The FastDay Forum

Hubby and I have been fasting on Mondays and Wednesdays for the past 4 weeks now and on every fast day we've both been soooooo cold and tired (been in bed by 8.30pm!) ok we do start very early and have and our work is quite stressful, but is this normal? We've been eating our 500/600 calories per day with all recipes from the book and haven't deviated. I'm confused as I'm sure when I read the book it mentioned that there was no scientific proof that you should have less energy or feel more tired on fast days. Really need some encouragement to stick with it, so if any one can offer any advice it would be greatly received!

I have no advice but I too feel really tired on fast days - still waiting for the boundless energy I read about! The energy comes the day after when I eat again - then I feel amazing. My job isn't even very stressful and I work part time so can fast when I'm not doing too much. I don't know how people with busy full time jobs do it - I do find concentration and focus hard which I was also led to believe would not happen. On fast days I do light exercise like cycling to & from work (25 mins each way) or walking but as yet the thought of going for a run or going to the gym like lots of people seem to be able to do just seems impossible. I too am 4 weeks in, so perhaps our bodies will adapt more.

I can't go all day until dinner without something (well I can but I don't feel very good), so i find a banana or yogurt & fruit for a late lunch helps but I still feel like my whole body's in slow mo by dinner time. I'm guessing you spread out your calories a bit, too, if you're following the recipes.

I often find a salty drink can help perk me up when I get the mid-afternoon crash but what would really help of course is a big plate of food.. or some chocolate....hmm.

Well so glad it's not just us! I know what you mean about a big plate of food though, yum yum! Although I must say this diet really makes you appreciate everything you eat a lot more when you eventually get it.

[Moogie]

I find if I'm tired on a fast day it's a sure sign I've not had enough water. A glass of the good old h2o soon perks me up!
As for coldness, I think that's fairly common on fasts. I'm fasting today and have an electric heater on beside me! Apparently something a bit salty can help warm you up, like an oxo or marmite drink. I've not tried this as I'm stubborn and insist on no calories until dinner!