Sweet Treats

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)

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

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 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, Week 39 (4.75mg every 5 days)

flidfit Eating Out, Eating Out, Emotional well being, Maintenance, Mounjaro, Recipes, Sweet Treats, Travel

Can you believe it’s March already? I know February is the shortest month, but this one seems to have raced past at extraordinary speed.

It has been one of those weeks where everything that needed to be done… was done. My recruitment advertisement has gone live. There has been a little interest – early days, but encouraging. Alongside that, I’ve been working on documenting the care framework we’ve gradually developed over the past six or seven years for Mum. Setting it all out on paper – how my sisters and I work together, who oversees what, how decisions are made – has been something of an eye-opener.

When you’re in the middle of “doing”, you don’t always stop to notice the structure holding it all together. Writing it down made me realise how fortunate I am. I have an exceptional relationship with my two sisters. We communicate openly, we each play to our strengths, and we all share the same priority: Mum’s wellbeing. She tells us often how happy she is with the support she receives – and that, more than anything, makes the effort worthwhile.

The week ended on a rather special high.

We drove up to London to see Cirque de Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall. The journey was blissfully smooth (rare words when speaking about London traffic). We found one of our usual parking spots on Carriage Driveway in Hyde Park and walked through the park towards Kensington. The skies were grey, Kensington Palace was shrouded in scaffolding and protected with plastic sheeting, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Sunken Garden was looking rather bleak without its usual Summer colours. We spotted a Mandarin duck, which added a welcome splash of colour to an otherwise monochrome day.

Lunch was at The Ivy, Kensington – only my second time dining at The Ivy (the first being in Manchester with my daughter). I have to say, the experience restored my faith in being able to enjoy a reasonably priced meal in beautiful surroundings with attentive, polished service.

We arrived slightly early for our midday booking, which turned out to be a good thing. Within half an hour the restaurant was full. We started with coffee while we waited and then chose from the “Special 2 Course” menu – two courses for £19.17.

We both made exactly the same choices.

The Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash, rosemary and red wine sauce.

Followed by Flambéed Crème Brûlée – flamed tableside, silky vanilla custard with a perfectly caramelised sugar crust.

It was all beautifully cooked. Comfort food, elevated.

I opted for a non-alcoholic mocktail – Wild Mojito – mint, pear and citrus topped with Wild Idol sparkling wine. Light, fresh and celebratory without the alcohol.

After lunch we wandered back towards the Royal Albert Hall, stopping en route at Whole Foods Market on Kensington High Street. It is one of those places where you feel you could happily browse for hours. I was particularly impressed by the Steenburgs range of herbs and spices. I’ve previously ordered their tamarind paste and sumac online – not cheap, but exceptional quality. I once bought a much cheaper tamarind paste from a supermarket and ended up throwing it away. Sometimes you truly do get what you pay for.

And then… Cirque de Soleil OVO.

Wow. Just wow.

An enormous egg dominated the stage as the show began. The theme was insects and flowers – but what unfolded was an extraordinary blend of acrobatics, aerial artistry, dance, costume, lighting and music. Trampolines, strength, balance, precision… and artistry woven through it all. I’d seen Cirque years ago, but this was my partner’s first time and he absolutely loved it.

We had wonderful seats – not inexpensive, but worth every penny. And thankfully, I receive a complimentary accompanying carer ticket, which makes experiences like this far more accessible.

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A perfect London day.

Back at home, the week’s food highlights were just as satisfying in their own way: a mini upside-down pineapple cake, homemade pizza using a simple Greek yoghurt and flour base, a spelt and white flour loaf in the bread machine, creamy tomato and harissa chicken, and a chicken bhuna.

Yes, The Ivy was lovely. But truthfully? I’m just as happy with what’s on offer in my own kitchen.

And that, perhaps, is the quiet theme of this week. Gratitude. For sisters. For Mum’s contentment. For accessible days out. For good food – whether in Kensington or at my own dining table.

As I slowly lower my Mounjaro dosage, I’ve been paying close attention to how things feel. The appetite suppression is still there. It’s gentler perhaps, but definitely present. And interestingly, when I do notice hunger, it feels manageable. Not urgent. Not demanding. Just information.

That’s quite a shift.

Even with a lovely lunch out in London and an ice cream during the interval at Cirque, I tracked everything. No drama. No guilt. Just data. And the result? I’m maintaining successfully.

For me, that’s the real win.

It isn’t about never enjoying shepherd’s pie at The Ivy or crème brûlée flambéed at the table. It isn’t about avoiding ice cream in the theatre interval. It’s about being able to include those moments consciously, account for them, and carry on as normal afterwards.

Mounjaro has never been magic. It’s been a tool. And as I reduce the dose, I’m reassured to discover that the habits built over the past 14 years are still firmly in place. The tracking, the portion awareness, the calm decision-making — they’re mine. Not the medication’s.

