Mounjaro

Good Food, Good Friends… and a Little More Patience

flidfit Eating Out, Fish, Maintenance, Salads, Salads, Wegovy, Weightloss Medication

Thank goodness this week has been a little cooler! The sunshine has been enjoyable again rather than unbearable.

On Monday I met some girlfriends for lunch at our regular venue – a lovely pub that serves really tasty, beautifully presented food. It’s a little more expensive than your average pub meal, but the chef there clearly knows what they’re doing. I chose a guilt-head bream fillet, served with a delicious potato terrine, samphire, and a courgette and asparagus side with heritage tomatoes and – rather unexpectedly – cubes of grilled feta. It seemed like a very odd combination, but it actually worked incredibly well!  The meal certainly didn’t disappoint!

Later in the week, I invited a friend over for lunch. We’ve known each other since primary school and also went to the same secondary school, so we’ve probably been friends since we were about nine years old! Although we don’t see each other very often because life gets busy, whenever we do meet up, we always have plenty to chat about as we catch up on family news and everything that’s happened since our last get-together.

With Sam’s support, I prepared a homemade pizza topped with mozzarella, olives, sliced courgette, peppers and grated cheese. The pizza base is made from a simple mixture of Greek yoghurt and self-raising flour – no oil or water required. Having shortened arms, rolling out dough is quite a challenge for me, and I usually end up wearing as much of it as actually makes it onto the baking tray.

My right-hand woman, Sam, is off on holiday for the next couple of weeks, so I plan to keep my meals a little simpler while she’s away. It will be a good opportunity to remind myself that healthy eating doesn’t have to involve complicated recipes or a lot of food prep.

Indeed, this weather certainly means plenty of salads, and as my other half (Mike) is harvesting cucumbers, tomatoes, and green beans from our garden at present, I’ve been making a regular delicious cucumber, red onion and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, as well as a green bean salad with a garlic mustard vinaigrette dressing.

There’s something very satisfying about growing your own fruit and vegetables. Picked fresh and eaten at their best, they’re packed with flavour in a way that supermarket produce rarely manages to match.

Wegovy update: I’ve now taken my fourth and final 0.25mg dose and… let’s just say I’m really looking forward to moving up to the next dose next week! At the moment, I’m still having to make a conscious effort to keep my appetite under control, so I’m hoping the increase will provide a little more support

As for my weight, the good news is that I’m still within my maintenance range.

I’m quietly hoping with Wegovy’s assistance, next week I hope to be moving back towards the middle of that range rather than teetering towards the top of it!

As always, one week at a time…

Weight this week: 55.95kg (8st 11.3lbs)
Weight last week: 56.1kg (8st 11.6lbs)

Weekly loss/gain: -0.15kg (-5.3ozs)
100% – 5 months 7 days in weight maintenance range (54 – 57kg or 8st 7lb – 8st 13lbs)

 

Chocolate, Snacking and the Wegovy Waiting Game

flidfit Maintenance, Recipes, Sweet Treats, Wegovy, Weightloss Medication

This week feels as though it’s been rather uneventful, but in reality we’ve simply been trying to keep as cool as possible, which has meant spending much of our time indoors. The hot weather has certainly dictated the pace of life.

I’ve used the time to make some lovely batches of fresh salads, which we’ve been enjoying for lunch, along with a seafood rice dish that I’ve shared the recipe for here on the blog. Finding meals that don’t involve using the oven, hob or stove has been a bit of a challenge. As much as I enjoy a good salad, I do like a bit of variety too!

I suspect the main thing you’re wondering about, though, is how I’m getting on with Wegovy.

The good news is that I’ve experienced absolutely no side effects so far. The less exciting news is that I haven’t noticed any dramatic appetite suppression either. That said, I tried to think back to my first few weeks on Mounjaro and whether I felt much difference then. I even went back through my food diary from those early weeks to remind myself how easy – or otherwise – I found it to stick to my calorie allowance at the time.

Looking back through my food diary from last June and July, I can see one really noticeable difference. There was virtually no snacking, and very few sweet treats. I’m beginning to realise that this is probably my biggest downfall when it comes to maintaining my weight.

One thing this exercise has really reinforced for me is just how valuable it is to keep a food diary. I’ve logged everything I’ve eaten for over 14 years now, and while it can sometimes feel a little tedious, it’s an incredibly useful tool. When something changes – whether that’s weight loss slowing down, hunger increasing or old habits creeping back in – you don’t have to rely on memory. You can look back at the evidence and spot patterns that you might otherwise have missed. It’s amazing how quickly we forget what was actually happening when things were going well.

