16/8 - 2021 thread

[feliznavidad2]

Anyone else starting afresh in the coming days? I've dabbled in 16/8 in the past but then got a tummy bug and didn't restart.

I'm now the biggest I've been in 10 years and am keen to start taking some action to make me feel healthier and to lose some weight. 👋🏻

Aside from 16/8, I'm going to be reducing my carb intake (although still eating some) and ensuring I eat more fruit and vegetables.

Hello to any others who may be keen to join. I'll be weighing weekly on a Monday and using the Zero app to track my fasts.

Back to rewrite my epic post from this morning .

I'm with @anothermadamebutterfly in terms of a motivator being vanity. I love clothes and would like to look better in them :)

There is also a health aspect for me - I was chronically sick in my mid-30's, bedbound for 3 months and housebound for 6 (so I've done lockdown before!) and it took nearly 3 years to heal. Before I got sick I was into weightlifting, yoga, spin and getting into shape so it was a bit of shock to go from that to basically being an invalid. Once I got better I also knew that I wanted to try for a baby and was getting older, I was 39 when I got pregnant and turned 40 the month before giving birth. Since having her and not being able to go back to the gym because of her and the pandemic, I've only been able to return to a yoga practice - no weightlifting. Truthfully yoga is easier when you weigh less - you're always lifting your own bodyweight!

I also am finding the lockdown hard - it's just so boring and there isn't really anything to look forward to other than eating. I'm an avid cook so it helps to come up with delicious but healthy food, as well as the indulgent stuff. I like 16:8 because you can eat the indulgent stuff too, and I don't feel deprived 5 days out of 7.

@januhairyfebruhairy have you taken measurements? I also don't see movement on the scale but I've definitely lost cm around my waist and hips - my measurements from 1 January to 1 February tell me so! Might be worth tracking that too, you don't need to make it complicated. I measure bust, waist and hips.

In diet news, I tried only having black coffee today until my eating window opened rather than my usual americano with hot milk. I think it made a difference as the fast was a lot easier than yesterday. I did still have a splash of milk in my tea first thing - I'm not ready to do black tea yet!

How was everyone else's day?

Still here and only managed 4 days but lost 2 lbs already .
This is the first plan I've been able to follow ever that I can balance with my long working hours .
Great motivational thread and lovely to read everyones stories and updates thank you .

@januhairyfebruhairy when I did 5:2 a few years ago, I stayed the same for 8 weeks but went down a dress size in that time. It was so disheartening in some ways as the scales just didn't move but I could fit into so many of my other clothes.

@ladybranstonpickle yes, I notice that with things like yoga. It's really hard work at the moment!

@Wearethetwirl how are you doing? It's so tough at this time of year when I think everyone naturally wants to hibernate. I cannot go back to work at this size and that's what's keeping me away from the biscuit tin.

@Whoateallthechocolate
Feeling better, this thread has given me a lift.
I am renewing my commitment to losing the extra pounds. I have identified some of the reasons besides lockdown I have been eating poorly (we are in the middle of a house renovation)
and now I think that the work should be completed soon, I have no excuse to not lose those pounds.

As well as fasting, I want to add a bit of exercise too so coming up with a timetable for next week to get started!

@ladybranstonpickle
Thanks for sharing your story. Health is the ultimate reason to get fit and that's what I am reminding myself. And kudos for still doing yoga with a little one around!

Morning all! Glad to hear you are feeling better @Wearethetwirl. Eating well during a stressful time is hard, be kind to yourself on the challenges. Is the kitchen part of the renovation? Ah the yoga is only 30 mins or so, I manage to squeeze it in between her bedtime and eating our dinner.

@Skinnydecafflatte LOL on the meme.

@Whoateallthechocolate I know! I can't wait to be lithe and sleek and just lift myself all over the mat. Currently trying to work on my side planks...I just start shaking and my middle sinks down and down.

@timkerbellx good to hear it!

It's Friday! Thursday dinner was a bit off piste - I made chicken shwarma and then my husband suggested getting chips from the fish & chip shop to go with it. He's being so supportive but also I think needed a boost - lockdown and work has been really tough for him the last week - so I agreed. Obviously ate beyond my TDEE but I hope its still ok. I'll have a light lunch today. Dinner is likely to be a takeaway, probably Indian so will need to select mains carefully! I'll try to persuade him away from the onion bhajis too.

Good luck today everyone, do check in and let us know how you're all doing.

Is it too late for me to join this thread? Started the 16:8 today. Hoping for some inspiration and ideas. I've never done it before but really need to do something.

@ladybranstonpickle

Yes it is and that was what started the junk food eating when the kitchen was out of use. The kitchen is now done so can start getting healthy again though!

Hi everyone, was finding myself in the same situation as some that after a great start in January weight loss slowed in February - however have mixed it up a bit this week and am 3 lbs down in February. I was super busy with work so a couple of days with just an evening meal (substantial 1200 cal) has done the trick.

Sounds strange but my body has really adjusted quickly to not feeling the shaky hunger I used to get so was not difficult to extend fast period.

Overall I'm about a stone down from 1 January and don't feel I am depriving myself. I am still counting calories until I get to my target weight but finding it comfortable to eat normally at two meals (1200 cal total) with a bit of wine/chocolate.

If anyone is feeling disheartened mix things up and see how you go. This is the fastest and easiest weight loss I've had.

