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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:
frenchfancy · 13/12/2012 06:46

Hope you had a good birthday Laska.

I had a big feed last night, including all the food you can't eat on a diet - mash potato, creamed leaks with parmesan, stuffed roast pork, tart tatin with chocolate cream sauce. Yum.

Fast day today to make up for it. Definitely harder to fast when it is cold though - though actually I think it is the thought of fasting rather than the fasting itself.

Snowkey · 13/12/2012 07:32

I'm finding fasting much easier now, have been doing this since August but have previously found fasting challenging - psychologically it's like I've worn into a pair of shoes, almost like I was fighting the fasts before and now they just wash over me, my moods on fast days have settled somewhat too.

I don't think I eat more food in winter compared to summer but I am finding it more difficult to eat a moderately reasonable amount on feed days - there's too many nice things to eat in the house - I've allowed more nice things to pass the threshold this year - note to self, this is never a good idea. Will try to get a couple more fasts in before Christmas but social activities are making it trickier than usual.

Good luck to all the fasters today, hope you can stay busy, warm and keep your mind distracted on more productive things.

B&W I'm thinking of your wise words and I'm determined not to taste the Rocky Road I made yesterday for thank you gifts - the dcs reassure me it tastes just fine.

mollysfolly · 13/12/2012 07:55

Happy Birthday for yesterday Laska, and well done on your weight loss. It was my sister's birthday too - she tried to send an email at 12:12 but it took 5 minutes to arrive! Mind you our broadband speeds are rubbish here in the northern wastes. Have a good day all fellow-fasters. Xmas Smile

Laska42 · 13/12/2012 08:47

thanks people for your kind birthday wishes.. i'm pleased to say the scales are still 10.1 this morning (I know i shouldnt Weigh every day but will tomorrow also as its my 'official WI day Xmas Smile) .

But I have another works christmas lunch today (this is what come of working for more than one dept).. have gone only for the carrot soup / turkey option ( since i dont usually have turkey at Christmas) and no pud! So shouldnt be too bad ....

Why think about it at all on an eating day? Well i have yet ANOTHER meal out on Saturday and will only be able to get 'half' a fast in between .. And Im thinking like a thin person Xmas Grin!! (well ,attempting to! Xmas Wink )

Welcome DrOcktopus Yes ,I think youve found the best 5:2 thread too!

Good luck all fasters and feasters today

TheCyclistist · 13/12/2012 09:23

Laska happy birthday for yesterday Smile . A great year ahead awaits I'm sure after all the positive changes you've written about over the previous year; your body probably thinks it's a year younger not older Wink . Anyway heartfelt best wishes for the coming year.

Starting a fasting day here, so sitting here with a cup of raspberry and chilli (tastes nicer than it sounds)tea next to me and about to get a list of a hundred things together to keep me occupied for the day. Having said that I find the easiest way to have a successful fast day is to think of all the positive things about this WOL rather than the deprevation aspect i.e. not I can't eat toast today, rather how good toast will taste tomorrow, or not that I have to eat so little today, rather that I can enjoy a load of really good food tomorrow without any concerns about growing back my spare tyre...Life is long and there's always tomorrow.

Have a great day all Xmas Grin

Souper · 13/12/2012 10:47

Going to delurk, as I have been watching all of your threads on 5:2. I saw the Horizon programme and I have been doing 5:2 or 4:3 since then. In August I weighed 85 kg which was my heaviest ever non-pregnant weight. Now I weigh 74.5kg, which is not at target yet but within the healthy BMI range for my height.

I think this WOE has so much going for it. It is definitely sustainable for me, and even the fast days are not difficult now I have been doing it for a while.

I am a weigh-every-dayer, and as other posters have said, the numbers yo-yo but the range goes downwards! I have some lovely scales that measure in increments of 50g so even tiny losses are measurable and this really helps to keep me motivated.

Well done to everyone on this WOE, on losses and other health benefits. I think we are on to something wonderful here.

dkoctopus · 13/12/2012 10:51

hi again and thanks for my welcomes. x

Didn't want to post until I knew I'd make through my fast day - I was super hungry last night, couldn't sleep and nearly ate my duvet! But managed - hurrah.

