Graham's Daily Check In

Counting carbs/calories is a drag. Obsessive scale stepping is a recipe for despair. If you want to count something, "days on habit" is a much better metric. Checking off days on a calendar would do just fine, but if you do it here you get accountability and support. Here's how. Start a new topic in this forum called (say) "Your Name Daily Check In." Then every N day post a "reply" to that topic as to whether you stayed on habit. A simple "<font color="green">SUCCESS</font>" or "<font color="red">FAILURE</font>" (or your preferred euphemism if that's too harsh) is sufficient, but obviously you're welcome to write more if you want. On S-days just register that you're taking an S-day. You don't have to do this forever, just until you're confident you've built the habit. Feel free to check in weekly or monthly or sporadically instead of daily. Feel free also to track other habits besides No-s (I'm keeping this forum under No-s because that's what the vast majority are using it for). See also my <a href="/habitcal/">HabitCal</a> tool for another more formal (and perhaps complementary) way to track habits.

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Graham
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Post by Graham » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:04 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 42 3/4", BMI 27, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37% #

At the end, not hungry but tired. Cat intervention prevented me sleeping through. Was that for the best? I ate a largish meal, slept fitfully.

Was it No S compliant? I think I could've put it all on one embarrassingly highly stacked plate - but that's the point isn't it: if I didn't embarrass myself, I'm thwarting the visual feedback, so I guess it was a No S # What would be a better label? FAULT? SIN? ERROR? MISS? I see what is wrong here, where's the element of defiance, of rebellion?

No singing practice yesterday, I think I overdid it Thursday. I did deliberately get a full hour's aerobic exercise by taking a walk, and did an isometric workout too - Today a full rehearsal, 10 to 5.

I notice I've been reducing the fried component of my diet. I've been suffering digestive upsets and trying to isolate and remove causal factors. i've been frying with rapeseed oil mostly, and wondering if that wasn't agreeing with me. I've switched to grilling such things as sausages, and if i have mushrooms and onions to go with them, I slice them as usual, add a little butter and water and cook them like that. Not quite the same, is it more digestible? Is the oil the problem, or cooked oil? Or?

Internet detour: Leslie Kenton, just checked is she still into the raw foods, beauty etc. - and yes, she seems to be. I haven't the patience to wade through all the waffle she produces. I only checked because she is energetic every day - and I am not. Will I ever try that raw food route? It sounds so unappealing, so sad. When mother made salad for a meal I always felt cheated - where was the FOOD? I like salads now (discovering vinaigrette and garlic in Provence transformed my view of salads forever!) but I don't eat raw all day, and I still could try that.

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Post by Graham » Sun Jun 03, 2012 5:07 am

12st 5 1/4lb, 43 1/8", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.9%, Body Fat 38.3%

Short bike rides, modest eating, lots of singing. here I am, lighter but fatter.

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Post by Graham » Mon Jun 04, 2012 8:02 am

12st 6lb, 42 3/4", BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37.2% Fasting

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Post by Graham » Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:28 am

12st 6lb, 42 7/8", BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.5%, Body Fat 37.5% #

I had an easy time of it, the fast felt relatively effortless. The meal was one plate, but the rice I ate had arrived late, so I won't give myself a green. But, a meal of similar size to my usual fast-breaker. I did feel tired by the end of the day, it had cost me something in effort and time - and I am FATTER! And lost Nothing!

I am perplexed and disappointed. What more could I have done?

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Post by Graham » Wed Jun 06, 2012 6:57 am

12st 4 3/4lb, 42 1/2", BMI 26.7, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 36.9% #

Is this the fasting pay-off delayed by a day? Modest eating but CHOCOLATES were my No S undoing. Arrived late at Southport, having driven 4 hours non-stop no breaks, ate a sandwich (too lazy to cook) then watched tv & hit the chocs. Overall moderate consumption, I have to think what to do with the chocolates, when they're gone, I won't be buying any to replace them.

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Post by Graham » Thu Jun 07, 2012 6:24 am

12st 4 1/2lbs, 43", BMI 26.7, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 38.2% #

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Post by Graham » Sat Jun 09, 2012 6:35 am

12st 6 1/4lb, 43 1/2" BMI 27, WHtR 64.4%, Body Fat 38.9% #

I've been bingeing on Dad's chocolate stash. Must I eat them all? Amazing how quickly I'm getting fat. I can't seem to stop eating them after my evening meal. I can't imagine how I'll stop, I won't buy more after they're gone, but I may get cravings and what'll I do then? I don't like fighting cravings.

