The FastDay Forum

Hi,

I have just started this eating exercise to see if it will be something to kick my metabolism into gear.

I am at that funny menopausal age and stuck in the " I cannot shift the weight" phase, and have been for about 3 years.
I count the cals, watch my foods and eat the usual suspects of healthiness. Alas no joy. Having downloaded the Fast Diet book, I thought it was an unusual twist to the norm of another diet. I hate dieting as it doesnt work, although I have tried and tested every one.

On Tuesday I did my first fast day, it went okay, I did'nt really starve and ate 3 small meals. Tomorrow is the second fast day and we shall see how it goes this time.

I am curious as too wether i should eat normal on feast days, or count the cals. I currently eat about 1540 per day, I am 5"8 and have a desk job. I walk a when I can, but no other special exercise yet. Cant afford the gym, I went for a year and all I lost was a few hundred Euros.

So heres hoping, thanks for listening and good luck to everyone else

Madlou

Hi Madlou and welcome!

A lot of people have found that restricting calories on a 'feast' day actually restricts their weight loss as well. It seems that you should eat somewhere around your TDEE on 'feast' days. See the FAQs for a link to calculate your TDEE.

Thanks Jemima for the welcome and advice, is that the amount you eat to maintain your weight ?

Yes, the TDEE is the amount you should eat to maintain your weight. The weight loss comes from restricting your calories on the 2 'fast' days during the week.

Wow, I just looked at it, I think I have been undereating already. Maybe thats the problem....

Wow, I just looked at it, I think I have been undereating already. Maybe thats the problem....

Hi Madlou, I don't think that undereating on a feed day is likely to reduce your weight loss.

Most of us see pretty immediate and significant weight loss when we start 5:2, a few are less lucky and if you fall into the category it is almost certainly that your initial weight loss is being masked by other factors. Don't worry, following 5:2 imposes a 20% calorie restriction on your normal diet so the weight loss will show through after a few weeks, it has to! But if you panic after fast day 1 or fast week 1 because the weight loss hasn't showed, and start eating more on feed days, then you may never see weight loss and will concludde that it ain't going to work.

My 2p, thank you for listening, and I will get off my soap box now...

[carorees]

Although dominic is right, I feel that I should point out that Dr M says that it is the difference between feed and fast days that is important so rather than cutting down the calories on feed days you have to adjust both feed and fast days so that the fast days are 25% of your intake on feed days. If you are not losing weight after a month it is worth reassessing your 'normal' energy requirements are and at the same time reducing fast day calories to 25% of that figure.

However, dominic is absolutely right to say not to panic after 1 or 2 fasts. I say allow at least 1 month after making any changes to see what the effect will be. If you constantly tinker with the diet you'll not know where you are!

[wildmissus]

I have to agree with carorees. I found that I had to give it a month before my body got used to everything. (I'm 45 & suffer night sweats and occasional hot flushes). I think for most of us this is a radically different way of eating so your body needs time to adjust. Week 6 for me and settling down to this new way of life and hopefully steady weight loss and definitely better health.

Thanks for all your advice. I will try and do what i have been doing, I monitor my foods on Myfitnesspal and its helped me to see what I eat. Although the calorie counting does not work for me for weight loss. The menopause has a lot to answer dor, no offence Dominic......

Today is my second fast day, I work full time during the week and on Saturday I sleep late. I never usually eat until later in the day, so I wont feel so hungry........hopefully.

hi, Id be really interested to see your progress Madlou. Im in the same boat and can concur with everything you've said. 4 years ago a calorie and fat counting diet worked fabulously for me. Then 8 months ago I crashed into the menopause like that metoerite which crashed into a russian town last week. A stone went on and has stayed on. The calorie control diet has not worked despite a 6 week attempt just adding to the misery. Not one ounce, or inch has budged. So whilst at the GPs for a comprehensive health check and discussing menopause treatments she suggested this diet.
Anyway good luck Madlou...lets hope this diet kick starts the weight loss....

Hey Oscarno, Its so good to have someone who understands and empathises with all the joys of meno....I have actually been going throught the trials and tribulations for 7 years oh joy. A doctor told me it can last 10 Years. I am already planning the big M party and everyone must wear red lol.
Good luck on tour journey too, this is really my last hope. I am so tired of dieting, weighing and watching carbs, fat etc.....
I have never had any good advice or help from a gp, they kept telling me its STRESS.....yes because I am blooming menopausal.
Ok im chilled now, I will keep you posted. Hopefully this is the winner

Hi,
Starting 5:2 on Monday with my husband (he doesn't know yet as he's away on business! - but
I'm sure he'll be on-board) and would like to thank the forum for all the additional advice and encouraging discussions I have read so far. Read the book yesterday - it just all seems to make sense and in addition feels " do-able". Looking forward to using the progress tracker and to a fitter, healthier future.
Aro

Hi Aro,
Welcome, lots of luck with starting. I have done 3 days of fasting so far, i will do another tomorrow. Hopefully things will kick into shape after a few weeks. Feel bloated today so no weigh in this week I think...
The book is very interesting, I also watched the documentary on TV the other day.

Lou