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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:
Thelittlestranger · 26/10/2012 18:01

I think at least I have that conversation with myself blondie...before I just ate. Now I ask myself if I'm hungry...

Today is an intermediate day...and after my 16 hour fast, I've ended up snacking this afternoon, but don't feel too bad as I didn't have breakfast or lunch. And I am really looking forward to the wine this evening!!

Girlwiththemouseyhair...if she's a good friend, then hopefully you're comfortable enough with each other just to bring up what you're doing?

Good to see more posters on here....

Aracsmum · 26/10/2012 18:43

I have realised too that for years I have had a fear of being hungry and so end up doing a lot of 'pre-loading' ie better eat now in case I am hungry in half an hour...... This means I never let myself get really hungry and I have associated 'hungry' with 'not being stuffed' sigh welcome to the world of the over-eater!
The good thing about this WOE is to find out that being hungry isn't that bad at all and hey the world doesn't stop because my stomach rumbles occasionally. Plus as others have said, hunger doesn't increase evenly but plateaus, so is manageable. However, I do like food so do want to eat and thus when it is time for a meal I can enjoy it without guilt.
However I do worry about the consequences of this WOE if people have anorexic tendencies - do you think it will help to manage the need to control food intake or exacerbate it??

Sputnik · 26/10/2012 20:32

Thanks for posting that recipe Frenchfancy, will definitely try that.
I'm off on hols for a week, I probably won't get to fast but I'll be right back on it when I return.

GirlWithTheMouseyHair · 26/10/2012 21:24

Arac I'm the same, would think I'm not having dinner for a few hours so I should eat now so I'm not hungry and starving an hour before dinner! Also the fear that if I don't eat I'll faint has gone as obviously I'm managing to fast with no adverse effects. Have just worked out that without even really thinking about it today I've already done 17hours!

Fast day but eating with the children at lunchtime so will have to try not to eat again after this, eeeek

My friend is good enough to talk this over with, I guess I'll use her as an experiment before bringing it up with my brother, who WILL poo poo and ask if I'm becoming anorexic (ha, as if! Never had an issue with eating too little!) but he's staying for 3 weeks so he's gonna have to lump it frankly!

Trills · 26/10/2012 21:24

The zero noodles are okay I guess. Not hideous. They are difficult to bite - I stuck the kitchen scissors in and snipped them up.

If they are basically made of fibre does that mean I'll be very ahem regular tomorrow?

myjoy · 27/10/2012 07:10

Hiya,

after asking last week about breastfeeding (thanks to those who responded) and IF and then doing my own research I decided to just give it a go. So far, it's been brilliant. I am feeling really well, not weak or light headed, baby is well and milk supply not affected. Even with broken sleep I have more energy than I've had in ages and my mind feels alert.

My first 2 fast days were so do-able that I decided to add a third and though it's early days I feel like this could definitely be a permanent way of life. Since I've gained weight steadily with 2 pregnancies I have 6 stone to lose, but for the first time it doesn't feel daunting to get back to health.

Am struggling to keep up with thread but wanted to say thank you to all for great advice, tips, and recipes!

Piebaldrider · 27/10/2012 07:15

Trills i didn't eat too many noodles due to the texture but i think i could get used to it by trying them in different ways and i will try the scissors next time. However what i will say in their favor is after eating them i wasn't even a tiny bit hungry and didn't think about food all day. I managed to do several rounds of baking with puff pastry and cheese for a party nibbles at the stables later. They smelled divine and i could have eaten loads but i wasn't hungry. I ate my version of Chili non Carne about 8pm and it was delicious . I also made a coleslaw that i ate on the side using the same carrots , celery and cabbage that was in the chili. Extra low fat mayo at ten cals a tablespoon and i was a happy lady with enough cals for a white wine ... a good day for me ... Now i wait and see what effect the noodles and high fibre chile have upon my system today. [hblush]

2beornot · 27/10/2012 08:30

Hi everyone! Happy weekend!

Have been reading a lot of other peoples answers to GWTMH questions. It's reassuring to see how many people have been doing this for a long time. I thought I'd record mine, not becausr i think it adds anything but mostly so that I can look back in a few months and see how I've changed.

My own answers:

a) last Monday
b) 2 fasts per week
c) fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Reason are that I can sort out the weekend indulgences ASAP and I wouldn't want more than 3 days eating! Tend to fast from tea-time to tea time tho have a piece of fruit handy just in case!
d) so far just the 4lb weight loss in week 1
e) none so far. I don't get any of the tiredness or dizziness in fast days that some mention.

