I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 2 !

Well this has been the first real weigh in of the New Year and I’m pleased to report I’m nearly 2lb down on my last real weigh in of 2020. I’ve actually lost a bit more than that as the weight I’d put on over Christmas has shifted this week too. I’ve been so tempted this week - still got some Christmas chocolate in the house (unopened, so I manage to resist and it doesn’t normally bother me). Being at home in the afternoons is a danger time for me and it’s boredom not hunger that niggles.

I hope that even though the new year has started with us all in lockdown that you are all fit and well in both your physical and your mental health. I’m really worried about the impact this lockdown is having on my mum as her mental health isn’t the best. She suffered a severe bout of depression about 3 years ago now and has never even tried to reduce her medication and I see real signs of her spiralling down again. I FaceTimed yesterday and she sounded dreadful, I suggested we met in her street and went for a walk, but was shut down very quickly. Worrying times!

Dorset I do hope that your daughter is ok, you must be so worried. I think not knowing and having to wait is often the worst part of being ill. I’m hoping that when the news comes it will be good news for her.

Thinking of you all this week, stay strong and safe ?

Very well done Sarahmob losing weight at this time of year is a triumph I think. ?

I got into the habit over Christmas of eating one choc every evening and I have found it hard to break the habit. One choc doesn’t sound much but I have consumed the whole box. Seem to be in control of myself now.

Dorset do hope your daughter can get some positive answers soon.

Sarah can understand the worry you have with regard to your Mum. My DS gets depression and it is so distressing for the whole family. I really feel for you. ?

We need to stick together girls in these difficult times.

Sarah well done with the weight loss. It's awful time to worry about your mom especially as you probably what just give her a hug. It's the loss human contact which is getting to most people. My nephew has anxiety and panic attacks. I think it's the lack of contact with his dad, sisters and friends making him worse. They see eachother at a distance and facetime on computers. But physical contact is so important. Think until Covid we all took that for granted. I am lucky I am bubbled with my daughter and family. So do get hugs and kisses but before bubbling it was so hard. Remember back to March before bubbling having to be 6' apart. By nature I am a hugger and kisser. From a long line of huggers and kissers. Once we are all vaccinated things will get back to some sort of normal but will still have to be on our guard . Unfortunately some people won't be able to have it due to medical conditions plus the idiots who will refuse because they are idiots.

Dorset hope your daughter hears soon . Did you like the tea bread ?

Well after not facing the scales last week . Braved them this week .75 pounds on. Have been good this week and doing my 20 mins excercise each day. Will endeavour to be good this week .

Cocopops posted picture of my finished cushion on cross stitch thread if you want to look. Cross stitch fine machine sewing bit iffy but pleased with the result.

Have a good week everyone ?

Morning all?. Well done Sarahmob, a 2lb loss is brilliant!
Thankyou everyone for kind wishes regarding my daughter. I think I'm also concerned that under current circumstances I'm equally as concerned the appointment will be cancelled.
Big hugs to all those with friends relatives whose mental health is suffering at the moment. It's a horrible time ,we have gone from optimism over the vaccine to grim daily news ,and it is grim. My youngest daughter suffers with anxiety and depression and is also struggling. Supporting people is so much harder at the moment,especially if not bubbled.
The cake was beautiful Whiff, I've written down the recipe in my cookery book?. Your embroidery is stunning. I particularly liked the colours in the daffodil cushion which reminded me of Clarice Cliff which I love!
Hands up I havent got on scales. I havent been particularly unhealthy but then neither have I been strict.
I do have some motivation to get on them tomorrow though! I have been offered a post in the Civil Service which I have accepted. Some may remember the difficulties I experienced with my former employer,a private sector care home in the summer. In a way this feels like the most ridiculous time to go back to work,especially as I'm high risk. That said by Spring my savings would have run out. I think by then the pressure would be on to take a job that would be frontline/high risk. This was just to good an opportunity to turn down. I've had quite enough of the private sector over past year-it sucks! I start on 25th January. Already OH has been in touch regarding individual risk assessments due to my diabetes and I expect I will hear from the manager this week. Things change daily at the moment and maybe I will be working from home. If not it will be as safe as possible.
It is a good motivation to look closely at my diet which I start again tomorrow. Not a lot I can do about my hair which was last cut in August. At least the highlights were cut out so I no longer look like a liquorice allsort! Have a good week everyone. Stay safe?

