Mounjaro

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

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 47 (3.5mg every 5 days)

flidfit Emotional well being, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Sweet Treats, Titrating dose

I’m not very good at doing nothing… which is slightly inconvenient when recovery demands exactly that.

It’s been a good week.

I’ve been consciously trying to conserve my energy as the effects of the concussion continue to linger. I do feel things are gradually improving, but it’s clear this is going to be a long, slow road back to 100%.

I’ve been deliberately taking things easy, using my energy for the basics — getting up, showered, and preparing meals. Sam came over for a couple of mornings, and we used that time wisely to prepare some batch salads. A firm favourite made a return: grated carrot, chopped apple, pecans, dates, desiccated coconut tossed in fresh lime juice. Simple, fresh, and full of those lovely tropical flavours that seem to go with everything.

It hasn’t all been “healthy” food — but it has all been delicious. And sometimes, that’s just as important. We made two small hot cross bun and apricot bread and butter puddings… absolutely gorgeous. A modest portion came in at 262 calories, and honestly, it was worth every single one.

On Saturday morning, we were up and out early, walking the length of our avenue alongside a handful of neighbours, collecting litter as we went. It was one of those perfect spring mornings — sunny and warm, with the gentle shade of the trees, barely any passing cars, and birdsong all around us. There’s something quietly satisfying about doing something practical together, and it was lovely to stop, chat, and catch up with neighbours along the way.

The weather has certainly helped lift things. We’ve had three days in a row of 20 degrees or more, and I’ve been making a point of sitting outside and doing very little. Not something that comes naturally to me. Sitting still is surprisingly challenging — especially when reclining isn’t comfortable and most outdoor chairs seem determined not to accommodate my rather uniquely shaped body…

My Mounjaro dose is due to drop again with the next injection, from 3.5mg to 3.25mg. It’s a small step, but this slow and steady reduction really does seem to suit me. I’m managing the urges to over-indulge, gently reminding myself that I’ve eaten enough, I’ve eaten well, and that I don’t need to fall back on the sweet, processed foods that can so easily creep in at times like this.

Weight this week: 54.85kg (about 8st 8.9lb)
Last week: 55.85kg (about 8st 8.11lb)
Weekly loss/gain:  -1kg (about 2 ¼lb)

100% – 2 months, 15 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 7lb – 8st 11lb)

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 46 (3.5mg every 5 days)

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

Sorry, not very many pictures this week, I’m slacking!  I don’t really like photographing meals when dining out or when we have company…

We’ve just returned from a lovely weekend away in Loughborough, where we attended the annual Thalidomide Society AGM and conference.

This year’s event was held at Burleigh Court Conference Centre, set within the beautiful grounds of Loughborough University. Before heading to the conference, we made a little detour to visit a friend who lives nearby. It was such a lovely way to break up the journey — a cup of tea, a wander around her garden, and the chance to catch up properly. It had been years since I’d last seen her daughters, who are now all grown up, and it was especially nice for Mike to meet her for the first time.

The conference itself, as always, was both interesting and reassuring. There’s something quite special about being in a room full of people who share similar life experiences. It’s a chance to reconnect, hear how everyone is doing, and swap snippets of family news that you just don’t get in day-to-day life.

That said… the hotel stay was a little more “memorable” than restful.

Our room was comfortable enough, though compact – and the bed was a double — but not the king-size we’re used to at home.  The mattress was just a little too firm.  The real challenge, though, was the duvet. It was incredibly heavy and far too warm. Add to that the steady soundtrack of doors slamming closed and voices echoing along the corridors, and sleep didn’t come easily.

I’m still taking things gently following my recent fall, and Mike had been up since 5 am, so we were both more than ready for an early night. Unfortunately, a good night’s sleep had other ideas. I battled on under the duvet for as long as I could before finally admitting defeat sometime around 2 am. In the end, I swapped it out for a rather makeshift combination of a bath towel and my jacket — not exactly luxury, but infinitely more bearable!

Needless to say, I wasn’t feeling my best the following morning.

Thankfully, the hotel staff came to the rescue and provided us with two single duvets for the second night, which made all the difference. We both slept so much better — proof, if ever it were needed, that sometimes it’s the simplest things that matter most.