What also struck me was that it wasn’t just a case of me having more willpower or feeling less hungry. My taste genuinely seemed to change. Sweet foods simply didn’t appeal to me in the same way. Even if chocolate or biscuits were sitting in plain sight, I just wasn’t interested. I didn’t have to fight the temptation because the temptation simply wasn’t there. I’d gone right off the taste of sugary foods and chocolate, and that made sticking to my calorie allowance feel almost effortless. Looking back now, it’s clear just how much that change in food preference contributed to my success. Sometimes the answers we’re looking for really are there, written down in black and white.

It’s also important to remember that this is only the loading dose. With each weekly injection, the amount of medication in my body gradually builds up, rather than reaching its full effect immediately, as shown in the chart below.

I’ve been using an app called Shotzy to keep track of everything. It allows me to log each injection, record the dose and injection site, reminds me when my next injection is due, and even provides a helpful graph showing how the medication accumulates in my body over time. I actually find it quite reassuring to see that visual reminder that, even if I can’t feel much difference yet, the medication is steadily building to a therapeutic level.

Looking back through my food diary from last June and July, I can see one really noticeable difference. There was virtually no snacking, and very few sweet treats. I’m beginning to realise that this is probably my biggest downfall when it comes to maintaining my weight.  Sadly, that effect has definitely disappeared. Chocolate has once again become rather tempting… even in this heat when it melts almost as soon as you unwrap it!

Let’s be honest – most of us enjoy a sweet treat now and then. My problem is that if it’s in the house, it will eventually get eaten! That’s “food noise” for you.

The reality is that I don’t really need those sweet treats. They’re not satisfying genuine hunger – they’re simply something I enjoy for the pleasure they bring. There’s nothing wrong with that in moderation, but it’s very easy for those little extras to creep back into my daily routine. That’s something I really need to get back under control.

So this week I’m making a conscious effort to rein it in. I’ll be sticking to my homemade chia seed raspberry dessert, which I genuinely look forward to most evenings, rather than reaching for chocolate or other snacks. Hopefully that one simple change will be enough to make a noticeable difference.

Another possibility is that the Mounjaro has now completely left my system. It makes perfect sense. I know I made the right decision to intervene now, rather than waiting until the weight started creeping back on pound by pound or kilogram by kilogram. Maintaining a healthy weight is so much easier than trying to lose it all over again.

I’m not worried that Wegovy isn’t working. I’m only on the loading dose, and lots of people don’t notice a dramatic reduction in appetite until the higher doses. At the moment, what I’m really noticing is the absence of the effects I had on Mounjaro—particularly that complete lack of interest in sweet foods. I’m hoping that as Wegovy builds up in my system over the next few weeks, those changes will gradually return.

For now, I’m just plodding along. I’m finding it a little more challenging than I’d like, but I’m determined to get back on top of the snacking.

I’d love to know whether I’m alone in this. Does everyone have that one food that’s their weakness? If you’re taking weight loss medication, have you found it changes your cravings? And if you’re not, how do you keep your own temptations under control? Let me know in the comments—I’m always interested to hear what works for other people.

Weight this week: 56.1kg (8st 11.6lbs)
Weight last week: 56.5kg (8st 12.5lbs)

Weekly loss/gain: -0.4kg (-⅞lb)
100% – 5 months in weight maintenance range (54-57kg or 8st 7lb – 8st 13lbs)

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 55 (2.5mg every 5 days)

flidfit Healthy Swaps, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Sweet Treats, Titrating dose, Wegovy Pill

For those of you who didn’t see my blog post yesterday about my decision to try the Wegovy pill, do take a look.

This past week has felt particularly difficult when it comes to staying on track with my calories. It’s not so much about what I’m eating (I’m still making sensible choices) as the fact that I seem to feel hungry all the time. And, if I’m honest, I’m not enjoying it very much at all.

It’s taking a huge amount of willpower to stop myself from diving into the fridge and snuffling everything in sight. The return of hunger and food noise has really reminded me just how much Mounjaro was helping in the background.

What has become increasingly clear to me over the past few weeks is that the hunger isn’t easing as my dose reduces – if anything, it’s becoming more noticeable. Given that I’m continuing to taper down, I can only see this becoming more challenging over the coming months.

After spending a year enjoying the freedom from constant hunger and food noise, I’ve realised just how much mental energy it takes to battle those feelings day after day. While I have every intention of continuing with the healthy habits that have served me well for the past 14 years, I’m also realistic. I’m not prepared to spend the rest of my life feeling hungry all the time and relying solely on willpower to manage it.

That’s a big part of the reason I’ve decided to try the Wegovy pill. If it can provide even some of the appetite suppression and relief from food noise that I’ve experienced with Mounjaro, then it could prove to be a valuable long-term tool in helping me maintain both my weight and my quality of life.