Huge hugs to all my dear friends on this thread who either have friends/relatives, (or themselves) who are suffering physically or mentally these days - we all seem to have someone to worry about at the moment! I cannot thank you all enough for the support I have received.

Is it any wonder we get fed up though with all the idiots about! I thought the CEO of the NHS was brilliant the other evening when he stressed how distressing it was for hospital staff who, having finished a long shift caring for people of all ages struggling to survive (and many not surviving) the virus, have to walk out past jeering and chanting idiots stating it's all a hoax. Our niece has actually experienced that appalling behaviour and cries every day because she has 'failed' to save a patient.
I won't say what I think of them as GN will be taken off the web!

I've lost half a pound this week which is a start but there are still several yummies to use up! We are using them up slowly rather than bingeing so I'm not expecting miracles until February - seems to be working at the moment.
Good luck everyone as we continue to support each other through thick and 'thin'

Hello there. From feeling pretty pleased with myself yesterday having lost my 2 lb Christmas gain, guess what? Pride before a fall and all that because when I weighed this morning I have gained the 2 lbs. seriously I did nothing yesterday to warrant it but know weight changes day to day so am not too downhearted. I only register weight every week though do weigh daily so I know when to rein things in a bit.

These are difficult times and like others am finding I am close to tears a lot of the time. I know I am lucky and there are so many much worse off than me but ....well it’s hard isn’t it.
Am just listening to the news saying where I live is in the worst position in the country. I did know that but it’s scary to hear my town mentioned. On radio4 too, so it’s serious. I will have to carry on staying indoors. I wish others would do the same.

I send positive thoughts to everyone, this too will end and all will be well. Have a happy Sunday.

Wanted to put a smiley after the radio 4 bit.....

It's often the way Silverlinings! Hugs back Fourormore ?. I think the majority of us are feeling tearful at times Silver lining, probably when we least expect and at the slightest thing. All we can do is support each other and be kind to ourselves. I must admit although I'm someone who likes the Autumn /Winter months I'm finding that extra bit of light at the end of each day really lovely. Stay safe everyone xxxx

Thanks Dorset. I meant to say I hope your dd is ok. I had a scan last year because of tummy pain and was told in passing that I have a cyst on my liver. Gallbladder subsequently removed but the cyst remains. Try not to worry.

Thankyou Silverlining?. I think it's the not knowing that's the worst bit,once you know what your dealing with its surprising how well you cope!
I had a surprisingly busy Sunday,my best friend phoned ,then a video call by my youngest daughter which was immediately followed by video call by friends. All unexpected and I was rather glad I had showered and washed hair!
It's also meant havent had time to nibble so peckish now. Think I may have a nice baked potato with a slice of Whiffs cake later! Take care everyone ?

Dorset congratulations on your new job. Glad you liked the cake. Glad you liked my cross stitch. I find it very relaxing. Also think it keeps my fingers flexible.

Four well done at the loss. Your niece is a hero. It makes me so mad that people will not behave themselves. The rules aren't hard to follow. My cousin's youngest daughter got Covid because stupid parents sent 3 children even thought they had tested positive for Covid to the nursery where she works. Heard from him she is well luckily he nor his grandson caught it from her. They live with him. But he said it was 10 days of hell.

Silverlining48 we all have our ups and downs. I had an up this week hopefully have a down next. But have to wait and see. Be kind to yourself. We are all kind and friendly here and and so glad I found this thread.

Put on 2lbs. I know how...after all this time it’s been in the cake tin....still have Christmas cake left...had 2 thick slices 2 nights in a row....? . I did enjoy it though.....Back on in track now though. Have a good week guys.

Shirley the week you have had you deserve the Christmas cake treat. It's a blip. As you are a star loser on here. Just wish my weight loss mojo would come back. But I am not giving up. It's not in my nature to stubborn. Once I set my mind to do something I don't change my mind.

Dorset have a low cal soda bread I make. I try not to buy bread as I love the stuff. But make this when I want a bread kick. I tweaked a soda bread recipe but it works and tastes nice.
225g plain flour, half teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, half teaspoon salt, 150ml low fat Greek style plain yogurt (I use Easiyo as I have a maker) top that up to 175ml with skimmed milk . Mix all together may need bit extra milk. To make a firm sticky ball. Line a baking tray with parchment. Tip ball on to it. Flatten slightly cut a cross. Oven 220°c 15 mins. Test with skewer if it's sticky only needs extra 3 mins. Cool on a wire. It doesn't need any spread but is delicious on its own or with honey or jam.

