This topic contains 1,403 replies, has 122 voices, and was last updated by Anna6 6 years, 11 months ago.
Day 8 Gold Coast, Aus CD
@dykask – great to hear about your experiences with LFD. I’ve seen a few comments about not being able to sleep – I find the opposite, that after a FD I sleep very soundly, much better than if I have food in my stomach. I’m also finding I have lots more energy after fasting than after overeating. I’m concentrating on dropping the weight for now – exercise and building strength will come later.
Hi @mdporter and @chloeelouise and any other newbies I’ve missed, and welcome. This is only my second month, and I am also looking to drop a heap of weight to improve my health. I’m finding the support and information from this community very helpful.
Thanks for the link @jessyoursize – I’ll see if I can find something similar locally.
My last quiet day at home for awhile today, so I’m aiming to make it both productive and healthy. I’m trying to find ways to incorporate more healthy veggies into my diet, so lots of experimenting.
May you all be healthy, may you all be happy, may you all be free from inner and outer harm, may you all care for yourselves joyfully.
Day 7 – Alaska, USA – NFD
Yesterday was a FD but I don’t think I posted.
It went really well except that I went to bed afraid I wouldn’t be able to sleep because I was fantasizing about my breakfast and all the wonderful things I could choose to have! I did fall asleep though and slept very well. When I woke up the hunger was mostly gone and my breakfast was very reasonable
I’ve lost a pound for week one.
Now I really need to focus on a little better control on NFD. Today my main focus is to not eat snacks in between meals. I want to go at least 4.5 hours between meals and eventually work my way up to skipping lunch once or twice a week and making it veggie focused on the other NFD.
@basyjames – re: third post. Well said, well said, I agree wholeheartedly.
@bigviking – nice job!
@bert – I’m truly glad to hear that our stomachs/bodies will adjust to the hunger of 5:2. Not long after I started this WOL, I read an article criticizing 5:2 and saying just the opposite. That our bodies don’t adjust because it’s inconsistent so you’ll always end up starving on a 5:2 as opposed to daily intermittent fasting regimen which your body can truly adapt to. I ignored that article and decided to try it for myself anyway
@miraclelou – have you tried putting your fork or spoon down on the table and your hands in your lap in between every bite? I’ve heard that helps a lot of people slow down when eating. I struggle with eating too fast too. I should probably try that myself! I make myself take a deep full breath in between bites sometimes when I notice that I’m going too fast.
With those leftovers maybe look at it from the economics standpoint of a sunk cost…if your kids had finished the bread at school it would be gone, if they had thrown it in the trash at school or given it to a friend, it would still be gone…so let it be gone. Even if comes home…it could have been gone so just let it be gone…into the trash. It can’t provide nourishment to anyone else in the world and your body doesn’t need it. So just let it be gone. I’m not sure if that makes as much sense out loud as it does in my head. ????
Welcome to all the new comers!
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@happymargo this will give you some idea of the ingredients
I also have the Gut Health book. I use all the recipes as a guide only and try to incorporate as many of the ingredients as possible but I don’t bother with hard to find or expensive ingredients.
@murph58 you can follow a Mediterranean style all you need to do is add lots of veg, healthy fats such as olive oil and include a healthy protein source. It basically focuses on preparing food and avoiding highly processed simple carbs and sugars. Dr M recommends low carb as well.
@happymargo Did I mention you are one of my inspirations?
@abfab5 That sounds amazing! And I have nori on hand. Will make this tomorrow. Mmmm Siracha….
Day 7 NFD Oregon USA
Well the FD went pretty well yesterday. I think I ended up at 550 but given the fact that my husband decided to make chicken fried rice at 8:30 pm and it was wafting through the house tempting me while I tried to drink my tea and think about NOT eating, and didn’t eat it–I consider it a win.
@kerry Ann laughed out loud as I was doing the same thing trying to get to sleep and thinking about what I could eat or breakfast. I did manage to control myself in the morning but last night seemed to draaaagggg on. 🙂
@happymargo agree with the magnesium recommendation and as another strategy I have found listening to books in the night helps me go back to sleep. Now granted, I try to listen to books I’ve heard before so I don’t stay up listening to something interesting, but one of the problems for me is that once I wake up my mind starts trying to solve everything and anything. Books on tape help me not do that and some narrators have voices that just really are soothing.
I read a lot of the posts from people who have been doing fast diet for awhile and it seems like many do 4:3. For those that do–are you losing weight faster? Is that the reason behind it? Or do you eat higher than TDEE on the the four days?
