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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.

5:2 Diet Thread Part Six! Now's the time to de-lurk and chat with us..

984 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 25/10/2012 12:49

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 in August, 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 started is a good resource for some of the links and tips that get lost in these big threads. In addition to sharing links, we try 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 mentioned BMR and TDEE often. Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) quantifies the number of calories you burn in a day. This measure is best estimated by scaling your Basal Metabolic Rate to your level of activity. TDEE is critical in tailoring your nutrition plan to desired fitness goals. Here is a link to a calculator to help you figure out how many calories you should be eating in a day.

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:
dandycandyjellybean · 30/10/2012 21:26

Thanks guys, much food for thought. Most of the days when I've crashed and burned on a fast I've managed at least 16hours, so I felt I hadn't completely failed, figured I should get some of the health benefits if not the weight loss. And although I have several stones to lose, that isn't my primary goal, it's the other stuff.

And thanks for the hug, it really helped.

EnidNightshade · 30/10/2012 21:58

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly, sexbombbikerchick, keeping the 16 hours thing going what with everything else. I wouldn't say you 'failed' at all.

I finally did my first fast today. Ate a bagel for lunch yesterday and then had nothing except black coffee/tea until lunch today. Then just over 500 cals for lunch and then a proper dinner in the evening.

I couldn't help but eat all the 500 cals in one go, though, so not sure if that really means I broke the fast at lunchtime rather than dinner, iyswim?

Anyway, I still feel a sense of achievement, though it really wasn't as difficult as I was expecting, and I actually kind of enjoyed it (feel a bit weird for saying that, but it's true - I feel lighter and clearer, somehow...). Looking forward to my next fast :)

Beanbagz · 30/10/2012 21:58

Another (long term) lurker here. Been doing 5:2 since early September and have lost 8lbs so far and hope to lose another 14lbs.

Fast days vary depending on work but generally Tues & Thurs. I have only water or black tea from waking until approx. 2-2.30pm. Then i have a piece of fruit and save the rest of my calories for dinner.

I've found the fast days fairly easy but finding the appetite for breakfast the following day is sometimes a struggle. Is this normal?

The last 2½ weeks have completely gone to pot due to working away/Half Term/long weekend with lots of eating & drinking. Despite all this i weighed myself today and hadn't put any of the lost weight back on so feeling really pleased.

babbas · 30/10/2012 22:02

Hi serial lurker here. Time to step
Out of the shadows. I'm on week 5. Done some 4:3 weeks and some 5:2. Sadly have lost no weight at all despite needing to lose at least a stone. I do have low days. Feel despondent as not only have I lost nothing I don't feel well since fasting started. Have felt lightheaded, dizzy and fatigued but am now thinking I may be anaemic. Also, on fast days I really struggle with sleep and wake up middle of the night kinda hungry and not able to sleep. But by morning there is no hunger whatsoever. However, plus points for me include eating whatever I want with NO weight gain. This is rare as in the past one pizza meal can leave me 5lb heavier. Also, I am eating less on feed days. Today I had fish and chips half portion and nothing else all day. Still full and because I am no longer for offing any food I have lost the need to eat to much. I love the freedom from dieting I am experiencing. I am also shredding most days and find it harder some days. I am quite active and am determined to stay so. Now, if only I could drop a few pounds or inches like others seemto!! Sorry for typos. Am
On phone. Right back to continue reading the August thread Adam still in catchup mode. And thank you all for these amazing threads!!

babbas · 30/10/2012 22:03

Oh dear! Sorry for terrible spelling / grammar. Honestly.

Laska42 · 30/10/2012 22:15

Right ... bed..I'm hungry tummy's rumbling ...but I'm fine.. Smile

Have spent most of the evening listing (too big) clothes ton ebay !! (some of which I didn't buy very long ago..)

You know, I like fasting now... it makes me feel more alive somehow.. (is that weird?) Right .. off now with my pot of mint tea and to my book.. Perchance to dream of buttered toast?

