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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! 7 is our lucky number...

991 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 19/11/2012 12:57

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 2012, 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.

I know a number of people lurk on this thread, as this is currently quite popular. Please just jump in and post if you're new- we won't bite. Well, maybe on a fast day. Wink

Here is a list of links to get you started with this way of eating. Please let us know if you find a new article or some other information online:

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

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.

Here is where I would link to the aforementioned Horizon programme, but it appears as if the BBC have finally noticed it on YouTube and have taken it down. If you have another link for this episode, please PM me with it, or post it to the thread and we'll put it up for the next thread.

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 all the links re-copied and back into one post.

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

OP posts:
tiggy114 · 29/11/2012 10:43

Ok so thos is my 3 rd fast day. I'm still finding the way that works best for me. So today i have used mfp and made a massive vat of veg soup which only adds up to just under 400 cals. So i'm going to just nibble on this all day and have ebough left for a couple of coffees. Thing is there looks like enough soup to sustain me for 2 days in there ! I know it's low cal but i can't believe this counts as fasting! I havn't lost any actual weight yet but my tummy looks trimmer and less flabby. Maybe it's my imagination but i don't wobble as much Grin also my moods and patience level with the kids has been much improved Grin

Piebaldrider · 29/11/2012 11:13

Its quite amazing what losing a little weight and gaining control over yourself can do for you. I have cut my hair , dyed it from highlighted to a deep red/burgundy and just for fun i added a few clip in extensions in a violet colour . I have worn a skirt ( with nice patterned tights and ankle boots) for the first time in as many years as i can remember. I have worn jeggins confidently and am updating my makeup bag which up to now has been practically empty. I would still like to lose another 3 stone but i have lost at least 1 1/2 stone so i know i can do it. This group keeps me going and gives it all much more meaning. I still have shin splints and cant really exercise but i am still using the power plates at the gym and i am positive they are responsible for much of the changes in my shape . The last couple of weeks i have had some down times and i haven't managed my 4.3 more than once. Life throws some nasty surprises at us all at times and i have had my fair share of troubled times the last couple of weeks. I have ended up drinking to deal with the stress and therefore exceeded my 500 calories on a couple of occasions but i will not give in and let go of something that has changed my life more than anything else has in years. I am 52 and have 4 grandchildren but feel and look a bit younger these days. My horse also appreciates my efforts as its easier for him to carry me now and he too has been losing a little weight so we are in it together.

TalkinPeace2 · 29/11/2012 11:35

Quick tip for anybody whose tummy is getting floppy rather than flat (I have the amazon delta in stretch marks so know of what I speak)
Pilates
more Pilates
a bit of Yoga
more Yoga
even on the wii or from youtube videos (I'll find some good ones)
you cannot have a too toned tummy
AND strong core gives good posture, so you look taller and slimmer too

Skinnyeye · 29/11/2012 11:40

Hi pie hadn't seen you in a while and was wondering how you were getting on. Like you i am feeling younger, fitter and lighter than I have in years and I am taking great strength from getting control of my eating and my life. DP, friends and colleagues can't believe the change in me since starting this WOL - I can hardly believe it myself.

Dropped down to 5:2 this week to mix it up a little and fasting today. Was out last night after a work thing so taken a day off work to recover from alcohol and 2am kebab. Heading out for a walk and some shopping to make a special fast day meal and collect my new roller blades Grin

I feel like a kid again pity I'm nearly 44!!

virginposter · 29/11/2012 12:03

Piebald

Re your shin splints. My son recently sent me a link for a Youtube Panorama special (sorry don't know how to do links) it's called 'Panorama the truth about sports products.' It's quite long but there is an interesting bit about sports shoes and how they (research done by Oxford University) are now finding that cushioned soles are not ideal but they are favouring more natural 'barefoot' running. My son runs at least 6k every day and suffered awful shin splints. He purchased a new pair of 'barefoot running shoes' and now runs on the balls of his feet. He no longer suffers shin splints. Just an idea for you to perhaps look at this prog and then decide for yourself. I'm just a walker and line dancer so have no such problems.