Made a version of it for my daughter and family but it was a sweet version same recipe but added 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 100g choc chips and sprinkle on some sugar before baking made it with my grandson. My son in law said it was nice but didn't taste like sourdough usually does. My daughter then reminded him it was soda bread not sourdough ?.

Have a good week pears. ?

Thanks whif.
I got the new 'the fast 800 easy' book...I dont do 800 cals a day but the recipes are calorie counted and very tasty.. So today I'm making low carb 'portabello 'pizzas'...as title suggests mushrooms with tomato and moz cheese. ..having that for lunch and shall have prawns for dinner with various stir fry veg.

A loss of 1/4lb this week. Not much as I have been munching my way through Christmas stuff. I’m making a lime cheesecake today with no base and that will be it.....all gone. See how it goes from then.

Did anyone watch the diet myth programme last night? I think it might have been on C5.

Good luck in your new job Dorset

Hi I would like to join after starting my journey (Again!).

I have had a bit of a health scare and decided I have to do it.
I’m a bit in shock as I weighed myself this morning and have lost 7lb in 10 days. I presume most of this is water.

I’ve upped my physical exercise and hope to be able to keep it up. I’m going to weigh weekly now.

Reading all the posts has been a support already. Thanks for having me

Welcome Sister Act you will find loads of support on this thread on good weeks as well as the not so good!
Reading the above I think we are all in a post-Christmas-lock-down-vacuum!!!
I certainly am!
We will all come through but I feel we need to be patient with ourselves and in these depressing times we need treats every now and again.
We still have naughties to use up which we will do gradually rather than binge.
I have my Sinday each week which I must get back to - I weigh Sunday morning then have a pud of some description after Sunday lunch and have treats, but the rest of the week I try to be good. No very successfully at the moment but I will get back into the swing of it - I am looking at February though!
Shirley like Whiff said this week was a blip - you will be fine and Christmas cake has to be eaten - it's criminal to waste food!

Good morning everyone ?. Well I did the brave thing and stood on scales! To my great surprise I had only put on a pound. Looking in my little book my weight has stayed within a 3lb variation since October which really surprised me. When I quickly stepped on the scales last week I weighed three pounds heavier. I do feel heavier.! My eating has been quite lazy and definitely with a lot more salt than I would usually have which may have had an effect and definitely needs to stop. Strangely my usual treats of ice cream/chocolate have lost their appeal. However like you Shirleyw I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas cake I made. There is some left in the freezer but every mouthful has been fully relished!
Whiffs fruit cake is a lovely lighter alternative. It was also lovely with a small amount of custard!
I will definitely try the soda bread Whiff. I try to avoid bread as if it's to hand I will be quite lazy and snack on it. When I do buy/ make I portion and freeze! Certainly sourdough and I'm sure the soda bread seem more satisfying and less bloating.
Well done on the loss Beechnut. I think any loss or not gaining is a positive. I may have mentioned before but I think the most sensible advice I heard was never to let the gain get past 7lb, just wish I'd followed it!
Strangely a relatively minor gain to what I was expecting has proved more motivating than the shock of a bigger one. The 800 calorie recipes are often really good Shirleyw, there was also a series of Skinny recipes aimed at 5.2 which were very good as well.
I'm going back to calorie counting which at some stage will integrate slimfast. I am thinking ahead to return to work and potential for packed lunches. Theres still the possibility I could be working from home. If not a packed lunch is always a challenge. Tbh in current climate my experience working last March highlighted that it's best to have something that involves as little fuss as possible, preferably without need of fridges,cutlery eyc. A premade shake fits bill. My day will be drastically shorter than before when was out from 6.30am to 8.30pm so will be more motivated to enjoy one of my pre made healthy meals.!
Certainly over the next few weeks I will be focusing on lower calories but certainly immune boosting foods as much as possible. I've been taking a vitamin D supplement since last April. Also recommended are any form of beans/pulses, bananas and a daily yoghurt.
My yoghurt maker will be back in action and I am very much a fan of beans and pulses. I'm very much looking forward to cooking Nigel Slater's Lentil Stew with sweet onions today, around 500 calories but sumptuous and packed full of goodness!
I've recorded the programme on diet myths,so will watch this afternoon.Also looking forward to Bradley Walsh and Son tonight-lovely!
Thankyou for all your kind wishes about my job. It was really to good an opportunity not to take. I do have concerns obviously the potential of going out when the pandemic seems worse than ever is a concern. I've actually only left home for anything other than walk to post box twice since March. Both times were in August once for a haircut and on another occasion for a coffee and trip to local beach.( a quiet part not the mass invasion!). The strange new world more familiar to others will be new to me!
It Is concerning at the moment infections in my area have gone through the roof. A good friend is in hospital with Covid ,fortunately shes hoping to be discharged today. Shes an extremely sensible person who has vulnerable family members and follows guidelines. Her brother who lives just up the road from her died from covid.it all seemed to have happened at great speed.
So I think we are all doing very well just getting through the next few months!
There are positives though. My other friends parents who are very vulnerable have now had both their covid jabs so it seems local practitioners may be doing what needs to be done rather than extending times etc. A friend in Stoke has had her first jab and is booked in for her cataract op. Little things but positive ?.
Welcome SisterAct?. Have a good week everyone ??xxx

