Day 15 Massachusetts USA FD Had my most sensible FD breakfast today- egg whites, toast, fruit. I won’t eat again until dinner. On FD’s I have to eat dinner on the early side, 5 or 5:30 pm. It’s working well for me to plan FD meals a couple of days in advance, especially since our vacation home is 45 minutes from any decent markets. Soon the Farmer’s markets will begin, making local produce more accessible. I won’t have a (new) weight until the end of the month. That’s how I prefer to do it. Hope my FD’s have better results in June than last month, when I stayed on a plateau. Hi to all!

(2ND POST)

@hotchoc

Please don’t despair!!

I have found that my weight loss can trail a full two weeks behind my efforts!
(The same applies for me re weight gain too – after a holiday I think that I’ve got away scott-free and then 10-14 days later I notice an ‘inexplicable’ uptick on the scales!)

Also please don’t forget (I’m sure you know all this already)
(1) Your words and user name look like you are female – so that potentially has its own cyclical challenges??
(2) Food transit – food moves through our bodies in mysterious ways!!
(3) If you don’t drink enough water, then your body can actually cling on to water and make you heavier. You mention you are feeling tired – this could be a clue! You need to drink A LOT of water when you are fasting.

Lastly and most importantly, it isn’t helpful to look at the 5:2 as a crash diet. It is far from a crash diet! The 5:2 brings steady slow weight loss (in my case very slow!) but it really really does work! No overnight miracles though I’m afraid! Have a look at my earlier post of today :0)

REALLY REALLY good luck and please don’t give up! X

Hi @fivetwofan5252

Thanks for your help. I am female. Wonder if you think hotchoc refers to something other than the winter time cold evening hot chocolate drink I love! Maybe I should change it. I digress.

I am in it for the long haul, I’ve read the book twice and feel I can fit this approach in to my routine. I will try more water though the constant loo visits are hard in my job.

I am tired from late nights and visiting children in the night. Can the 5:2 make you tired too?

Off to have a big glass of water. Thanks so much. I appreciate it x

Hi @schatziii

Thanks for your reply. it’s good to know it’s not unusual to stay the same for a while. I must head over to he spreadsheet and see how everyone is doing and put my data in too. I am happy to be patient, I’m not looking for a quick fix.

Nobody apart from you guys on this forum know I am doing the 5:2 which may sound odd but it is a quiet little personal challenge I have set myself. Is that weird?

Day 15—Albuquerque, NM—FD

Hooray, another fast day! I am hungry as anything and it’s only 10:30 am. Sheesh.

@m33 — Motivation is so personal. For me it’s about wearing the clothes in my closet and not constantly having to buy more as I grow. What brought you to this WOE in the first place? In an earlier post you mentioned health issues and new medication. Maybe you can find your motivation in resolving these issues or getting off the medication. Maybe there’s an activity you want to do that would be easier with a lighter body…e.g., running a 5K or climbing Snowdon. One great thing about 5:2, especially if you combine it with lower carb (under 100g per day) or with a 16:8 pattern is how quickly you will see changes.

That said, we are here to provide moral support for each other, so please write in to the forum! On fast days I just want to post and post and post.

@flourbaby –Thanks for the reminder to not dwell on mistakes of the past. A very bad habit of mine, probably one of the worst. I tell my daughter that you can’t know what the future holds, you just have to make the best decisions you can today, given what you know and who you are and want to be, and just decide not to regret them later. Wish I could take that advice!

@debster251 –Thanks for the FB link. Looks like a dedicated person can ferment pretty much anything. Hmmm…

@hotchoc — Not weird at all. I reveal my eating habits on a strictly need-to-know basis. It avoids having to endure judgment, criticism, or –worst of all—unsolicited advice.

INTERNATIONAL POCKET LIST day 15:
(please add your name to the list if you are fasting today)
***TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!!!****
@onahealthyhigh
@mila69
@taraga
@belfastsink
@krisnia
@yolina
@keetseel

@hotchoc From some of the other research around, sleep deprivation can make your blood sugar spike, which has all sorts of effects. My youngest has only recently started regulalry sleeping through and the nights when she doesn’t I wake up very hungry and craving carbs, even though most days I don’t have breakfast and I’m not hungry till lunch and usually don’t break my fast with anything carb heavy.

