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Dieting & exercise

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

(873 Posts)
NanKate Tue 22-Oct-24 12:47:23

On 08 May 2018 I started this thread for those who wanted to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle.

We now have a small band of ‘regulars’ called Pears and Apples. I am so grateful to those who have stayed loyal and contributed a lot of useful information and given support, especially Whiff 👍

Do join us, the rules are simple.

Choose your own style of diet plan.

Check in regularly with a report of the highs and lows of the diet.

Have an occasional binge but get back on the wagon ASAP.

Pass on any useful diet tips.

You have nothing to lose on this thread, other than weight.

Our mantra is - EAT LESS FOR LIFE.

Whiff Sun 21-Jun-26 13:58:37

That's the great thing about this thread people can pop in and out but always welcomed back with open arms .

Nankate can't belive you will be 80 this year . I always picture at the most 70. The Aquarium is a brilliant idea so much to see and do for all ages.

Last week put on 3lb this week lost 4.25lbs. I have stopped having lunch and having extra veg and either, pasta or bulgar wheat in my stew. I am going away 6th next month to see my brother and sister in law in Lincolnshire. Made me laugh when we organised when I would be visiting beginning of the year and told him I am veggie he said no veggies in my home told him tough his sisters coming. I stay at a Travelodge a couple of villages from where they live. I have all my meals with them . So need to lose as much as I can as he is an excellent cook. Plus I get taken to the drive thru ice cream shop. Its on a farm they make it from their own cows milk .Have 6 flavours daily plus 2 different ones each day . We always have 2 scoops. 😋 😋.

Well the Wombles can't leave me alone had hand delivered letter on Tuesday. They really are stupid. After their visit on 10th May I left them the 14th May.
They are trying to gag me saying it was a private conversation. Fools I decide what is private in my own home. Plus they suggested I needed a carer or support buddy . The xxxxing idiots for intelligent people they are really stupid putting it in a letter.

What they did 10th May I was told by an expert that was passive bullying . This letter is harassment. They had better leave it or they won't like how I fight back. 😤

I belong to 3 other groups the leaders and members have no problem with my disability, talking or wearing my lanyard . Same people sit by me each week.

Big news about the choir with the other 3 in my county we are going into a recording studio either 12th or 19th September. Its going to great meeting the others and singing together. Mind you when I text my daughter to let her know I am home still askes any stray cats 🤣 . But our choir director says my singing has improved. Makes me laugh me in a choir, my husband would laugh his socks off. 🤣

Hope it doesn't get to hot this week .

Have a good week fruits 😊 ✨️

NanKate Mon 15-Jun-26 09:03:52

How wonderful Whiff you having a Social Calendar. I love to read about all your exploits.

My DS asked me what I would like to do to celebrate my 80th in the Autumn and I want to do something the rest of the family would enjoy, so I suggested a trip to the Aquarium in Brighton near where he lives. It should be fun. 🥳

NanKate Mon 15-Jun-26 08:59:36

Good to have you back Allsorts.

I am happy to trundle on with you All here, but there will come a time when I will bow out in a year or so.

Although I will be 80 in September I still like to wear bright clothes, subtle makeup and charity shop jewellery. I can kick a ball round with my grandsons and can walk down the hill into town, but sadly can’t walk back up 😏

I took up Tai Chi last September and absolutely love it.

Still have to work at not over eating though.

Allsorts Mon 15-Jun-26 07:38:51

Morning everyone, just been catching up on all your posts. I haven't posted for a while because I start dieting then I revert back to my old habits of binging on something and ruining it. This time I have stuck with it. I have now lost a stone. Still another 8 lbs to go but determined to get there. It has literally taken me 10 years due to starting then stopping. Expect it will be slow from now on but as long as I font out any on and lose even a pound a fortnight I will get there. When I went shopping I don't buy anything with sugar in it, I cut down on bread, used to buy a sourdough and slather it with Lurpak and
many bad habits. I just can't be trusted with anything sweet in the house.
You have done brilliantly NanaKate and if you do cut back and pop in now and then it will still be your thread. Eighty a good age to get to so congratulations.