virginposter · 29/11/2012 12:17

On a more serious note: I was called back after a mammogram as they had found 'changes' in my left breast. After a very anxious few days I went today for more intensive x-rays and ultra sound. Today is a fast day for me and as you can imagine I didn't feel like eating this morning anyway.
Luckily I was given the all clear and the relief was tremendous. The nurse was lovely and she said what are you going to do now, go for a hot chocolate and cake? I said that sound good and we laughed. And to tell the truth I was really tempted as I was starving (I guess all the stress of the day) but I didn't, I came back home, had a real coffee and went straight onto Mumsnet, read your posts and feel great.
Just goes to show that whatever life throws at us we no longer need food as a crutch but just knowledge and the support of good friends. Please don't give in to stress with food, it really doesn't help (even thought it tastes yummy at the time). I have found that the longer I do this WOE the stronger I get mentally and the easier I find going without food.
Together we will all get to our goals, I'm sure Smile

Breadandwine · 29/11/2012 12:20

Some lovely stories on here this morning! Keep 'em coming folks!

70lbs, Cyclist! Well done, mate! Bet your bike appreciates it! Grin

I've managed 2 24 hour fasts this week - one of them with just three mugs of water instead of coffee. It's all about timing the evening meals - have an early dinner on the day before a fast, then a later one on the fast day itself.

Have still to feel hunger on these days - and I have to report I feel great. In fact, I have more energy on these days than on the days I eat.

I'm coming more and more to feel that fasting is the natural state - and food is just a necessary interruption.

Here's someone - a weightlifter - blogging about his fasting experiences and the merits of 16 hours versus 24 fasting:

www.newjohn.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/day-130/

GreenEggsAndNichts · 29/11/2012 13:05

TML oh that is fabulous news. :)

Thank you for the kind words, Cyclist!

Have stayed the same, weight-wise this week. No surprise, with Thanksgiving last weekend. I did have some nice comments when I saw friends last night, though my cynical mind noted they were from the only two I've mentioned this WOE to! Never know, though, I suspect some friends have become careful about mentioning weight, as one friend has lost a whole lot but it turned out to be entirely down to a major health problem.

Anyway, non-fast day today, and all normal so far. :) Good luck today, new fasters.

OP posts:
TalkinPeace2 · 29/11/2012 13:10

virginposter Well done on staying strong - that will have done your brain chemistry balance a world of good too as you get lots of positive feedback loops.

ThinkICan · 29/11/2012 13:10

Was wondering about your disappearance Piebald. Glad to hear you have overcome problems and are still going strong! Virginposter - as another person who keeps grazing whenever under stress - I appreciate your wise words and am happy to hear your health scare turned out to be just a scare.

TellMeLater · 29/11/2012 13:21

Wow thecyclist 70lbs is a fantastic achievement, well done! And to all the losers - well done! I agree that the thing with fasting is that I can have a spectacular fail diet wise and I just pick myself up and keep going, almost on automatic pilot now - sabotage is always temporary, unlike other diets.

Alaska77 · 29/11/2012 14:01

Hi All - rejoining after a bit of an absence. Still plodding away on this WOL and enjoying reading all your success stories. I too enjoy the additional energy on fast days and I find I sleep soundly following a fast, too. Well done to everyone on your achievements!

babbas · 29/11/2012 14:26

Piebald I really love your posts. Very honest and very moving. I hope the next few weeks are less stressful than those gone by.

Virgin - v happy that you got the all clear.

Cyclist - what an inspiration you are. Well done!

I'm almOst welling up reading these amazing posts. I never cease to be amazed by the strength, courage and determination of women. I know there are men on this thread too and I don't want to offend anyone, but there are just some truly amazing ladies here.

TheCyclistist · 29/11/2012 14:50

Thanks all those for your congrats on the weight loss....on the downside it just goes to show how much I had to lose in the first place Grin . It would be interesting to carry a rucksack around for a day with the 70lbs in to see what my poor old mid life crisis heart had to deal with a year back. Got to admit though I'm going into my 46th year a lot more positive than I was going into my 45th.

The actual amount of weight loss though in a way is unimportant, everyone will lose it at their own rate and obviously someone starting on 10 stone will lose it a lot slower than I who started at 18 stone. Whether someone loses 3 lbs a week or 1/2 a pound a fortnight really makes no odds as at the end of the day as long as you're doing the right things (and imho this WOL is a 'right thing') then the end result will be positive Smile

For me though a crucial part of getting the most out of this WOL has been reading the posts on here from so many inspirational and positive contributers.