I didn't fast yesterday, had stuff to do and thought fasting fatigue would discourage me. Probably the right decision but overall trends are troubling. On the good side, I am getting lots of portions of fruit and vegetables and my energy level is up. I'm practising my singing and focusing regularly, but there's an overall discomfort, I've yet to find balance here.

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Post by Graham » Sun Jun 10, 2012 8:19 am

12st 3 3/4lb, 42 3/4", BMI 26.6, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37.8%,

So - exercise up and moderation arrives for the weekend! Issues of purpose remain unresolved, progress obscure. I seem to be getting fitter though, with isometrics and food supplements the apparent foundation.

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Post by Graham » Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:37 am

12st 6lb, 43 1/4", BMI 26.9, WHtR 64.1%, Body Fat 38.4%

Strange to see these figures after yesterday's "exemplary" behaviour (well, almost). I had NO CHOCOLATES! Not one!. And today I feel glad of it, to be free of the lingering queasy awareness of those flavoured clumps of fat and sugar.

I ate well - I snacked on an avocado and an apple before I went shopping. I bought one of those "health grills" and then had grilled sausage, onion and tomato with buttered potato cakes for brunch. Many hours later, my evening meal was lettuce and carrot salad with grilled pork chop and tomatoes, followed by cheese, biscuits and a glass of beer. I'm not actually aiming for a low fat effect, it's more that I've been getting indigestion frequently and have suspected foods fried in oil of being a problem.

Actually oil's not the only suspect: strong coffee, mustard, spices, excess vinegar all seem to provoke indigestion. Also the simple physical issue of an over-tight waistband pressing in to my growing girth, and being upset. Sometimes just forgetting to drink plain water instead of teas and coffees.

Boring or what? Earlier in life my stomach accepted whatever I gave it without demur: now it insists on gentleness and respect.

Once again, I'm expecting to be busy today and have decided a fast would be too depleting, though I see the need and value of it, and so enjoy the break from eating, plus the pleasure of the fast-breaking meal. And, yes, I do wonder if fasting might also contribute to my stomach's current sensitivity.

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Post by Graham » Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:39 am

12st 6 1/2lb, 42 3/4", BMI 27, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37.1% #

Hard to believe, I actually had a GREEN day! And, again, no chocolates. I tried to give them away - and just couldn't do it. Plans subverted, car stuck at garage so I'm stuck in Southport. Will I make it to choir in Tottenham tonight?

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Post by Graham » Wed Jun 13, 2012 7:08 am

12st 5lb, 43", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 38.1% #

driving snacking singing snacking pubbing snacking cycling.

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Post by Graham » Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:52 am

12st 5lb, 42 3/4", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37.5%, #

My last meal was a little untidy, I didn't wait till the veg were cooked before I started eating the lamb chops. It was what I planned to eat, and would have fitted on the plate in one go if I'd been less hungry, I could technically fail myself but that would be pointlessly harsh. Overall a good day's eating: no sweets, no snacks and no seconds in the true sense of the word. And got my 5-a-day.

Today the sky is blue, and I have a new bike to ride.

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Post by Graham » Fri Jun 15, 2012 8:33 am

12st 5lb, 42 3/8" BMI 26.8, WHtR 62.8%, Body Fat 36.8% #

I didn't snack, but I did drink most of a can of condensed milk, I think condensed milk and grilled salmon don't go well together, I presume that is why I woke in such discomfort around 3am.

Stomach still sore and I've got busy days ahead, so I reluctantly decided not to fast today. I spent a long time on my new bike yesterday. It needs adjusting if not repairing before I use it much more, it makes a horrid creak with every turn of the pedals - only I'm supposed to be going out this evening and I don't know how I'll manage if I don't ride it.

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Post by Graham » Sat Jun 16, 2012 8:03 am

12st 4 1/2lb, 42 5/8", BMI 26.7, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 37.3% #

I didn't snack or eat sweets, but my final meal was 2 plates: I made 2 pieces of cheese on toast, then decided I wanted 2 more. It would not have been easy to do otherwise - my toaster only takes 2 slices at a time. Iit would have been less appealing to delay eating, the first two slices cooling as the second two cooked. So that's a RED day then.

