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Hello! Just wanted to come on and add my encouragement. I was on LL five years ago and I was addicted to your posts on Minimins (you were my saviour on a number of occasions!). I was always a lurker so you probably don't remember me. You were seriously important to me though so thanks so very...

Hello Lighter Lifers, I am popping back in to Minimins after a few years absence. Every now and then I have a little lurk to see if any of the people who did LL at the same time as me are still regular posters. Sometimes I see a familiar name but most of you are new here. Today I am on for a...

Hello! I've also been off the grid for ages but wanted to let everyone know that I am still maintaining my weight after completing Lighterlife just under three years ago. I wanted to let everyone know that LL changed my life forever and that it can be a long term solution if you continue to...

Hello! I haven't been on in an age but just wanted to let you know that mine stopped for a full six months but are back regular as clockwork now. It's just your body's way of adjusting to the reduction in calories. It all feels a bit worrying when it happens, especially if you know your...

Just wanted to stick my tuppence worth in: I don't eat wheat bread at all now. I had the same reaction as BL - bloating and other unpleasantness that went on for a couple of days. I have a slice of rye bread, which is lower GI than wheat if I have a sandwich or toast these days. Linze

on the subject of cauliflower, you can also make cauli-rice. There are loads of recipes on the web but basically, you take a head of cauliflower, process on 'pulse' until it looks like grains of rice, then just steam in the microwave for a few minutes or use in a stir fry. It's a fantastic...

Aubergine soaks up loads of oil but works with stock too. Also, apparently it's really good when you "ping cuisine" it. I haven't tried that though. Hope it's all going well. Linze

Bumpity bump! Hope this helps, girls!

Hi BL, There was a recipe thread started ages ago but it never got off the ground. Maybe someone could bump it?!?! Ooh I might look for it and do it now!

Hi Robzer, I think I lost somewhere between 7lb and a stone. I definitely carried on losing though. Good luck, Linze

Hi Kaalin, I still avoid wheat and refined sugar. I eat wheat products probably once a month as a treat. I used to have major acne but my skin is totally clear now, and I'm convinced it's because I don't eat wheat or sugar.

Hi Lynn, I work in KS1 but liaise closely with our FS cordinator. My understanding is that OfSTED will be looking for evidence that you have begun to plan with the new framework in mind, as it has been interpreted within your Local Education Authority. I think if you can show that you are...

How horrible for you! I never had a problem with salmon personally, but you can imagine that your stomach might react negatively after so long in abstinence. Hopefully your second meal ends more agreeably! Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much at the time. It really brought back memories of my...

How exciting!! Can't wait to hear how it went. Sorry I haven't got back to you on the Quorn - I'm not sure, TBH. I know that the tofu is definitely plain in the beginning but I never tried Quorn. You could always get the plain and use all the flavourings from the list in the second week...

Hi BL, In answer to your question about hunger, Mine came back slowly but well before others who were doing RtM at he same time. Be prepared for our old friend emotional hunger as the weeks progress. I know I've recommended it a lot but I really urge you to read Eating Less by Gillian Riley as...

From memory, for red meat or chicken, it's about 80g. For fish it's about 120g. Linze

Yes you can, CC. If you look at old threads on the RtM forum, it describes the process. Alibongo did this and still lost weight. Chat it through with your LLC though. Best wishes, Linze

Hi BL, you started four months after me so I remember your first posts well! I try to pop in every day to see what is happening, especially in the RtM forum but have noticed that RtMers have disappeared by the wayside too! Have hardly seen anything from Alibongo since she went on hols and my...

Well done for getting here! Looking forward to reading about your adventures with food on the RtM thread. Linze

Aw, thanks guys! This time last year I was where you new starters are - looking at posts from other people and being inspired. I started on the 11th September 2007 having dieted my whole life. I've tried everything from Atkins to Cabbage Soup and I felt like this was my last chance. After...

Hi SV, I've been in management since March and feel I can add some positive input. I lost just under 6stone and have some loose skin, especially on my upper arms and tummy. My boobs aren't great either! However, as Bex said, the saggy bits are pretty easy to hide and in the grand scheme, a...

