I have been on the 2/5 fasting diet for around 3 months now and I have come down from 90kg to around 83.5kg. Perhaps I should expand on what the diet means in simple terms, I say that as I forget the benefits that I have read about. It is well worth getting the book and giving it a go and I will try and elaborate as to why I recommend it.
To begin with the diet involves restricting the calorie intake to 600 and 500 for men and women respectively, this equates to about a quarter of the intake you require. The 2 refers to your choice of 2 non-consecutive days when you restrict your diet and the 5 is the rest when you can eat what you wish. The most useful thing about this diet is that you can fit it around your social life it is not so restrictive and critical that you keep to a regime day after day for months on end. More importantly it works, it is amazing given the lack of self control that I have exercised on my off days but the weight comes off and it stays off.
The book I read here is very interesting, in essence it is co-written by the TV presenter/doctor Michael Mosley and food journalist Mimi Spencer. My personal opinion is that the Doc is good and the Journalist is spouting drivel, that is unkind I know but that is how I felt when I read it. I don't want the information dressed up I just want clear and balanced information. Don't let the suggested menus put you off, I would very much stick with practical convenient food that has a recognised calorie count. This desire to have variety for what are two separate days in your week is fair enough but I generally stick to the same format for those days which is yogurt, black tea and 4 egg omelette. Occasionally when I have been travelling I have popped into an M&S to get a pasta meal that falls under 400 calories, but beware this is difficult to find due to the misleading labeling that does not tell you the true calorie count for the meal. You generally need to do some arithmetic to work out the content from the portion described on the label. There is lots of great medical/science benefits, most of which I have forgotten so I will need to re-read the book. In essence time spent fasting allows the body to devote its resources elsewhere.
Despite the enthusiasm of the book about the effects of the diet I have not felt more alive, energetic or somehow sharper that before. I think psychologically I have felt better because I can see the results and it works and I am much happier that this is the case. I did think I would be less energetic or that there might be other side effects but in essence no. If you are a healthy adult with no underlying conditions then you are fine, you can exercise and feel fine. The most noticeable effect is that I pass water a lot more frequently when I am on the diet. More to the point I absorb the water when I go out for a subsequent drink and do not pass water as readily as before. Nice to talk about that eh? Anyway, the point is that water retention can account for around 2kgs of movement in my case. It is well not to be disheartened when the weight bounces back up as this is temporary.
The biggest challenge for me is the bit where I have to get through lunchtime without eating, by that stage my stomach is usually empty and mentally I am programmed to expect food. It is a battle and often it is a case of, well what else do I do at lunchtime if not eat? You can split the 600 calories into smaller portions to have a regular bite throughout the day but I think the fast is more effective the longer you leave it between meals. Other side effects I have noticed is that I am feeling full a lot quicker on the off days, in fact if I overdo it then I feel nauseous, I am now consciously taking smaller portions and regularly having my tea black, you get used to it.
I have to add that I still misbehave and have plenty of 'bad' things but it is open season on the off days and the weight is still coming off, If I were better disciplined then perhaps it would go quicker!
A tip, and perhaps it is obvious really, don't have a drinking session before a planned fast day, that is too hardcore and a mistake I have made today in fact. It is better to get the fast day out of the way first or leave it until at least a clear day after the drinking to allow a recovery. I broke my fast today but plan to do either Friday or Saturday instead. I have more often brought my day forward to Wednesday instead of Thursday (Monday is my other day) I think it is more effective again when you have just one day between fasts but then that requires a little more willpower too,
One last point for now, beware the office cakes and biscuits. It is a little anti social at times but then it is usually only a matter of holding out for a few hours extra and then you can have that cake. I have found it easier to hold on in the evening despite the challenge of lunchtime.
I would recommend it to anyone, it is easier than you might think to stick too.
Thursday, 27 November 2014
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Etiquette On the Tube
During my commute I have come to observe the habits and etiquette that should be in place for commuters who are crammed like sardines into the fast moving, if jerky, epitome of modern rail transport that is the Tube.
First of all you should give up your seat for those less able to stand than yourself, this is usually the case, however, often it gets so crowded that the elderly, pregnant and disabled often can't even reach the seats, we do try to accommodate them. You should also move into the carriage and not linger about the door, this is something that most people fail to do and on my first trip in I came to grief with someone as I brushed past them. I made the error of not saying 'excuse me', which is of course the correct way to request that someone should let you past. I had already descended into the frame of mind where no one will move regardless of how you plead, and this is borne out of experience. There is an unfounded fear of not being able to get off the train unless you block the doors by crowding in front of them. Everyone secretly dreads the pushchair or large suitcases. It is most inconsiderate to travel on the tube with such large impediments to mobility. Most smile, but do not make any noticeable attempt to move or help.
