The FastDay Forum

I am having an extremely busy and stressful time both home and work at the moment, and to be honest, trying to work out my fast day calories in diving towards failure. I know I can pick up later when things have quietened down, however I don't want to go back to square one and fall off the wagon.

My son is a bit of a fit freak and uses Herbal Life. He has suggested that I could have two shakes with skimmed milk which would be about 400 cals, and maybe a weightwatcher soup lunchtime or evening which would keep me within my limit.

Has anyone else done something like this on their fast days, or even on feast with a proper meal in the evening?

If it gets you through a rough spot and the ingredients are reasonably healthy then it's probably fine. I tried meal replacement shakes years ago but was never satisfied (I like eating my food). What about some frozen prepared meals or microwaveable frozen veggies.
I hope things settle for you soon and you can get back to normal.

I often have a ready meal on a fast day.Not cooking is my 'treat' for the day!

[Moogie]

I've done SlimFast a few times and never found it filled me up - although the taste was so foul it left me feeling queasy and not wanting to eat!

There's no harm in using them if they make it easier for you, but if you don't like them there are bound to be other options, like Wineoclock suggests - ready meals & microwave veggies are a nice easy one which should fill you up.

Meal replacement shakes give me gas and make me hungry. I've had much better results with meal replacement bars.

However, I've found that what works best for me when I'm too busy or not home enough to cook is to eat beef jerky, nuts, dried berries and raisins, apples and carrots. It's very nearly as convenient as meal replacement bars, keeps me full longer, and is more pleasurable to eat.

It does take a bit of planning and shopping in advance, which you might not have the time or energy to do.

I've tried Herbalife in the past and (don't tell your son) I think it was a joke. On the other hand, if they fill YOU up, who am I to judge?

Personally, if I were you and seeing that you live in the UK, I'd head to my nearest M&S and see what I could get from there. It might not be home made but it is better than any powder...

I'm a foodie and would rather eat my arm than shakes or weightwatchers gloop, but needs must, and if you try them and you find them ok just go with it. This diet is a all about a WOL and as you say this is a temporary measure only. Sometimes life is just too busy to accommodate what we know are better food choices, the important thing is if it keeps you on track just do it, but aim to eat proper food when you are back on track.

I like to eat solid food as it makes you satisfied mentally. Try it for one fast and if you feel good at the end of it then you can carry on but you could also eat a big bag of salad and soups instead

[janeg]

Hello tracy, sorry to hear you're having a stressful time of it just now. I haven't tried shakes and the likes but hink that if they suit you and help you to stay focused on 5:2ing them go for it. Also, the other suggestions of ready meals appeals for ease and, presumably you have to shop anyway. My feeling is that you may feel deprived on fast days with not having 'normal food' and that this could add to your stress and general upheaval. Food has great comfort in it!
I have 2 poached eggs on 2 slices of toast and maybe a yoghurt with frozen berries every fast. It's easy, quick, comforting and under 500 cal. Ticks all the boxes for me. WOuld that help you?
Hope this passes for you soon.

I never stress on fast days, I use ready meals with extra veg, the cals are on the front of the packet...could'nt be easier

Got to say, never got on with Herballife, too sweet for me (am savoury peep) and the ingredient list is horrific- don't go anywhere near the soup either, it is vile! If short on time, I will have a good quality protein shake like USN, Maximuscle is also good, tho having more than a couple of portions a day could make you windy (my oh knows when I've had one!) These shakes will keep you fuller for longer with less suger than Herballife, and are better value for money. Nakd bars are good too- they are pressed fruit and nuts and wheat and dairy free, the protein trekker bar is pretty satisfying too :0)

I have a slimfast shake every day on my fast, it works brilliantly for me. Its a great start if you need to know your exact calorie intake for the day.

Good luck. BTW a slimfast is 230 cals.