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Thanks Coldpizza and CaliBikni — appreciate the kinds words and advice 🙂 I’m trying to focus more on the health benefits and how I feel more than the weight with this new way of life so I like the idea of maybe only weighing once a month …..hmmm…..
K-Lo — sounds fantastic!!! I plan on taking that book with me when we head to Hawaii in June 🙂
Hi rlw:
You might read the ‘Really No Weight Loss’ link in this thread: https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/
Also, my 20 Apr 16 on page 8 of the same thread explains why you can do everything right and not lose weight.
Just keep going – it really works!
Good Luck!
Rlw66. I totally know that feeling. The scale has been brutal to me through the last couple of weeks it’s almost amusing how I’d weigh exactly the same even though I’d fasted a bunch of times and worked out 3 days a week. I decided I was going to stare my scale down yesterday after another fast day expecting nothing and it went down 3lbs this week! In my youth id only have to think about dieting and lose 5lbs but not anymore. You are doing the right things it will happen eventually. We must never give in to the negative voices, there the ones who got us here in the first place! Have a good day peeps!
Hi everyone,
I made it through my fast day yesterday, eating at dinner. We decided to eat at Marie Callendars instead of chipotle. I ordered the veggie soup and 1/2 turkey sandwich. Menu listed it at 450 cal. I sipped my soup slowly watching my H have his watermelon margarita, full entree and strawberry pie. Mind you, he needs to be on the fast diet more than me, so I have no support except for this forum. I am very thankful I found this thread.
The scale was good to me today. I am down another pound. I think Friday’s will be my weigh in days. Even though today is my feed day, I am holding off eating probably until lunch. We are going to a dinner and show tonight and I want to enjoy it without worrying too much about calories. I will be careful, but looking forward to enjoying a glass of wine with dinner.
K-lo: I just ordered the obesity code book. I hope you are enjoying your stay in Mexico. It does sound relaxing.
I am hoping to stay within my TDEE this weekend. My next fast day is Monday.
Happy Friday and weekend!!
Thanks Simecoeluv — I’ve booked marked that link and will read all the posts! I appreciate the information!
I agree Shazzer — those negative voices are so loud sometimes! But they have indeed been there for a long time, will take time to change to this way of life 🙂
Cizzy2 – YAY down another pound that’s awesome! Enjoy your night out and glass of wine!
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Hi all… Yesterday was my fast day. I did fine. Felt I was awake too much at night but I am rested so? Today I was same weight as after first fast day this week. That was down one lb. I am thankful. The feed days last week were too much, I was not exercising good sense.. I appreciate the tips on this thread. It is encouraging to me, both pitfalls and tips for good food. I have probably said that I look forward to fast day. In one way it is because my decisions are made for me. We eat pretty similar things on fast days.
Rlw66 I am in agreement that it is a change of life style doing 2 fasts per week. The scales are here for our emotional boost. I only weigh morning after fast in morning. Be nice to maintain at 6:1, but at this time I am 5:2 and happy.
Hey rlw66, You are doing well! We started this on the same day, so I am right with you. Taking the long view is the way to go ! My challenges today: A non- fast day, I was confronted with a familiar challenge: not long after lunch, I felt “hungry”- normally I would have started munching and grazing- overeating. I am trying to incorporate new habits, so instead of eating I got busy, and sipped lemon water and then had decaf coffee. I made it to dinner, but it made me realize that what I learn on fast days, I can use on other days: eat if I am hungry, but don’t eat out of boredom! Also, our biology is so complex, who knows why we gain or lose in a day or two? It is only over a longer period that we see the trend. One App that emphasizes that is “Happy Scale”- an interesting way of tracking weight.
K-Lo, sounds lovely lying in a hammock! The Obesity Code is inspiring, if only to remind us that biology is complex!
