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Weekends are a struggle, and I was determined not to blow it this weekend so allowed myself TS Plus rations - just a bit of lean chicken and broccoli in my carbonara, and have gained a pound! Very frustrating. This happened to anyone else?

How's your getting back on the wagon going hon?! I've had to switch to WS cos I just couldn't get the mindset going for TS, one day good, next day I'd blow it so I thought better WS than nothing. And the weight is coming off slowly and surely :-) Another two pounds this week. Wearing my thinner...

(And I had my knee high winter boots on this week! Looooooving the colder weather!)

Oooh Plym, so you're all ready for Saturday? You've done so well and I bet you'll look amazing :-) Another 2lb off for me this week, I've been on WS so I'm really happy with that - getting there :-) Have an absolutely fabulous time, can't wait to hear all about it when you get back! xxx

I am here! :-) Ploughing on, little ups little downs ;-) Doing ok on WS and just getting on with it. Just not as lucky with my Internet connection! Have had absolutely no connection for over a week and very poor mobile coverage too :-( Got Internet back now, sort of, but it keeps dropping out...

Hi waterworks, how are you hon? I agree, watching the weight go is much easier than counting the weeks (days, hours even!) The photoshoot was great thank you. Bought myself a pair of 34" Tommy Hilfiger jeans and a 14 FatFace top so felt really good :-) Wish I'd been a stone lighter but don't...

I have just been maintaining over the last few weeks, having had lots of days out with the family and children and finding it just too difficult to be on a VCLD. Have actually gained 5lb but figure that's mostly carb water weight so that's ok. Tomorrow the children go back to school and today...

I find it motivates me because I 'have' to be good cos there's no way of knowing until the end of the month! And then seeing a big loss at the end of the month feels really great. And on the plus side you don't have to deal with daily fluctuations that usually result in a bad mood!

Thanks girls. Slim, don't let him get the better if you! Imagine his jaw dropping when you step out drop dead gorgeous and super slim soon :-)

Now if you're a guy, you're gonna be thinking, well that's nothing to boast about! But inches mean a whole lot more to us dieters, right?!?! And that's how much smaller my waist is after three 1/2 months on this diet :-) Dead chuffed :-D

Don't be too disheartened. I weighed in yesterday 1lb heavier than last week, and today at 2lb lighter. And yesterday I'd eaten cake! Admittedly I have been at this on and off for just over three months, and in all that time my weight has done weird things on a weekly or daily basis, but overall...

Ahh I see. :-)

I have noticed how different my body shape is on this diet compared to slower diets. Has anyone else? I seem to be losing it last off my tummy and boobs this time, whereas on WW it seemed to go off there as evenly as it did everywhere else. Whilst I love still having boobs, I am a bit...

You did amazingly well under the circumstances, well done. Don't know what effect the pineapple will have, but it wasn't much so should be minimal. Don't fret about it and just stick to the plan. Feel proud of yourself for coping. And I really hope whatever happened is all ok now. xxxx

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... Sadly no, I disliked the first few meals so much I gave the rest to my daughter and she hasn't actually started yet.

Hi John, I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question as I'm a VCLD first timer, but I'm sure if you search this forum you should find your answer. Other option is to compare the nutritional information on both websites? Either way, good luck hon. x

Rats. Would've saved some of us having to google it!

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... Just had the Exante shepherds pie. Oh boy is that worth it! Little bit of ketchup on the side and its just like the last bit on your plate, shame no bread to mop it up but hey, you can't have your bread and eat it! ;-) lol

Gathering motivation! We CAN and WILL do it! I hope you're staying with us after you've moved?! I have images of you lounging on a beach all day, sipping (diet) cocktails and all the fellas doing a double take as they walk past you ;-) Right now while its raining and I'm chowing down on a sachet...

Oh bless you Joy :-) thank you sweetpea. xxx

Great to have you here! From one Kerry to another :-) I can't seem to get past that 13 and stay there! It's up and down lately, one pound over, one pound under. I just absolutely have to get my butt in gear if I want to see myself a good way down the 12's!!

My deadline is a family photoshoot booked for Saturday week, don't think I'm going to get to goal and to lose another stone by then! But never mind, I'll keep going after that. The photos will look a darned sight better than they would have a few months ago at least!

Thanks Joy. I should imagine you are feeling a mixture of emotions right now! It is very exciting and very life changing for you. Am quite envious! I do wonder what it is that gives us that motivation you just can't buy?! Wish I could bottle it and save some for times like these! Still, as long...

Blooming new scales! Saying I lost 4lb yesterday. Surely that can't be right. Do I change them a third time? Getting fed up with this!

I believe you can use all dried herbs and spices :-)

I hide my porridge sachet in an instant porridge pot! I don't mind the porridge a bit lumpy - more like the real thing - so I just mix it up with boiled water in the pot. No ones noticed that I rinse the pot up and put it back in my bag! I wash it up properly at home then the next day empty...

I just tried switching from Exante to Slim and Save but hated it so have gone back to Exante. I like them because they are creamier and not too sweet. I would love four sachets a day but not if I can't stomach the taste!

Well done honey! If it helps then go for it :-) Sometimes I weigh daily, like now, to try and keep myself on track, and then when I'm confident and well into TS I switch to end of month weigh-in - I'm in it for the duration so once I get going I'll just go with the flow!

I have day 2 (for about the tenth time!) blues too. I can't believe I was 100% for two months solid but for the past six weeks I've been on and off the wagon like a yoyo :-( So am on day two of another restart and not only feeling hungry and tired but pretty darn annoyed at myself too! For the...