Hi Jelly, Hope you don't mind me adding me thoughts. I did the entire programme, including RtM and as you can see from my ticker, am maintaining under my target weight. In fact it's lower than the ticker shows, as I will only update my ticker when I go over a BMI of 21.7. Basically, I think...

Read "Eating Less" by Gillian Riley. Although not a proponent of VLCDs, the author has some real insights into why we cannot stay on track, diet wise. It's a really helpful book for learning about self-esteem and changing your motivation for losing weight. It helped me so much and maybe it...

Looking forward to seeing you on the RtM thread! Well done you! Linze

It's back! With a vengeance! Last week I got a zit, then a couple of nights ago I turned on True Movies and sobbed my way through the worst pile of sentimental clap trap ever to appear on film. I couldn't work out what was wrong with me and then the cardinal came a-knocking. Then it all made...

I'm not sure how much helpful advice I can give, but here goes:It would be pretty difficult to lose 17lbs on RtM. I lost nearly a stone but that was from doing the RtM plan exactly, with no deviations. However, I have some people in my group who started RtM for the same reasons as you and most...

Hi there - I didn't eat wheat bread but chose rye instead. Now I eat rye bread and sometimes I go for other non-wheat choices. Last week I had bread made from quinoa flour - scrumptious! I thoroughly recommend giving non-wheat breads a go. They're really good for you and are delicious...

Hi Supersize, just thought I'd add in my tuppence worth. Like you, one of my mega cravings during abstinence was bread in all its beautiful forms and I had in my head that lovely buttery toast was going to be my dream post-RtM food choice. BUT I've opted to avoid food that I know is not 'good'...

Me too! All still good with me - just busy getting ready for the end of term at school!

A 'meal' is termed as anything with a protein, so the quinoa is termed as protein and would be a meal. Go fairly easy on the fruit and remember that a fruit portion is about 80 grams. It's easy to start eating a bit too much. The fruit you will start off with is relatively low GI and lowish...

Oh Slimseaa! I'm so glad it's not just me! Sometimes the hair loss really gets me down, but I'm so grateful to be slim and healthy now. It's horrible though, isn't it?

Hi! I've just posted about my hair loss and now I can also empathise with your question. My last period was in February. Same symptoms as you: dull aching pains that would seem to imply the beginning of something, then... nothing! My LLC says that this is a normal side effect but urged me to...

Hi BL, I'm the bearer of bad tidings I'm afraid. I've had excessive hair loss as a result of being on a VLCD. This kind of hair loss is called telogen effluvium. I had the thickest head of hair you've ever seen. I made a hairdresser cry once because she ran out of time to finish highlighting...

Hi BL, I'm so pleased you've had such a great time. Just wanted to add that the planning thing will be a really important skill to take into management. I spend about half an hour preparing lunch for the next day each evening. I spend about ten to twenty minutes preparing my breakfast and...

Hi Corey, If you want some extra input, I really recommend reading Eating Less by Gillian Riley. It's my Bible now and I actually read it over and over. Thinking of you! Lyn

I used to have bars at work. Much easier than mixing shakes! All the best, Linze

Just checked and the food lists are in the "curious about RtM" sticky at the top of this forum. Linze

Hi Thai Chilli, There are people who have done a condensed RtM and can tell you all about it, I'm sure. I did the full 12 week RtM plan and found it really beneficial, but I understand totally that financially, it's another big commitment. If you look through various threads on the RtM forum...

No problem! Welcome back to the world of FOOD!!

Hi Sandra, I've just looked at your photos and you look amazing! What an achievement! Your family must be so proud of you. Like you I started RtM just before my target weight as I was experiencing dizziness and low blood pressure. I finished week 12 last week nearly 6lb lower than my target...

Hi Slimseaa, The carbs will definitely make your tummy pop a little bit. I deal with it by eating no carbs after lunch. I try to stick to fruit at breakfast only and my complex carbs are from brown rice or porridge rather than wheat products. How many weeks until you start on your triggers?