The weather forecast certainly isn’t going to help matters. We’re expecting a very hot week ahead, and by Wednesday temperatures could be nudging 40°C. I don’t plan on moving very much at all. My intention is to stay indoors and keep as cool as possible. Thankfully, our house is quite old with lovely solid brick walls, so it stays surprisingly cool downstairs. We also have built-in air conditioning units in each of the two bedrooms, which is essential as they’re built into the roof space and can become unbearably hot during the summer.

I briefly considered driving down to the coast for the day, but the thought of sitting in a car, even one with air conditioning, just seems a little foolish in those sorts of temperatures. Instead, my sister is coming over to work this week, and I’ve hatched a plan to stay indoors. In exchange for keeping cool, I’m putting her to work painting part of the ceiling! She’s very practical and good at that sort of thing.

We’ll have all the fans running to keep the air circulating, and they actually do a pretty decent job. Another trick is to run both air conditioning units upstairs with the bedroom doors open, allowing the cooler air to drift down through the house. It usually knocks a few degrees off the temperature downstairs.

In food news, I’ve recently rediscovered orzo. I found a packet lurking in the back of the cupboard and have been making a delicious chicken-and-chorizo orzo dish. It includes sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, plenty of vegetables, and, of course, the chicken and chorizo.  It’s one of those meals that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is. It’s wonderfully filling, so you don’t need a huge portion, and because it’s all cooked in one pot, it’s quick to prepare and creates very little washing up. Definitely a recipe that’s earned a place in my regular rotation and one that I plan to share later this week.

I’ve also been making good use of the fruit from the garden. I made two batches of fruit compote – one gooseberry and one blackcurrant. To keep the sugar content low, I used chia seeds to thicken the compotes rather than relying on lots of sugar. They worked brilliantly and created a lovely, thick texture. I had a little taste of both while washing up the saucepans; they were absolutely delicious.

Inspired by the success of the compotes, I came up with another little experiment. I filled some silicone muffin cases with 50g of Total 5% Greek yoghurt, then swirled a generous teaspoon of either gooseberry or blackcurrant compote through the yoghurt.

They’re currently sitting in the freezer, and I’m hoping the result will be a delicious homemade fruit ice cream. If it works, it could become one of my favourite summer treats. The combination of the creamy yoghurt and sharp fruit flavours sounds very promising indeed.

The best part is that each one works out at only around 70 calories, making them a refreshing and satisfying option for those moments when I fancy something sweet. I’ll report back once I’ve sampled them and let you know whether they’re a triumph or a complete disaster!  Hopefully, they will help cool us down during the coming heatwave.

There’s something especially satisfying about eating fruit that you’ve grown and harvested yourself.

Now, if I can just make it through this week without melting – or eating the contents of the fridge – I shall consider it a success!

Weight this week:  55.7kg (8st 11lbs)
Weight last week: 55.8kg (8st 11.2lbs)

Weekly loss/gain: -0.10kg (0.2lb)
100% – 4 months, 10 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 7lb – 8st 13lbs)

Why I’m Going to Try the New Wegovy Pill

flidfit Disability, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose, Wegovy Pill

After a lot of thought, I’ve signed up to try the new Wegovy weight-loss pill.

Many of you who regularly read or subscribe to my posts will know that I’ve been gradually reducing my Mounjaro dose since reaching my goal weight in January. The plan was always to see whether I could successfully maintain my weight on less medication, while continuing to rely on the habits and routines that have served me well for the past 14 years.

However, over the last few weeks I’ve noticed a definite change, and it’s been increasingly difficult to stick to my daily calorie allowance.

My appetite has increased considerably and, perhaps more significantly, the food noise has returned.

For those who have never experienced it, food noise is that constant chatter in your head about food. Thinking about what to eat, when to eat, whether to have a snack, counting down the time to the next meal and battling cravings that seem to appear out of nowhere. Mounjaro quietened all of that for me. As my dose has reduced, in the last 4 weeks, it has gradually started to creep back.

The reality is that my daily calorie allowance is incredibly low. At 4ft 8in, 63 years old and with very limited mobility due to my disability, my maintenance calories are only around 1,100 calories per day.  I don’t have the ability to earn additional calories through doing lots of calorie-burning activities or exercise.

What has surprised me is just how much I have come to appreciate the freedom that Mounjaro gave me. For the past seven or eight months, particularly when I was on the higher doses, sticking to my calorie allowance felt easy. The constant internal negotiation around food largely disappeared. I wasn’t fighting hunger all day, and I wasn’t endlessly thinking about what I could or couldn’t eat. Instead, I was able to eat sensible portions, stay within my calorie target and watch the weight come down gradually, week after week.

Looking back, I realise how much mental energy Mounjaro took out of the process. Weight loss still required planning, calorie awareness and making sensible choices, but it no longer felt like a daily battle against my own appetite. As the dose has reduced, I’ve become increasingly aware of just how much work the medication was doing behind the scenes.

