One small thing in August

[Jules]

It's the same spreadsheet, with a new TAB for August added (in case anyone wants to look back).  I've also added the week days.  I've removed Claire, so everyone has shuffled up and I've changed the colours.  Keeps us on our toes.  Jean, if you want to add yourself, please do!

One small thing...

I'm not sure what I shall do as my 'small thing' this month.  I've knocked honey from my morning sloppy porridge, which I'm pleased with.  I think it will have to be carb related, but not sure.  May be a LOW GI?  That might work...  

[glenc]

Thank you Julia.  I am sticking with the water/coffee pledge since this seems to be the action which makes the most difference at the moment.  I have been away for three days with grand daughter being introduced to my former Outlaws.  (Stressful in lots of ways.)

Needless to say I did not get any walking in during those days so I have put in a 'guesstimate' based on the kind of step count I had when I have been pretty sedentary at home.  I have deliberately rated this quite low in order to spur me on to greater walking distances this month.  I was disappointed that I did not make the 310 last month but it could not be helped given the circumstances.  The Thames Path, hopefully, will be seeing a lot of me this month if this dreadful bug finally gives up and goes away.

[CarolB was MNKB]

I have just put in my data. And looking to the date on the left. They read as January! Can someone have a look and confirm this. Or am I seeing things!!

[Cally]

I have not done very well as with Daisy off her fett until Friday I have not been walking, plus back at work, and also a very bad back which cut short my bike ride with the boys. I hope that it recovers as we are off on holiday in a weeks time.  My friendly physio who does acupuncture is off also at teh mo.  I shall try to up the exercise next week....and the water consumption which is pathetic really!

[Jean Ward]

Tried to add myself in yesterday but it didn't work - I was tired though so possibly not concentrating properly.  At the beginning of the week I thought I would give the 5:2 diet a go since my practice nurse keeps pushing it (I think she's on some sort of commission!) So had a fast day Monday, normal day yesterday and am having another fast day today as I'm not swimming, unfortunately I don't think this is going to suit me as half way through hoovering the stairs I went horribly dizzy (not the place you want a dizzy spell but good excuse to stop) at least I have the rest of the week to decide if I want to continue with this or revert to the tried and trusted eat less move more.

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[Jules]

Hi Jean, I've added you in a cheery blue to columns O&P, so I hope this works.  I think there are all sorts of caveats with 5:2 with diabetes, blood pressure, so do be careful.  It's odd a practice nurse is pushing it, as they're usually so cautious with new 'fad' diets (I mean that in a sense that it's new and untested, not that it's wrong, because it's clearly right for so many).

I am seriously tempted to do WW online - I need to do something which is broad enough to support my food ideals but gives a way of tracking.  MFP just annoys me as I think the calorie levels are too low.  I will muse on that next week when I am walking the coastal paths.  It's getting near my 'crunch' time of year when I am always 'good' at GAGing.  September - the new January!

My steps will be rubbish today as I've spent far too long on Hall budgets, invoices and a gazillion change of address letters.  Grrrrrrrrrrr.....

[Jeannie's Hunter]

Do give the 5:2 diet a real go Jean. I started it about Sven weeks ago and have lost a stone quite easily. I think that, during your fast days, you are not meant to do any strenuous work but take it easy - read and rest! Good luck!

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

[Fran]

I have now updated the spreadsheet as I did keep a record of steps whilst away.  I was with my sister who cannot walk very far so my steps are well below my target but hopefully I can try and make them up now I am back in London. Food wise was not good as we had to eat out far more than we had anticipated so pub grub became our diet. Really must get back on track.  My brother and his girlfriend will be staying with me for a few days so I think healthy eating for all!!!

[Cally]

I am afraid that I have not recorded any steps for a while as I have done very little due to my back, bit things are looking up so I hope that if we are doing steps again in september I will be able to do it justice.

[Jean Ward]

Thanks Jules, haven't been back on since - had a few really low days again.  Jeannie I think my big mistake was swimming on the fast day and then again the next day before eating.  Spent 2 days not being able to even walk across the room without feeling faint.  Don't really want to cut back on the swimming while I'm off work and have time for longer swims so might wait until I'm back at work to give the 5:2 a more consistent go - also given how very large I am to start with I might start with the man's level of fasting.  I'll give it some serious thought this week.

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[Fiona]

I wish I'd had a pedometer in Portugal!  Our accommodation was on the 2nd floor, reached by 2 tortuous spiral staircases.  Everywhere we went, we seemed to go downstairs then up more stairs - I must have done thousands each day! The good news is that I found an elevator to take my suitcase downstairs (19.9kg).  The better news is that I only discovered it on the last day, so I wasn't tempted to avoid the many stairs!