Hi Ken, great to see you back! Was worried about you there for a while...

Your LLC needs to register you somehow, then you go on the lighterlife website and put in your membership number and hey presto! You are on the secret management pages! Then you'll get emails etc. Shh, don't tell anyone...

Whilst on abstinence, I became a baking fiend - bread, muffins, cakes, cookies, you name it. My family loved me! I became quite concerned with this slavish need to fill everyone around me with sugar laden goodies whilst watching them eat with undisguised lasciviousness. I had a friend...

Have a lovely time this weekend and remember that you have all the knowledge you need to be a skilled weight holder. You'll do great! Linze

Hi Claire, I lost a further half stone or so through RtM but have pretty much stabilised now (am just starting week 12). I did put on three pounds last week (bread week - bread is evil and I will be avoiding it from now on), but that's the only time I've put on. I'm supposed to be on snack...

Woo hoo! Welcome to the world of food! Great to see you over here in the non-abstinent world... Linze

I'm on RtM now and am on one food pack a day. I've chosen to keep up with the bars as they're easier to eat when on the run, but I can't tell you how much I'm missing my choccie shake! My mouth is watering at the memory!

Oops! I've done that - started sprinkling some crushed seeds on my morning yoghurt then discovered, after reading the RtM materials a little more thoroughly, that they're only allowed in cooking! It was so delicious though that I had to continue. I figure it's not the end of the world...

Cute trainers! My feet have gotten skinnier but I'm still the same size. Alas I can't wear those cute ballet slippers that are in this season as they drop off my narrow feet!

Ooh! I used to love bananas but haven't even tried them since starting RtM. They really don't appeal! I'm so jealous of your vegie garden Ali! I bought a house in December and I am doing a major renovation. I won't be able to afford to get to the sad excuse that is a garden for a couple of...

No-one's posted on the RtM thread for ages!:confused: Let's start up a thread about the (healthy) food you used to hate before RtM but now adore. My new faves are: Avocado (used to hate it) Beetroot (would have run a mile in the opposite direction pre-LL) Plums (hadn't eaten a plum in as long...

I agree with BL, Jeanette, Having done 5 and a half months on abstinence myself, you need to trust in yourself that you can remain abstinent. If your head is in the right place and you are focussing on your long term health and well being, I don't think you'll need any chemical prompting to...

My jaw dropped. One word: stunning! You look at least ten years younger, as well as healthy, confident and happy. You must be really proud of yourself. Linze

Me too 0% and fruit salad for breakfast is the best ever! I hated cereal week because all I wanted was my yoghurt breakfast. Ended up dumping the porridge after three days and having to confess I didn't eat the cereal to my LLC.

Woohoo! Well done you! Wish I could wear short skirts but sadly I've got the worst varicose veins ever. It's a great feeling to be wearing lovely slim fitting summery clothes though and it's such a different feeling to this time last year when the spectre of the dreaded rubbing thighs took...

Hi Corey, I know how you feel, this whole reintroduction programme can get a bit tedious, but trust me, as you go into the third week, the options open up loads and each new food tastes amazing. Rather than giving it up, why not discuss doing a speeded-up version like Alibongo did with your...

Hi Ali, Hope you're feeling a bit better about things today. We're all rooting for you! Linze

I'm also a huge Gillian fan. I'd highly recommend it for anyone re-introducing food. It's just amazing, common sense wisdom.

Hi Kenj, I feel like I struggle with cravings all the time on RtM, but yesterday I decided to go through my food and mood logs in my journal and noticed that it's only every nine or ten days that I have a really hungry day. It's really helped to put it into perspective and I realise that most...

Hi Jaxxi, Hope all is going well. LL tend to be quite flexible about how much you eat for RtM meals but what you have described sounds fine. As long as you are not feeling overly full and you are not putting weight on, you should be fine. Re: herbal teas, I can't help as I tended to stick to...

Hi Toller Girl, I took a lot of time before starting this diet to look at the research and possible side effects, so I feel I went into it with my eyes wide open. I hope I can put your mind a little to rest. The sad fact is that 80% of people who lose weight (and that is a conservative...