Good thoughts to all. May tomorrow be even better than today.
Day 8, FD, Norway
Good morning all
Thanks @bert1802, @debster251, @metatauta, @jessyoursize,
Well, yes better late than never to reach my October goal, lol… so maybe I should adjust my November Goal slightly. Fiesta Chips dragon came last night too, tonight I’m going to keep myself busy with some household work, to keep any dragon away. Doing my FD today!
I was surprised how many of you didn’t actually read the news online or watch the 6.30pm news on TV. I have 3 newspapers I read throughout the day, but every so often I say to myself: Just stop reading!! And I really think we should have a newspaper with exclusively happy news!!
Well, better get my day started. Have a good one everyone. :)
Day 8 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – FD 3rd B2B2B
Ok, I admit, yesterday I was forced to the ground by a roaring fire, a cool creamy Guinness and a bowl of Hunky Dory crisps, and forced, FORCED, I tells ya, to eat and drink 😨. I stopped before the temptation to go on continued. I went for a brisk walk in the frost this morning before my weigh in and luckily it was not a bust, and down a quarter pound. Phew!
Will try to ensure its a 500 cal or less today. My brother is staying tonight so I will have to make dinner but maybe I will get him and DH a takeaway while I have Konjac and chickpeas 🤔 Very early start tomorrow, up at 3am for our flight, so weigh in will be interesting at that time. Then off to Valencia!
@debster251 DH is coming to Valencia too. It’s me tagging along with the boys really (though I organised everything)!
LOL at the thought of me going to Valencia with DH’s friend while DH stays home 😆
@jessyoursize I should have logged on to you for inspiration before the moment to imbibe Guinness got me. Let’s finish the 3rd day of this B2B2B together!!
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Many congratulations @fatrabbit!
Day 8, Copenhagen, NFD.
Fasted yesterday and was very hungry after dinner, but stuck to it, and just had a few carrots. They pushed me a bit over 500, but considering I was this close to caving and having chocolate, I’ll take those extra 50 carrot calories!
@melania – go for it! I just Googled “broccoli rice sushi” and found some good instructions, but it’s basically the same as with cauliflower rice 🙂 it was so delicious. I added a small spoonful of tahini to make it stick together better, and because I love the taste of tahini.. 😉
Day 8, London, UK, FD
I think I may be teetering on the edge of that slippery slope, where I start to feel sorry for myself, ‘why can’t I eat like everyone else’, ‘why do I have to fast’, which then leads to ‘I’ll just have this week off then back on the wagon next week’…………… but next week never comes. I think I’m not feeling quite myself but I’ve got this week planned and I just have to keep reminding myself that the last doughnut factory in the world isn’t closing down before I get to my goal!!!! This self-pity party would be so much worse with red wine thrown in for good measure!!!!!!!!!!!! Small mercies!!!!
Stay strong everyone!!!!
Day 8 Wales NFD
@murph58 – I don’t eat much meat – perhaps 2 portions a week white meat, BSD can be done on a vegetarian diet.
@fatrabbit – congratulations and Happy Maintenance!
@maayyaa – I’d buy the happy news only newspaper, great idea.
@flourbaby – I had a bit of a self pity wobble myself at the weekend when I felt wine deprived, nearly caved but managed to remind myself that I can eat or drink whatever I want and that I am choosing to be wine free this month because I want to slimmer and healthier. Wobbles will be part of my journey!
@abfab5 – great control on choosing carrots over chocolate!
Its a beautiful frosty blue sky sunny morning so I’m off for a walk. Have a super Wednesday everyone.
Day 8, Belfast, NFD
FD went well yesterday – seemed to stay focused, really busy in work which helps. Had a nice swim on the way home from work. Asian noodle veggie broth for dinner (AGAIN!!!lol)…had a few carrots in the fridge to use up so made spiced carrot and red lentil soup…had to try a few spoonfuls so hoping that didn’t put me too far over my kcals. So yummy though.
@flourbaby – you’ll be grand. I’ve had well over a month of ‘blips’ and now I’m back trying to get into the 5:2 rhythm. As you have pointed out, planning is your friend. But watching Masterchef The professionals last night was torture for me on a FD 😉
I think I might start researching gluten free (to help out my brother with coeliac disease) and ‘healthier’ Xmas treat options (do they even exist??!!) I love baking biscotti and savoury biscuits to hand out as Xmas presents but would like to aim for a slightly ‘lighter’ festive feast, perhaps! If anyone knows of websites that could inspire please post the links
Good luck everyone today xx
Day 8 another FD.
well done @fatrabbit, brilliant news.
