So, I stayed up late yesterday chatting with a friend back home in PA. She was telling me about this eating plan she's been following for the past two weeks, it's called Fast-5. The basic principle is that you only eat during a 5 hour window and fast the rest of the day. Your eating window, as it's called, can be adjusted to suit your lifestyle but the original window (as described in the book which is available as a free e-book) is from 5 pm until 10 pm, which is what my friend is doing. During the rest of the time, you only consume calorie-free or minimal calorie beverages such as water, tea, or black coffee. NO snacks during the 19 hour fast, including gum. The principle behind the diet is that when you allow yourself the 19 hours fasting time, you allow your body to actually use the energy you already have stored (ie- fat), as opposed to adding to it. You can eat whatever you want during the 5 hour window, but healthy choices make the most sense for the majority of people.

So far, my friend, who is heavy, has lost 10 lbs and almost as many inches. The book says not to expect any losses during the first three weeks if you've already maintained a relatively healthy diet, and then to expect a loss of a pound per week without exercise. My friend wasn't the healthiest eater which is why I think she's done so well. However, I'm proud of her. She's always been happy with herself, but, honestly- being 100 pounds overweight isn't healthy regardless of mentality. She's combined the Fast-5 plan with a Paleo-ish style of eating and it's working for her.

I woke up an hour early this morning (not on purpose!) and downloaded the e-book from the website. It's quite short and I read most of it already. I think with some more research it is something I'd like to try. I already consume most of my food intake that I'm actually hungry for during work hours. Dinner is usually just a formality or because I'm eating with the kids. I really do believe that this is a nature vs. nurture sort of science- most of us eat 3-6 meals a day, all day long, because that's what society dictates. However, is it really necessary? Probably not. It's just hard to escape from the cultural binds that define how we live our lives.

Adjusting my life to this way of eating is something I'd really need to plan for, though, and make Joe aware of (as well as my co-workers, who tend to help in derailing me from my diet). I've got more research to do and I'm undecided about whether or not I could make it work, but, I'm actually intrigued. It's free, there's no weird hormone injections, I wouldn't have to cut anything out of my diet or count anything (though I'd probably still keep track of calories)... we'll see.

I slept on the couch last night because my back hurt so bad and our mattress is too soft for my liking most nights. I'm still slightly sore but better than I was yesterday. I have my BeFit class tonight and I also really need to do last night's homework, which I totally skipped. I might bring our spare laptop to work and try to get the assignment done on my lunch break instead of going to the gym. It's the last week of class! Next week we're off and then Joe and I both are taking Influence and Persuasion...oooooh. Heh.

Yesterday was a diet-cheat day. We went to Chili's for dinner, I had an egg white flatbread sandwich for breakfast from Dunkin Donuts, and I have no idea how many calories were in my lunch (the kids' leftover dinner from Tuesday). I also didn't go to the gym, as I spent my lunch break shopping at JC Penney's for some new clothes for Chloe. Speaking of, the kids are coming to work with me today which means I'd better get moving since I have to pack breakfast for them. Joe has an appointment this morning and will pick them up after. I might take Chloe to school if someone can cover in my room for 20 minutes, which shouldn't be a problem. Off I go! Happy Thursday all. :)