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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:
ThatBintAgain · 18/10/2012 09:56

Hi Laska,

Thank you - I posted the other day about having lost only 4lbs in about 5 weeks, but not this sudden going backwards business! I initially was aiming to do ADF but it's probably more like 4:3 most weeks. I've been tracking my feed days on MFP just to make sure am not going silly on eating days and I haven't really gone over 2000-2200cals. I lost 3 stones 4 years ago after having DS2 which was really easy, I just watched what I was eating whilst I was breastfeeding and it came off in 6 months. Since then though a stone of that has crept back on since I started a desk job and I don't seem to be able to get it off for love nor money. I can't believe that even with several fast days a week nothing more dramatic than a pound a week at best is happening. I tend to get quite impatient with it - I suppose I could up my exercise (although I've been to the gym twice in the last 3 days! Struggled with it yesterday, I had no energy at all.)

Otherwise I might have to go back to doing SW and maybe having two fast days a week whilst doing that, see if that does anything. I swear I could not eat for a week and nothing would happen. Does anyone else relate to this or am I some sort of medical marvel? (And not in a good way! Sad )

fairy5 · 18/10/2012 09:57

Hi,
Am new to the thread AND the diet. Started on Monday and had my first fast day then, second one is tomorrow. I don't have a lot to lose, just a few pounds but what I want to know is when should you expect to start seeing weight loss? After the first week or more like 2 weeks? I like the idea of this as a lifestyle change as well as weight loss because it makes you feel less bad for those treats in life like curry or wine but I just want to know when I can firmly say if it's not working.
Thanks

ThatBintAgain · 18/10/2012 10:06

Hi fairy. Maybe give it another week or so? I've been doing this about a month and am wondering if I should throw the towel in

CrackerJackShack · 18/10/2012 10:47

Thatbint, were you dieting before you started 5:2? I found when I started WW 18 weeks ago, it took me 7 weeks before I started noticing the pounds come off. Before that I was like you. I would think I was making progress, but I'd eat an ice cream or something and it would pile right back on. What I didn't realize though was I was loosing tons of inches. Are you?

Give it some time, your metabolism might just be getting back into gear.

loulou969 · 18/10/2012 10:51

Hi fairy and thatbint. After doing 5:2 for a few weeks and I think overeating on the others( not weighed but don't feel I have lost more than a couple of pounds due to clothes fit) I have now calculated a more exact calorie requirement for myself and am doing 6:1 and 2 days with 16 hour fast (ie: no breakfast) I want to get the health benefits and after reading up a lot feel this will be a good trial. My calorie need is 9800 per week so doing 1x500, 3x1200 & 3x1900 to see how things go allowing for more Wine on weekends Smile

MeSoFunny · 18/10/2012 10:54

I'm struggling today. It's the 2nd fast this week (I do Tues and Thurs) and my third week in. I avoid breakfast, knowing that I will appreciate the calories later on in the day and that is fine. But I'm noticing today that it's all I can think of.

It probably doesn't help that there are birthdays happening all over today and the talk of cake is like fingernails down a chalkboard.

On the plus side, I know that it works. I'm trying to keep my feeding days to 2000 or fewer to make sure that the weekly average of calories will produce a deficit.

I started on Oct 1st and have lost 5lbs so far.

MeSoFunny · 18/10/2012 10:57

I have a question about the 16hr rule too. Is that definitely necessary? I have been following it.

GreenEggsAndNichts · 18/10/2012 11:04

ThatBint what are your daily allotted calories meant to be? I ask to get some perspective on your figures that you're eating on non-fast days.

If you were to eat 1700 calories on all your non-fast days, and 500 on the fast days, you'd average 1185 calories per day. Which could be a decent figure, or it could be really low, depending on your size.

With 4:3 you really shouldn't have to be too "careful" on your non-fast days, because you're fasting that extra day. Have you tried just.. not counting calories on non-fast days? Sounds weird, I know, but if you haven't done it that way, it might be worth trying for a week. I do 4:3. I eat whatever I like on non-fast days.