Let’s stay on track over the weekend! Motto: TDEE:)
BTW I have been awake too when I should have been sleeping. I think I am cold! Food gives us heat- so I am adding an extra blanket, instead of more food:)
Also, I think it is good to add self care beyond dieting, so today I bought scented soaps, new lotion, and new makeup- let’s be good to ourselves:(
Thank you for the warm welcome! I appreciate all the feedback. I Finished my first fast day and it was surprisingly manageable. I tried the protein shakes and I was satiated. There were some moments that I had to talk my self out of, but I perservered. in the past I would have faltered and said to myself, “ok, eat it! but it starts tomorrow”. I now have the realisation that there have been way too many tomorrow’s. I have to do this hour by hour. I keep repeating, ” it works, if you want it to!” Thank you again!
Morning all — happy Saturday!
Notfastenough – I agree with you, the things I’m learning with this new way of life make me much more aware of what I’m eating on non fast days. I too am trying to eat when I’m truly hungry and stop when I’m satisfied — not FULL – satisfied! :). I also am trying to quiet the demons that tell me I NEED TO EAT something sweet after meals or that I NEED TO EAT because it is a certain time of day! 🙂 I’m also trying to lengthen the amount of time between meals with no mindless snacking in between. I made my cinnamon iced coffee this morning and have a gallon of iced chamomile ginger lime tea for this afternoon — and it’s not even a fast day!!! 🙂 Also, I did the same thing this week, bought new shower scrub and lotion – a treat for the senses – NOT THE STOMACH!!!
KND – CONGRATS on getting through the first fast day! It’s an awesome feeling knowing you got one down — and I too have to talk myself out of moments during my fast days — but surprised myself on my 4th fast day how long I was able to go with very little in the morning, sip green tea all day and then a decent dinner 🙂 — and I do believe this will work long term — as long as we work IT 🙂
Hope everyone else is well 🙂
Hello all! Feeling grateful to have found this group. I’ve struggled with being overweight since I was in elementary school. I became hooked on fad diets and diet pills trying to find the quickest way to lose weight. Of course none of those worked. I always gained back the weight plus some. I reached a breaking point when I slipped into depression after losing both my mom and big sister to cancer 3 years apart. Having gained 50 lbs and a feeling of hopelessness, I made up my mind that it didn’t matter anymore. I isolated myself in my bedroom and became afraid to get close to anyone else. TV and food became my best friends. Didn’t realize they were hurting me just as much. I’m a 47 yr old female now going through menopause and it’s like something clicked for me one day. I looked in the mirror and saw someone different. That’s when I made up my mind to do something different and not be defeated. Life’s too short and I want to find my joy again. Yes I want to lose the weight but more than anything I want to feel good again. I think once I feel good again the other will come.
Hoping that I can find pointers for getting started; especially meals. Not a great cook so any suggestions or quick tips on simple meal planning would be appreciated. I’ve joined a gym and do cardio and strength training 3 to 4 days a week for an hour. Also walk in my neighborhood whenever I feel the urge for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Thanks everyone. Wishing us all success and happiness! 😄
Good Morning! Great to hear how everyone is doing.
K-LO : Thanks for mentioning Dr. Fung’s new book! I have been watching his videos and reading his articles but didn’t realize he had a book out. Excited to have it all on my kindle so I can read it wherever. (I love that I am reading it in his voice after seeing so many of his videos)
I am on the second day of a water/coffee fast. Yesterday was super easy….a far cry from 2 weeks ago when I was craving everything in sight. I am trying to make the best of these easy days since I know the tempting days will come again and I’d like to make as much headway as possible.
Two things I wanted to share:
A couple days ago I had a high fat low carb pizza from Costco. I picked the cheese and toppings off the combo slice. It was delicious and I felt really satisfied not bloated and stuffed after dinner. Felt a little wasteful to throw away the entire crust, but really the flour, water and yeast is pennies and to not have it stick to my waist was a good thing.
Also, from the many years of dieting I have done I have often thought that I wished I could just give up food entirely like an alcoholic does – but had always thought, “you can’t stop eating…..you’ll die”. These new studies on fasting have made it clear that….actually you can stop eating – if you do it correctly. (disclaimer: do not attempt without consulting your doctor 🙂 )
Good luck everyone,
Cheers
Welcome sue- glad you have found us. I am also 47 and starting menopause– great time to make changes in your life as we are moving to a whole new place in our bodies. I have found this way of eating a great way to balance out my menopause changes- I have gone off all the natural remedies I used to use–the maca powder I used to take everyday to help stabilize my mood swings called Femmenessence ( they have different ones for peri vs post menopause) and free and easy wanderer– Chinese herbs that boost mood and ease anxiety — both of these I used to order on Amazon– lifesavers for me. Great news is now after 1 month of this lifestyle the fasting has evened all that out and I don’t take anything.