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Post by Graham » Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:03 am

12st 7lb, 42 5/8" BMI 27.1, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.6%

An unexpected weight gain. Rice? chocolate bar? Otherwise a day of sound eating. Choir rehearsal felt pressured, wondering about my voice, how it gets used - the line between demand that fosters growth, or leads to strain - where is that, and who is taking care of it?

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Post by Graham » Tue Jun 19, 2012 7:48 am

What happened to yesterday's entry here? ? This from memory:

Monday 12st 9lb, 42 1/2" BMI 27.4, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 35.8%,
plus reflection on whether the scale could be trusted (old mechanical scale said 12st 3lb) and that I was fasting.

today; 12st 6 1/2lb, 43", BMI 27, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.7%,#

Strangely difficult fast: stomach virtually unnoticed - but a distracting headache arrived by late afternoon and grew from there. Got rather tired too, had a long nap. Might have slept till today but had things to do. Managed not to snack! Part of that was not staying up late to watch a film, let myself sleep.

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Post by Graham » Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:01 am

12st 5 1/2lb, 42 3/4", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37.3% #

Choir, pub, snacks. Bike riding.

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Post by Graham » Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:07 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 42 5/8", BMI 27, WHtR 63.1%, 36.7%, #

I noticed no particular excess, I had biscuits at dance class, late meal was a two plater: bowl of salad (@ 8oz), then, after cooking, on a large plate, chickpea curry with rice and mango chutney.

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Post by Graham » Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:11 am

12st 7 3/4.b, 42 3/4", BMI 27.2, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 36.7%, # Fasting

Invited late to a birthday meal, went, buffet-style meal, many plates, I declare an S day. I am too fat to enjoy feasting at the moment. I don't want to seem anti-social but feasting isn't right for me just now.

Tomorrow will be a big day - the choir's summer concert. I need to rehearse today, I need to fast too, it feels like a survival issue, bigger than a big day.

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Post by Graham » Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:15 am

12st 4 3/4lb, 42 9/16", BMI 26.7, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 37.1%, #

A relatively easy fast, managed to be productive, then ate without excess or the temptation to snack (Chickpea curry, broccoli, rice) Now day-long rehearsal and this evening the big concert..

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Post by Graham » Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:18 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 42 7/8", BMI 27, WHtR 63.5%, Body Fat 37.3% Fasting

Concert on Saturday went quite well, I'm told. Sunday a garden party, today fasting.

1:41am (Tues morn) What have I learned? This fast and the last one, a bit hard, but then got easy, full-strength coffee with sweeteners helped. Then, the fast-ending meal, for the second time: chickpea curry with rice. One big plate and no sense that I needed more.

If it is easy is it because I was a) stuffed from Sunday's excesses and b) not really having much effect on weight or waist? Let the coming days answer that.

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Post by Graham » Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:17 am

12st 5 1/4lb, 42 5/8", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 37.1% #

A relatively easy fast. The meal was successful as a fast-ender, as a No S complier - but woeful as a 5-a-dayer. If I'd gone for my usual chicken/pineapple/onion/sweet potato/broccoli/mushroom combo, possibly with buttered bread, would I have felt equally satisfied and content? Was it the rice that satisfied, or was it the sequel to eating such a lot on Sunday?

Can I find the answer to that question?

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Post by Graham » Wed Jun 27, 2012 7:51 am

12st 5lb, 42 3/4", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37.5%, #

Tuesday: choir & biscuit challenge followed by pub and crisps challenge.

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Post by Graham » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:12 am

12st 6 1/4lb, 42 5/8" BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.8%, #

Dance class, biscuit snacking. Allotment, freshly picked strawberry and raspberry snacking. Great year for slugs and snails...

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Post by Graham » Sat Jun 30, 2012 8:08 am

12st 5 1/2lb, 42 1/2", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 36.7% # Fasting

Allotment instead of a fast yesterday, so it's rescheduled to today, for the first time. It's still an S day, I'll be out for a meal with fellow choir members this evening.

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Post by Graham » Mon Jul 02, 2012 5:47 am

12st 5 1/2lb, 42 5/8" BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 37% Fasting

So - fasting again after just one day's rest. It didn't spoil my S day, but I'm not sure how effective a fast is if it is followed directly by unlimited eating. As I wasn't able to weigh or measure myself on Sunday I can't say conclusively.

Over the last month I did only 5 out of the 9 possible fasts, and had 3 "special occasion" blow-outs. I am roughly the same waist and weight as I was a month ago. There was a brief, scary peak, and some times when I weighed a little less, but mostly I've been around where I am now.

