Mounjaro Journey (Maintenance) – Week 54 (2.75mg every 5 days)

flidfit Uncategorized

This week has been the culmination of several things coming together at once.

Firstly, my sister finally had her knee replacement surgery on Monday and is now on the road to recovery. It’s been a long-awaited operation, so we’re all relieved that it’s behind her and that she can now focus on healing, regaining her mobility and hopefully not limited by pain as she has been these past 8 or 9 months or so.

Sam is always saying how varied her job is, and Tuesday certainly proved her point. That morning, we took part in a Zoom presentation, discussing why some people with Thalidomide impairments may be reluctant to seek support and services until a crisis arises.  That was precisely my own experience in 2002, following a head on car crash in France.  Besides being faced with recovery from surgery for a broken leg, I also needed emergency support because I was unable to do anything for myself.  You can read more about that here

I spoke about my own experiences and views on support, while Sam was able to contribute from a completely different perspective, talking about what it’s like working alongside me and supporting someone with a disability, sharing examples of the sorts of things I ask for her to assist me with. I recognised afterwards, how an important part of what she is able to do for me is to assist me in supporting others, such as taking part in the call, accompanying me when I do community litter picks that I am responsible for organising, fixing floors for the charity I’m a Trustee for

Having both viewpoints represented felt particularly valuable, as it highlighted not only the practical aspects of support but also the importance of understanding, trust and independence.

On Saturday, my partner Mike and I went to see the results of a project that I have been involved in curating over the past few months. The exhibition focuses on the history of the immediate area around Christchurch Green and brings together photographs, memories and stories spanning more than a century.

The exhibition formed part of the annual Whiteknights Studio Trail, a wonderful local event that showcases the talents of artists, makers and community groups across the area. Exhibitions and displays can be found in all sorts of locations, including people’s homes, schools, community buildings and gardens.

Our first stop was one of the trail venues before heading to a beautiful horticultural therapy garden that was also participating

in the event. Refreshments were available there, and I happily enjoyed a generous slice of homemade carrot cake accompanied by a lovely cup of tea. Much as I am aware that cake is rarely calorie-friendly, sometimes something is simply worth the calories, and this was definitely one of those occasions. The cake was delicious, the setting was beautiful, and it felt like the perfect treat for a lovely afternoon out.

Part of the day’s pleasure was the journey between venues. We walked through the stunning grounds of the University of Reading, which looked particularly beautiful in the sunshine. We are incredibly fortunate to live right next door to such a wonderful green space, and even more fortunate that the university is so welcoming in allowing the public to enjoy it.

Finally, we arrived at the venue hosting the Christchurch Green exhibition.

Seeing all the boards displayed together for the first time was quite a special moment. I have to say, it looked incredible. After all the planning, designing, editing and organising, it was immensely satisfying to see the finished result.

What was especially rewarding was watching visitors engage with the exhibition. People weren’t simply glancing at the displays as they walked past; they were stopping to read the memories, study the photographs and chat about their own connections to the area. Several people took the time to compliment us on the exhibition, which was lovely to hear and made all the hard work worthwhile.

Part of the exhibition was stickers in the various shop windows – showing the parade of shops as they were through the decades.

Projects like this involve a huge amount of effort behind the scenes, much of which visitors never see. There are countless hours spent researching, gathering material, designing displays, checking facts and coordinating contributors. Seeing people enjoy the exhibition and hearing their positive feedback made every minute worthwhile.

Although the exhibition finishes today, I suspect this won’t be the end of the story. There is already interest in finding other opportunities to display the exhibition to local groups and community organisations, allowing an even wider audience to enjoy the photographs and memories. It would be wonderful if the stories of Christchurch Green could continue to be shared long after the Studio Trail has ended.

Part of the day’s pleasure was the journey between venues. We walked through the stunning grounds of the University of Reading, which looked particularly beautiful in the sunshine. We are incredibly fortunate to live right next door to such a wonderful green space, which includes a lake.   The university is welcoming and allows the public to enjoy its campus.

One of the nicest things about the Studio Trail is that it feels like a real community event.
As we wandered between venues, we kept bumping into friends, neighbours and familiar faces, stopping for chats and catching up on news. It all added to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making the afternoon feel as much about community as it was about art.

So, have my cake indulgences affected my weight?

The short answer is no.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past 14 years is that weight management is about patterns, not individual foods. A slice of homemade carrot cake enjoyed in a beautiful garden with good company is not what causes weight gain. Repeated overindulgence day after day is a different matter entirely.