In many ways, the return of hunger and food noise has been a reminder of what life was like before treatment. It has made me appreciate just how transformative Mounjaro has been for me, not simply in helping me lose weight, but in making it feel achievable and sustainable.

                         

What this experience has made me realise is that if I want to maintain my weight loss long-term and avoid regaining the weight, I may need some form of ongoing medical support. There is absolutely no shame in that.

I’ve joined the pre-order list with Pharmacy Online for the newly approved Wegovy pill and have paid £106 for 30 tablets at the 4mg dose. They’ve suggested that this is roughly equivalent to the level of appetite suppression I currently receive from my low-dose Mounjaro maintenance regime.

The tablets are expected to arrive sometime in July.

One of the attractions for me is the convenience. No injections, no sharps bin, no refrigeration and no travelling with injection pens. Instead, it’s simply one tablet first thing in the morning with a small amount of water, followed by a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking anything else. As someone who rarely eats breakfast anyway, that should fit quite easily into my daily routine.

Will it work as well as Mounjaro? I genuinely don’t know.

But I do know that the return of hunger and food noise has reminded me just how difficult life felt before I started treatment. It has also reinforced my belief that obesity and weight regain are not simply about willpower for many individuals.

For me, maintaining my weight isn’t about fitting into a particular dress size or about how I look in a bikini. It’s about preserving my mobility, reducing pain, protecting my independence and giving myself the best chance of remaining active and healthy as I get older.

I’ll continue documenting my experiences honestly and sharing exactly how I get on with the Wegovy pill, including any side effects, changes in appetite, effectiveness and, of course, whether it helps me maintain my weight.

If you’d like to hear more about why I’ve made this decision, I’ve also recorded a YouTube video where I talk through my reasoning in much more detail.

As always, I’d love to hear from anyone else considering the Wegovy pill or already planning to switch from Mounjaro.

Feel free to leave a comment and share your own experiences.

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 53 (2.75mg every 5 days)

flidfit Disability, Eating Out, Eating Out, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose, Travel, YouTube

It has been a very sociable week.

The week started with a day trip to visit a friend who lives in Shrivenham, Wiltshire, followed by a lunchtime visit from a friend over from Germany for a few weeks.

This was followed by an evening of gin and tonics with a neighbour, where peanuts and little savoury biscuits were on offer, but I was quite pleased with myself as I stopped at a single measure of gin and tonic. What affected me more than the drink was the late night! Having said that, I was still in bed by 10pm, but that’s late for me these days. My head was still buzzing from all the conversation and it took me a little while to drift off to sleep.

Later in the week, we enjoyed a day out in London to see Come Alive, the Greatest Showman-inspired spectacular. It was absolutely amazing in London at the Empress Theatre (built on the site of the former Earls Court conference centre).

We were attending the matinee performance, and I’d deliberately planned for us to arrive early enough to have lunch beforehand. The food options at the venue looked fairly uninspiring, and I imagined there would be lots of people all trying to eat at the same time. Instead, we found a lovely café in Brompton Cemetery, just a five-minute walk from the venue.

Brompton Cemetery and Park

I’d never visited Brompton Cemetery before (or indeed any Cemetery in London!) and was struck by how beautiful it was. As part of the Royal Parks, it’s enormous and feels like a peaceful oasis in the middle of London. I was particularly pleased to learn that it is the final resting place of Emmeline Pankhurst, who led the suffragette movement. Many of the graves date back to the 1800s, and some of the monuments and mausoleums are incredibly impressive, clearly belonging to notable and wealthy families of the time.

Emmeline Pankhurst’s grave

The show itself was spectacular. It combined singing, dancing, acrobatics, magic and even fire-eating, all performed within a circus setting. The talent on display was incredible, and we were fortunate enough to have seats right at the very front.

The access team also deserve a special mention. The care and attention they provided throughout the show was exceptional. They checked in with us regularly, explained what would happen and when, ensured we were seated before the main rush of people arrived, and even escorted us through a priority entrance so we could avoid the queues. It made the whole experience so much easier and more enjoyable.

After the show, we met up with one of our friends. She had spent a week in London after travelling from the Isle of Man and joined us for the journey back to Reading and dinner before flying home the following day. We had parked at a hotel for the day and, somehow, managed to secure free parking, saving ourselves £18 in the process.

So, all in all, it has been a week filled with friendship, days out and plenty of socialising.

On the weight-loss and Mounjaro front, my dosage is now down to 2.75mg every five days. I’m also pleased to report that my weight has returned to its pre-holiday level. Given the extra food, reduced activity and all the temptations that came with being away, followed by another busy week packed with socialising, meals out and disrupted routines, I’m very happy with that outcome. It reassures me that the habits I’ve built over the past 14 years are becoming deeply ingrained and can continue to support me, even as I gradually reduce my medication.

Maybe the years of weighing, logging, planning and preparing really are paying off.

