The FastDay Forum

OK, so this is only day 6 and I am exhausted. I don't know why, but I go home and feel like having a nap (sometimes I do), have no energy, and go to bed much earlier than usual (around 9pm at the moment). I also wake up tired and feel like I could sleep much longer.

Some facts:
-I have breakfast and dinner on fast days, and stick to 500 cal.
-I eat normally on feed days, trying not to overcompensate for fast days. I used to avoid carbs like the plague but am now eating some with almost every meal, in small-ish quantities.
-I work full time and have a very demanding job
-I also have two young kids
-Before you feel too sorry for me: I live in a tropical country and have a full-time maid, so have no housework/cooking/shopping to do (please don't hate me). So my life isn't THAT tiring
-I have an underactive thyroid but it is and has been under control forever, and was checked recently
-I have extremely low blood pressure, always have had it.
-I have lost weight very fast in my first week: 1.5kg in 6 days
-I only have a small amount to lose but have tried to lose it forever, so I don't want to stop now (as I will put everything back on in a week, as always)

Any advice?!

!:45pm here and I am starting to doze off... I'm not even fasting today!

Hi, I don't know about thyroid but I know about kids and work. It could just be coincidence with a busy week, cycle or tropical weather sapping your energy.
I know I was quite tired the first few fasts and had a nap on the couch around 5 each One. You wouldn't have that luxury with little kids!! Check protein, hydration or try 800 cals instead of 500.

Thanks, Caro. I drink a lot and eat a fair bit of protein. However, I don't eat that much on fast days. Would I be better off swapping carbs (i.e. ryvita) for protein on fast days? Would that give me more energy?

Might do. I found a boiled egg with or without toast was quite filling. And the egg is only about 70 calories. It is also something you can feed the family on.....

Will try the egg thing, thanks.
What is weird is that I am still so tired the next day... Could it be the general calorie deficit that is exhausting me? Does anyone know if that's possible?

Possibly, you already have a god bmi - are you sure you need to lose any?

Haha. That should have been good bmi? I think you are godly for having one that low!!!

I just needed to lose about 3 kilos, and they have been stubborn ones! I have put on weight slowly but steadily over the last couple of years and want to lose it before it becomes a problem. My mum has diabetes and I was told not to put on weight by the GP or I would be at risk. So I tend to diet sooner rather than later as I am so worried to get bigger. I am also small boned (size 4 feet etc.)
But maybe the 5:2 is a little extreme just to lose 3kg? I was also going for the health benefits and I love this diet. I hope I can continue and I hope the tiredness is unrelated...

Ha ha

I am within normal BMI, my waist is outside the norm, there is breast cancer, Alzheimers and Diabetes type 2 in my family. You bet your sweet bippy I am planning on staying on this WOL!!!

I, too, have been experiencing fatigue. I have done 7 fasts so far, and it does seem to get a bit easier. Most posters who have experienced this say it gradually goes away after a few weeks.

Keep us posted - and I'll try to do the same.

I don't hate you Nanou - I'm just jealous (of the maid)

Well, GMH, the maid is part of the initial problem, as she is such an amazing cook!! I will not complain though!

debbiejgb, I agree, health is a good enough reason to stay on this. If it is a WOE and not just a diet, then having a normal BMI should be no reason to stop, especially if you have a family history like ours.

I do feel a lot better today, and I did stuff my face at the restaurant last night. Hm... I think maybe I need to up the calories on feed days, that might be the problem.

[janeg]

Hello nanou, maybe look at upping your calories or switching to 6:1. Also, you may be overhydrated. (or under hydrated) . Can't think of a delicate way to put it - check your wee! Too clear and you're flushing out the salts and electrolytes, too dark and your needing more fluid. I have come across evidence for lethargy in hot places due to lack of salt. A wee rehydration packet can make all the difference. Just a thought.

Hi Janeg, that's a really good point, thanks. I drink SO much on fast days to keep myself full that my wee is totally clear. Maybe I'm getting rid of all the minerals in my body! I know there is such a thing as tropical fatigue too, because we sweat so much here and the humidity really gets to you. I'll try the rehydration packets on fast days, great suggestion.