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Post by Graham » Tue Jul 03, 2012 7:06 am

12st 5 1/2lb, 42 1/2", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 36.7%, #

The fast wasn't particularly difficult, but my energy was low and I was pretty unproductive. The fast ending meal once again was chickpea curry with rice, very filling and no sense of needing more afterwards, even hours afterwards. But, overall, the effect is so slight. 1/8" off my waist. I didn't do any exercise of note. Next fast will probably end with a lower-carb meal, though I'll be hoping it is just as satisfying -otherwise I'll see very little reward for my efforts.

Today: tango biscuit challenge followed by choir biscuit, beer and crisp challenge. This body guards its fat so well, I think it is better at it than it was a year or two ago. I have the delightful combination now of a thin, aged face, and swelling middle - hideous! What cruel prank is this?

Worst of it is this though: I don't have a handle on the problem. My body's headed somewhere I don't want it to go, and I'm running out of tolerable ways to halt and reverse that. I have ethical, aesthetic and ecological issues with low-carb, could I bear to explore increased % of raw food? That's what my skinniest friends eat most.

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Post by Graham » Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:40 am

Wed 12st 5 1/4lb, 42 1/2" BMI 26.8, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 36.8% #
Thurs 12st 5lb 42 1/2" BMI 26.8, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 36.9% #

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Post by Graham » Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:06 am

12st 5lb, 42 5/8", BMI 26.8, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 37.2% #

Thinking I should aim to up exercise rather than fast. Milk in my coffee so not fasting today.

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Post by Graham » Sat Jul 07, 2012 9:20 am

12st 4 1/2lb, 42 5/8", BMI 26.7, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 37.3% #

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Post by Graham » Sun Jul 08, 2012 8:01 am

12st 4 1/4lb, 42 7/16", BMI 26.6, WHtR 62.9%, Body Fat 36.9%

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:35 am

12st 5 1/2lb, 42 7/16", BMI 26.8, WHtR 62.9%, Body Fat 36.6% Fasting

I had it in mind to emphasise exercise rather than fasting but today's weight and a brief mention of studies on the benefits of IF tipped the balance today. I have this firmly in mind: to take a 1-hour bike ride while I have the energy and willingness to do it.

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Post by Graham » Tue Jul 10, 2012 7:59 am

12st 5 3/4lb, 42 9/16", BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.8% #

A bearable fast, ended by a well thought-out meal: salmon with 5 veg and a piece of toast. It wasn't as enjoyable as my chickpea curry though - must make some more of that.. Anyway, how does it happen that I'm now heavier and fatter than yesterday? Was that one meal more calorific than a normal day's eating?

I'm not sorry that I fasted, I felt I should, a sort of relief comes with the interruption of eating, and the meal? The hunk of salmon was large (@ 7 oz), the vegetables were plentiful: broccoli, sweetcorn, sweet potato, mushroom, onion - the last two fried in coconut oil with the salmon. I didn't like how I felt after the meal though - post chickpea curry feels better, though it doesn't tick the 5-a-day boxes.

I feel OK otherwise - save for staying up too late last night. Is it an issue that I ate at 9, whereas I've usually finished fasts around 6pm recently? Is that giving a falsely high weight/waist this morning? In that case, tomorrow's measurements will show the truth if I can negotiate tonight's choir/pub hurdle successfully.

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Post by Graham » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:07 pm

Weds 12st 5 1/2lbs
Thurs 12st 4 3/4lbs, 42 1/2" BMI 26.7, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 36.9% #

I won't fast tomorrow, I'm helping a friend move furniture.

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Post by Graham » Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:44 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 42 3/4", BMI 27, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 37%

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Post by Graham » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:20 am

12st 7 1/4lb, 42 9/16", BMI 27.1, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.4% Fasting

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Post by Graham » Tue Jul 17, 2012 7:35 am

12st 6 1/2lb, 42 5/8", BMI 27, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.8%, #

I note weight and waist virtually unchanged in the last month and a half. I can tell myself I'd probably be fatter and heavier if I'd not fasted as frequently as I managed to, but this is hard. The fasting itself is manageable, but my physical and emotional capacities are reduced and I get less done.

I wouldn't do major stuff on fasting days, and I seem to need 2 regular fasting days out of every 7 to halt and reverse the inexorable accumulation of body fat, especially visceral fat.

