Feeling worse on NF days?

[ElenaLaBuena]

Hey. Am new to the site and in my first week of 5:2. I have done both fast days and felt great on both days; energetic, alert, happy. However on both days after fasting I have felt awful. I have been tired, tearful, short tempered and generally out of sorts. It could be coincidence although it is unusual for me to feel like this. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this?

Many people take 2-3 weeks to get used to fasting. I haven't heard of emotional upsets, but emotions might be affected by the endocrine system adjusting during the first few weeks.

I recommend:

• On FDs, concentrate on protein and veg, low GI meals.
• Go to bed in good time

• On 1st NFD morning, don't exercise or do chores before breakfast.

Instead, have breakfast with protein and complex carbs, e.g . porridge oats with almonds and cinammon or . wholegrain toast with eggs / pnut butter / cheese / marmite

Avoid sugary cereals or too much fruit for NFD breakfast, as this may cause an insulin spike followed by a crash later.
This could cause emotional upset

• Try to eat nutritious meals on 1st NFD, avoiding snacks, sweet treats and alcohol. Have those on a later NFD if you wish.

Thanks for the reply. I have been sticking to protein and Veg on FD but I think maybe eating too much for breakfast on NFD. Now in my 3rd week I am noticing that bread on NFDs is making me feel rubbish after eating so I am avoiding it. This week I have felt more normal.