For fast days I always eat an Amy’s bean and cheese burrito over 4 cups of mixed greens and 2-4 T of salsa– comes to around 375-400 calories and it is a lot of food. I used to do smoothies but I rebelled and decided I needed to actually needed to eat my calories instead of drink them.
Wishing you the best of luck and hope you find the changes you are desiring on this plan!
Sue193. Welcome! I am glad you saw someone different in the mirror. Mourning is something new the first time we loose people really close to us. I have lost my Mom and Dad. I am 70.
I thought I would offer suggestions on some easy foods to eat on fast days. I like a medium soft boiled egg and I eat it in an egg cup. You might like a hard boiled egg? There are 75 calories in an egg. It is the protein that sticks with me. Anyway with that I like to eat a lettuce salad with colored peppers chopped in it and maybe a little balsamic vinegar or lemon juice or even a small amount of regular dressing thinned down by lemon juice or water so it will spread. We regularly keep apples. I split one (1/2 35-40 cal) with my husband and slice it so there are a few pieces to relish a little slower. Those are my dinner meal. I only do two meals. I wait until noon or after to have a meal of yogurt (90 cal). The yogurt seems to not be enough to carry me to dinner so I have 5 raw almonds (9 cal per 45 total) chewed up well with the yogurt. The two give me chewing action which I miss with just yogurt. I have sometimes had just yogurt and then I eat 4-5 radishes about 3pm. Hope this helps
Welcome Sue193 — glad you found us ….this is a great thread. I’ve found lots of useful tips, motivation, inspiration — and LOTS of support 🙂 I am a 49 year old female and have been post-meno for about 2 years already. I have about 60 pounds to lose yet …just started this “new way of life” 2 weeks ago. I am fasting Monday/Thursday with the 500 calories (give or take). I usually do 1/2 cup fage 2% yougart with small amount of fruit for breakfast, then try to do tea/coffee/water until early dinner 4 p.m.ish and I have been doing broiled salmon and roasted asparagus (super easy!!) or grilled chicken tenderloins and roasted mini peppers (super easy as well!). I have been doing some searching on Pinterest for 500 calories or less meal ideas. I don’t have a lot of time to prepare elaborate meals and since I’m the only one in my house doing this … I still need to make meals for my husband and daughter. I have noticed though that I like my fasting days a lot, and I’m not tempted to sample their food. I really like the way I feel at the end of the fasting day. Not saying it is easy to get through ….but I’ve surprised myself a couple of times already in what I’m able to “ignore”. Best of luck to you as you begin this journey ……
Today is my make up fast day because I fell off on Thursday. I am doing a bit of 5:2 and 16:8. Didn’t eat anything til 12 and keeping calories to 500 between 12 and 8. Exercising first thing in the morning really helps clear my head. It is good to play with this day by day. I so want to be below 180. Tomorrow is my weigh in but may be lower than actual because of today being a low calorie day.
Hello! First time posting but long time reader! My partner and I started doing 5:2 in November 2014, lasted until about August 2015, and both fell off the wagon. (I think we both plateaued for awhile, plus each had some health issues, and since the fasting day planning fell mostly to me, well, just didn’t get back into it). Now, both of us regrouping (having regained about 3 kg each). We decided to do alternate day fasting as a kick-start, as I had read Krista Varady’s book. If anything, we’ve stayed the same, with my partner showing a slight gain! (I’ve also been on night shift which always messes things up, but got through okay this stretch). I have to say, we’ve not eaten more than usual on non-fasting days (with the usual more attention to eating less than normal, and eating healthier on non-fasting days happening once again!)So lack of weight loss is a little disheartening.
So….wondering if anyone has tried alternate day fasting and found better results with 5:2?
We tried 3:5 before which I found very difficult, but the every other day does actually seem easier.
Previously we incorporated 16:8 with 5:2 but haven’t this time and wondering if that might be a real key to the weight loss.
