Good Morning Everyone! Yesterday was a fasting day for me and I was successful this time 🙂 Today I feel awesome Fasting days are sometimes tough but the next day I am amazed how refreshed and energized I feel. I went to bed last night craving food but I didn’t get up to eat and when I awoke this morning I wasn’t craving the apple pie that was in my fridge. I swear my teenage daughter is trying to sabotage me LOL.I am looking forward to today’s lunch- I made a ham and spinach wrap with red pepper hummas as dressing to replace the old mayo I always used to use! Thank you everyone for posting! It is encouraging to know we can all support each other.Vicki Remember you are the only one that can measure your self worth! Don’t try so hard to please others because you are the most important person and what you feel about yourself is what matters! Hang in there! We are here to support you

Tracey, I re-started up 4:3 7 weeks ago after a 8 month break or so. Its so easy to get back into the swing of it and the weight continues to melt away. Good luck!

So I’m just finishing my 3rd fast day today didn’t mean to fast but I only had about 200 calories until about 3 o clock so just thought I’d keep going was really hungry ther so just had a lettuce wrap with ham and pickled onions! Weighed myself in Tuesday and 3lbs down since Friday so happy with that even though I know it’s probably only water weight but any loss is good .. So I’ve fasted Monday and today does that mean I have feed days for the next 4 days :O can’t believe it! Loving all the tips! Thinking of doing 4:3 for next week as I have my birthday party Saturday, anybody find the 4:3 very tough?

Well I’ve just come back from seeing my doctor and what I thought was muscular pain from separated abdominal muscles after having my babies is in fact a problem with my stomach. He complimented me on my hard work losing 3 stone and my abdominal muscles are exceptional! But he told me not to fast anymore and I have to take some tablets for it. Bummer! I’ve only got another stone or so to go. Now to rethink what to do. I didn’t do well with ww and I get fed up with any diet after a couple of weeks. Do I just accept I can’t lose more or try something else?

Hi Mamamoo, I’m guessing your problem is something to do with acid/reflux/gastritis? Indeed fasting can make this worse as your stomach will be unlined so the environment in your stomach will be pretty acidic & painful & at worse could lead to something more dangerous like a stomach ulcer which is bad news. Ultimately it is up to you, you know how your body feels, if you are getting lots of discomfort then your body is not happy & something needs to change. If you drink coffee/fizzy drinks/smoke/like spicy foods then try & stop. Good luck!

As for myself, a feed day today, am experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen which has been fun. Made this satay chicken quinoa dish for dinner, it was delish! ( http://thefastingdoctor.wordpress.com for my blog update & recipe). I do however need to clean my diet up. Whilst I like the odd treat this can often turn into the odd treat or two or three or… Going to tackle it once I get back on track with my fast day tomorrow!

Week one done – fasted 3 times to get a ‘kick start’. Am down 5.25 lbs of which 4.5 lbs came off after the fist day (water I am thinking) so despite that I am thinking there has actually been some ‘real’ loss over the week. Onwards and downwards he cried!

Hi everyone

It’s great to hear all your experiences. I’ve been doing the 5:2 diet for 6 weeks now (started at the beginning of July) and have so far managed to lose just over 6kg, so I’m rapt! However, I do have a lot to lose so that’s probably why I’ve made such a great start. I want to lose about 15 more kg over the next eight months, so hopefully that’s a realistic goal.

Am combining the 5:2 diet with pilates once a week and getting on the exercycle 4-5 times a week, and plotting my cycling distances on a big map in our kitchen showing the route of the Tour de France (where I average about 120Kms per week, much less than the professionals do in a day!). I do this each year and I find it really motivating and easy to do in the evenings before I go to bed.

Before becoming pregnant with my third child I lost 20kg with Weight Watchers, but I’m finding the 5:2 much less punitive than that regime and I am happier that my seven year old daughter can see me enjoying a less psychologically obsessive relationship with food, while still working toward being physically healthier. That’s got to be a good thing for both of us.

I’ve always eaten plenty of vegetables and fruit but been very overweight, and in the last 10 years I’ve given birth to three very large babies, which is a risk factor for diabetes, which is very sobering. So at the age of 43 I need to get going and focus on looking after myself more. After all, my three children are slender and sporty, and I’m well … ahem … not!

Anyway looking forward to sharing my journey with you from time to time. I am expecting my weekly weight loss to diminish gradually over time, but if I just gradually trend down I’ll be happy.

Keep those good news stories coming – I love reading about how you are all getting on, you are all so inspiring :o)

Seung – I wouldn’t mess about with too many supplements tbh (especially coffee as it’s probably not a massively effective way of improving your health). If you have 5kg to go, and you have worked out that your 1310 Cals a day is maintaining your current weight, then you either need to drop to less than this, or add another fast day, or burn more calories through exercise.

Last day of week 4 today of 4:3/3:4, weigh in tomorrow but I think I have lost 12lbs so far. It seems to be settling at 2 lbs a week now, which gives me only 2 weeks to go to my goal (but I’ll reassess when I get there).