I recently made note of the dreaded wet umbrella phenomenon, this is where you have to fold away your damp umbrella and be very careful to avoid it leaching onto some poor commuter as you are pressed up against them. It is important to stress that there is no such thing as personal space on a tube, although not desirable, physical contact is sometimes maintained due to the crush. Even in these circumstances, the kindles and, yes I mean this, the newspapers come out in force. There is always enough room to annoy a fellow commuter by flicking a newspaper in their face. What is also taboo but all too common is that the free newspapers are brought onboard and then dumped by their 'owners'. Sometimes this is convenient if you need something to read but otherwise it is simply rubbish that someone else will need to clear up.
As well as the books, kindles and newspapers there are a healthy number of people who are busy playing games on their phones, listening to music or composing texts and emails. All of this is really just a bid to avoid eye contact, which is the thing most are desperate to do. There is no desire to form a bond with the fellow commuter. If you do happen to exchange words then the ice is truly broken and it can be a happy distraction. More often though, nothing is said and sometimes there are angry exchanges between frustrated people who do not relish their trip.
Unlike a lift, where breaking wind is the most embarrassing possible thing, ok almost then, you can do. In the Tube at rush hour there is safety in numbers and I have, on more than one occasion, been the subject of someone's noxious emissions. I have not perpetrated such a deed myself, which is commendable given my record at home. A slightly lesser annoyance is the smelly armpit by the giant that I am normally stood next to on the train, sometimes I have nowhere to run to avoid this. I am, naturally, very aware of my own delightful aroma and considering I usually overheat when walking from house to station, I try to make a special effort to keep cool and fresh.
One of the other things I have noticed is that some passengers with back packs on seem to forget or don't care that they are now almost twice as thick (maybe in intelligence terms as well) as they usually are when not carrying them. They may as well be carrying a long plank of wood for all the consideration they have as they turn thoughtlessly in the confined spaces of the carriage. It is very tempting to push their pack the other way and watch as they do an impression of an upturned tortoise.
Another habit I have noticed is passengers who evacuate the train to cross the platform opposite in a bid to get the other train, which the announcer has said will depart first. I mean, really, does it make so much of a difference the minute or so longer that their current train will take? It is strangely satisfying when the original train departs ahead of the other one, although this does not happen that often.
When boarding the train the passengers are asked to let other passengers off the train first before attempting to board. This turns to something like the scramble for lifeboats on a sinking ship as the beeping of the 'closing door' signal sounds. Using your head or other handy objects to test the door safety mechanism is not helpful or recommended.
For all that I have said there are many helpful and friendly people who make the journey more pleasant. In fact just observing the characters is enough to bring an occasional smile to my face. Delays never dull my experience of the trip.
First of all you should give up your seat for those less able to stand than yourself, this is usually the case, however, often it gets so crowded that the elderly, pregnant and disabled often can't even reach the seats, we do try to accommodate them. You should also move into the carriage and not linger about the door, this is something that most people fail to do and on my first trip in I came to grief with someone as I brushed past them. I made the error of not saying 'excuse me', which is of course the correct way to request that someone should let you past. I had already descended into the frame of mind where no one will move regardless of how you plead, and this is borne out of experience. There is an unfounded fear of not being able to get off the train unless you block the doors by crowding in front of them. Everyone secretly dreads the pushchair or large suitcases. It is most inconsiderate to travel on the tube with such large impediments to mobility. Most smile, but do not make any noticeable attempt to move or help.
I recently made note of the dreaded wet umbrella phenomenon, this is where you have to fold away your damp umbrella and be very careful to avoid it leaching onto some poor commuter as you are pressed up against them. It is important to stress that there is no such thing as personal space on a tube, although not desirable, physical contact is sometimes maintained due to the crush. Even in these circumstances, the kindles and, yes I mean this, the newspapers come out in force. There is always enough room to annoy a fellow commuter by flicking a newspaper in their face. What is also taboo but all too common is that the free newspapers are brought onboard and then dumped by their 'owners'. Sometimes this is convenient if you need something to read but otherwise it is simply rubbish that someone else will need to clear up.
