The FastDay Forum

I was delighted when I reached my original target of 10st 7lbs at the start of August. This was the weight that I had been for most of my thirties (I'm now 51) and at which I am a UK size 12, but with a BMI still at the top end of normal. At the time I posted that I was unsure whether to reset my target and continue with 5:2.

In the end I decided continue with fasting when I can as I am so used to it now and enjoy the cleansing and virtuous feeling it gives me, but not to worry if I can't fit in two days for any reason. I have completed two weeks of 5:2 and two of 6:1 in the last month, and have eaten what I wanted on the other days but have tried to eat mindfully and only when hungry as I think this will be key to long term maintenance.

So dear Reader how did it go?

My first observation was that I found it hard going in the first week or so after reaching target. Although I was happy to be there, my main motivation for starting 5:2 was to lose weight and it felt strange not to have this goal. I have considered changing my original target but I will leave it for now so I can continue to feel good about reaching it

After this initial wobble I have been fine and have weighed in this morning to find that I am still just under target and have lost 0.5 lbs over the month, despite a few weekends away

So what next?

I am going to carry on with aiming for two fasts each week but not worrying if I can't, and re-evaluate each month. I am off on holiday in a week's time which will be a test but I fully intend to enjoy myself as I know I can deal with any gain when I get back home.

I still can't quite believe that I have reached target so easily - I really don't feel like I have been 'on a diet'. I hope that my experiences will be of help and encouragement to those starting out on this journey.

Very interesting post and observations, thank you for sharing with us!

I was wondering what I would do next when I'd reach my target and I decided to set a new one. Easy and nice, you gotta love it!

Thank you for sharing your experience, Windsinger. You're doing so well! I am still not quite in the maintenance zone but it is very useful to hear how others are managing.

Excellent post. My initial objective was to get under 12 stone. Once there, like windsinger123 I was unsure how to proceed. However I decided to set a new goal - now working towards BMI under 25. Slight rise in BMI this weigh in due to Cornish treats on holiday, but back on It now. Posts and ideas off this forum really assist in focussing on goal.

Really informative post windsinger. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to hearing how you get on next month

You're doing so well Your post has certainly inspired me to keep going. I have had a minor gain after my holiday, but I'm back on it now.

Well done Windsinger yes never thought about how it may feel ''afterwards '' so yes keep our crutch (5:2 ) close to hand and use when needed, enjoy your upcoming holiday because that's what they are for, then return and repair any damage done. Good Luck Sue

Well done on on maintenance, I think reviewing regularly will be the key, it's something my mum has done all her life and she's never been overweight. When (if ever) I reach maintenance I will continue fasting too I think as I'm hoping to gain some health benefits too! Good luck :0)

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. As always the wonderful support from fellow members is such an important part of my success

Well done, Windsinger123! I started my weight loss 'journey' at almost the same time as you, with the same goal weight. I reached mine at the beginning of July and have been at, or around, 10 stone 7 pounds since then. This is something of a miracle for me because I have yo-yo dieted for years!

Like you, I also found it strange to be 'target-less' but maintaining has always been my real problem. I am still fasting one or two days a week in order to keep my husband company while he loses his last half a stone.

I love this WOE! How can you not love a way of eating which allows you to lose weight with no dramas and allows you to maintain your weight loss so easily, too!

Once again, Congratulations to you on a wonderful success!

Well done and thank you for posting this. I have lost 39lbs so far and only have 6 to go until I reach target. Although I completely overhauled my eating habits this year and took up running (which I love) there is still a part of me that is dreading hitting target as I'm really scared that I'll lose my willpower and start to "cheat". Although I've said to everyone that my new way of eating is for life, there is still a part of me that is worried that I will fail. I still intend to weigh myself daily (as I do now), to swap from 5:2 to 6:1 and still log everything on MFP so logically, I should be OK.... but I just feel weird when it is looming up so close now.....

Great post. I think all of you who are maintaining are a great inspiration to the rest of us! Please keep us posted.

Thanks so much for that great post Windsinger!
I think many of us who have been overweight for a long time are quite nervous about maintenance and are looking to our fellowfasters who reach their target to lead the way.
We will watch and learn!

One week on from my last post and I have lost a bit more weight. I only fasted for one day this week but managed 16:8 on another day. At my weigh in this week I am two pounds below target , but I am now on holiday for a week and expect to gain a bit back...

I am still a bit anxious about maintenance but I plan to keep fasting for at least one day a week as I think it helps with appetite control on other days.

I am hoping that it won't be too difficult as I have found this WOE easy and also I am not trying to maintain a particularly low weight. I am still at the high end of normal BMI and I note with interest that many others set a target weight with a much lower BMI.

Good luck to everyone else - if I can do it then you can too!

The sun is shining here in Cornwall this morning after torrential rain yesterday so OH and I will be out and about today exploring this beautiful part of the world

Well Done windsinger that's a very good update
Enjoy beautiful Cornwall and don't worry about gaining a couple of lbs back while you taste the local delights of cream teas + mmmm the pasty glad the weather has picked up for you. Good Luck. Sue