Beechnut congratulations on your loss. Lime cheesecake sounds lovely. I love anything lemon or lime. Much prefer the filling to the bottom. It is also easier to make a low cal filling than low cal bottom. Got a Sainsbury's delivery on Thursday. Seville oranges are back in season so have ordered a lot. Marmalade making days ahead or as I started to call then Paddington day. I am a sucker for those films.

SisterAct welcome and that's an excellent loss. Hope you like being here. I love it. Found all the pears a lovely bunch not like some of the threads were people just seem to like having a go at eachother. Hate it when some posters throw other posts words back at them. So rude.

Four I am like you hate to waste food. I suppose it's because I wasn't brought up with money. We never went without. Parents brought their own house, dad had his car and we had a week in a caravan every year for a holiday. But brought up with cheaper cuts of meat and clever ideas to use up leftovers. Once freezers were cheap enough anyone could afford them. My dad went freezer made. Veg was brought by the sack off markets and blanched and frozen. Loved going to pick your own places. Dad got a book out of the library and taught himself butchery. So he used to buy half a lamb, or half a pig, fore quarter of beef or side of bacon. Whatever was on offer and could afford. It's making me smile remembering. I was chief packer. Everything labelled and on the freezer list. Must admit I buy extra and freeze things. And since getting married always kept a freezer list. Great believer in having a good stock cupboard. Where I used to live some years the snow was so bad could get snowed in for a week. So always having food in made life easier. I suppose that's why I don't need to go out to shop unless I want to. Always go stuff in. Plus having deliveries is so easy.

As usual I ramble on. But I am like that in real life. A chatterbox.

Have a good day ?

Dorset Congratulations on your new job. The shorter hours will be a breeze in comparison to your old job.
Sister Hi there.Whiff is right, this is a very friendly forum. I am British, live on the Pacific NW coast and follow the UK news where I have a son.
He is 45 tomorrow. How did that happen! I was delighted to find that Betty's (anyone remember Betty's Tea Rooms in York and Harrogate?) have an online cake shop and I was able to order a birthday cake to be delivered on the day. Their prices are reasonable too.
I weighed in at 131.2 lbs today. Must stop buying peanut butter!
Onward and downward ladies

Cocopops happy birthday to your son. Hope in enjoys the cake. What a lovely surprise for him. It's my sister in laws birthday today. Sent her a gift voucher in the Christmas parcel. But she will be receiving some letterbox flowers from Bloom and Wild it will be a surprise.

I will be making my first child's birthday cake since my children where young. My daughter has asked me to make one for my grandson he will 3 end of the month. She has a 7 week old and recovering from c section and they are packing ready to move house probably on my grandson's birthday as it's a Friday. He wants a train cake. So yesterday I worked out the design. Will run it by my daughter and find out what flavour to do it. Just hope I still have my old skills.

Are people following the Covid restrictions where you live. We only seem to hear negative things here. The news just shows when people are rioting and saying how many people have died. Trump seems like a bad joke. Be interested to know what the real situation is where you live.

Stay safe and take care of yourself and loved ones.

