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

I haven’t weighed myself for ages as I’m still busy working on the house and I snack to keep myself going. But I might risk it tomorrow. I bought a one size knee support for my bad knee and my thigh is so big I can’t wear it. My thighs are so huge!

Hello Pears and Apples.

Can any of you suggest a good tasting cheese that isn’t too high in calories. Maybe it doesn’t exist. Although I am losing weight it is too slowly for me.

I love Edam. In fact, I really want to go out and buy some now. I first ate some in my late teens and it was my favourite food ( I’ve never liked cooking!). Used to eat it with an apple. I’m currently eating salad with feta cheese. Much as I love cheese I’ve never liked cottage cheese.

Maybe I must be your long lost twin, I don’t like cooking and I hate cottage cheese. I will try some Edam.

Ooh Cheese... my downfall! I don't want to give it up but I buy small portions and tell myself I need the calcium!
I weighed in at 140.4lbs today. In the past I managed to get down to 130lbs but found it too damn hard to maintain. I think I will aim to slowly shift 5lbs. Battle on ladies

We have been away for a few days and was careful though was tempted but will weigh tomorrow morning and see what damage I need to address. Fingers crossed it’s not too much.

Was my birthday Thursday then family came down for the weekend, we went to christmas craft fair…at the pub,,,stayed for a good while lol,,,therefore 2 and a half pounds went on…..well, I did become a pensioner 😅………..my bus pass arrived today as well, #excited.

Sorry realised I was glad to be able too post I didn't congratulate all the losers in weight that is not life 😂.
Keepingquiet when I first lost 2" off my waist I looked at it in a straight line and it didn't look that much so I put the tape round me to the old measurement it was and amazed how much it actually was . I always wear elastic waisted trousers because they are easy to get on and off. My hands wouldn't let me do small buttons or zips unless they have large keyring to use to pull them . Ok with ones on costs and jackets as they are larger. Everything I wear has to be easy to put on . I do have some shirts for the hot weather but the buttons are permanently shut just room to pop them on over my head. Funny enough never have any problem putting my bra on and can still fasten it at the back like I always have.

Shirley belated happy birthday 🎂🥂🍾🎁. I became a pensioner this year as well. I hope you have applied for pension credit as you never know if you are entitled to any. I went to CA and they helped with the forms as we did it over the telephone. And Lynsey who helped me could speak on my behalf to clarify some parts . And much to my surprise awarded £70.04 per week . Which means I can have a gardener and just started to have a podiatrist come once a month as I have struggled to cut my toe nails the last 2 years and used my Scholl hard skin battery operated removed to file down my toe nails. Plus because my birthday was in April I got the £200 winter fuel allowance and my energy company added the warm home discount to my credit which I have built up over the year so I don't have to worry this year for the first time about having the heating on as much as I want.

MayBee knee supports come in different sizes also they have wrap around ones which are adjustable to get a perfect fit . Perhaps a wrap around one would be better for you . I use wrap around wrist supports but can't use them as they should as the hole for the thumb is to big . But wrap it around my wrists they fasten with velcro. I can't use pull on ones as I can't pull them on and they are to tight on my left wrist. Being adjusted I can get the perfect fit. Had mine from Boots which sell a good range, but Amazon have a lot of different ones also disabled aids sites. Perhaps you could find something their . Also your local occupational therapy department can supply some aids . I didn't have to go through my GP just phoned up and a lovely woman came out . I would be lost without my bed bar and my pressure cushion eases the pain and swelling in my legs when they are worse. Other things they could have supplied me with but have already got . As my mom would say don't be a proud chap ask for help .

NanKate I love goats cheese but only buy it if having visitors. It doesn't taste goaty. I buy Somerset goat cheese it's round and ideal to eat and cook with . I also like Abergavenny soft goat cheese again ideal for just eating or cooking with lower cals than cows milk cheese . But I do but a 400g block of mature cheddar and cut it into 8 and freeze it . When I make a cheese sauce I use 200ml cold skimmed milk into a cold pain and 30g of plain flour and I crumble the cheese into it . Using a whisk bring it to the boil perfect no lumps sauce . You may need extra milk to get the consistency you want . But it's enough to top a large lasagne enough for 6 dinners ,or in pasta bake or a cauliflower cheese. I don't use any spread as there is enough fat in the mature cheddar to make a perfect sauce plus saves on calories.

CocoPops you have the will to lose it and know you will. Like the pears you never give up and that's the main thing. We all have ups and downs but we don't give up. It's easy to give up shows what a hardy breed we pears are as we don't.

