Hi Bigbird,
welcome to the group.
I can’t really tell you about long-term effectiveness, as I am a relative newbie (started 2.5 weeks ago, and last week I was very unwell so ate little when not fasting, but also closer to 800 cal on fasting days).

In my opinion, if 800 calories work better and are less exhausting, you should probably go for that. I have decided that if I really can’t cope with 500, I will allow myself up to 800 but not more. That reduces the stress and it gives you some room for manoeuvre. It doesn’t have to be either 500 or 800, it can be any in between and the benefits are still there (that’s, again, my opinion – just trying not to stress myself out!).

Also, eating mostly proteins and vegs seems to work really well with me. Vegs don’t bring in many calories and proteic food makes you last for much longer.

Hope this helps! Fasting-me or any of the others surely have more advice.

Hi thanks fffrancesca and fasting_me for the words of encouragement. Yes 500 calories are low, I’m also 6ft so I’m sure I can get away with a few more calories. I don’t need to lose too much but certainly want to lose a stone at least.. I did manage 500 calories on Tuesday. Another fast tomorrow so will see what happens. I and doing a 4:3 this week to try kick start things hopefully!!

Well done fasting-me.

Tomorrow is my 4th week. I’m not too inventive with my food: I seem to have found what keeps me happy and I’m concerned that if I change it won’t work! Plus I don’t have much time to think about recipes…
Anyway, tomorrow I’ll try and see if I can pile up an evening pilates class on top of the fasting!