[Jules]

20,000 bloody steps today. No wonder I feel like I could lay my head on the table and fall asleep. It's been an impressive few days.

I know there is much to catch up on. Pippa, it's so lovely to see you back and posting. Please hang around! You've done amazingly, and we need your vibes and motivation. Shaun. Ah, Shaun. I wish I could cast a spell against the demons.

We are shattered, but getting there. The kitchen has its first pass, the beds made, my shoes are unpacked (!!!), my underwear is found, the AGA is very threatening! The house is more shabby than we remembered, and the garden! OMG. A complete jungle, with so many hours ahead. But. It feels likes home already, and we have friends coming for super tomorrow.... So a day of something else ahead, else I really will be asleep in my soup!

I will be back amongst the fold before too long. Missing the chat of you all - and I have still to work out how Cally treated herself and eased her conscience......

[Claire Hawes]

That all sounds very positive Jules, and I'm quite sure the house will soon be a lot less shabby! Lovely to hear that it feels like home already. All the very best xxx

[Jeannie's]

So glad that things are beginning to take shape Julia - all the stress will be worth it once you are settled. Take care. X

Sent from Jeannie's iPod today!

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[Claire Hawes]

On the steps/one small thing front: I will have to make an active GAG commitment from September 1st. I did another hard hill race yesterday and although it was not as bad as the two a couple of weeks ago, I still found the steep hills very challenging and I know if I was half a stone lighter it would help! So, while I won't be counting my steps, and I'm not convinced 5:2 is for me, I need to find something that will make the difference. I'm thinking of going old-skool and actually counting calories! Any other ideas anyone?

[Fran]

Claire the only way I can lose weight is by counting calories. There are a lot of applications out there which help. The past couple of months have been bad for me, no excuses, so I do need to do some serious GAGing. Not sure where my will power disappeared to but if any one spots it please return it to me!!!

[Jules]

Claire, we are all different and what is good for the goose isn't good for the gander... and all that! I have been pretty good at tracking via WW and it had really shifted the way I am eating. All I read these days suggests that it is food that makes the difference to weight loss over activity. Activity will help with tone, but not the really wobbly stuff. So, my Bircher Museli is now devoid of nuts and raisins and honey. All things which are not so 'bad', but they eat up my points. And as that is what I've decided to try, then the rules must be applied. I like the 49 points a week for treats, which is my wine budget! My scheduled weigh-day is Thursday, and after a 0.8kg loss last week (hardly feeling deprived, but then I don't have a very sweet tooth), we will see what happens....

My steps have been mental this last week, all in my paper diary, but I haven't unpacked my MacBook to get to a spreadsheet!!

It's nearly September, so what might be next?

[glenc]

I had a dismal few days with Hay Fever and ear problems/throat, and I think I have over-compensated on treats and rubbish not really eaten the way I normally do.  Result - I feel awful!!!  I haven't put on any weight though.  My pedometer battery gave up and so I have put in a couple really conservative 'guesstimates' for the last couple of days.  My step count this month looks really awful but it has served to spur me on next month.  I have the Dentist (in Wolverhampton) looming on tThursday so after that?....I am going to be wondrously good. Ho Ho!

Weather here really hot ans set to last.  Sorry to say, with the state of my ENT, I am looking on that with no great joy either.  But I wish you well, those of you who are enjoying it!!!!

[CarolB was MNKB]

Claire, toe 5:2 I found was not for me.
I'm in between Jules, and Fran. I like counting calories but WW does help remind us what we already know. Jules I am waiting to see how you get on as I may join the online WW at some point. Although there is an app which uses/copies their points system so I might try that. The only cost is the app which is about £2.50

Haha wine points. Ill remember that one.

Last week not so good for me. We had the children for 5 days which meant I had bread and other things I should not have. So back on track today.

[Jules]

That's exactly right, Carol, am doing the online one, and think the app is brilliant. I took Pete for lunch yesterday and whist scanning the menu, I was able to do a quick check and see what we're better choices. I ended up having mussels, and they switched the bread for a side salad.

Anyway. I lost another 1.5kg in this last week, but we have been run off our feet. WW gave me a warning that am losing too quickly - but then it sets the damn points, which I stick to, so go figure???!!!!! I have lost 3.3kg in total, so got my first 'star' for 7lbs loss. It really doesn't feel like I'm under eating, and am eating more fruit than I would do - zero points... And my wobbly middle has shrunk, so no adverse affects from the fruits.