Now to catch up on the rest of thread #6!!

2beornot · 27/10/2012 09:09

blondie I know exactly what you mean. I started this WOE because I was lured in by the fact I can eat what I want 5 days a week. But I have been calorie counting for interest. So now I find myself staring at food thinking "but do I really want it"!

catsrus · 27/10/2012 09:55

Just realised I didn't answer the questions!

A) since the week the programme aired, so 2 calendar months
B) I try to fit in 3 fasts but am flexible around work / events etc.
C) pattern shifts - when I'm in work I find just one meal in the evening the best pattern, if I'm working at home I'm more likely to eat lunch as well, tend to make a big pot of something veggie.
D) benefits - lost 14lb, finding it a very easy woe, love the flexibility and the fact I can be sociable, have Wine, guilt free lunches when there is no "healthy" option etc and not feel I have "fallen off the waggon"
E) I honestly can't think of a single negative! Maybe the shock of realising how few calories I actually need to maintain weight - NOT the 2000 'average woman' figure I have always worked on (which is why previous calorie counting diets stopped working after a few months [hshock])

I'm also really losing track of how long I've been doing it for and exactly how much I've lost - it might be old age [hgrin] but I think I'm shifting in my thinking as my concern now is not really a target weight (I met that one!) but getting to a healthy waist measurement and weight for my frame size. I have been under the illusion I was at least medium framed (the old 'tall, big boned' theory) but now have to accept that while my BMI is normal I am small framed and should be about 7lb lighter than my target in order to bring the waist into the healthy range. On this WOE I do feel confident I can do that.

ToffeeChops · 27/10/2012 10:31

Hello,

Only joined the thread recently but can I answer too?

a) started on 20 August
b) fast on Mon and Thurs (but also do 8 hour eating window Sun, Tues, Wed, Fri)
c) I save my calories for one evening meal, but I can't go without milk in tea or coffee so I am not quite 'calorie free' during the day.
d) have lost about 12 lbs - am trying to weigh just once a month as weekly weigh-ins can mess with my resolve and throw me off course. Much more relaxed about eating and hoping I'm getting the other health benefits (which was my main reason for starting)
e) sometimes find it hard to sleep on fast days.

semiskim · 27/10/2012 10:34

Oooh, I've been tempted out of my lurker status by the title!

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone on these threads. The conversations have been great, especially interesting to see how people are tailoring to fit their lifestyles.

Here's my answers:

A) Started - early September. The 5:2 threads made me want to give it a go.
B) How often - twice a week. Usually Mon and either Weds or Thurs.
C) Pattern - no breakfast (drink tea though), veg soup for lunch, and 300cal meal in the evening.
D) Benefits - lost some weight and down one dress size. Like the flexibility.
E) Negatives. None, but like catsrus, I've been shocked by how few calories I need to maintain weight. It's approx 1300 cals at the weight I am today and I still have half a stone to lose.

This WOE has made me realise I was in the habit of eating before I felt hungry, just in case I might need food later.

Thinking back, I used to eat in a similar way to the 5:2 principles pre-DC (but unconciously). I'd skip breakfast here or there, have a day of eating very lightly. I fainted once in early pregnancy with my first DC because I'd forgotten to eat (busy time at work). It was horrible, and ever since then, I've made sure never to let myself get to that point again. It still feels strange to let my body get to the point where I can feel hunger, but good Smile

Supervixen80 · 27/10/2012 10:35

myjoy I am so pleased to hear that you have found this woe compatible with bf, I have had so many negative responses about doing the fasts while bf. I haven't noticed any ill effects so far (been following for nearly 3 weeks) and my supply is the same as before. I feel happier and still have enough energy to care for my dc.
Are you allowing any more calories? I sometimes go up to 600 on fast days depending on how I am feeling. I am also eating plenty of oats and chugging back the water!
Good luck with your continued loss!
P.s out of curiosity, how old is your baby?

ManOnBoard · 27/10/2012 10:44

After expecting a weight gain last week I was still surprised that it was 3lbs but after a careful week I have lost 5lbs. Could have been all of those pizzas and pies staying in the system longer or just water but pleased I am back on track.

This morning I was reaching the end of a packet of cereal so with my fat bloke attitude I had 50% more than usual to finish it and now I feel bloated, will not be doing that again.