I’m just in the process of uploading a video about the holiday, my return to maintenance, and how things are changing as my Mounjaro dose continues to reduce. If you’d like to take a little peek, it’s now live on my YouTube channel.

 

Weight this week: 55.05kg (8st 9.4lbs)
Weight last week: 55.7kg (8st 10.8lbs)
Weekly loss/gain: -0.65kg (-1.4lbs)
100% – 3 months, 26 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 8lb – 8st 11lbs)

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Weeks 51 & 52 (3mg every 5 days)

flidfit Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose, Travel, Travel & Holidays

I’ve been missing for a couple of weeks because I’ve been away on holiday. We couldn’t have chosen a better week to relax in the sunshine, with temperatures reaching the high twenties and even nudging into the early thirties.

I spent the week with my 91-year-old mum and my two younger sisters, both in their early sixties, at a lovely place called Hallow, just outside Worcester. We’ve stayed there twice before and always choose the last week in May to coincide with Mum’s birthday. It’s become something of a tradition – a girls-only holiday, leaving the boys to fend for themselves at home!

The accommodation is a single cabin situated in a small orchard on a working farm. The farm itself is about half a mile down the lane, and the cabin has no neighbours, making it wonderfully peaceful and secluded.

In previous years, we’ve explored the surrounding area, visiting gardens, stately homes, picturesque villages, Worcester city centre and the cathedral. This year was rather different. Three of us were mobility-compromised for various reasons. I use a powered wheelchair when I’m out and about because of my disability. Mum, at 91, can only get around using a rollator or wheelchair, and one of my sisters is awaiting knee replacement surgery in the next couple of weeks and is struggling with significant pain when walking.

To be honest, the weather was so hot that none of us really fancied spending time in the car travelling around. Instead, we decided to stay put and simply enjoy the peace and quiet.  My sister had thoughtfully packed a paddling pool, so in the afternoons, we’d sit in the shade and splash our feet in the cool water….

It turned out to be exactly what we all needed.

We slept incredibly well and settled into a gentle daily routine. After breakfast and showers, we’d spend the mornings reading, chatting, or taking short strolls along the nearby lanes. We made a couple of trips to a large Sainsbury’s and to a lovely farm shop a few miles away to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, but otherwise we barely left the orchard.  Mum and my sisters went to watch the sheep shearing, but I stayed behind in the peace and quiet and stayed cool.

Because I can’t easily cook when away from home — my kitchen is specially adapted for me — I prepared and packed a selection of meals before we left. These included ingredients for my sticky chilli beef and mushrooms, a potato-topped fish pie made with smoked haddock, cod and jumbo prawns in a creamy leek sauce, a batch of my carrot salad, and a Middle Eastern-inspired butternut squash and bulgur wheat salad.

I’d also packed ingredients to make pizza one evening and took my bread machine along to make a malted fruit loaf for us to enjoy with cups of tea.

I thought I’d only prepared enough food for the first couple of days, but most of it lasted the entire week! As a result, I found myself eating very similar lunches each day, but I was perfectly happy with that. The food was delicious, nutritious and, most importantly, already planned and prepared.

Of course, there were plenty of temptations around. Iced buns, toasted teacakes, ice cream, double cream, biscuits and chocolate all made appearances during the week. I managed to avoid most of them, although I certainly didn’t feel deprived.

I enjoyed a small portion of cappuccino ice cream and also created a rather lovely dessert consisting of chopped fresh strawberries, crushed corn cakes and Greek yoghurt, topped with a sprinkle of toasted mixed seeds and a drizzle of maple syrup. If that sounds delicious, I can confirm that it absolutely was!

I also took my Mounjaro medication with me and had one injection during the holiday. I’m now down to 2.75mg every five days. My appetite is no longer significantly suppressed, and I’ve become increasingly aware that cravings for sweet foods — particularly in the evenings — are returning.

The difference now is that I recognise what’s happening. Rather than testing myself unnecessarily, I simply avoid temptation wherever possible. I know that once certain foods start creeping back into my routine, they can quickly become habits again.

Awareness, planning and preparation continue to be my most valuable tools.

So, how did my weight fare after a week away?

Well, here’s my report…

The scales showed a gain of 1kg, but honestly, I’m not too concerned about that.

When I look at the bigger picture, it was a week where I was far less active than I am at home, spending long periods sitting and reading rather than following my normal daily routine. I was also eating more than I usually would, simply because food was a bigger part of our holiday experience, and I was surrounded by plenty of tempting treats throughout the week, most of which were successfully swerved.

Given all of that, I actually feel quite positive about the outcome. I enjoyed myself, I relaxed, I had some treats, and I didn’t spend the week feeling deprived. At the same time, I continued to make sensible choices, stuck largely to the meals I had planned and prepared, and remained mindful of my eating.

