5:2 v low carbs

[Haroldplaystheharmonica]

I've been 5:2 fasting for around 2 1/2 years now and although I've not lost any weight (I'm at the gym 3-5 times a week though) clothes are a much better fit and people have commented on my change in shape. I like the 5:2 as I have no willpower so work better knowing I can't have a single treat for two days a week rather than thinking "Oh go on then, just the one three"

However I'm getting to the stage where it can be a real chore on fast days and OH and the kids are moaning that we never eat the same meals anymore! So I thought I'd look into low carbing...

Bloody Hell, it's a minefield! I've read some threads on here and from what I can gather, you've really got to do your planning and I'd be eating things I'd never normally touch. And would this way of eating still mean I'd be eating different meals to the rest of the family?

So is there anyone out there who has tried both the 5:2 and low carbing? Which is easier to follow? How did it work for you as a family?

[Curlgurl]

I don't like 5:2'ing I get hungry on the low calorie days and I eat the wrong foods on the normal days to make up for it.
I love low carb, I'm never hungry, I get to eat all my favourite cuts of meat, full fat cream sauces, butter, lots of veggies, cheese.
In terms of making it fit your family you could cook spaghetti bolognese and they have spaghetti and you have courgetti or butternut squash noodles. The other night I had spicy meatballs, simple tomato sauce, Parmesan shavings and the butternut squash noodles.
I find low carb very easy to follow. You just have to make sure you eating lots of fat and not lots of protein

[Haroldplaystheharmonica]

So are you REALLY strict with your carbs? I was hoping to just cut out all bread/pasta/rice/biscuits/cakes, etc. but still eat fruit and veg and normal meals but without the carb element.

Reading on here, I should be cutting out anything that has carbs in it, including milk with drinks?

[Curlgurl]

I don't eat fruit but the only fruit I like is strawberries, nectarines and cherries so it's not hard for me to cut it out.
There are varying degrees of strictness as you have found out. Some people don't eat dairy, some people won't eat veg such as carrots as they are high in sugar. It's about finding a balance and what works for you. I can eat dairy and still lose weight, others can't.
By cutting out bread, pasta etc you will lose weight.
Have a look at the Atkins introduction phase. It's a very low carb introduction and is designed to kick start the fat burning process and get you off of sugar

[Drogon]

I've never tried the 5:2 plan but I have calorie counted successfully using MFP.

I tried to get back on it but found even eating just under 2000 calories I was still going to bed starving and I soon gave up.

I've been low carving for 13 months now and so far have lost 3 and a half stone without ever feeling hungry. I have a massive sweet tooth so it is hard to completely avoid all the lovely sugary foods that got me obese in the first place but after a while you get used to it, the cravings stop and you don't want that food anymore. The first time I did it I found the easiest, I didn't track what calories I ate or my macros and lost a steady 1lb per week. Then I was knocked back by a piece of cheesecake (damn cheesecake!) and getting back on the wagon was so difficult!

Now I'm logging everything I eat to make sure I'm on the right lines and getting enough fat. I stalled for months because although my carbs were low, my protein and fat intake were equal and the protein was turning into glycogen. I now have to be extremely strict with what vegetables I eat, and monitor where my carbs, fat and protein are coming from.

I would definitely recommend low carb, you can make the same type of meals for your family but substitute or leave out the carb element and make sure you have lots of fat.

And realising the difference between carb hunger and "real" hunger has been revolutionary for me!

Good luck with whatever you choose

[Babylonmood]

General question about low carving -Why lots of fat and not lots of protein?

Op - it's good your body has changed shape but if you haven't lost weight doing 5:2 for 2.5 years then why continue doing anything? Especially something as difficult as fasting. (Or maybe you don't find it hard. I couldn't do it.) Can you not just eat the calories you need each day and keep exercising.

I cut out bread,pasta, rice,?potatoes etc and now only get my carbs from veg. So every meal is a large serving of leanish protein (meat/eggs/pulses etc) with veg (salads, roast veggies, steamed veggies etc). I find this eating compatible with family life as my fam just add their favoured carb. For example - a roast chicken with roast veg and I don't have the potatoes. But I do have a large portion of veg.
I also cut out all snacking and eat much less fruit than before. Only drink once a week. I have been losing 1-2lb a week and nobody seems to have noticed in on a "diet".