I have to hold in check my detestation of my condition and appearance, and my desperation over this lack of progress. I acknowledge some fear over the effect of eating little enough to ensure long-term steady weight-loss, particularly on my immune system. I seem caught between two lethal forces.

I hesitate to do low-carb again too, I feel no spark of enthusiasm for revisiting that. Or get back on the rower? How long per day to make an impact? Hmm.

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Post by Graham » Wed Jul 18, 2012 9:38 am

12st 8 1/2lb, 42 5/8", BMI 27.3, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.3% #

Bit shocked by the weight. I actually thought I'd managed choir rather well: I ate a good late lunch which meant, I believe, that I coped with the pub and later fraternising much better. I did have some pizza, but not greedily - and yet, look at the numbers!

No Tuesday choir till September, just church choir to address till August break. A chance to get on top of things?

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Post by Graham » Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:02 am

12st 8 3/4lb, 42 7/8" #

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Post by Graham » Fri Jul 20, 2012 6:23 am

12st 8lb, 43" BMI 27.2, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.3%, #

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Post by Graham » Sat Jul 21, 2012 6:52 am

12st 6 1/2lbs, 42 5/8" BMI 27, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.8%, #

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Post by Graham » Sun Jul 22, 2012 12:41 pm

12st 4 1/2lb*, 42 7/8", BMI 26.7, WHtR 63.5%, Body Fat 37.9%

*Southport scale - not sure if my London scale would tell the same story, though both are digital and I've no reason to believe one more than the other.

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Post by Graham » Mon Jul 23, 2012 7:52 pm

12st 7lb, 42 5/8", BMI 27.1, WHtR 63.5%, Body Fat 37.2%

Sunday wasn't great, food-wise, though an improvement on Saturday. I had a chocolate binge - or nearly. I saved the day with salad, followed by grilled chicken and onion.

Today I didn't fast, despite the scale's reproof. A sense of the need to be active persuaded me to eat well, and I have spent several hours out of doors, including over an hour's cycling. Not bad, let the tape measure and scales deliver their verdict tomorrow.

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Post by Graham » Tue Jul 24, 2012 11:49 am

12st 8lb, 42 3/4", BMI 27.2, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 36.7% #

Bike ride good, chocolates bad.

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Post by Graham » Wed Jul 25, 2012 9:46 am

12st 8 3/4lb, 43", BMI 27.3, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.1% #

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Post by Graham » Thu Jul 26, 2012 7:30 am

12st 7 3/4lb, 43", BMI 27.2, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.3% #

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Post by Graham » Fri Jul 27, 2012 10:37 am

12st 7 3/4lb, 43", BMI 27.2, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.3% #

Stability of sorts. I tried eating 3 meals as an anti-chocolate strategy, but it was no use. Now back to London, so I'll not fast today. Fasting seems to be the only strategy, dispiriting and depleting though it may be, that checks the ballooning of my gut.

Having little love for my body doesn't make things any easier. Though I dislike myself fat, I also dislike the picture I conjure of myself slim - I somehow see myself looking diminished, no wonder I'm conflicted. If I don't find my way to accept or even love my body, I'll struggle to reverse corpulence.

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Post by Graham » Mon Jul 30, 2012 9:52 am

12st 7 3/4lb, 42 7/8", BMI 27.2, WHtR 63.5%, Body Fat 37% Fasting

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Post by Graham » Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:20 am

Tue 12st 6 3/4lb 42 1/2" BMI 27, WHtR 63%, Body Fat 36.4% #
Wed 12st 6 3/4lb 42 1/4" BMI 27, WHtR 62.6%, Body Fat 35.8% #

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Post by Graham » Thu Aug 02, 2012 8:37 am

12st 7 3/4lb, 42 5/16", BMI 27.2, WHtR 62.7%, Body Fat 35.7% #

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Post by Graham » Fri Aug 03, 2012 6:24 am

12st 7lb*, 42 3/4" BMI 27.1*, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 36.9%* # Fasting

*some days my scale just doesn't mention the fractions - so I believe my weight is less that 12st 8lb, but I'm not convinced it is actually 12st 7lb. BMI and Body Fat percentage are therefore also questionable.

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Post by Graham » Sat Aug 04, 2012 6:55 am

12st 7 1/2lb, 42 3/3", BMI 27.1, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 36.8%, #

Not what I'd hope for from a fast, unless I assume I would have gained weight yesterday if I hadn't fasted.