Whiff Tue 09-Jun-26 07:17:03

CocoPops hope your son is feeling better and getting the treatment he needs.

Shirley brilliant 1 lb off. I only lost quarter of a pound this week but happy its off and not on.

Glad you like my adventures 😘. To be honest I have no idea what is going to come out of my mouth told friends about saying brace yourself to the young man they all thought it was funny. If it wasn't for the brilliant travel assistance on couldn't travel on the trains like I do. I use the same taxi company when home as I have to perch on the edge of the front seat and ask the drivers to grab my trousers and sling my legs in . I tell they wouldn't hurt me and get my legs out they always offer to help me stand but say no thank as I am frightened I will pull them over . One said love I am built like a tank you wouldn't pull me over but I said I will be ok. I would never want to hurt anyone. Taxi drivers I use on the adventures always help. All nationalities and reglions have helped me .

There was the grand opening of the Wombles burrow on Saturday as the mural had been painted . They know at my sit fit group how much I loved being a Womble and while waiting for our instructor one asked me if I went so by them had an audience of 4 so told them what happened. They couldn't believe it they all agreed it was wrong and said but you help people . I am not sad about because I know its not my problem but the chicken poos who couldn't say anything to my face . Honestly whoever complained against and it was more than one the whole thing is infantile grown woman telling teacher and yes one of the woman who started it is a teacher .

One of my sit fit friends told me there is going to be a talk about Palestinian embroidery and and we are going to be taught how to do it. Organised by the church . I am an atheist but do go to the fairs as friends have stalls and things like the beetle driver I went to . I love learning new things. Some of the Wombles are members of the church so expect them to be there but I will say hello and see what happens.

Went to the Phil on Saturday night the concert it was the golden age of film music it was brilliant . Hearing the Lawrence of Arabia music played live with 4 can't think how to spell what they are called but you know the very large drums in an orchestra gave me goosebumps. There were 2 musical encores and lot stood including me at the end didn't get home until 11pm . I have 4 more concerts booked this year and 4 for next year. Plus already booked my room for Aberystwyth in May next year.

I have to laugh to myself how much my life has changed since moving here and getting my health diagnosis and on medication . Plus just been diagnosed with something else but its treatable feeling better already and only been using the treatment since Wednesday.

Well better get washed and dressed move it or lose it this morning and choir tomorrow night . Out with my daughter and grandsons on Saturday going to a show can't remember what. She asks me at least a month in advance as she says with my social calendar she loses track of what I am up to.

Have a good weeks pears . 🍐

NanKate Tue 02-Jun-26 08:21:21

cocopops many apologies I missed your news about your son being very ill. 💐

I do hope you have better news of him now.

When my DS had serious depression due to cruelty by his now ex-wife I was in bits. Fortunately his life is a lot better now. The words that helped me the most were ‘This too will pass’.

Shirleyw Mon 01-Jun-26 20:38:29

Not been a bad week again, lost 1lb. Had bbq Saturday, went a bit off key then but back to normal now.

That was funny whiff…brace yourself , bless…..you do really well, nothing seems to stop you. Shame we don’t all live near each other to meet up for a coffee….i think we’d all get on.

Weather on the change this week….nice not to have quite so hot.

Sorry to read about your son cocopops. Must be a worry for you. Hope he will be well enough to visit you in July.

I think I do eat a bit less in the heat nankate, have more fluids instead….

Have a good week all….

NanKate Sun 31-May-26 22:12:00

Thanks for your great update Whiff. You did make me laugh about you launching yourself off the train with the assistance of the young man!

I’m glad you had an enjoyable holiday. You always make the most of your life and I admire you for that.

Sorry about the UTI at least you got quick help in getting the antibiotics. The doc told me earlier this year that if I get them more frequently he can give me some tablets to stop this happening. I’ll keep you posted.