As well as the books, kindles and newspapers there are a healthy number of people who are busy playing games on their phones, listening to music or composing texts and emails. All of this is really just a bid to avoid eye contact, which is the thing most are desperate to do. There is no desire to form a bond with the fellow commuter. If you do happen to exchange words then the ice is truly broken and it can be a happy distraction. More often though, nothing is said and sometimes there are angry exchanges between frustrated people who do not relish their trip.
Unlike a lift, where breaking wind is the most embarrassing possible thing, ok almost then, you can do. In the Tube at rush hour there is safety in numbers and I have, on more than one occasion, been the subject of someone's noxious emissions. I have not perpetrated such a deed myself, which is commendable given my record at home. A slightly lesser annoyance is the smelly armpit by the giant that I am normally stood next to on the train, sometimes I have nowhere to run to avoid this. I am, naturally, very aware of my own delightful aroma and considering I usually overheat when walking from house to station, I try to make a special effort to keep cool and fresh.
One of the other things I have noticed is that some passengers with back packs on seem to forget or don't care that they are now almost twice as thick (maybe in intelligence terms as well) as they usually are when not carrying them. They may as well be carrying a long plank of wood for all the consideration they have as they turn thoughtlessly in the confined spaces of the carriage. It is very tempting to push their pack the other way and watch as they do an impression of an upturned tortoise.
Another habit I have noticed is passengers who evacuate the train to cross the platform opposite in a bid to get the other train, which the announcer has said will depart first. I mean, really, does it make so much of a difference the minute or so longer that their current train will take? It is strangely satisfying when the original train departs ahead of the other one, although this does not happen that often.
When boarding the train the passengers are asked to let other passengers off the train first before attempting to board. This turns to something like the scramble for lifeboats on a sinking ship as the beeping of the 'closing door' signal sounds. Using your head or other handy objects to test the door safety mechanism is not helpful or recommended.
For all that I have said there are many helpful and friendly people who make the journey more pleasant. In fact just observing the characters is enough to bring an occasional smile to my face. Delays never dull my experience of the trip.
Thursday, 13 November 2014
Passing Time
As I waited for the tube to arrive I started to look about and make a concerted effort to appreciate my surroundings a bit more. Commuting is not the most productive of time but usually I have been behind the wheel of a car and am concentrating on assessing the ever changing threats of the traffic whilst balancing the latest grumbles about work or home. You don't get to see much beyond about 120 degrees to you front and some rather narrow cones of vision to the rear, of course not at the same time. I read an article recently that said you only generally see things where you are looking and that peripheral vision is only good for seeing movement. Bearing in mind that I am travelling at times up to 128kmph. Anyway, I digress.
Back on the Tube platform I looked around and observed parallel lines, I don't know where it started but I noticed that everywhere I looked there were objects that had parallel lines. I then thought on and noticed, to a lesser extent that circles are also another feature that is readily observed. Of course these things to not occur in nature, or at least not commonly. I switched from this to noting the curves of nature all around me, the trees, people's hands, arms, legs and heads as they read their kindles, iPads and fired their text messages off to loved and not so loved ones.
On the Tube it was as busy as usual and as I stood there, this time not reading my own kindle, I watched over the shoulder of this girl who was writing a personal email to her partner about how they had argued and that maybe it was not good if they were together. You could tell she was thinking through what she was writing but she was not angry or upset, she seemed to be quite at ease with what she was writing. I wondered if she was the one in control and making the break or whether it was an olive branch that she was offering. I never did find out and I thought it was not wise to inquire.
As I was making the trip I managed to get a seat, as I did so someone to my left gave up their seat for an elderly gentleman. Unusually, we struck up a conversation, it is not common to talk to others on the Tube. In fact most do their best to avoid eye contact, only the innocent and very friendly people tend to form momentary bonds of recognition at any given moment. And so the bond was formed, this particular gentleman was a veteran from the Second World War, he was attached to the 6th Airborne Division, which dropped into Normandy on the 6th June 1944. I asked him about this and he said that he had not joined at that point but that he did take part in Operation Market Garden in September 1944. I did make a mental note that the 1st Airborne Division was the one that jumped into Arnhem but I was not one to challenge the recollection of this man. Instead we discussed his service. He told me of his father who had survived combat in World War One with two near death experiences. He survived a third when his home was hit by a doodlebug in the Second World War, his wife was buried in the house,but managed to survive. I said how lucky he was to have gotten through the period with such things happening. I told him of my recent visit to Kasterlee Commonwealth War Cemetery, where mainly Scottish troops were buried having been part of Operation Market Garden. I pointed out that most had died on the 16th September 1944 and that it was the same day of the month as my birthday. I then told him that I was still serving.
