Diet for Summer Challenge 2024

[bigdecisionstomake]

This is a continuation of the previous Diet for Christmas and Diet for Summer Challenges started by myself, @OhFatty and @Dashel

It is open to everyone, whether you have a lot to lose, just a small amount to go or you're at target but facing the enormous challenge of maintaining your loss ongoing.

Your target doesn't need to be summer - you can set if for as soon or as late as you like. There are no rules other than being supportive and cheering each other on. Occasional kicks up the bum are available as and when requested.

Hopefully previous members of these threads will join us again and new members are always welcome.

I will update shortly with my start point for this challenge.

Hi everyone,

sorry I've been AWOL the past few days. We had some nursery open days the end of last week which made our days longer and then my youngest has had a nasty virus since Saturday with high temperatures and has been very unhappy. I had some awful nights with him (as he's breastfed, he still wants me at night) but luckily DH has a month of paternity so I have had him during the day where he would usually be working. I went to bed with DS2 last night at 730 and we both slept until 8 this morning ha. I needed it, and ds2 seems to have turned a corner after that long sleep so hopefully he's on the mend and can enjoy his birthday at the end of the week (not that he'll know what's going on anyway!)

@wateringcanface thank you! I think that's a great outlook to have and a way to not put so much pressure on yourself about your weight.

@bigdecisionstomake thank you! Very much looking forward to my pizza at the end of the week for my birthday. And congrats on your loss last week. I also struggle with stopping at 2 squares of chocolate...it's very easy to demolish the whole bar in one go😬if I do, I tend to split it up over the next few days on mfp. It means I have 150 less calorie allowance for the next four days but it keeps my weekly calorie allowance in check.

@ElliesMum16 enjoy the mini eggs! I'm a bit believer in not restricting any foods and definitely enjoying a little of something you love.

@Jigglemonster thank you! and well done to you too for getting under your starting weight.

@Gemzee congrats on your loss!

@BigBessie thank you! and well done to you too, it's very rewarding seeing the scales suddenly drop!

@imustbepatient well done on your loss this week!

@Charliewasfired brilliant loss, well done!

Sorry if I've missed anyone!

My week was, for the most part, good. I kept to my meal plan except yesterday. As I had only 4 hours of broken sleep, I did end up scoffing (and very much enjoying) a doughnut in a cafe with DH and DS2 whilst waiting for DS2 to pee into the bag attached to him under his nappy (he was being tested for uti and we had to go back to the pediatrician with it so went to the cafe next door). I then got nap trapped with sick baby DS at home while DH picked up DS1 from nursery and we all enjoyed a McDonalds in front of the telly when they got back. Meh. These days happen and I let go of the guilt now. I have learned that the guilt just leads me to giving up and eating even more because "ive already gone off track so I may as well..." .
So instead, I now enjoy whatever I'm eating, and get straight back on it. I only went 100 calories over my daily allowance yesterday, despite doughnut and mcdonalds so it shouldn't make a big difference hopefully😅. My weigh in day is tomorrow so we'll see how it goes! Then we have the two birthdays at the end of the week but hoping to stay within my allowance whilst enjoying pizza and cake.

Hope you've all had good starts to the week!

Evening all

I love the idea of your walking poles @flutterby1 At 50+ I suddenly find I care very little about what people think of me so the extra calories would definitely be worth it for me! High five to all of us over 50s @BigBessie 🙌

Huge congratulations on the 4lb loss @Charliewasfired that's awesome 🙂Onwards and downwards to your next goal, you've totally got this.

@ElliesMum16 I think if you're going back to work and will probably have less time, then focusing on healthy eating is a good shout. Weightloss is 80% diet so is where the big wins come from. You can always add in some weights or pilates once you're in a routine. The link @Backinthedress posted looks great, I'm going to add one of those workouts in each weekend as I really need some help with my flabby tummy and pilates is meant to be good for that 😃

@DietCokeandHulaHoops I am just the same and avoid weighing in and posting when I know I'm not doing well. Bitter experience tells me however that burying my head in the sand never ends well so I try to force myself to weigh/post if I can as it does really help make it real. Put it behind you and today is a new day. You need to start moving forwards and you can't do that if you're looking behind you. @Charliewasfired has wise words too.

Sorry to hear you've lost a bit of motivation @Jigglemonster I hope today has been a better day and you've found your mojo again. Keep strong!

Sorry to hear about your poorly baby @IchGlaubMeinSchweinPfeift hope he's on the mend now and you're getting some better sleep. Bad sleep is a real diet disrupter in my opinion. It sounds like you've managed your calories really well and your attitude to having a bad day and putting it straight behind you is brilliant - sometimes you just have to enjoy the treat food and not feel guilty.