Feeling tired so heading for bed now.

Night Folks 👋-

Whiff Sun 31-May-26 13:31:59

CocoPops sorry to hear about your son hope he is getting all the medical help he needs and support from famiky and friends near him.

You must be frantic being so far away. It was bad enough when mine where just over 100 miles away. No matter how old your kids get you worry about them. Plus your mind always go to worse case scenario. That's when you need your comfort food. But its better than drinking to much or smoking. My go to comfort food is chocolate and ice cream sometimes together. 😋
Getting back to healthy eating will give you something to focus on.

Wishing your son a speedy and complete recovery.

Shirley brilliant 3lbs off. Thank you I have no tolerance for bad behaviour. If I have a problem with anyone I tell them to their face . What they did was so infantile. I went out to lunch with 2 friends on Friday and told them . One keep saying but they are grown women why treat you this way. As I doubt very much any of the men complained about me.

I asked my sit fit and move it and lose it instructors if they had any problem with me they said of course not and gave me a hug . I know my class mates don't as the same people sit by me every week.

Glad it rained while in Lancaster as I couldn't have put up with this heat and was able to do all the things I wanted. Including havjng ice cream every day 😋. Put on 5.25lbs last week but this week lost 3.50 lbs.

If you ever go to Kendal you have to go to a cafe called the Joshua tree . Food was fabulous only had ice for my dinner I was to full for anything else. After my lunch of baked gnocchi and vegetables in a tomato and cheese sauce and large slice of chocolate pudding and custard. 😋 😋.

Unfortunately woke on Tuesday and had UTI . Phoned 111 and and they got me an appointment at the Morecambe urgent treatment centre . The nurse practitioner I saw was brilliant and gave me some advice. Nearly 30 years since I had my total hysterectomy she was only in late 20- early 30's and she had one but she said she didn't want children anyway. And recurring UTIs could be due to low oestrogen. Plus they could have same symptoms especially like me the dip was always clear for her like me. Only way they could say I had one was by blood test and by the time I had kidney infection.

She could only give me 3 days supply of antibiotics when I need 7. So phoned my GP on the Thurdsy and they prescribed the extra ones they where delivered 2 hours after I got home on the Friday.
Seeing my GP tomorrow.

In Lancaster I conquered my nemesis cobbles which led to the castle museum. My stick went down the gaps few times but I did it. Museum only did guided tours which I can't do as I can't stand still to long I am better moving . Cobbles where worse coming down.

Went to Morecambe but only stayed 90 mins . Saw a bus to Lancaster so had mystery bus journey. The sea at Morecambe goes out a long way. Thought the Eric Morecambe statue woukd have been bigger but it very life like.

As usual talked to lot of people and found out I like iced peach tea. Even with the UTI and rain enjoyed myself.

One of the train changes the platform was lot lower than the train . The travel assistance helped me. I grabbed both the handles got my right foot on the train but I had to ask her to give me a hard push and to get my left foot on the train. It was a young man who meet me same thing held the handles got my right foot on the platform but had to say brace yourself as I rocked and launched myself off the train he only needed to steady me . I was worried I would flatten him . He laughed and said he would have to tell his girlfriend as no one have even said brace yourself he was still chuckling when he put me on the next train. That one was easy to get on and off.

My daughter said mother how do you get yourself into these situations. You know when your child says mother you are either in trouble or they can't believe the things I get myself into.

I have no idea why these things happen to me and people just talk to me about anything and everything. A simple hello can turn into a long conversation. I must have one of those faces .

Well pears as I have rambled on as usual have a good week everyone.

CocoPops Sat 30-May-26 21:04:37

Thanks for asking Nankate. I went off the rails because my son in the UK has been very ill and when we've not been gassing on Whatsapp I have been comfort eating. As one does! He has a flight booked to fly here in July but we will have to see how he progresses. I am back to healthy eating as from today!

