Lesley's Exante Journey

Hi all

I've ordered my packs and due to start Exante on Wednesday. I have a few commitments in May (afternoon tea, birthday meals, camping weekends) but plan to do TS in between as much as I can, but if odd days have a Working Solution day helps me stick to the diet, I'm not going to beat myself up about it.

I'm 43 (44 this month) and around 15st10lb (will do official weigh in on Weds morning). I've been as heavy as 20st4lb a few years ago, and slowly (v slowly) lost the weight with Weight watchers/calorie counting. I've been doing calorie counted the last few years and have started each year almost the same weight as the year before, even though I've felt I've been dieting all year ... which obviously I haven't been.

I did 1 week of Cambridge a few years back and absolutely hated it, but I was a different person back then, so I'm hoping this time it will click. I am worried about my commitments, the first one being an afternoon tea (sugar and carbs ... great choice!!) on Friday 15th, and then Birthday meals and camping the following week, but I don't want to put off starting ... am I crazy??

Anyway, I look forward to getting to know you all and joining in the Exante challenge

Lesley

Hi Lesley! good luck starting the plan!

I'd been putting off exante for a bit due to commitments but decided enough was enough and took the plunge. I'm on week 3 now. I've had family meals and nights out, I've just made sure I keep away from the carbs to make it easier for myself I'm really enjoying it and a flexible approach makes it easier to stick to for me. Life and exante can go hand in hand x

Queen Bizzle said:

Hi Lesley! good luck starting the plan!

I'd been putting off exante for a bit due to commitments but decided enough was enough and took the plunge. I'm on week 3 now. I've had family meals and nights out, I've just made sure I keep away from the carbs to make it easier for myself I'm really enjoying it and a flexible approach makes it easier to stick to for me. Life and exante can go hand in hand x

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Thanks - I'm glad I'm not the only one taking the flexible approach ... I still want to enjoy life along the way Good luck!

Day 1

Hi all

well today is the day ... well at least I hope it is! My first box of goodies is out with the courier for delivery, so I'm hoping it comes soon. I've had a black tea so far this morning, so I'll give it a few more hours and if it's not here, I'll have a green salad and some prawns for lunch, but hoping it'll turn up soon.

Really motivated at the moment, but I guess that's how everyone starts

Going to add my motivational points and reasons for doing the diet here, so I can re-read when I begin to waver:

• To feel good about myself
• To feel more confident
• To be able to buy the clothes I want
• To start dating again :love:
• To FINALLY stop thinking doing a VLCD !
• To stop my huge butt being a dam when emptying the bath! :ashamed0005:
• To be more healthy (although I don't feel unhealthy now, but guess I must be!)
• Remember it's only 3-4 months out of my life
• Feeling hungry is just a feeling that will pass (especially after a shake/meal)
• remember to look at the overall picture after smaller losses
• Don't beat yourself up after planned 'cheats' just get back on the wagon
• And remember that convincing yourself that after a few days/weeks of Exante you'll be able to switch to another diet to get results will work - because it obviously doesn't work (look at last few years)!!

I guess that's enough for now. Feels a bit odd talking to myself, and a bit exposing ... but if it helps it's worth it.


I have a fitbit band and walk 10,000 steps a day - even if it means (and it usually does!) walking round my flat at the end of the day to finish them off, and I'm still planning on doing this as my daily exercise.

L
xx

:welcome: Lesley. You sound like you are ready to do this! I love this diet, it's not easy initially but I'm in week 3 and have even forgotten what day I'm on. I've a houseful of builders and temptations everywhere but honestly, when you get into ketosis temptations just don't bother as much (speaking as an emotional binger) and the weight loss is fantastic, pure fat after first couple of weeks.

Your comment about the bath so made me laugh. I can totally relate to the point that suction almost made me get stuck! Look forward to that Eureka moment when the water drops evenly all around

this is your diary to post success and struggles. Venting is the best way to keep on track, we are all in the same boat and can totally relate so keep posting and look forward to your first WI (and many more).

Thanks so much Angel

Day 1 - done

Hi

Well day 1 all but done .. and 100% TS Packs arrived just after 12, so maybe the fact I had my 3 packs in a relative shorter timescale helped, but didn't find it that bad. Tomorrow and Friday will be the real test though I guess!

Breakfast (well early lunch really) - Chocolate Shake
Lunch - Pasta Carbonara
Dinner - Strawberry Shake

all were really nice, especially the Carbonara.

I keep having flashes of panic that I can't do this, but it goes as fast as it comes, so hopefully I'll get that under control.

Worked from home today ... well when I say worked I mean read posts on here almost all day ooops! Back in the office tomorrow which includes a 1hr car drive each way, so will have to limit my water from about 2 until I get home (I leave at 4.30) as there's no real place to stop to pee.

Can't wait to try all the different packs I have - going to try the Raspberry porridge for breakfast tomorrow, then will take a Toffee shake and maybe the shepherds Pie to work and see what I fancy for lunch and have whatever I don't have for Dinner.