I’ve had a bit of an energy dip today (not unusual tbh), I think it’s because my diet is too carb heavy (especially today – impulsive decision to have cake for breakfast!) Now I’ve added some daily exercise into my life I think I need some more protein, but I don’t cook and don’t like meat much. I have ordered some protein whey milkshake (chocolate flavour) I thought I could have for breakfast. Anyone tried these? Are they good and do they taste nice?!

2fast2furious- thanks I will see what I can do about calories! I have bought one of those chocolate whey protein shakes few weeks ago- 80kcal a drink- but I am afraid it doesn’t taste that good- feels like drinking weird bits in water that’s not quite mixed.. But I do try having it once in a while to boost protein. You can try those ‘forgoodness shakes’ – think they have like 20g protein and actually tastes good- 245kcal I think! Or upbeat – 195kcal or something and contains 15-20g protein I think. They taste good too.
Has anyone tasted ‘wheyhey’ icecream? Does it taste good?

Welcome @pmhlb ! Sounds like you are doing great! mm an ice cream sandwich sounds great! Definitely glad you patted yourself on the back despite the little slip up, that’s the way to go, just get back on that wagon 🙂

@seung I agree with @2fast2furious re: avoiding supplements. They are either dangerous or faddy or don’t work (otherwise why would people be overweight in the first place…). I have tried wheyey ice cream & they are yummy! I wouldn’t have them regularly in my diet (as they are processed etc.) but they are a nice treat (particularly the chocolate one)!

@2fast2furious what do you have normally for protein? Do you like eggs? Tofu? Chia seeds can be good mixed with smoothies or ‘chia seed pudding’ (but admittedly they are pricey… though probably the same as whey products). I guess those are the more ‘natural’ sources of protein but there are so many people who take whey so I’m sure you’ll be ok with it.

As for myself, my weight is the same (60kg, I’m 5ft 5) yet my measurements continue to decrease! I’ve lost just under 5 inches in the past 2 weeks (I only took measurements from week 1). I can notice a difference too with clothing etc. so it’s great. Break down of measurements on the blog: http://thefastingdoctor.wordpress.com/2014/08/10/day-19-fast-day-fry-up-well-yes-please/

Still staying active at the pool whilst I can…

& having fun experimenting with fast day meals. Today was a fry-up! Yes, a fry up! Recipe on the blog 🙂

Happy fasting & new week to everyone!

Hi, I started back in January and have lost 23 lbs. Once I experienced a few fast days, I became confident I could live through them. At first, just after a fast, I binged on my favorite non-healthy foods taking the “eat whatever you want on non-fast days” quite literally. I still lost about a pound per week, but then figured it was foolish to eat anything I wanted after going through the effort of fasting for 36 hours. So I did. Lately, I’ve noticed, that walking on fast days adds to the weight loss.

Also, I weigh myself every morning. Then I average the 7 daily weights into one at the end of the week. I tend to think that’s a better approach. So I’ve lost a little less than 1 # per week.

When I travel, which is about one week a month, I just eat normally and try to maintain the weight I left home with. So far so good.

Stick with it, it works. Eventually you get used to being hungry two days a week.
I’m grateful for the system.

Lucky I do eat a little bit of meat occasionally, and I like baked beans and cheese! I tried a For Goodness Shake today – mmm delicious! Thanks for the suggestion Seung.

I did consecutive days the first 4 months. Then I went on Holiday and thought it was easier to do non consecutive days and realised I found it so much easier. I was always hungrier and felt weak on day 2. Plus I felt bloated on Sunday nights. And my weight fluctuated a lot more. But I’m happy it’s working for someone.

I liked the idea of getting the diet days out of the way. But it wasn’t for me.

Hello, my husband and i have started fasting about 6 weeks ago and are becoming discouraged with the slow weight loss we are experiencing. He says he hasn’t lost any weight (needs to drop nearly 100 lb) and I have lost about 4 lbs of the 60 i’d like to shed. Any words of encouragement from anyone?

Good luck Dawn, me too. The book definitely helps recipes are very helpful and I’ve found them delicious, especially chicken stir fry YUM!
My recent results from bloods are showing a slight downward trend so on the right track keep with it I’m there with you xx :o)

I started 3 weeks ago lost 4 put on 4 lost 4 put an then lost 4 an put on 3.5 but I hav had a big birthday last week and had weekends away etc. So this week will show me wether it works or not do u do consecutive or day fast day eat etc.

Hello all. I’m on my 4th week of fasting. After 3 weeks I’d lost 8 lbs, though whenever I diet I always lose more in the first week. My aim is to lose around 1 lb per week sustainably.

All my diets in the past have involved losing weight more quickly but as soon as I’ve reached target weight I’ve stopped and gone back to bad habits and the weight has crept back on. I’m hoping that this will be a change of lifestyle as much as a diet. I have massive issues with portion control and bingeing but have found that under control with the 5 2. So far at least.

Ideally I’d get down to target weight (about 2 stone away) and then move onto the 6 1 to try and maintain that weight, meaning I can have a naughty day and not feel too bad about it afterwards.