OP posts:
ThatBintAgain · 18/10/2012 11:13

Cracker - yes, I'd just started SW and had been doing that for a couple of weeks (and lost a couple of pounds!) before I started doing this. That's really interesting that you say it took you 7 weeks to notice any change. DH said this morning that I looked slimmer but to be honest he's said that in the past when I've put on half a stone! I should probably start measuring myself and keeping note - as I don't think my clothes are particularly feeling looser.

Loulou - how long have you been doing that for? Are you seeing results from that?

GreenEggs - I think my BMR (according to MFP) is 1600. To be honest, it's my birthday at the weekend so I might just give myself a few days off and just enjoy myself. I don't mean go ridiculously wild but I'm out for meals on Fri and Sat so I might just eat what I fancy, stop when full and reassess next week. I really haven't been getting much exercise, on work days I do virtually nothing so I guess that's something to work on.

I'll stick with it a bit longer, at least for the other health benefits. Am just a bit Sad as other people that I know are seeing results and it sounds like a really manageable WOE longterm.

loulou969 · 18/10/2012 11:24

Thatbint just started this week. I am 52 and would like to lose around a stone. Lost 17 pounds last year doing WW quite easily. However this year it is much much harder due to, I presume, menopause and some digestive problems.( My friend of similar age has put on loads of weight without changing any of her eating or exercising habits at all) The weight loss isn't the main reason,rather the health benefits highlighted by Moseley, but a stone would be lovely Smile
All we can do is keep trying and adjusting to see what works. I am so glad of this thread tho as it keeps me motivated

mommybunny · 18/10/2012 11:26

Hi all, fasting today after some serious feasting yesterday (though "my morning topped" again today - very weird). I've actually been looking forward to it for the first time, and am going to try to do again what I did on Monday, which is to see if I can go all day without eating and then have a reasonable sized meal when I get home from work.

I'm seeing some of you get discouraged about 3 weeks in - seems to me that that's pretty normal/usual. I've been at this 5 weeks now, and have only weighed myself once since then (and was up a pound Sad). But it was at that 3 week mark and I was feeling really discouraged. Although I am very diligent about my calorie count on my fast days, I do not watch very carefully what I eat on my non-fast days, and I accept that it will probably mean that the weight will come off more slowly. But I also know that the more slowly it comes off, the more likely it is to stay off, as this WoE will be entrenched as habit. So I hope that gives some encouragement to those who were thinking of throwing in the towel!

Happy eating today, whatever and whenever it is!

skippyscuffleton · 18/10/2012 11:56

Mesofunny - The 16hr fasting period didn't appear to be necessary for Dr M in the horizon prog. He got the health benefits and weight loss by eating 2 meals totalling 600 calories on his fasting days, not sure of the details on his non fasting days. Whether his regime will have the same effects for all of us remains to be seen.

In the below link, the blogger has mailed all the Drs/profs, regarding 5:2 IF, from the horizon prog and got some interesting replies. As expected it looks like for the best benefits you should try to totally refrain from eating on fast days. I think the desired state you're aiming for with this woe is to find what you can get away with regarding frequency and vol of calories versus acceptable health benefits/weight loss. Good luck in finding it. Smile

feedfastfeast.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/grabbing-the-bullshit-by-the-horns/

HappyOrchid · 18/10/2012 12:42

thatbint Further upthread you will see that at the end of Week 9 I gained 2lb, having done 4:3 and not going too far over the 1640cals I need to maintain.

This gives a weight loss of only 4lb in 9 weeks, which with a stone or so to lose was disheartening to say the least. But I have made a commitment to try this WOE until at least the end of October. And hope I will see some reuslts then when I can do some more exercise.

Most of the studies I've seen on the WOE / system suggest not relying on any weight loss figures until at least 6 weeks in. So maybe it's just too early inthe programme for the real results to be evident.

Fast day here after yummy meal at swanky country house restaurant last night. Though as usual with those places you probably eat less than you would with a bar meal.

