The FastDay Forum

[Tracieknits]

Thanks @CandiceMarie! As it's a fast day today, and I could use some motivation, I may just have to put that as my signature as a reminder It's 2:30 and my stomach is starting to ask where breakfast is!

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm sure I'll check in next week even if I means I have to decontaminate my computer afterwards! Hubby says I'll emit both radiation *and* contamination

@Sallyo and @gillymary, all:
I'm a big fat red apple, always had an issue with my waistline; even when skinny I don't have an hourglass shape (neither do either of my sisters, who are both thin). My waist isn't reducing as fast as I'd like (2 inches down), but my belly is down 3 inches and my hips 3 also (still have a 60% waist-height ratio, sigh). Much to my surprise, I've read in several places (here's a link to one: http://www.cutthewaist.com/preferential.html) that one loses a higher percentage of visceral fat first, which is a nice thing. I had always worried that I'd need to get "lean and mean" for it to have a major positive impact in that way. I recently got my Xiser stepper and am learning how to use it; hoping HIIT will help with the abdominal fat.

I resonate with a lot of what's been said in this thread; Sallyo, I got a pic taken recently and realized comparing it to my pic from last year (pre- 5:2) that my face is pretty different with only a 23lb loss. My original goal was a BMI of 23; I'm starting to think that's too thin (I'm 58). I have noticed that some of my very thin friends look pretty old facially (there's a French saying that "after a certain age, a woman must choose between her ass and her face"), and I don't want to go there. (Part of the reason I'm losing weight is NOT to be a frail old lady. Except for my 50% white hair, I don't look my age.)

This goes along with a lot of what I've said elsewhere: I just consider 5:2 to be my WOL for the rest of my life, I'm not looking to "maintain" or reach some number/goal. I find myself looking forward to my light days (although I'm often happy when it's over too!). While I do consider the health benefits, I'm not "counting" on them, since they are still up in the air to some extent. Plus, we all know how health stuff seems to go back and forth: coffee is bad for you/coffee is good for you; carbs are bad, carbs are good; some carbs are bad...you get it, I'm sure.

I feel that balance is important for me, and I find that 5:2 is more workable than an everyday program. The only person I personally know who has sustained a large weight loss (the usual way) is extraordinarily disciplined, one might even say obsessive. Not me! An online article interviewed a woman who has done so, and she stated that she can NEVER relax her vigilance re: eating and exercise. That's all well and good if you are able and willing to make your weight the centerpiece of your life, but it's not for me. It's ironic; people judge those who are overweight as obsessed with food/eating, when it's more likely that those who've lost and are keeping weight off are the obsessive ones. (Not necessarily the naturally thin ones.)

I just want to be reasonably attractive, not shop in the fat ladies' department , and be healthy and active (ie, lack of knee and foot pain as already achieved). I don't have any illusions about reaching my 20's weight (122lbs, hah!) and think my face would look skeletal at that weight anyway. I am perfect just as I am, at this moment, as are we all.

[Tracieknits]

What a fantastic post, @Ferretgal!

I agree ...really good thoughtful post@ferretgal!
@tracieknits can you tell me the ranges for normal levels TSH and T4..
I keep reading different levels ? X

This thread on s a gift that just keeps giving. I heard this author interviewed and have purchased her book "Eat to Cheat Ageing". @Sallyo and a Tassie dietitian Ngaire Hobbins. She has excellent discussion and examples upon how much protein to include at each meal. While I plod I am doing the alchemy in the kitchen so that I enjoy this journey. I think my protein intake was too low and hence my hair loss at the beginning of 2014 which made me realise I had to work on what to prepare on my non fast days. One of my craving is cheese but is that just my body saying it needs protein

@ferretgal loved your post

I think my body is very efficient at keeping my weight on for the reason of my getting older and needing the fat as a woman which has been mentioned by @Peebles I think. My mind is so boggling with the excellent info on this thread so sorry if I have misquoted. I think we are all a experiment in progress as we journey forth with 5:2 but it is so helpful to glean the excellent knowledge we are able to read on this site

[Tracieknits]

I agree ...really good thoughtful post@ferretgal!
@tracieknits can you tell me the ranges for normal levels TSH and T4..
I keep reading different levels ? X

My understanding is that the reference range depends on the test administered. what is normal for one particular test for TSH might be different than what is normal for a different test used to measure TSH. This is why the range for normal is always printed with the lab results.