See y'all tomorrow folks!

Skinnyeye · 30/10/2012 22:21

Hi all I too am including more 16 hour fasts and struggling a bit with old habits at weekends. Weight is fluctuating and it seems odd to me that fasting is so easy and yet eating "normally" is the hard part. My reaction to this has been to fast longer and more often and not to get a grip of weekend binging. It's not hard to see why I gain weight if left unchecked.

Breadandwine · 31/10/2012 01:45

Realised after I last posted, I had no need to worry - since I'm on my weekly fast from after dinner tonight until dinner tomorrow night, I'm already 'in the zone'! Once in this frame of mind I find it easy to resist temptation - in fact, weirdly, temptation doesn't seem to figure, ATM!

It seems that more people are reporting that they are feeling good on their fasting days.

There's a theme developing: "Feeling more alive," says Laska; "I always seem to have more energy after a fast," says Blondie; I myself feel fantastic after a 22 hour fast. Many posters say they're looking forward to their fast days.

Seems to me there's a perfectly logical reason for this phenomenon - I'll run it past you guys to see what your reaction to it is:

During our hunter-gatherer days, the more alert we were whilst deprived of food, the easier it would have been for us to find some. Successful hunters would have passed their genes down to us. So you could say we're supposed to feel good when fasting.

About not feeling hunger when fasting: put simply, hunger would have been a distraction in the search for food - it just would have got in the way and made us less successful hunters. (See my musings on the 'hunger switch' on the Tips and Links thread - 29th Oct)

Sense? Or nonsense? What do you reckon?

TalkinPeace2 · 31/10/2012 08:54

Total sense.
Your stomach is not busy digesting, your energies are spent looking out for opportunities

And to those not losing weight, depressing a it is, record your calories on eating days - accurately.
I am 5'5" age 47 and technically only need 1800 a day
NOT the 2000 they write on the back of the cereal packs
if you are shorter or do not have such an obsessive gym habit, you'll need less
three inches shorter and three times less at the gym and the requirement drops to 1500 calories .... yes really
and a banana is 100 calories, as is a single square of decent chocolate bar ....

This is a "Way of Eating" not a diet, so as you'll be doing it forever, its worth taking the time to slowly get it right for you.

ToffeeChops · 31/10/2012 09:19

Hi babbas

If you don't have an awful lot of weight to lose it's more likely to come off slowly, so don't lose heart. You might find it helpful to switch to monthly weigh-ins, something I have done recently because not seeing what I wanted or expected to see on the scales tended to have a very detrimental effect on my motivation.

In the meantime, enjoy the other benefits - not stressing about 'dieting', eating what you want without putting on weight (how fantastic is that?!) and knowing your appetite is responding to this new WOE.

Btw, if you think you may be anaemic, get your blood checked asap. I was extremely anaemic when i started this in August and my first few fasts were difficult because of it. Now my iron level is up a bit I cope much better.

Laska42 · 31/10/2012 09:20

TIP where are you getting your chocolate cals? According to myfitness pal , Montezumas 73% dark choc , ( which is the one i eat) is 33 per 6q square and 110 per 20g ..

I realise that most people don't weigh chocolate .. but I do now . but eat very little sweet things anyway but this is my little treat if I'm going to ...so really don't want to get this wrong

but yes agree with you and bread and Wine . This morning I wasn't at all hungry after a 20hr fast . Have just eaten my eggs now..

Like you though I was shocked at my TDEE - . its only just above 1600!! however I don't do nearly enough exercise ... (its cos I'm a lazy cow who like red wine that i got to be the was I was.. Note WAS!! hee hee Grin)

Alaska77 · 31/10/2012 09:23

Hi everyone, I've been popping up every so often on these threads for a few weeks and just wanted to say a continued thanks for all the encouragement and stories. They brighten up my day! I was doing well on this woe for a few weeks but have had an 'iffy' couple of weeks without fasting and I'm trying to catch up on all the comments to get myself re-motivated. Welcome to all the newbies and thanks greeneggs for keeping the thread going. Thanks also to breadandwine - I always look forward to your posts and read them with a big smile on my face!