He was on his way to see the poppies at the Tower of London, he was making a brave pilgrimage to see this special tribute to the fallen. I say brave, because he was quite frail at 88 and he also had difficulty seeing. He kept asking if it was time to get off the train and he thought that I was due to get off after him. His stop was four on from my own and I reassured him that there would be plenty of people who would assist him if he were to ask. I was sorely tempted to go the extra distance and escort him, I do regret not doing so. We parted, richer for having spent the time chatting and wishing each other a pleasant day. Humanity does exist on the Tube, people do help when pushchairs need lifting and will help a stranger in need. The brightness you bring by taking the time to assist or expressing a friendly salutation goes some way to restoring faith in human nature and always raises a smile and a thank you.
On the Tube it was as busy as usual and as I stood there, this time not reading my own kindle, I watched over the shoulder of this girl who was writing a personal email to her partner about how they had argued and that maybe it was not good if they were together. You could tell she was thinking through what she was writing but she was not angry or upset, she seemed to be quite at ease with what she was writing. I wondered if she was the one in control and making the break or whether it was an olive branch that she was offering. I never did find out and I thought it was not wise to inquire.
As I was making the trip I managed to get a seat, as I did so someone to my left gave up their seat for an elderly gentleman. Unusually, we struck up a conversation, it is not common to talk to others on the Tube. In fact most do their best to avoid eye contact, only the innocent and very friendly people tend to form momentary bonds of recognition at any given moment. And so the bond was formed, this particular gentleman was a veteran from the Second World War, he was attached to the 6th Airborne Division, which dropped into Normandy on the 6th June 1944. I asked him about this and he said that he had not joined at that point but that he did take part in Operation Market Garden in September 1944. I did make a mental note that the 1st Airborne Division was the one that jumped into Arnhem but I was not one to challenge the recollection of this man. Instead we discussed his service. He told me of his father who had survived combat in World War One with two near death experiences. He survived a third when his home was hit by a doodlebug in the Second World War, his wife was buried in the house,but managed to survive. I said how lucky he was to have gotten through the period with such things happening. I told him of my recent visit to Kasterlee Commonwealth War Cemetery, where mainly Scottish troops were buried having been part of Operation Market Garden. I pointed out that most had died on the 16th September 1944 and that it was the same day of the month as my birthday. I then told him that I was still serving.
He was on his way to see the poppies at the Tower of London, he was making a brave pilgrimage to see this special tribute to the fallen. I say brave, because he was quite frail at 88 and he also had difficulty seeing. He kept asking if it was time to get off the train and he thought that I was due to get off after him. His stop was four on from my own and I reassured him that there would be plenty of people who would assist him if he were to ask. I was sorely tempted to go the extra distance and escort him, I do regret not doing so. We parted, richer for having spent the time chatting and wishing each other a pleasant day. Humanity does exist on the Tube, people do help when pushchairs need lifting and will help a stranger in need. The brightness you bring by taking the time to assist or expressing a friendly salutation goes some way to restoring faith in human nature and always raises a smile and a thank you.
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
All Change
I have almost been in my work placement for two weeks. On Friday the 24th October I was in Belgium handing over to my relief, right up to the wire and on Monday the 27th I was in London beginning an induction into a new and exciting world of banking. New and exciting for me and, for some people, possibly a somewhat unattractive profession given the events of recent years.
I am working in the area of Finance and in particular in connection with compliance and controls, for good reasons I cannot go into any details but I have found it an eye opening experience and it is offering me the opportunity to learn new things and meet new people.
Due to the infinite kindness of my best mate, his wife and his young son, they have allowed me to lodge for the six weeks of the placement. I am occupying the spare room and trying to do my best to fit into the routines and cause as little disruption as possible. I traveled over from Belgium on the Sunday evening, in a bid to spend the last few hours with An. By the time I got round to my mates house it was after 19.00 and I had yet to get myself settled in.
In terms of kit I brought 5 shirts, 3 suits, two pairs of shoes, four ties, sports kit, badminton racquets, wash kit, a towel (just in case), my laptop, iPad, Kindle, 3 books and some ancillary stuff. My preps for the following day was to iron the shirts, a change from the white ones to a variety of colours, now I have to co-ordinate my wardrobe!