I had a pretty good day all in all yesterday both food and exercise wise. I was a bit disappointed therefore to still be 10st 8lb this morning - I was convinced that the salty takeaway on Sunday night had made me retain a lot of water and that that would wash away yesterday. Ho hum, never mind. I've had another good day today so far so crossing my fingers for some movement tomorrow although I feel strangely bloated so maybe not - bodies are strange things!

Hope everyone has a lovely evening.

Of course it was my husband's birthday yesterday and all the kids wanted fondue, so despite having loads of veggies to dip plus fruit and salad on the side I still couldn't resist that Swizz melted cheese 😄

So needless to say I've had to reign it in today! This morning I even felt I could throw in the towel as I suddenly started to have cravings I haven't had AT ALL. But I've heard that cheese is literally addictive because it has hormones that make us feel good. My husband reckons it was just the dopamine.

I soldiered on and by the early afternoon after a couple of meals the craving subsided and I'm hopefully back on track.

I now know I have to back away from the cheese 🧀 at least temporarily!

I also dug out my fitbit yesterday and have been trying to get my steps up. Only 6.5k yesterday and 8k today so far but it's 7pm here on the West Coast and dark outside so I doubt I'll be adding much to that total! I shall keep plodding on tho.

Today was a bit of an 'oops' day! But an intentional oops.

3 friends and I spontaneously decided to meet up at a local gin place, and I made a conscious decision to enjoy the gin and food. I didn't go crazy, but definitely blew out my calories for the day. But I'm ok with that and had a light dinner and back on track tomorrow.

Morning everyone,

Weighed in this morning, had to double check but it's correct😅

SW Jan 1: 15st 10
CW: 15st 5.2lbs

-1.8lbs this week.
-4.8lbs since January 1
54,000 steps
One Zumba session

I've tracked religiously (I've been bad in the past for missing things which I now realise is just cheating myself) and my calorie average for the week is 2147 a day. I ate a big chocolate bar in one go on Friday so divided up the calories over the following 3 days and had 140 less on those days. I just made sure not to buy another bar 😂 I found that mentally easier than putting the full 560 calories into one day😬

@bigdecisionstomake disrupted sleep definitely makes me reach for the sugar. After really awful nights, I just accept it and eat whatever that day but at least keep within my calories.

Have a good Wednesday everyone!

@IchGlaubMeinSchweinPfeiftWhoop! Whoop! That's fantastic! I am just going to bed here on the West Coast of the USA 🇺🇸 😴

Morning all

well done to all losing or STS, or having those treat days and enjoying life. I totally agree it’s all about balance. Fortunately I’ve not had too many meals with friends planned for January as everyone is trying to save money, as they can sabotage my hard work.

so I’m 6.4lbs down from 1st Jan, losing around 2lbs ish per week. Which is about right as I’ve got a calorie deficit of around 1000 cals per day. Largely from doing a lot of steps, and a lot in my flat! I walk up and down my living room whilst browsing the web, but also in a walking group so some of my average 55 miles per week at moment is outdoors but a lot indoors too, as it’s so cold!!

Chasing that half stone loss this week, hoping I get there in a few days. It will keep my resolve strong to know I’ll get to my first target this week (hopefully) and I’ll be half way to target of 1 stone loss

Well done everyone! You’re all doing so well 😀
My week has started off ok. No snacks after dinner and I did a spin class yesterday. Due on my period this week so feeling pretty bloated and yuck!
But, can’t complain too much as Wednesday is my last day at work so it’s my Friday today!

Well done everyone for the losses and STS.

It's nice to see that we can enjoy ourselves once in a while and not throw in the towel after , just get straight back on. It just wouldn't be doable otherwise

This thread is such an inspiration and a help , thanks everyone

For the menopausal among us you might enjoy Leanne Morgan: I'm Every Woman on Netflix

https://www.netflix.com/title/81636889?preventIntent=true

' just one thing' Michael Moseley podcast is so good for tiny changes that make a huge difference

Imperfect consistency... you're going to mess up but when you do, don't give up and binge just get back to it.

What does STS mean?

Good afternoon

Interesting about the cheese @Charliewasfired I've been eating a lot recently as we had quite a lot leftover from Christmas and I don't like food waste. Glad you're over the cravings now though. Keep the steps up, every little counts 🙂

You Gin lunch sounds great @ElliesMum16 glad you enjoyed it and got straight back on track - well done.

Whoop whoop - amazing loss @IchGlaubMeinSchweinPfeift good for you! Tracking really helps I think, otherwise it's easy to underestimate what you're actually eating. Keep going, you're doing great!