My scales developed a fault so I had to exchange them. And I had an off-the-wagon weekend. Now I have no idea how my weight compares to my old scales. New ones said I'm 9lb heavier, but I can't have put on that much in two days!! Will have to use that as my new reference point tho and start...

For goodness sake! I'm so tired I'm posting in the wrong place! Sorry peeps. I am going to go to bed...!

I've taken in as many clothes as I can. My needlework isn't all that neat and even (a couple of pairs of crop trousers have one leg tighter than the other!!!) but that'll do, with minimal new bits, until I'm happy to restock my wardrobe in a smaller size!

Everyone is working at it so hard. I guess the key to not failing is to just keep on trying and never giving up. Smidge and Plymm, you are both an inspiration :-) You are both coping so well, and sensibly! I've no doubt you'll both do great and come out the other side looking gorgeously slim...

On one hand I'm picking out size 14's and feeling really pleased with myself, but on the other hand they still look huge on the hanger. I feel somewhat confused at my own conflictions!

Hi Waana and Noor, I completely get where you're coming from! I have some photos eternally, and shamefully, etched in my brain - def those 'oh my god is that what I really look like' photos :-( Now, thanks to Exante most our recent holiday photos look not too bad at all - not quite what I want...

Good on ya' 48! I completely agree. I'm almost 42, 5ft 5in, with two teenager daughters - and I have no desire whatsoever to be under 10stone again! My overall goal is to get to about 11st or a size 12-14. Even that will be a four stone weight loss! But I absolutely don't want to be drawn and...

Try blending the shakes with ice (and about 100ml water). OMG it's like a Starbucks shake!!

That's great Joy! Sadly I haven't ever been able to do that, these ole thunder thighs have always been a size bigger than the rest of me! But I look forward to not having fat knees some day soon!!!

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... I'm back on Exante, I just couldn't stand S+S (except those yummy bars!!!) :-( Ordered some Exante packs while they were on offer, the two weeks pack has all my favourites in it so I'm all set for the next 8 weeks. Never mind. You don't know unless...

D'you know what Joy, that kinda thought occurred to me too. I find it so easy to restart TS, I have today no probs something all. I wondered if I subconsciously allowed myself a blowout cos I could justify it with another restart? It kinda freaked me out a bit cos thats now about the third...

Sounds like you girls all had pretty good weekends! Holidays, exciting moves and weekends away. Sound bliss :-) Unfortunately I had a bit of a mental block and completely fell off the wagon! Combination of worry about my daughter being away at a festival all weekend (first time she's been away...

Ha ha ha waterworks, that made me smile :-) Yes, was naughty but I did enjoy it. It also had another benefit, I erm, how shall I put it.. hadn't 'been' most the week, and lets just say I feel much more refreshed this morning! Am back on track today, and have gone back to Exante - I just don't...

Could that be the V Festival by chance?! I'm ferrying my daughter and a bunch of her friends there today. She's been doing WS and went shopping yesterday for healthier options for the weekend - needless to say she struggled to find suitable foods so she's going to have a weekend off. Looks like...

I'll be back on track tomorrow. Promise.

It was a little strong Smidge, so I'm soaking it up with some crisps ;-)

I have a bit of ham here and there without any effect on my weight loss. But not til I'm in ketosis. The first three days are torture but stick it out, go to bed if necessary! I'll be starting back tomorrow and I know I'll have to go through all that again. But it'll be worth it :-)

I'm having a drink tonight. Just cos its been a really sh**ty week! I just don't care tonight!!! I ate three biscuits, two breaded chicken bits and two scoops of icream, in an attempt to break ketosis first! ;-) Think that was enough before I opened the cider??? Maybe it's just cos I haven't...

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... Was only the one sachet in the pack thankfully. Will try another variety tomorrow.

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... It was vanilla crunch. So sickly tho and I didn't find it very filling. The lumps were just plain odd!

Yeah, don't try the slim pasta!! I just chucked two packets away. It was inedible!!

I made a stack of julienned courgettes. Left them out on paper towels to dry. Promptly forgot about them so had to throw them out the next morning! But I like the idea!!

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... Had a crispy shake for breakfast. What the heck is that about?!?! Lumps of cardboard in an overly sweet shake! Did not like that at all. Hope the other meals improve.

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... Dammit :-( I just ate the fourth bar. I knew I couldn't be trusted. Now I've had four S+S plus an Exante meal today. Grrrr. This is why I can't have chocolate bars. I'm the sort of person that will eat a whole bag of fun size bars if I have them. I...

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... I ate three today just cos they were sweet, chocolatey and moreish. Reminded myself of the old piggy me :-( Guess I have no self control. Hence becoming five stone overweight in the first place! I'm afraid I have to avoid foods like these at all costs.

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... They are considerably smaller but heavier/denser but quite filing. The thing that bothers me is that they are like proper chocolate bars, which is something I don't want to be in the habit of eating/craving regularly anymore.

OK so managed to scoff three of the four bars already! (Knew I wouldn't be able to resist sweet bars) And had the shepherds pie for dinner. Not sure what to make of it. It was tasty, and a bit more like 'real' food, sure I could feel the texture of potatoes, but the meat (or whatever it is)...

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... Just got my SandS order. Tried a bar and omg its lovely! Glad I only got four tho as I wouldn't be able to help myself!!