On the food front, it’s been a week of simple, fresh, and very satisfying meals. Earlier in the week, I’d prepared a spread for a friend visiting for lunch — lots of fresh salads alongside a delicious savoury cake made with grated courgette, feta, peas, and mint. It’s one of those dishes that feels both light and indulgent at the same time.  It’s also very filling and to be honest, we didn’t need much more for our evening meal.

For our journey up on Friday, I’d put together some pitta breads filled with coronation chicken, which turned out to be the perfect travel food. We pulled into a service station en route, made use of the facilities, and then sat in the car enjoying a late lunch in the warmth of the sunshine — one of those simple little moments that somehow feels just right.

All in all, a weekend of connection, conversation, and (eventually) a bit of sleep — and now, back home, where my own bed has never felt more inviting.

In terms of my Mounjaro dosage, I’ve reduced it again slightly — down by 0.25mg — so I’m now taking 3.5mg every five days.

So far, it’s been a smooth adjustment. I haven’t felt particularly hungry, which is always reassuring when making a reduction. That said, I was quite mindful over the weekend that lunch options at the conference were likely to be more carb-heavy (and I wasn’t wrong — sandwiches featured quite prominently!). With that in mind, I made a conscious decision to enjoy a more substantial (cooked) breakfast, and it paid off.

On Sunday, before setting off for the drive home, I treated myself once again to a proper cooked breakfast, included with our accommodation. Not being a regular breakfast eater, a cooked breakfast always feels like a bit of a luxury — and even more so when it’s prepared by someone else. It kept me going comfortably all the way through until our evening meal. Moments like that really do remind me how helpful it is to plan ahead and work with my appetite, rather than against it.

Weight-wise, I fully expected the scales to creep up a little on Monday. A weekend spent mostly sitting — whether in conference sessions or in the car — combined with a touch more indulgence than usual, would normally point in that direction. Less movement, different food choices… it all adds up.

As always, the scales tell their own story… and these are the results. I really am not too concerned with the gain as I know it is the result of my weekends overindulgence. I’m confident most (if not all) of it will be gone by next weeks post.

Weight this week: 55.85kg (about 8st 11lb)
Last week: 54.75kg (about 8st 8½lb)
Weekly loss/gain:  +1kg (about 2½lb)

100% – 2 months, 9 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 7lb – 8st 11lb)

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 45 (3.75mg every 5 days)

flidfit Emotional well being, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Pain, Sweet Treats, Titrating dose

A Quiet Week (and a Healing One)

This week has been a quiet one—and I’ve appreciated every single moment of it.

After my rather dramatic tumble, it turns out that peace and quiet have been exactly what I needed. Recovery is happening… slowly. There isn’t a part of my body that doesn’t ache. Both ankles, one knee, one shoulder, the rather impressive bruise on my head.  Thankfully, the black eyes are gradually subsiding, fading a little more each day.

That said, the standout discomfort has been in the top of my shoulder. I suspect it’s around where the brachial plexus nerve exits into the arm, as that familiar burning, aching sensation has been making itself known. It’s not my first experience of this, so I know it’s a case of patience—something I’m not always brilliant at, but currently have little choice.

We were treated to some lovely weather during the week—one day reaching a very respectable 24 degrees. I did make it outside to sit in the sunshine and eat my lunch, which felt like a small but significant victory… although that, it turns out, was quite enough excitement for one day.

More than anything, my body has needed sleep—and I’ve listened.

By Thursday, it became clear that I needed something a little stronger to manage the pain, so the doctor prescribed me Amitriptyline. It doesn’t take the pain away completely, but it has made a huge difference in one very important way—it allows me to sleep through it.

And sleep, at the moment, feels precious.

Before starting it, I was waking two or three times a night in quite excruciating discomfort, unable to settle no matter how I positioned myself. Now, being able to go to bed and sleep through the night has made everything feel just that little bit more manageable.

I did have to re-enter the outside world on Friday for my regular chiropractic appointment. I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure whether to go ahead with it or postpone. I’d already warned the clinic what to expect—sending over a photo along with a description of my injuries and the various aches and pains I was dealing with.

The chiropractor suggested I come in—and I’m glad I did.

He was incredibly gentle, took the time to listen properly, and treated me with real care. He worked on my right side, where I seem to have twisted and pulled my intercostal muscles (the ones between the ribs), and also gently treated my neck. I was given a few exercises and some light traction work—all very moderate, all very considered.

It was exactly what I needed… although it completely wiped me out for the rest of the day.