The stewed minced beef with onion, carrots and tomato, plus my new item - grilled chips, and buttered toast, was over one plate. Partly technical - my electric grill doesn't hold enough chips in one go so a one plate, no seconds meal became impossible.

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:51 am

12st 8 3/4lb, 42 3/4", BMI 27.3, WHtR 63.3%, Body Fat 36.5%

Ill health reduced exercise, which may explain this disappointing figure concluding a week with two fasts in it. (or is it my minced beef stew?)

oolala53
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Post by oolala53 » Sun Aug 05, 2012 6:14 pm

I've had that problem with grill size, too, and with food getting cold while I ate slowly. Now I put the food on the plate before I heat it to get the amount. Then if I need to heat things in stages, I know I'm still eating one plate's worth.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:32 am

12st 8 1/4lb, 43", BMI 27.3, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.2%

Hi oolala53 - the pre-plating with cold ingredients is a good idea - though a bit messy with stew.

No fast today: driving up north.

oolala53
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Post by oolala53 » Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:57 pm

Yes, but I doubt you heat stew on a grill. Don't you have to put it in a bowl anyway? I put bowls on the plate, too. I tend to use either dessert-sized ones that leave room for entree, starch, and veggies, or deep ones that still allow room for bread and fruit on my plate, if the soup is a meal soup.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

Graham
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Location: London, UK

Post by Graham » Thu Aug 09, 2012 8:03 am

12st 8 1/4lb, 43 1/4", BMI 27.3, WHtR 64.1%, Body Fat 37.8% #

@ oolala 53: I don't use bowls to cook, I use pots and pans or my electric grill, and when the food is hot I put it on the plate. Anyway, the basic idea of measure before cooking where that is possible is fine, I get that.

oolala53
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Post by oolala53 » Thu Aug 09, 2012 2:53 pm

I don't see how you thought I meant to cook anything in a bowl. I also use the same cooking methods you do. (No microwave here.)
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

Graham
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Post by Graham » Fri Aug 10, 2012 8:12 am

12st 6 1/2lb, 43 1/16", BMI 27, WHtR 63.8%, Body Fat 37.8% # Fasting

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:33 am

12st 5 3/4lb, 43 1/8", BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.9%, Body Fat 38.2% #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:35 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 42 7/8", BMI 27, WHtR 63.5%, Body Fat 37.3%

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Aug 13, 2012 8:59 am

12st 6lb, 43" BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.8% Fasting

Graham
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Post by Graham » Tue Aug 14, 2012 7:09 am

12st 5 3/4lb, 42 11/16", BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.2%, Body Fat 37.1% #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:13 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 43 1/4", BMI 27, WHtR 64.1%, Body Fat 38.2% #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:07 am

12st 7 1/4lb, 43", BMI 27.1, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.5%, #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:52 am

12st 6 1/4lb, 42 5/8", BMI 26.9, WHtR 63.1%, Body Fat 36.8% #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sat Aug 18, 2012 10:51 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 42 11/16", BMI 27, WHtR 63.2%, Body Fat 36.9%, #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sun Aug 19, 2012 7:56 am

12st 7 3/4lb, 43", BMI 27.2, WHtR 63.7%, Body Fat 37.3%

Graham
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Post by Graham » Wed Aug 22, 2012 11:25 am

Tues 12st 8 1/4lb 43 1/2"#
Weds 12st 6 3/4lb 43 3/16" #
Thurs 12st 7 1/2lb, 43 1/4" # no exercise yesterday

Graham
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Post by Graham » Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:24 am

12st 6 3/4lb, 43 3/8", BMI 27, WHtR 64.3%, Body Fat 38.5%, #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Fri Aug 31, 2012 10:09 am

12st 8 1/4lb, 43 5/8", BMI 27.3, WHtR 64.6%, Body Fat 38.7%,#

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Sep 10, 2012 8:23 am

12st 10 1/2lb, 43 3/4", BMI 27.6, WHtR 64.8%, Body Fat 38.4% FA

Graham
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Post by Graham » Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:11 am

12st 10 1/4lb, 43 5/8", BMI 27.6, WHtR 64.6%, Body Fat 38.2%, #
Weds 12st 11 1/2lb, 43 7/8" BMI 27.8, WHtR 65%, Body Fat 38.4% #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:19 am

12st 10lb, 43 5/8", BMI 27.5, WHtR 64.6%, Body Fat 38.2%, #
Friday 12st 10 1/4lb, #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sat Sep 15, 2012 7:39 am

12st 9 1/4lb, 43 11/16", BMI 27.4, WHtR 64.7%, Body Fat 38.6%, #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:15 am

12st 8 1/4lb, 43 3/8", BMI 27.3, WHtR 64.3%, Body Fat 38.1%, #

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Post by Graham » Sat Sep 29, 2012 8:47 am

12st 9lb, approximately, now I'm back from Granada.