Hey angel, how's it going? Did you feel better once you'd started on Exante? Hope you're doing ok. x

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Gave up with my dodgy scales and exchanged them for a new pair. Supposedly five star reviews. These ones are driving me crazy too! Just want a consistent pair! Is that so much to ask for?!?!

I know what you mean, mine are constantly swivelling round. I bought some of those little clear plastic thingys you clip on the ring but they are really uncomfortable. And my watch is in danger of getting damaged cos it permanently slides 3/4 of the way round my wrist now. Yet I still can't get...

Oh joy, it couldn't be a more difficult couple of weeks for you! I do sympathise. My July was like that. Stay strong honey and keep coming on here for support :-)

Ha ha ha. Better practice roasting a few chooks on refeed! Luckily most of it is available from the freezer section so is pretty easy these days. I know I will go completely off the rails at Christmas, but now I've discovered how easy this is I will just do a week or two to lose the Xmas pounds...

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... I should get it tomorrow. Can't wait. Yesterday was really tough. Could do with that extra sachet. I don't want to go back to work today either :-( Got post holiday blues!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Hmmmm. Sounds yum! I'm glad I abstained tho, according to my scales (who I'm not sure I quite believe!) I've lost 4.6lb in two days! Kept moving them round the kitchen floor, the first reading was 3.6lb higher meaning I'd put on a pound since...

Unfortunately my slim picks are from about twenty years ago so I barely resemble my 20 year old self now! But I do look at better and worse pics from recent years. Two years ago I lost three stone and still thought I was chubby - wish I was there now! Still, I'm getting there and plan to go...

Don't forget to focus on your measurements as much as your weight loss - if not more honey. That's far more motivating when the scales only budge a pound or two, esp if like me when you're exercising your weight does weird things! Watching the inches change makes me feel great. I've lost 2 1/2...

Won't be a whole month for me but I'm in :-) ...now do I weigh weekly (or daily!) or wait til the end of the month...?! Decisions decisions Kerry (Buttons) 11lbs to lose, 2lb lost, 9lb to go [Carrie1980 14lbs to lose, 1/2lbs lost, 13.5lbs to go Plymscuba 6lb to lose, 2lbs lost, 4lb to go...

Hiya Waterworks. Well I have managed to get straight back into it! Admittedly I ate lots the night we got home, but it was an 8 hour car journey and I really needed some comfort food ;-) I thought I'd better start the very next morning, straight away again before I got into bad 'being back home'...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks Lynne, it was a fab holiday. Slim, we could've walked right past each other and not known it! Lol. We were lucky with the weather weren't we?! I even got a tan on Newquay beach :-) Lynne, I've been meaning to say, you look fab in your fb...

I don't know how much you've looked around here Dream, but be aware that the first few days will get worse before it gets better, you may be crawling the walls with hunger by day three but then all of a sudden you're just not hungry anymore. And you may feel weak and tired at first, this can...

I find that they all taste a little salty. Esp the porridge. Thought it was just me! I have got used to it now tho and don't really notice. The only time I add anything to the sachets now is a couple of sweeteners if I make mousse or frappes.

Honk. Day one back :-)

There are a few things I just cannot resist, mainly cake and scones! Oh god I'm so flippin hungry!!!! I'm sure you'll do great, that's a very good idea to plan it out over two weeks. Next time I'm away I think I will plan it out like that so maybe I don't just end up going off the rails. Think...

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... I did it. Ordered the sample pack. Here goes!

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... Yeah I'd have to avoid the bars, they always make me hungry, plus I don't really want to get into the habit of eating chocolate bars! I'd never stop ;-)

Is refeed as scary as it seems Smidge?!?! You've done fab to get to this point, well done honey :-)

It doesn't help that I'm googling birthday cake ideas for my daughters birthday = torture! Now I wan't cake more than I have ever done in my entire life!!! Lol

Hiya girls, it's good to be back :-) Got straight back on the wagon before I had chance to get into bad habits! Already lost 2 of those pounds on the first day! Just wish getting back into ketosis wasn't so tough, am starving! Wish I was in one of those restaurants we visited on holiday! I know...

Thinking of trying S&S for a change... I am torn! I like the Exante taste but I really like the idea of four 'meals' a day, it might stop me snacking on ham. I think I'll order some and see how it goes.

Need to order another months worth of sachets, have done three months Exante and when I just went on their website, a little part of me went urghhhhh. I've gone off most the soups and am not keen on the new meals - I really don't want to lose track due to boredom. So thought what about having a...

Good luck Funnyfarm, sounds like as good a goal as any. Motivation is always the key, my next goal is a photoshoot on 31 Aug. want another stone gone by then, then just one more and I'll be close to my healthy BMI so just a few more pounds and by my birthday in November I expect to be...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Well thats our holiday over :-( We had a lovely 8 days in Cornwall, we were really lucky, was mostly hot and sunny and we spent days on the beach, the kids surfed and I baked! Went to Eden Project, go-karting, kids went on a giant...

Bless you smidge, thank you for your kind words. Well, just weighed in and put on 5lb exactly!! So not too bad at all, considering how much I ate! Am really pleased with that actually. A few of those pounds will be carb water weight at least. Usually I can put on at least half a stone on...

Hey guys, I ran out of mobile Internet allowance so couldn't do Myfitnesspal or get on here! I did get trough 3/4 of the day on shakes, but when you're out to a restaurant every night it's really hard and the next night was chinese so again I ate too much :-( The horse did bolt Waterworks :-(...

