The FastDay Forum

Good reading fodder for those contemplating the 21 hour power fast (or 3 hour eating window on fast days)
great stuff from Marks Daily Apple - 2008/2009 discussion well before BBC Horizon and MM fame

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/3-meals- ... z3GktwJ2YJ

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-i ... z3GktwJ2YJ

Hi
I don't see 36 hr fast as radical its really only the same as the book but I just don't eat the 500 calories on the fast day, but still get 2 sleeps either side? (if i ate the 500 calories I would just be doing what the book advises to do wouldn't i? or am I missing something?)

@peplum41 What I meant about Thursday night being like Friday night is that I'm in Saudi and the weekend is Friday & Saturday. So a Thursday is the end of the working week and 'relax' night! Like in the UK we used to go out for dinner on a Friday night after a busy week at work and cooking all week and kids etc... it was a treat to go out on a Friday night and take the brakes off!

ITs great that everyone finds what works for them, I have no idea about this 'eating window' but I know it works for loads... it just sounds like a nomal eating day to me!! LOL

JB x

Hi
I don't see 36 hr fast as radical its really only the same as the book but I just don't eat the 500 calories on the fast day, but still get 2 sleeps either side? (if i ate the 500 calories I would just be doing what the book advises to do wouldn't i? or am I missing something?)

@peplum41 What I meant about Thursday night being like Friday night is that I'm in Saudi and the weekend is Friday & Saturday. So a Thursday is the end of the working week and 'relax' night! Like in the UK we used to go out for dinner on a Friday night after a busy week at work and cooking all week and kids etc... it was a treat to go out on a Friday night and take the brakes off!

ITs great that everyone finds what works for them, I have no idea about this 'eating window' but I know it works for loads... it just sounds like a nomal eating day to me!! LOL

JB x

I guess its all relative @juliebulie10about what is considered normal or radical. Some people thought me not eating for 12 hours straight when i first started 5:2 in April 2013 was kinda weird and "radical" but they got used to it.

Everyone is different I know . I think that the forum doesnt allow any kind of promotion of fasting beyond 36 hours straight (moderators help here) but indeed from one and one only failed attempt at not eating all 3 meals in any given calendar day Ive given up on the concept completely. It is partly because I didnt like the concept of doing something not approved by my household members as it has bad connotations of unhealthy eating disorders which I don't like to encourage here or personally try again. The headache I got from not eating for too long was too strong too as I needed to work at the desk for that evening.

I will go back to the 21 hours of "power fasting" as I call it.. that is not eating solids from say 10pm the night before to 7pm the fast day, at most and if i incorporate the mini protein bar idea of gmh at maybe 4pm, then its probably going to end up being 18 hours anyway of not eating consecutively on fast days only. I know some people do eating windows every single day of the week but thats not for me either.

Family thinks it's still weird my 21 hour fasting thing or one member does anyway but she is still supportive.

Hi @juliebulie10. See i got my Julies mixed up oh fasting out in Saudi, I'm sure that's a completely different lifestyle. Pros and cons either way like warmer weather and less alcohol temptation. Weird rules about lady drivers though!

I have fasted at least 3 days per week for 4 months now... and the family has no idea. Fasting is so versatile and works well with my life. I can do it any day so it will fit my schedule. I've even managed to do it on days we go to a restaurant by looking the menu up ahead of time to make sure the calories in my meal are under 500. I never thought this was doable when I started. Now I know it is more than that. I may not lose weight every week but at least I am getting the benefits of the fast. Glad you posted your fasting technique, Juliana, as it is very similar to mine.

I have fasted at least 3 days per week for 4 months now... and the family has no idea. Fasting is so versatile and works well with my life. I can do it any day so it will fit my schedule. I've even managed to do it on days we go to a restaurant by looking the menu up ahead of time to make sure the calories in my meal are under 500. I never thought this was doable when I started. Now I know it is more than that. I may not lose weight every week but at least I am getting the benefits of the fast. Glad you posted your fasting technique, Juliana, as it is very similar to mine.

Glad I can help @tammae. Do you think you will eventually tell the family? I think ages ago there was a thread about how we communicate our fasting plans with family and friends .. will try to dig it up.

The benefits of the fast are so good i am sure. Had so much food yesterday on my feast day and I actually look forward to today, a fast day. Shall eat a normal meal tonight... will be left over roast beef i will turn into a yummy lean, Thai beef salad

Survived another 21 hour power fast day.. or just broke the fast with a leftover chicken piece.

At 4pmish i had to have something so stepped out and go my protein bar which kept me fine for another 2 hours or so.
as mentioned here 5-2-diet-chat-f6/best-mini-protein-bars-in-australia-brand-etc-t13299.html

honestly couldnt have worked and not eaten at all tonight so convinced its max 18 hours to a power bar or cottage cheese and 21 hours to the full meal of no more than 350 calories. making it a solid 500 calorie day.

thats
easy
sustainable
manageable
and one i dont have to fear telling people about.

I'm finding that a 30 calorie cocoa at 4:30 takes care of hunger pangs. Then dinner 90 minutes later. No hunger at all yesterday and that was my 3rd fast in 6 days. 450 calories with a 20 hour fast.

Hope all that fasting balances out the food coming my way at the conference. Just had a double chocolate donut at the airport. Been up since 3:45 AM,so its like lunch now at 7AM. Hope I don't sleep through dinner tonite!

Hang in there @peebles. I know for myself airports always make me hungry!

I love this thread! Just scrolling through and it's full of tips and tricks employed by various fasters to get them through. Some I've used in the past but forgotten about, such as a late afternoon oxo, I'd have marmite being veggie, or almond milk cocoa.
Any body got tips for getting through a normal non fast day without blowing the budget?
Going to stop eating at 7pm tonight in prep for tomorrow. A bit excited which I'm pleased about as used to love fasting but grew to dread it earlier this year. Too hungry and 500 cals suddenly seemed too little.

Quick update.. just cant sustain the 21 hour fast on a fast day. I lose concentration and get lack of food headaches if im working. Maybe if i was gardening and active it might be different.

anyways.. back to 3 day a week 14 to 16 hour fasts is best i can do, having some small protein (e.g. walnuts, fresh chicken meat, yoghurt) at about 1pm and next feed at 7pm

Hi Juliana,

Good for you for giving something new a go!!.... and also good for you for assessing and making a call on how it worked out for you and making a decison to go back to something that you find fits in with your life easier/better - this is why I like this WOE, you make it suit YOU and your lifestyle for the rest of your life

Keep going and cheering us all on!

jb x

Hi Juliana,

Good for you for giving something new a go!!.... and also good for you for assessing and making a call on how it worked out for you and making a decison to go back to something that you find fits in with your life easier/better - this is why I like this WOE, you make it suit YOU and your lifestyle for the rest of your life

Keep going and cheering us all on!

jb x

thanks jb @juliebulie10 you are spot on. Yep i ll try anything once...well... almost anything lol