5:2 and SLEEP

[monkeymamma]

So today's a fast day... I had to take last fast day off (last Thursday) as I had a migraine and it just wasn't going to work. I'm doing 5:2 with DH and he wanted scales so he could track his progress, they arrived last night so of course I had to check my weight too and was horrified by the results (at least a stone heavier than I was expecting, and heavier than I was when ds2 was a baby (he's 2 now). So I'm more determined than ever to do this but at the same time utterly dispirited and demotivated and in the mood to self medicate with chocolate :-(

Both dc were up in the night as they've a grotty cold and ds2's been up since 5am. I've got myself a black coffee and will just have to stick it out today. But AARGH this is hard when you regularly don't get enough sleep. I also feel a bit demotivated by the idea that no amount of fasting and gym will shift my spare tyre if I'm constantly sleep deprived (not getting enough sleep seems to always make me put on weight).
It's not really a 'this too will pass scenario' with the sleep as ds1 is nearly 5 and regularly wakes 3,4,5 times a night.
Sorry for pathetic self pitying rant but any encouragement would be so nice!

[hippoinamudhole]

How did you do monkey? Did you manage to stay somewhere near 500 cals?

[JT05]

Stick with it, but be kind to yourself. If 500 calls is too hard make it 600 cals.! Don't be tempted to eat sugary/ junk food, stick with fruit veg, water and black coffee. distract yourself with MN.
You can be strong minded, mothers have to be in so many situations. You'll get there!

[gardengirl88]

I don't have anythung scientific to add but can bring sympathy and common ground!! It is BRUTAL. both mine start the day at 4 (also with multiple night wakings) and have done since they were born...so I know the feeling. For what it's worth, though, it can still be done (FD,that is)

Things that help me:
Chomping on ice (refreshing and makes me feel like in eating)
Hot water (comforting and feels like it's filling a milky tea hole)
Sticking a post it on your cupboard of danger saying "you need sleep not food. Eating won't make you less sleepy"

Oh, and brushing my teeth and washing my face through the day. And spending a lot of time outdoors with the DCs!

[pfrench]

I'm doing the 800 cals a day option, and am similar with sleepless child. I bought a new watch yesterday which showed I was awake 6 times last night, and got 3 hours sleep in total. I'm not surprised... but, as someone said above, food isn't going to make you feel less tired.