The FastDay Forum

And average loss per week slipping to 0.25kg or thereabouts per week. Basically stabilised at this weight for the past five weeks. So it's not really working for me so far, just like everything else really. Evn the reduced waist measurement is only because I altered the position.
Still I am sure that being hungry is really good for me. Within one more fast day of giving up.

[janeg]

Oh, Hellengerin, how frustrating! You sound really disappointed and fed up.
Have you played about with how you fast? Some people are finding that when they move form three small meals to one 500cal meal that the plateau shifts.
Are you eating up to your TDEE? I'm trying to think of other strategies to help! Perhaps others have more suggestions.
Certainly, the health benefits are worth remembering and also the wedding you're going to and being the mad auntie!

Thank you Janeg!
Yes, I am fed up but have just read the section on No loss and why the scales don,t show good results...
Yes, will keep focused on being the mad but glamorous aunt.. Thanks for reminding me!
Socially here in Luxembourg, it is hard to keep the carb calories down without feeling either deprived or standoffish. Think I might go with Carorees plan of fish and veg on fast days or lean meat, with no carbs. Can't do the 3 small meals thing...I get too hungry, although I have tried a banana and yoghurt at lunchtime. Don't think that has been working so will abandon that. I have been calorie counting in my head all my adult life, and really wanted to get away from it!
Will fast on Good Friday...

[janeg]

Good Friday is a good day to fast!

I don't think you should 'give up' what have you got to lose by carrying on apart from weight (even if slowly) and what would you gain by giving up!!!
From what I can see your loss looks similar to mine, it's hard to compare not knowing your start weight, TDEE etc....have you checked your cal intake on normal days?
9 weeks isn't long considering on 5:2 we're only restricted 2 days a week, and eat normal the rest of the time...good luck

Keep going a bit longer. I'm approaching 10 weeks and have only lost a bit more than you, although I've got more to lose, judging our BMIs. I have experienced several weeks that appear to be plateaus (comparing weights Wednesday to Wednesday) but if I take a weekly average from my daily weigh-ins, it is showing a downward trend, albeit slow, but means it's still working. Hope this helps.

Hi Hellengerin - I've had very similar loss in the same time as you - I'm quite pleased with it to be honest, 'cos I've had 7 weeks of lovely weekends doing, drinking and eating whatever I want. I've also saved some money on eating in the office, and seen some reduction in my appetite, all of which is making my life a lot easier and happier.

I think we have to see this as long term, even though it can be really frustrating when some people have had such impressive losses on the same WOL.

I think that as we all eat the same amount of cals on fast days the difference in weight loss rate between different people is related to what we eat on feast days. While it seems intuitive that extreme overindulging is not the right way, not reaching your TDEE may also slow your weight loss. If you haven't done so before try to track and count roughly your calorie consumption for a few feast days and see where you are. Exercising is another factor that will probably contribute to weight loss..

All good points...reTDEE...will have to bite the bullet but just can't face the calorie counting ...bad memories of doing the ROsemary Conley regime, and the Judith Wells, and and and ! However, we do live well here and I am not actually gaining weight and the slope is ever so slightly downwards. exercise? Not as much as I used to do...anyway off to lunch with the ladies now!!

Sadly, there has to be a calorie deficit and it sounds like it's hard going in the land of patisserie.

I hate calorie counting but it's easy to mis-remember snacks and drinks, with me, it wasn't the meals that were an issue. Stopping snacking on fast days has alerted me to how much snacking was going on and I think that's where my extra weight was coming from. Well, that and too much rice/pasta/bread, I think.

I think keep a food diary for a week and guesstimate cals on every day, not go back to endless precise counting. See how you go.

[carorees]

Here's a link to a good TDEE calculator: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2598

I just guesstimate my feed day cals just so I know I'm not massively over. I use the fatsecret app which allows one to put in cups of say diced carrot or a medium carrot, you get the picture. No weighing of food for me!

Me too and it is so liberating...I counted measured and weighted for years
Now I guesstimate in feed days, as I don't want go over my TDEE which is about 2000 cals, For me this is plenty of food since I like to eat healthy. I believe that if you want to get the maximum benefits from this WOL you should eat healthy e.g. Whole grains, low fat and try to limit to healthy fats like nuts and olive oil, plenty of fruits and veggies, avoid refined carbs and sugars etc.. In the weekend I allow my self a croissant or share a dessert

The fat secret app is a lot easier to use. Fasting today, as it is Good Friday an therefore traditional ...at least my waistline is not increasing!

I am sat here reading through this forum feeling a bit down as everyone is doing so well,I have only lost 5 lb in about 10 weeks so no great shakes. I then came upon this post & thought "this is me" I have come to the conclusion that were all so different , we lose differently but the main thing is WE ARE LOSING!! and I can cope with the fast days no problem I don't have to count, I feel good I can go out with friends have cake coffee whatever & I feel happy. I know I have loads to lose but do you know, this is a sustainable way of life so I am going to carry on with it & the support of the forum.

So thanks to all

Over the past 6 weeks since I started 5:2, I think I have been subconsciously applying the Paul McKenna 4 Golden Rules on feed days: (1) When you are hungry EAT; (2) Eat what you want, not what you think you should; (3) Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful; (4) When you think you are full, STOP EATING. Paul McKenna never helped me lose weight, but I still like his philosophy. Maybe this will help?