@flourbaby, stay strong. The support here is amazing.
Yesterday went ok for me. but was a struggle. I thought it will get easier.. I am hoping it will. Last week(my first week was all guns and blazing). This week not as much.
But on a positive note, half hr exercise every day this week. That does perk me up.
Day 8……Florida…..FD
My NFD went fantastic… ended up being a 100 calories shy of my TDEE. Yippee! I seem to be on track again! What an awesome feeling!
@penz……. The good water must be flowing through Fl. again! Take my hand and will finish the month strong and together!
@kerry Ann…… I so love reading those articles especially the non believers. I’ve been on this WOL for over a year. Okay 1 year and a few weeks. In the last 6 month, maybe even longer, I’ve only heard my belly complain a handful of time. These articles make me laugh because normally the writer has never tried IF as a life style. So, no experiments to back there findings just rambling based on their thoughts.
Let me take it one step further, I’m going to take it way back…… In the beginning of civilization to modernization of our world, people only ate a handful a meals a week. Mainly because they had to hunt and gather, so you know as well as I do, the food was not standing on their doorstep waiting for them. Oh my they lived and prospered.
Here’s another one…….@fatrabbit…. you’ll like this one. When the people discovered how to make cheese, the troops began carrying it with them on their long days and nights in the field because it did not root. Now, these troops did not stop mid battle because it was breakfast or lunch time. They ate when they could, sub staining mostly on cheese and beer. I could go on but I’m sure you get the point.
Both parties without realizing it practiced most forms of IF.
So, most articles based on calling IF a starvation diet, is lying.
@flourbaby…… I understand and feel you. The way, I look at it and maybe it will help you. I think, I’m the only one who eats the right way, everyone else’s is wrong. I mean, I would never say that out loud but in my head when the dragons start playing their tunes! One day, one hour, one minute and one step at a time.
I do not have ducks 🦆
I do not have rows!
I have monkeys 🐒 and they’re running the circus!
Day 8, Brussels, NFD
So yesterday I ended up eating more than my TDEE and today will be just about right I think (or I hope lol).
Tomorrow will be a FD, I’m wondering if I’ll try a liquid fast, I’ve never done it before, so I was wondering if anyone had any hints? I need to go shopping on my way home tonight so I’ll get the right ingredients then! I’m thinking smoothie in the morning (are we allowed bananas?) and soup the rest of the day as it’s cold !
@fatrabbit, well done!!! that’s great and on schedule as well! are you following the classic 5:2 or have you adapted it like some others have to suit you better?
@msraven, good recovery and well done on the spinning class! I no longer have that kind of energy myself so I’m always in awe of those who do it lol
@abfab5, I’ll look up the brocoli rice suchi, sounds interesting 😉
@flourbaby, I hear you, also a bit harder this week, stay away from the wine lol
@aprilsunshine, snap lol last week was also my 1st week and went great, I think now is the hard part and we have to stick it out until it becomes a habit!! We can do it!
@bert1802, yup they are all wrong, every single one of them!! I’ll try that as my new mantra 😉 lol
I think I might reassess my goals on this 1st month of diet, maybe just stick to getting used to the FD 5:2 (or 4:3 depending on the week) and waiting until next month to start adapting my TDEE. I think I might hit a wall if I try doing both at the same time!
I hope everyone has a good day!
Day 8 USA (Illinois) – FD
I need to try for a FD today to re-set my body. Exercise class this morning too.
@onahealthyhigh – thanks for the link to the Daily Mail recipes and regimen of meals. Some look just delicious! Of course, any recipe with grams etc. is always interesting for me to adapt to our US measurements!
@anna6 – I understand how FD calories can oh so easily go over. Have a good day today!
Onward and downward.
Day 8,Germany, FD
My second FD this week and I am feeling very cold today! Yet I am happy to have a 4:3 week, hopefully helping me to reach my November goal. Help myself with warm clothes and warm drinks…
@mjrbcd44 I think 4:3 can be due to both things, speeding things up as well as having eaten over my TDEE. I don’t count kcal on my NFDs, but have my bottom lines that I stick to (most of the time 😉) which is 3 meals a day /nothing in between, no sugar! I for myself cannot do 4:3 all the time, because it makes me feel too weak, but there are plenty of people who can and feel good.
@kerryAnn thanks for your advice, I should probably try that! And I love your idea that the leftovers could have been gone anyway!👍
@fatrabbit yeahhh! Congratulations!!!
