I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 3 - Wow!

Well another week staying the same. But really want to lose some before Christmas so must try harder . Only 6 weeks until Christmas. Unfortunately had another pain flare which slows me down but battle through it.

Had my older grandson on Saturday afternoon for 3 hours. His dad and grandad where at the football and my daughter went out for a friend's birthday. Other nannie had the little one to give both boys some alone time . With my grandson we made a marble cake which went home with him. Then we had playtime which included him playing with my resistance band and us doing some exercises.

He asked about the man in the photo as a soldier ..It was a picture of my dad ,so got his army photos out. But of course didn't talk about the Horrors of war but that he was with his friends. It helped none of the photos showed fighting but leisure things like horse riding and swimming and general things. He loves to play with my husbands chess pieces but they are soldiers who he has to capture them. Like we where we didn't buy the children guns or swords. But he's like my children where can make a weapon out of Duplo and stickle bricks and trucks become tanks. Love the fact he has a wonderful imagination.

NanKate hope you are having fun with your grandchildren and they are keeping you on your toes.

Four you are right not to beat yourself up about what you are eating. But you don't give up the weight loss battle and that's the main thing. So enjoy yourself you know you can lose it when you are ready.

Karmalady as with other threads you amaze me . A woman of many accomplishments glad to have know you since March 2019 under your other name.

Keep up the battle all. Take care and try and keep warm .

Four ‘All for one and one for All’. 👍

Well done Karmalady - proof that we all have our own way of doing things and what is right for some doesn't work for others.

Same old story for me this week but some nasty temptation was put in front of me - our local 'proper' sweet shop was closing and selling off the jars with the remaining contents A lovely chap has run it for years and it would have be unkind not to support him in his last hours. There is something about the old fashioned sweets isn't there! My Granddad ran a small sub-post office way back in the 1950s and the jars are a long standing fond memory of mine,

To be honest I am not unduly concerned now until the new year - although I will be keeping a strict eye and monitoring throughout. We are now two weeks into the restart of our 'return to normal' lives so here's hoping that things will settle - it's been a long hard haul for so many people but we have come through.

Good luck everyone - gains, losses, staying the same - we will all continue to support each other!

How are you all going to cope with christmas weight? That was always my worst time, when the weight went on and of course I am the one who finished all the cake and snacks. It took me months to rid myself of the extra fat last year

So far I am being very strong willed, yes of course I will have a couple of treats in for myself but not (much liked) christmas cake or mince pies etc

I stopped weighing myself, well actually it was always stomach-churning and depressing when weight was too high, so I stopped and tbh I can feel my weight. When my stomach/abdomen feels flat in bed and I can feel my hip bones. then the weight feels fine and is not piling on

I tried a pencil skirt on the other day, one I made last year and the first pencil skirt I ever wore since my young adulthood. I loved the flattering fit then this week tried it on and it was too big all the way down. I didn`t bemoan that, in fact I was chuffed and it meant that I had gone down a whole size. I set to and altered that skirt, I was never going to get rid of it

I am only little, was 5` all my life, until post menopause and am now 4`11 (maybe 4`10) and really the numbers attached to my weight are still too high, for health and nothing to do with the way I look.

I still stick to my own ways re food. I started making kefir again, found a very easy method and now soak oats and a few other bits in it, overnight. That is helping weight as it keeps me satisfied until early lunch. Last meal is still at 5 and no afters with that, so I have a good 12 hours without food

Tbh it has become a way of life and I will carry on. Luckily I have a petite face so any weight loss does not show there. Weight loss will just affect my internal fat and my body which is what I want

Anyway, I can now put my hand comfortably around my wrist and my shins and ankles are more slender, I can see that weight has shifted, helps me to carry on into a permanent way of eating

Yes Whiff it is hard just maintaining the weight loss but what an achievement you have made.
I am busy in the evenings knitting a poncho for my daughter for Christmas. No time to snack!
Weight the same as last week.

NanKate have a great time looking after your grandsons .

Shirley hope you feel better soon. Coughs are the worst they seem to last forever.

Four glad you had a lovely time and its lovely not to have to cook and recharge your batteries.

7th week at the same weight. Shows I can maintain a weight just not the one I want. Only 7 weeks until Christmas.

Have a good week everyone.