My weight remains comfortably within the range I’ve set for myself during maintenance, despite a week that included cake, eating out, socialising, and plenty of opportunities to consume more calories than usual.

What has changed over the years is my relationship with food. There was a time when I might have declined the cake because I was “on a diet”, only to feel deprived and then raid the biscuit tin later. These days, I make a conscious choice. If something looks truly enjoyable and worth it, I have it, enjoy every mouthful and then move on.

For me, successful maintenance isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding a balance that allows me to enjoy life while keeping my weight where I want it to be. This week has been a good reminder that life’s memorable moments rarely revolve around calorie counts. They revolve around family milestones, helping others, contributing to your community, spending time with people you care about and occasionally enjoying a rather excellent slice of carrot cake.

Weight this week: 55.85kg (8st 11.1lb)
Weight last week: 55.05kg (8st 9.4lbs)

Weekly loss/gain: +0.8kg (1.7lb)
100% – 4 months, 4 days in weight maintenance range (54-56kg or 8st 8lb – 8st 11lbs)

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)

Courgette, Feta, pea and mint savoury cake – 212 calories

flidfit Healthy Swaps, Recipes, Salads, Salads, Vegeterian

I think I may have saved the best until last.

I describe this as a savoury cake, although it could just as easily be called a quiche – just rather less eggy, with the courgette giving it structure, texture and substance.

The combination of peas and mint works so beautifully together, bringing freshness and sweetness, whilst the feta adds little bursts of salty tanginess throughout. The tomatoes on top not only add colour, but once roasted, their flavour becomes wonderfully rich and intense too.

I nearly always make the larger version because it freezes so well. Individual slices can be taken out and defrosted in just a few moments, making it incredibly handy to have on standby for days when you are tired, busy, or simply not feeling your best. Served with salad, it is practically a meal in itself.

Over the years, I have made many different versions of this courgette savoury cake, experimenting with all sorts of flavour combinations, but this pea, mint and feta version remains my absolute favourite.

Courgette, Feta, pea and mint savoury cake – 212 calories

Preparation Time:        10 mins

Cooking Time:              35 mins

Serves:                            12

Calories per serving:   212.3

 

Ingredients

Courgette                                                              –  500g

Eggs, Free Range, Medium                                    –  6 Eggs/310.2g

Cherry Tomatoes                                                   –  6 Tomatoes/90g

Baking Powder                                                      –  1 Tsp/2g

Extra Virgin Olive Oil                                              –  110ml

Spelt Wholegrain Flour                                           –  120g

Feta Cheese                                                          –  200g

Frozen peas                                                          –  100g

Mint leaves                                                            –  3 Tbsps/4.8g

 

Method

Heat oven to 180 degrees.

Trim and coarsely grate the courgette – no need to drain. Halve the baby tomatoes. Wash and roughly chop the mint. In a large bowl, beat the eggs.

Add the flour (sifted) and baking powder to the eggs.

Add Feta cheese (chopped or crumbled).

Add the remaining ingredients (except courgette and mint) and mix well. Add grated courgette – mix well into the mixture.

Pour into a very well-greased shallow baking dish.  You may wish to line the tin or baking dish with greaseproof paper, which makes removing individual slices much easier.

Halve the tomatoes and use these to garnish the top.

Cook for 30-35 minutes (until firm to the touch in the centre).

 

Nutrition Data Per Serving

Calories (kcal)              212.3

Protein (g)                        8.4

Carbohydrate (g)            8.2

Fat (g)                             16.3

Fibre (g)                           1.9

Fruit & Veg                     0.8

Roasted butternut squash & Bulgar Salad – 120 calories

flidfit Recipes, Salads, Salads, Vegan / Plant based

This is another go-to recipe that I make often, and it always goes down well when I serve it for lunch with friends. It’s also ideal for preparing in advance, as it transports easily and keeps well in the fridge for several days in a sealed container.

The flavours in this dish work really well together. I can’t actually remember how I first came up with the combination, but like many of my recipes, it has gradually evolved over time through experimenting with different ingredients and quantities. I’ve also added aubergine, mushrooms and green beans at different times, and they all worked really well. You can also crumble some Feta over the salad once it has cooled.

Sumac brings a distinctive sharpness and freshness — a tangy, lemony flavour that instantly brightens salads and savoury dishes. Made from dried and ground berries, it has a beautiful, deep reddish-purple colour that adds warmth and vibrancy to the finished dish.

The tamarind adds a different flavour again. It has a sweet-and-sour taste with a slight richness that works really well in dressings. It also gives the dressing a darker colour and helps coat the ingredients evenly, bringing all the flavours together nicely.

