The FastDay Forum

I am fairly new to this 5:2 diet and although I find it manageable sometimes the day after my fast I feel very washed out. I haven't been able to identify any particular reason. Has anyone else found this?

[Moogie]

Hi & welcome

That feeling could be to do with the foods you're eating - there are a few folks here who can probably advise on that front if you let us know what sort of foods you eat on your fast days (particularly the days you have had the washed out feeling after) and whether you feel washed out before/after you've eaten the next day (and if it's after, what did you eat?).

I first heard of this eating plan on Monday, dived straight in with my first fast yesterday and by lunchtime I had a throbbing headache. It has lasted all throughout today until dinner an hour ago and it is finally subsiding. I've been a bit light headed and lacking concentration too. I just hope to goodness this isn't going to be a regular event. Presumably this is due to the radical changes.
Jenny

I always eat berries the first thing the morning after. That or a big cold smoothie. Helps with the dehydration!

[carorees]

Hi, yes, by the morning after a fast your body has run out of glycogen and ought to be burning fat for fuel. For people who are overweight, their bodies are often resistant to fat burning so by morning they are feeling a bit lacking in energy. The first carbohydrate you eat goes to fill your glycogen stores so it takes a while before your body can use the food you've eaten for fuel, so the washed out feeling continues for a while.

The headaches are due to a combination of dehydration, loss of salt and inability to use fat as a fuel. More info on this in the FAQ and the frequently asked questions board.

These problems all get better very quickly so your next fast will be easier and they'll get better and better as your body learns to use your fat stores (and of course you'll get thinner).

Usually it's first thing in the morning and continues for a large part of the day. My fast meal the evening before is often baked fish white or oily with steamed veg. Normal eating the day after the fast doesn't appear to help. I usually have breakfast with porridge or cereal, soup or sandwich at lunch and then a cooked evening meal.

[carorees]

Yes as I say the first food you eat does not necessarily go to provide energy. It won't be until your glycogen stores have been replenished that you will have glucose available to burn, when you'll feel better. It should improve as you get less insulin resistant and your insulin levels fall allowing your body to burn fat more efficiently. Your fast day menu sounds ideal.

If you can persevere I'm sure it will improve.

I just completed week 3.
I experienced that exhaustion this morning.
Glad to hear it's normal.
I will make sure I have berries on hand.
Ate pomegranate about an hour ago,and that has really helped.
Looking forward to coconut cream pie in the near future.
A piece,not half the pie!!!!