Van’s July Fasting Journal

[Van]

Starting fresh for month of July. Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!!

June was a month of many failures and lessons for me. It gave me lots of insight on what I am ready for and what I am not ready for at this time. It also gave me insight on what I wanted long term. At this time, I just want to have a proper “relationship” with food. I just want to find a way of eating where I am completely satisfied and happy where I am not obsessed with food all the time. Extended fasting is not for me at this time BUT I hope to revisit extended fasting in the future.

I am continuing my journey of intermittent fasting where I am fasting for about 21-23 hours per day. I have found myself completely happy and satiated at 1200 calories. My GI and BMs are slowly getting better. BMs are no longer painful and arduous. I suspect my GI is loving the new changes in my diet: low calorie nutrient dense foods that are high in fibre. On top of the higher fibre intake, I am also continuing with my daily supplement of psyllium husk and probiotics. I still consume carbs but the focus is more healthy carbs like whole grains, buckwheat noodles, shirataki noodles, veggies and potatoes.

My goal is to lose the weight but restore gut/GI health and metabolism for this month. I am currently looking into colon cleanse to see if that will help me. I read some articles that indicated that colon cleanse will help with extended fasting.

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs

Off work today due to holiday. Going to use all this free time to prep meals as heading up north this evening. Will most likely continue to log in forum while up north. Was thinking of bringing my scale but measurement might not be accurate while on the boat. So might scratch that idea.

[Van]

Beautiful weather up north. Not too hot and very breezy.

Fasting started last night around 11pm as I had a late dinner. Ate some trail mix with water after seeing the fireworks on rooftop of resort.

Will most likely end fast around 5-6pm where I will eat most of my calories for the day. Don’t know when I will resume the fasting - most likely around 10-11pm.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs

Up 1 lb from July 1st.

Just got back from a beautiful long weekend of boating up north. But happy to be home.

OMAD and dieting during long weekend was a disaster. Got severely constipated and upset stomach started to hurt badly as I didn’t bring my psyllium husk. Reverted back to eating breakfast, lunch and dinner mid-way through the weekend, which helped a little. My saving grace was that I packed A LOT of veggies and healthy food.

Yesterday was blah as period started AND I had to go to a dinner party last evening, which resulted in eating a lot of food and grazing throughout the whole evening.

Happy to be back to OMAD and dieting again. Back to psyllium husk and probiotics. Hoping GI and BMs go back to normal this week.

My plans is to start working out tomorrow. Plans for today is to stretch and meditate.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs

No gain or loss from yesterday.

Ate about 2100 calories yesterday.

Have lost all motivation to do anything in regards to fasting and dieting. I feel stuck.

Today is daughter’s birthday - she will be celebrating her birthday at her dad’s today. I am going to do a big seafood dinner for her tomorrow at my place.

I am now thinking that I should probably do an extended fast of about 3-4 days before going back to OMAD to kickstart my diet because I honestly feel so stuck and depressed right now about my weight.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs

Gained about 3.6 lbs from July 6th
Gain/loss since July 1st: + 4.6 lbs

Diet is pretty much out the window due to yesterday’s celebration. Another day of eating today from yesterday’s leftovers, however, no more cakes or cookies for me today.

Going to spend today to think about strategies and what I want to do tomorrow to get back on wagon.

[Van]

OK - just joined a weekly fasting challenge.

A wonderful idea was brought up on that challenge: build up on a weekly progression. I.e. 24 hrs on week 1, 48 hrs on week 2, 72 hours on week 3, etc.

Goal this week is to fast for 24 hours and then continue with OMAD diet.

Maybe do 48 hours next week!!! That’s definitely going to be a challenge for me!

[Van]

I just have to laugh here…

For June, I had plans and goals and that went out the window.

For July, plans were to continue with OMAD and 1200 calories. Now… I have changed my mind again. I think it’s because my schedule is so up in the air right now. Sigh… Summer can be so unpredictable. Weekends will most likely be up north. Weekdays might be a little more stable for me due to work.

I hope I will find a stable and good way of fasting and eating for the summer months. I am so desperate to reach that 150 lb goal this month. Just saw Yasemin’s recent YouTube video… I am definitely running out of options…

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs

Lost about 0.6 lbs from yesterday
Gain/loss since July 1st: + 4 lbs

Started 24 hour fast yesterday at 8pm. Currently about 18 hours in, 6 hours to go to reach 24 hours

Started reading e-book “Never Binge Again” from www.neverbingeagain.com last evening as per recommendation from another fasting member on this site.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs

No gain or loss from yesterday.
Gain/loss since July 1st: + 4 lbs

Completed 24 hours yesterday. It felt great. I was not obsessed with food AND I was very productive yesterday.

