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Fasting / 5:2 diet

Talk about intermittent fasting and 5:2, including what’s worked for others. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

5:2 Diet Thread: Part Five! Top of the Mornin' to you!

977 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 07/10/2012 17:53

The continuing thread for those of us following either the 5:2 diet or the alternate-day fasting diet. Both are two versions of Intermittent Fasting, which you can read more about here.

The 5:2 diet was featured on Horizon a month or two ago, and essentially requires you to fast for 2 non-consecutive days per week. The other 5 days, you can eat what you like. Alternate-day fasting is just how it sounds; you fast every other day. By "fasting", we mean that we keep our calorie consumption very low, around 500 calories on average, on those days.

Here is a list of the links we've gathered so far about this diet. I hope I haven't left many out, but we've filled several threads by now. Please share if you find something particularly useful, and we'll add it for the next thread.

First things first, here are links to some of our previous threads: most recent one before that another one.

Another thread which breadandwine has just started can be found here. We'll be trying to condense some of our top tips for fasting there. Keep in mind, we all do this differently, so these are just tips, not rules.

frenchfancy has a recipe thread over here, please post any low-calorie recipes there so they don't get lost in these bigger threads!

Here is the link to the BBC article regarding Michael Mosley's findings, which was featured on Horizon.

is a link to the first part of the aforementioned Horizon, subsequent parts of that episode are linked on that page.

A blog post here gives some of the scientific explanation for why this way of eating helps you to not only lose weight, but improve your all-around health.

A Telegraph article which comments on the diet and gives a brief overview.

A study discussed here gives commentary specifically addressing the effect of this diet on obese people (both men and women), with regard to both health and weight loss. ("After 8 weeks of treatment, participants had an average 12.5 lbs reduction in body weight and a 4 cm decrease in waist circumference. Total fat mass declined by about 12 lbs while lean body mass remained relatively constant.) it also mentions "Plasma adiponectin, a protein hormone that is elevated in obesity and associated with heart disease, dropped by 30%. As did LDL cholesterol (25%) and triglycerides (32%).")

Important link if you are currently your ideal BMI: this appears to suggest the benefits for women at a lower BMI might not be seeing the same health benefits that are found on men at their ideal BMI.

And for those already fasting, here is a link to 100 snacks under 100 calories. We tend to favour lots of hot drinks during the day (count your milk if you use it!)

Another food link, here is a link to the BBC Good Food site, with a list of low-calorie soups.

We often mention basal metabolic rate (BMR) here. This refers to the amount of energy (calories) a person uses when at rest; so, the basic number of calories a person needs to stay the same weight. This number is often quoted as being 2000 calories for the "average" woman, but of course is different depending on how tall you are, how much you weigh, etc. Here is a calculator which will easily help you to find out what your BMR is.

A BIG THANK YOU to all who have been contributing, btw. Most of us are learning this way of eating as we go along. All of the links above have been posted by others in our previous threads, and they've been very helpful. Sorry if I haven't given credit where it's due, but it was just enough of a job getting them all in one post this afternoon. Wink

Come join us, and tell us about your experiences with this diet!

OP posts:
Breadandwine · 14/10/2012 13:11

Hi folks

Made a low-cal (well, lower-cal) chocolate cake last night and thought I'd share it with you, so I've put it on the recipe thread.

We're staying with our son and his family (three grandchildren), ATM, and there's only a quarter of the cake left - I'll have to make another one this afternoon. At a cost of roughly 70p, why not?

I figured we shouldn't only put low-cal recipes on the thread (as long as the calories are counted).

After all, 5:2 is a way of life, right? Smile

insprognito · 14/10/2012 13:16

Oops Blush had the thread flipped so didn't see the walking thing had been said. If only it WAS true though...

Sputnik · 14/10/2012 14:16

Don't get me wrong, I love walking and do it regularly, but no way can I "afford" to do 1 hour a day regularly. I have 5 precious child free hours a day into which I have to fit exercise, shopping (if I don't want to be driven crazy by kids in the supermarket) and freelance work from home. So, short brisk walks, a quick shred or 30 mins of weights are the way to go for me.
I had a similar discussion with my sis who was taking the piss out of fat people doing bootcamp in the park. When I asked what they should do instead she said get on a bike and do a 60 mile cycle ride. She is single and childfree (and one of you crazy cycling-addicted persons).

Trills · 14/10/2012 14:18

60 mile cycle ride? Is she mad? For a start a decent bike will cost a lot more than what they are paying to the "bootcamp".

