My Weightloss Start-Up Journey- Waterfast

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Fammy

New member
After much research and failed attempts to lose weight, I have decided to start my weightloss journey with a water fast. I have tried the diet and excercise method to losing weight, on and off again, for over 2 years with no results and no motivation. I am hoping that the water fast, if anything, will help me devolop discipline. I am not using it as a method to lose weight, but hoping to get some control over my food addiction. Yesturday was Day One of my water fast and my starting weight was 197.6lbs[/B]. I usually range between 197-202 lbs and my height is 5'6. My first goal is a 15 day fast, and if I'm feeling up to it, at the time, I will extend it. I have no reason to weigh myself during this period, considering the fact that I know most of the weight lost will be coming back once i start eating again, but i will weigh myself on the last day for the heck of it.

Today is Day 2 of my waterfast and I've been having mild cravings. Overall, other than the need to sleep, I haven't noticed any changes with my physical and behavioural state.
 
Yes during this period only water is consumed. Your body goes through a natural process where it detoxifies and heals itself.
 
Okay, so its about the end of Day 4 right now and I've been feeling really sluggish. During Day 3, I had no significant complaints except for the frequent cravings I continued to have when I saw junk food. I must say though, I'm kind of surprised I lasted this long and haven't been truly hungry. Usually I am able to talk myself out of anything, and being my own worst skeptic, I was sure that I would quit after the first 2 days. I am very glad that I am sticking to this. And in case anyone is wondering, I am being medically supervised. I talked to my family doctor about a week previous to the start of this water-fast. Because I have no other issues other than my weight, my doctor (after much resistance and alternate recommendations provided) declared that it would be safe as long as I was monitored and drank enough water to prevent dehydration.
 
Fasting is very good for the body.....its good to do it as a cleansing but not for weightloss alone. . If prolonged it can become addicting and ultimately dangerous :/ jess sayin
 
So today is day 9 and I've been feeling like crap for the past 2 days. I haven't felt hungry at all due to the waves of nausea I've kept having. The taste of my mouth is really irritating and no matter how many times I brush it (or use mouthwash), I can't seem to get rid of the taste. I'm tired and sluggish all the time but I can't seem to fall asleep and it feels like it takes me twice as long to get a simple task (like washing dishes) done. To top this all off, I seemed to have caught a nasty cold which is just one of the benefits of living in northern Canada. Honestly, it feels like people are sick all the time up here. Anyways, I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow morning to determine whether or not I should continue with my fast and how my overall health is. In regard to the question as to when I eat again, at this point I honestly don't know. I was aiming for a full 15 days, but thats starting to seem unrealistic especially with the way I've been feeling lately. One of the things I've noticed over the past few days is the amount of spare time I have. During my pre-fasting period, I feel like I spent about a third of my day snacking or eating. I'm starting to realize how out of hand my eating habits have gotten over a short period of time. Hopefully when this is all done, I'll be able to control my food intake and step away from the sedentary lifestyle I've adopted.
 
I ended my fast two days ago by drinking some juice. My doctor suggested that I stick to liquid and soft foods for the first three days and then move on to harder solid foods. He felt that fasting, while sick, wasn't safe, so of course I took his advice and ended it. A part of me is actually glad to be eating again but I felt that I was so close to hitting my goal. The morning I ended my fast, I weighed in at 182.4lbs, hopefully I'll gain those ten or so pounds back fairly quickly. My appetite had definitly changed. By that I mean that I know what fills me up and I'm just not eating whatever I see. I'm going to give myself about a week to rest and get back to where I was, then start my long term journey to get down to a healthy weight.
 
Wow, that route sounds pretty scary to me. I get the fasting for a short period of time may be beneificial, but prolonged I can't see how it's good for you. Your depriving your body from much needed nutrients. Maybe that's why you were feeling sick and sluggish?

Either way, I'm glad you'll be eating again now. I hope you find success on your journey.

Just remember that I think we all at some point or another lacked serious motivation or else why would we be here? We're all here to support each other so please keep posting and lean on us when you feel like giving up. That's what this site is for.
 
I have to agree with Mandy that our bodies need protein and all sorts of nutrients and vitamins. While IF has been shown to be beneficial (although such denial would not be suitable for me) - there is a big difference between this and a prolonged fast. Lack of protein for instance over a prolonged period can cause muscle wastage and we are all very keen on there being no wastage to (for instance) our heart muscle... I am pleased to see that you are eating again. I am thankful that you were acting under medical supervision. I am not surprised that there was some resistance.

Now that you have undergone such a gruelling start to your new project - what are your plans to continue your weight loss project? Are you planning to develop a balanced and healthy food plan at a suitable level for weight loss? Are you planning to incorporate exercise?
 
I have my first official meeting with a dietician next tuesday and to say I'm a little embarrassed and nervous is definitly and understatement. (But I know it's time). As I said originally, there was no intention on my part to actually use waterfasting as a long-term weight loss solution. It was a method I used to help me devolop dicipline which I believe it accomplished. I can honestly say that I can now recognize when enough's enough and my weight has gotten back up to almost it original now at 195.4. Oddly enough, the transition from fasting to finally eating solid foods went smoothly; except for minor stomach upsets the first few days. And although it won't be anytime soon, I will probably waterfast again but for a shorter duration (like I'm talking about 3 days every six months or so). I've just started walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day at 2.5mph. I know that nothing in comparison to what other excercise plans call for, but its a big step for me considering I had given up on excercise.
 
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