Uswoman I am incorporating 5:2 and 16:8 and it does a few things that I find helpful. It makes the 500 cal day easier because of the limited eating window and it makes the feed days easier for the same reason. I also try to exercise first thing in the morning and that really helps clear my mental fog.
Hi and welcome uswoman –I do ADF but I had to reduce my FD calories to 400 to get my weight loss moving. I do not count calories on feed days but I’m very strict about keeping my days on track and not switching them up (that slowed me down before). I only eat one large meal in the late afternoon. Everyone’s body is different so it may take a while to figure out what works for you.
Best of luck!!
Good morning, all. The moment of truth….5 days on vacation… and (unless my scale is playing mind games on me) I LOST HALF A POUND!
I did not fast in Mexico but we never ate in between meals. I found that my husband finished whatever I ordered (not good for him!). Lots of fresh fish, avocados, salads. I had one dessert, at our actual anniversary dinner. BUT I did not hold back on the cerveza, wine and margaritas.
Maybe it was reading Jason Fung in a hammock (our only purchase other than excellent tequila at the Duty-Free). Fascinating reading…I now get why so many posters are concerned about insulin. It makes so much sense.
If anyone would like a few days of R&R, I highly recommend my friend Erika’s little hideaway in the jungle near Tulum.
Cilantro– you are an inspiration!! Congratulations!!! It is so much sweeter when it has been a harder journey!!
After a huge pig out day a few days ago I am up a lb- but really what could I expect?? Back on track today- I hope!! Encouraged by all of you others and your stories of success and challenges- gives me the strength to keep at it!!
Just discovered psyllium protein powder pancakes. 12 g fiber, 16 g protein. 264 calories including maple syrup and frozen blue berries 3 hours later and still full.
1 T psyllium husk powder, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 egg, pinch of salt,.25-.5 cup water or other liquid of choice. Vanilla and cinnamon if desired. Mix up and wait for psyllium to absorb liquid. You may want to add sweetening to batter. Adjust liquid to make the right batter consistency. Mine wasnt sweet because my protein powder is unsweetenwd. Heat pan med heat and spray with non stick oil spray. Cook 4 pancakes flipping as you would any pancake. I served with maple syrup and blueberries.
Morning all — Hope everyone is well. Started my 36 hour fast last night (so I’m fasting today!) — feeling a little overwhelmed so hoping to make it through today under 500. I found a neat website after much research, if anyone is interested …happyforks.com …..you enter your own recipe (so homemade stuff) and it calculates the nutritional value (including calories, and a LOT MORE). I put all of my homemade salad dressings in it last night…..will use this site only for that type of stuff but helps to be more accurate in calorie counting.
Didn’t do a good job of planning for today so hope I’m able to “wing” it successfully! Cold rainy and wet here ….off to the grocery store soon!
For all those fasting today — stay strong and positive! Focus on the end result (whether that be just getting to bed tonight, the health benefits, or weight loss) 🙂 —for those feeding today – positive thoughts on being mindful of what you are eating today 🙂
Good morning to all,
Today is my fast day. Hoping to get back on track after a feeding weekend. Getting my lunch packed for work-soup, raw carrots and celery. My stomach is already growling and I haven’t started my day yet. I feel it will be a challenging day for me.
Princess Cilantro: Congratulations on the weight loss. What an accomplishment! I am hoping to break into the 170’s in the next couple weeks. Your protein powder pancake recipe sounds yummy. A must try–on a fed day of course.
K-lo: Congratulaions on the 1/2 pound wt loss while on vacation!!
Thank you rlw66 for the encouraging words. I will need them today.
Wishing everyone a successful fasting or feeding day.
I am fasting today as well…I USUALLY stop eating st 4pm the day before my fast. For some reason, it makes my fast day easier. However, last night I ate at 8:30 and woke up hingry…evil trick. 😄
I have been fasting since March 1 and am down 15.4 pounds. I truly believe the weight loss has been quicker Bc I try not to eat after 4:00 on non-fast days.
Warning: constipation happens so eat a lot of veggies on non-fast days too!
Way to go Cilantro!