You're right joy, I will be back on track today - I physically feel horrible! Wind, heartburn, headache. Gosh that was so not worth it! I'm never eating and drinking like that again! Guess I'm not used to putting that much cr*p in my body anymore and it is telling me in no uncertain terms that...

In fact, Myfitnesspal just told me that if I kept this up, I'd gain 10lbs within five weeks! Lol. Gonna try to be good tomorrow. After I finish this bottle of wine tonight!!!

Oh dear. All down the pan today! ;-) Well at least I made it to day five before finding the trough! What's more my brain is saying, 'I don't care'! I won't give up trying but it might not be so easy til I get back home to familiar exante-routine surroundings.

Not quite so funny cos I ache all over, but on holiday the bed is a bit harder than I'm used to and I'm very well aware I now have ribs and hip bones!!!

Thanks Kaz, it's just awkward lil ole me with my sensitive taste buds and sweet tooth! Lol. Will stick mainly to shakes and porridge, if I survive my holiday! ;-) xxx

Lol. If I walked around with my arms stretched up high over my head and my tummy sucked in I might pull off a bikini! Gravity is not my friend! I'm sure you girls look great in a two piece :-) I just spent half the evening playing with my fitness pal. I'm in love with that app! Its so...

I do feel so much better for that :-) Think I only managed about 400m. Only a small pool but kept at it for half hour (then spent an hour in the jacuzzi!) I especially picked a cottage with a private pool - not only for some exercise but for days like today when it's pouring down!! Kids had a...

Fact I actually fit in my swimsuit helps! Not only that but I have three this year! Lol. Off I go! ;-) dragging hubby with me, few lengths of the pool wont do him any harm either!

Boy, I am soooo glad I started this diet three months ago! Walking round Looe in the baking sun yesterday, observing all those around me, I felt really happy with myself. I don't want to be mean but I noticed many 'larger' people looked so wretchedly uncomfortable, hot, sweaty, puffing...

Hi Sparkley, nice to hear from you. My last couple of weeks have been tough, was on & off that wagon like a yoyo! Still managed to lose 5lb. I was fine til I had a weekend away then struggled to get back on plan. Finally got a good 100% week in and now we're on holiday, am trying to be...

Think my chances are dropping by the hour! Lol. Not gone completely OTT but am off plan, being careful but prob not quite careful enough. Still, going to try and do a few laps of the pool later :-)

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks girls. Sitting here with a crushed ice choc frappe, exante style, anything seems possible! My children have full fat ice cream & oreo frappes, I'm quite content knowing mine is prob a quarter of the calories!!!

That's a fantastic idea Smidge! That sounds very doable! You're on kiddo! ;-)

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Back to my lowest July weight after last weekend. :-) Went holiday clothes shopping yesterday, felt so good picking smaller sizes and even bought some usually-dont-make-my-size designer labels! Packing for holiday today so hopefully by the time...

I've discovered that black currants have naturally occurring citric acid but I can't find out how much...

I would love to but I know I may not have the willpower. I may just vow to do my very best and see how it goes. Maybe its just late and I'm really tired, but it seems impossible at the moment!

RED BEAN CHILLI IS AWFUL :-( I hate spicy food, had heard it wasn't (sorry Kaz1979) but my tongue is burning! Plus it's gritty, and the beans haven't hydrated, they are actually crunchy. Yuck. First and only Exante meal I've had to throw away after two spoonfuls. :-(

RED BEAN CHILLI IS AWFUL :-( I hate spicy food (others had said it wasn't) but my tongue is burning! Plus it's gritty, and the beans haven't hydrated, they are actually crunchy. Yuck. First and only Exante meal I've had to throw away after two spoonfuls. :-(

Well it's the end of the month with a total of 5lb lost. Considering I've gained and lost the same 3lb several times this month I suppose its better than a total gain! I've also managed to get back into the 12's this morning so I'm happy enough!

One of the Ribena plus squashes is citric acid free.

Is it spicy?! I've got it for dinner tonight but I really don't like hot spicy food so am a little apprehensive.

I have had some major and minor blips! But I always get right back up on that horse. First two months I was an angel and lost an easy two stone, the third month has been difficult, several special occasions and I lost my way for about ten days. But the thing I love about this diet is that its...

Hi jo, sorry you were left all alone yesterday, it was definitely one of those Mondays! I had an unexplained STS week 4, was so cross and couldn't understand why (esp after the sacrifice of giving up food) but it got going again. You're doing everything right. And don't go too long without...

Anyone come back from their jolly holidays lighter than before they left?! Or at least STS? I'm going to have a shake for breakfast and lunch, then will try to have a low cal meal for dinner - my downfall will be puddings and alcohol if I can't abstain. I wondered if anyone had managed to eat...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... 100% today after 2 days of restaurant dinners and desserts. Learnt I can't eat like I used to or I feel sick, so yesterday just had a starter with a side of fries and really enjoyed it :-) And I'll tell you what, it feels really good...

Think you're right Slim, maybe its time we went WS at least, I'd rather a slow loss than another fall off the wagon!

Another goal, and one I could actually see happening now! I want to be able to wear a Superdry or Hollister top. Their L is only a 14 so I've never been able to squeeze myself into their clothes before - its my post holiday goal ;-)

I found a 750ml water bottle makes a much better shaker than the Exante one! I half fill it with water, so its more than they recommend (suits my personal preference) Ok so iit's a little tricky getting the powder in, but practice makes it easier! Then shake the hell out of it and no lumps! (My...