Plans are to go for 48 hours starting this Sunday evening.

Mom came over to visit last evening. Did some online shopping with her. We made plans to do blonde highlights again for me next week. She is a hairstylist so I get my haircuts and highlights done for free. Lucky me!!!

After mom left, had a very late dinner with daughter. She is going back to her dad’s place for the rest of the month. Going to miss her.

Started fast again last night at 11pm. Will most likely break fast at 7pm.

Plans are to have sushi dinner with boyfriend tonight. BBQ tomorrow night - will most likely make some deconstructed turkey burgers with no buns for myself.

As I look back on my life, I realized that I have been on this weight loss journey since I was 14 years old. I am now 37. That’s 23 years of struggling and being so unhappy with myself. That’s 23 years that I can’t take back. And I said to myself last night: NO MORE.

I am going to achieve this weight loss goal. Food will ALWAYS be around. Time is not going to wait for me. I am tired of the struggle. I am going to achieve this goal for the month. I am not going to give up. I am not going to spiral out of control again. I am not going to waste another year of my life.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 11th Weight 163.6 lbs

Gain/loss from yesterday: Down 2.6 lbs
Gain/loss since July 1st: Up 1.4 lbs

Ate a bit earlier than planned yesterday. Curry veggie with shirataki noodles was good and filling. Sushi dinner was good. Started my fast again last evening around 8pm.

Rainy here in Toronto area. Don’t feel bad for not going up north this weekend.

Was feeling quite bloated and unwell last evening. Wasn’t sure why as I didn’t eat anything abnormal last evening with bf.

Woke up and had an “a-ha!” moment. The only thing new for me was the protein powder that I took as I am trying to increase my protein intake. My goal is to eat/drink at least 100g or more of protein whenever I eat. Protein powder has lactose in it and I am lactose intolerant. Goal is to take my enzyme pill before taking the protein powder, which will solve the problem of stomach feeling like there’s a rock in it!!!

Bf wants BBQ today. I am going to make some veggies with hummus and turkey burgers for myself. Gonna say no to his delicious veal chop - in the mood for burgers today. I usually like my burgers without bun so going to wrap the turkey patties in lettuce with tomatoes and red onions. Yum! Can’t wait.

I am excited and pumped with starting 48 hr fast on Sunday at 8pm! Already got my alarm set up to remind me to start!!!

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 11th Weight 163.6 lbs
July 12th Weight: 163 lbs

Gain/loss from yesterday: Down 0.6 lbs
Gain/loss since July 1st: Up 0.8 lbs

Had a pizza lunch with daughter before she went off to her dad’s for a couple of weeks for the summer.

Plans are to have some cabbage rolls with salad with bf tonight.

Than start my 48 hr fast today at 8pm

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 11th Weight 163.6 lbs
July 12th Weight: 163 lbs
July 13th Weight: 169.2 lbs

Gain/loss from yesterday: Gained 6.2 lbs
Gain/loss since July 1st: Gained 7 lbs

The massive gain overnight is mostly water weight. I am so happy that I am water fasting today and tomorrow. I am pretty sure it will go down tomorrow. Goal is to go for 48 hours this week. But maybe I might go longer? Who knows. Just looking at the calendar… half of July is almost done, and I still haven’t accomplished goal for month. I might fast until Friday evening or so. Not going up north this coming weekend again so going to take advantage of the situation.

Plans are up in the air next week as I might need to go up north to assists bf with his new boat. Next week is the second last week of July so I really need to plan this. I will likely fasts for the whole week and say no to food until I reach my goal.

I was reading an article that colon cleansing will assists with the water fasting. Might do that today.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 11th Weight 163.6 lbs
July 12th Weight: 163 lbs
July 13th Weight: 169.2 lbs
July 14th Weight: 163 lbs

Gain/loss from yesterday: Down 6.2 lbs
Gain/loss since July 1st: Gained 0.8 lbs

Broke my fast last evening around 6:30pm. Had to restart my 48 hr fast at 7:30pm again.

Daughter is back home from her dad’s. She didn’t like it there so I had to go and pick her up. She is, of course, munching on junk food like chips and muffins.

Mom brought duck congee for daughter and myself yesterday. I resisted in the beginning but laid in bed with nothing to do but think about food, and eventually caved in and broke fast with the congee.

