With apologies to JoMarch pride does seem to come before a fall. Earlier this week I was feeling quite surprised and happy with how my eating plan was going,I genuinely felt my appetite had lessened etc. I was so pleased to have cracked a stone barrier. The evening I last wrote my daughter and boyfriend ordered a chinese,I joined in,I'm not even sure why.! I ate a reasonable portion but it seemed to open the floodgates ?. Since then I have grazed on everything. Fortunately there is no bread in the house but it's amazing how much you can eat of healthier alternatives. I cooked a roast yesterday and had calorie counted but when it came to it lashings of bread sauce ! Got on the scales this morning and 2lb on! I'm not sure whether getting on the scales was a,wise idea.
All of this appeared to come out of the blue. Of course it hasnt. I know I am anxious about the week ahead. You are so right about WFH Maybee.
I was looking forward to the long weekend but like most good things was aware it has to end. I think the apprehension of 4 days on the trot with a very early start after decades of being p/t plus the uncertainties of a new job certainly made me eat my feelings. So far the stress has been mediated by rest periods WFH ,no chance for that this week! I'm hoping it wont be as bad as I imaginexxx

CocoPops Mon 31-May-21 03:40:39

Whiff I could scoff a whole malt loaf in minutes!
Dorset Good to know the job is going well.
A story - I knew a couple who had 4 married daughters. One daughter was slim and a healthy weight. The rest of the family were seriously obese. The mother was an excellent baker and every Sunday the family gathered together for afternoon tea. The table was laden with sandwiches, quiches, scones, biscuits and cream and jam filled cakes and fruit cake. The slim daughter was repeatedly encouraged to eat more than she wanted but she stuck to her guns and just had a sandwich and tea. She was clearly uncomfortable with the pressure to eat more and embarressed when they all told she was too thin. She had reduced her weight over a few years and looked lovely in her new Lara Ashley dresses. If she'd been anything like her sisters I guess she'd lost in the region of 10st and was about 25years old. Her husband was very supportive. What a flippin'struggle and what an achievement!
In addition to walking my dog this week I've been swimming twice (a bit of a palaver with having to book online 3 days ahead, only 16 people at a time and swimming 3 meters apart, having to arrive with cossie on and no showering permitted).Also been cycling once and had fun dancing (physically distanced!) to a jazz band in the park.
Oh and I lost 1lb.
Have a good week everyone.

Shirleyw Mon 31-May-21 03:32:29

That’s still a loss fourormore well done. a lot better than me atm...I was ok for a few days and now long weekend is here I’ve gone haywire again...be glad when tomorrow comes food wise...not wishing time along with family of course.....can get back to healthy eating plan.

Hope your ok after your fall jo, it shakes one up,

One of the things when I go off track I sometimes fancy a couple slices of ‘well done’ whole meal toast with lashings of lurpak and a dollops of a good strawberry jam.

Enjoy the rest of bank holiday and the lovely weather we are having....

Whiff Sun 30-May-21 18:47:29

I had to stop buying bread . Malt loaf yum. But I would eat the whole thing within a few hours. Got bread and bread products coming in my delivery Friday ready for my brother and sister in law coming to stay for a couple of days the week after. Will go straight in the freezer . Out of sight hopefully out of mind.

That's the great thing about this thread the pears are a varied bunch all with different life experiences. But always ready to help eachother in anyway they can. ??

MayBee70 Sun 30-May-21 17:11:25

My stomach is bloated from the bread as well so I’ve got to stop eating it. It really is my downfall.

JoMarch1962 Sun 30-May-21 17:02:54

Thanks Whiff and MayBee. It is lovely to “vent” to people you know will understand. Food is sooo much more than fuel- emotions are completely wrapped up in it. My downfall is also bread, MayBee, especially if it is a malty loaf. The essence of what we think of as sustenance ( our daily etc) and for me 2 slices are never enough. Oh well. I suppose if I know my weaknesses, I can ( try) to avoid them.
Golly, marathons, half marathons, really people enjoy the strangest things. I’ve heard that the endorphin rush you get after exercise is as lifting as a G+T- a) I’d rather have the G+T, slimline tonic, of course and b) isn’t the key here the word after? Even stopping banging your head against a brick wall brings relief!

