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Dieting & exercise

I’m a Pear/Apple - Part 5. Still going!!

(852 Posts)
NanKate Tue 22-Oct-24 12:47:23

On 08 May 2018 I started this thread for those who wanted to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle.

We now have a small band of ‘regulars’ called Pears and Apples. I am so grateful to those who have stayed loyal and contributed a lot of useful information and given support, especially Whiff 👍

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.

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

Our mantra is - EAT LESS FOR LIFE.

NanKate Sat 13-Sept-25 14:40:44

Yes Shirkeyw I have worn the jacket about 3 times. It is ideal for Autumn not too heavyweight but warmer than a Mac. It was made by Tesco which is a great surprise to me. I have to admit I am now wearing a lightweight lilac woollen top, also bought from. Charity shop this week. We are lucky we have 6 good charity shops in our town. We are on the Thames and get quite a lot of tourists, hence imo some excellent charity shops.

Well done for the loss 👍

Shirleyw Sat 13-Sept-25 04:59:35

Well done on the loss whiff. Hope you have a good holiday and the weather holds out for you.

Your jacket sounds nice nankate, have you worn it yet.?

Not done too bad this week , lost a couple pounds from which I put on last week…..I did pick at the cherries in my d/h cherry cake yesterday , left a few little holes at end of the cake 😂😂😂

Back into making soups again , not had any during the summer, made a lovely butternut squash soup yesterday we had for lunch yesterday, we shall have the rest today. I have rice cakes with mine, d/h had nice slice of bread with butter 😋

Think today isn’t going to be so bad weather wise but gonna be a rainy rest of week down south.

Have a good one …

NanKate Mon 08-Sept-25 16:00:25

Happy holidays Whiff
Enjoy Betty’s, I know I did. 👋

Whiff Mon 08-Sept-25 12:22:09

Fenbug you made me laugh 2am is a bit early for even me to try clothes on. Need to be up at 4 in the morning so I can have my tablets and breakfast before the taxi comes at 6.15 to go for my MRI. Need time at the hospital to calm down before I have it done be in it at least 45 mins . Hate enclosed spaces . But I will have everything crossed it shows something don't care what if I know why I have changed such a lot then I can deal with it .

Shirley it's easy to binge . I have been fighting the binge cravings since January and I lose its like my brain takes a hike . My sensible brain knows not to eat it but that gets quashed by my binge brain .

NanKate the jacket sounds lovely dark turquoise is a lovely colour . I remember when you brought the purple velvet trousers. Hopefully got the material right. 🤔.

Well my sensible brain was in charge last week and lost 3.75 lbs . So may have lost a quarter of inch from somewhere . Hopefully keep my sensible brain this week as next week it will take a hike .Off to Harrogate for 5 days . Already decided on doing 3 things afternoon tea a Betty's , Knaresborough on market day and hopefully can get to the witches stone and going via taxi to Fodder luxury farm shop all local foods and lots of cheeses to test. Fodder was a recommendation from someone on the national disability card Facebook page . Looks lovely .

Take care everyone. Bright and sunny here today hopefully no accidents at sit fit this afternoon. Made a first aid kit to keep in my bag .🤸

NanKate Sun 07-Sept-25 07:54:33

I’m gearing up to go back on the scales Shirleyw.

I bought a lovely dark turquoise jacket in the charity shop yesterday in a smaller size than I used to wear and it fitted ‘almost’ perfectly. A bit tight when I did the one button up. 😏

Shirleyw Sun 07-Sept-25 05:23:33

Not been on the scales this week, just back from doing granny duties for a week, the food devil isn’t far away …..I suppose you’d say I binged , haven’t done that for absolutely ages. Now back, went for a run/walk yesterday, first time in nearly 3 weeks as I had twinges in my lower back and hip 🙄…good to get back to sensible eating…must say, bought a couple of desserts from marks and Spencer’s, after I ate them ( not all at once) couldn’t say I really enjoyed them …
Anyhow, this weekend we are busy in the garden,not gonna be many days left before the cold weather arrives, have a good week all

