The FastDay Forum

Not the losing weight bit, that is going ok. I've lost several lbs over a few weeks since starting.

I just feel so dreadful I am normally a very active and healthy 45 yr old. I am usually full of energy and feel lively and well all the time. I sleep and eat well.

I tried to eat more healthy since October and have lost nearly 1 stone, I would like to lose about another half but I don't feel particularly overweight. My husband and me decided to give the 5:2 a go as he has 3 stone to lose.

We've only done one day a week so far and he's felt great and is loving it (and has lost weight) I feel so lethargic and ill and it takes me a couple of days to get back to normal so there's no way I could fast 2 days a week. In fact it's stopping me running anf cycling as I feel so bad. I can just about cope with going to work but just want to sleep when I get home.

What's going wrong here? Am I just not suitable for this?

[carorees]

Hi there, sorry you are feeling so dreadful!

It might be that the fasting is causing a slow down in your thyroid function. It can happen in some people. Have you worked our your TDEE? I would suggest you work it out as if you are losing weight fasting one day a week it could well be that you're not eating enough on feed or fast days. There is a link to a calculator in the FAQ. once you have done that, I suggest you try a fast day where you eat 35% of your TDEE. If that works ok, try 2 days a week. If you don't get weight loss on this you can either try to reduce the fast day calories to 25% but if you still feel bad it would be better to add another fast day at a calorie level you can cope with.

Also, do read the thread on IF and thyroid in the nerdy stuff section, I recently posted some info on how fasting could be adapted for those with thyroid problems.

Let us know what your TDEE calculation is and how you get on with a higher fast day allowance.

Good luck

My TDEE is 1373 for fat loss and 1716 for maintenence.

I am going to read the thyroid bit as you suggested. I've never been very good at going without food but also have never been hugely over weight.

Thanks for your reply

[carorees]

Ok, that's quite a low TDEE considering you exercise?

Why not see how you get on with 700 cals twice a week instead of 500 once a week? And make sure you eat your 1700 on the feed days.

Yes I thought it was low too - maybe I've calculated it wrong
Good idea to do 700 cals though. Will try it.

[carorees]

Did you choose the right exercise level? That makes a big difference to TDEE...

[Tracieknits]

Oh my, I hate to tell you this, but you sound just like me when my thyroid isn't functioning properly!! I would strongly suggest you go to your regular doctor and get your levels checked. Just tell your doctor what you just told us, about being so exhausted and not knowing why.

I'm fine on my non fast days though. Feel just as energetic as normal. I will check out the thyroid thing though

I put exercise 4 times a week as sometimes it's 7 times and sometimes only 2 depends if I get a car park space at work or not

[janeg]

Hello Cal-lfe
sorry to hear you're finding the fast days tough. The advise given is, as usual, very good.
I'd just like to add that my first fasts were very difficult with me feeling lethargic and drained. Everyone was spouting on about how fit and healthy and energetic they were feeling and I was sofa spudding and practically unable to run to the loo. In bed by 8 o'clock and sleeping round the clock too.
I'm not sure when it changed, but it certainly did. I can't say I am bouncing with energy and vitality on fast days, but I feel normal (for me). In fact, I am even considering incorporating some exercise on fast days.
Perhaps get checked out as suggested and if all is well try and keep at it. Good luck and hope it gets easier for you

Thanks for all the advice
I've just done the hardest running session ever tonight and did really well and the way I felt yesterday I wasn't even going to go!
I've eaten normally today. Good to hear it's not just me that finds it hard especially as my husband is doing so well (good for him though)
I will carry on and hope it gets better

Update -
Thyroid is fine and is my general health
I've tried 700 cals today and will do Thursday and I feel fine! Hungry but I can deal with that. I only had a bowl of porridge more and the difference is amazing.
Thanks for all suggestions

[carorees]

I think you can get a slow down in thyroid function during a fast only. Eating just a bit more may help. You'll need to experiment a bit to see what works best and if you feel a lot better but are not losing weight try adding another fast day on the increased calories.