You look gorgeous! You go girl!!!

In RtM, you put into practise everything you learnt while abstaining. You learn to delay gratification; listen to your parent, adult and child voices; how to talk back to your chatterbox; develop a low GI diet that will work for you for life; discuss issues around food (which you can't do while...

I don't really limit myself on veg and I think as long as you aren't feeling bloated then that should be fine. You can have the yoghurt whenever you like, as far as I understand it but I would definitely stick to just the one yoghurt per day (that's just my opinion though!). Sounds like you...

Hi Slim, The one meal a day is just the protein meal you had, i.e. the tofu. I counted my yoghurt as a snack as it didn't have any protein, which means you can have a yoghurt any time of day. If you're worried though, do check with your LLC. If unsure, you can have one at the same time as...

Well, I've lost the weight, so after a lot of false starts, I joined a dating website (my job is not conducive to meeting nice unattached men). So my first date in over five years is happening tonight and I'm on the cusp of backing out. I am feeling so nervous! The chap in question seems nice...

Glad it's not just me! I am so vague that my mother is accusing me of acquiring some early onset dementia-type disorder. It's all quite worrying!

I'm wondering how much can be lifted, tucked or nipped without turning into the bionic woman, lol!

Me too! I know that I can't stop eating bread and pasta when I start, so why go there at all! Grr. There again they only want the best for us I suppose, bless 'em!

She has been largely supportive but has asked me to be careful with ensuring my calorie intake is adequate. She is a major Lighterlife success story, still maintaining after something like three years, so I really look up to her and respect her opinion. She has acknowledged that if I want to...

Mrs Lard, the guru of all Lighterlifers everywhere wrote a marvellous post which is on the first page of the RtM thread. It's a total inspiration for us all and should be required reading! Have a look... Linze

I forgot to mention my boobs! Least said, I think. The girls are no longer pert, let's just say!

I agree with Deb. I've chosen not to add a lot of foods that are technically 'allowed' back into my diet. When I start week 8, I've already decided that I will not be eating pasta or other processed wheat-based products but will stick to brown rice, etc. Same for bread week: It'll be rye...

Fantastic result Slimseaa! Just goes to show that starting RtM was totally the right decision! Linze

Hi SarahLou, I've lost around 5 stone. Sorry to say that I do have some loose skin. The worst places are my stomach, inner thighs and tops of my arms. Having said that, I think I would be the only person to notice the loose skin on my legs and my arms look fine unless I have them at a certain...

Thanks Gobubbles! I would really consider this. She just makes so much sense in her writing. I'm doing RtM at the moment and struggling with my old demons of eating too much, too quickly and snacking on junk, so her strategies have helped me stay on the straight and narrow today whereas...

That's fantastic! I know how you feel. Every week I get on those scales with such a feeling of trepidation. This week I am having a freak out about putting on weight as I'm convinced I have a muffin top over this pair of jeans I'm using as a barometer. It's tiny but it's there. I'm cross at...

I don't think so Sil, but someone with more knowledge than me may be along shortly. What about mixing a few drops of vanilla extract and a spoon of splenda into some 0% fat yoghurt? Although having checked, it doesn't specifically say we can have vanilla extract anywhere in the RtM literature...

Eating Less by Gillian Riley is my dieting bible. I've also read You CAN Be Thin by Marisa Peer. I don't like it as much as Eating Less but I've taken a few really interesting tips from it. I'd recommend both of these. Does anyone have any others?

Hi Sil, I very rarely, if ever get a full feeling in my stomach and now I don't even look for it. I eat 90 - 120gm of meat or 120 - 140gm of fish which I weigh then freeze in individual portions. I make sure that I eat slowly (I'm a natural bolter, when it comes to food so this is a real...

I had the same situation - I went to meet my LLC in July only to find the next class she was doing was September! I was so cross!! In the end, I think it was the best thing that could have happened though as I spent those weeks getting myself prepared emotionally for the journey ahead and I...

Once you can use the spices and condiments, it's even better marinated... mmm I know what I'm doing for dinner tomorrow!