@Zanatdy I do a lot of my steps marching around in my lounge in front of the TV so you're not alone - roll on the warmer weather and lighter evenings though as I do like to walk outdoors with my audiobook or a podcast too. 2lbs a week loss since January 1st is awesome - congratulations and I'm keeping everything crossed for you to get your half a stone loss really soon 😃

Sorry you're feeling a bit yuck @LBB2020 so glad I don't have to worry about periods anymore...there aren't many upsides to menopause but that is definitely one of them! Hope you de-bloat soon - exercise helps I think so keep up your good work on that front.

I totally agree @BigBessie we really need to be able to have a day off plan here and there and realise that that is sustainable and needn't sent us spiraling off plan. So pleased you're finding the thread helpful - I certainly am.

I like the 'Just One Thing' podcast @flutterby1 although I do pick and choose which ones I adopt - e.g. the cold water swimming one - definitely not for me, no matter how great the health benefits I'm never doing this 😂

STS means Stay The Same @Charliewasfired not as good as a loss but definitely better than a gain!

I ran out of time to post yesterday but the water weight from the Sunday night takeaway started to wash away on Tuesday taking me to 10st 7.4lb yesterday morning and the rest whooshed away yesterday to take me to 10st 6.2lb this morning. 10 years ago that water weight would have gone within 24 hours so it just goes to show how much my metabolism has slowed between 45 and 55. Going into last weekend I was 10st 6.4lb so I'm happy that this weight is about what I would have expected now.

My food has been good for the most part except I have again eaten more chocolate than I should and still haven't got back into logging properly. I've exercised every day but only done one weights session so far this week as I have been quite stiff. Also, for full disclosure, the next one is quads and calves and I hate leg day so have been putting it off 😳

Keep up the good work everyone, you're all doing great.

Great job everyone! It's only Thursday but I've lost 3lb since Monday and starting strict mode. It's mostly water I know but feel better already. Headache is gone and feel clearer and more energetic. In a week or so the hunger should fade too but it's already easier to reason with myself, remembering binging regret, and actually not enjoying the craved food that much when I actually break and eat it.

I've managed to find a new potential client this week (freelancer) which is helping with motivation as I want to feel more confident if/when we meet in person and wear my nicer clothes.

Unfortunately it's a week of birthdays now so I'll be baking and likely getting lots of edible gifts. Tempting as it to fall off now I'm planning a very controlled single meal as in the past that has worked without throwing me off plan. Keto does seem to change my taste buds however and very sweet things just don't taste of anything, maybe 40% as nice, and that effect takes a day or two to disappear once I start eating 'normally '

My plan is to try to keep this up until DH gets his new job which should be 2-3 weeks and hopefully 10lb or so, then when I'm alone at home I can eat what I want! Delay don't deny folks!

Morning 😊
I STS this week which is fine but I'm not entirely happy. Anyway its a long game - about 5lbs to go if I want to weigh the same as last summer and 3lbs till pre xmas weight.
It's definitely harder when closer to goal (imo).
Just keep swimming, we got this.

Well I have put on a pound this week after my weekend away. I have let the odd snack sneak in and finding it hard to fully get back on track. I have been suffering with tiredness and a bad head since I’ve been back so wondering if I have had some kind of mild virus. I have not walked enough.
Anyway back to see my personal trainer this morning so hopefully that will sort me out.
5lbs in January so far - I would love to have another 2lbs next week to get the half a stone for the month.
SW 170lbs
CW 165lbs

I've come down with another virus! It’s awful this time of year with young children, we just seem to pass bugs around between us from October until the Spring! I went to my PT session yesterday but have cancelled my gym class this evening as I’m terrible at not resting properly so never seem to fully recover from anything. Food has been ok this week so far, I’ve not been snacking but have had some chocolate here and there! Will weigh on 1st Feb

Morning all

Sounds like you've got a good plan @Luckydog7 and awesome progress with the 3lbs loss this week - well done! Interesting about Keto making you not be able to taste sweet things as much - I definitely need something to stop me scoffing chocolate. Congratulations on the potential new client too - hope it goes well.

At least it's not a gain @Gemzee and I agree wholeheartedly that the last few pounds are the hardest. You can totally do this - just keep swimming 💪

Don't lose heart @Susienoz sometimes it can take a little while to get back in the swing of things when you've had an event like a birthday or a weekend away. Focus on why you want to lose the weight and how far you've come already 🤗

So sorry to hear you're under the weather again @LBB2020 I think when you've got small children it's a bit par for the course at this time of year unfortunately. Rest up (if you can!) and drink plenty of water until you feel better. Chocolate is proving to be my weakness this week too.....