I got more exercise than I expected; visiting the Alhambra, for example, is 4 hours of walking and many of Granada's most interesting sights are up steep hills.

I have to call it an S week, no way to regulate my eating and drinking in that land of pavement cafés, bars and tapas, coping with all that walking and the unfamiliar heat.

My waistband feels about the same tightness as when I left, so I'm not particularly fatter. If I'd wanted to eat better, I would have needed to live in a self-catering setup: maybe next time?
Last edited by Graham on Tue Oct 02, 2012 12:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post by Graham » Sun Sep 30, 2012 8:09 am

12st 9 3/4lb, 43 1/4", BMI 27.5, WHtR 64.1%, Body Fat 37.4%

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sun Oct 07, 2012 10:40 am

12st 8 1/4lb, 43 1/8", BMI 27.3, WHtR 63.9%, Body Fat 37.5%

Recovering from a cold that started last Sunday. No serious effort on the food intake front, rest mattered more. First "major" effort yesterday - got lost, mapless, and spent @ 2 hours more cycling than I intended. Later I realised I was suffering a set-back. Onwards and upwards.

I'm a year older. Having a cold limited my ambitions on Friday, so it was a quiet birthday, and the first without a card from my Dad. Much reflection that day, tinged with the gloom colds seem to bring.

Unfinished business on many fronts, liberal use of Focusing is my main asset. I am wondering about when and if I'll get lighter than I am now.

Graham
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Post by Graham » Fri Oct 12, 2012 6:41 pm

12st 8lb, 43 7/8", BMI 27.2, WHtR 65%, Body Fat 39.3% #

heatherhikes
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Post by heatherhikes » Fri Oct 12, 2012 10:44 pm

Graham wrote:...I'm a year older. Having a cold limited my ambitions on Friday, so it was a quiet birthday...Unfinished business on many fronts, liberal use of Focusing is my main asset. I am wondering about when and if I'll get lighter than I am now...
Hello Graham! I came across your check-in and saw that you had birthday a week ago (too late for birthday wishes, I'd say :wink: ).

Well, my birth's anniversary is in a month, also.
I hope you don't mind my saying hello. Have a wonderful year and much success in whatever endeavours you'll choose to pursue.

To your health and well-being
__________
Heddi

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sat Oct 20, 2012 8:48 am

Hello Heddi, thank you for your greetings

12st 11 3/4lb #

the upward trend continues, barely checked by yesterday's fast, the first in several weeks. It was oddly timed, impromptu, from Thursday breakfast to Friday "breakfast" - but it was more like an evening meal - a lamb chop with several different vegetables and buttered bread.

I was reflecting on the timing of the fast, wondering if it was the best timing, with the later (and least productive?) part of the fast coming during the hours of sleep, but intrusive noise shortening the hours of sleep meant a proper evaluation wasn't possible. (sleep deprived I went round like a zombie for many hours)

The above logical considerations apart, I rather like fasting from evening meal to evening meal because I'd rather skip breakfast and lunch, two humble meals, than skip an evening meal, usually the most enjoyable (and biggest?) of the day. I see this means I probably don't produce as great a calorie deficit as I might.

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Oct 22, 2012 9:24 am

12st 11lb, 44", BMI 27.7, WHtR 65.2%, Body Fat 38.8% Fasting

Graham
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Post by Graham » Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:27 am

12st 10 1/4lb, 43 5/8", BMI 27.6, WHtR 64.6%, Body Fat 38.2% #

Isometrics are proving very helpful at the moment. Not directly impacting my weight but boosting an overall sense of well-being, of physical competence. I am tending to believe the food supplement Maca is also helpful, though somewhat hard to digest. Maca may, in conjunction with other vitamins, minerals and ginseng, have increased my willingness and ability to exercise and reap the benefits of that.