Bathroom time was my first challenge and also assessing how long it would take to do the commute. The other challenge was to determine the best type of ticket to buy for the travel. In the first case it was not so difficult as both my mate and his wife did not need to use the bathroom first thing in the morning, now however, I am settled into a routine of getting up at 6am and then being clear of the bathroom by about 6.25. This gives me time to get my breakfast and then read my Kindle newspaper. I now set out at around 7.30 and this gets me to work before 8,30 which is half an hour to spare if needed. My mate gave me a top tip, which was to buy a monthly season ticket, this is a considerable saving and cost me £142 (I have been allowed £228) for the days that I travel but this ticket allows me to travel at the weekends too. I would recommend this as an option (it is based on zones 1-3 in my case but it is a clear winner.
The actual commute is not too bad, very crowded and a bit warm, with all of those bodies generating heat. I also walk fairly briskly and so I heat up quite quickly. I need to strike a balance especially now the weather is turning a bit colder. I have to change once, which is a matter of crossing a platform most of the times. I find the commute an opportunity to read although initially I did not find it easy to do. What I am not looking forward to is the round of coughs and colds that must be inevitable from travelling with so many commuters in close confinement. I do occasionally look around and try and work out what people are like. I note the details of their books, shoes, expressions and reactions, it passes the time.
So far I have been to badminton twice and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have not really begun to get into a proper fitness programme but there is time. I have also bought more shirts, in fact my first pink one, which I quite like. So far I am due to come home to Belgium twice and once to my native North East, so almost every weekend is planned, not much time to rest and it comes at a cost too!
Hopefully I will have a job to show for it at the end but if nothing else it is a nice decent time to spend with my mate!
I am working in the area of Finance and in particular in connection with compliance and controls, for good reasons I cannot go into any details but I have found it an eye opening experience and it is offering me the opportunity to learn new things and meet new people.
Due to the infinite kindness of my best mate, his wife and his young son, they have allowed me to lodge for the six weeks of the placement. I am occupying the spare room and trying to do my best to fit into the routines and cause as little disruption as possible. I traveled over from Belgium on the Sunday evening, in a bid to spend the last few hours with An. By the time I got round to my mates house it was after 19.00 and I had yet to get myself settled in.
In terms of kit I brought 5 shirts, 3 suits, two pairs of shoes, four ties, sports kit, badminton racquets, wash kit, a towel (just in case), my laptop, iPad, Kindle, 3 books and some ancillary stuff. My preps for the following day was to iron the shirts, a change from the white ones to a variety of colours, now I have to co-ordinate my wardrobe!
Bathroom time was my first challenge and also assessing how long it would take to do the commute. The other challenge was to determine the best type of ticket to buy for the travel. In the first case it was not so difficult as both my mate and his wife did not need to use the bathroom first thing in the morning, now however, I am settled into a routine of getting up at 6am and then being clear of the bathroom by about 6.25. This gives me time to get my breakfast and then read my Kindle newspaper. I now set out at around 7.30 and this gets me to work before 8,30 which is half an hour to spare if needed. My mate gave me a top tip, which was to buy a monthly season ticket, this is a considerable saving and cost me £142 (I have been allowed £228) for the days that I travel but this ticket allows me to travel at the weekends too. I would recommend this as an option (it is based on zones 1-3 in my case but it is a clear winner.
The actual commute is not too bad, very crowded and a bit warm, with all of those bodies generating heat. I also walk fairly briskly and so I heat up quite quickly. I need to strike a balance especially now the weather is turning a bit colder. I have to change once, which is a matter of crossing a platform most of the times. I find the commute an opportunity to read although initially I did not find it easy to do. What I am not looking forward to is the round of coughs and colds that must be inevitable from travelling with so many commuters in close confinement. I do occasionally look around and try and work out what people are like. I note the details of their books, shoes, expressions and reactions, it passes the time.
So far I have been to badminton twice and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have not really begun to get into a proper fitness programme but there is time. I have also bought more shirts, in fact my first pink one, which I quite like. So far I am due to come home to Belgium twice and once to my native North East, so almost every weekend is planned, not much time to rest and it comes at a cost too!
Hopefully I will have a job to show for it at the end but if nothing else it is a nice decent time to spend with my mate!
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