Good luck, everyone. We can keep on keeping on, and yes, doing some exercise!

MayBee70 Sun 30-May-21 16:40:03

Jo. I think the fall resulted in a loss of confidence and anything to do with confidence result in eating problems: at least with me it does. I’ve been eating bread again (started with just wanting to use up some chicken and just fancied a chicken sandwich) and now feel stodgy and lethargic again. Have stopped eating it again. Unfortunately I didn’t jog along with the joggers but sat on the sofa with the dog and a cup of tea watching them. Some of them had done an ultra marathon which I believe is 36 miles! How can anyone run that far. And some of it was on sand dunes etc. Exhausting to watch!

Whiff Sun 30-May-21 14:29:05

Dorset well done with the loss. I use buses they are safe . Single deckers only have 21 passengers. I always use hand gel after I get off as it's to hot for gloves now. You have something nice to look forward with your daughter and grandsons visit. You will use plenty of energy running after them.

My mom always said you worry more about your grandchildren I now understand what she meant. Glad to say the antibiotics are working and he was a happy boy on Friday and his chest was a lot better. But he is having more dirty nappies but good old sudocreme works wonders . I used it on my 2 when they where in nappies.

Four it's still a loss. Glad your check up went well. Before getting in and after using the swimming pool my daughter and grandson have to shower. Limited numbers in the pool at anyone time. You will probably have to book a time slot.

MayBee I had visions of you jogging on the spot with the runners ?.

JoMarch falls at any age are frightening. I was talking to my brother this morning his youngest daughter fell climbing into the bath for a shower badly bruised her legs she is 18. I have been walking with a stick since I was 30. My neurological condition makes my balance iffy. Had lots of falls. Not only do you injure yourself it gives your body a shock. That can make you feel nervy and tearful.

Sarah have a wonderful holiday. After running after your grandson you will loss weight. Hope your daughter is ok and gets plenty of rest. They thought my daughter had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies but it turned out she was having big babies. Both where long and 8lb 13ozs . She is slim . Had the 2nd one by c section as she took 9 months to heal after the forceps delivery the first time.

My weight has stayed the same this week. Ok with that. Been in the garden . It was 36.5° in my greenhouse . I have transplanted more veg. Even with the door open it was 27°. Must go out earlier tomorrow and finish transplanting.
Just glad I had my hair cut otherwise it would have been to hot for me.

Have a good week ,?s

JoMarch1962 Sun 30-May-21 13:55:59

A happy and sunny Bank Holiday to all Pears.
Started a comment on Friday to the effect that I was wearing my somewhat tight but still size 12 jeans, as was going to do the “Big Shop” and had thought their tightness would be a reminder to buy healthy things and not greedy things. Supermarkets are a temple to temptation, very clever people have made a science of luring us into spending cash and calories. Said jeans also a symbol of how far I’ve come ( they were one of my goals, and I got there! Yay!) However I clicked on the wrong button, and my smugness got lost in the ether.
...And probably as well it did. Hubris never goes unpunished.... coming out of Sainsbury’s with very full, heavy and wonky trolley, one of the wheels got stuck in a rut. Trolley began to topple, idiot me tried to right it ( should have just let go). Trolley went right over, taking me and shopping with it. V v inelegant, embarrassing and painful, sprawling in road. Two Sainsbury’s employees rushed over to help, were brilliant, righted me and the shopping- amazingly even the eggs were ok. Got home in one piece, but v shaken.
Now this episode has had a strange effect on me. I’m not yet at the age where a fall in a granny is of enormous concern ( falls did for my gran and mum, but not until their eighties and nineties, and I hit the big 6 oh next year), but I have felt vulnerable and tearful ever since it happened. DH has been lovely - he always/nearly always is, but I am struggling to regain my equilibrium - dreadful pun intended. And when I feel vulnerable and tearful.... you may guess the rest. So back with the program again today, keeping on keeping on, wondering why carbohydrates and stodge feel like hugs, and why when I’m lucky enough to get lots of hugs from DH, I still want ( and binge on) them.
Need to press my “Chin up, buttercup” switch.