I've had a STS at 10st 6.2lb this morning. I would like if possible to drop the 0.2lb before weigh in on Monday but obviously with the weekend looming that might be a big ask. I'm going to try to make it an active one if possible as that always seems to help. I ate far more chocolate than I should have yesterday again. I'm not sure why as I'm usually quite good at limiting myself to one or two squares - I maybe need to look at habits around that. I've done a short walking workout and a step workout this morning. I used to do a lot of step in the 80s/90s and enjoy the nostalgia every now and again 😄

Have good days all.

Sounds like everyone's doing well!

I've had a good lesson in trusting the process and not putting too much emphasis on the scales recently. Scale has been moving very slowly for the past week despite doing everything right. And then, despite my gin lunch on Wednesday and too much chocolate yesterday, I dropped 600g overnight😅It's a good reminder for me that I don't need to be perfect, but also if I stay the course my good habits will catch up with the scale eventually.

This is my last weekend before going back to work so I've done a big online shop to make sure I have everything I need for my meals. I have so many bad food habits that are 'attached' to my work, but I know that being organised and having food that is easy to prepare and that I actually like is key to breaking those habits.

@LBB2020 I’ve had this stupid bug for near on three weeks now and am so sick of being unwell. It’s rubbish isn’t it?!

I hope you shake your latest one off quickly.

All my plans for exercise have been binned during this time, as I feel really under par, which isn’t like me. I don’t tend to get sick often and the times I do don’t usually last long.

On the plus side, I’m finding it fine sticking to my calorie counting, tracking, fibre and protein focused meals etc, so there’s that.

Scales are dropping then doing weird upwards leaps before then going down again, so it’s a bit unclear what I’ve lost this week. Fairly sure the massive cold / bunged up sinuses / high temps are making me retain water, so hopefully I get a whoosh when I finally tick this virus into touch.

Anyway, at least I have a fairly quiet weekend ahead of me, so with a bit of luck I can rest up and feel back to normal next week.

Good luck for losing that 0.2lb @bigdecisionstomake

Hope everyone is faring ok.

Morning all

What a lovely positive update @ElliesMum16 it sounds as if you're in a good place with everything and great to hear that 'trust the process' is working out 🙂Good luck with your return to work and hope you manage to keep up your good work so far.

I started with a nasty head cold yesterday @imustbepatient so I feel your pain. I find it takes me longer as I get older to shake off things like this. Thankfully I don't seem to be running a temperature so hopefully it will turn out not to be too bad. While you're under the weather I wouldn't worry about what the scales are doing, particularly if you're managing to keep on track of your food. Hope you manage to have a lovely restful weekend and you feel a bit better on Monday 🤗

How are you doing @Yocal I think you were unwell too last time you posted - are you recovered now and how are things going?

I had a really good day foodwise yesterday, partly because I didn't feel great and had a nap for a couple of hours late afternoon which is often when I have a bit of a snack to tide me over until my evening meal. I also didn't have my usual Friday night glass of wine with my meal as I just wasn't feeling it. The scales have rewarded me with another STS at 10st 6.2lb 😖

Just got to keep swimming! I've only had a walk this morning as I wasn't feeling up to anything more energetic but I can't see it being the active weekend I was hoping for. Let's hope all the nasty bugs start to die off soon as we start to get nearer to spring.

Have a good weekend if you're fighting fit and rest up and feel better if you're under the weather.

Yes I've recovered, but definitely been eating a bit more after losing a lot quite fast with being poorly. I'm still aiming for 89kg, which will mean I'm overweight and then I will aim for 85kg, which will mean I'm Halfway through my overall 30kg weightloss goal!

I think not drinking alcohol is my biggest saving grace on this journey.

Good to catch up on all your updates. I've been distracted over the past week.

Afternoon everyone!
Congrats to all on the losses or the sts.
To those who have put a bit on, just keep going! It isn't linear, we've got this as long as we don't stop.

I love seeing everyone enjoying life too and not letting meals out or birthdays cause guilt. Getting straight back on it is the key and having these days is also important for our mental wellbeing.

We've just done two days of birthdays here. There's been pizza, pancakes and cake 😅 I'm back on it today. One of my birthday treats from DH is a wee trip to the cinema myself this evening...I haven't been in 4 years and we have a cinema next door so I'm looking forward to that and I'll skip the popcorn and just get a drink. Long periods of time on my own has been scarce with a bf baby😅but he can be left for a bit now he's eating more!

I'm going to do a Zumba session tomorrow and a walk with the family. I won't put too much pressure on myself for my Wednesday weigh in this week either.

Enjoy your Saturday evening everyone, hope it's an enjoyable one

5kg down today! I always think 5kg is a nice goal to hit because on my body it's a visible change. Next goal is to get under 70kg (3kg away).

Have a great weekend everyone.