Aside from that small excursion, I’ve mostly stayed close to home—and, perhaps predictably, found my way back into the kitchen. It’s still the place I enjoy most, even if it’s currently accompanied by a few winces and the occasional reminder that I probably shouldn’t be overdoing things.

That hasn’t stopped me from producing some lovely, nourishing food, though. A crustless quiche with ham hock and grated courgette made an appearance, along with a comforting meatball pasta bake—simple, hearty meals that feel like a small act of normality in an otherwise slowed-down week.  I also made use of some bread that was past its best by making us a small bread and butter pudding!  It was heavenly, comforting, and worth every one of the 400 calories for a teeny-tiny portion.

Hey-ho… these things are sent to try us—and this has certainly been a bit of a trial. But I do feel like I’m over the worst of it now, which is just as well, as the coming week looks a little busier, with quite a few social engagements, trips out in the car and a lengthy drive and weekend away next weekend.

Let’s see how that goes… gently does it!

Weight this week: 54.75kg (about 8st 8½lb)
Last week: 54.8kg (about 8st 8½lb)
Weekly loss/gain:  -0.05kg (about ¼lb)

100% – 2 months, 1 day in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 7lb – 8st 11lb)

Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 44 (3.75mg every 5 days)

flidfit Disability, Emotional well being, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Pain, Titrating dose , , ,

An Unexpected Turn to the Easter Weekend

I had been quietly looking forward to the Easter weekend. Nothing too busy or demanding — just a simple family get-together planned, hosting a roast lamb dinner for my partner’s grandson, son and daughter-in-law. The kind of weekend that feels easy, familiar, and comforting.  We were looking forward to seeing the baby, who is just about walking now!

Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go to plan.

On Thursday morning, I was heading out to take part in an organised litter pick (one that I had, somewhat ironically, organised myself) when I tripped and fell forward in my hallway. It all happened in a split second, but the outcome was rather dramatic — I managed to headbutt the front door, whacking my forehead and wrenching my neck backwards.

Let’s just say… the front door remains structurally sound.

Or at least, it came off better than I did. Thankfully, my skull seems to be made of fairly sturdy stuff too, but I was left with immediate pain in my neck and concern about what damage I might have done. Given the nature of the fall, an ambulance was called — the right decision, even if it all felt a little surreal at the time.

The mechanism of the fall itself isn’t unusual for me. About three years ago, while on holiday in Mallorca, I experienced something very similar. I tripped outside our hotel and fell forward, my head taking the impact, followed by that inevitable snapping back motion of my neck. Without arms to break a fall, my head and neck take the full force — not ideal, but very much my reality.  Thankfully, this time the paramedics and A&E staff were on the case – and spoke English, which made such a difference to my treatment.

What made a difficult situation so much more bearable, though, was the care and kindness of the people around me. Sam, who was with me when I fell, and my partner both did a truly sterling job of keeping me as warm and comfortable as possible while we waited — a rather lengthy 2.5 hours — for the ambulance to arrive. It’s in those moments, when you’re at your most vulnerable, that calm, capable company makes all the difference.  I was shivering, cold and very, very uncomfortable.

A&E was, as you might expect, very busy. I needed to be assessed and scanned before they’d take me off the spinal board and remove the neck blocks. Thankfully, it was deemed that there had been no serious damage to my spine and, after another four hours in a noisy and rather traumatic environment, I was discharged home with instructions to take regular painkillers and return if anything changed.

Not content with that, my body decided to add a few extra flourishes over the following days. My eyes gradually turned a rather impressive combination of purple and black — not quite the pastel tones one usually associates with Easter, but striking in their own way. It also looks as though my forehead is attempting to produce the only Easter egg I received this year… slightly larger than your average chocolate variety and considerably less welcome.

As if that wasn’t enough, I also seem to have irritated the main nerve pathway running from my spine into my arms — the brachial plexus. As I fell, my neck was wrenched backwards, which has resulted in a rather unwelcome mix of numbness, pins and needles, loss of feeling, weakness, and a burning sensation in both arms.

It’s a very odd experience — not quite pain as such, but certainly not comfortable either. The sort of thing that makes you very aware of just how much you rely on your arms doing exactly what they’re told.

The good news is that it is slowly improving day by day. The less good news (based on previous experience) is that nerves take their own sweet time to recover, so this is likely to be more of a marathon than a sprint.