Well put on quarter of a pound on Sunday on official weigh in . Saturday had lost a pound but I only go by Sundays weight . Since having the water retention have been weighing myself and recording it so I can should the cardiologist when I get my appointment how much my weigh fluctuates. Saw my GP yesterday my Osteopenia is in my left hip my spine is free from it . Even though been taking a combined calcium, vitamin D and vit K everyday since I was 50 when I had my first mammogram and the radiographer told me to. But need higher dose calcium and vitamin D so GP has prescribed them for me. Otherwise doing all the right things including the weight bearing exercises. Hopefully put off needing a hip replacement for years. But I always knew my left hip was wasted due to my walking.

I did show her how my weight fluctuates as yesterday had put on 2.5lbs from Sunday knew I would have as didn't go to the loo as often as usual and slept all night when I am usually up twice a night . Be up this morning as well as didn't wake in the night.

Think I mentioned I was doing a 90 second video for the Brain Charity.. Well last night they sent it to me . Thought I would look at it from behind my fingers but was pleased how it turned out. I don't sound to black country and sounded intelligent instead of an idiot like I thought . It's edited but I got across what I wanted to say . But they made it easy for me and didn't feel feel self conscious. It launches on Thursday at the event I am going to . It's the yearly get together with cheese,wine and nibbles . Then my craft group starts again next week as the roof is watertight now . Christmas crafting . Brought things to take in and an apron as we are using glitter. The apron was only £2.99 off eBay free delivery and surprise at the quality and size .

Going to see Santa on Sunday with my daughter and grandsons then a treat . She booked it 2 months ago going to a different garden centre this year and no doubt I will come back with a new decoration or 2.

Glad you got your bus pass Shirley we are lucky up here men and women get theirs at 60 which gives you free travel on buses but also local trains and the ferry. As I was 61 when I moved here my daughter took me to the bus station to get it. Now have a disabled one which means I can use it 24/7 not time restrictions on bus or local train . Which is good as when I go to the Brain Charity have to leave here at 7.15am. I am always hour early for class but can't stand being late and like to help set up the room with the others .

Have a good week everyone. 🧘

Congratulations ShireyW on becoming a pensioner, there are some perks such as your bus pass. 💐 I’m 78 but in my mind I am younger.

Thanks Whiff for your cheese suggestions I will try them. So pleased you too have found the benefit in the Cals & Carbs book.

These last 6 weeks of calorie counting have become the norm. I keep a measuring tape in the shower room and regularly check my waist and hips. I have lost 3 inches on my waist and a couple on my hips where most of my fat is. It took me a few weeks to get used to a reduction in the amount of food I eat and for the first time in a few years I can feel the benefit of my weight loss.

I have ordered a lovely pair of dark purple velour trousers to wear at Christmas and I am hopeful they will fit me well. They are from Cotton Traders.

I am not telling any friends about my weight loss regime just hope they will notice eventually.

Onward and downward Pears and Apples.

However careful I am if I am away I average a gain of 1 lb, each day which means our 3 days away equals a 3 lbs gain.
A week woukd mean gaining half a stone and a fortnight doesn’t bear thinking about. …. Eeek! 😧

Home now so will focus on what’s necessary.

NanKate I use the book everyday . Especially if I know I will be eating out . And can make choices before I go. Having the plates with different size portions on really helps .

Silverlining I try and be good on holiday have good breakfast and either only have a drink at lunch time or lowest cal food I can have . That way I can have my 2 course dinner guilt free. But because of my love of routine I still do my morning exercises even when away. 😁

Thank you….. back to the ‘drawing board’. It’s going down again ( I weigh daily like you whiff). Also upped my steps this week. Just lately getting the old lower back ache, bit stiff in the mornings 🙄, twinges in the day , I thought pop to docs, he could refer me for a scan/X-ray just to see if it’s the onset of arthritis but no, first he said it’s posture, then I had to have blood test, 2 weeks was the earliest appt, that’s done and is ok now I better go back , see if he will refer me now…I bet if I offered to pay I’d get a scan quick enough….thats my moan over 😅.
Your doing really well nankate, like the sound of your trousers for Christmas, , I like purple.

I have that book too whiff, I regularly use it.

Did you enjoy Santa whiff with your daughter and grandson?

Meeting my sister in salisbury today, takes me about 2 and a half hours in the train, but least I can sit back and relax, and let the train take the strain so it says…

NanKate your trousers will be beautiful. It's amazing how not just losing weight but the inches can boost your confidence and general well being .

Seeing Santa on Sunday. But went with my youngest grandson and daughter to a giant Sainsbury's yesterday that hadn't been open long She hadn't been so asked if I wanted to go. I needed fresh stuff anyway but I am always up for an outting.

We saw a giant blow up Santa outside Dobbies it was nearly as big as the roof top. On the way home he must have lost some air as he was bending out. My grandson said he was tying his shoe lace. 😁. He's 4. He had insisted on helping nannie guide the trolley only problem was he's stronger and quicker than me so my daughter kept telling him to be careful with nannie . Still remember holding him when he was 4 days old.

He loved all his birthday presents. With his brother they will decorate my Christmas tree after seeing Santa ..My daughter started a tradition when he was born they have a photo taken together in the armchair by the tree .