Now, at the risk of sounding like a bit of a foodie snob, I do think the quality of the tamarind paste makes a real difference here. I use a particular variety from Steenbergs, which I’ve only ever seen once in a shop and usually buy via Amazon. It is quite pricey, but a little goes a long way.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I am sure it will become a firm favourite for you too!  A proper “rinse and repeat” in our house.

Let me know what you think!

Roasted butternut squash & Bulgar Salad – 120 calories

Preparation Time:              25 mins

Cooking Time:                    45 mins

Serves:                                   7

Calories per serving:          120

 

Ingredients

Red Onion                                                                  –    180g

Butternut Squash, Raw                                          –    800g

Red pepper                                                               –    One whole

Sumac Spice Mix                                                     –    6g

Bulgur Wheat, Dry Weight                                   –    100g

Olive Oil, Extra Virgin                                           –    12ml

Concentrated Tamarind Paste,
Concentrated, Steenbergs                                    –    3 tsps/6g

Fresh mint leaves, chopped                                 –    4 tbsps/6.4g

Method

Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.

Peel and chop the butternut squash into 1.5cm cubes.

Remove the stalk and core, and cut the red pepper into 1.5cm cubes. Peel chop the onion into chunks.

Put 15ml of the oil into a roasting dish and place in the oven to heat. After 10 minutes, add the chopped butternut. Stir until coated with the oil. Place into the centre of the oven for 15 minutes. Then add the onion and pepper, sprinkle over the sumac, and stir to ensure everything is coated in the oil. Continue roasting for 10-15 minutes.

Once the oven roasted vegetables are cooked (softened and beginning to char) remove from the oven and add the tamarind paste – stir through to combine.

Cook the bulgar wheat according to the packet instructions. I cook mine in a microwave rice steamer for around 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.  When cooked, drain thoroughly.

Once the bulgar wheat has cooled slightly, add it to the roasted vegetable mix and stir through, combining evenly.

Chop the fresh mint (place leaves in a shallow cup and chop with kitchen scissors – makes it very quick and easy!) Sprinkle onto the salad and stir through.

This can be eaten warm or cold as a salad. Filling and very tasty!

Nutrition Data Per Serving

Calories (kcal)       120.9

Protein (g)             2.8

Carbohydrate (g)   23.1

Fat (g)                  2.2

Fibre (g)                3.6

Fruit & Veg            1.6

Carrot, apple, date, pecan and lime salad – 73 calories

flidfit Recipes, Salads, Salads, Vegan / Plant based, Vegeterian

I mentioned in my last blog post that I’d be sharing some salad ideas.  Over the coming weeks, I plan to share some of my favourite salad recipes. From quick everyday lunches to more substantial salads that make a complete meal, these are the kinds of dishes I never seem to tire of.

This first salad is a carrot, apple, date, pecan and lime salad. It’s refreshing, colourful and has a whole lot of flavour and texture going on. The natural sweetness of the carrot, combined with a small quantity of chopped dates, works beautifully, whilst the coconut and lime juice add an almost tropical flavour. The pecans add a lovely crunch to the dish.

I tend to make a batch of this and serve a small portion alongside other salad dishes I prepare, along with a regular green salad. When I say “green” salad, that usually consists of lettuce, cucumber, celery, red onion, red pepper, radish, apple, tomatoes and coriander.

The beauty of salads is that they can be prepared in advance, are easy to transport for a day out, and take quite a while to munch and crunch through, which somehow makes lunch feel like a much more leisurely occasion.

Carrot, apple, date, pecan and lime salad

Preparation Time:      10 minutes

Serves:                        8

Calories per serving:  72.3

 

Ingredients

Raw Carrots, Peeled        –  500g

Dates, Dried                     –  35g

Pecan Nuts, Halved        –  25g

Desiccated Coconut        –  15g

Lime Juice, Fresh           –  1 Lime Juiced/50ml

Eating Apple, Fresh       –  1 Apple /120g

Fresh Coriander             –  1 Bunch/20g

 

Method

Peel and coarsely grate the carrot. Core the apple, cut into bite-sized pieces.

Roughly chop the dates and pecans. Juice the lime. Chop the coriander.

Combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with lime juice.

Store in a sealed container in the fridge.  This will store for around 5 to 6 days.

Nutrition Data Per Serving

Calories (kcal)            73

Protein (g)                  1.1

Carbohydrate (g)         9.0

Fat (g)                         3.6

Fibre (g)                      2.5

Fruit & Veg                 1.3

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