It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly things can change. One moment you’re heading out the door with good intentions, and the next you’re horizontal, taking stock of your injuries and your weekend plans.

Needless to say, Easter has taken on a rather different shape than I had imagined. Plans have been paused, swapped instead for rest, recovery, and a slightly closer relationship with my bed — where I remained for two days.

On the plus side, I was allowed some respite from the kitchen and food preparation… though I suspect that may be short-lived!

There’s always a temptation in moments like this to feel frustrated — at the disruption, the disappointment, the inconvenience, the change of plans. But I’m also reminded of how important it is to listen to my body, to take injuries seriously, and to allow time to heal.

The litter pick can wait. Easter can be… rebranded.

For now, slowing down feels like exactly the right thing to do.

Weight this week: 54.8kg (about 8st 8½lb)
Last week: 55.2kg (about 8st 9½lb)
Weekly loss/gain:  -0.45kg (about 1lb)

100% -(1 month, 23 days) in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 7½lb – 8st 13½lb)

Mounjaro Journey – Week 43 (4mg every 5 days)

flidfit Disability, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose

A Quiet Week… With a Few Thoughts Along the Way

Not a huge amount to report this week, but sometimes those quieter weeks still bring moments worth sharing.

I took part in an online focus group looking at housing requirements for Thalidomiders as we age. We talked about whether our current homes still meet our needs, what works well, what doesn’t, and how we see things evolving in the future.

When asked which part of my home I value most, there was no hesitation — my kitchen.

Since living independently, I’ve had two homes and I’m now on kitchen design Mark III. Each version has improved on the last, incorporating lessons learned and small adaptations that make a big difference. I spend a lot of time there, so it needs to be practical, accessible… and somewhere I genuinely enjoy being. It’s probably the one space in my home that feels completely “me”.  If you fancy seeing my kitchen, I filmed a little “tour” some years back (2020).

I was also due to attend a talk at our local museum about the history of Jackson’s Department Store — a place I remember well. It’s recently been sold and is now home to Rosa’s Thai restaurant (where I had that rather disappointing meal not long ago!).

My memories of Jackson’s are a little mixed. We mainly went there for school uniforms, and I vividly remember trying on skirts as a teenager and being told by a shop assistant, “Well, if you lost weight, you’d have more choice.”

Fourteen years old — and I’ve never forgotten it. Words stick.

Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the talk anyway. I received an email beforehand explaining that both lifts to the first floor were out of order, leaving only two flights of stairs. Not much use when you’re a wheelchair user.

Just one of those frustrating reminders that accessibility still isn’t where it needs to be.

On a more positive note, Saturday evening took us to our local gem — The Progress Theatre — for a comedy night.

It was… alright.

The compare (who openly admitted she’s actually a children’s author, not a comedian) was, somewhat ironically, the funniest part of the evening. The main act didn’t quite hit the mark.

That said, I’d booked a wheelchair space, which meant a free companion ticket — so I can’t complain too much. A slightly underwhelming show, but a perfectly acceptable price tag. A rare little win.

Sunday was a quieter, productive day at home. I shortened the sleeves on a cardigan and a bargain Rab fleece I picked up on Vinted.

I do love buying pre-loved clothes — even more so because I often end up cutting them up and adapting them anyway! Sewing is one of those skills I’ve picked up out of necessity, and while I wouldn’t call myself an expert, I’m definitely capable.

For someone with shorter arms, it’s not just useful — it’s essential.

Food this week has been wonderfully varied (and very enjoyable):

Homemade lasagne, tuna with chopped cornichons on toast, chicken noodle stir-fry with lemongrass, cheese and onion quiche with salad, southern fried chicken fillets, Thai chicken and salad, Cumberland chipolatas with mash and veg, cold sausage with cottage cheese salad, rump steak with spicy chips and greens, ham hock salad with pitta, pork stir-fry with plum hoisin, and cod with ratatouille, mash and green beans.

Definitely no complaints there.

I also took the opportunity this week to try out my new vlogging camera — the Osmo Pocket 3 — and I absolutely love it. It’s small, easy to use, and performs exceptionally well.

I used it to film my latest YouTube video, where I talk about how I’m titrating down my Mounjaro dosage now that I’ve reached my goal weight. If you fancy taking a look, I’d love to hear what you think.

A quieter week, perhaps — but still full of small moments, reflections, and reminders of what matters: a home that works for you, words that stay with you (for better or worse), and the simple pleasure of good food and practical skills.

