The FastDay Forum

Only started last week and completed 2 fast days (today is my 3rd)- stayed under 500 cals those days and ate normally the rest of the week and i thought sensibly apart from a chinese takeaway on saturday. Gutted however this morning to discover ive gained weight since last monday- only half a pound i know but surely the first week should see the best result!!! Whats going on and have i got the will power to carry on?!?!?!

It's statistically too small a measurement, both in time and weightloss. This is a very gradual weightloss in lots of cases as it's "only" a calorie restriction of 3000 cals a week (on average and dependent on the person) so less than a pound of fat.

I think the temptation is to think weight will drop off as the calorie restriction feels severe. However, compare it to the 500-1000 cals reduction a day that is recommended for most diets. That's the 1-2 lb a week!

If you haven't got the willpower for this, that's the alternative...and I think that's far harder.

Hi Bexie25 and welcome to the forum.

I'd add to what BBT053 has said that the reality is that our weight moves up and down in any case on a daily / weekly / monthly basis by quite a bit - about 3 lbs in my case. So when you are looking at just 1 week these movements can easily mask the effect of 5:2. Stick with it and the results will start to show on the scales and on the waistline!

[carorees]

Hi Bexie

Your waistline may well have decreased...did you measure it before starting? I have in the past gained a pound but lost half an inch. There are a lot of changes in the water content of your body going on not only when you fast but in connection with your diet, what you are drinking, the time of the month etc. You could very easily have lost fat but gained water. I'll bet the chinese takeaway was very salty...that would have resulted in you retaining water.

A lot of people find that they have a big weightloss in the first week which is in fact mostly water and then they plateau or gain slightly for a week, before decreasing in weight again. Others, like yourself, show no loss or a slight gain immediately and then start to decrease.

Put the scales away for 3 weeks and then weigh yourself. Meantime, get the tape measure out!

Have faith!

Thanks for your support peeps, i totally understand what your saying and i have to say i feel less bloated already so somethings happening!! Hard to put the scales away though, but i'll try not to get too governed by them