Newbie says hi

[frecklefacecally]

Hi I don't know the "etiquette" for newbies posting, but I just wanted to say hi (longtime lurker first time poster) and I have started the 5:2 this week and my first fast day is tomorrow (yes, I have been putting it off haha!)

I suffer from low blood sugar if I don't eat for a few hours, I was thinking small bits of celery or fruit teas to keep my glucose up? I'm afraid of feeling faint in between the meals and will also be working out in the evening. If I'm honest I'm slightly scared...

Anyway hi :-)

Hi freckle, how long have you been lurking? You can jump in and say hi on the main thread anytime.

Can you be more specific about your blood sugar issues? What time is your work out, is a type of exercise you're used to? With the fasting, you aim to get your body used to running on your fat for fuel, not relying on little top ups of food. It doesn't like it at first, and some do feel queasy, or peculiar initially, this does ease of its own accord, usually after 20 mins or so. The intensity of hunger also builds, when it becomes almost unbearable, its suddenly subsides. These unpleasant sounding side effects are worse on the first couple of fasts, then you body seems to adjust as it gets used to the fact that it has to run on your reserves rather than being topped up continually.

Don't worry, you won't feel rubbish all day, for some parts of the day you will feel fabulous, light and weirdly relish being empty!

I hope I'm not giving you bad advice with regards to the blood sugar dips. Are you diabetic?

talk to BreadandWine about blood sugar - he's pretty clued up and well read
but yes, join in on the big thread and see who else has ideas

the main thing will be to have regular drinks and your insulin system will start to retrain

Peplum41 - thank you. Very well explained and helpful.