Fast day for me too! Wasn’t tracking to my TDEE over the weekend (not good) but I worked out a bunch so hopefully not too much damage was done. Trying to only weigh myself weekly so I don’t have to experience the roller coaster where it fluctuates. Good luck all my fellow fasters! Catch up with you tomorrow.
-Shazzer
Good Afternoon all! Thanks to whomever suggested Jason Fung, I can’t stop watching him on YouTube! I am so pleased to read through the posts and see how truly supportive people are to each other. I feel that it is so important to be heard and not judged. I read the posts: applaud your victories and feel the pain of your failures. I do not respond because I feel like I don’t have the right words. I am, however, working to be better at making those individual connections, and graciously thank those of you who take the time to do so.
😀
Good afternoon. This is my FD as well. I weighed in today and lost a pound. 🙂 Excited about that. I had written in my diary journal what I was going to have for breakfast, went to the kitchen and fixed my
usual cereal.:0 Not what I had written. Guess it was a brain fog. 🙂 So that messed my whole menu as my breakfast is 300+ calories. Fortunately, I’ve been busy and so far have gotten through most of the day. I can have a few more calories for dinner. #think#think#think
Hello Fellow US’ers. I’m new to this forum and new to the Fast Diet. I’m only on Week 3 but feel excited because I may have finally struck on a plan that is workable for me. I hated Weight Watchers and any other point/calorie system. Those plans make you think of food constantly! This way I do my two fast days and put the notion of “diet” behind me. I’m looking forward to hearing everyone tips and tricks.
Hi AH and welcome:
Here are some tips: https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/
Good Luck!
Congratulations Princess, great milestone! And way to go, K-lo, what a treat to lose on vacation, that sounds nearly impossible to do! Still looking forward to trying that ceviche recipe.
I am fasting today too- I really find it helps to stay busy- I am in the south, everything is blooming, have been working in my flower garden and drinking tons of water. On the non fast days this week, I noticed things that I will need to keep in mind once on maintenance: not eating out of boredom, making good food choices…and not mindlessly munching in front of the TV. Not so easy.
Oh, I read something that suggested we go out and buy something a little too small and hang it in our closet as inspiration…uh, I guess about half my closet is my inspiration ! No need whatsoever to add another thing I can’t fit into. Yet!!! Ha!
Happy fasting!
Love reading these posts and hearing from everyone. Today is only my 5th fast day and I made it from 10:30 last night until 5:30 p.m. Today with only coffee and green tea — I don’t know of a time EVER that I was able to “ignore” the hunger pains successfully! Just finished a completely healthy dinner of grilled lemon herb chicken tenders and steamed green beans! NUM. I too need to be MUCH more aware of the mindless eating/snacking and I do feel like the fasting days are making me more aware if that makes sense? And I agree, being busy (like one thing to the next busy) on fasting days does really help!
Congrats to all those who are making progress and wearing baggy clothes!!! 🙂 Good feelings = motivation = progress! 🙂
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and helpful tips. Today is my first fast. Hunger hit me early this morning. Was able to hold off until 1:30 pm. I’ve tried so many diets that now I get them confused. Have to work on that. Is there a certain amount of protein I should consume on fasting days? Did have some almonds and a grilled chicken breast. Kept it under 500 calories today.
Hi
And welcome all the new posters to our thread- glad to have you here! I had a hard FD today as my workout was a bit more strenuous than I anticipated. Strange thing is that I feel better exercising on FD – I have more energy for it as long as I work out in the morning.
I am hungry tonight but done for the day so a hot cup tea will do.
I have made a big change since starting this WOE- no mindless stuffing my face. I do not read or watch tv while eating anymore- hope to make that a lifelong change.
All your posts really help me to get through the day!!
Went to the beach with my son today but too cold for a bathing suit- just as well as I’m 14 lbs away from my bathing suit goal. I feel like I’m never going to get there but then I read all your posts and I’m inspired to keep going!!
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We pay tribute to our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Michael Mosley. Michael was an integral part of our lives, […]
Michael is touring Australia this September! Here's a link to dates and tickets. Hope to see you there.
Michael Mosley gives an update for 2019, current research in the field and announces a tour starting in February.
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22 Apr 16