That feels steady. Sustainable. Grown-up.

Maintenance, for someone with a TDEE as low as mine, will always require close attention. But this week has shown me that I can enjoy a special day out, a restaurant meal, even ice cream — and still remain in control.

Slowly lowering. Still steady. Still maintaining.

And that’s exactly where I want to be.

March has arrived at speed… but I feel ready for it.

Weight this week: 55.4kg (about 8st 10lb)
Last week: 55.7kg (about 8st 11lb)
Weekly loss:  0.3kg (about 1/4lb)
Goal weight: 55kg (about 8st 9lb)

High Protein Cottage Cheese & Apple Mug Cake (270 calories)

flidfit Air Fryer, Healthy Swaps, Mounjaro, Recipes, Sweet Treats

 

 

 

Since taking Mounjaro, my tastes have changed drastically. I just don’t fancy sweet things any more. I can honestly say I’ve not eaten ANY chocolate since the 2nd June 2025, when I took my first injection! I haven’t needed to make a conscious effort; I just really don’t want to eat it. I’ve not even tried a little to see whether I’m missing out!

BUT…..  sometimes you just need something sweet, and I love experimenting with new recipes. I’d seen a few cottage-cheese-style mug cakes doing the rounds on social media and thought I’d have a go at creating my own version.

These Cottage Cheese and Apple Mug Cakes are made with oat flour (simply porridge oats whizzed up in a food processor). I much prefer oat flour to plain or self-raising flour because it’s richer in fibre – particularly beta-glucan – which supports digestion, helps lower cholesterol, stabilises blood sugar levels and keeps you fuller for longer. It also provides more protein, along with vitamins and minerals such as manganese, magnesium and phosphorus, making it a more nutrient-dense, heart-healthy, whole-grain option.

The cottage cheese adds a good hit of protein and means there’s no need for added fat like butter or oil. The apple brings natural sweetness and texture, while the cinnamon adds a lovely warm flavour and impressive health benefits of its own, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, support for blood sugar control and digestion.

The result is a sweet breakfast treat made from simple fridge and cupboard staples, ready in under half an hour.

My partner added a scoop of vanilla ice cream to his… but that’s only because he’s a complete sugar monster! 😄

High Protein Cottage Cheese & Apple Mug Cake (270 calories)

Preparation Time:           10 minutes

Cooking Time:                  10 minutes (air fryer)

Serves:                                2

Calories per serving:       270

 

Ingredients

Cheese, Cottage, Fat Free                                         100g

Medium Eggs                                                            2 Eggs/112g

Porridge Oats, ground into oat flour                      40g

Baking Powder                                                          1 Tsp/2g

Manuka Honey                                                          3 Tsps/15g

Eating Apple Jazz                                                      115g

Ground Cinnamon                                                   1½ Tsps/4.5g

Granulated Sugar                                                      2 Tsps/10g

Method

Blitz the oats in a food processor or blender to create oat flour.

Core and chop the apple into small cubes – no need to peel.

Next, mix the wet ingredients in a blender: the cottage cheese and eggs. Whizz until frothy.

Add the oat flour, honey, cinnamon, and baking powder. Whizz until a runny batter or cake mixture is formed.

You can make this either in two mugs or one small baking dish (about 20cm square). Ensure you grease the mugs or dish well, using either butter or oil.

If making in mugs, pour a quarter of the batter into each mug. If making in a dish, pour half in.

Scatter the chopped apples in an even layer over the batter (half an apple per mug, or the whole apple in the dish).

Pour the remaining mixture over the top of the apple. It doesn’t matter if the apple isn’t totally covered.

Sprinkle the tops of the pudding(s) with half a teaspoon of cinnamon and swirl the end of a spoon or a skewer to swirl the cinnamon through the top of the “cake”.  Then sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly.  This will make a nice crispy crunchy topping.

Heat the air fryer to 200 degrees on “bake.” Add the baking dish (or mugs) to the air fryer drawer and cook for about 8 minutes, until risen.  Check after this time and if necessary, finish for 2 minutes on the ”air fryer” setting at 200 degrees to caramelise the sugar on top.

Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving. You’ll need to eat it out of the mug if it doesn’t release easily when loosened with a knife around the edges!

This goes well with Greek yoghurt, custard or vanilla ice cream!

 

Nutrition Data Per Serving

Calories (kcal)                270

Protein (g)                      16.2

Carbohydrate (g)           35.3

Fat (g)                                7.1

Fibre (g)                            3.4

Mounjaro Journey – Week 32 (7.5mg every 5 days)

flidfit Air Fryer, Eating Out, Emotional well being, Mounjaro, Recipes, Sweet Treats, YouTube

I did it. I reached my goal weight.  It’s taken me just over 7 months (32 weeks) but I did it!