Weight this week: 55.05kg (about 8st 9lb)

Last week: 54.7kg (about 8st 8½lb)

Weekly loss/gain:  +0.35kg (about +½lb)

Goal weight: 55kg (about 8st 9lb)

In case you’re interested, and thinking about slowly reducing your Mounjaro dosage, here’s my planned schedule.

Mounjaro tapering

 

Mounjaro Maintenance Journey – Week 42 (4.25mg every 5 days)

flidfit Disability, Emotional well being, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose, Travel & Holidays

A few weeks ago, I found myself watching some very old VHS footage from 1991 — my honeymoon in the Seychelles.

I was 29. Newly married. Happy with life… and, at the time, happy in my own skin.

Looking back now, I can see I was already carrying a lot of extra weight — but I don’t think I truly saw it then. Awareness is a funny thing like that.

Fast forward to this week, and a photo I took of myself really stopped me in my tracks. The weight I’ve carried for so long… gone. Hopefully for good.

1991
2026
I’m realistic — I’m not ruling out weight loss medication being part of my future in some way. But what I do know is that everything I’ve learned over the past 14 years has built something much more important than just weight loss.

This week has also reminded me of something else.

How much I rely on others — and how okay that is.

Accepting help has always been part of my life. It’s not weakness. It’s not failure. It’s simply reality. And actually, there’s a real strength in accepting support.

As I get older, that support requirement will increase — as it will for many people. Our bodies change, energy fades, things take longer. For me, my energy is pretty much gone by 5pm — so using support wisely allows me to focus on what matters most.

Cooking from scratch. Keeping my home how I like it. Taking care of myself.

And speaking of cooking… what a week of food!
Salmon & asparagus quiche, cooked breakfasts, marinated tuna steaks, cassoulet, ham hock and leek potato topped pie, pan-fried mackerel (the smell lingered for days 😂), flapjack topped apple crumble… and, a long time favourite – spaghetti Bolognese ❤️

This isn’t a “diet”.
This is just life. Real food. Enjoyed.

And this week — with blue skies, sunshine, and a real sense of progress — has felt pretty wonderful.

Onwards 💛

Weight this week: 54.7kg (about 8st 8½lb)
Last week: 55.2kg (about 8st 9½lb)
Weekly loss:  0.5kg (about 1lb)
Goal weight: 55kg (about 8st 9lb)

My dosage plan for reducing my Mounjaro dosage:

My Tapering Journey (Every 5 Days)

These doses are from a 10mg pen:

9th January – 45 clicks (7.5mg)

14th January – 30 clicks (5mg × 5 doses)

9th February – 29 clicks (4.75mg × 6 doses)

6th March – 27 clicks (4.5mg × 2 doses)

16th March – 26 clicks (4.25mg)

21st March – 24 clicks (4mg)

And now… I’m gradually stepping things down even further.

🔽 My Plan Going Forward

Dosing every 5 days, gradually reducing:

4mg → 3.75mg → 3.5mg → 3.25mg

3mg → 2.75mg → 2.5mg → 2.25mg

Then down to 2mg… and eventually 1.5mg

 

Mounjaro Journey – Week 41 (4.25mg every 5 days)

flidfit Eating Out, Eating Out, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Titrating dose

It all feels a little odd at the moment — in the nicest possible way.

For the past six weeks, I’ve been maintaining my weight, gently bouncing between 56kg and 55kg. Over the last four weeks, it has been even more consistent, sitting between 55.2kg and 55.7kg. That kind of stability is something I have never experienced before.

Usually when I reach my goal weight, I let the brakes off. Gradually, the old habits creep back in, and the weight follows. But this time, something feels different.

Of course, I still have a helping hand from my slowly reducing dose of Mounjaro. I’m also continuing to log my food as carefully as I can. Looking back through my diary, most days I’m actually eating over my calculated maintenance calories by 150-600 calories. That may not sound like much to some people, but when my daily allowance to maintain is around 1,172 calories, that’s quite a sizeable percentage.

Over the past four weeks, I estimate I’ve eaten around 800–900 calories above maintenance each week — yet my weight has simply held steady.

Body weight can never be truly linear. It’s impossible to remain at exactly the same weight day after day. As someone who weighs daily, I understand that perfectly well. There are always small fluctuations — hydration levels, food intake, hormones, salt, sleep — all of these things can nudge the scales slightly up or down.

