Alternate day fasting

[eggyweggies]

As in, fasting every other day.

Would this take 5:2ing into the realms of crash dieting and would I put loads of weight back on if I stopped?

Has anyone tried it?

I'm not losing weight fast enough!

[BellaVita]

Maybe try 4:3 first?

[eggyweggies]

Have you tried that, Bellavita? Is it safe/healthy etc?

[BetsyBell]

The main issue with ADF is that it's unsustainable in the long run so is more like dieting - ie, when you stop you'll probably put weight back on. The beauty of 5:2 is that, although slow, if you like it you can carry on doing it for forever and the weight doesn't come on.

I tried 4:3 when I wanted to speed up some weight loss but I just found I ended up eating more on non fast days so seemed a bit counter-productive, and unsustainable.

Currently in my 11th month of 5:2, at maintenance weight and no plans to stop doing it.

[BetsyBell]

weight doesn't tend to go back on that should say!

[BellaVita]

eggy, yes I have.

Only for a couple of weeks though after our summer hols and I also did it last week when I didn't manage to get to the gym.

I wouldn't do it every week long term.

I do love 5:2, it isn't like a "diet" whatsoever.

[Talkinpeace]

not an option for me as I never fast on a SAturday or Sunday.

[BsshBossh]

No harm in doing ADF and Dr Varady's evidence-based research into the efficacy of fasting is based on it; but I doubt it's sustainable - too much like deprivation which will see me falling off the wagon in no time.

[eggyweggies]

I'll give 4:3 a go, I think. I would try alternate fasting but worried I'll just put it all back on again when I up my calories

[nailslikeknives]

4:3 works well for me. I'm flexible as if I can't manage that - going for a night out or summat - I'll do 5:2. I've lost 11lbs in the last 8 weeks, eating moderately but not strictly on non fast days.