Fenbug Sat 06-Sept-25 17:16:13

Never mind the grin, Whiff, it was the triumphant sqwauk that worried the neighbours! (memo to self - don't do the dress size testing on your 2 am insomnia breaks)

Whiff Wed 03-Sept-25 07:38:20

Realised I haven't posted last week put on a pound and put on quarter of pound this week . January there are times got my eating less for life mojo back but it's as if my brain takes a hike at other times and my will power goes. Really hope the MRI shows something when I have it Tuesday next week . Then I can get my will power back . As my hands doing weird movements and my speech problems are making me 😡😡😡😡. My neurologist has asked my GP to refer me to a speech therapist near me but no idea when that will be . Having my ramp has helped me a lot and my handle by my sofa . Plus move and lose it class started again after our instructor was away for 5 weeks . Glad to say everyone came back but even though I have been folu the exercises in the book at home. Needed to do the exercises the easier way than I did .

Fenbug glad you have lost inches bet there was a big smile on your face when you tried the shirt on and it was big . Glad you are pre diabetic zone .
When you mentioned the bath made me remember Sarah Millican she always makes me laugh . When she said she had a dam of water behind her back and only realised it was there when she got up 😂.

CocoPops hope you are having a wonderful holiday . Your son will love cooking for you and it will taste even better because you are together . Glad you are meeting up with old friends. Enjoy the rest of your stay .

NsnKate hope you had a lovely time away . I go to Harrogate on the 15th for 5 days and looking to exploring and afternoon tea at Betty's. Know I will put on but I do try to make sensible choices 🤦. But do love a pud after my dinner things I done eat at home .

Already booked my room for Lancaster in May next year as I need an accessible room always book early have Flexi rate ,early check in and meal deal . Makes life easier for me .

Sillymoo another pound off brilliant..Glad SW works for you their lee way with the 3 lbs is an good incentive to keep on the right track.

Have a good week fruits .

Fenbug Sun 31-Aug-25 21:05:28

Thank you so much, Whiff, for your encouragement and helpful advice! After my August blood test I was told the diabetic clinic didn't need a follow up, so checked on the NHS app - I'm back in the pre-diabetic zone (only just, but still not bad for five months, methinks). I'll still keep going, as I feel so much better as the weight shifts - the back pain is receding, I'm not so scared of getting in/out of the bath as I had been, I can actually contort enough to deal with my feet and I'm not so reliant on my walking stick to get across the supermarket car park, for instance. However I've had a frustrating couple of weeks with nothing much happening on the scales and a few complete lapses of concentration (late night snacking - good stuff really, but loads of calories). Then yesterday I was going through clothes with a view to taking to charity, tried on a shirt dress that was far too tight on the chest a few months ago - and it's loose. Seriously, a good 5" of play on the bust line. Couldn't believe it, checked my bra was done up ... but then remembered previous weight loss efforts when the scales wouldn't budge but the inches certainly dropped off - just wish they'd drop off my tum & bum, and not all off my chest. Now truly a (rather droopy) pear shape, or perhaps a floppy butternut squash? So, onwards ...

NanKate Sun 31-Aug-25 20:14:08

Good to have you back CocoPops 👍

Tomorrow I return from a short hols. Food has been good but I already feel the weight going back on, so back on the band wagon for me. 5 days away, 2 weeks to get back to my best weight. I feel bloated.

CocoPops Fri 29-Aug-25 12:49:09

Hi everyone. I have not posted for ages but have kept up to date with all your news.
My weight is up a bit. I overdo the calories when stressed. eg I flew into Heathrow last Saturday and I hate the trek from Terminal 5 to Euston Station. Anyway, thanks to mastering the Trainline App (phew!) and travelling on tubes and umpteen trains I am getting around the country visiting old friends. I had one night at a hotel which had a swimming pool which I took advantage of twice... Glorious! Staying with my son who is too good a chef! but I am getting some exercise doing his gardening. Will have a weigh-in and see what the damage is when I get back to Canada. Then I'll be back on the wagon. Take care everyone.