Trills · 31/10/2012 09:26

Last week on non fast days I was craving toast with butter. Today not so much. It was weird because I'm not normally a toast person. I am definitely a butter person though :)

Agree about TDEE. If you fast two days and eat "normally" the other five days then your weight loss is going to depend on how skewed your idea of "normal" is. If you fast two days and eat "anything you want" the other five days that's doubly true.

TalkinPeace2 · 31/10/2012 09:28

Laska I don't eat chocolate - am quite willing to be corrected - but then DH does eat squares of the mega bars which are nearly cube shaped!!

PS
There is no such thing as a "slow metabolism" - Mosely debunked that myth in his exercise programme. What there is, is a body that is not being pushed often enough. Even if you go out for a power walk around the block once a day - time yourself going to buy the paper and see how quick you can do it - the benefits to your cardio system will soon mount up, and your body will learn that the food is actually to be burned not stored :-)

Anaemia : Pregaday Iron tablets were my happy pills - for nearly two years after DS was born!

ToffeeChops · 31/10/2012 09:29

Breadandwine, what you say makes sense. And while I wouldn't say I feel fantastic on fast days, I certainly don't feel any ill effects now that they've become part of my normal routine.

What I love, though, is the feeling of control fast days give me (and yes, I am a control freak Grin) For years, my eating has controlled me: now I control my eating. I feel 'clean' somehow, especially when like you I've had a blow-out weekend and need to rebalance.

I have never been a very disciplined person in the past but this new WOE seems to have helped me to grab hold of my life and it's having an impact on other non-eating related things too. So you could say I am truly a convert!

dandycandyjellybean · 31/10/2012 09:48

Hi all, just done a 3km interval run after fast day yesterday and I feel great. Having a cuppa now then a much needed shower. Not hungry at mo so not eaten yet.

Thanks again for all your support on this thread, can't beleive I'm managing to change my wol whilst in such a bad place personally! Really couldn't have done it without the support of this thread.

ManOnBoard · 31/10/2012 10:00

Just been for a medical and will have to wait for the results of the bloods but the nurse did comment favourably on my blood pressure 112/70. This is quite a significant change from previous years where it stayed aroud the 118/85 mark which I completely attribute to this WOE and, of course, the significant weight loss.

As for people feeling more active on fast days, I agree, this may well be genetic but also our bodies reacting positively to the chemical change as we burn fat, similar to endorphines being released by exercise.Smile

bunjies · 31/10/2012 10:00

Welcome babbas. I too haven't lost any weight and I've been doing this for 8 weeks Sad. I started on 5:2 and then after not seeing any results I switched to 4:3. Still no change (and I have 3 stone to lose). I am tracking food on myfitnesspal on normal days and am averaging about 10000 cals/week which is certainly less than the 12500 I calculated as my tdee. Also my body measurements haven't changed either. I just don't understand how I can be the same when I am consuming less Confused. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that someone else out there is also struggling with the weight loss as I know how dispiriting it can be reading all the success stories. I just hope the health benefits are kicking in. Perhaps we can support each other?

OHforDUCKScake · 31/10/2012 10:11

Hi hope everyones doing ok.

I keep darting in and out this thread I had a fast day yesterday. Im not managing to do 5:2 at the moment, I just have to pick days I can cope.
The baby had ongoing health problems and I often have to pull all nighters with him when things are bad, that coupled with the mammonth feeding sessions... I cant cope with such little calorie intake.

However, Monday night I got a bit of sleep and he's feeding less because he had a little bit of a cold so yesterday was a good day to do a fast day.

Its not as goof as 5:2 but I figured some fast days will be better than none

I showed a friend this thread yesterday so I wonder if she'll try it too.