Day 15 California USA 5:2 FD

Yesterday I had a pretty good NFD but had a bowl of air popped popcorn in the afternoon. Even without spraying oil, enough of the salt stuck and I think that’s the reason for my 1 pound gain this morning. I’m hoping that today’s fast will get that off, and maybe a little more too. Salt has a big effect on my weight when I eat more than usual.

@debster251 I ferment Kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut and other odds and ends. Thank you for the link. There’s another one too but I’ll have to get the link from my desktop computer. I need to put up some sauerkraut soon. That would be a great thing for FD. Now that it’s warmer here it would probably take only a week to ferment enough to start eating it. It’s even better after about a month.

@hotchoc the 5:2 diet leaves me feeling tired sometimes too but it’s usually in the afternoon. I wish I would feel more tired at night! Don’t get discouraged. This way of losing can seem slow sometimes, but the scale eventually moves down. It seems easier for me to stick to than other diets, so I guess that’s the trade-off.

INTERNATIONAL POCKET LIST day 15:
(please add your name to the list if you are fasting today)
***TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!!!****
@onahealthyhigh
@mila69
@taraga
@belfastsink
@krisnia
@yolina
@keetseel
@awilson
@califdreamer

Day 15 – Cumbria UK – NFD

Weight 54.5kg

Managed to stay just below my TDEE all this week so far………2nd FD of the week will be tomorrow

@m33 – try keeping in mind why you started this WOL – I find remembering how I used to feel compared to how I now feel in maintenance a great incentive
@happymargo – despite the hard work your love for your job comes through your post 👩‍⚕️
@lynzm – doing well
@fatrabbit – leave the negative behind and move forward – tomorrow is another day and you are stronger than this
@debster251 and @songbirdme – have not tried water kefir or kombucha – had to look it up and wikipedia says “Kombucha is a variety of fermented, lightly effervescent sweetened black or green tea drinks” I make milk kefir and love it – have a glass each night before bed FD or NFD and sleep well – not sure if related to the Kefir or not?????
@ciren2 – welcome back – Temps well up in the 40Cs is a bit too much for me too – glad you had a good time – must have been rather special to visit some of the places there
@fivetwofan5252 – I have never made water kefir but apparently it contains fewer strains of bacteria and yeasts than milk kefir. On the other hand, water kefir contains far more than other cultured products, like yogurt or buttermilk – this seems to be an informative website about it:- http://www.culturesforhealth.com › Learn › Water Kefir
@hotchoc – some great advice already given – stick with it – 5:2 WOL works – I am proof of that BUT it is not a diet but a change of how you eat/drink on a permanent basis – I have lost over 2.5stones and maintained that loss since December 2016 – If I can do it so can you – stay positive x

A positive thought for anyone struggling
“I am capable. I am strong.
If I believe in myself, I can turn my dreams into a plan, and my plan into my reality”

Day 15-18 Germany, NFD

Day 15 – Scotland – NFD
Another terrible night, probably the worse since I’m alone with the boys, but today was not too difficult. A little friend who has already had chicken pox came for a playdate, her mum brought some cupcakes from a lovely shop (winner of the local best cake competition in the last three years). I’m not a big fan of cupcakes, but I had one to show gratitude. So much sugar!!! Still unsure whether I should fast tomorrow or not. Mainly because I won’t be able to do it next week, for at least 8-9 days. And I have two weddings in between, and I still have to decide what to wear!

NFD day 15 UK scales show 78.8 kg.
Ah well…I might need to curb my appetite on NFD alais not till after my July holibobs. Because Polish pierogi and I are a match made in heaven.

Today I did my usual walking, short run,clocked 10k plus in total distance. I also LIFTED and even though my weights are nothing to write home about I am elated. 5 years of physio it took me to get back into it. So Im careful, plan to obessively work on my technique for two months minimum.

In a meantime 80 yr old ladies will put me to shame by lifting cats and shopping bags heavier than my gym weights 😂.

A little dream of mine is to lift my body weight and hold it over my head before throwing it o the floor with satysfying thump by next August. No idea what correct terminology is used for this but I ve plenty of time to find out. That and running an ultra. If my body will ever allow it 😆 that is. I ll be happy with what I ve right now for the rest of my life so while I aim high I wont cry if I ll only ever do half marathons.

Day 15, UK, FD

Forgot to check in this morning. Day 1 of a B2B.

