The FastDay Forum

Recently I have failed 4 fast days and then completely overeaten to the point of binging on really unhealthy food as a reaction to failing and suddenly being 'free to eat' I am normally a sensible eater and did manage to do some successful fast days a while ago but I keep failing and I've actually put on weight as a result. I did lose weight at the start when I was sticking to it, all advice welcome, I want to make this work.

[Tracieknits]

Well you do need to stop looking at it in such a black and white manner, and really look at all of those shades of grey in there!

Force yourself to examine what you're doing. "blowing it" with an extra fifty calories is not the same as "blowing it" with an extra 500 calories.

I also cannot do a fast day where I eat breakfast or lunch. It stimulates my appetite far too much. It's much easier for me if I got until dinner before eating. I used to need a cup of bouillon a few times in the afternoon to get me through, and I haven't done that in over a month. Today I did grab a handful of baby spinach with about a teaspoon of dressing at 4;30 because I realized dinner was going to be late, but that's about a 25 calorie snack (mostly the dressing!)

I also only eat dinner ona fast day and find it much easier. I find if I am really prepared and know exactly what I will be having for that meal that it is easier too.

[janeg]

I wonder if there are other things going on in your life making this difficult for you? Perhaps the timing isn't quite right yet?
As you have been successful in this way of eating previously you obviously can do it. What's different this time.
Are you planing your fasts? Do you know what you are going to eat and when? do you have a back up plan to tide you over when the waves of hunger hint? Like browsing the forum, going for a walk etc?
Lots and lots of good advise on the boards to help you get on track.
Good luck and melt us know how you get on.

I agree with Janeg here - why are you failing? Have you decided what you're going to eat on a fast day or just trying to wing it as you go along?

Agree with all comments...make sure you're physically and mentally ready for this new WOL... Also suggest logging everything you eat on both feed and fast days on myfitnesspal.com. Drink more water. Try to cut out sugary treats on feed days for the next week as i find these only act as catalysts for my cravings... Replace with bluberries and other low gi foods... on fast days make it your mission to eat 500 calories of good nutritional foods and don't waste them on drinks...

You can do this, it becomes easier...

BEST OF LUCK, look forward to your progress reports!

[carorees]

What they said, plus...how much weight do you have to lose? And how much have you lost so far on this and any diet immediately before this? Your body might be trying to tell you it's had enough for now! In that case try allowing a bit more on fast days...up to 650. Plus don't restrict on off days. Lastly if you are "failing" and then trying again the next day you are bound to fail again because you haven't prepared by having a proper eating day. Leave at least one normal day between fasts.

Good luck!

I can totally identify with this.... I'm an all or nothing kinda gal and if I go over my cals on a fast day then I go straight into the mentality of "might as well REALLY blow it now then"!! The all or nothing mentality has been really hard to work through, but it's a part of who I am at the end of the day. Be kinder to yourself, you are not failing, it's just not working at the moment. Distraction is key for me on fast days, I make sure that they are on my busiest days and that really makes a difference for me. Good luck!