Hi! I’m pretty new here and am in my third week of fasting. I agree with everything bigbooty shared above. What has helped me in these early weeks is being organized ahead of time. I consult with myfitnesspal a day or two before my FD to work out how I’m going to spend my 500 calories on my Fasting Days and I arrange all those foods to be at hand. This works well since then there is no question about what or how much to eat when the FD arrives. Even though I use myfitnesspal, I always verify accuracy of foods if possible, since I’ve noted discrepancies from time to time. One other thing I attribute to a somewhat seamless and painless start to fasting is that I ensure I consume all the 500 calories planned for the 5 days. This is a personal thing and allows me to feel nourished and taken care of. I’ve never skimped on the 500 calories and I don’t think I’d last long if I did. I need to do everything to ensure I’m here for the long haul. There’s a page with a lot of FAQs that Michael Mosley answers and I found that very helpful to read and follow in the beginning and there is another thread with even more extensive info. I found this forum so helpful in my journey so far.

I tried this diet 2 months ago and fell off the wagon although I haven’t put any more weight on I have gained a couple of inches. I am going on the trip of a lifetime to a wedding in California in December as well as turning 40 at the beginning of November. I need to lose about 35 to 40 lbs. I’m a busy shift worker too. Any advice and support would be so much appreciated. A couple of years ago I lost weight unhealthily through stress but loved fitting into clothes so easily. Now that I’m happy I want that feeling again but this time through a healthier way. I’ve read the book, the fridge is stocked with healthy choices and i’m ready to do this

Chips,

Are you wanting to lose 35-40 pounds by December? Its do-able but will be hard work in that time frame. Avoid all grain based foods like bread, pasta, pizza, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes. Get most of your carbs from veggies. Avoid “healthy” cereals, they are just plain crap. Dr Kellogg has a lot to answer for with his weird nutritional mantra that he started 100 years ago. Avoid fruit juice and dried fruit, might as well eat sugar, same thing. Whole fruit is fine (avoid bananas) and go for your berry types fruits.