Shirley blood tests are the first port of call seeing drs . Even though the high dose calcium and vitamin D is on my repeat prescription my GP is waiting until I have had blood test before letting me have them . Having it done on the 16th .

Wrap up warm as it's a very heavy frost here today. I love travelling on the train but they aren't always heated. Going to an event at the Brain Charity 4-7 was going in by bus and train but decide to have a taxi to take me . Had already pre booked the one home . It takes me 2 hours each way to get there but I love going . Craft group due to start next week but will check and going to a Christmas concert there on Friday next week but thats 3.15 -5 so will be ok with bus and train each way.

Decided to post my parcels for Christmas tomorrow and my cards. That's another thing done .

I think we are in for a hard winter this year. Never know it so cold up here this early and been here 5 years. Keep warm everyone and be careful incase it's slippy out.

Hi everyone!

Another pound lost this week! That's half a stone in a month- so feeling good about that.

Waist size isn't really shifting though and I'm finding it hard getting the steps in with the dark afternoons coming.

One of the reasons why previous dieting/fasting never really worked for me was that I tended to get depressed.

Does anyone else have this and what can I do to lift my mood.?

I have far more energy that I used to, don't nap in the day so much and am sleeping well so why all of a sudden do I feel so gloomy?

This has only started today but I do find it a worry as its happened before?

Anyone have a clue? And don't say I need chocolate ha ha!

You are doing well keepingquiet I have lost the same amount as you, but just has taken me twice as long!

I feel a bit down when I haven’t lost the amount of weight I was expecting. However staying the same or losing just half a pound is still positive.

Thanks to those mentioning my new velour trousers. They are lovely and only a bit bulging on my stomach. I’m hoping by Christmas things will have loosened up. I will post a pic when I am satisfied with the result.

Keep going girls.

I’m keeping unusual hours due to the work I’m doing on my house, so am snacking far too much. I think my weight has crept up again. I’m trying not to think too much about it, though.

Maybee if you think you are snacking a lot why don’t you skip one meal a day and let the snacking be your meal.

NanKate

Maybee if you think you are snacking a lot why don’t you skip one meal a day and let the snacking be your meal.

I’m working on the house at strange times; sometimes up most of the night and then sleeping till early afternoon so I snack to keep me going. I did have quite a good eating routine recently but this decluttering has totally scuppered it. Hopefully, in a week or so I’ll be on top of it!

Hi Nankate.

I don't think my low mood was related to my slower progress this week. it seems to have passed anyhow.

We are all doing this our own way I get that and so I don't want to compare myself, just share my journey into better health because I think it does help to share these things.

I haven't taken before or after pics which I suppose I should but I didn't really think this diet would work-but it has so far, so I'm staying with it and maybe I'll be well on my way by Christmas. I am not setting too many targets though.

Getting a less than 40 inch waist is the only target just now.

Snacking is a real challenge isn't it? There are snacks on my meal-plan but I don't look at them. I have nuts and pumpkin seeds to hand, and I absolutely love the savoury veggie cakes from Kallo. I have never had more than two in a day, but they are so good I could eat more if there was nothing else.
My other snack is 85% dark chocolate.

The combination of these is working for me, but I don't deny myself the odd sausage roll or slice of cake if I'm out either.

Let's see what this week brings, I just really need to be walking more but the weather is against me on this one!

Thanks so much for your support and have a good week everyone!

In my experience the way to get your waist size down is to cut out bread. I go through phases of avoiding it but I then slip back into bad habits. I didn’t snack today. I don’t know what set me off yesterday. It’s usually when I’m tired but I wasn’t tired. Might have been having crisps in the house, something I tend to avoid.

From experience I have found counting carbs is more effective than counting calories. Keep away from the white stuff - bread, rice, pasta. Ive lost nearly 3 stone this year,
!

Well done Bigred 3 stone is impressive. Calorie counting is slowly working for me. We all choose our own routes to a slimmer healthier body.

MayBee70

In my experience the way to get your waist size down is to cut out bread. I go through phases of avoiding it but I then slip back into bad habits. I didn’t snack today. I don’t know what set me off yesterday. It’s usually when I’m tired but I wasn’t tired. Might have been having crisps in the house, something I tend to avoid.

Yes- this! I never thought I could cut out bread from my diet, I used to have bread with every meal.

Now I don't even buy it! I am really surprised that I don't need to snack on bread and butter anymore. I used to feel permanently hungry and now it is rare for me to reach for the bread bin.

My son buys bread and crisps but so far I don't touch it. Even if I have scrambled eggs I just eat them without bread.

I know it is early days for me yet but I hope some of these changes I can build into my lifestyle for good.

So well done Bigred18! 3 stone is well beyond my target but you've just shown me it may be possible.

If I have lost a stone by Christmas I will be well pleased!