GreenEggsAndNichts · 14/10/2012 14:24

yep, the "I've got 400 lb people who can do jumping jacks" sticks in my head, as well. Grin

It's a decent workout. Very good for the amount of time it is, and no time wasted like the frillier dance type workouts. It's alright for weight loss; your heart rate is kept elevated as it's 2 mins weight resistance, 2 mins cardio, repeat repeat repeat. Obviously it would need to be combined with a decent diet.

(note, I'm saying it's good for weight loss, not "20lbs in a month" good!)

OP posts:
GreenEggsAndNichts · 14/10/2012 14:27

Sputnik that's just it. Bootcamp (or Shred) type workouts really suit this particular time of my life. Small children do not allow you any downtime. Before I had my son, I could afford the time to go to the gym, get in a 45min cardio session, then weights, then a luxurious shower, etc. Now the very idea makes me smile. I loved going to the gym, and I will again when he's a bit older, but "me" time is very limited at the moment.

I walk a LOT, and if I can get in another workout like Shredding I'm pleased. (At the moment, I'm still waiting for the all-clear to do cardio again, having been diagnosed with a blood clot several months ago, long story!)

OP posts:
OliviaMumsnet · 14/10/2012 15:00

Hello
Just poking head round the door from the LowCarb Boot camp (hides from BIWI)

V basic question for all of you
With regards to 5:2 which days do people fast?
Thx

Sputnik · 14/10/2012 15:00

Greeeneggs you could try doing just the strength component of the shred, and while Jillian and co are doing their jumping jacks just repeat your strength moves.

Trills · 14/10/2012 15:01

I do Tues/Thurs (or change this if I am going out or have something planned).

Sputnik · 14/10/2012 15:03

Olivia I do mondays and thursdays usually, but it's very flexible, 2 consecutive days might be tough otherwise anything goes. Planning what to eat is key.
It's very compatible with low carb, if you've done that for a while you'll find it easy.

Trills · 14/10/2012 15:04

Today is an eating day - so far I've had tomato and lentil soup with homemade basil bread, and I'm roasting a chicken later.

Trills · 14/10/2012 15:05

Here is the no knead bread recipe if you like - I won't put it on the recipe thread because it has nothing to do with low calories, it's just quite nice.

kiwigirl42 · 14/10/2012 15:06

Been in bed with a migraine for past 6 day so made yesterday an official fast day and only ate 350 calories - last fast day I was almost chewing my fingers off so this is progress. Then again, it could be because I was still feeling lousy.
today is normal day and I've not snacked at all. I'm full as I've had toast for breakfast and fry up for lunch (but roasted in tiny amt of oil in oven). Feel really stuffed actually - no sweet cravings at all which is most peculiar.
I've just found out that I'm on the 18 wk waiting list for a hysterectomy (didn't think I'd be having one at 43 Shock but its to see if my daily migraines will stop) so really want to lose a stone/ stone and a half before then as it might be much more difficult post op. Feeling really apprehensive about the op - but I've got to stop these fecking migraines - I've a 12 yr old DS who deserves a Mum!

Trills · 14/10/2012 15:07

Poor you, hope you are feeling better today.

GirlWithTheMouseyHair · 14/10/2012 15:12

Trills damn you, sounds lush!

Olivia I change my days each week depending what's on - love the flexibility

Re Shred, heard so much about it and am tempted but then I wake up on a morning like this after two night on the trot of no fecking sleep (thanks DD) I can't imagine having the energy! Haven't been to the gym in ages and I'm desperate for a swim, not been on my bike in weeks which is scary cos of the massive ride I've signed up for. Am managing power yoga once a week though.

Oh my god I am so so so tired. And it's a fast day Sad

kiwigirl42 · 14/10/2012 15:22

trills I'm fine thanks mate! wasn't trawling for sympathy at all. just having a general round up. Just so desperate for this to work. I can never stick long term to a diet - can do about 6 wks and then want bread and cake. I love cake.
I've bought the Hairy Dieters book and it looks really good. Some delicious recipes for all days, not only fasting days. I just have to get a handle on portion sizes for pasta/ rice etc. Both DH and I are 6 foot and until I had DS I could eat anything i wanted without putting on an ounce and used to eat like a horse. Its all the anti convulsants I've taken to try and prevent migraine that have piled the weight on, unfortunately.

It sounds like you could do with a nap. Boiled sweets are good on a fast day at times when things get really desperate. Just get you over that painful bit where your stomach feels its eating itself

ManOnBoard · 14/10/2012 15:34

Working 9 to 5 in a city centre the 2 miles walk takes around half an hour each way and because of traffic, one way systems etc is the easiest way of getting in and out, as well as being better for me, my pocket and the environment.