Day 8, NFD, US
I’m with you on the Clean Plate Club, HappyMargo. Very very hard to break a lifetime’s habit but I also hope to be able to mindlessly just stop eating when I’m full. I AM good at taking time out before deciding whether to go back for seconds (and most of the time choose not to) so there’s some improvement.
Yay unfatrabbit!
Day 8 NFD
Up to now the sugar dragon has been firmly zipped in my case. Then I discovered Reeve’s pieces and the rest is history as they say.
@daffodil I meant my OH LOL! He’said a big petrol head and would like to be at the superbikes now!
@blueninjamum – thank you for dropping in with such a positive post.
@camcd-I just loved the last lines of your post.
@mjrbcd44 – I play around with my days. If I’ve had an indulgent weekend or want to speed up my rather slow loss I do B&B or 4:3. I’ve also experimented with a liquid fast. I just juggle it all to fit in.
Impeccable timing @fatrabbit!
@coda if you’re lurking, thinking about you. Xo
@penz/HappyMargo the clean plate has bugged me my entire life. I think at the age of 62 I’ve finally cracked it!
I understand fully the concept of the Mediterranean diet, but my word, there are so many carbs on offer here! It’s hard to resist.
There’s a great conversation going on here. Feeling grateful to be part of such an amazing group.
Day 8 – SW WA USA – NFD
It’s a new day! New opportunities! I love new beginnings! Plan to have a day of mindful eating! I reread a post that I printed out that @happymargo had shared some time back, listing some of the many benefits of IF. Those, documented in Dr. Mosleys, Dr. Fung’s work and more, really help me stay the course no matter the comments of nay-sayers… some of my favorites: improved brain function, increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor; slowed aging to brain, possibly delaying or curtailing onset of dementia or Alzheimers; starving off cancer cells, and reduction of inflammationn in the body.
@daffodil2010 – enjoy Valencia! I like the sound of the indoor market someone mentioned.
@fatrabbit – congratulations on reaching your goal of 149.2 & over 100 lbs in a year! All the best on maintenance!
@msraven – Glad you’re feeling better!
@@FlourBaby – hang in there, wobbles and all 🙂
@missybear – I like you you’re embracing the wobbles.
@StephieS – you asked for input on liquid days. Different folks handle it differently. I don’t do water only but in addition to lots of water, add coffee with cashew milk or something, herbal teas, maybe some bouillon or broth, and often a light soup at supper – coming in at 200-300 calories or so for the day.
Remember folks that together we are stronger!
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@missybear – thanks! I’m quite proud of myself as well!
@StephieS – Yes, do! It was so good. Ate a bit too quickly as I was very eager, but it filled me up really well 🙂
@flourbaby – I can relate to your feelings of self pity… They were my downfall last time I did 5:2. I think it helps (although I’ve only been at it for a week and half until now) to think about your goal, about the benefits that fasting brings, and the prospect of eating whatever you want the next day. I re-watched Dr M’s famous Horizon documentary yesterday when I needed a pick-me-up in the late afternoon, which only strengthened my resolve to keep doing this. Also, someone in here – can’t remember who – said that they would rather have an empty stomach than an overly full one, which I have taken to heart. So when those hunger pangs hit, I just think that I’d feel worse if I’d just been gorging myself. It’s helped so far…
Just went to get a hair cut and I don’t know what it is, but whenever I’m sat there, I feel so insecure about my face – or rather, my double chin that’s peeking out. Hopefully I’ll have one chin only, come december! 😉
Another thing. I was worried about my ravenous appetite on NFDs last week. Turns out, it’s already calmed down! I went out for brunch on Monday with my friend, and I almost couldn’t finish the plate (which wasn’t even a large portion). My friend, who normally eats less, and much slower than me, finished off everything and ate much quicker than me, which I was quite amused by. Today I’ve not had lunch as I didn’t have time, and have run on a smoothie since around 10 am, and I’m not even that hungry. Amazing. Hope it’s not just a blip!
Day 8 – USA – FD
@maayyaa, great idea! @daffodil2010, have fun on your Vakay! @Fabrabbit, your progress is amazing! Yay for you! @msraven, glad you are feeling better. @flourbaby, you are so honest and funny! Hang in there! @belfastsink, do you have that spicy carrot lentil recipe? Sounds great! Re: a lighter Christmas treat, I like to subscribe to certain YouTube channels for their lighter or low-carb recipes such as “Dot2Trot”, “KetoConnect”, “Anna’s Kitchen”. You may find some “fat bomb” recipes would be perfect to hand out to friends and co-workers, too. @blueninjamum, good to hear from you and thanks for popping in! I remember you when I first came onto the forum in February 2017. Glad you are doing well!