Morning
Glad you're back in the zone @Wearethetwirl. I think anyone would slip up going through a renovation, especially when the kitchen is out if action.
I am feeling slimmer today. I should be given I feel as though I have scarcely eaten this week! I have also made sure to eat plenty of green veg. Yesterday I had a bowl of steamed sprouts mid-afternoon and then, having swapped my supper for a delicious (mini) carrot cake delivered by a friend, also had a bowl of rocket. What I have been reflecting on today, is that, whilst this may (fingers crossed!!) work in the short term, it's not the same as adopting a healthy way of eating which is what I need to move towards long term to keep the weight off once I have lost it. Otherwise, I'm just going to bounce back up.
Have a good Saturday.

whoateallthechocolate
I have maintained at 11 stone for some years now but I noticed my middle looked thicker when I tried on my fitted dresses a month ago. I am aiming for 10 stone but worry I will struggle to maintain.

I have been drinking three litres of water the past two weeks and it has made a significant difference. I wore one of my fitted rib dresses last week and it looked far more flattering.

I am 5ft 8 so look fairly lean.

Can I join? Toyed with calorie counting for the past few weeks but haven’t been able to get my head in the game- the Friday night was going through some clothes in my wardrobe and was disgusted by how few fit properly (like everyone else I’ve been living in joggers for the past year!)

Have skipped breakfast the past two days, and had my window between 1-9. During the week when I’m working I suspect I’ll want to open the window sooner, but nothing earlier than 12. Trying to stick to 1200 calories which is what I was doing the past few weeks, but hopeful that will be easier to fit across two meals than an entire day of eating!

Got two stone to lose, determined to shift at least one of them before we’re all allowed out again so my clothes actually fit me!

Hi all xx I'm still plodding on, it quickly becomes a way of life doesn't it and not a diet plan. I definitely need to up my water intake. How many glasses do you usually drink in a day I'm only having about 3. I just really struggle with water especially when it's freezing outside!

peachypeach

I drink three litres of water a day. One litre in morning, one just before I break my fast and one before dinner. I am ashamed to say I rarely drank even one glass per day a month ago.

Welcome @roastpotatoesss

Your situation quite like mine. Am finding that calorie restriction so much easier over 2 meals. I do 18:6 and it means on special occasions like today when my meals were indulgent I don't feel that I should just give up as have still limited my eating window. Have lost a stone and about 10 pounds to go (although not 100% sure on target weight, I'm back in healthy BMI now). Hoping to get there by Easter.

Welcome @roastpotatoesss
That's interesting about the water @PeacheyPeach. I go through phases with water but really should get into more of a regime about drinking certain amounts by different times of the day.
Friday's optimism about seeing a loss may well have been thwarted by Valentine's Day. DH and I did the M&S did in for 2 last night and, whilst I didn't have the dessert, I did have 2 glasses of wine. Then today, we made a Baked Alaska for pudding which I love and I've had a few chocolates from the box DH gave me. I have been on the x trainer and gone for a walk both days which may have limited the damage. All will be revealed in the morning!

@faith50 Wow that's amazing do you use a water bottle to keep you on track? We have a sodastream which I need to refill the gas for but I'm thinking this might help me as I prefer sparkling water to still .

@Aftertheharvest

Welcome *@roastpotatoesss*

Your situation quite like mine. Am finding that calorie restriction so much easier over 2 meals. I do 18:6 and it means on special occasions like today when my meals were indulgent I don't feel that I should just give up as have still limited my eating window. Have lost a stone and about 10 pounds to go (although not 100% sure on target weight, I'm back in healthy BMI now). Hoping to get there by Easter.

This is amazing! Can I ask how long it took you to lose that?

@roastpotatoesss since 1 January.

Once I'm at target weight planning to keep with the IF but not count calories.

I recommend downloading happy scale app. I still use my fitness pal for tracking but happy scale is very motivating!

peachpeach
I use a one litre water bottle. I find it far easier to down three of these than drink 8 to 10 glasses of water.

@faith50 this is a good idea, I will have to get one x

Thanks @Aftertheharvest I have just downloaded the app, it looks fun!

FFS. 11st1. 1lb less than last week; 2lbs more than 2 weeks ago (and what I was weighing in as on Thurs, Fri & Sat). Maybe I just need to spend all day every day on the x trainer ... kind of like.a hamster?!
My average calorie intake this week was 1200. I really don't want to go much lower but perhaps I have to. I was really grumpy and miserable when I did Fast800 and I'm just not sure I can manage that (on inflict it on the family) during lockdown.

Will catch up properly later but back ladies, thankfully have only put on a kilo since going a bit off piste (to put it lightly.)

My plan is to follow IF this week at least until the weekend (it's my birthday, so I'll cut myself a bit of slack for that.) On half term so mornings will be the worst whilst giving 4yo his breakfast but will stick to being strong with black coffee in hand. 💪🏻

Sorry to hear the scales aren't being kind to you @Whoateallthechocolate 😠 I'm sure they will reflect your efforts soon - hard to believe it when they're not playing ball though, I know.

@Whoateallthechocolate - just a thought from a non-expert mind, are you sure you're eating enough calories? (Please ignore me if not relevant as v conscious I'm not measuring calories etc.)

Morning all! Had a very indulgent weekend so not expecting any loss at all this week. Too much wine compared to usual amounts and topped off by a delicious Valentine's meal of beef wellington last night. Utterly delicious but considerably out of my usual eating style.

Back on it now this morning though, black coffee in hand! Today is a FD so have carrot and coriander soup for lunch, and dinner is Turkish beans and a baked chicken breast. Will need to step away from the mayo on the chicken though :)

@Whoateallthechocolate I second @feliznavidad2's suggestion - maybe give yourself a couple of days of eating right up to your TDEE as a sort of reset? Then back on the 16:8? I share your frustation, I have been bouncing btwn the same two kilos for two weeks. Just going to keep going in the hopes that underneath it all something is working.

welcome back @feliznavidad and welcome @roastpotatoesss.