The FastDay Forum

Hi FunnyGirl....just wanted to chime in to say yesterday was my very first fast day too. So we are on the same schedule. I'm not fasting again until Thursday to give my body a break.

I didn't have as much trouble as you did, but I tried to mitigate any hydration issues early on. I pounded a large glass of water when I first woke up, then started on my coffee for the day. I ended up drinking a pot, but it helped a lot. Then I switched to water and crystal light, alternating. I drank a lot more than I usually do in any given day and I think that really made a big difference.

Even with all that, today I felt very thirsty and dehydrated. So for me at least, massive hydration is critical. Maybe it is for you too?

Anywho, if you wait until Thursday I'll be fasting with you!

So for me at least, massive hydration is critical. Maybe it is for you too?

I've never drunk a lot of fluids (I just don't think too do it, I'm always too busy to drink) but right from the start on a fast day, I've drunk a lot of water, at first I had to force myself to drink 1 litre, now I find I'm drinking 2 without even thinking about it!

I have never had any negative effects fom fasting - either I'm lucky, or the hydration is a major contributor.

Good luck on your next one

I have been fasting now for three weeks, and finding it easier all the time. The first three were the worst - with the headaches starting mid morning and then a real dip in the late afternoon.
I can't last out till evening just on herbal teas as I exercise for an hour in the morning and I have an active job as I am renovating a house. So I don't have breakfast, but I have a small bowl of home-made chicken and veg soup at lunch and then another for tea.... really easy as I prepare a huge batch of them at the weekend and then freeze them.
The two tips I had from this forum which had the biggest impact (probably from Carrorees, as she is a mine of knowledge) were:
1. Drink a salty drink to stop the headache. Its not enough to just drink loads of water as when we dehydrate we lose salts. I was drinking gallons of water and the headache was getting worse! So, I have a mug of bouillon (or a half a stock cube in hot water) mid morning (only about 5 calories) and I haven't had a headache since - definitely a great result!
2. In the late afternoon, I had a really low sugar dip which made me feel really spacey and light-headed. I now have a satsuma (just 30 calories) and it really peps me up till dinner time.
Don't know if these will help.... but I now have much easier fast days and have definitely adapted.

Hi All,

Though I'd give you an update. Did my second fast yesterday and felt much better. Took on board all your advice. I consumed 600 cals this time (porridge and then chicken tikka and salad in the evening and an apple at lunch) as I didn't want to put myself off completely. I drank lots of water as well as 3 cups of black coffee. I also tried low cal jelly (brilliant for a quick sweet fix) and bouillon.

Felt tired, but it was so much easier than Monday. I am now quite looking forward to my next fast and feel much more prepared than I did before. I feel like this week has been a bit of a dress rehearsal for doing it all properly next week.

Thanks for all your help and advice - it's great to have so much support.

xxxx