Yes you could have all three of your meals if you'd like. It's only the bars you can't. Although I have and it's not made any difference to me! Depends on your own personal carb tolerance (I'm lucky mine is pretty high)

The spag Bol is very very herby. I orders two each of the new meals with a supply of my staple shakes, and had a discount code. Keep an eye out for special offers.

I like them, if I use more water to make them less gloopy.

The soups are an acquired taste honey. They don't seem to be many people's favourites and they are all pretty 'creamy' for want of a better description. I've always used more water to make them less gloopy and I tolerate them. I still would rather have a shake or meal sachet, but I do use the...

Seems like we're in a similar place wannabe, but I know I've got some fluctuations coming from this weekend! Gonna be 100% next week tho cos it's only one week til our holiday :-)

Welcome aboard vesta! :-)

I haven't had a soak in the bath for ages (I do have a daily shower tho!) so I haven't tested this but I think I will have to!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Good news and bad news after our open day at work - was a great day, unbelievably busy and very hot so I didn't eat much at all. But then had to go to a corporate dinner (Chinese) in the eve and we didn't eat til 9pm, which is way too late for me...

And I know what you mean about feeling cleaner Joy, I think it's all the water and vitamins and less of the additives in junk.

Not having to clambour out of a car cos you're a fat lump! Almost feel feminine getting out of a car nowadays!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Just finished work, only started at 8.30am this morning! Big open day at work tomorrow, everything's just about ready. Only managed two Exante sachets today, was just too darn busy and now too shattered. Hopefully that'll make up for the...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Have a great holiday Lynne. Enjoy it, you deserve it girl!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Feels great being back on track, and the new meals make a refreshing change. 5lb total off for the week (and the whole month really when you think about it!) Obviously bit gutted I lost my way for a couple of weeks but one good week back and...

12.11.8 so 5lb total for the week :-) shame I've got two dinner engagements this weekend. Going to have to try real hard...

12.11.8. 5lb total for the week :-)

I use about 50-100mls more water. I use more water with all the sachets. Microwave for about a minute, stirring every now and then to stop it bubbling over! I know some people just don't like the taste or texture, I'm guess I'm just lucky I quite like it soupy and gloopy!

Omg. Shepherds pie is gorgeouuuuuus!!! Happy bunny :-)

Just got my new ones. Having the spag bol now. Used bit more water than they said. Great texture, smells lovely, Very nice, if had any criticism its that its a bit herby for my liking.

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Yep. Here I am getting up, about to go off and leave them in bed again. :-( Ok so they're teenagers, but they're still my babies, one still recovering from her op, and I'm very lucky they still want to hang around their mum. Going to try and...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... My two are older now, hence working more, but I am already missing being with them every day of the holidays :-( I've just arranged Mondays and Tuesdays off til they go back. Just can't bloody afford to take them anywhere now tho! (Bloody...

Low BP & Dizziness :-( I'm my sure if its more the salt or the cooler day, but its certainly been better today. (put salt in the soups, yet to try bouillon, need to buy some but I'd imagine it'll taste a bit better!)

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Just when you think you can make both ends meet, someone moves the ends! Utterly gutted. Since last August I have been working more hours, am nearly full time now. Found out today that because my income is £10k higher than last year, I'm losing...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks :-) You're doing really well too Slim. I'm a few weeks ahead of you so you'll get there soon too :-)

Low BP & Dizziness :-( Great idea. Thank you Lanark Witch. I will def try that and cut back my water a little bit.

I was like that til last Thursday Plym, just couldn't find the motivation. Finally found some, don't know where or how otherwise I'd share the secret!!

Our charity shops are ridiculously expensive here. I live in Saffron Walden, a really really old touristy market town with loads of charity shops, but I'm sure they think everyone that lives here is rich! Wish I was! Lol.

Thanks Plym, I'll look those up. Anything to keep the kids occupied!

Good idea. I went away and then had a slip up so missed a week or so and gained three pounds, got back on track this week and have lost 5lb in three days! It's like starting all over again :-)

Random weigh in day cos I felt like crap yesterday, finally seeing the 12's! :-D

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Yay yay yay!

Plymb, perhaps you could recommend some places in Cornwall if you know it well?! We're staying at Liskeard. Got tickets for the Eden Project and plans to go surfing, but not a lot else yet. Would be great if we could find some places we could take the lil pooch too.

Low BP & Dizziness :-( Thanks 12, I'll try the salt. Maybe that is all I can do. If I remember from previous health kicks, exercise helped, but I'm not that fit again yet! Oh well, at least it's an excuse to sit down at work! Hope you're ok with your low BP too hon. x

Well done. Gladiator! Cool. You must post us a pic!!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... I'd offer to shave him ;-)

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Ooooooooh. Hugh Jackman on Top Gear. Look at those muscles. Holy cow he is gorgeous! Just thought I'd put that out there ;-)

I've been shopping for size 14's on eBay. For mostly skirts cos they don't look as baggy as trousers! Luckily I have a fair few tops still to fit in. Don't want to spend much money until I'm buying 12's!

When I'm fat, my blood pressure is perfectly normal. When I lose weight it plummets, don't know why. Doc doesn't seem interested. So now I'm working my way towards my third stone, here I am feeling dizzy and horrible again. I drink plenty, at least 4L a day, and really don't fancy adding salt to...

Hi kaz, Exante do recommend every fourth week but some dieticians say you can go up to 12 weeks (max) on a VLD. Personally, I have one add-a-meal day a week, gives me a nice change and something to look forward to. I know others on here do this too. Obviously it's your choice. Depends on what...