NanKate Sat 30-May-26 08:22:33

How are we all doing? I think I am less hungry in the summer, how about you?

Shirleyw Mon 25-May-26 06:16:53

Hope you had a good holiday whiff, you needed it after all that, and like nankate said, well done for standing up for yourself.
Lost 3lbs this week so on a roll atm.
Hope your all enjoying the hot bank holiday weekend.

NanKate Sun 17-May-26 21:41:28

Enjoy your hols Whiff.

I do admire how you stand up for yourself. Your late husband would have been so proud of you. 💐

Looking forward to hearing about your travels 👋

Whiff Sun 17-May-26 14:03:51

Can't believe 8 years of the pears . I joined in 2019 when I joined GN. NanKate you have plenty more years in you yet . But thank you I will continue your work hopefully not any time soon.
I can't believe you will be 80 this year, I knew you where older than my 68 years but only thought by no more than 5 years.

Sun don't get disheartened I am happy if I lose quarter of pound. If you look at half a pound of spread its a lot especially if you use olive oil spread it . It's off better than putting on. But we all have ups and downs. Our bodies are strange. I can stick to my cal allowance and put weight on. Have naughty treats and lose weight that week. What's that about.

The point is you like everyone on the pears never gives up and that takes grit and determination. None here take the easy way out but put in the hard work.

Another gold medal 🏅 from me Shirley avoiding profiteroles that's will power. 1.6 kg well know 1kg is 2.2lbs will have to look up what 1.6kg is. I still go by pounds and ounces weighting myself .

Sauage and burger in lettuce leaf I would like that as long as it was veggie. That way I wouldn't choke on the meat or bread.

My daughter and gang brought me a new phone for my birthday only just worked everything out on the old one they brought me in 2019. This is a Samsung galaxy.

This week have not had lunch but added my lunch time soup to my dinner so lost 3.25lbs. Going to Lancaster tomorrow for 5 days hol. Will still do my morning exercises as you know my life runs on planning and routine been doing them 2 years its just habit now. Have packed for all weathers. But will have ice cream everyday.

Can't remember if I told you I went to Arnside by train on my birthday. Good job I had travel assistance as at one change there was a big gap between train and platform. I put my stick on the train held onto the handles managed to get my right foot on the train but had to ask the young woman helping to push hard and got my left foot on. Good job it was a young man helping me off. As I said brace yourself and I will try not to flatten you. My right foot hit the platform and didn't have to put much weight on him to get my left down ha ha. Can't find the emoji's .

I have left the Wombles . I don't know who complained about me but I had text off one of the administrators wanting to meet in the park by me to talk about my HBX. Idiot woman its HPX. Then she phoned and said about the park I said no come here.

Honestly it would have been like a cheesey rom com meeting in public as one dumps the other so they don't make a fuss.

Anyway 2 of them came and I did know them even liked them. I don't know how long this has been going on but apparently people don't like me talking about my HPX and know I am disabled. I don't know if this when the complaints started but there was a plant swap at the burrow in the park by me. I had taken plants and cake. We where sitting having a drink and cake. Dogs where running round and 2 hit a metal chair and startled me so my limbs went stiff and couldn't move . Still talk . Good job I was sitting down otherwise I would have been on the floor as I can fall like a tree.

Once I could move the people either side of me who I hadn't meet before asked me what happened so I explained.

Turns out people don't like me talking about it. And some don't want to sit by me. I have a National Disability card on a National Disability lanyard I wear when out and even while doing my exercise classes ,choir and Womble events. They wanted me to stop wearing it . I said no its my safety net. It has my photo, name and date of birth so if I fall or taken ill they can find me on the NHS data base. They are lucky I didn't tell the to **off. I did say do you want me to leave the Wombles they said no but wanted me basically to shut up.
This was last Saturday.

I posted on my HPX group they where appalled at what happened. One chap in America somehow got on the Wombkes site and read their constitution. He was fuming and pointed all the things they had done against that constitution. They are a lifeline for me because they either have HPX or have family members who do.

