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

I love stained glass! Whenever I’ve stayed at my partners he’s expected me to meal plan for both of us. This time I pointed out that my new eating regime means that I plan what I want to eat the following day which will be something I really fancy no matter how weird it might be. Sometimes like tonight it results in a meal that’s ok for both of us ( pork chops with lots of vegetables) but tomorrow I think I’ll just have fried egg on toast so he’ll have to sort his own meal out. He always eats breakfast anyway whereas I don’t eat till midday when I break my fast with banana bread or tea loaf. We had a coffee at The Granary on Monday after we had our covid vaccine at Boots and always think of you when we’re there.

Shirley well done with the weight loss

NanKate sounds like you have some lovely charity shops and good quality clothes in them . Glad you can find things you like . Living by the Thames sounds very grand . Hope you don't get flooded .

MayBee I had decades of being obese so I have embraced my flabby saggy skin . Don't have a full length mirror at home so it's a bit if a shock in hotels especially as they have more than one in the rooms I have stayed in . Remember I have met you and you are beautiful inside and out and you dress so no one would know if you have flabby saggy skin. You are lot smaller in size than me . Never put yourself down .

I started to diet in my early teens . Got to 11st . Then lived with my husband before we got married and put weight on . Of course he stayed the same could eat what he liked and not put weight on. When I got pregnant I ate for 2 big mistake . And didn't lose much after having my daughter. When pregnant with my son controlled my eating and with being sick even up to him being born lost a stone . But bad habits creeped in again . Lost weight after my husband died but it soon went on and more . It wasn't until 2017 and had jaundice and had 5 months of being seriously ill. Finally had no one dependant on me . I could finally live my life for me. I started to lose weight before I moved here and go to exercise class.

As I lost weight I couldn't see I was thinner . I know my clothes where to big . Only when my daughter had words about why was I wearing size 22 when I was a 16 did I buy clothes that fit. Used to be size 32. I own more clothes than I ever had . Infact had a clear out yesterday of clothes I no longer like or wear . So large bag and half for the charity shop so far. As not looked at my winter clothes yet.

MayBee you have worked out a plan that works for you . And thats what we all do here. Pears don't take short cuts by having weight loss jabs . We put in the hard work and never give up and our way is the healthiest and best way to do it . You have a great incentive to stay on the straight and narrow. You will be like a new woman with a new knee once healed and done all the exercises you have to do . When my brother had his hip done then the new hip socket last year he cried through the exercises but he wanted full movement in his leg and no limp. He still swims every morning at 6.30 for a hour then weights at home. He found swimming the best exercise for him . He swam before his original hip op and socket replaced but can do more lengths and is faster now. He's flabby and saggy in his swim shorts but doesn't care .

CocoPops glad you had a good UK holiday. Much to my surprise only put 1lb on. Weather wasn't very good . But that didn't matter. I didn't have my afternoon tea at Betty's.
Didn't realise it was such a hill to get into Harrogate from the hotel. Last year it wouldn't bothered me but since January I am not the same person annoys the hell out of me.
Harrogate was good as usual spoke to lot of people. Went to Ripon on the Tuesday, Knaresborough on Wednesday when it was market day. If I drove would have brought lots of veg. The cheese stall never since so much cheese and homemade butter in sticks by the size they must have been kilo. Those old enough to remember going into the grocer shop and large slab of butter and you had as much as you wanted and they patted it using wooden paddles into rectangle and wrapped in greaseproof paper. They looked like that.

Knaresborough cathedral was beautiful. The arts and crafts pulpit was amazing . There was stone seating along the length of both sides and it had taken a team of woman 5 years to make padded cushions for it and embroidered with the history of Knaresborough. Where people took communion the cushions to knee on had chalice ,wafers and flowers embroidered on. Stain glasses was amazing. I have been in York minister and Knaresborough is far more beautiful. The choir stalls had mahogany carving .
Went in lots of shops and had lunch as usual talked a lot.
Wednesday night at about 10.30 a water pipe burst in the kitchen and they had to turn the water off. Trip to loo at 1am toilet flushed but no water out of the tap but to tired to find out why. But of a surprise when no water once flushed loo at 5am . So put my coat on and went to find out why. Plus I needed some water. Luckily I fill my flask with water before bed. To take my tablets.

Hello everybody. I am home after my UK trip. Weighed in at 142lbs. today. I didn't put much on when away but piled on a few pounds when jet lagged and couldn't be bothered to plan meals and eat sensibly. No excuse now and need to to cut down on bread, rice etc.
I hope Whiff managed to get a table at Bettys in Harrogate. Battle on ladies.

It’s only the possibility of having a knee replacement in the near future that’s keeping me on the straight and narrow. In the past it would have been looking forward to a holiday abroad that would focus me or a wedding.

Well done Maybe70 for working out your own routine for weight loss and maintaining it. I think all of us on the Pears/Apples thread try to find our own path to weight loss and maintaining it. I feel so much better now that I am not lugging so much weight about with me.

Keep going girls.

I’ve maintained the same weight for quite a long time now. In fact I think I’m probably the lowest weight I’ve been for many years. I’ve stopped having sugar in coffee ( only had a small amount but it adds up). Having hot water when I wake up go for as long as possible before I have a piece of tea bread or banana bread with coffee with caffeine ( the only caffeine I have all day). Then have an evening meal. Plan that meal the day before and make sure that I have something that I really fancy ( eg had sandwiches containing parsley marmite and tomatoes yesterday; something I haven’t eaten for years but really fancied it). Then finish off with a treat of some kind. Sometimes have a turmeric latte later on but, in general try to fast after my evening meal. Because I’m not walking much I need to restrict my calorie intake and I’m being very strict about not snacking. If only I’d always eaten like this. I’m so flabby because of constantly putting on weight and losing it throughout my life .

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 👍

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 …

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

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 .🤸

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. 😏

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

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)

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 .

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 ...

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 😂.

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….

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!

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.