So, are people actually losing weight on 5:2?

[SueFawley]

There are so many different threads on here now about 5:2 .I'm going to read the discussion with Michael Mosley later too, but I'm curious about actual weight loss and how long it takes before you see results.

[Lakota]

I've been doing it since around the end of August, combined with 3 workouts a week at the gym since the beginning of December. When I started I was 10 st 5, as of Friday last week (and this morning, I checked!) I am 9 stone. I was losing weight before I joined the gym, but it made me more interested in upping my fitness and also trying to ensure I got toned rather than 'skinny fat'.

So yes, it definitely works! I am aiming to lose another couple of 1lbs and I think I will be at my pre-babies weight from around 9 years ago. I bought size 12 skinny jeans just a few months ago and I needed a belt with them this morning. I found tracking food calories on My Fitness Pal also really helped.

[Lakota]

I am 5'6", and 36 by the way.

[SueFawley]

That's a very good weight loss,considering you didn't have a lot to lose, well done.
I've tried everything else and this is just about my last hope, so I'm reading the threads here with interest but there's a lot to catch up on.

[Snowkey]

I didn't lose on fasting 2 days and eating whatever I wanted for 5 days but I did maintain for quite a few months, then Christmas happened, with no fasts and no exercise and i gained. I have gone hardcore to get rid of extra pounds by end of Jan and then I'll slide back into fasting 2 days and eating and drinking merrily for 5 days.

[Lakota]

You still need to eat no more than your TDEE the other days - 'eat normally' obviously means different things to different people. If someone fasts for 2 days but eats 4,000 calories a day of fried chicken and biscuits the rest of the time, sadly it won't have the same effect! But with appropriate calorie intake for your age/height/weight the rest of the time you shouldn't have to cut anything out or deprive yourself of particular foods, so in that way it's not a 'diet'. I still have chocolate/wine/curry etc.

I have noticed that my eating habits - while never terrible - have improved since doing this. I could never consciously low carb as I love rice and pasta and bread, but I have replaced a large proportion of my daily lunch sandwiches with salad (big bowl of leaves, cucumber, dressing, chicken/prawns) instead, and am enjoying that. I probably only have a sandwich based lunch once or twice a week now instead of every day.

[CaseyShraeger]

DH has lost quite a bit, although he's doing 4:3 rather than 5:2. I'm keen to try it, but trying to work out how to fit it around DCs (DD2 mostly won't eat if I'm not eating).

[MilkshakeMaker]

I've just done my first day and your right OP there is soooooo much to read!!

[Aftereightsarenolongermine]

Yes I've lost 3 stone since August doing 4:3 mostly but have started 5:2 for medication reasons. If I can do 4:3 I will.

[MilkshakeMaker]

My god thats fantastic!!!! Well done!!

[FlouncingMintyy]

My dh and I have been doing 5:2 since 1st September (so that is around 40 fasts). He is about 4 stone overweight, I am about 2.5 stone overweight.

He has lost about a stone.

I have lost about 5lb.

I am having my thyroid investigated!

[LouiseFisher]

That is absolutely fantastic.. Well done! Such a achievement! Hope this motivates you to continue losing more

[phlebas]

yes 21kg since last summer (46 pounds).

My mum - who is 60, had very little to lose (7lbs) & has been completely unable to lose more than a couple of pounds for the last 10 years - has also managed to lose & keep the weight off :) My SIL is doing it now too.

[TalkinPeace2]

Started in September - at start of term, weighed 10 stone (age 47 and 5'5")
By the last Friday of term I weighed 8:12
Over Christmas put on 7 pounds.
Have already lost 6 of them again.
Currently (roughly) aiming for 8:11 = BMI of 20

Mintyy So, so pleased that you are hanging on in there and searching for answers rather than giving up.

[frenchfancy]

I've lost 19 lb since September. I put on a few over Christmas but they have all gone now.

I eat well on non fast days, which is why normal diets don't work for me. I can stop for a day or 2 but after a week I go mad and start eating.

5:2 isn't just about weight loss though, I will carry on doing it even if I don't lose anymore as it makes me feel so good.

[FlouncingMintyy]

Just weighed this morning and am exactly where I was just before Christmas. I had two weeks "off" over Christmas and definitely over-indulged so I know I gained some and have now lost it again in the 7 fasting days I have done since 2nd January.

Net loss since 1st September = about 5lb. And only another 30 to go! .

[SparklyStone]

What does everyone eat on their 500 calorie days?

[catsrus]

Lost 25lb since watching the horizon prog in August - now 9st 7lb, size 12 rather than 16 now experimenting with maintenance. I'm nearer 60 than 50 - post menopausal and have been stuck and unable to lose for a few years - this WOE is wonderful

[frenchfancy]

sparkly see our recipe thread

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/big_slim_whatever_weight_loss_club/1567814-5-2-Fast-day-recipe-ideas

[SueFawley]

I've followed the thread with interest, thanks everyone. I've been working my way through all the other threads about it here but it's a mammoth task!

I haven't found the courage - yet - to try 5:2 but it does sound worth a try.

[BsshBossh]

Lakota on your non-fast days do you tend to eat close to your TDEE or are you alot under?