The FastDay Forum

About 11 years ago I stopped smoking - simply stopped, no patches or gum, no "cutting down" just stopped. Previously I had smoked enthusiastically - cigarettes, a pipe, cigars, roll-ups, basically if it burned I'd smoke it! I just decided one day that it was stupid, I couldn't be bothered having to stand like a sad junkie outside the office in the cold and I also had a niggling cough so I stopped.

Prior to the 5:2 thing however I've always struggled with dieting and I'm sure that the main reason is that I lose control around food. With the 5:2 I am back in control - just like giving up smoking, by not eating till the evening I don't have to worry about food, no more counting or eating measly portions whilst others eat "proper" dinners, I simply eat a decent main course while my wife gets the same with bread or potatoes.

I wonder if this psychological effect - the rules are simple and put us in control is one of the reasons so many of us find IF easier than Weight Watchers or other weight loss solutions?

I absolutely hear ya!! Same here on both counts, smoking and eating. I can't just have the one, of anything (well, anything unhealthy for me), it always leads to another. I've picked up smoking again a couple of times since I gave up, thinking I could have just the one - mistake! but it's one learnt now! with eating, short term abstinence really does help me get control. Fast days are sooooo much easier than feast days in that respect!! which seems backward to me, but I'm not complaining!!

[carorees]

Hi Beachbum

Yes, I think you are absolutely right...it is so much easier to say to yourself that food is not an option today (until dinnertime anyway) than to have just one small biscuit or half a slice of toast or similar. The other big psychological benefit is that you know you can have a good sized piece of cake or whatever tomorrow.

Yes, Beachbum, good point. I am in control.
In the past I wanted to lose weight quickly because of that nagging hunger - it drove me mad.
Now I get a little bit hungry on fast days, but it's not serious - and I know I am losing weight.
I have been following the diet for 7 months - it's wonderful