Catsrus I think the programme was aired w/c 6/8/12 as that was my first fast and have actually been recording my weight from the outset.

Skinnyeye · 27/10/2012 11:40

Hi All its a glorious Autumn day in Glasgow and I'm heading out for a cycle. Normal day for me - no breakfast yet but have a nice lunch packed. See you all later and enjoy your day [hsmile]

rachelblythe · 27/10/2012 13:26

Hi everyone.
Lots of posts to have finally caught up on since my last contribution and a shiny new thread - thanks Greeneggs.

A) Started - 13th August - wow, nearly 11 weeks. That has gone fast
B) How often - Monday, Wednesday, Friday. first 3 weeks were adf but i didn't enjoy fasting on a weekend.
C) Pattern - no breakfast on a fast (and not often note on any day really) miss lunch if i can and save most calories for an evening meal.
D) Benefits - lost 12-14lb and dropped a dress size. Now i have a bmi of 20.6! lots of extra energy. Skin great. Have also taken up exercise again for the first time in too many months. Feel the fittest, healthiest, sexiest that i ever have in my life. never thought i would feel like that after have a child.
E) Negatives. Sometimes TOO much energy and occasionally struggle to get to sleep on a fast day. If i haven't planned what i an eating on a fast day then i do struggle. If i know what i am having and its readily available for when i might want it, it is a breeze.

I did find Wednesdays fast quite difficult and then couldn't stop eating on Thursday, which is not like me. Started to get some spots though which indicates TOTM on its way. I am irregular so don't know when its coming. since starting this woe though i have had two periods within5 weeks of each other (assuming its on its way in a day or 2) which never happens so initially this seems to be regulating me. I actually had my ds by ivf so maybe this will help my fertility rather than hinder it, as some other research suggested. Not trying for another though!

laska - I've only had one of the six packs of noodles too. Can't bring myself to try them again yet, lol

Thelittlestranger · 27/10/2012 13:27

Had a gorgeous steak dinner last night, and some wine...this morning i wasn't hungry but decided to eat as i don't want my body to get used to not having breakfast.

I've got back from body attack And am now contemplating lunch...or not. I suspect, I will just have some soup (no bread, which I would never had done before) and hold out for dinner. Or perhaps have a slice of cake with a cuppa instead later. So many options...I would have had lunch and cake and dinner before...

Tomorrow I'm a bridesmaid so shall enjoy plenty of vino, and a nice meal and the breakfast at the hotel on Monday morning, and shall hold my fast until Tuesday for a change.

mollysfolly · 27/10/2012 15:00

trills there are no calories in snot - they use it to make those zero calorie noodles you get from Amazon...

Congratulations laska on reaching your goal and you others whose names I've forgotten. I have only lost 1.2lbs in 4 weeks, and on the old type of diet would probably have given up by now, but know I only need to do an extra fast day when I'm ready to.

I have started exercising again though! In one of the early 5:2 threads the 30 day shred was mentioned so I thought I'd give it a try and it's great! 25 minutes for the beginners workout which is concentrated strength, cardio and abdominal exercises. Just what I need. Someone made a comment that Jillian Michaels is a nutter, but she's no more a nutter IMO than any of the other bootcamp type instructors. I've seen her on 'the Biggest Loser' too.

Halloween Wednesday and have bought the sweeties for the trick-or-treaters, but hope there's some left over! [hwink]

GreenEggsAndNichts · 27/10/2012 16:57

molly Your noodle comment made me Grin

I agree about Jillian. She's a nut but she gives a proper workout in the time given, no time wasted with fancy dance moves.

Fast day today. I think it's a Covent Garden soup for supper this evening. No idea what I'll be having tomorrow, but I think a bit of cake will be involved. We have a toddler birthday party to attend. :)

OP posts:
Mintyy · 27/10/2012 17:37

Pleased to report I'm back on track after slipping off the wagon on Monday when I was feeling v poorly and sorry for myself. I usually fast Monday and Thursday but this week have done it Wednesday and today. Just about to start making tonight's vegetable soup and am looking forward to it.

I had said from the very start that I would not fast at the weekend because I don't really want the children to see me "dieting" (I have a nearly 12 year old girl who has very high standards academically and goes to an all girls school and I am very mindful of possible eating disorders) but the whole family is away this evening.

So no harm done! That's a great thing about this woe ... the flexibility.