I've just adapted a recipe from 'Cook Yourself Thin' and thought I'd share: Cumin crusted aubergine 1/2 aubergine 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds 1/4 tsp paprika small shallot very finely chopped garlic clove finely chopped tsp of stock made from marigold bouillon S and P if...

I found it very hard psychologically to eat again. Maybe your negative reaction is internalised stress about weight gain. You've obviously done an amazing job over the last 10 months to stay abstinent. My advice is to stay on 'the plan', as I call it and follow RtM as closely as possible...

That was a really inspiring post SWBT! I hope I manage to stay in such a good place. I put on a little this week for the first time in 7 months. It was really hard but I'm trying to be philosophical and your post has helped a lot! Linze

I felt that way too Petey. Hope your first week is fab. I actually cried when I ate my first bite of food as it tasted so amazing! But then I am a girl... I made sure I had a really accurate set of digital scales but apart from that haven't reall purchased anything special. I'm now thinking...

Hi Jo, Lighter Life is such a personal journey for everyone, isn't it? I decided that I wanted to have a BMI of 22 about a month into the programme and stuck with that. I made the decision to start RtM because I started to feel weak and wobbly a lot and discovered I had low blood pressure...

:D This is hilarious! Love it!

Hi Tange, Are you having one Dulcolax or two? I found that two gave me cramps and all sorts of unpleasantness, whereas having one would sort the problem out more gently. Also, although it's against the rules, I took the husk in capsule form as the powder made me gag! I'm sure I've heard...

I think it's a common experience, Sil. I also had severe symptoms of tiredness and low blood pressure so opted to start RtM a few weeks early. I'm still losing, albeit a little more slowly and the symptoms have gone. Hope this helps. Linze

That doesn't sound a lot of calories - it's much less than I thought it was. I'm finding myself avoiding the yoghurt as I'm so scared of gaining weight. I know it's irrational but I can't help myself. Is there a good cal counting website that you use Deb, or is it a book? Or do you just...

Does that mean we can have sugar free mints too? Ali, hope your DD is okay. Linze

Remember that Shakira song "underneath my clothes there's an endless story"? Well, the endless story my skin is telling would scare small children if told at night before bed. Thank God for Eve and the fig leaves because quite frankly what's underneath my clothes is not fit to be seen!

Hi Angel, I also lost 6lb in my first week and was GUTTED! You can see from my ticker what I have accomplished in the long term though. I've lost 5 1/2 stone in 5 1/2 months and have now started Route to Management and am still losing. Good luck and stay abstinent - that's the real key and in...

Totally agree about the Diet Coke. Getting obsessed with keeping certain foods off the plan will only make us crave them. Laughed like a drain at the idea of the split pjs, by the way! Funnily enough, I often feel hungry, but then felt like that through the diet too. Very odd, but I just...

I figure that if I keep my diet as close to 'nature' as possible I can't go wrong, e.g. avoid processed food where possible, in the long term choose whole grain carbs (still not allowed them at the mo!) and keep up the home cooking routine, I can't go far wrong. Strangely, I had this dream that...

Hi YCDI, I had salmon the first day and sea bass the second. On the third day I had cottage cheese and salad leaves with a lemon, garlic and mustard dressing. I agree with Ali though, RtM is an essential part of the programme. Won't your LLC help you out by adapting it for you? If you really...

Hi RtM-ers Well I'm finally here. I've decided to start RtM, although not at target after talking to my LLC tonight. I loved being abstinent for the first four months or so as I felt so energetic, my health improved immensely and I just felt really happy all the time. Over the last two months...

I took the Silver Slimming tablets last year before I started LL. They made me sick and dizzy and gave me a very dicky tummy. I actually couldn't go out in case of emergency loo stops. I really didn't like them at all and would never recommend them to anyone. Oh, and I also put on two pounds...

You and your young metabolism!!!! Ah youth... I remember it so fondly! These days, that kind of lapse for me would cause a huge gain! Enjoy the luckiness of it all you young lovely.