Anyway, I’m hoping that checking in here will help keep me motivated and it’s always nice to read about other peoples’ success as it helps me feel like I can do it too!

Josie

@seung
I tend to stay between 150 and 350 kcal. I would do complete fasts but my mum is my fasting buddy and she would be really unhappy if oud biweekly meals would end. She really needs the communal feel of it and I enjoy it too.

So no, many of us actually eat on fast days.

Hi all, I started the 5:2 about a month ago and I find the fasting days hard but I can get through them. My biggest problem are the non-fast days where I give in to cravings for chocolate, cakes, crisps, cheesy pastas and anything I can eat really. I just seem to have incredible cravings and my mind thinks ‘eat it because you can’t on Mondays and Thursdays’. Needless to say I’m not seeing huge weight loss. I’m 158cm and around 58kgs. I would like to be 53kgs. The other problem is my partner has a tendency to buy chocolate and chippies – so it’s there in the house at times and I just cave in.

You guys have tangerines this time of year, @vicky65? That’s such a winter fruit to me it almost feels wrong eating them in summer.

Hello

I need to lose two stones..I’ve been on diet for two weeks and finding the fast days ok however…on the day after a fast I am ravenous!! I crave and crave…although I stay under my TDEE I still eat more than I used to and also more things I used to avoid like sugar and bread. I also suffered insomnia but that seems to be fading. Other side effects are tiredness and grumpiness!! Someone said that these side effects should begin to fade soon..is this true?

Hi everyone! Well it’s been an interesting 2 weeks. Had a major IBS flare-up (sorry if TMI) and I don’t know why I didn’t figure it before but I’ve worked out what my triggers are and why I always seem to flare up when dieting. Basically I am now eating a grain-free vegan diet and never felt better! And I’m also 2lb down this week which takes me to my previous lightest weight. With such a restricted diet, I’m way under TDEE every day so there’s no need to fast anymore (I was considering fasting again even though dr told me not to, as I’ve eliminated the need for the meds he prescribed). Anything I lose now is just gravy and I certainly don’t have any hurry to lose loads more as I’m comfortably into a size 10.

In 9 weeks (6 of those fasting) I have lost 1 stone (10.12 to 9.12) and lost 2.5 inches from the 3 body zones. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but with doing slimming world last winter I’ve lost a total of 3 stones since my son was born in May last year, which is 3 dress sizes. I’m over the moon to have my figure back and now on the right track to feeling healthier. Fasting has taught me how hunger really feels and that I don’t need to constantly snack to feel ok through the day. Becoming vegan has already taught me that the non-vegan food I was eating actually made me significantly hungrier!

HI everyone, well that’s me into my fifth week of fasting and its going really well. I have lost 10lbs so far and hopefully another pound or two on Wednesday when I do my fifth weigh in. I prefer to weigh quite regularly and especially after a fast day. The last two fast days (yesterday and last Friday) I weighed myself the morning after and each of those days I had lost a pound but I never get complacent as other fast days I have lost nothing!

These fast days now seem to spring on me… because I also invested in a good juicer I now juice every morning as a breakfast replacement and even though the juice I make works out at about 300 calories (I always put half an avocado to keep me fuller longer) I love the health benefits and the way I feel when I juice. If I get to lunchtime and I am coping OK I will decide then to fast for the rest of the day.

Friday was a challenge with a social event but I was so proud of myself for sitting with my friends all eating chips and onion rings (my fav!) and not touching even one! NEVER thought I would be able to do that!

This diet is so much less challenging than others as the idea of “tomorrow is another day” when I can eat whatever (within reason) stops me feeling miserable about food! I LOVE food, I love butter! I love cooking and so diets in the past are just torture! I have a long weigh to go; I am aiming for 40 pounds in a year and I have about 100 pounds to lose but this is simply the best food plan I have ever undertaken so onwards and downwards for me!

Good luck to all of you; you are all truly inspirational, Thank you x

BookishCat,
I started on 29th May and lost 9.6 kg so far- however past 2 weeks I have been hardly losing weight which is very depressing!
But I have been keeping the feed day food to 1310 and for past 2 weeks to 1260 and 4:3 for past 4 weeks or so. It says I have calorie deficit of 2900 a week!
I don’t know why- maybe my metabolisms really slowed down?
Well I suggest for you to maybe keep your feed day calorie down and see and maybe if you can to change to 4:3. Also keep a diary of everything you eat and weigh everything- you will be surprised to know how much stuff weighs.

Wow lady lavender!! That’s fantastic. So pleased for you!

Well, after 2 weeks of being back on the wagon, I’ve finally settled back in. Tombaron you were right! Much easier than I expected. I no longer feel like I’m depriving myself on fast days, and I have stopped wanting to binge on non-fast days! The only twinge I get is late in the evening of a non fast day, knowing I won’t be getting up and having breakfast the next day! This is still a strange thought for me – since I was about 15, I never ate breakfast at all. And now I look forward to it!

Now I need to get back to consistently exercising. I’ve just got a swimming MP3 player which I’m excited about using!

Happy fasting everyone 🙂

Tracey