@Sallyo and @gillymary, all:
I'm a big fat red apple, always had an issue with my waistline; even when skinny I don't have an hourglass shape (neither do either of my sisters, who are both thin). My waist isn't reducing as fast as I'd like (2 inches down), but my belly is down 3 inches and my hips 3 also (still have a 60% waist-height ratio, sigh). Much to my surprise, I've read in several places (here's a link to one: http://www.cutthewaist.com/preferential.html) that one loses a higher percentage of visceral fat first, which is a nice thing. I had always worried that I'd need to get "lean and mean" for it to have a major positive impact in that way. I recently got my Xiser stepper and am learning how to use it; hoping HIIT will help with the abdominal fat.

I resonate with a lot of what's been said in this thread; Sallyo, I got a pic taken recently and realized comparing it to my pic from last year (pre- 5:2) that my face is pretty different with only a 23lb loss. My original goal was a BMI of 23; I'm starting to think that's too thin (I'm 58). I have noticed that some of my very thin friends look pretty old facially (there's a French saying that "after a certain age, a woman must choose between her ass and her face"), and I don't want to go there. (Part of the reason I'm losing weight is NOT to be a frail old lady. Except for my 50% white hair, I don't look my age.)

This goes along with a lot of what I've said elsewhere: I just consider 5:2 to be my WOL for the rest of my life, I'm not looking to "maintain" or reach some number/goal. I find myself looking forward to my light days (although I'm often happy when it's over too!). While I do consider the health benefits, I'm not "counting" on them, since they are still up in the air to some extent. Plus, we all know how health stuff seems to go back and forth: coffee is bad for you/coffee is good for you; carbs are bad, carbs are good; some carbs are bad...you get it, I'm sure.

I feel that balance is important for me, and I find that 5:2 is more workable than an everyday program. The only person I personally know who has sustained a large weight loss (the usual way) is extraordinarily disciplined, one might even say obsessive. Not me! An online article interviewed a woman who has done so, and she stated that she can NEVER relax her vigilance re: eating and exercise. That's all well and good if you are able and willing to make your weight the centerpiece of your life, but it's not for me. It's ironic; people judge those who are overweight as obsessed with food/eating, when it's more likely that those who've lost and are keeping weight off are the obsessive ones. (Not necessarily the naturally thin ones.)

I just want to be reasonably attractive, not shop in the fat ladies' department , and be healthy and active (ie, lack of knee and foot pain as already achieved). I don't have any illusions about reaching my 20's weight (122lbs, hah!) and think my face would look skeletal at that weight anyway. I am perfect just as I am, at this moment, as are we all.

omg @ferretgalthat would have to be the best post of the year thus far!!!!
speaking of resonating.. everything you say about
- abdonimal fat
- seeking the right BMI so one doesnt look older than one should
- research on true benefits of fasting
- everyday restriction
- obsessing on foods and self control
- HIIT
- feeling perfect as you are

spot on, on every level. thank you !

this line cracked me up.

there's a French saying that

"after a certain age, a woman must choose between her ass and her face"

never heard it before but how true. btw Im going for the face

JR

[wildmissus]

I weighed in as usual this morning - 11st 7lb, same as last week. I'm happy with that as I've been trying to work out where I go form here this week and I've been off on holiday and been very inactive. I have tried a couple of 500 cal days this week which worked although I did find them testing as I'm used to liquid fasting and therefore not having to consider what I'm eating but I do think that will help me on non fast days.