Day 8 Akron OH FD.
@mjrbcd44 I fell into 4:3 pattern because fasting every other day worked better for me than just 2 days a week. It was easier than 5:2 in my opinion and I could take a few liberties here and there if I really felt like it.
Now I am in maintenance and I only eat OMAD (one meal a day) in the evening on my fast days, with a mocha coffee in the morning; eating more than that makes me feel too full. At this point I would have to work really hard to get back into what everyone else calls “a normal eating pattern”.
@blueninjamum what a cool handle you have! Thanks for sharing your story and reiterating to us all that this WOL works for the long term.
@miraclelou when I started ADF I was concerned about the whole “starvation mode” myth. I can personally confirm that it’s a myth, because I lost 20 pounds this year on this lifestyle and so far I am still in my happy weight range. As long as my intake for the week stays within my weekly TDEE goal, I don’t gain weight. When I take in too much in a given week, my weight goes up, when I stay below it goes down. Now every once in a while, I hit a plateau on the scale but I have noticed that I still lose inches during my plateaus.
@abfab5 I would say go for it, you will not regret it.
On that note, I have to get to work and earn my keep.
My best to you all 🙂
@redcat – welcome, the challenge is about following the 5:2 way of eating for the month with the support of others on this thread. Go to the top of page 1 of this thread to see a full explanation by @jessyoursize who is hosting this month.
Day 8 – Colorado USA- NFD
Up at 3:20am. Early, yes, but I’m used to getting up at 4:00 every morning for work. Plus, I managed 7 glorious hours of sleep. Sweet!!
Used that early time well… Put the finishing touches on converting my craft/ office/ sewing room into a bedroom for my Mom’s visit. It’s so clean & cozy. All new bedding & a comfortable sitting area with brand new club chair (the cat loves this!)
My OH is gobsmacked by the transformation. (Did I use that word right? 😃 I’ll let this international community set me straight.)
Anywho, those that have been on here for some time know, I’ve always had difficulties with OH accepting 5:2. He hates eating alone & gets all cranky on nights I tell him I’m Fasting or not eating the same meal with him. Sigh. That’s where I’ve had better luck implementing 18:6 or OMAD one meal a day & saving my calories for dinner. I still benefit from intermittent fasting, while not hearing him whine. Win!
But last night, OH admits he’s let his weight creep up a bit. His waistbands are getting too tight. We agreed that as soon as Mom departs, we are on the 5:2 diet train together. Finally some support on the home front. Yay!
@onahealthyhigh – Thank you for the article link! It’s a nice recap of 5:2 with a little Gut Biome info thrown in too. The recipes sound yummy & easy. I’m currently taking probiotics per doctor orders, to re-establish my healthy gut flora post-op. I’m interested in aiding this with proper foods too. Will definitely give some of those recipes try!
Day 9, FD, I usually post in the evening but today is a FD and I want to write that down now so that I’m committed to doing it today. Don’t know why, but I feel as if today may be a day where I get a bit wobbly. So, I’ve started well – 60 cal breakfast – and I promise myself I’ll end well too! See you all in 12 hours or so.
Good evening, still day 8, FD, Norway
@fatrabbit – congratulations!! looking forward to when its my turn to be in maintenance 🙂
@happymargo – i have had similar with my OH… he “keeps forgetting”…. like just right now, he was in the kitchen baking my birthday cake for tomorrow (which is why i did my FD today instead of tomorrow) and he asks me from the kitchen – “do you want to lick the spatual(?)….” (sorry dont know the english word lol…). well, i told him i would love to, but i CANT!!! this is like the fifth time today, NO THANK YOU, its my FAST day….hehe…well… he has joined me on and off a week here and there… and he loses weight fast… he loves his bread and coca cola…so when he skips that, well the pounds poor off.. probably to easily so my guess is that he thinks this is so easy he can do it whenever, no need to work on it… he has about ZERO self control when it comes to chocolate dragons…. he has two choices, join me or eat alone 2 times a week 🙂
its 8:30pm now…looking forwarding getting to bed earlier and earlier on FD´s hehe…been pretty active in the house today, so not too difficult FD.
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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.
in Welcome to The Fast Diet and Exercise forums • updated 5 hours, 15 minutes ago by funshipfreddie
in Weight loss • updated 15 hours, 54 minutes ago by hedgehogs
in Welcome to The Fast Diet and Exercise forums • updated 2 days, 1 hour ago by thinatlast
10:17 pm
7 Nov 17