Just orders a couple of sachets of each new one, will report when I've tried them...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Gonna have a look at logging exercise later. Just bought a rowing machine (to go with my cross trainer) and the 30 day Shred DVD is on its way. I'm gonna need a room just for my exercise equipment at his rate! My own gym, with state of the art...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Love the way it tells me off for not eating enough! Lol

They are huge! Mortifying really that I used to wear these. Just trying to figure out how to shrink a couple of my favourite tops so I don't have to get rid of them!!!

That's a brilliant idea! I'm gonna go find my old fat jeans..!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Bed sounds so good Slim. Think Im just about done in today. I've been browsing to try and take my mind off things then I went and had a look at the myfitnespal app - omg what an awesome app! It even knew the Exante products (told me I wasn't...

I'm bloated and feeling very fat today! My normally comfy jeans are really tight. Not a nice feeling :-( hope it goes soon.

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... (Also doesn't help that the in-house patient obviously gets whatever she wants to eat, and posh pizza smells absolutely bloody divine!!)

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks girls. It's been a really tough day but I've just about got through it. Two days 100%, not even my old trick of a slice of ham extra! Was especially difficult as we had to go grocery shopping, had my carbonara beforehand, thank goodness I...

D'you realise people have been honking here for nearly three and a half years?! At approx 4.5 honks a day!

It was bloody difficult today, but honk!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... My little blip cost me 2.4lb. Glad to report a 100% TS day yesterday and an instant loss of 1.5lb :-) Am cleaning the house like there's no tomorrow and trying to ignore the little, nagging 'I'm hungry' voice in my tummy. Cos I know I'm not...

Lol. You get Lanzarote and I get Cornwall! Ha ha. If this weather holds up it'll be great, but I reckon it'll start raining, oh about the 1st August! I'm back on track, had a great 100% day yesterday, feeling good and the scales are 1.5lb down this morning ;-) (put 2 on for my blip) Maybe I...

Hi Midwife, well done on the loss! :-) I know it sounds cliche, but a long drink or a little light exercise works when you're feeling hungry, hopefully it'll all go as you get into stride with this diet, your tummy will shrink, your appetite won't be as voracious - and it is also possible your...

I love the carbonara. But I hate real food cheese sauce!

Halle-honkin-lujah! I'm back baby! ;-)

Look for the weigh in challenges girls, and a post called 'put away the scales'. Monthly weighing is completely liberating. If you're on this diet for a set period, why keep worrying yourself daily?! We all know the diet works, and we all know our bodies like to play games with us! So give...

What a crock! Don't believe this member. Look it up. Ketosis is just a different way of your body utilising energy. Why do people think they can make a quip remark when they obviously haven't even bothered to do any research?!?! Dumb***!

Ta Becca. Going shopping later (when it's cooler!) so will look out for some.

Don't know hon. Best ask exantes help line.

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... I can't afford the gym either. And I know from past experience that I will quit after a few weeks because I really don't want to go! But I bought a cross trainer to exercise at home most days, am trying to stay physically busy - gardening in this...

It was ok, nice taste and cold!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks. She's sore but glad to be home. Im glad we're out of that place. When the scales aren't moving and people are eating chocolate it's really hard to stay focused isn't it?! Well I bombed yesterday. But I've repackaged all my...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Good advice guys, thanks. And I was all prepared to get back on track, until they told me I couldn't stay overnight with my daughter - she was scared and really poorly, but because she's over 16 she's classed as an adult and parents...

Hiya Joy! So glad you had a fab time and it really seems you've got this food thing cracked, I can tell maintenance is going to be easy for you :-) Well done xxxxx

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Well my daughter is finally in surgery after 11 hours of waiting. An hour more to wait til shes out so hubby and I have ended up in Burger King. Oh well. Tomorrows another day.

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks Plym. Diet wise it's going great today, if my daughter can't eat pre-op then I won't. So its half hour and I've had nothing, at all! I am majorly f***ed off cos we've been here since 7am, and just overheard that the girl before us hasn't...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks girls, really cheered me up. I'm going to sleep with a smile on my face now. :-) xxxx

I like the idea of mini goals Plym, very good idea. Ok, so my first mini goal is to get through my daughters operation staying on plan. That's only two days, 48 hours. Surely I can manage that?!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... It is hard Plym. Thanks for your support hon. I'm really really tired and really really stressed. Maybe that's all that's wrong with me. Just a little too much for me to handle. Someone at work even suggested that I start smoking to relieve the...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Right. I'm going to get back on track of it kills me. I'm still fat, still feel fat, still want to not be fat. So I'm taking my shakes to the hospital (Hosp food is crap anyway!) Have cancelled this Saturdays do (no biggie) and I will stick to...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks Lynne. I was feeling better and even managed a shake mid afternoon. Then felt much better by tea time, but for some reason completely fell off the wagon and ate 2 squares of chocolate, 8 marshmallows, a slither of cake and a rather large...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Don't think I'll be eating anything today. As much as I enjoyed the Chinese food, my tummy didn't, and I feel so sick this morning :-( got horrible acid reflux in my throat too. I feel absolutely pants. Got to go to work but I'll just try and...

Night night all you lovely exantiers

Cheque

Last 2 letters start the new word >>>> Tertiary

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thanks Lynne :-) xxx

My eczema has gone too, and my complexion is so much better. And I've discovered that when I do eat carbs now, I get a red hot flush in my cheeks which lasts a good couple of hours. I really think my body doesn't like carbs. I had a few days off plan whilst away and several days later, even...