I didn't want to tell my daughter she is a Womble and my grandsons are mini Wombles. Plus I wanted to check with other groups I am a member of.

I text my sit fit teacher to say can I have a private word before class. So I explained what happened she gave me a big hug and said what they said wasn't right or fair. Members of my class have seen me at my worse as I have been going for 3 years. My other group leaders have no problems with me either.

Friday I text the leader of the Wombles and had a not very nice text back . I wanted to know how many people complained about . She wouldn't say. So told her I was leaving so I have .

I told my daughter what happened to say she wasn't happy would be an understatement.

Anyway that's that. But there is a Womble in my sit fit class and if she knows I have left I will tell her why. The leader of the Wombles mom comes to move it or lose it. So will see if she says anything.

I told my cleaner on Thursday she was annoyed as she said it was passive bullying .

But I am fine leaving as I have plenty to do. My daughter laughs as some weeks I can't fit her in. She says I and the boys have better social life than she does.

It didn't upset I am just annoyed the ones who complained about me hadn't got the guts to face me and the administrators had a meeting about me.

But I am fine. It would have been our 45th wedding anniversary yesterday but I wasn't sad but laughed at all the things that went wrong that day.

Well I am going to enjoy my hol and have plenty of naughty treats. 😜 Have a good week pears and other fruits

NanKate Sun 17-May-26 07:44:36

Shirleyw avoiding a profiterole needs a gold medal 😀

Well done 👍

Shirleyw Sun 17-May-26 06:01:57

I’ve been ‘on the ball’ this week and lost 1.6 kg and that’s being at my daughters bbq yesterday, I had one sausage and I beef burger but wrapped it in little gem lettuce leaves with a dash of light mayo. also had fresh berries with a meringue nest….i avoided the profiteroles, wasn’t easy but I did it 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️💪😇

Weather has been hit and miss this week but next week it says it’s getting warmer, been a long time coming. Have a good week all…

NanKate Wed 13-May-26 07:31:36

Don’t get disheartened TheSun losing weight is not easy but it is worthwhile.

What helped me was the eat smaller portions of everything I like, so I don’t feel deprived.

TheSunRisesInTheEast Wed 13-May-26 01:59:17

I lost half a pound this week, that cancels out the half I put on last week 🙄. I'm finding it very difficult to lose any significant weight this time around. I calorie count then go to SW to get weighed. It's expensive, but if I didn't go I'd cheat and not lose at all, my weight would go up and up.

NanKate Tue 12-May-26 07:26:49

Shirleyw correction 😀

NanKate Tue 12-May-26 07:26:11

I’m glad you are back on track shirleyW 👍

Shirleyw Tue 12-May-26 03:33:22

Oh my gosh…8 years….happy anniversary all.
Yes, whiff keeps us all going…..it’s a great group.
I’ve got back in the swing of things so hopefully I will have a good loss at the end of the week.

It was bitter cold yesterday…I put the heating on for a bit…in May .

NanKate Fri 08-May-26 09:25:50

Happy 8th Anniversary all you Pears and Apples. Yes I started this thread in 2018 in hopes of getting a few responses and here we still are in 2026.

You are too many to mention having passed through these doors and imparted your knowledge of the Ups and Downs of losing weight. However where would we be without Whiff what a great contributor she is.

I will be 80 in September and a time will come when perhaps I am not able to continue here. I have no doubt Whiff and All your lovely Losers will carry the flag onwards.

As ever my mantra is ‘Eating Less for Life’ and feeling slimmer and healthier for it. Onward and Downward Girls. 👋

Shirleyw Fri 08-May-26 04:35:50

Thanks whiff & well done on your loss. I’d love to be able to sing , bet your enjoying the choir.
Lost a lb…happy with that….i find weekends are the hardest to be good, definitely mindset, I think when Friday comes I relax more yet I’m retired it shouldn’t make a difference, I suppose it’s all the years of working most of us looked forward to the weekends and it’s stuck in my mind still 😂
Weather is warming up, have a good weekend all.