A 1kg fluctuation after a week away is hardly surprising and is likely to be influenced by many factors, including changes in routine, food choices, hydration levels and the sheer heat of the weather. What matters far more to me is that I came home feeling refreshed, having thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, and confident that I can simply return to my normal routine.

If maintaining my weight long term means occasionally gaining a kilogram after a holiday and then gently bringing things back into balance afterwards, that feels entirely realistic and sustainable to me. That’s real life, after all.

Weight this week: 55.7kg (8st 10lbs)
Two weeks ago: 54.7kg (about 8st 8lbs)
Weekly loss/gain: +1kg (2lbs)
100% – 3 months, 19 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 8lb – 8st 11lbs)

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 50 (3.25 every 5 days)

flidfit Eating Out, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose

It’s been a very busy — but productive — week here.

On Monday morning, we made a trip to Bournemouth Airport to drop somebody off for a flight, but took the opportunity afterwards to visit nearby Mudeford, a small fishing quay on a river estuary, for a fish and chip lunch.

Although it was quite cold, it stayed dry and there was plenty going on to watch — fishermen, crabbers, a fresh fish stall doing brisk business, lots of dog walkers, and even some hardy people swimming in the sea!

We drove back home through the New Forest, where the ponies were out in force and the rhododendrons were looking absolutely beautiful in full flower. Best of all, we somehow managed to avoid any traffic hold-ups, which made the whole day feel pretty perfect.

It was a really lovely way to start the week.

One of the main things I’ve been working on recently, has been helping to plan and preparr an exhibition taking place at the start of June. The theme is a celebration of Christchurch Green — a small area close to where I live, centred around its much-loved parade of shops.

A huge amount of work has gone into it behind the scenes. We’ve been sorting through old photographs, newspaper cuttings and written memories that local people have shared with us, trying to curate everything into something that tells the story of the area and the people connected to it over many decades. It’s been fascinating, but also incredibly time-consuming, especially with looming deadlines to get everything over to the designer by Friday.

There was a lot of last-minute rejigging and, sadly, a few of my social plans had to be cancelled along the way. Still, it feels worthwhile seeing it all gradually come together. Once everything is live and available, I’ll share a link.

Over the weekend, we also spent two days enjoying the centenary celebrations for the University of Reading, which is practically on our doorstep.

Saturday was a big community festival. It was my first time attending – because in previous years I’ve always been away when it’s taken place. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere was fantastic, with so many activities and organisations involved — drum workshops, circus skills, a children’s cycling course, live music, food stalls and countless community groups showcasing the support and services they offer locally. It was lovely to see so many people out in force to enjoy the event. I was there for well over four hours and could easily have stayed longer, although by late afternoon the temperature had dropped dramatically and I came home absolutely freezing!

Sunday couldn’t have been more different. The weather was beautiful — blue skies, sunshine and warm. We walked into town to watch the revived Rag Parade, originally organised by students around 50 years ago and brought back specially for the centenary celebrations. It was lovely seeing the procession make its way through the town centre before finishing in Forbury Gardens.

We took a packed lunch — something I was extremely grateful for after seeing the queues and prices at the food stalls! We spent several hours relaxing in the sunshine, watching Ukrainian dancers, listening to a steel band and chatting to all sorts of lovely people. One particularly moving conversation was with a young Afghan refugee who has lived in the UK for the past five years. He was only 23, yet shared with us the unimaginable atrocities he’d witnessed, losing members of his family and his experiences of coming to the UK five years previously. It was deeply humbling listening to his story and he has, and still is, making great progress in educating himself and becoming a fine young man.

You may recall the horrors of the knife attack which took place in the Forbury Gardens in June 2020, when three men lost their lives. One couldn’t help but recall the awful horror of what happened as families innocently enjoyed the day – just as we were.

I honestly can’t remember the last time I packed quite so much into a single weekend, but it was wonderful to spend so much time outdoors, to bump into friends and neighbours and to feel part of the community around me.

I’ve been enjoying some amazing salads this week — honestly, I could never get bored of salad!

Over the course of this week, I’m planning to share a couple of salad ideas and recipes, so watch this space.

For me, the perfect salad is all about variety, colour, flavour and texture — and when you can create something really satisfying without too many calories, even better!

We’ve also been enjoying regular visits from a small vixen who is clearly nursing cubs somewhere nearby.

On Saturday morning, we woke up to find her curled up asleep on the lawn, which was rather special. Poor thing looks absolutely shattered, so we’ve been leaving food out for her each evening, and she’s been returning to carry huge mouthfuls back to the den.

She’s obviously at the stage of trying to wean the cubs, and I can only imagine how exhausting it must be trying to feed both herself and a hungry family at the same time. Nature can be both beautiful and incredibly hard work!