Plans are to keep busy today. I scheduled everything that I need to do today into time slots after work. Keeping busy till bedtime.

[schmidtsmia]

You have really dropped some weight! Like 20 lbs.! Are you doing back-to-back 48 hour fasts now…Sorry, I was away, and had no internet to read your journal from beginning of July. And today, I have not so much time. Stay strong, and remember, YOU ARE doing it!!!

[Van]

@schmidtsmia, thanks for your support. Been stuck at 160s range for a good month. Sigh sigh…

Hoping this month will be different.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 11th Weight 163.6 lbs
July 12th Weight: 163 lbs
July 13th Weight: 169.2 lbs
July 14th Weight: 163 lbs
July 15th Weight: 162.4 lbs

Gain/loss from yesterday: Down 0.6 lbs
Gain/loss since July 1st: Gained 0.2 lbs

Went over to bf’s house yesterday evening. He knew full well that I was fasting but convinced me to have dinner with him. I have zero self control around him.

Had to start fast again last night. Told bf that I won’t be coming around for the rest of the week as I want to accomplish my goal.

[schmidtsmia]

Wow, this is the guy, that told you that YOU had to change your outer appearance (drop weight) in order to be with him? And yet, HE is trying to sabotage your efforts? Man, I do not want to judge, and yet…Anyway, yes, if he is no help, then stay the eff away…Have you tried 48 hour fasts? Much strength, determination and lots of hugs. You are strong!!!

[Van]

Thanks @schmidtsmia, yeah, need to focus on what’s important to me right now.

Currently trying to complete 48 hr fast this week.

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 11th Weight 163.6 lbs
July 12th Weight: 163 lbs
July 13th Weight: 169.2 lbs
July 14th Weight: 163 lbs
July 15th Weight: 162.4 lbs
July 16th Weight: 163 lbs

Gain/loss from yesterday: Gained 0.6 lbs
Gain/loss since July 1st: Gained 0.8 lbs

Woke up feeling anxious again about bf situation this morning. I hate the feeling of insecurity and being “out of control.”

The small weight gain this morning is, of course, very discouraging. What can I do? My body is obviously fighting me right now.

I just need to keep going…

[Van]

Start Weight: 182 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 19.8 lbs

Height: 5’1

Current BMI: 30.6 (Obesity)
Current Body Fat: 40.4% (Goal: 21%)

July 1st Weight: 162.2 lbs
July 5th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 6th Weight: 163.2 lbs
July 8th Weight: 166.8 lbs
July 9th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 10th Weight: 166.2 lbs
July 11th Weight 163.6 lbs
July 12th Weight: 163 lbs
July 13th Weight: 169.2 lbs
July 14th Weight: 163 lbs
July 15th Weight: 162.4 lbs
July 16th Weight: 163 lbs
July 17th Weight: 161.4 lbs

Gain/loss from yesterday: Down 1.6 lbs
Gain/loss since July 1st: Down 0.8 lbs

Completed 48 hrs last night. Currently 57 hours in. Hated the whole process of this water fasting. Food obsession is back. This is torture for me!!! My cute little cat looks appetizing right now. Lol.

Night was quite restless - even with my sleeping pills. I had a dream that I was eating big large lobster tails - wish it was real but woke up with my cat staring at me like a creep. Lol.

While obsessing about food during this fast, I had to really go back to my “WHY’s” - why am I doing this to myself? Why am I going through this torture? What do I want? What’s my end game?

My WHY’s: I want to lose weight and reach my goal. I want to get back into autophagy and Ketosis. I want to be HAPPY for once when I eat. I don’t want to feel so crappy or ashamed when I do eat.

I go by a set of rules in life. And one of those rules are: “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.”

I did lots of reading and research on the topic of autophagy and Ketosis over the past 2 days.

I have been aware of 5:2 diet by Dr. Michael Mosley for quite some time. Eating less than 500 calories is considered a fasting day by Dr. Mosley.

Just just stumbled across the Fasting Mimicking Diet by Dr. Valter Longo, an Italian biologist and researcher. He discovered a way of eating that tricks the body into believing that it is fasting and pushes the body into autophagy. That is quite amazing stuff!!!

His diet is about $249 for 5 days. Yikes!!! That’s expensive!

So I did more research…

I am going to do an experiment on myself starting tomorrow.

Goal today is to refeed. Not sure when I will break my fast. Need to PLAN out my meals so I don’t make myself sick.

And going to start this experiment tomorrow.