Feeling ill on LL is absolutely rotten. I'm sending lots of positive thoughts and a reminder to keep looking at the bigger picture. You'll be abstaining again in no time. Linze

What happened at weigh-in Ali? Did your LLC give you any good advice?

Okay... and... breathe... Don't panic! Remember that TOTM, water retention and general weird fluctuations can cause unexplained weight gain that can disappear over night. You are sticking to the plan and consuming well under 1000 calories a day at the moment. It is impossible for that gain to...

Hi Lizzielucy, I've had the exact same symptoms and am still 3kg from target. I'm exhausted, dizzy and snappy with people around me, so had my blood pressure check done yesterday at Lloyds. Basically they told me I have slightly low blood pressure, which would explain the symptoms. I also...

The first time is the hardest but, believe it or not, after a while you don't even really think about the cooking thing and mostly even enjoy the process of putting something nutritious on the plates of your family!

You look so pretty and happy! Well done and keep it up!

Fantastic news! I'm not too far behind you. Keep us all updated on the RtM sub-forum!

For Mich: The dress is in Phase Eight which is in Debenhams if you haven't got a Phase Eight shop anywhere near you. There was also shoes, a bag and a hat thingy to match - You know one of those feathery little things you attach to your hair which I was told is called a 'fascinator'. Oh, and...

Aww shucks! This is why I love Minimins - everyone makes you feel so good!

Okay, I've been inspired by Ali (although am somewhat concerned about my anonymity being destroyed) to post these before and after pics. I'm not sure if I've done it right but I've put them in my gallery too. It's a strange feeling to know that you have initiated such a transformation in...

Fantastic picture! Your self-esteem must be sky high! Isn't it odd that we spend so much of our fat life avoiding photographs and now...! I keep finding myself sidling in to other people's pictures - Japanese tourists, random strangers... Suddenly there's this grinning blonde stranger (me!) in...

I know what you mean about the milk. I thought it would be a sticking point with me but actually after the first couple of weeks it was fine. I didn't end up doing milk week as I felt after chatting with my LLC that milky tea might lead me to crave other things. I realised that in the days...

Northern Beaches, eh?! How lucky are you!? Beaches in Darwin have less surf but more crocodiles and sea wasps so beach-side living is not such a nice thought. I was born in Adelaide, then moved to the NT and lived most of my life in Darwin and Alice Springs, so I call myself a Territory girl...

Aussie girl living in East Sussex, me!

The first couple of weeks, all sorts of strange things happen to your mouth digestive system and just about every other part of you! I had a thick build-up of white stuff on my tongue, which has now, thank goodness, gone completely. Basically, my theory is that we have all spent years throwing...

You whinge to your heart's content Sappho! If you can't moan to us, then who can you moan to? Some days we all need a good foot stamping heel kicking tantrum. You've had a fab weight loss so far and you're doing great. Follow everyone's advice (I have no more to impart) and hopefully you'll...

Ha ha ha!!!!!!!! I love this thread! I just got off the phone to one of my best friends, now living far too far away! The person below is wearing a bra and knickers that CLASH! *GASP*

Ah, what a lovely thought. Or doing hours of marking perhaps... Is that relaxing? The person below has a severe case of PMT and wants to do something unpleasantly violent to one of her nearest and dearest (clearly I'm not thinking about my own mood here at all!)

I'm a 22 weeker! Been abstinent now since the 11th September. All the advice above is priceless but my keys are: 1. Participate actively in the sessions; you will learn so much more and the journey is a lot more personal. It will help you to stay on the straight and narrow. 2. Fill your life...

I'm just starting A Thousand Splendid Suns. I read The Kite Runner in January and sobbed my entire way through it. I also love The Stand. I read it again every two or three years and always enjoy every word. In between readings I use it as a doorstop, so it's useful in so many ways!

Me too!

That's fab NetNet! Looks like there's a pile of us to be starting RtM at about the same time. How are you feeling about adding food back into the equation?

Hi Tiffanydiamond, I started with about the same amount to lose as you and am now nearly at the other end of my journey! I just wanted to encourage you and say that it will be over before you know it. You've done really well so far and have had an excellent weight loss to show for it. You...