I enjoy going to the gym and actually trained as an instructor but still think that walking is the best form of exercise if you consider that it can be done anywhere, no equipment required, low impact. no specialist instruction or technical knowledge required, no grading, do it at your own pace, excellent cardio. no travelling to a gym/studio, no lycra clad godesses or muscle Marys to compete with, breathing in the open air and it's FREE

Trills · 14/10/2012 15:34

More recipes - if you have an iphone or Android phone, you can get the BBC Good Food app and all of the downloadable recipe books are currently free.

I'd say a "normal" portion (not a dieting portion) is 100g of dry pasta or 75g of dry rice.

TalkinPeace2 · 14/10/2012 15:40

Just looked up Jillian Michaels.
Sorry but : NUTTER
Her fitness regime is merely a way to hide behind how utterly screwed up she is as a person. NOT one to follow.
She cannot decide if she's fluffy going for guys or butch going for girls - which tallies with the wild claims.

Sorry folks, we need to be more prosaic.
What everybody wants (regardless of sexuality) is a partner who is a pleasure to hug.
For the vast, vast, vast majority of us that is somebody who is not flabby (even if we are ourselves)
SO
we need to aim to be huggable to our better halves
and that involves a bit of solid ribcage and pelvis.
Simple as
(and rather fun even in middle age)

SarahWithAFringeOnTop · 14/10/2012 15:44

Olivia - I do Tues and Fri as fast days. Would prefer not to do Fridays really but we started with Tues and Thurs but found we needed more than one day in between! Also, it does cut down on the alcohol consumption if we're fasting on Friday... Might try Mon and Thurs but at the moment I've been going to a zumba class on Mondays and I'm not sure I could cope with that on e fast day. I suppose I should try it and see... we change the days sometimes, if DH or I go to a work event involving food, or whatever Smile

Sputnik · 14/10/2012 15:57

Lol Talkin :o
I have no idea about her personal life, I just enjoy doing the workout.

TalkinPeace2 · 14/10/2012 16:10

:-) Sputnik
fair point EXCEPT that the comments and claims around it are bilge
as with the whole diet / fitness industry ( and management consultants for the direct corollary)
success = the end of the income stream
so they are geared up to make failure and repeat payment the business model.
OK, me as a gym bunny is part of the cycle BUT my family do not eat prepared meals or pay for use of the scales

Once you "get" it, you stop paying, they hate that, so they come up with (what New Scientist calls) fruitloopery - to keep you payiing ...

look at the price per portion of your meals - and THEN question if WW and SF are the easy way out

GreenEggsAndNichts · 14/10/2012 16:17

Well. It's either buy a DVD, or pay for a gym, both are only as good as how often you use them. I didn't mind paying for the gym when I had the time to use it. I'll do it again in a few years, but it doesn't make sense for me to now as I have so little time to myself.

I'll continue to recommend her to people who want DVDs. I have used a few, and hers is the best, imo. Especially good if you want to see yourself progressing (do level 1 for a week or 10 days, realise you're no longer out of breath doing that so you can move on to level 2, etc). And it's 5 quid. A friend has just purchased this, despite being completely out of shape and needing to work her way up to the level of fitness needed to start it, much less complete it. Massive waste of money, imo.

OP posts:
ManOnBoard · 14/10/2012 16:34

Years back an ex used to buy a lot of celebrity workout vdeos, Jane Fonda, Diana Ross etc which after only using once or twice would be put on the shelf with the dozen or so others. To be honest I think I watched them more than she did, which may partly explain why we broke up.

Sputnik · 14/10/2012 16:41

While I agree with you on the whole Talkin about the wieghtloss industry I do have to take issue with you here, I have never bought diet books, meals, etc, or paid for a gym, I own a grand total of 3 workout DVDs, all of them great for different purposes or levels. I see them as a tool an intelligent person without preconceptions can use to stay healthy. Other times I walk, or make up weights routines of my own.
I heard about the shred through word of mouth, not marketing hype, and I suspect people who buy more than one of her DVDs do so not because they failed at the first but because they enjoyed it and are up for something different or a new challenge. There's a whole thread of Jillian devotees here on mumsnet, maybe you'd enjoy chatting with them about it!
Finally I think the point about exercise is than it's not important what you choose, what's important is to find something you enjoy, so you are likely to stick with it, and fits your lifestyle.