So here is my plan of the moment - Mon, Wed, Fri - 500cals. Skip breakfasts on Tues, Sat, Sun. Write everything down - the time, what I eat, how I feel in general and hunger wise before I eat and after I have eaten. I will also try and be more mindful of what and how I am eating - not obsessive just an awareness. I am not drinking alcohol for January so will keep that going. @sallyo, yesterday I received my copy of Don't Go Hungry For Life', which will be my bed time reading for the next wee while to keep me focused. I will continue to google and use the recipes on this site even for none fast days, in particular looking for switching ideas, eg. quinoa instead of white rice. My aim is to stick to 500 low carb cals three times a week and reduce the amount of snacking on non fast days keeping Saturday as my weyhey day. I have also bought myself an Omron pedometer which I will have to find a way of attaching to me in a discrete manner as I work in a high risk food area and I am not allowed to wear jewellery or have anything in my pockets, etc.

I think that is enough to be getting on with at the moment but please feel free to make any comments.

Good luck Wildmissus. I'm going to be doing pretty much the same although I think my 3 fast days will vary. This week I'm hoping to fast on Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday.
I'm going to make a pan of soup today and keep portions in the fridge for fast days and just stick to that and drinks and nothing else. I'm also not going to buy any junk or treats when I go to the suprmakret later; always as hassle when I've got the kids with me though LOL x

P.S. where do you work? I'm a pastry chef and I know how hard it is working with food and fasting!

That all sounds good and positive WM, very best of luck, we're all rooting for you x

Following my own advice I've dropped from 73.2 to 71.8kgs so far this month :0)
That's a 6:1 fast day on a Friday with 16:8 fasting the rest of the week, up to 50g carb (no sugar of any kind in anything), up to 80g protein, and around 70% of the day's calories eaten as good fats (no seed oils), TDEE of 1500 calories daily.
It sounds like tight discipline written down but feels very doable.

Good luck everyone :0)

That's great @wildmissus.I'm sure you'll enjoy the Don't Go Hungry for Life book. It's so refreshingly sensible. And if you can't wear the pedometer in your pocket, you can wear it in your bra. Go girl!

[wildmissus]

@JennyH10, I work on the deli counter in Sainsbury's - hams, cheese, curries, snacks - I'm gradually working my way through everything !

Yesterday I made Roasted Cauliflower Soup -

http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/food/roasted-cauliflower-soup

I made double and me and my girls had a portion for dinner, youngest and myself had another portion each for lunch today and I froze three portions for fast days next week. It is the first time I have tried it and it was yummy and very filling. Yesterday was a fast day and I had it with a feta salad at dinner time. Not sure how many calories all that was but it was certainly less than 500 and was so filling.

Another soup on the go that I love and have only just checked the calories is Sainsbury's Fresh Chicken and Vegetable Broth in a plastic tub. You get two portions for 109 calories per portion (if I remember correctly). I can't give you the link as their website is down at the moment.

Good luck.

I weighed in as usual this morning - 11st 7lb, same as last week. I'm happy with that as I've been trying to work out where I go form here this week and I've been off on holiday and been very inactive. I have tried a couple of 500 cal days this week which worked although I did find them testing as I'm used to liquid fasting and therefore not having to consider what I'm eating but I do think that will help me on non fast days.

So here is my plan of the moment - Mon, Wed, Fri - 500cals. Skip breakfasts on Tues, Sat, Sun. Write everything down - the time, what I eat, how I feel in general and hunger wise before I eat and after I have eaten. I will also try and be more mindful of what and how I am eating - not obsessive just an awareness. I am not drinking alcohol for January so will keep that going. @sallyo, yesterday I received my copy of Don't Go Hungry For Life', which will be my bed time reading for the next wee while to keep me focused. I will continue to google and use the recipes on this site even for none fast days, in particular looking for switching ideas, eg. quinoa instead of white rice. My aim is to stick to 500 low carb cals three times a week and reduce the amount of snacking on non fast days keeping Saturday as my weyhey day. I have also bought myself an Omron pedometer which I will have to find a way of attaching to me in a discrete manner as I work in a high risk food area and I am not allowed to wear jewellery or have anything in my pockets, etc.