I have a feeling I may need support tomorrow, so expect moans and whinges, so f eel free to give me a kick up the butt!

L
x

Well done on finishing Day 1. You can so do this, it really does become routine with the bonus of great losses. Make a note of which packs you like and don't. I didn't with my first batch and ended up ordering more I didn't like. There's various tips to pick up which help. Shakes are like icecream when blended with ice. They can be hot too. Vanilla I mix with chai tea for a chai latte or coffee for a change. Use herbs in savoury packs if you don't like them.

I lurve the the porridge and even my husband has it. Keep going my lovely, it's so worth it! :talk017:

Congratulations on day 1!

x

Hi Lesley,
Welcome! I do the same with the water, no water after 2pm until I get back home, then loads more after the kids are in bed
You're going to do great x

Well done on day one, I find it really easy to post in my diary as no one knows me so I can say what I like and how I really am feeling. Post all your struggles it does somehow make you feel better. All so all the highs, you will get much more support on here than you probably ever had at a slimming class.


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What a fab day 1 - well done. Keep going through week 1, it's a tough one but having just completed it it's worth it! Xx

Well done Lesley your post about why you're doing this is such a good idea for referring back to you sound so motivated it's great!

I'm edging in to week 4 and I really wouldn't ever look back now I'm sure you'll be the same xx

Thanks for all the lovely words of encouragement - you lot are great!

I had a good nights sleep, woke up hungry, but I actually don't mind the hunger, it's the detox headaches I can't stand - so on the look out for them with my tabs ready! Got up at 5.30 and have already done 4000 steps and just having a black tea at work to put of the Porridge until about 9.30

Good luck for a 100% day everyone
x

Well done for starting, I started yesterday too with a tonne of birthday social commitments coming up so I'm doing the same as you - sticking to plan 100% when I can, enjoying myself when I can't. Good luck for today! xo

Day 2

Hi

another good day - I really cannot believe how much I'm enjoying the food ... the portions could be bigger but what i've had so far is great and so varied - apart from Raspberry porridge I had this morning - edible, but won't be ordering again.

Breakfast - Raspberry porridge - see above
Lunch - Shepherds Pie - absolutely loved this, a good savoury hit and very filling, followed by a black tea for my sweetness hit
Dinner - Toffee Caramel shake - sickly sweet so perfect for me - love it!

Still no sign of headache which is slightly baffling, but I'm definitely not complaining! Just a bit lightheaded and perhaps tight headed. Hunger comes and goes, nothing I can't deal with -I'm used to feeling hungry And having a tasty pack to look forward to really helps. Manged to have a lot of water at work, and made it home, including stopping off to vote without needing a wee- miracle!

Feeling in control and proud of myself, I hope tomorrow is just as positive.

Ohhh I got a free Beauty Box when I ordered my meals at the weekend, which is due tomorrow (well Saturday after I miss the delivery due to work!) excited to see what goodies I get!

Onwards and downwards

L
x

You're doing so well Lesley! Loads of water will have helped you stave off headaches so that's brill. It's great to hear you so positive. You can so do this!

Day 3

Another day done and dusted ... a little tougher today, felt queasy this morning and hungry this afternoon, but still very positive and happy.

Breakfast - Apple and Cinnamon Porridge- surprisingly very nice (i'm not a huge porridge fan)
Lunch - Indian Daal Pot - lovely
'snack' - half a cup of oxo
Dinner - Vanilla Shake

Before I thought about doing the plan I promised my best friend I'd bake some salted caramel cupcakes for her sons 2nd birthday bbq tomorrow ... and I did it - well after a fashion, I'm not masochistic enough to sit around the smell of baking cakes - so bought pre made cupcakes and added the salted caramel and made the icing. I didn't even lick my fingers once - hope they taste ok!

So tomorrow will be my first test the birthday bbq - I've treated myself to a Dr Pepper Zero, and will take my first bar (probably double chocolate) to have when they're all tucking into cake, so hopefully i'll be ok. I really think I'll be able to resist the food, BUT if I do cave it'll be bbq chicken or prawns - but as it's my first week I think I can be strong (she says hopefully).

I'm still at the stage where I can't see this working and my shape ever changing ... but it has to right???

L
x

If you keep going with the same marvellous attitude you'll be shocked at how quickly the time will go and changes will happen. Stay strong and well done you for the cupcakes! Protein is def the best plan should you need it. I love the choc bars, they feel really indulgent. Have fun tomorrow. Look forward to WI.

oh, I meant to say that a trick I use at BBQs and partied is to pick up someone's empty plate. People think it's yours so you don't get all the awkward questions about not eating. It feels oddly normal as though it was mine too and reduces the feeling of wanting to indulge (but then again maybe I'm not normal . Have fun!

It has to and it will do Lesley.....sounds like you are doing great! xx