Food-wise, I’ve been doing my best, although with such a hectic schedule, fish and chips and ice cream – it hasn’t been the easiest week. Weight-wise… here are my scores!

Weight this week: 54.7kg (8st 8lbs)
Last week: 55.15kg (about 8st 9.5lbs)
Weekly loss/gain: -0.5kg (1.1lbs)
100% – 3 months, 5 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 8lb – 8st 11lbs)

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 49 (3.25mg every 5 days)

flidfit Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose, Uncategorized

 The highlight of my week was a visit from my daughter and her boyfriend, all the way from Leeds. We don’t get to see one another often, as it’s over a three-and-a-half-hour drive, so having them here always feels extra special. Her boyfriend has recently passed his driving test, which now means he can share some of the long journey behind the wheel. They arrived mid-afternoon on Saturday, and I’d already spent a good chunk of Friday preparing food for the weekend.

I made my sticky fried beef and mushrooms again, served with baked sweet potatoes, sour cream, fresh coriander, jalapeños, black beans, guacamole and sweet chilli honey. Yes… exactly the same meal I served to our visitors the previous weekend! But it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, and everyone seemed to enjoy it so much that it felt worth repeating. I’d also ordered buttermilk pancakes and strawberries ready for Sunday breakfast.

One of my daughter’s requests for the weekend was that we visit a kitchen showroom together. She’s hoping to have her kitchen refitted and wanted some inspiration—and apparently my opinions, too! I do enjoy looking around kitchens and interiors, so it was a lovely thing to do together.

I forgot to mention that my daughter also brought her very large dog with her for the weekend — not to look at kitchens, I should add! She got him as a puppy three years ago and was told he was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but he’s got such a broad skull and wide jaw that he could easily be mistaken for an XL Bully. Thankfully, he has the gentlest and most soppiest nature imaginable and such a lovely temperament. He also appears to suffer rather badly with flatulence… but we can forgive him for that.

The table tennis table came out onto the patio, and a few competitive games were enjoyed in the sunshine.

As my daughter works in social media marketing, I took the opportunity to ask for help with a few video editing skills. I’ve recently uploaded another YouTube video, this one focusing on key points to help with weight maintenance after weight loss.

Strangely, the video I uploaded the previous weekend suddenly took off, reaching over 2,000 views in less than a week, making it the most popular video on my channel so far. I was genuinely blown away by that. If you haven’t already watched it, do take a look.

On Sunday, we paid my elderly Mum (Nana) a surprise visit. She’s not in the best of health at the moment, and the look on her face when we arrived absolutely made the journey worthwhile. It clearly brought her such joy to see everyone unexpectedly turn up together.

Today (Monday), we’re heading off to Bournemouth for the day. We’re giving someone a lift to the airport there, and decided we might as well make a proper day of it while we’re down that way. The weather forecast doesn’t look particularly promising, but sometimes those spontaneous little trips turn out to be the most enjoyable anyway. It will be what it will be.

My sister is also coming to work for me this week. She hasn’t been here for about a month due to holidays and because Mum has needed support attending various hospital and medical appointments. I’ve got lots of little jobs lined up for her, but truthfully, I mostly just enjoy spending time together, chatting, laughing and catching up on life.

Food this week has definitely been a little “off piste”. There’s been ice cream, treats and a few indulgences creeping in. I mostly managed to avoid the temptation of all the weekend goodies while my daughter was here… although I did enjoy a couple of cans of chilled Guinness! Sometimes life is about balance, and weekends like this are there to be enjoyed.

Weight this week: 55.15kg (8st 9.6lbs)

Last week:  54.65kg (about 8st 8.5lbs)

Weekly loss/gain: +0.5kg (1.1lbs)

100% – 2 months, 29 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 8lb – 8st 11lbs)

 

 

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 48 (3.25mg every 5 days)

flidfit Maintenance, Mounjaro, Recipes, Sweet Treats, Titrating dose, Uncategorized

There’s something very reassuring about a week that starts with batch cooking – knowing that no matter what the days bring, there’s good food ready and waiting.  The lovely warm weather we’ve been experiencing helps too!  We love salads—but not the boring kind. Forget lettuce, cucumber and tomato… we’re talking flavour, texture and something a bit more exciting.

On Tuesday, Sam and I had a really productive session. We made a courgette, feta, mint and pea crustless quiche, a batch of apricot and yoghurt muffins, a roasted butternut squash, tamarind and bulgur wheat salad, and a large bowl of grated carrot, apple, fresh mint, date and pecan coleslaw, simply dressed with lime juice. We even popped a malted fruit loaf into the bread maker, which, once cooled, was sliced and tucked away in the freezer.

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As a result, we’ve been eating very well (and very repeatedly!) for much of the week.