MayBee70 Sun 30-May-21 11:53:06

I agree. People don’t think of such things as changing rooms, public toilets etc. Having said that I suppose everything will be pretty much covered in chlorine. I wonder if the pandemic will make outside lidos fashionable again? On the subject of work during a pandemic, although I thought working from home was a great idea for environmental reasons I did think it would be difficult for someone to learn a new job via zoom calls etc. Or get to know their new colleagues.

fourormore Sun 30-May-21 10:41:56

Well done everyone for persevering - isn't it lovely Dorset when another 'stone' number is notched off!
A pathetic loss of 0.2lb this week for me, but it is a notch on my chart so I am not giving up!
I had my MOT at the GP surgery this week and all was well - was a practice nurse who basically ticked off boxes but I'm fine I'm sure.
When I said I was concerned about restarting swimming she assured me that swimming is one of the safest as you're in water with chlorine! I couldn't get my concerns about poolside and changing rooms across to her as the pool I used to attend is small and usually very warm in and out of the water.
I am going to use common sense - I trust myself more than others gringringrin
Bank holiday and half term means loads of visitors this week so exercise will be limited to the garden or very localised.
I hope all your family are feeling better Whiff as it is horrible when family, especially the little ones are poorly.
Take care everyone and keep going! flowersflowersflowers

Dorsetcupcake61 Sun 30-May-21 09:43:08

Good morning all?. Whiff I hope your grandsons on the mend and sarah I hope your daughter is stable. It does seem extra worrying when it's your families health ,whatever your age and theirs!
I hope you are having a lovely time with your family Shirley. Whiff,your suggestions made my mouth water.?.
I'm having a fairly quiet weekend . I had my hair cut yesterday,and my daughters friend popped round as did her boyfriend which was fun. I took the chance yesterday to catch up on some craft work for a friends birthday in a few weeks. I will be honest and admit that I find my new job very stressful and working ft very tiring. Our team leader has admitted the stress levels our high ,just before piling on another level. Diaries are being changed and days working in the office changed at the drop of a hat all so that face to face appointments can be booked in at rate of at least 10 a day,appointments that can be done perfectly well over the phone. There is no reason to it other than word had come from above. I was asked to cover in the office last monday ,got there only to find no desk available and had to turn straight around and go home.!
This week I'm in the office from Tuesday-Friday and then as it stands the following Monday /Tuesday. On the one hand if no pandemic would be in office anyway. However there is one. As newbies we have so far been very isolated from each other but we are starting to talk to each other. There are 120 people in the work group and we are the main ones in office. As newbies on a years contract we are starting to sniff a rat. The unions nationwide are up in arms about the safety aspect so we will see. For my part at least I have had both my vaccinations and infections are low here. Of course I dont drive. Until now as it's been just the odd day I have got a taxi. This will be just to expensive although may do odd evening back in one. I havent got a bus since February 2020 so that will be novel! Fortunately its half term ,although I will be getting the bus at 7.20 anyway. It's only 20 minutes but 10minute walk either side of journey. For me the most annoying bit is that we cant leave anything at the office so on both journeys have to take laptop,accessories,notebooks. We also have to take our own cups back and forth plus lunch etc. I've changed handbags and have a reusable cup rather than china mug etc but it's still a bit of a weight to carry around!
At least my exercise levels will increase! Your comment did make me smile Maybee?.
I hope you all enjoying the weather. My daughter and grandsons are down next Saturday which looking forward to-although the weather might change-as Whiff says seeing them is all that matters.♥️.
I lost 1.25 lbs this week which has just taken me under a stone barrier!
It's quite good as some of my summer clothes are now fitting. I am trying not to by new but did treat myself to a new top!