Graham
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Post by Graham » Wed Oct 24, 2012 8:02 am

12st 9 3/4lb, 43 5/8" BMI 27.5, WHtR 64.6%, Body Fat 38.3%, #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:12 am

12st 9 3/4lb, 43 3/4" BMI 27.5, WHtR 64.8%, Body Fat 38.6%, #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Fri Oct 26, 2012 7:55 am

12st 10 3/4lb, 44 1/16", BMI 27.6, WHtR 65.3%, Body Fat 39%, # Fasting

Southport scale and tape measure. Overdid the Baileys last night - but its all gone now. There's something about being here: what I have to do and the isolation change the way I function.

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sat Oct 27, 2012 7:44 am

12st 10 3/4lb, 43 3/4", BMI 27.6, WHtR 64.8%, Body Fat 38.3%, #

I got a good chunk of exercise, missed 2 meals, the results look no more than a random fluctuation. Felt some hunger, some weakness, then spaced out after my meal - (a messy succession of sandwiches, hence the No S fail)

I'm not sorry I fasted, perhaps I would've been fatter and heavier this morning without it, but this area of life still lacks sense and balance. I'm not at peace with food and fatness.

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sun Oct 28, 2012 8:08 am

12st 9lb, 43 3/4", BMI 27.4, WHtR 64.8%, Body Fat 38.8%

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:05 am

12st 10 3/4lb, 44", BMI 27.6, WHtR 65.2%, Body Fat 38.9% Fasting
Last edited by Graham on Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:20 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post by Graham » Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:31 am

12st 11 1/4lb, 44 1/8", BMI 27.7, WHtR 65.4%, Body Fat 39.1% #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:20 am

13st 0 1/2lb, 44 3/8", BMI 28.2, WHtR 65.7%, Body Fat 38.8% Fasting

"too busy" to fix a puncture and other bike problems. Public transport used instead of cycling for some weeks. Few fasts. Drat.

Graham
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Post by Graham » Tue Nov 13, 2012 7:57 am

12st 11 1/4lb, 44" BMI 27.7, WHtR 65.2%, Body Fat 38.8% #

Would that all my fasts were as easy and effective as that.
Later, feeling fitter than I have for ages, did 1K on my rower!

Graham
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Post by Graham » Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:52 am

12st 11 3/4lb, 44 1/4", BMI 27.8, WHtR 65.6%, Body Fat 39.2% #

Graham
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Post by Graham » Thu Nov 15, 2012 8:40 am

12st 9 1/4lb, 43 3/4", BMI 27.4, WHtR 64.8%, Body Fat 38.7% # (Southport scale and tape)

I travelled to Southport yesterday. I had a filling meal early in the day then ate and drank as I drove - sweets, a pie, milk. Nothing I fancied eating or drinking but tea after I arrived in the evening.

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Post by Graham » Fri Nov 16, 2012 8:10 am

12st 11 1/4lb, 43 7/8", BMI 27.7, WHtR 65%, Body Fat 38.5% # Fasting

Graham
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Post by Graham » Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:38 am

12st 10 3/4lb, 43 7/8", BMI 27.6, WHtR 65%, Body Fat 38.6%, #

This scale can change its mind, from 8 1/4 to 10 3/4 today. I'll trust measure #2 as more likely. And a loitering sore nose/throat blossomed into hoarseness and a cough last night, on into today.

My plans for the fast-breaking meal were disrupted by social pressures, ramshackle eating happened, the road is long, long.

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Post by Graham » Sun Nov 18, 2012 9:26 am

12st 10 3/4lb, 43 5/8", BMI 27.6, WHtR 64.6%, Body Fat 38%

Graham
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Post by Graham » Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:52 pm

12st 13lb, 44 1/2", BMI 28, WHtR 65.9%, Body Fat 39.5%

How to make sense of this abrupt change? Sunday was quiet, I'm under the weather, stayed home, had breakfast of bacon, eggs and fried mashed potatoes with cheese, but otherwise what? Snacked on biscuits - is that what did it? That plus no exercise? I'm not going to fast today in case it delays recovery from my cold.

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Post by Graham » Tue Nov 20, 2012 8:12 am

12st 10 1/4lb, 43 7/8", BMI 27.6, WHtR 65%, Body Fat 38.7% #

Though I didn't fast I didn't eat much either. Despite a nasty chest cold I took a slow bike ride to get some essential supplies, croaking at shop assistants. I had tea with milk and sometimes some sugar. I didn't eat till the evening. I ate 4 buttered potato cakes and some Gouda (the boring yellow type, couldn't find mature). (K2 !)

Today I am about as light as I might have been if I had fasted.

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