Another 'off the wall' here Shirley - I love that expression
We had a lovely night break to mark the return to some semblance of normality from this weekend onwards! Sadly 4 times breakfasts and evening meals have taken effect but, by jove, it was worth it!!!
Will try to do better this week but no promises!!!
Good luck everyone as we all struggle on

Thats a good idea nankate.....i might try that.....I've gone 'off the wall' this week, got a cold and a cough which gets on my nerves lol....so not been paying attention to eating sensibly, not been on the scales either.

Hope your all OK....

How are all you Pears 🍐 getting on ?

My latest trick to stop myself eating after dinner is to clean my teeth and somehow that stops me popping a chocolate or two in my mouth.

Whiff I am so sorry to hear about your flare up. It must be awful living with pain but you always seem to be strong in character and are ready to fight your corner. Keep going my friend 💐

We are off next week for 10 days to look after our 2 DGSs. Fortunately they are both at school but it’s still exhausting. My son keeps dark chocolate in his fridge and I find it such a temptation. 🍫

NanKate the way time flies by it will be soon for Mr N's scan and you should have the results before Christmas.

Four your friend and her daughter have nothing to feel guilty about it's her husband's own stupidity that killed him. I have no patience with anti vaccines groups. If it wasn't for vaccines of all sorts this country would be knee deep in bodies. As it is TB is on the rise due to people entering this country for countries that don't vaccinate for free. Plus other childhood diseases. People seem to think childhood disease are mild. I am thankful my children have had there children vaccinated against everything and paid for the chicken pox vaccine. Even though haven't heard from my son for over 2.5 years they had their 2 eldest vaccinated against everything so they will have had my other grandson done to.

How many here remember the horrors of polio,TB,whooping cough and measles. One of my cousin's had meningitis we didn't realise until many years later how dangerous it was .

It wouldn't just be people dieing of Covid and flu this winter but because of energy prices how many will die from hyperthermia because they are frightened to have their heating on. It's a harrowing thought that in this country people still died from cold and hunger. And it's people that have worked all their lives and paid tax and NI but are denied the financial help in benefits because of all the people coming to this country and never paid a penny into it get money food and roof over their head.

I know many will disagree but it's true. I like many have been battling for years to get benefits due to ill health. 34 years and still counting for me.

My weight has stayed the same this week which is ok. Started another pain flare on Saturday my 10th since mid August. And the ** PIP people say I am not in pain. There is a recorded message playing on the line you are put on hold when phoning them reassuring Ulkraine nationals their PIP payments won't stop 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬. I am having to go too tribunal which won't be until next year now as the system is over run with cases. If the PIP forms where written by people with disabilities of all kinds physical and mental or both and assessed by same sort of people having to ask for MRN then having to go too a tribunal would be dramatically reduced. Plus it would save an awful amount of money . Money which could be used to give people the help they need.

Sorry for my rant but I am one of those people who have to be careful about having my heating on this year. Never thought this would happen to me.

Spoke to my neurologists secretary and she has had put in a request for an appointment to see him . As if he can't help me with the pain it's quicker to go through him to get too the pain clinic same with physio as my balance has gotten worse having more problems with this left leg. I can still walk but at times have to flick the stupid thing forward to make it move. John Cleese ministry of silly walks comes to mind .

Anyway sorry but it annoys the hell out of me the flares stop me doing things I normally do.

Four it's just a blip and many of us have those but we never give up . And that is the main thing we battle on no matter what. Have a wonderful time during your break . Give you and Mr F chance to recharge your batteries. And come back home feeling years younger 😊.

Cocopops sorry your knee is painful. Hopefully it eases soon.

Have a good week all. Hope none of your pets are to frightened with the fireworks.

132.4lbs today (2.4 above target).
I believe Whiff is right in saying intermittent fasting is not advisable for over 70's. I did it when over 70 and lost weight but it aggravated my IBS. I find my energy levels and guts much better with 3 regular meals.
Last week I developed pain in an arthritic knee so that's another reason to shift some weight!
Also aiming to lose a bit more before my birthday next month.
Have a good week Dear Pears.