I am on fast day 17 here. Still reckon I've lost 3 or 4lb maximum. Oh well!

TalkinPeace2 · 27/10/2012 20:49

Whoop Whoop
Did my big AGM this morning.
Had chosen my clothes - checked them last night. They were TOO BIG. Dug out a dress that I used to squeeze into 10 years ago.
One of my lovely delegates (70, ex military) said I looked "wonderfully glamorous" Grin
A nice thing to hear at 47!

Minty
DD is 14 : I know the eating disorders stuff
BUT if you eat healthily - a big veggie stir fry or stew and serve hers with noodles or fish, then you are actually giving her a really positive message about controlled eating and self esteem

you could get her to cook WITH you - making meals that hit all the vitamin and nutrient levels (good maths for her to calc) and research what other societies eat (geography, PSHE , RE) what we lived on in the past (history)
and make proper meal preparation integral to life (biology and chemistry)

DH got our kids to look at making a meal from each continent - we failed but it was fun looking

and if nothing else, her fresh eyes may spot what is stopping you losing weight and save her from putting it on ...

GirlWithTheMouseyHair · 27/10/2012 22:31

My DD is only 11months but I'm already worried about eating disorders and adolescent depression - not that I don't worry about DS but most of my friends who went through those issues when I was growing up were female (including me).

DS birthday party today, so glad I did 3 fasts this week and will prob turn it into ADF by fasting again tomorrow as I know next week I'll only realistically do Tuesday. So nice to tuck into actually pretty healthy party food (maybe apart from the cocktail sausages, soooooo good!) and have a hefty chunk of the frankly delish butternut squash birthday cake (if I do say so myself)

Getting my best friend from the airport in 10mins, prob won't be I much in the next week but will try to keep up reading.

Have a good week fasters, and happy Halloween!!

Liberty132 · 28/10/2012 09:21

Morning - new to website and to this WOE. Like many of you I saw the Horizon program back in the summer and wondered if it would work - but I did nothing more about it. Two weeks ago I had to be nil by mouth for a hospital procedure (1pm Wednesday - 3pm Thursday). I was amazed how 'undifficult' it was - wouldnt say it was easy. Again like many of you, I could cope with the hunger it was cravings and habit that had be doing circuits of the kitchen.

Last week I gave it a go for a day. I did have a blinding headache but if truth be told I had a headache the day before also.

So I plan to start this week (half term). I plan to fast Mon and Wed (sometimes Thurs instead of Wed). I have read loads about skipping breakfast and 16 complete fast. I think I will see what works for me, but will certainly start with 16 hour fast etc.

I have to say I am quite excited. Heading out today with hubby for a spot of lunch and it will be great to eat whatever I fancy knowing tomorrow I am putting it right.

I am JUST within an acceptable BMI. I am 36 years old, 5ft 10 and weigh 12 stone. I have lost a stone since May by calorie counting - but it has been hard and I find it very hard to get back to it when I have had a treat weekend to celebrate birthdays or been on hol etc.

I do struggle with portion control - so I am already very concious that I must not blow out completely on non fast days. I am hoping that tum with be smaller and not too bothered about being stuffed. Also plan to keep a log of what I eat on non fast days too. Wont log calorie and fat content but just a note of what I have eaten so I can see clearly if I am over doing it.

Sorry for the log post - just so excited to get going. Will post again after my second fast day next week and update you all.

WISH ME LUCK!!!

catsrus · 28/10/2012 09:35

Hi liberty welcome and good luck [hgrin]

I think it definitely helps if your starting point is having seen the programme - and this is a wonderfully supportive group [hsmile]

SarahWithAFringeOnTop · 28/10/2012 09:53

Hi liberty - go for it. As another (pretty much) newbie I can definitely say the thread is very supportive and encouraging Smile.
Still struggling on with the C25K - end of week 2 now. I missed Friday because of (a) unspeakable weather (b) the outlaws staying and (c) twinge in a leg muscle, but took advantage of the extra hour this morning to go out before they were up. Found it like running through treacle! All you early-morning exercisers, please tell me - is this because I hadn't warmed up and stretched enough (I thought I had, but maybe not...), because I hadn't eaten, or just because I'm not used to it? I normally exercise between work and supper. This doesn't bode well for exercising on a fast day Sad. Or is it just because I've eaten too much while the outlaws are here Blush so I'm feeling generally sluggish? Have to say I feel livelier now I've had breakfast. Any advice anyone please?