NanKate Thu 07-May-26 07:21:02

I’m with you Whiff the only way for me to lose or maintain weight is by counting calories. I agree it can be tedious doing this but as time goes on you become quicker at doing it, mainly because if you repeat a meal, such as your breakfast you know exactly how many calories is in that meal.

Also my mantra ‘Eating Less for Life’ is the only way forward for me.

I occasionally eat more than I should, such as on Tuesday at my WI we had a 60s event plus an excellent Tea of 4 small sandwiches, two slices of cake being lemon sponge and coffee cake, scone cream and jam plus plenty of tea. I ate half at the event and half for my supper, delicious !

Whiff Thu 07-May-26 06:39:41

Just realised hadn't posted. Lost pound and quarter no idea how I managed that . But since the increase in my Clonazepam my arms are back under my control and my speech is back. Noticed only couple of days ago my walking is straighter unless I am tired. So must be moving faster. And can do all the exercises how they should be done .

Shirley lovely to have you back that's the great thing about this thread it's always here and everyone is welcomed . Losing weight isn't for sissies it's hard work . And you like the rest of us are doing it the hard way no short cuts for us and prepared to take months or years to achieve what we want .

CocoPops glad you have found something to control your IBS. Hopefully by gradually introducing foods back you can enjoy a more varied diet. But you are doing it the sensible way bit at a time .

I have found since turning veggie I am limited more eating out . Some places have veggie options but they contain chilli including curries . But I would never eat a curry out . What annoys me they have meat lasagne but no veggie lasagne. And yet veg are cheaper than meat. I can't eat chips or anything crunchy as it gives me blood blisters in my mouth.

I meet 2 from GN each month and have lunch we try different restaurant's. Going to a Greek restaurant last Friday in the month. I went there with the Wombles plenty of choice for everyone . Food was delicious and service excellent. Always the same request can you cut up my food in the kitchen . Spoon and fork to eat with and plenty of napkins. And drink in a cup or mug no glass. 😁.

Going veggie isn't an ethical choice but a choking issue . Haven't eaten meat for 6 years, poultry and fish a year . But I do like Quorn sausages,mince and chicken pieces.

Sun don't feel despondent about the half a pound . You know you can get it off. I can stick rigidly to my cal allowance and put on and other times over eat and lose. They is no rythme or reason why this happens. Our bodies do what they want 😂. I am happy if I only lose quarter of a pound . But even weighing yourself the same time everyday your weight changes.

Sun can't remember how you are losing weight? But I have to weight and count cals only way I can do it. If you don't count cals could you just try it for one day eating what you would do normally . I know it can take longer and writing it down and calculating the cals can seem boring but for me it's second nature been doing it since 2017. The book NanKate recommended is brilliant as it shows how much fat , protein,carbs and fibre in an item . And it can be shocking how many cals in ready made items even the smallest piece .

Allsorts you keep going and don't give up . It's easy to give up but pears don't .

MayBee hope you go to the gym and enjoy it . For me my idea of hell. My daughter goes to a gym twice a week one day using equipment and other combat training. She also does some weekends with members of classes she went to before both boys started school.

My 7 exercises plus my pedalling at home daily and my 2 exercise classes keep me going . Did I say I had joined a contemporary choir. So now pedalling I sing the songs we are learning . Last night we included 4 part harmony. To remember how my bit went as an Alto I found I was moving my head from side to side to kept in tune how we sang our bit .

Our choir leader gave us a song we will be learning in June 😱 never heard of it we had a go at the first verse it's very weird . But apparently popular on Britain's got talent but as I don't watch that sort of TV never heard it before.

Well hope I haven't missed anyone out or got my facts wrong 🤦🤦. Getting up now as I want to vote before breakfast ,need to make my next 6 dinners and cleaner coming just after 11.

Take care all and keep going . 🤸