My mum and dad gave me a massive amount of money in order that I could buy a house. It still takes my breath away to think about the sacrifices they made to give it to me. Especially as I'm one of four children and my brother and sisters reacted with such grace and happiness for me. If they...

She sounds like a 'frenemy'. Have a look at this article: Do you have a 'frenemy'? - CNN.com Totally agree with BL on this one. I know I've had to work really hard in the past at congratulating people about their weight loss when really I wanted to die inside as their success just emphasised...

We had two ladies start in foundation who were best friends and from the beginning one did really well, staying abstinent and sticking to the plan. The other starting eating other things in the second week. In week five, neither of them returned. I felt so sorry for the lady who had been...

No we're not meant to have the gel casings but desperate times... When I've taken the husk capsules (and I don't all the time) I've stayed in ketosis and still lost. It's a risk that I was willing to take though! Linze

Don't leave me out! You look fab Claire - well done you!

Hi Mrs L, I'm not on RtM yet but will soon be starting. Thanks for this fantastic post which I have printed and am cutting out exerpts of to put in my scrapbook. Thanks for keeping it real! Linze

Mmmmm (Homer drool)! Toastie.... The person below is going dancing this weekend!

I think you just click on someone else's to get to the site. Also I think there is a tutorial on how to do it. Go to tutorials on the blue bar at the top of the minimins screen. Cheers, Linze

Thanks for posting this. I've printed it and stuck it into my development journal as an object lesson in portion control!

Some people do seem to carry on having hunger pangs. I've been doing this for coming up to five months now and still get them sometimes, especially when totm is due. They do subside though and now I most often get a kind of empty gnawing feeling, which isn't nearly as bad. Feeling ill is...

My big thing, apart from all the other things you've mentioned (esp. the no chafing thighs thing) is that I haven't had a relationship in ten years. My weight has been a huge issue for me and in many ways an excuse for having to avoid any type of intimacy with anyone. I don't even like hugging...

Ohh! Games was my favourite week! Made me realise that I was a games queen. I'm doing my best to stop with the victim role! Good advice girls! Also as hard as it may be, I think she should have a chat with your LLC. Linze

Hi Claire, Well done for going to the gym - that's really important and something I for one don't do enough.. or possibly at all <guilty look>. On the subject of going off plan, my penneth is this: Take something from every slip-up and learn from it. In development, we're encouraged to keep a...

Right! Let me tell you BL, I have been where you are and even worse. You try sitting with a bunch of grapes hanging out of your butt. First, get the anus oil (anusol). The relief is marvellous and within a day or two you'll be back on track. The chances of bleeding being anything worse than...

Hi Zomble, Like Leesy, we are in similar places. I intend to keep going in abstinence for the final stone. I'm taller than you so my target is 67kg, which is another 7 odd kg to lose. Every diet I've ever done has stopped before I ever got to my target so I'm adamant that I will reach there...

Hi Leesy, what an amazing accomplishment! Please keep posting for those of us coming up behind you. Linze

Sure sounds like adapted child to me, whilst your mum is being the 'nurturing parent'. I can't imagine what it would be like to have food thrust at you like that. I have a friend who always encourages me to try this or that thing she has cooked her but I have no problem with saying no to her...

I know what you mean about some of the people in developers, but Claire has a really good point. Abstaining seems to be a lot harder for some than others and I keep hearing and reading that once you cheat the first time abstaining is even harder. There are a couple of women in my development...

I struggle with the thought records but my LLC has encouraged us to do just one this week and bring them in. The most useful one I ever did had nothing to do with food but really helped me to work through a very difficult period I went through about two months ago. I hope your thought record...

Well done you! Isn't a good loss just an amazing motivator?

Thanks Mini, I'm going to get back to walking in my lunch breaks and will up my water as well. I guess I have to just put up with the hair loss thing. As Deb G has said, I'm only losing the last three months worth so it can't all go completely! I'm focussing now on the long term gains as you...