That's fabulous Smidge! Well done girl :-D xxxx

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Thank you Slim, you're very kind and I really appreciate the support :-) I was feeling better, even managed to cope with my youngest going to France with the school for the weekend, and today I woke desperately wanting 6pm to roll on so she'd...

Lol notsoskinny! Me too ;-)

I'm going to use the mousse mix with coke zero and see how that turns out!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... There's a downside to suddenly fitting in all the clothes in the wardrobe.... she says ironing a mountain of clothes in 30° heat!

I just had an epiphany... so went and googled black currants - and they have naturally occurring citric acid in. So although Ribena plus does not list it as an additional ingredient, be aware it's in those tasty little black currants anyway. Sad now :-(

Yes, Now You See Me. Was absolutely bloody brilliant! Was gripped through the entire film. (And the bite of hotdog was the icing on the cake, so to speak ;-) he he he!)

Well done Susie, first three days are the hardest then it will get easier :-)

Good luck with the interview! It's like free clothing when you find something you've not even worn yet, isn't it?! I still have a couple of things lurking at the bottom of the wardrobe. Although they are so old I think I'd look a bit odd wearing them now! I thought I'd bought this leather jacket...

Don't know what it was samm, but it definitely wasn't a dairy issue, our youngest has that problem so we're used to what all that entails. I wondered if it was the form of protein, not a pleasant ingredient - something about collagen?! Can't quite remember but it sounded not at all nice or healthy.

A bar was my saviour today, nibbled one at the cinema, was really nice too (ok, so I did also pinch two bites of my hubby's hotdog and 8 pieces of his popcorn, but that's still a personal victory when it comes to the cinema!) So although I've put them away, I will save them for when I really...

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Back on track, a little falter at the cinema, had two bites of a hotdog and 8 pieces of toffee popcorn (yes, I counted them!) but to me that's a real personal victory! But then had a MAJOR boost on the way home :-) Hubby had mentioned my bras...

When at just 21, my first husband left me (little ****) I completely lost my appetite and dropped to 10 1/2 stone, my lowest adult weight, but just twelve days later I bumped into an old friend who dragged me out with a bunch of other friends, where I met and fell for the love of my life - and...

Hey Pk, so sorry to hear you've had a rough time lately :-( Glad you're finding the strength to get back on track. I had started a July weigh in challenge, but have been struggling after a couple of days away, so it's intermittent weighing for now to try and keep myself focused. Think because I...

I know it goes against everything we're doing here and everything we've read, but everything had slowed right down 7/8 weeks, but then I had two days away and completely off plan, ate three meals both days (and only skipped the chips!) weighed myself a week later expecting the worse and I've...

Makes so much sense reading all your posts. I'm sorry for your pain Whimsy, been there myself, but life improved considerably after :-) Hang in there sweetie. A couple of things really rang true with me; my 17 year old can make me turn to the biscuit tin almost daily! That I have learnt to...

I have achieved an unusual, embarrassing goal that I've not felt like sharing before, but what the hell...! My cheeks (and not the ones on my face!) are no longer chaffed and sore when the weather is hot! Don't need 'special' soothing cream any more. There, I've said it out loud! Lol

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... Lol. That's ok. I use auto spell but it gets me in into all sorts of trouble sometimes! I got the gist ;-) I went shopping with a friend this afternoon and admittedly the dresses I bought were stretchy, but I bought a 14 and a 12, and even...

I'm sooooooo glad it's not just me! I'm giving up all bars for now :-)

Cheers Wayz :-) I may go clothes shopping at lunch time and see if that cheers me up! And I love your new profile pic BTW, sooo cute! xxxxx

Has anyone else experienced this? :confused: I only added bars to this diet a couple of weeks ago, and at first I thought it must all be in my head, but now I am absolutely convinced it is the bars. If I have one, no matter what time of day, an hour or so later I am actually hungry - which of...

Am really struggling with keeping 100% on TS these past few days :-( Didn't help we had two more training schools at work and I have to make the food for them (all men, and hardly the sophisticated type!) so it was picnic foods, sausages, scotch eggs, cheese/ham baps, chocolate, crisps, you get...

Struggling to stay 100% since my hotel break away, so decided to weigh in just to see what the damage was, and was very happy to see not a gain but a 2lb loss :-) So whatever I gained whilst away, I've lost already an it's taken a couple of friends with it!!! Kerry ( buttons ) 2lbs lost -...

Yay! Just made a successful jelly! I mixed 250ml with two teaspoons of orange drink powder and two heaped teaspoons of the mousse mix and whisked it for merry hell, it went really frothy but had to pour it through a sieve cos some of the gelatine went a bit gooey. Then half hour in the fridge...

Oh you lucky thing Joy! Have an absolutely fan time. Have a drink (or two!) for me, I really miss my drinkies ;-) xx

My crop trousers are starting to fall down! That's never happened before, they've always been my thinner-me trousers! That thought just gave me a moment of dread, trousers shopping has always been awful for me, I wonder if that may be easier now?!?! Apprehensive but quietly optimistic ;-)

Well done Smidge :-) You're doing so well. I couldn't hold out at the start of the month for exactly the same reason but sadly my scales went up 1.6lb! Then after two days off piste I decided I daren't get on them again til the end of the month!!

Hey Chelly, how's it going girl?! Long time no hear ;-) Expect you're in full wedding mode now?! How's the maintaining going? xxx

Is it just me, or does anyone else's hair seem 'nicer' (for want of a more descriptive word!) since starting this diet?!?!