And if I’m being completely honest, it felt a little underwhelming.

Not disappointing — just quieter than I expected. No fireworks, no sudden sense of arrival. Just a number on the scale and the realisation that life carries on much the same as before.

That in itself has been an important insight. For so long, the focus has been on “getting there”, as though everything would somehow feel different once I arrived. Instead, it’s made me think more about what happens next and how I want this to feel long term. I’ve decided to lower my target weight slightly and aim to lose a further couple of kilos, not as a push for perfection, but to give myself some breathing space and flexibility as my body settles.

I don’t have any immediate plans to reduce my Mounjaro dosage, but I’m confident that will happen in the coming weeks and months. There’s no rush. Right now, this feels like a period of consolidation rather than change.

It’s been a good, steady week. Things have returned to their usual rhythm, and I’ve had the headspace to catch up on all the small jobs that get pushed aside with Christmas and New Year. I even found comfort in simple, practical routines — cooking a large lasagne and portioning it up for the freezer (six portions) felt quietly satisfying.

Less about control, more about care.

I’ve been spending some time sketching out outline plans for a series of YouTube videos — a way to share the behaviours and changes I’ve gradually incorporated into my life over the last 14 years that have made my weight loss not only possible but sustainable. When I step back and look at the bigger picture, it’s quite astonishing. Since starting my journey in February 2012, I’ve now lost a total of 5 stone. I currently weigh just under nine stone, and for the first time in my life, I’m in the “8’s”.

What feels even more significant than the number is how I’m living now. I’m eating more healthily than ever, genuinely enjoying my daily exercise, and — thanks to Mounjaro — I’m able to focus on nutrition rather than being consumed by calories. That mental shift has been quietly transformative.

I’m creating outlines for about 10–15 short videos, each covering a different aspect of weight loss and the importance of mindset for long-term success. Topics include why medication isn’t enough, developing a maintenance mindset early, managing emotional eating, making healthy habits enjoyable, exercise, portion control, setting realistic expectations, and food planning. This process has highlighted how much I’ve learned and how my perspective on weight loss has evolved.

One thing that’s become very clear is that I am my own greatest cheerleader — although “sergeant major” might be a more accurate description. I do hold myself to account, but not in a harsh or performative way. It’s all internal. A quiet but firm reminder that I do these things because they help me feel better, stay healthier, and preserve my independence as I grow older.

This week includes a few social commitments: a lunchtime meal out with two close friends; an evening meeting I’m hosting where wine is usually involved — although those who would usually partake have already sent their apologies, so I’ll declare it a “Dry January” evening, with non-alcoholic drinks and a few nibbles instead; and later in the week, a social dinner with fellow trustees from the charity I’m involved with.  I’m really looking forward to that, as meetings usually don’t offer us much of an opportunity to chat with one another.

These are all situations that once would have felt slightly daunting, but now feel manageable and enjoyable.

I’m in the process of putting together a new YouTube video to share a lovely “Apple, oat and cottage cheese mug cake” (I’ll link here once it’s up), 270 calories and 16.2g of protein.  Lovely and filling, plus very tasty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And with that, here’s my weight loss report for the week.

Weight this week: 56.8kg (about 8st 13lbs)
Last week: 57.4kg (about 9st)
Loss: 0.6kg (about 1.3 pounds)
Goal weight: 57kg (+200g)

Mounjaro Journey – Weeks 31 (7.5mg every 5 days)

flidfit Emotional well being, Mounjaro, Sweet Treats, Travel & Holidays, YouTube

Happy New Year to all of my subscribers.

Here’s a New Year plot twist I never expected — two weeks of holiday sunshine, festive meals… and the scale still went down.

Mounjaro has made a genuinely positive difference to my Christmas and New Year, and this is the first time in many years that I’ve come through December without the usual weight gain. We always go away for two weeks of winter sun, and I’d long accepted that the holiday plus the festive period meant an inevitable increase on the scales. It was simply “the price I paid” for relaxing my routine and not logging food while I was away.

This year was different. I started the New Year weighing half a kilogram less than I did before our holiday.

I ate mindfully, I logged everything, and my portions were naturally smaller. There was no snacking between meals because I finally felt satisfied. Mounjaro has shifted my tastes and preferences in a way I didn’t expect. Sweet foods just don’t appeal, and I’ve not eaten chocolate since starting my Mounjaro journey on 2 June 2025. If I want something that feels like a treat, I have a small, measured portion of dried fruit and nuts.

