The FastDay Forum

Last Wednesday I decided to alter my fasting method and I didn't eat anything until mid afternoon. I was at work 11-2 and by about 12, I began to feel quite giddy and a bit jittery and spacey, like I'd overdone it on caffeine (which I hadn't). Does anybody else get like this? I was unsure whether it was an effect of not eating since the evening before, or whether it was in my head, because I was expecting to feel "odd" from not eating - if that makes sense.

Anyone else? Or just me...

Sophie x

[carorees]

I think most people get that the first time they really force their bodies to rely on fat for fuel. It may be that by eating during a fast day (rather than at the end) results in the body using a mixture of fat and glycogen for fuel whereas is you don't eat until the afternoon it has to use more fat. It sends that our bodies get into a habit of using only a certain amount of fat and kind of put off using more fat if a meal is due, resulting in a lightheaded feeling.

I certainly felt that the first couple of times I didn't eat until dinner.

So, no I don't think it is entirely psychological (though probably a bit).

I think most people get that the first time they really force their bodies to rely on fat for fuel. It may be that by eating during a fast day (rather than at the end) results in the body using a mixture of fat and glycogen for fuel whereas is you don't eat until the afternoon it has to use more fat. It sends that our bodies get into a habit of using only a certain amount of fat and kind of put off using more fat if a meal is due, resulting in a lightheaded feeling.

I certainly felt that the first couple of times I didn't eat until dinner.

So, no I don't think it is entirely psychological (though probably a bit).

So it's not necessarily bad then, not a sign that I'm going to keel over!?

This is my 8th week (15th fast today) and today is the first time I have felt like this too and I have always not eaten until my evening meal.
Have you been ok since then Sophie?

[carorees]

Or it could be a dip in blood pressure as fasting lowers blood pressure or a combination of several things. Your glycogen stores vary as to how full they are so what you have eaten the day before the fast (how much carbohydrate), and how much exercise you have done will also influence how much fat burning is going on.

If it is low blood pressure you could keel over but if it is just adapting to low glycogen stores your body will adjust. If it is blood pressure you would likely notice feeling lightheaded on standing up quickly after resting. A salty drink will help correct that.

I would just monitor things and if it keeps happening get your blood pressure checked.

It is doubtful if it is psychological as presumably you both had faith and hope about the diet. The symptoms are obviously suggesting that all is not well probably on the nutritious level. The symptons may pass but it could be that the diet, as recommended, in not appropriate to your own needs. You should experiment with slight variations to the diet to discover what is best for each of you.

Oh dear, hope that's not the case... Save for the feeling a bit weird, I had my best fast day yet, felt really positive. The giddy feeling wasn't bad, just odd.

[carorees]

Give it a while before changing anything...if you keep changing things you won't know where you are. As you had a good fast day, I expect it is just your body adapting. I had the same feeling a few weeks ago on a few fast days but it has passed.

I used to get the light-headedness in the afternoon in those 'early days', but not now...

Just a note - today I am trying to go til tea time on just herbal tea and water and so far it is going great, feeling good and no light headedness, so either I was just having an off day or my body is getting used to it

[carorees]

I like the giddy feeling when i'v not eaten in a long while. I'v done up to 1 week fasts in the past. It feels like you're on drugs lol


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