I think that is enough to be getting on with at the moment but please feel free to make any comments.

Now thats what I call a plan @wildmissus

Your fast days.. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are same as mine.. mondays are good as it fixes the harm of the weekend lol. and Fridays gets you set for the weekend. and Wednesday in between. If one doesnt fast on weekends, then its the only days in my opinion.. and kind of logical around a 2 day weekend.

on you fast days for the next month or so, come into the "Im fasting today" thread that will be created by whomover is on first. I guess often someone from Southern hemisphere, for some extra motivation.

@JennyH10, I work on the deli counter in Sainsbury's - hams, cheese, curries, snacks - I'm gradually working my way through everything !

Yesterday I made Roasted Cauliflower Soup -

http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/food/roasted-cauliflower-soup

I made double and me and my girls had a portion for dinner, youngest and myself had another portion each for lunch today and I froze three portions for fast days next week. It is the first time I have tried it and it was yummy and very filling. Yesterday was a fast day and I had it with a feta salad at dinner time. Not sure how many calories all that was but it was certainly less than 500 and was so filling.

Another soup on the go that I love and have only just checked the calories is Sainsbury's Fresh Chicken and Vegetable Broth in a plastic tub. You get two portions for 109 calories per portion (if I remember correctly). I can't give you the link as their website is down at the moment.

Good luck.

I tried a roasted cauliflower soup some time last winter for the first time. So good.

Interesting you should say that @gillymary. I am re-reading The Don't Go Hungry for Life book and in the 3rd chapter she writes how to know what your ideal weight is. Something she says about people over 65 - well, I'm only 62, but the point still resonates - are healthier if they have a BMI over 25, like 26 or 27. There are a number of health benefits in being sli

avier when you are older.

To quote
" There are emerging health benefits of carrying a bit of extra weight in older age, such as a lower risk of fractures due to a higher bone mass and more cushioning in case of falls. Also a little extra weight in older age gives you valuable reserves in case of weight loss due to illness or medication that blunt your appetite. If you are over 65 years of age, many specialists recommend that you should only consider losing weight if your BMI is over about 27 -29 and your weight is interfering with physical functions or you have risk factors for heart disease such as hypertension or high blood lipids.'

I want to lose weight because I want to look like a 20 year old and I think I look fat. But is it possible that I have actually reached my ideal weight?

Chapter 2 talked about the hypothalamus which helps our bodies maintain weight, bringing on the famine reaction when we lose weight too fast, to prevent any weight loss, the set point, where our body decides it wants to stay, and the 'fat break' which stops us from putting on more weight above the set point. The trick of losing weight is to convince your body to let go of the set point and let you lose some more weight. Since I am very healthy - perfect blood pressure! - maybe the weight I am now, is actually the right weight for me. Maybe this set point is it. This doesn't mean I would give up on fasting twice a week, but I can do it for my general health and forget about weight loss altogether. That's a radical idea!

So drum roll @SallyO is you're waist less than half your height??? If so maybe you are at your optimal body composition ( as Mark Sisson from Marks daily apple calls it. A weight where you can easily maintain and its where your body thinks you should be. And if you wanted to do lower like a person on the cover of a health mag he could help you get there but it will take a LOT of effort and would NOT be easy to maintain for life) . personally I've always wondered if you are already at your optimal weight because if I remember correctly you wear size 12 or 14 pants and a photo I saw of you during the year you looked a healthy weight and not overweight at all and your bmi is 26 something which is pretty damn close so if your waist isn't apple shaped and is less than half your height as carorees suggests then maybe you are there?????
Xxx julianna