Wednesday brought a welcome change of pace, with Mum and my sister joining us for lunch—and it was one of those moments when all that pre-prepared food really paid off. Mum had a hospital appointment nearby, with my sister by her side. Although the appointment was mid-morning, they didn’t arrive until after 2pm, and by then I was absolutely famished—almost beyond hungry.

We sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed a relaxed lunch together, followed by fresh strawberries, homemade blackcurrant ice cream, meringue and cream. It was one of those simple, special moments – sitting in the warmth, chatting through Mum’s appointment details and catching up on everyone’s news.

The weekend brought more social time, with a visit from my partner’s son and his young family, including his 16-month-old grandson, who is just starting to walk. He was a delight – but goodness, he kept us on our toes! Constantly on the move, curious about everything, and needing eyes on him at all times. It certainly reminded me just how full-on those early parenting years are.

In terms of my Mounjaro journey this week, I’ve really started to notice some changes.

My appetite has increased, and the appetite suppression I’d grown used to has reduced. My portion sizes have crept up, and more noticeably, the evening snacking has returned. So far, I’m managing it by making mindful choices and keeping calories in check.

One significant change is that, after around 11 months of having no interest in chocolate at all, I’ve suddenly rediscovered it. That’s been a bit of a reality check. The difference now is that I’m able to manage it—I can have a few squares without feeling the need to eat the entire bar. That awareness, built over years of calorie counting, really helps me keep things in perspective. It’s not perfect, but it’s controlled.  I’ve learned not to cut out sweet treats altogether—it’s about finding a balance that works. Everything in moderation.

I’ve continued reducing my Mounjaro dosage and I’m now down to 3.25mg every five days. I’m increasingly aware that Mounjaro may need to remain part of my life long-term, albeit at a lower dose—and honestly, I’m at peace with that. I feel so much better for the weight I’ve lost.

That said, sticking to my very limited calorie allowance is still a daily challenge, even when I’m just eating two main meals. But I keep going.

In a few weeks’ time, I’m off on holiday with my two sisters and Mum—and, of course, that brings the usual temptations of ice creams, cakes, and little treats along the way. We’ll be doing what we always do and taking packed lunches on days out, helping me stay mindful and keep things in check. To be honest, it also saves us a fortune, and having a packed lunch means we can stop and eat whenever we’re hungry or find a nice, quiet spot.

This time last year, I was just about to start Mounjaro, and I actually managed to lose weight during that week’s holiday. I’d love to repeat that—but if I come back having simply maintained, I’ll take that as a win.

Whatever happens, I’ll share it—because this journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about learning to manage my weight alongside social activities, holidays, and the ever-present temptation of food.

Weight this week: 54.65kg (about 8st 8.5lb)
Last week: 54.85kg (about 8st 8.9lb)
Weekly loss/gain:  -200g (about ½lb)

100% – 2 months, 23 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 7lb – 8st 11lb)

½

Courgette, pea and mint crustless quiche – 200 calories

flidfit Healthy Swaps, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Recipes, Vegeterian

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a recipe with you — and this one has quietly become a regular in our kitchen over the past few weeks.

It’s quick, easy, and wonderfully versatile. It keeps well in the fridge, can be enjoyed hot or cold, works just as well as a snack as it does alongside a main meal… and if you’re organised enough, it even freezes beautifully (though that’s a big “if” in this house!).

The combination of peas, fresh mint, and salty feta is just perfect — simple flavours that really deliver.

The courgette adds a lovely bit of crunch and texture, while also bulking the quiche out to make it nice and deep. A small portion is surprisingly filling!

Perfect to pack up for a picnic or a packed lunch.

Why not give it a go and let me know what you think?

Courgette, pea and mint crustless quiche

Preparation Time:          10 minutes

Cooking Time:                 35 minutes

Serves:                               12

Calories per serving:       200

 

Ingredients

Courgette, Raw               –   500g

Eggs, Medium                –   6 Eggs/310.2g

Cherry Tomatoes           –   6 Tomatoes/90g

Baking Powder               –   1 Tsp/2g

Olive Oil                          –   110ml

Frozen peas                    –   105g

Fresh Mint                      –   3 Tbsps/4.8g

Plain Flour                      –   120g

Feta Cheese                    –   150g

 

Method

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

Coarsely grate the courgette, halve the tomatoes, and chop the fresh mint.

Beat eggs in a large bowl, then mix in flour, baking powder, and chopped or crumbled Feta.

Add all the remaining ingredients except courgette and mint; stir well.

Fold in the grated courgette and chopped mint.

Pour into a well-greased shallow dish, top with the halved tomatoes, and bake for 30-35 minutes until firm.

Cut into 12 equal portions and remove from the dish as required.

Nutrition Data Per Serving

Calories (kcal)                 200

Protein (g)                       7.6

Carbohydrate (g)           9.5

Fat (g)                             15.0

Fibre (g)                          1.1

Fruit & Veg                     0.8