The FastDay Forum

Hi everyone,
I have just started the 5;2diet, watched the horizon programme and read the book so decided I better bite the bullet and give it a go! First fast day yesterday and have been reading and reading and reading the forums and I think I have got myself confused!
I stopped eating probably about 9pm on Sunday night, Monday was my fast day, I didn't eat anything until around 9am Monday morning (had porridge at work), I was really worried about being at work and fainting (I have a huge fear of fainting )so I took some baby carrots into work with me and had around 5 of them midday. Came home and didn't eat anything till dinner (lentil soup) at 6pm at night, nothing else till 6.30am next day (Tuesday) had porridge for breakfast.
Have been reading loads about people totally fasting for 24/36hrs, but im not really going longer than 12 hours. Is this going to work?
Im fasting again tomorrow before our weekend (im in Saudi and our weekend is Thurs/Fri)
Im desperate for this to work we have high risk breast cancer in my family.

Thanks for taking the time to read this

Hi,
here you can find some answers: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=246
best,
e.

Sounds like you're having 500 cals or less on your fasting day so yes, you're doing it correctly. There is a lot of discussion about when to have the calories, particularly in relation to weight loss - one meal, two or three small ones as you're doing. It seems different people find different configurations work for them. I would keep going as you are and if you are looking for weight loss, see if you notice benefits in a few weeks. If not, try a different configuration. If you're just looking for health benefits, what you are doing should be fine, although Dr Mosley does say he does breakfast and evening meal only to maximise the fast and 'repair' time. If you only have a few small carrots and don't feel faint during the day you'd probably be grand not having anything at all between breakfast and evening meal.

[carorees]

You're doing fine! The confusion about 24/36 hour thing is down to how long are you going without calories versus how long are you going with only 500 cals. The problem is the term "fast". Your system is a 36 hour fast day with only 500 cal, which is fine.

Thanks everyone, really doing this to lose weight (two kids and ive realized im not one of those women who snap back into shape!) added benefits for health are a bonus!
Just wish I was in the UK to make use of all the good food, Saudi is junk food central! Calculated my allowance and tracking everything on myfitnesspal app...so here goes!

Ah, but at least you can't be tempted by alcohol all the time, which is my principal vice! Best wishes and go for it! You're starting on a very rewarding journey!

Haha...very true, no alcohol or pork!
Thanks redhead!

No alcohol? Really? Oh my!!!

I'm spreading my 500 cals within the day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack) and I'm doing well so far.

Thanks TML, its true im afraid no alcohol sounds like you are doing great spreading your calories and managing to get 3 meals and a snack, what kind of things are you eating?

I'm with you TML13 - the thought of no alcohol on a Friday night would just about finish me of LOL!

I'm too new to comment on whether you're doing it right - but it sounds like you are from what's been said above, so carry on

I have also been eating 3 meals a day and snacks for just over a year to keep my glucose levels balanced and on my first Fast Day kept to that routine. I prefer to have my main meal at lunchtime and a light evening meal.We are all different and it is a case of finding what suits you.

Dolly, the thought of no alcohol on ANY night would bring me nightmares!

Ksaint, I eat one or two rice cakes for breakfast.
A bowl of porridge (boiled in water) or variety of veggies (again boiled in water) for lunch and dinner.
For snacks I either choose rice cakes or the jelly that has no sugar (known as 9 calories jelly to some).
If I'm too cold, I make a broth with half a stock cube, dried chilli flakes and onion powder.