Day 16 FD country West Australia 73.0 kgs

Wasn’t going to try for a FD as it is a very busy day including going to see my beautiful mum who is in Aged Care due to dementia ( awful awful awful disease), then travelling and then office work all afternoon/evening.
But then I saw how many others were doing a fast and thought, well why not?
@annemarilyn, sounds like we might be on the same plateau!
To those who are wavering, or disappointed at lack of weight loss I suggest you simply persevere.
I haven’t lose weight ( reason I first started 5:2) since FEBRUARY!!! – 16 weeks of not heading downward and staying down.
I daily weigh and allow for a 1 -2 kg variation. I only log Saturday morning’s weight.
Since February this year I got to 71.5 kgs ONCE and only briefly ( lowest in years) .
Since then have hovered around 72.5 – 73 kgs.
This despite FDs at 500 calories and controlled NFDs.
I used to count calories which kept NFDs very mindful. However I had never counted calories before and like many here found it very tedious.
I have counted on and off ( currently not counting) since February and for me definitely find it helpful but do not plan to do it forever.
I have mentioned previously that I have done all sorts of variations of fasting, eating less carbs, less sugar, less of everything and STILL the scales are playing host to the Fat Fairy and her many relatives with cement boots who seem to have also taken up residence there.

However, as I re-iterate, it is the other health benefits that keep me chugging along.
In February when I hit the plateau, the mountain in front of me only seemed like K2, so I put on the hiking gear and got ready for an uphill assault.
Now the blip in the road has morphed into Mount Everest, so tightened up the laces, girded the loins and preparing to face a higher mountain.
@at and others, thanks for the mantras etc to keep us motivated
@fatveganchickslims, your resistance work sounds great – it is so good for you. There are some really good bodyweight resistance exercises you can do : going from sitting to standing several times; wall push ups; lifting yourself up from a chairseat with your arms etc. BUT to be done with health professional advice especially if you have injuries / health issues.

Life keeps happening one day at a time, and as I’ve also said before, scales which refuse to co-operate and bounce around like a big- bossomed lady running without a bra, it is not such an issue compared with what others are facing around the globe.
Thoughts with all those in London with the tragic fire.
Still desperate for rain in the south of WA – getting serious now.
Have a good day/weekend all.🙃

Day 16 NFD
I have to start by saying thank you to @Lumat- your post has helped me come back down to Earth with all the other sane and sensible people.
I remember back 16years to when my baby boy was 10months old with chicken pox- he rejected solids and reverted to being fully breastfed, all while I was on orientation to my new role as a Theatre Nurse and I didn’t know it at the time but was also brewing my own case of Chicken Pox having never had them in my own childhood. I so sympathise with your plight and I really needed to read that and get perspective on my current mood state.
My husband with all good intention of letting in more light from the French doors, had the audacity to rearrange the lounge suite in our living room this morning. How dare he think he can shift furniture in his own home!!!
Let’s just say my reaction was extreme, semi psychotic and as far from rational as you can get without looping all the way back round to normal. I declared our entire house a disaster zone, insisted that we must move immediately and discard all our stupid furniture in the process…how an inanimate item like a sofa can be deemed dim witted is mysterious even to me, and I’m the one who said it!
I’ve now stomped my cranky backside out for a walk by the river whilst hoping to trip over rational behaviour I can take home with me when I return.
I have also just checked my calendar and figured out that day 27 is about to become day 28 and I suspect my intense desire to do bodily harm to the man I hold most dear in all the world will subside with the arrival of that particular time. Grrrrr, I knew I wasn’t actually angry, and if anything my irritation was enhanced by feeling so confused by my own response.
I hope that’s not just TMI for everyone but I needed to let it out before a blew a brain gasket. Time to finish my walk…and apologise to my poor husband, who in his confusion and possible fear for his limbs actually offered to go shopping for furniture tomorrow! Poor man.

@lany36 I loved hearing your very entertaining story. My husband would love it as he could totally relate to how confused your poor husband may be! 😂😂 Don’t worry, you are in if not good company, then company all the same! 😂

Day 16, UK, FD

2nd day of B2B

Day 16 – FD

Over the half way point, keep going everyone 😊

Day 16 Newcastle UK FD
Trying to preempt a dodgy food weekend by doing my 3rd fasting day of the week. This last 5lb is being very stubborn to go two fasting days under my belt and mindful eating on the NFD and still a 1lb heavier than last week.
Have a great day everyone whatever your doing.

Day 16 Wales UK – NFD
Thank you everyone for the tips & support. I managed a 500 calorie fast yesterday, so feeling more positive.