Sillymoo Fri 29-Aug-25 07:46:39

I weighed in on Tuesday, 1 lb off taking me to 3 above target. I go to SW so that means I'm in my target bubble and don't pay as long as stay within 3 above or below.

Raining here and plan to reorganise freezer!

NanKate Fri 29-Aug-25 07:31:38

Hope your back improves shirleyw.

I’m on a few days hols in the rain 😏 so food intake will increase inevitably, but I won’t go mad.

Shirleyw Fri 29-Aug-25 05:59:19

Stayed the same this week, not been running as lower back was playing up now it’s improved it’s pouring with rain so won’t be running t in that lol. Least the rain is filling outer water butts and pond up.
Hope you’re all having a good week.

NanKate Sat 23-Aug-25 07:04:22

I like your rambling Whiff. 👍 Also you give good, sensible advice on losing weight and keeping moving.

The many people who are using jabs to lose weight have the problem that when they stop the injections, they revert back mentally to their struggle with limiting their eating.

Those of us who have used the hard way to lose weight, such as calorie counting which Whiff and I do, mentally reduce our craving for certain foods. Of course at times we have a bit of a binge but we get back on the wagon and return to our Eating Less for Life regime.

Whiff Fri 22-Aug-25 07:18:43

Fenbug welcome to the fruits . NanKate started the pears but we are all different sizes . Hence I call us fruits . Best group to lose weight with plus it's free and no being made to fell like a naught girl if you put weight on. Not like slimming clubs I went to in the 80's. We do the hard work here not short cuts . NanKate calls it eating less for life and that's the best way to think about it .

NanKate recommended a cal counting book which I brought it's approved by Diabetes UK. My old book fell apart . It's probably the one you use. I would measure yourself as sometimes you don't lose weight but inches .

The clinic is right . People are using these weight loss jabs but it does make me laugh as they don't know what long term harm they could do .When you think of all the anti vaccines groups when the Covid jab was first used saying it could cause long term harm and yet it's probably the same people using these weight loss jabs .

Best to identify foods you have no control over them and not buy them . What I had to do . Bread and bread products are a big no no for me ,cheese but I do but 400g block of mature cheddar and cut it into 8 and freeze. I use a block always weighted and cal counted is enough to make a cheese sauce . Usually roughly 50g cheese use 200ml cold skimmed milk to start ,30 g plain flour no spread do the all in one mix . I crumbled the cheese into other ingredients and using a whisk bring to the boil may need extra milk but measured . Because there is enough fat in the cheese it makes a perfect cheese sauce . Saves cals not using spread.

Nice to know you exercise. I go to 2 groups sit fit and move it or lose it weekly. Plus do 7 exercises and 500 rotation on my static pedals daily . As I am fighting to keep my mobility.

This isn't just about weight and food but we talk about everything. It's a wonderful group of friends who just happened to want to lose weight and get fitter.
As you can tell I ramble on but that's me 😂.

MayBee70 Mon 18-Aug-25 11:47:16

Totally get where you’re coming from re bread. It’s like an addiction isn’t it. But you can kick it. Can’t chat now as about to go into the garden to paint the fence but I’ve developed a few techniques to kick the bread habit. You will do it. Trust me! x speak later….

Fenbug Mon 18-Aug-25 11:12:44

May I join the group, please? You're giving just the advice and encouragement that I need. Colossally overweight and needing to lose a lot of it following Type 2 diabetes diagnosis back in February. Apart from statins I haven't been put on any medication as the clinic wanted me to deal with it through diet and weight loss. I hadn't realised how bad my diet had become and it took me a few months to work out what system would suit me (not slimming groups, for various reasons). So: obsessive carbs and calories counting (I have the app as well as the book, they're really helpful), recording everything and trying to up my exercise, although physically that's quite difficult. This morning contemplating changing my username to WouldKillForToast - I really miss bread!