So pleased to hear that your husband is being thoroughly cared for NanKate - I must admit the NHS are doing a brilliant job trying to catch up with overdue appointments as well as those newly appearing. Look after yourself too as sometimes worry over a loved one makes us neglect ourselves.
Up half a pound this week but again not surprised as it's my pattern of lose a little, gain a little repeating itself over and over.
Life is returning to some sort of normality with us. We're having a quick break this week then life will restart with Church commitments and other things I am taking on.
We will continue to remain very alert though for the sake of the vulnerable - The husband of a friend of ours was adamant he was never ever going to be vaccinated and remained stubborn despite his wife and daughter pleading with him as he had underlying factors. Wife and daughter received all the boosters etc. but sadly caught covid a couple of weeks ago. Neither of them were really ill - just like having a cold - but the old man caught it and died in ITU last weekend. Obviously we have to respect his wishes but now his wife and daughter feel guilty for giving it to him. His stubbornness is now causing them so much extra grief when it really isn't their fault. Covid is still a killer so I hope complacency that 'you don't get properly sick' doesn't make us all forget there are still vulnerable people around us vaccinated or not.
On a brighter note - have a good week everyone - no doubt I will go up a bit being spoilt this week but we have to look after ourselves too! Keep hanging in there pears!

Thanks Whiff DH is awaiting a brain scan on 21 November, however the consultant said he had not had a TIA and it may be put down as an ‘unexplained incident’.

Sacha I’m with you I need to lose this flesh all around my hips and stomach, it seems to have crept up on me. You are right Xm* is just around the corner so now is the time to reduce our food intake.

Hi all, hope everyone is ok, I haven’t been on for a week or so, I kind of lost my mojo and just had to have a break from dieting. I’m paying the price with stomach issues now though so once more back to the drawing board!
Very cold here tonight, I have no treats in the cupboards so I can’t indulge and I don’t fancy turning out again to fetch anything.
Keep going pears, the festive food season is rapidly creeping up on us all so a few more pounds off now would be great.

NanKate I am stubborn and hate to give in to the pain. Had pains in my legs as long as I can remember. Mom and dad where fobbed off with it's growing pains and when I kept falling I was clumsy.

My husband always said he knew I was damaged goods when we started going out when I was 16 and he 18. But he loved me and he made me promise to live the best life I can and do. Half of me died the moment he took his last breath but some good has come out of his death and my grief. As I have talked about grief in person and on GN . But it's only my experiences but the feed back I had have had has made me being open up all worth it .

They are tens of thousands like me . I have family and friends in constant pain like me . But there are only 2 certainties in life we are born we die the rest is up to us.

The hardest thing for me is admitting I am disabled. Until I had my diagnosis in April I never called myself that just said I had problems . Medical profession have classed me as disabled since 1988. Pity the benefits people don't.

Enough about me how is Mr N doing ?

Sorry to hear you are in such discomfort Whiff with ongoing pain. I don’t know how you remain so up-beat. ?

MayBee are you 70 and do you have any health problems? If so please don't fast . You will only make any health conditions worse even if it's arthritis. Plus you will be putting your stomach and intestines into stress which can lead to bowel problems and severe constipation.

Your body will think you are starving and will hold on to the fat in your body but will take energy from muscles to enable your body to function. Don't forget your heart is a muscle.

The only safe and sure way to lose weight is to eat lower calories and make sure you have your 5 a day.

I do know what I am talking about I tried all the faddy diets going. Cabbage soup, grapefruit and boiled egg, meal replacement drinks, skipping meals and slimming clubs . Any weight I lost I put on more.

Try weighting and measuring what you eat and drink and count calories or join WW or Slimming world both can be done online but you have to pay.

The NHS lose weight programme is free and know some people have found it helpful.

Also see if your council run weight lose clubs. My council here in the north west has a weekly club which is free and for runs for 12 weeks that I know for sure. Think there is a follow up club. Your GP or council website should give you information about it if there is one in your area.

It's great to see the weight and inches disappear but remember it's a marathon not a sprint. I started my journey in 2017. Still trying to lose the last stone and bit . But I love the new me not my old size 32 and over 19st me.

Shirley well done losing a couple of pounds.

Shirley and Cocopops my pain levels are back the pain I tolerate. Will never be pain free but it's part of who I am. There are lots of people I know far worse than me.

Had more blood tests today and my Covid booster . So far feel ok.

Take care all.

Tim Spectors ZOE app is asking people to do intermittent fasting ( although there’s another word for it) and monitor themselves on the app. I might give it a go. I spoke to a friend of mine who has lost nearly 2 stones by fasting for 16 hours per day. She drinks green tea with honey while she’s fasting and says she’s just got used to it.

morning all....lost a couple pounds.