But what I’m experiencing at the moment feels quite remarkable.

Being able to maintain my weight week after week within a 1kg (about 2lb) range is something I have never experienced during my entire weight-loss journey. The scales might move a little from one day to the next, but the overall pattern has been incredibly steady.

And I have to say… I’m loving it.

There’s something very reassuring about seeing that level of stability. It feels calm, predictable and sustainable — which is exactly what long-term maintenance should feel like.

It’s also been quite a social week.

On Monday, I went out for dinner with some girlfriends and enjoyed a delicious crispy beef salad. Later in the week, I hosted a small neighbourhood meeting at my house. Crisps and cheesy biscuit thins were on offer alongside wine. I’m not drinking alcohol at the moment — Mounjaro seems to have altered my taste buds quite dramatically, and alcohol simply doesn’t taste very nice anymore — but I have to confess to enjoying a few of the leftover crisps and biscuits afterwards.

On Thursday, I took my Mum and her live-in carer to visit my sister for the afternoon. The drive itself (about an hour) is always rather lovely, taking us over the Ridgeway through the Oxfordshire countryside. Normally, the views are quite stunning, stretching out across the landscape towards Oxford, but this time the murky skies meant they were a little obscured. Even so, it’s still a route I always enjoy — there’s something very calming about driving through open countryside. Mum enjoyed the journey too. It’s a drive she knows well, but one she hasn’t done for quite a while, so it felt familiar and comforting for her to travel that way again.

I made an apple crumble to take with us. Lunch itself was very healthy — chicken skewers, lots of vegetables and some rice — and the crumble portions were small as it wasn’t a large dish. We spent the afternoon playing simple card games, then a board game that Mum could join in with, supported by her carer.

We laughed a lot.

Activities like that are becoming increasingly important as Mum’s dementia progresses. Cognitive stimulation really matters. She is doing incredibly well — eight years after her initial diagnosis — and most importantly, she is still very much Mum. We can still enjoy one another’s company and share plenty of laughs.

Friday was my routine breast screening appointment. I know many women find these appointments uncomfortable or stressful, but personally, I’ve never had a problem with them. The staff are always extremely kind and helpful, particularly as I need assistance getting my clothing on and off. It’s one of those simple health checks that I’m always very happy to attend.

Food at home this week has included a particularly successful new dish: a “Marry Me” chicken with added cannellini beans in a creamy tomato, paprika, chipotle, garlic and mushroom sauce. It was absolutely delicious. I’m very grateful that I log my recipes and calories, because it means I can easily find and recreate dishes that work well.  I also made two hot cross buns in the air fryer with self-raising flour, Greek yoghurt, cinnamon and sultanas.  Ready in 10 minutes and perfect eaten still warm with a little butter.

I also made a batch of my raspberry, chia seed and yoghurt desserts, which I enjoy every single evening. They’ve become a bit of a staple for me now — simple, satisfying and exactly the sort of thing that hits the spot when you fancy something sweet after dinner.

I really must share the recipe for these at some point because they tick a lot of boxes. Each portion contains 6.8g of protein and 6.8g of fibre, which makes them perfect for that little sweet treat while also helping to keep me feeling pleasantly full for the rest of the evening.

And finally, the weekly weigh-in:

Weight this week: 55.2kg (about 8st 9.4lb)
Last week: 55.2kg (about 8st 9.6lb)
Weekly change: -0.15kg (0.2lbs)
Goal weight: 55kg (about 8st 9lb)

For now, everything feels calm, steady and sustainable — which is perhaps the most encouraging sign of all.

If other Mounjaro users are titrating down after reaching their goal weight, you might find it helpful to see how I’ve been managing this. I achieved my initial goal weight (57kg) on 9th January 2026.  I’m being guided by my hunger, appetite suppression and the ability to maintain my weight.

9th Jan: 45 clicks – 7.5mg

14th Jan: 30 clicks – 5mg>5mg>5mg>5mg>5mg>5mg>5mg

19th Feb: 29 clicks – 4.5mg>4.5mg>4.5mg>4.5mg>4.5mg

16th March:  26 clicks – 4.25mg

Mounjaro Journey – Week 40 (4. 5mg every 5 days)

flidfit Eating Out, Eating Out, Emotional well being, Exercise, Maintenance, Mounjaro

It’s been a week full of socialising — something I always enjoy, although it does mean the days seem to fly by.