Whiff Sun 17-Aug-25 23:51:34

Hello yogitree. Could you explain what Keto diet is please. I count calories only way it works for me. But always interested in how other people lose weight.

NanKate went to Betty's in York in September. Had to queue for 20 mins but I was talking to people and there was a young woman singing opera near by . Plus it was a beautiful day . And the afternoon tea and service magical . Had to go walk down stairs but a lift to go up.

NanKate Sun 17-Aug-25 21:49:59

No I’m not yogitree but you are very welcome to join our happy bands of losers.

I’m envious Whiff of your impending trip to Betty’s in Harrogate. I went to the York Betty’s for Tea and it was wonderful. 👍

yogitree Sun 17-Aug-25 20:10:50

I'm an apple and am considering going back onto the Keto diet. I lost 4.5 stone eating that way and I have now, after 5 years, put back on 3.5. Anyone else do Keto way of eating?

Whiff Sun 17-Aug-25 20:06:27

Realised I never checked in last week put on 1lb but glad to say lost 1.75lb this week.

I had the great pleasure of meeting MayBee in May last year and spent time with her , her partner and her lovely dog. I never dreamed they would take me places. And MayBee and me when on a boat trip. The sea was calm and it was a beautiful day. It was thrilling and a deckhand pointed things out to us.

I am very lucky I have meet 3 from GN in the flesh and we got on ..Plus I what's app with someone else and see her when I remembered which button to press 🤦🤷🤔.

Pity we can't have a Pears met up all healthy food of course. It's funny that you can get so attached to people and gladly call them friends even if you never meet.

Full length mirror Allsorts thats brave . I try not to look when in a hotel but I do. But even though still fighting to lose more weight I look and feel.better than I did 6 years ago. I know I am fitter and eating healthier. And big bonus I have my 2 diagnosis of what I was born with.

NanKate that's what I did pre 2017. Which I now see was stupid as I then had more weight to lose. But we learn by our mistakes and pass on what we learn to others. And hopefully it helps them to see they are not alone.

Had an awful day yesterday and my HPX went into overdrive. But posting about with my HPX group helped me as they are the only people who understand what it's like living with this . Because I was feeling so bad I missed my husband all the more so water works time. As he was the only person I could admit how I really was . But my wonderful group rallied round and I slowly felt better. Our numbers have grown to 1,132 . I can travel the world from my sofa..
And I didn't turn to food .
Today back to old self and booked my room for May as I decided I am going to Lancaster for 5 days . All paid for with meal deal and early check in ..

Four weeks I go to Harrogate for 5 days. So this week finding a taxi firm which helps disabled people and see if I can book afternoon tea at Betty's. I can't book for the bookable room because it has stairs . I can make it down it's getting back up after sitting still eating that will be the problem.
I can't queue this year January change a lot of things healthwise.y neurologist is going to get me an appointment for MRI and after that speech therapy as I keep losing my speech. I am hoping the MRI shows something wrong. Then I can deal with it .

Shirleyw Mon 11-Aug-25 20:48:08

Thanks nankate…didn’t realise it was that long…..time flies,,,,,☀️🏃‍♀️‍➡️😎

NanKate Mon 11-Aug-25 08:02:14

Welcome back shirleyW 👋

Shirleyw Mon 11-Aug-25 04:06:11

Been away with the family for nearly a fortnight, I put on about 4lbs, for me that’s good as usually could quite easily of been half a stone. ,…I kept up my running in that time, I’m sure that helped .
Back to Pilates and calorie counting, like you say whiff & nankate calorie counting is the way.
I’m gonna be stiff as a board at Pilates today I’m sure, I’ve missed it for a month….

Enjoy our next heatwave this coming week…..saying that, it has felt a little autumnal these past early mornings then warms up.