One word. Insomnia!

Boys

My family have gotten so used to my diet they just get their dinner and park their bums without even asking me if I mind or if I'd like my shake or anything! I'm going to bed very hungry and grumpy tonight! Lol (but glad I've got you guys to cheer me up!)

Last 2 letters start the new word >>>> Owns

Lol. I sulk too! Ha ha. But once the food's gone I snap out of it and feel good I didn't succumb. Well done for resisting a BBQ tho, that'd drive me crazy. I swear we are not having a single one this summer!

Sounds like we are very similar, a stone is always easy but then I lose the plot :-( and within a year every pound is back and it always brings friends! Yes, daily I'll have a couple of slices of lean sandwich ham, normally about 4pm when the children get in and I'm at my weakest, physically...

How's it going shortie? I'm trying to get back into it after two days off last week, and its tough. Then today I got into a size 14 dress and it made it all worth while and doubled my resolve. Get something out of the wardrobe that you really, really want to be able to get back into and hang it...

Oh and you can have all three meals as mousses if you want, no carbs and minimal cals in gelatine :-)

Exante drink powders into jelly is fine, just don't make them too strong as they do have carbs. (They say have as much as you like but I checked the pack and it does have extra carbs.) It's just the shakes into mousse you can't have more of :-)

Had a porridge sachet and a coke zero. Pizza polished off by the family before I could blink so the temptation has passed :-) I did it! Yay. Small victory dance ;-)

That's fabulous! Well done :-) I am sticking to TS til my holiday in the first week of Aug when I'll try to follow WW as it'll be way more food than I'm used to now but shouldn't let me overdo it. Then back on TS til the end of Aug when we've got a family photo shoot. Hopefully by then I wont be...

Is it just me?! Just tried it and although it smells of yummy apple and cinnamon, it just tastes like the regular porridge!

I always get light headed on a diet. I have normal blood pressure when I'm overweight but as soon as it starts coming off, my blood pressure drops and I start getting light headed and even seeing stars. Doc told me to add salt to my food. Obviously that's not so easy on this diet but I do find...

The constant trips to the little girls room soon eases, in fact I used to get up at 5am regularly before I started this diet and now 9 weeks in, I don't need to go until I've been up and about for half hour! I had a couple of days off for my anniversary last week so I'm back on the path to...

Whoops. Forgot no food talk here. Sorry guys. Please move me ;-)

I so desperately want a slice of pizza and a long cool glass of Pimms tonight :-( But, I got into a size 14 dress for the first time today in two years! So I'm not going to let pizza spoil that good feeling ;-) I'll hang around on here and browse and post til the craving goes away!!!

I googled it, apparently malic acid won't kick you out of ketosis :-) Just citric that will.

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... The best EVER concert was Mumford and Sons, just 700 people in a small venue last summer. I could almost touch Marcus! They were incredible. Wasn't about gimmicks or stunts, just great music, great atmosphere, the place was thumping ;-)

I've decided to carry on with TS for July. Holiday first week of August, not sure after that! Depends how much weight I've lost versus how much I gain on holiday! (Will try not to go mad of course, would hate to ruin all the hard work.)

I'm not weighing weekly, opted for monthly weighins so I don't get too stressed about small fluctuations. But the first 6 weeks I did and it was a steady loss, 9lb first week, average of 3lb each week thereafter. I'm at about two stone now, am tempted to get the scales out but went away and off...

Gosh it's such a hard call. It all really depends on what suits you, what can you cope with? better to go a slightly longer route but get to your destination, than push yourself too hard and fall of the wagon completely. I've been thinking of switching to WW but I am only half way through so I...

Its only weak of you give in. Being strong is getting straight back in there and never giving up! It takes some getting used to honey. Once you get into ketosis it will get so much easier.

Have you ever noticed that rarely does anything taste as nice as it smells?! I enjoy the aromas nowadays and just remind myself it wouldn't taste as good :-) I allow myself to nibble on a slice of sandwich ham if I'm cooking, zero carbs and only about 30 calories. That's the best I can do!

Brilliant! Swallowing the English dictionary takes on a whole new meaning! Lol

Hey Sparkly, and welcome to minimins :-) Thought I'd chime in here cos I had terrible trouble with lethargy at first - if you're pink you're definitely in ketosis, any colour variations from now will just depend on how hydrated you are (assuming you stick to the diet). If you're not hungry any...

Well done fiancée to Finn, and Smidge. You've given me determination to not eat tonight! Trying to get back into TS after my little break. Got to get back into ketosis again. But I really want to eat! I've let the family cook & eat their Chinese and I even cleared up. And now I've put my...

I'd be really interested to find out the answer to this too. Have you tried Exantes help line?

Chocolate & Vanilla Shake I like them too!

Well done Mosey :) I'm a bit like you, the inches show more than the scales. Feels good, even if I can't quite believe it!

I've had a couple of biggest loser bars, they're really yummy, and have real chocolate on!

Avoid fruits & nuts, you are what you eat... No way Shrimp! Wish I'd seen you (out of 68,000 people!! Lol) It was ok, not my favourite music but my teenage girls loved it. There were enough songs I knew for me to sing along! Can't decide if Robbie is weird or a just a good entertainer?!?!

Jelly = disaster :-( Was looking forward to that too.

OK, the basic line is I cannot cook! My first mousse with the Exante mix came out just as bad as with the supermarket gelatine! Then I realised I hadn't read the instructions properly and I had been using the shake quantity of water! The mousses need much less, just 150ml. And the sweetner...