Hope your not in too much pain now whiff

We had terrific thunderstorms and down pours yesterday, a lot more calm today.

Off to Pilates soon.

have a good week all.

Weight up a bit because I've been a greedy pig.
Hope your pain soon subsides Whiff.
Battle on Pears

Four I have joined you staying the same again. But that's ok. Glad you have some nice trips planned. Hard to believe Christmas is 9 weeks away and we alter the clocks next weekend.

Still not able to find an exercise class that isn't 2 buses away. But speaking to my GP this morning as am in my 9th pain flare . Started yesterday I woke in it which I can't ever remember waking in a flare. Normally they start during the day. Luckily I booked the appointment 2 weeks ago. Will be asking for referral to my neurologist my balance is worse and think going through him to get a referral to pain clinic and physio is the better route as he can give them more information about my HPX.

Had my flu jab last week just had sore arm for 2 days. Got to have a retest for my renal blood test on Wednesday then over the road to the pharmacy for my Covid jab. I will come straight home just incase of side effects. Was find after the other 3 but don't know which one I will be having this time. But at least I will be double jabbed ready for the winter. Still wear my mask when out close to people and do my LFT every Saturday.

MayBee if you aren't 100% certain about the sauna bag. Send it back . Do you really wanted to be naked in a plastic bag sweating? I know I wouldn't as you don't know if you will have an allergic reaction to what it's made from and how easy will it be to put on and take off. If it gets to hot how quickly could you get it off? These are just things I would worry about. Playing devils advocate here.

That's what I miss so much about my exercise class it's doing it with others . We encouraged eachother and had a laugh . Then a natter over hot drink and biscuits for over 30 mins before we parted ways. Glad I still have my craft group.

NanKate how is Mr N? Hope he is doing well as it's a worry for both of you.

Have a good week pears and assorted fruits .

fourormore

MayBee70 I would love to know how you get on with your sauna suit. I remember buying similar 'pant' things way back in the 60s/70s - I can't remember how much success I had but obviously not enough to hold on to them! What with 'pull ons' and corsets we did try didn't we!!!
I am delighted to say I have lost the 2.2 that I put on over the last three weeks so, although a loss of 2.2 is great it isn't really progress if you know what I mean.
I recorded everything on my fitness pal and was really strong where the biscuits etc. so I'm pleased with the result.
I still don't have complete commitment with things going on but we are now 'boosted and flu-ed' so over the next few weeks I am hoping to get back to the more active life I had!
Good luck everyone else as we all struggle on
Glad Mr N is doing ok NanKate xxx

I seem to remember throwing them down the rubbish Shute at my mums flat to get rid of them. My sauna bag has arrived. I’m a bit worried about the big ‘ made in China ‘ sticker on the side! I can’t use it yet because I’m going away in a couple of weeks and want to take it with me and if I unpack it it will be more difficult to transport. I still think I’ve made a terrible mistake but I miss having saunas so much. Then again part of the enjoyment was chatting to the people at the gym. Lying on the bed in a plastic bag on my own doesn’t sound like much fun!

Stayed the same but at least, as Whiff says, it's not put on.
To be honest I'm happy to stay in the same bracket at present as we have a short break away in a couple of weeks and then we are away for Christmas plus a GD birthday inbetween - so really there is no chance of decent progress.
Boring isn't it but we will plod on!
Good luck everyone!

Madgran well done with the loss.

Shirley it's a blip . Glad you enjoyed pilates and your mediation. It's not just exercise that does you good but being with like minded people.

MayBee hope your suit does what you hope. And makes you feel refreshed and eases any aches and pains. I know friends who like a sauna and always feel better after them.

Four well done with the loss. Biscuits are a mind field only let myself have them at craft group. Still no luck finding an exercise class that isn't 2 buses away . But I will have to look harder. Glad you had your flu and Covid jabs.

NanKate hopefully Mr N's scan will be clear but at least they are checking and not fobbing him off.

Cocopops you are brilliant at keeping close to your target .

Fourth week for me at the same weight at least it's not put on. Must try harder. My pain levels are at normal level just wish my left leg would work like it did. Some days have to flick the stupid thing forward to walk. Very annoying. Got flu jab on Tuesday talking to my GP next week and having Covid jab same week.

At my daughter's after craft group this week . Open evening at my grandson's school . His dad's away working so nannie gets playtime and dinner plus a lift home.

Have a good week everyone.