Morning all?. Thankyou Cocopops. I havent officially worked full time since 1996! That said my hours at the care home were strange. Officially they were 24 a week but I did 48hours one week then had 8 days off. I was in two minds about it as loved the flexibility of week off. It took a while to adapt,especially as being on 1.1 meant there were no quiet moments during the 12 hours other than 30mins lunch and two 15 mins breaks. All I can say is I've noticed difference since stopped! I dont regret working with the residents though, it was s positive experience ♥️.
I remember Betty's. I spent three very happy years as a student in York. Our favourite place was Taylor's in the Shambles ?. Ah peanut butter?. Last year I bought a very large tub on Amazon. Excellent price and quality and I think the idea was it would last for ages......?.
I'm sure the cake will be fantastic Whiff! I too am a lover of Paddington since childhood. When I went off to University my parents bought me a small Paddington who decades later went to Bath with my eldest daughter. Before they got married she and her fiance travelled around South America and she took Paddington with her and took photos of him in Peru which I found strangely emotional! Hes certainly a well educated and travelled bear?.
I too hate throwing food away. I was very cautious in what I bought over the festive season as just me this year. All I have left are some chocolate gingerbread stars and a wedge of blue cheese. The gingerbread has a long sell by date and could be used a treat. Although cheese can change texture after freezing I will freeze,maybe crumbled or grated and small amounts can be scattered over salad or in hot dish.!
Bloom and Wild flowers are amazing. I had two lots off my daughter. They are initially pretty but over the days just burst into bloom,beautiful. I did send some to my friend for Christmas. The postman left them by front door ?. Fortunately you get a text to say delivered and she checked!
I must admit I've been incredibly grateful for the technology available over the past year. Christmas was tricky. My eldest daughter and family were Tier 4 as it was then. Fortunately thanks to Amazon one present for each of them was delivered directly. I had got stocking fillers,including the scarf knitted for my eldest grandson. Initially the plan was for my youngest daughter to take to post office,but lockdown etc put pay to that.
The Post Office and Couriers will collect from home but you need to print a label and my printer has been having a bit of a crisis?. On Monday there were things I needed to print off for new job. So,I bit the bullet and dusted off printer! A few hours of clicking tabs and muttering under breath and is working!
So yesterday I made up two boxes. The first was the stocking fillers plus some treats and fun activities for all. The second was both grandsons birthday presents. The eldest is 5 at end of January and he will have his scarf.! The youngest is two in February and is his favourite Shaun the sheep theme. All organised online ,paid with PayPal. It cost £10 for collection today,48 hour tracked and signed for. I think that's good value! There are couriers who will collect and provide label if no printer.
Good news on eldest daughter front. Consultant phoned her and not concerned about cysts being anything nasty,the appointment at end of month for kidney function test but things definite so much brighter.
Youngest daughter had her first covid jab today?. I could have potentially had it via my care home job. I may be being foolush but it felt wrong. I have resigned,I'm not working in care and it just felt dishonest. Karma and all that.
Stay safe all ?

That’s great news about you daughter Dorset, you must be so relieved, I think the stress of worrying about something is often worse than hearing bad news and then ‘getting on with it’. So good news that put your minds at rest is brilliant.
I also admire your honesty in declining the jab because you don’t work in a care setting anymore, thus releasing it for somebody who may potentially need it more. I’m hoping that as a working teacher I may be considered soon but I see that policemen and customs service are also using their jobs as justification for being considered priority groups. I guess we just all want it ASAP so that we can feel less vulnerable as we’re interacting with others.

Dorset good news about your daughter's cyst and glad your other daughter got her jab. Good news day for you .

Sarah hope you get yours soon. Teachers along with police, ambulance NHS etc should all be high up in the queue. We really on them all so much .

Thank you for welcoming me the group sounds lovely. Cross with myself for having a blip yesterday and a couple of glasses of wine. It’s no excuse but here’s why

I went for a walk yesterday and saw someone I’d not seen since school. She was visiting her mum as she’s in her bubble (from 20 miles away). She was always and still is quite striking, very slim and full of herself. She actually said part way into socially distanced conversation. ‘it’s good to see you exercising as you’re obviously bigger now and must be worried about getting COVID. I was initially speechless but said bully’s never change. I walked off trying not to cry ? why did I let her get to me after over 40 years ?

On a lighter note
Weather very wet here so going to try ‘walk a mile at home, YouTube clip a friend sent.

Whiff 2 of My Grandaughters (sisters) will be 4 and 3 next week and the week after. 1 of My sons birthday is Saturday and our 38th Wedding Anniversay Friday. Will try and be good!

Take care b