The FastDay Forum

Hello Everyone! I began 5:2 diet today as my first fast day and am looking forward to seeing results. I'm so glad to have found your group as I believe support is important.

I ate dinner last night and will not eat again until dinner tonight. I am leary of trying the 500 calories because I'm afraid it will only make me hungry. So I had a cup of tea at breakfast and will have cucumber water throughout the day or maybe a diet soda. Is everyone else doing the 500 calorie fast days and does it make you hungry?

Hi eastbruce and welcome!

We like to feel that we're big on support, so you're in the correct place.

Most people like to fast from dinner on the day before the fast until dinner on the fast day, have a 500kcal dinner, and then fast until the following morning.

Some spread their 500kcals between 2 or even 3 meals on a fast day, and a few don't take anything but fluids for 36 hours.

There is no right or wrong answer, and the best advice is to find what works for you.

I was planning to take only fluids for 24 hours, but is the 36 hours better?

Hmmm...that depends on what you mean by better.

Better for calorie reduction? Definitely
Better for the other 'benefits'? Possibly
Better for sustainability? Possibly not
Better for you? Only you know that!

Since this is my first time fasting, I think I will just do the 500 cal dinner tonight and see how I feel. I am hungry, but am not feeling any other negative effects so far. Thanks for your help Jemima.