Hi Tange, I'm one of those lucky people that find LL a breeze! I've not let a thing pass my lips that is not LL approved (except for the odd Marigold bouillon) since September 11th. Obviously I've had down weeks but I love the control I get from LL and the head space it has given me to work...

Hi everyone, I've now been on LL for 19 weeks and knew from Minimins that one of the side effects of doing a VLCD for such a long time would be that at some point I would lose a shed load of hair. Well, about a week and a half ago, I started shedding. And I mean in great clumps! I am so...

I can't imagine that a few sips will make a significant difference. I've just checked the ingredients on my lunch time crispy peanut bar and it has ascorbic acid in it, so I think you're safe. Don't panic!

I did a thread search on this and the recomendation is to use the low salt marigold as it is closer in ingredients to the savoury drink (you can do this by putting 'bouillon' into the search box and clicking the minimins bit rather than the google). LLCs will tell you that you shouldn't have it...

I also forgot to say that as your stomach gets used to being empty it will give up and stop grumbling at you!

I know this! It has the delightfully onomatopoeic name of borborygmi. Basically, your tummy is always rumbling but when it is full of food, the sound is muffled so you can't hear it. When your stomach is empty, the sound reverberates in that embarrassing way. I've not heard of it being a sign...

Do you think it is because it doesn't give the pharmaceutical industry a profit? I know there are drugs you can help to suppress appetite or limit absorption of food, but as we all know obesity is just as much about what's going on in your head as your stomach so these I believe are not...

I think the tapas idea is great. In my first week my boss organised this amazing tapas party for everyone at work. At that point I hadn't told anyone and seriously, no-one noticed I wasn't eating. I wandered around with a champagne glass full of fizzy water and an empty plate and had a great...

Superb! That's great to hear. Someone is definitely smiling down on you! Isn't that a great way to start the new year!?

I average 3.5lb per week now, which is near on exactly a stone a month. This has been relatively consistent too. I think one of the really important things is to regularly review your targets, which I know you are doing through your mini challenges. IMO, regularly resetting your smart...

Well done you! Just looking at your ticker and we started at about the same BMI and want to finish at the same BMI too! I have my last weigh-in of foundation on Tuesday and have lost my 3 stone last week, so I'm going pretty well! The thought of going into a development group after Xmas is a...

Hi Megsmum, I was wondering how you were doing as I used to follow your posts when I as a lurker. The CD diet idea seems like a good option but SW could work too if you think you have the willpower. Whatever you decide, remember how much you have learnt through the programme and keep reading...

Hi Peanut, How are you today? Hope things are looking better. Linze

One of the members in my group who is in her late 40s said last week that she has stopped aching, especially her feet. She said she went Xmas shopping for an entire day in non-comfortable shoes and at the end of the day realised her feet were fine. Take heart!

Hi BL! I started LL 11 weeks ago and have just lost my 3 stone. You're right that it's not the easiest diet but I can honestly say that it is the best thing I've ever done. I went for the information session in June and started in September because that was the right thing for me as I needed...

Aargh! My pet hate: the thin 'friend' who thinks that she knows everything about weight loss! Just before I started LL, my best friend (7 stone) lost half a stone, giving her a BMI of 17. When I asked her why she was trying to lose weight, she told me it was because, nothing else seemed to...

Don't despair Megsmum - just keep on keeping on. You've achieved so much and have inspired us lurkers too.

I apologise for the lascivious food-talk that will follow: Mine is always bread. In all its glorious forms - naan, pitta, white, brown, croissant, brioche, toasted, warmed. Sometimes the bread craving comes with an accompaniment such as baked beans or curry but the bread part seems to remain...

Well done Chris! Bet you're glad you turned to the exercise bike now!

Hi Miss F I only lost 4lb in my first week and my losses have been fairly small (1.5 to 4lb) each week but I've now lost 2 stone! I lost 7 stone on WW and have put nearly the whole lot back on. The thing that keeps me coming back and paying the money is the things I'm learning each week...

My Mum has an Aga and I spend my entire life draped over it. I wore my Ugg boots to work twice last week, despite them being totally against our dress policy. I'm constantly freezing but am not in RTM so can't help you with that question!