Another week reset for my points, so my wine budget is topped up. Although I am making a rhubarb crumble tonight, once have picked the rhubarb, so maybe some of the wine budget will be reallocated!

Discipline, motivation and a system that works. I seem to have all three at the moment, so another week on it!

[CarolB was MNKB]

Well I've gone and done it Jules. I joined online for 3 months. Started tentatively on Sat, but had a baguette with bacon for lunch!! Lol
Still the next day went better and my walk earned me some points and then I walked home from work tonight so added some more.
Just got to track it and stick to it now.

Now I just need to find the spreadsheet. Anyone seen it lately.

[Jules]

Well, that's great Carol.  I did exactly that, the three month online offer.  The key is tracking - even when you go off-piste! I've "spent" all my weekly extras for treats so a couple of lean days ahead. Actually, it's not so bad. Tonight I shall make Moussaka, with some short-cuts to make it healthier, using up some of the leg of lamb I slow roasted in the Aga last week.

I really look forward to hearing how you got on.

So, what's the challenge for September, as it's here already!!!

[glenc]

I am all out of ideas Julia!!  Having spent a few months 'surviving' I have lots to put right.  Hopefully, if the physiotherapists continues to get my ankle and knee into shape I shall be extending my walking programme.  I think I am going to try to get back into regular Nordic Walking and cut down on sugar.  (Not being able to eat wheat or too much fat tends to push me towards foods with lots of sugar..sadly).  However, I will try to think of something which could be inclusive for all of us.  Maybe if we all throw a few personal ideas into the pot we might come up with a aggregation which could be applied to all of us.  I certainly find that logging stuff helps to keep me focussed.  Which reminds me...one job for today is new batteries for my pedometer.

[Fran]

I've really enjoyed the steps challenge as it did on many days force me into more activity.  I am however desperate to lose weight and wonder whether there could be a challenge that monitored weight loss - just an idea!  Although I don't really want to mention it we are probably on a count down to Christmas so perhaps we could incorporate this.  Apologies for the 'C' word.

[Claire Hawes]

I know weight loss is not necessary for all of us, but it is for me too Fran. However I also have jobs which need tackling such as redecorating and clearing out our bedroom, and planting a lot more bulbs for the spring etc etc! I think my challenge needs to focus on calorie counting in some way (maybe I'll have  a look at the WW site too) and clearing stuff off my to-do list.

[Jules]

Ooh, I don't know how to create a spreadsheet on that! I shall think about it today, and build something later.... Something to combine weight loss, em assured each week, and also whittling down the chores.

I feel a new thread coming on..... See you in a moment to generate some ideas!

[CarolB was MNKB]

My. First week with WW online and I have lost 1.5lbs. Would have liked 2 for the first week but hey! I did have wine and a bacon baguette on the first day.
Week 2 starts today. Would like to add more exercise but find it difficult at the moment with work etc. not a lot of time left in the day.
Still sorting my airing cupboard and have spent this morning ironing all the sheets etc that I have pulled out last week.... (After washing them of course)

Jules, you should do well with the weight loss if you tackle that garden of yours. ;-)

Off to visit Mother now. Ta Ta

[Jeannie's]

Well doneCarol-it's all going the right way! X

Sent from Jeannie's iPod today!

[Jules]

Exactly, Jeannie.  Well done.  I have a real attack of the munchies today, which I suspect is purely emotional, but it will be hard to stay on the WW straight and narrow....  

[Fran]

Good for you Carol.

Jules I'm sure the odd attack of munchies is fairly acceptable!!!  Hope you are feeling better today.

[Fiona]

Just catching up after a couple of manic weeks!

Weightwatchers online was how I lost around 5 stones years ago.  Carol, you have to try and eat the points is allocates because, as you lose weight, your points will reduce so you can continue to lose.  If you undereat just now, you've nowhere to go!

I really need to lose some weight, but I was quite disheartened by my no-carb regime that promised to burn fat and didn't.  I eat too many nuts, as they are one of the few snacks I can have that don't affect my blood sugar - maybe I just need to stop buying them!

I think I am too embarrassed to go public on all the clearing out I need to do!  I've decided that, probably in the New Year, I'm going to get the wardrobe chap back to do my spare room which is currently a huge dumping ground come office.  So that'll be a mammoth task. I know the way to tackle it is in small chunks, so the car's full of shredded paper to go to the recycling centre aka The Dump!