Chia berry pudding, full of flavour and my “daily sweet fix”

My evening “treat” — the time of day when my snacking used to be at its worst — is now a chia pudding. Chia seeds, full-fat Greek yoghurt, a little Sweet Freedom and a handful of berries. About 200 calories, but full of nutrition. The chia seeds bring protein, fibre and omega-3 fats. The berries are low-calorie but rich in fibre, vitamin C and natural sweetness. And the 5% strained Greek yoghurt is both satisfying and nutritious; the straining process concentrates the protein, making it far more filling than the 0% versions. It keeps my blood sugar steadier and gives me a long “full” window. The live cultures also support gut health and digestion. It’s become my daily fix — and one I genuinely look forward to.

Sweet Freedom syrup

This week I’ve started planning a new series of YouTube videos exploring aspects of the Mounjaro journey that rarely get discussed. So much of the content online focuses on weekly losses, side effects, dosing, stretching pens, and how much people still have to lose. What seems to be missing are the habits, emotions and behaviours around food that don’t vanish just because hunger is quieter.

The everyday choices. The old patterns that still need unpicking. The subtle shifts in how we shop, cook, portion, and respond to temptation. The mindset work. The behaviour changes. The part that ultimately determines whether long-term success is possible — with or without medication.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve worked hard to reshape my relationship with food. Small changes became part of my routine until they felt normal. Those foundations have made my Mounjaro journey so much easier, and they’re exactly what give me confidence in my life beyond weight-loss injections – my continued success and weight-loss maintenance.  I feel I’ve learned so much through my own experience and would like to share that to inspire and encourage others who might be struggling with these issues.

If you know of any content creators who talk honestly about this side of the journey — the habits, the mindset, the emotional work — please share details in the comments. I’d love to explore their content.

Weight this week: 57.5kg (about 9st ½lb)

Last week:  58kg, (about 9st 2lbs)

Loss: 0.5kg (about 1 pound)

To goal weight: 0.5kg (about 1lb)

Will I reach my 57 kg goal next week? Check out my blog for next week to see!

 

Mounjaro Journey – Week 30 (7.5mg every 5 days)

flidfit Mounjaro, Recipes, Sweet Treats, Travel & Holidays

This has been such a peaceful and relaxing week — exactly how Christmas should feel.

We started with a big “click and collect” order from Morrisons, which turned out to be the perfect solution after returning home to empty cupboards and a bare fridge. It was a sizeable pre-Christmas shop, full of essentials, and not a single item was substituted. Everything was in stock, and we were there and back within about 40 minutes. The trip also gave us a chance to try out the new traffic-calming measures on our road. Speed humps have been installed while we were away, and they’re just right — not too harsh, but definitely enough to keep drivers to 20mph. Our road has suffered from speeding cut-through traffic for years, so I’m hopeful this will finally help.

On Christmas Eve, the fantastic Sam arrived with an armful of homemade gifts: a huge, freshly baked salmon-and-courgette crustless quiche, a slab of Christmas fruit cake, and a jar of her cranberry sauce. We shared a cup of tulsi tea (holy basil) and a relaxed chat to ease into the festive break.

Leek, mushroom and nut Wellington

Christmas Day itself was intentionally low-key, much like any other day for us. I began with my usual exercise routine, then had lunch: a simple brie-and-cranberry toasted sourdough sandwich with half an apple and a satsuma. Dinner was the star of the day: a homemade leek, mushroom and nut Wellington — you can see me preparing it here — which took a bit of time but was absolutely worth it. I cooked the filling first, let it cool, and then wrapped it in pastry. Neither of us is a vegetarian, but the recipe caught my eye and felt like something special for the day. If you fancy giving it a try, I’ve shared the full recipe on my blog.

We’re not Christmas traditionalists, nor are we religious, and with our children grown and living elsewhere, we enjoyed a wonderfully self-indulgent, pressure-free day.

Boxing Day was family time. My sister and brother-in-law brought Mum over for lunch — she lives about 30 minutes away, and they were staying with her over Christmas. We kept the food simple: shop-bought cream of tomato soup with crusty bread, a slice of Sam’s delicious salmon quiche, and a fun little “retro” dessert of orange jelly, tinned mandarins, Jamaican ginger cake, and a choice of vanilla ice cream, double cream or crème fraîche. After the over-indulgence of Christmas Day, everyone was more than happy with something uncomplicated and comforting.

Jamaican ginger cake, orange jelly, mandarin orange segments and creme fraiche

Today we’re off to The Watermill Theatre near Newbury to see their production of The Little Mermaid. We’ll drop in to see Mum on the way, as her house is en route, and we’re packing lunch because timing will be tight — plus the visit is meant to be a surprise. We have tickets for the 3pm matinee, and I’m quietly hoping Mike resists the urge to sing along… he knows every word of the Disney version!

Weight this week: 58kg (about 9st 2lbs)

Last week:  59.7kg, 57.7kg (about 9st 5lbs)

Loss: 1.7kg (about 3 pounds)

To goal weight: 1kg (about 2lbs)