Day 5 of Detox & Weight Loss Fasting - Down 17 and Moving Forward

by Dawn
(New Jersey)

Well, I am starting Day 5 and I am quite pleased with my progress. I have lost 17 lbs.

I know that most of that is water loss however the way I figure it, it's always water loss at the beginning of any weight loss regime.

And since my body is detoxing at the same time, I am actually quite thrilled.

The last 4 days have been interesting. I did experience hunger pains but not as intensely as I had expected.

For about 3 weeks before I started the fast I had cut out all meat, dairy and processed foods; I believe that helped with the hunger issue. This was to be my new regime to losing the 150 1bs that I must lose.

I had lost about 7 lbs during those 3 weeks. However, about 3 days before fasting, I returned to my poor eating habits (topped with eating very late at night and large portions).

This is what led me to fasting, the realization that I need a complete break with food in order to conquer my addiction to it. I have found the significant weight loss to be very motivating.

Also, while at times during the day, I feel the urge to eat, for some reason, the intense cravings that I have been experiencing for food for the last few years has subsided.

This has been my battle - craving food throughout day long and giving in to that craving. I am convinced it becomes a vicious cycle (craving, eating, craving, eating...).

My fasting experience during the last 4 days: as I noted, some hunger pains. Definitely bad breath and headaches from time to time. The biggest challenge: keeping focused while I prepare family dinners. I have found preparing food very early in the day quite helpful.

In addition, I have found Rob Johnston's suggestion of removing yourself mentally from the experience (sort of approaching food prep as a mechanical endeavor) to be, surprisingly, quite helpful.

Another issue, I have found myself saying ok it's lunch time or dinnertime, what shall I eat and then I remember that there will be nothing to eat because I am fasting.

So then the issue becomes what to do with the time that I had associated with eating time: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

While it has not been easy and in fact, is quite a challenge, I am moving on. I really want this. I am committed to my 30 days and possibly 40 if my resolve carries me through.

After that I am thinking of easing into a juice fast. As I have many days to go before that becomes a concern, I have time to research my next steps.

I am fully aware that I will not lose all of the weight I need to lose in this one fast.

Any suggestions on how to transition or what the next step should be are welcome and as always, best of luck to all.

Dawn