TellMeLater · 31/10/2012 11:08

I have broke my fast twice now since I started in August. Both times I was premenstral and the hunger was unbearable. My period has been very erratic, so I didn't even know I was due.

Have been reading some more info from the Lean Gains approach....Martin Berkhan is recommending a 14 hour fast for woman as he says woman's experience of fasting often leaves them feeling very irritable - has he visited my house recently?

Anyway I think I'm going to investigate this approach to fasting rather than the 5:2, which unlike a lot of posters on here is leaving me feeling way too hungry and causing me to obsess about food more than usual.

babbas · 31/10/2012 11:09

Toffee - thank you for your reply. I do have more than a stone to
Lose and don't know why there is no change for me. I log calories, try to eat well but think I'm not eating enough on feed days. I just don't want to eat if not hungry and this woe has really lowered my appetite. But you are right, the positives are there. Now that no food is forbidden I have no cravings. In fact, I'm not into food anymore much. There are no cravings and no saving cals for 'treat days'. Also, I feel
In control. Hurrah. The only danger for me is 8 weeks with no visible results really plays tricks with my mind.

Anaemia - I have been prescribed ferris sulphate but advised not to take it yet as my blood test is two weeks away and dr did not want false reading at test. V frustrated as lacking energy. What tablets are you taking? I'm also having thyroid checked. Did the tabs work quickly? I wonder if my anaemia is slowing down my losses as my body just does not feel normal at the mo

Bunjies - I would love love love your support! Perhaps we can share out sorrows together and try and keep each other motivated.

Good luck to everyone today be it fasting or scoffing.

DontGoThereDaisy · 31/10/2012 11:18

I've found that though I've stayed (roughly) the same weight for the past three weeks now my belt is now two notches tighter over those weeks. I lost 10lbs in the first 8 weeks and my belt never changed a bit!

Although the weight is an easy measure of the effectiveness of this diet/way of eating its not the only measure and the long term benefits are not easily measured at all.

Laska42 · 31/10/2012 11:30

Hi to my friend Jobyloo who's out there lurking! Good luck for your first fast day today ! xx

mumofcrazynamedkids · 31/10/2012 11:41

morning all, yesterdays fast went about 22 cals over in the end, slightly bad planning, and actually just tiredness and hunger when I got home, had to cook the kids 2 different tea's (they have totally opposite eating habits and desires, one eats early in the day and the other later in the day) before I could cook mine, and I really needed something to just chuck in the microwave, did find a tesco lighter choices chicken in tomato and basil sauce in freezer, which i had with some steamed broccoli and mushrooms, but the dithering about it took me 25 mins and a slice of ham to take the edge off, hence going over!

I really must dedicate a day off to cooking some home made meals to freeze for fast days.....i'll add it to the ridiculously long to do list!

but that was eaten by 6.45pm and then nothing more other than chamomile tea, this morning is a normal day, had an actimel yogurt drink at home while I made kids packed lunches, an apple at 9 and then at 10.45 I really fancied milky tea and a biscuit, so I had 2 shortbread fingers, (200 cals!), but as it's breakfast that's ok, it's so good to be so much more aware of calories, so not a 16 hour fast at all, but then again I've been up with my early rising daughter since 5am, and today I can eat what I like and tomorrow is another fast day. really hoping to be at the same weight on Friday as I was last Friday, but after teh weekend i know it's unlikely, and other than my cycle commute to work and back there is no extra exercise.

kids halloween party later so must try and avoid kids treats!

Laska42 · 31/10/2012 11:42

scoffing me today Grin and fasting tomorrow again

Planning on going out for a Malaysian meal with a friend this evening .. Chilli Duck and Singapore noodles YUM!

'La la la la....' (in the absence of singing emoticons)

I so love this WOE! Smile

( we really must get Mumsnet to put some 'happy bunny' and 'singing' emoticons up.. How do we do that?..)

How are we all today then? I haven't decided about the bod pod thing yet .. You see I could just spend the £50 on new clothes...... Grin