I had a lovely day out to look forward to when I woke up today; a day in Brighton with my sisters.

Before I went out though I made a blueberry and banana smoothie for myself and Harvey as a smoothie or ice-cream is about the only thing he can manage at the moment.  After a fast day, you really notice the sweetness in foods; it’s amazing how your taste buds become more sensitive after just one day on a reduced calorie diet.

I also munched  6 almonds for satiety. I made sure I was in Brighton early and headed straight to the coffee shop where I was meeting my sisters; Pelicano at 28 Sydney Street. I was early so I took away a soy milk latte and pottered about. This is Sydney street. The Flour Pot looked really nice and I will try it the next time I come. That looks nice too though…. I was very pleased to find Infinity Foods which describes itself as an “organic and ethically led supermarket for vegetarian and vegan produce, plus artisan bakery”.  Now that is my kind of shop!  I think they are one of the first shops of this kind and have been in business for many years.  I met Lucy in here and we did indulge in a little bit of shopping. Back to Pelicano and I did join my sisters with eating a cake as they had 2 vegan offerings;  the lemon sponge (top right hand side with strawberries on top) and a red velvet. I had a slice of the lemon sponge with a long black and both were very good.  It was warm enough (just!) to sit outside so this is the first, hopefully of many, meal outside of 2016. When all four of us were together we walked along to VIP, an Italian restaurant near the sea front.  Lucy and I had a very refreshing campari with orange juice.We shared some olives and then I had a very large pizza with tomato sauce, garlic, chilli and roasted vegetables.  It was pretty good. Followed by a mint tea. Lucy had to go after lunch but Holly, Abi and I went for a stroll along the pier. The pier was very big and it has a funfair at the end which would scare me as some of the rides would make it seem as if you were being thrown out to sea!  It was very pleasant in the sunshine, looking out at sea. Sisters selfie. If I have ever been in the Brighton Pavilion it was many years ago and I don’t remember it but I would like to so I may need to make another trip down here soonish. Back at home I had a large glass of water, a glass of wine and some Indian snacks made of lentil flour,  made by a relative of my work colleague, Maya.  It is a bit like Bombay mix but much spicier.  I love it so Maya brings it in for me now and again.  It feels very dry and is crunchy but it must be oily because it is deep fat fried.

Today I consumed an estimated 2,164 calories.  It is really hard to estimate when you eat out but I was as honest and accurate as possible.  I walked over 10,000 steps so was within today’s allowance which was 2,513.  On a non fast day I am trying to stick to under 2,000 but it was a special occasion.  I don’t often spend time with my lovely sisters and I really enjoyed all of it.