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Fasting / 5:2 diet

Struggling on Second Fast Day of the Week? Tips and Advice, please!

12 replies

BubbyBum · 01/05/2014 16:51

Hi! I've been doing 5:2 for just over a month, so early days so far, but I really, really like it. I have a problem with binge eating, and eating out of boredom, so I find that 5:2 has actually helped me recognise when I'm actually hungry, plus other benefits as well. I could go on but I'm trying to keep this relatively short, but I have lost 10.2 lbs since March, and I'm very pleased, despite what happened over Easter!

My fast days are Monday and Thursday, as these are the easiest for me to work into my schedule. In my mind, I view Monday as my "first" fd of the week, possibly just because it is the beginning of the week. I rarely have a problem on Mondays. Thursdays always start out well, but by 3 or 4 in the afternoon, I am really struggling. I drink lots of water normally to stay hydrated, and I find having a warm drink or a cup of soup helps curb the hunger and cravings, but it's incredibly tough. I try to fill up on lean proteins, vegetables and well selected carbs at dinner, but I still seem to struggle for the rest of the day.

Do you suspect that it could be mind set? Feeling like Friday is just around the corner? I don't go mad or eat non-stop on Tuesdays, so I'm not sure if that is it? Is it common to feel this way in the early stages?

Please, if you have any advice or tips, I'd be really, really grateful.

Thank you!

OP posts:
MazzleDazzle · 01/05/2014 20:43

I've never been one for sticking to the same days. My FDs vary from week to week and I'm very flexible. I have no idea at the start if the week when my FDs will be!

This week I fasted on Tuesday and was planning on fasting tomorrow, but have been asked out to dinner so will postpone my second FD until Sat.

It could be your mindset - you're probably expecting to struggle, so you do. Also, there's 3 NFD between Thurs-Mon, but only 2 between Mon-Thurs.

Could you try changing your 2nd FD to a Fri and see how it feels?

flashheartscanoe · 04/06/2014 12:59

I find it really helps to make the morning after the second fast day the point at which I weigh myself. It helps with the motivation as its the second fast day that usually gives a good loss- anticipating that in the morning keeps me on track!

MelanieCheeks · 05/06/2014 07:29

Fasting is mental. Get your head in the game and you're sure to succeed. Your body can do this if your mind will let it.

Find something to look forward to mid-afternoon - try a variety of bouillons, Marigold, Marmite, Oxo etc and find your favourite. Or allow yourself a diet fizzy drink - I used to keep a can of diet ginger beer ONLY for fast days.

You could try fasting on a Wednesday instead of Thursday, see if that gets around the "Oh its Friday soon" feeling.

plecofjustice · 06/06/2014 09:53

I found Monday and Thursday quite difficult, so I switched to Tuesday and THursday, which is much better for me.

I'd also suggest looking at what you are eating on FD's. I find on my second FD I'm much better if I "spend" more calories during the day and eat a smaller evening meal. if I try and hang on to the evening, I'm really struggling

SquirrelledAway · 06/06/2014 11:59

I too have that 3pm - 4pm low on the second FD, and find that a few nuts (I like dry roasted peanuts) at about 4pm are a good pick-me-up and keep me going until teatime.

barbarnarna · 19/06/2014 12:30

I also struggle with the 2nd fast day and DEFINITELY because it is near Friday! Atm I am doing mon and thurs and thinking of swapping to mon (which I like) and wed, just so I don't have that feeling of complete deprivation!!

I am going to have courgette pasta when I get home - a courgette sliced with a potato peeler, stir fried with a teaspoon of olive oil and some garlic and chilli and a few bits of broccoli . Actually no idea what the calorie content is Blush but am hoping not much other than the olive oil

barbarnarna · 19/06/2014 12:59

have worked out 40 cals for oil, 20 calories for courgette so thats around 70 cals with the garlic etc :-) I find it very satisfying nad filling :-)

mummypig14 · 19/06/2014 20:42

I do Monday Thursday aswell and find Thursday evenings (now!!) V.hard too. No advice but Im in the same boat!

PiratesLifeForMe · 20/06/2014 13:56

Exactly the same for me - only 2 weeks in but finding Thursday much harder than the Monday fast.

Going to swop to mon & weds just to see if it is a psychological 'almost Friday' thing. I do seem to be a lot better behaved earlier in the week!

meadowquark · 25/06/2014 09:57

I started buying a bag of salad leaves (200g - 38 kcal) and munching throughout the day. I don't know if it's that but my appetite gets completely killed.

barbarnarna · 25/06/2014 11:08

swapped 2nd fast day to today as I am still 'in the zone' after Monday. Am feeling slightly deprived already and its only 11am!

HOWEVER I have lost 3lbs in two weeks so definitely going to persevere. Have 12lbs to lose to get down to normal fighting weight :-)

staceysxx · 04/07/2014 18:38

Im on my second day of the 5:2 diet and finding it alot easier than my first day:) feel alot less tired this may be due to the fact iv kept myself busy compared to tuesday when I sat about. Currently reading the book which iv found motivating:) have my holiday coming up at end of month hoping to lose a few pounds by then will let yous know how I get on.

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