For the last 2.5years I’ve had joint & muscle pain with fatigue & a host of other symptoms. I’m still waiting for a diagnosis but at the moment I’m being treated for possible fibromyalgia which involves regular B12 injections & paroxetine which has a side effect of weight gain.
I was already a bit over weight but this has added to the problem.

I had a bodytrax scan a few months ago & was told I need to try & loose 54lbs.
I have a beautiful dress in my wardrobe which was bought before the weight gain & never worn, I looked at it last night to keep me motivated.

Day 16 Belfast FD
So sorry to hear about the shooting tragedy in the US. I only picked it up from @bert. Our news has been rather one track these last few days.
@ciren2 – welcome home! I’m so glad your holiday was a success. There’s your proof that this WOL works!
@fivetwofan5252 slow and steady is the answer. You’ve listed four good indicators of your success. A big high five ✋️ Water kefir is slightly fizzy and has a slight ginger flavour. I much prefer this to the milk grains. Here’s a link you might find useful. Sauerkraut and kombucha are my next two projects.
http://waterkefirgrains.com/frequent-questions.asp
@krisnia and @yolina stay strong. Just hang in there!
Thanks for the link @ CalifDreamer. A whole new world is opening up in front of me.
@fatveganchickslims – those are impressive goals. Good luck. Look forward to hearing you’ve achieved them!
@lany36 your post rang so many bells! Now I’ve swapped those awful moods for hot flushes, which I’ve had for over 10 years😢
This is my third FD in the week so here we go. ONWARDS QND DOWNWARDS!

Day 16…..Florida…. FD

When my kids were little, there was a great big break out of chicken pox in the neighborhood. My oldest was in 2nd grade and the baby was in preschool. Nearly the whole school was out, there was a handful of students including mine that didn’t have it. So, one of the mothers suggested a pox party, cuz well everyone was going to get it eventually anyways right? Many thought, we get the illness cycled through and be done with it. So, the kids who didn’t have it had a much needed play date with kids who did. It cycled through the school and returned to normal activities about week, week and a half later. Long story short, my kids never had the chicken pox, even after I exposed them.

Yesterday, I went off the rails. I ate cookies chocolate chip to be exact for breakfast and lunch. Then had a dinner which consisted mostly of protein. We had a beautiful roast but the kids ate most of the veg in it. I love it when they do that. Anyways, the 4 10th of a pound gone this morning……
Odd body I have!

I believe the fighters have resumed Kung-fuing, as there is tons of lightening in the sky this morning!

Day 16 Post 1 Huntingdon UK NFD

I usually fast on Mondays and Fridays but had such a busy day at work yesterday and realised by teatime that I had had a tiny breakfast and no lunch so decided to have a small evening meal and turn yesterday into a fast day and have today as a NFD.

Amazingly we are half way through June already . So my plan and the way that works for me is that I have a goal for end of June and I have a goal for mid August when son gets married. The August goal is to reach 11stones…. which is the top end of my healthy BMI weight. After that the goal will be to reach my mid BMI weight…… and after that is maintenance by which time lots of walking and some fasting will be a WOL. For maintenance I intend to fast 1 day per week and probably maintain 10,000 steps a day .

Thats my plan…. not everyones way of doing it I am sure ….but it gives me something to aim for short term, mid term and long term and thought I would share the strategy.
Keep on keeping on !!

Day 16, Mountaintop PA USA, NFD 146.6 pounds

Completed 7 months on Fast 5:2 IF and down a solid 12 pounds, three pounds under my original goal. Averages 1.7 pounds per month, which doesn’t sound like much but it is great for me. I continue to walk/hike about 4 miles a day up my mountain trail and back noting my progress on my Fitbit. I have been steadily walking for 3.5 years at the end of this month and am closing in on 5,000 miles total.

FD’s are routine and NFD’s are controlled. No sugar or refined carbs for me. DH and I are in this together and the reinforcement of this WOL is strong.

I continue to take favorite clothes to the seamstress for tailoring. Others are put up or sale on eBay for others to enjoy.

I have lots of energy every day. Amazing how the 5:2 Fast IF complements vitality. Good luck to all on this healthy journey.

Day 16, Munich, Germany, NFD

Day 16, Gozo, Malta, nfd

Going out this evening with two of my sister-in-laws for dinner.

Have a great Friday everyone, it’s the weekend again.