First we had some nice canapes, olives, bread and tapenade and parmesan flags.
Then I managed to eat three pieces of bread and butter.
Starter was Loin of rabbit, wrapped in pancetta with a slice of roast parsnip.
Main was duck breast, nice and pink with mashed carrot and swede and a new potato.
Pud - Warm stewed pear with ice-cream some crumble mix and a little pot of caramel sauce.
All washed down with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Makes todays fast all the more bearable.

Good luck all.

GreenEggsAndNichts · 18/10/2012 12:43

I don't know much about the 16 hour thing, but I know I do get at least one 16 hr window in simply because I do not like to eat breakfast or lunch on fast days. Eating too early in the day makes me want more food. Also, if I save my calories for later in the day, I have more options for what I can eat (either a fairly normal meal, or a small meal of veg + small glass of wine, etc. Depends on if I'm out with friends and don't want to look too weird :) ).

skippy thanks for that link! I'll have a look once I've dropped DS at preschool.

thatbint yes it might be worth a weekend away. I know it must be frustrating. loulou is right, I think we just have to keep adjusting until we find what works for us.

OP posts:
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 18/10/2012 12:48

Hello all, hope its going well for everyone.
I'm fasting today and hanging on until at least 2pm as I do try to do 16hrs at least.
I have been doing this since the start of Sept and have lost weight. However, I have found my weight has bounced around a bit so don't be disheartened if if the scales show a gain one day because they will probably be registering a bigger loss the next week.

Overall my eating habits have become healthier on this WOE and it doesn't feel like a weightloss diet to me (I am doing it for the health benefits and regarding weightloss as a nice bonus).

Breadandwine · 18/10/2012 13:17

"Breadandwine you deserve a fasting medal for not caving in last night. I hope there was money involved with the cards and you cleared up.
Not sure what to make of not finishing a chelsea bun though"

Thanks, skip! Grin

No money involved, and I finished about fourth, but it was a good night. Some of us are going away next weekend, walking in Wiltshire and staying in an outdoor centre. Lots of good food (no fasting, obviously! Grin), booze, cards - and some walking.

About the Chelsea bun - if I'd have finished it last night I'd have been over my limit. As it is, I shall have the rest of it after my lunch. Smile

Back to fasting, judging by the evidence that's coming in - and as to how I felt yesterday - I shall be having a complete fast for 24 hours one day a week (I don't really need to lose any more weight.)

catsrus · 18/10/2012 13:28

I would say to all those who are 'stalled' just stick with it - we are trying to find a non-dieting way of eating food and staying reasonably slim and healthy. I stalled for over 3 weeks and I was being really good Confused but I just kept on with 4:3 and this last few days it's started going down again.

I can now get into all of my smart size 12 trousers (I had crept up to 16 and had nothing really smart in that size) - a few more pounds to go before I can wear size 14 tops that are not pulled tight like corsets (big boobs Sad) and I doubt I will be able to wear the really smart suit I have for a big work event next week as I managed to break a fastener on the jacket today while trying to do it up Blush - but it is working for me. TBH I can hardly believe it, that I could be able to get back into some of these clothes and still go out for meals and drink Wine. I also think I now have a more realistic view of what I should be eating as part of my 'normal' calorie intake - not 2000 calories, which is ingrained in my head as the daily allowance for a woman - but 1600 based on my age, height and level of activity. That's quite a difference.

TalkinPeace2 · 18/10/2012 13:28

Fasting today.
Swam first thing, then DH and I helped one of my employers move offices, then snuck back to the gym for a class!
Will weigh myself tomorrow - I make a real point of not weighing myself daily, but at exactly the same time once a week.
Not sure if I'll have lost but ALL my jeans are getting loose now and FINALLY the bit that hangs over the side of my bra (armpit fat / side boob) is reducing.