Have a great day all!

virginposter · 29/11/2012 15:07

Thanks all for your kind words - tomorrow I am going to have my weekly carvery at local pub (which always includes roasties and yorkshire pud) and later may even have the hot chocolate and cake too if I feel like it.

GirlWithTheMouseyHair · 29/11/2012 15:53

wow everyone is doing so brillantly at the moment, some great positive stories - you are all kick starting me back into this WOE. Utterly surprised to see after 3 weeks of not fasting I've only put on 1lb so maybe my appetite has significantly reduced - but swam constantly for 45mins yesterday and as I have my first traingin ride in ages on Saturday (30miles) I'm heading out for a bit of power yoga this morning thanks to you all giving me some motivation. Might have only put on a bit of weight but flabby tummy and love handles are reappearing

Didn't fast yesterday in the end - going to see how I manage after yoga today but hoping to make it a fasting day today instead. Need to pull mself together somewhat

Determined to be fitting into solid size 10 clothes byt the January sales!

Skinnyeye · 29/11/2012 16:35

Hi Losers I need some help Confused I'm thinking of making a quorn chilli for dinner with cauliflower rice. All going swimmingly until I remembered that I don't know how to make cauliflower rice lol.

Do I boil it and rice it or grate it and boil it? Any suggestions?

TellMeLater · 29/11/2012 16:50

Cauliflower rice - remove florets, wash, grate or chuck in the food processor for about 8 seconds till they look a bit like cous cous. Steam in microwave for 8 mins but do not add water.

Aftereightsaremine · 29/11/2012 17:12

cyclist that is a fantastic weight loss. I've got 84lbs in total to lose so knowing that you've done it will give me the incentive to carry on. On another note I'm getting lots of lovely comments so onwards & downwards.

Skinnyeye · 29/11/2012 17:18

Thanks TML will give it a try. Fast day and really hungry - usually go 24 hours without food but my drunken 2am kebab makes that impossible. I seem to remember others mentioning tougher fast days after alcohol consumption so maybe that is a factor. Will hold out for the 16 hours, eat at 6 then fast through to lunch instead.

Laska42 · 29/11/2012 18:35

Cyclistist.. WOWSERS 70lb!!! in a year .. I bet you do eel great and i'm sure that youre are a real inspiration to your friends and family as well. (as well as them being happy that you've got healthy again)

Did you take up cycling this year also, or just really get back into training..?
anyway

Have a great birthday tomorrow , with cake and wine and All and really enjoy it .. because 1.you deserve it and 2.YOU KNOW that you'll never be that big again .. I hope you've got a big celebration lined up .

(BTW I see you're a Saggi also ... little long lost bro of mine.. . but of course that a natch eh? Grin.. )

Laska42 · 29/11/2012 18:43

roasted cauliflower with cumin and lemon for me on this fast day .. its like having a plate of chips .. yum..

TellMeLater · 29/11/2012 19:01

Oh laska that sounds lovely - any chance you could share the recipe please. Smile

Laska42 · 29/11/2012 19:43

Sure,, no real recipe. here it is though ill put it on the recipe thread also ..MFP has 1 whole 5-6" head of cauli at about 150

Roasted cauliflower with Cumin and lemon Juice

Chop up a cauli into small florets and the stalk also , (fairly thin ) . bung in a thin layer on a baking pan (i use 2 trays for a head of cauli as you dont want it to steam) , spray with oil and sprinkle with ground cumin and black pepper spray a bit more oil again over the lot .Roast on high (220c) until starting to lo0k a bit charred round edges about 15 mins

Turn over the pieces , sprinkle some more cumin and black pepper , squeeze lemon juice over and return to oven until nice and charred on edges.. about another 20 mins

Sprinkle with salt and more LJ and wolf down .. ( for elegance try and put on plate first , though I often just eat out of pan its so yummy!) Grin

Laska42 · 29/11/2012 19:47

....I suppose if you wanted to make it more like chips you could leave out the cumin and use S&P and malt vinegar after!

its now on the recipe thread

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