The FastDay Forum

Hi there
I started the diet on Monday and had my first 2 fast days Wendesday and Thursday...I dont want to do 2 consecutive days going forwards but due to work comittments thats all my diary would allow this week. I plan on doing Mondays and Wednesdays going forwards.
Anyway I managed the 2 fast days, the first day being easier and stuck to my calorie range (although didnt quite manage restricting calories to breakfast and dinner...ended up spacing over breakfast and lunch and a light dinner). I am absolutely RAVENOUS today,and all I feel like doing is filling up on carbs. I have tried drinking lots of water, as on a fast day but am still so hungry. I have eaten a fair amount today already and my portion size is larger than how I would normally eat. Has anyone else found this? any advice?
Thanks

Hi RooRoo

This happened to me also. I now restrict carbs altogether, even on feed days, however; I do eat loads of veg and some berries.

If your insulin is high you will crave like crazy. Try cutting out carbs for a few weeks (except veggies) and then introducing some good ones, like sweet potatoes and some fruit (small amount). This could lower your insulin response to food and let you find your set point as you introduce some carbs.

I have been eating like this, as well as fasting 2 days a week since the 1st Jan 2013 and no longer crave carbs on my feast days, my fast days are also very easy.

My advice is to experiment, you're not going to die or suffer ill health if you do this for a short period of time and you may find a way that enables you to not only lose weight but to keep it off forever.

It can take over a week to get rid of carb cravings, they are awful, but once they are gone, you will find that you will only eat when you are hungry and make better choices.

Great websites that help and explains all of what I have said are:

dietdoctor.com
Marksdailyapple.com
authoritynutrition.com

Good luck.

[Tracieknits]

Welcome RooRoo!

I cannot do two days of fasting in a row. I would be miserable and ravenous!

I wouldn't personally worry too much about today. Of course your body is wanting to compensate! But maybe just try to eat slowly and pay attention to when you're feeling satisfied (as opposed to full).

I personally don't like low-carb diets and won't give any low carb advice out. I don't personally think low carb is reasonable or sustainable for the long haul. I can't stay on a low carb diet and even after "detoxing" for three weeks, my craving for carbs never went away. I think different people have different experiences.

I make a lot of smart substitutions, such as brown rice for white. But I personally think it's just too hard to stick to a low carb lifestyle and I don't want you to think that it's expected around here. If you like it, great. But if you find it too hard, don't worry about it. It's not expected of you for 5:2

LOL

Dr. Krista Varady (the woman who conducted the trial studies on alternate day fasting and who was in the Michael Mosely show "Eat, Fast and Live Longer" eating a humburger with him in the car, has said, "Pretty much you could almost neglect the background diet." This means it does not matter whether you eat carbs or not.

It is normal to feel hungry after two days of fasting. You may eat a little more than normal when you come off the fast. But Varaday's studies have show that typically people only eat 100% to 110% of their normal caloric intake after coming off the fast. They have trouble making up the calorie deficit, which is why you end up losing weight in the long run.

Thanks so much for your advice everyone. I think my problem with carbs is as a vegetarian, they have up until recently played too big a part in my diet. I am going to try and focus on eating good carbs on feast days too and making portions a bit smaller.

It really helps to hear the experience of others and im not alone! Preparing myself for week 2 as we speak, stomach feels flatter and although scales only show 1 lb loss...i feel better.