Spend Nowt, Buy Nowt, Owe Nowt

apple_muncher

Yay to a non-used cc. Fantastic to get beyond 200 days of not using it. Go team XS

Suffolk_lass

All the money stuff is sounding good.

I just wanted to chip in on the weight-loss ambitions. I did the 8-week blood sugar diet (twice, I did it a second time with DH) - I lost just under 2 stone (28lbs) in the first eight weeks and 16lb the second time, when DH lost over 2 stone. I think the fact it was for 8 weeks made it do-able, for anyone; anyone can keep it up for 8 weeks. And it genuinely changed the way my body processes food. It was devised to halt diabetes but I am not diabetic - I just needed a kick up the whatsits to start my weight-loss. The maintenance took me to over 3 and a half stone I have kept it off for over three years now.  Given the guidance about getting COVID ready, (lose weight get fitter) I was going to have another go to move me down the risk factor (I am still overweight verging obese, just not near morbidly so).

I would definitely recommend it - the key principles would fit well with your gluten intolerance as it is low on starchy carbs and sweet things.

greenbee

Delurking to second what @Suffolk_lass says about the blood sugar diet. I did the Fast800 version of it last August and was very successful. I've used it intermittently when work travel has resulted in too much beige food, and over time have lost around 15kg. It has also helped with energy levels. I still do the time-restricted eating (18/6), lowish carb (no refined carbs, minimal below-ground veg) as I prefer this way of eating, and if I start to see an upward trend in weight or feel sluggish/bloated/lethargic I try to add in a couple of 800 days to kick-start things. Very easy to do gluten free, as SL mentioned - most gluten-containing things are off the menu!

apple_muncher

I read SL's last sentence as 'low on stretchy carbs' and was pondering which ones they are...!

brizzlegirl

Very impressed XS, keep on going . I enjoy running...maybe start that inbetween work calls? 

XSpender

Thanks for the info on the blood sugar diet.  I am terrible at keeping to a strict regime but will do some google research.  I am a bit reluctant to completely cut out anything (except high fat and sugary rubbish and) as I already don't eat gluten, fish, mushrooms, lamb or beef.  Today's menu is lemon and blueberry baked oats (oats, fat free greek yog, egg, lemon juice and zest, blueberries). crustless quiche with either salad or 1/2 tin baked beans, fruit and SW HM chicken curry (chicken, onion, curry powder, passata, tom puree, stock)  with a little rice and green veg.  Tea using 250ml semi skimmed milk and lots of sugar free squash.

I did some batch cooking of all my breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 evening meals on Sunday which should make this week easier now that work is mental. 

I lost 1.4 lbs doing a loose version of SW last week but will need to up my game this week.  DH and a few friends have created a 6 week weight loss challenge which should keep us all motivated.  £10 to enter and winner (by % lost) takes all     I need to lose another 10.5 lb to get back to the cusp of overweight/healthy weight range and another stone would get me to the middle of healthy weight range which would look much better on my petite frame and get me back in most of my clothes. I was 8 stone 12 in December 2015 and was as fit as a lop!!!!!  I would like to have lost most of the first 10.5 lb by the end of the six week challenge. 

I do find running really helps me lose the pounds and I have become very unfit.  I am going to start walking around the village, a minimum of a 3 mile loop with hills, possibly with a friend, to start me off.  The gym opens at the end of the month and I will restart C25K again then.

The food budget is getting tighter but we can still come in under budget with a bit of focus at £355.98/£500.  We are averaging £118.66/week compared with last month's £109.75/week and my goal is no more than £100/week with a view to reducing this to £85/week. July's total doesn't include a £45 voucher we used either! We have 2 weekends worth of shopping to cover and won't be buying snacks or much meat so it is doable.  Last week's shopping bill was under £65 so it can be done.  

£45 spent on cleaning our wedding/engagement rings today.  I can't remember when we last had them cleaned, they were as dull as ditch water!

I am going to have a good rake through the budget for the next couple of month's to see where I can find some extra money to fill the savings fund back up.  I do have quite a few sinking funds and may have to stop saving for a couple of these for the next 6 months and focus on 3 or 4 main ones like DS back to school costs and his music lessons and sports subs due in September and Christmas.

Suffolk_lass

Blimey, I clean my rings with a toothbrush and toothpaste (not the one I am using) - it works a treat.

I won't pester re the 8WBSD but you would not be having low or no sugar sweet drinks - the point is to wean yourself off sweet cravings. By the time you really want something sweet or starchy you have lost so much weight so quickly, you are in the "I'm not Bu**ering it up now" phase - followed by the "only 2 more weeks, I can do this" phase

XSpender

We tried one of those jewellery dip things we had in the house at the weekend and DH gave them a scrub with an old toothbrush.  It didn’t make much difference to the metal although the stone was cleaner.  

brizzlegirl

I’m with SL. Toothpaste works a treat! 

greenbee

brizzlegirl said:

I’m with SL. Toothpaste works a treat! 

And gin or vodka for the stones...