MayBee70 Sat 29-May-21 11:20:01

I’m currently watching people run past my window taking part in some sort of marathon/ half marathon. Do you think I might use up a few calories watching them (she says hopefully)?

Sarahmob Sat 29-May-21 06:56:29

Good morning to you all. Reporting in a day early this week as we’re taking our DGS to Kent for a week starting today, giving his mum and dad a break before DGS2 makes his arrival. It’s been a bit of a week as DD has had gestational diabetes again and it’s gone haywire this week. Really high sugar levels have meant that she’s had to start injecting insulin and at one stage we thought it might mean an early induction, but consultant wants to hold off another couple of weeks. I must admit to being very worried about the whole thing. We never stop worrying about our children do we?
I hope your grandson is on the mend Whiff, it’s nearly as bad worrying about the second generation as the first.
I start our week away three quarters of a pound down from last week and am hoping for no change when I weigh in again next week, but seaside = fish and chips so ...
Hope you all have a good week, the weather finally looks like it might be improving ?

Shirleyw Fri 28-May-21 11:45:07

Thanks whif, am doing a heirloom tomato and giant couscous salad...297 cals per portion but I will have half a portion with other bits...
Hope your grandson improves swiftly.

Whiff Thu 27-May-21 05:46:46

Shirley glad you are still on track . Hope the weather will good be for your family get together. But doesn't really matter as being with the family will brighten your day. I think buffet are easier to make plenty of low cal options than a sit down meal. Ring the changes by making home made rice salad with veg, pasta salad with veg and low fat cream cheese in it, couscous or bulgar wheat with curry pasta and dried fruits like a Moroccan style. Nigel Slater has a lovely recipe for a raspberry tiramisu but use low fat ingredients. Still tastes great. Hope you don't mind the suggestions I got carried away.

I have been planning low cal meals for my brother and sister in law's visit next month. Already told me they will be back in July. My daughter and family will be in Cornwall while they are here but will get to see them in July.

Had lovely time looking after my grandson but looks like he has a chest infection. They had to do Covid test Tuesday because of his cough negative. My daughter phoned the drs and was taking him for blood test yesterday afternoon at the hospital. Got there Dr hadn't sent form. Wasted journey. Didn't speak to GP as she wasn't there but sent antibiotics for him as they said it sounded like a chest infection. I had mentioned it to my daughter as my son got a lot from a baby until his teens. My grandson's chest sounded the same. But the GP should have seen him he's nearly 6 months old. Hope the antibiotics will do the trick. But for all that he wasn't well he was still a happy little boy. My daughter's hair looked lovely.

Hope you all have a good day.

Shirleyw Thu 27-May-21 05:17:49

Still on track this week but a challenge ahead. Family down on bank holiday Monday so doing a buffet style food ....shall have to choose wisely....
Weather slowly improving, can’t wait to start wearing my new summer clothes .
What are your plans this bank holiday.

Dorsetcupcake61 Wed 26-May-21 07:58:03

Hi all. Indeed Maybee I've noticed weight never goes off where you want it most! It does seem to have changed as well in last decade. When I was younger it always came off my boobs-there were lots of them so ok! The past few years it seems to go off my waist first,slowly off boobs and stomach but quicker off legs/ thighs. Makes trousers tricky!

MayBee70 Tue 25-May-21 21:25:13

I went down to 7 stone once. Many years later when I was having yet another kind of treatment for flabby thighs the lady treating me said I was underweight and would be healthier and look better if I weighed a bit more. I realised that I was constantly trying to weigh as little as possible, not my ideal weight which was probably @ 9 stone. I wish I could turn the clock back knowing what I know now.

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