Those who are struggling. HANG ON IN THERE

Do yourselves a quick maths check :
What is your BMR? Times that by seven, take away 1000, divide the remainder by five. THAT is your target calories for non fast days
For me it comes in at 1516 calories (5'5" age 47)

So if I hit that - allowing for exercise calories - I'll lose weight down till I'm lean.
Which is my aim. Not thin, lean.

MikeOxardForHalloween · 18/10/2012 14:11

thatbint your bmr is 1600, and your non fast days you have been having 2000-2200 cals and you are losing slowly, is that right? I cba to do the maths, but that sounds about right to me. If you want to lose a bit quicker, you could either cut the eat day cals a bit, or swap an eat day for an intermediate day (after a fab weekend though, obv). x

In desperation, I have done some actual exersize! I did 6 week 6 pack yesterday when I could have been in bed. That's dedication!

GreenEggsAndNichts · 18/10/2012 14:39

Skippy! That blog post was an excellent find, and it'll have to go in the OP next time we need a new thread. (link here)

Summary: actually I just realised I'd be writing just what Skippy did. So go read her post! :) Interesting information regarding the 16 hour fast windows, etc.

Unfortunately it also seems to suggest that our drinks during that time should be calorie-free. I'm not giving up my milk in my coffee anytime soon, but it does answer a question which comes up periodically.

OP posts:
frenchfancy · 18/10/2012 14:44

I'm another one who is losing weight slowly, but I am losing. I don't mind as at this rate I will reach my target well before next summer, and i am not desperate for the diet to end if you know what I mean.

Anyway all this talk about whether we look and feel slimmer has made me reach for the tape measure. I've lost 1 1/2" off both my waist and my boobs, and a full 2" off my hips Grin

GreenEggsAndNichts · 18/10/2012 15:03

frenchfancy yes that's one of the great things about this. I feel as if I could do this indefinitely, unlike something more restrictive where I'd be counting the days until it was done.

I've been doing this 2 months now, I think (is that right, people who started after the Horizon show?) At last weigh-in, I'd lost 15+ lbs, so that's 1.5-2lbs a week. I'm very pleased with that.

Someone asked a while back how we think we'll handle Christmas. I think Christmas will be the perfect test for this WOE. :) Have a silly Christmas dinner out one night, next day is a fast day. I imagine it'll feel very natural. As for Christmas day/ Boxing day, well, same thing. I'll try not to get too worried about things, I might even just do 5:2 that week. I've got Thanksgiving coming up in a month (American, living in the UK) and can't be without pumpkin pie and leftover turkey and cranberry sandwiches. These are all unavoidable life events. Grin I imagine I won't eat as much as I usually would, simply because I don't have the appetite anymore, but I won't get upset over a few more calories on those weeks. It all evens out.

OP posts:
GreenEggsAndNichts · 18/10/2012 15:04

(and if the weight loss keeps up, I'll look pretty good in my Christmas photos, so that's something to look forward to!)

OP posts:
catsrus · 18/10/2012 15:12

I'm actually looking forward to christmas - will be able to give myself permission to eat the things I love, that we only have once a year, and know that it won't be the start of a horrible slippery slope to more weight gain. I feel this WOE is giving me some real control over my weight, finally!

GirlWithTheMouseyHair · 18/10/2012 15:47

I'm actually looking forward to Christmas too and having days to have an excuse NOT to overindulge - my parents are also doing 5:2 and we're going to them, I've already made it clear I intend to continue fasting over the festive period.

Interesting link - I might be able to get myself eventually drinking black coffee (5:2 has made me finally kick the sugar habit and I can't actually stomach lattes, cappuccinos etc any more) but no way am I drinking black tea!

A friend of mine was doing two full 24hr fasts a week last year to lose the baby weight, she doesn't need to lose anymore now so she just does one. She never has a waking day without food and doesn't calorie count but will go 6pm - 6pm for example

My fast days are becoming sloppy with picking at food so going over my 500 cals, getting stricter again this weekend when my mum flies home - I have a week to sort my head out before my best friend flies out, haven't told her about this WOE so hoping that goes ok!