On Monday, I drove to Oxfordshire to visit my sister, who lives about an hour away. The weather was perfect — wall-to-wall sunshine and bright blue skies. After lunch, we decided to do a gentle circular “walk” to the neighbouring village along a nearby bridleway. I say “walk” in inverted commas because I was, of course, in my powered wheelchair. It was one of those simple outings that turn out to be rather special: big open skies, countryside views stretching into the distance, the sound of birds, and the occasional stop to chat to other people also out enjoying the day.

Naturally, I took plenty of photographs.

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I’ve always been someone who takes pictures — nothing particularly artistic, just documenting moments and experiences. Long before the digital age, when cameras had film that you had to send away to be developed, or those wonderful disposable cameras with the little cube flash that clipped on the top. One of the lovely results of that lifetime of “snapping” is that I now have two large crates in my loft absolutely full of photographs.

I don’t look at them often, but when I do they are a treasure trove.

After my first husband’s sudden death — my daughter’s father, aged just 61 — in 2022, I started looking through some old photographs. They brought back vivid memories of the early days of our relationship and why I fell in love with him in the first place. He was handsome, kind, and above all, a wonderful father. Even after our divorce, we always remained on good terms. Those photographs are packed with memories of happy times and shared experiences.

These days, of course, most photographs exist digitally. With a large 27-inch screen, it’s a pleasure to scroll through them — trips around the world, people who have passed through my life, and moments that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Tuesday was a quite different day. I made a rare visit into Reading town centre to attend the AGM of Reading Voluntary Action, the charity where I serve as a Trustee. There was a fantastic turnout, and it was genuinely inspiring to hear about the work RVA supports across the town — from grassroots community projects to voluntary groups doing extraordinary things with very modest resources.

Later, I had lunch with a friend at a Thai restaurant. We’ve known each other since primary school, so the company was great — but unfortunately, the food was terrible. The service wasn’t much better either. Since it was my first time there and I had high expectations, it was a bit disappointing. However, the good conversation made up for the experience.

This week, I also coordinated a leaflet drop for a small neighbourhood group I am involved with. The local university kindly printed 250 copies of our letter, and my role was to organise volunteers to deliver them around the nearby streets. I enjoy a bit of practical coordination. About six neighbours came to my house to collect their bundles, and each let me know when their round was finished. It’s always satisfying when a simple plan comes together.

Friday was dominated by a rather less exciting household event: a new boiler installation. Not terribly interesting to write about — other than the fact it was a fairly expensive exercise and I was relieved that the weather was mild while the heating was off.

Food at home this week has been a mixture of comforting and practical: homemade cottage pie, a slow-cooker beef bhuna, a fresh loaf from the bread machine, shop-bought chicken kievs, and a large bowl of porridge — which is actually quite unusual for me as I rarely eat breakfast.

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That porridge came about after a rather strange night. On Saturday morning, I woke at 2am and simply couldn’t get back to sleep. I’m wondering if it might be related to my Mounjaro injection, as it happened within about 24 hours of taking it. I felt oddly energised rather than tired.

So I decided to make good use of the time. By 8am, I had done a load of laundry and hung it out to dry, sliced my homemade loaf, tidied the cupboard where the boiler sits, emptied the dishwasher, and drunk several cups of tea. By that point, I definitely needed something more substantial to eat, so porridge it was — with vanilla protein powder and a banana. The rest of the day’s eating ended up being rather out of sync, though!

Regarding Mounjaro, I’ve continued to slowly reduce my dose. I can definitely notice the difference now. My appetite is slightly stronger, my sweet tooth is returning, and my portion sizes have increased marginally. Interestingly, even though I’ve been regularly eating over my daily 1172 calorie allocation by around 200–600 calories — I’m still maintaining very comfortably. I should add that I exercise for around an hour every day – which earns me an additional 330-350 calories.

In fact, the scales are still nudging downwards.

Weight this week: 55.2kg (about 8st 9½lb)
Last week: 55.4kg (about 8st 10lb)
Weekly change: −0.2kg (about ¼lb)
Goal weight: 55kg (about 8st 9lb)

Overall, it’s been a busy week filled with people, projects, sunshine, and good home cooking — with the scales still behaving themselves nicely. And that, I think, is a pretty good place to be.