Today I'm eating again and thinking of doing the last fast day of the week tomorrow (or is it better to do 5:2 week as your first week? probably ..)

Re being cold, then that is probably worse when you're fasting - I've been very cold on both my days so far, and I don't usually feel cold easily.

Re how often to weight yourself then I'm also aiming to do it everyday. I know that the weight will go up and down a lot, but only by weighting myself often do I get a feeling for how much - otherwise, if I get just a weekly measure, I find it difficult to know whether that measure is like to be a complete fluke as well.

@Laska - happy birthday yesterday. And thanks for sharing some of your wine with us all through the ether ;)

Right - better get some work done.

TalkinPeace2 · 13/12/2012 10:56

Welcome Souper : 10kg loss since August is impressive. Especially as you are now in a pattern for it to stay off for ever.

dkoctopus
a lot of people fast on a Monday and then Wednesday / Thursday : that way it does not interfere with weekends!
If you can, do tomorrow - and go into the weekend fired up - it can do you no harm.

My weight fluctuates : up by around 3 lb over the weekend, down by around 4lb during Monday to Friday morning. So I weigh in at 9.45 on a Friday, roughly 1lb lighter than the Friday before.

GreenEggsAndNichts · 13/12/2012 11:00

Welcome to the thread, drocktopus! And Happy Birthday, Laska! Sounds like you celebrated properly. Xmas Grin

Fasted yesterday. I have Christmas dinner out planned with NCT friends tonight, which I'm looking forward to. I've had a look at the menu and have already planned what I'm having. Xmas Smile Am having a coffee at the moment and I plan to not eat very much during the day so that I don't feel too badly tonight. (like, physically bad- I know others have mentioned it, but it does hurt a bit after eating a big meal. Worse, it's difficult to sleep. So I'll try not to overdo it.)

I definitely found fasting yesterday to be difficult. It was probably the most difficult after that first week of fasts, if I'm honest. I ate earlier than usual, as well. I only made it to 4:30 or so before I decided to have my soup; usually I wait until 6pm.

Anyway, I did it. And I have baking coming up today, possibly tomorrow as well. I shall see enough people that I'll be able to give away most of it, which is ideal!

It's literally freezing today so I imagine I'll be on and off MN today. Hope everyone has a good day!

OP posts:
GreenEggsAndNichts · 13/12/2012 11:03

Oh see, it takes me so long to post that I xpost with others in the meantime. Hello there, Souper, well done on your loss!

OP posts:
Breadandwine · 13/12/2012 11:12

Laska

Look at you, 20lbs down on your birthday! Wine (To make up for the one you spilt')

Glad you had a good one! Smile

Now all you have to do is forget about making comments such as, " Thanks to all who looked an didn't laugh"

You look lovely, as do all those who've made their pics available.

You can now see a pic of me - but the last word that'll spring to mind is 'lovely'! Grin

FoodieToo · 13/12/2012 11:56

Am still going at this,feel a lot slimmer. Am a lot happier. Not just because I am slimmer but because it has been so easy.

I love the fact that I feel like ' normal' slim person. As in I can have dessert or whatever.

Finding it harder now ,the season that is in it. But if I survive Christmas without the usual half stone gain that would be brill!

Lakota · 13/12/2012 12:00

Happy birthday Laska! You're on the threshold of a whole new year as a whole new you.

I'm fasting today and not too hungry yet but I am FREEZING. I've always had a problem with icy hands and feet but it's definitely worse on fast days in Winter. Think I need coffee.

tiggy114 · 13/12/2012 12:18

You all probably know this but i was amazed to see on mfp that a stick of celery has 5 cals!!!! So if you've had your 500 cals and your starving, it'd be an excellent snack Grin will remember this for tommorows fast.

Breadandwine · 13/12/2012 12:22

Although you can no longer see the original Horizon programme, Eat, Fast and Live Longer, the webpage is still on iPlayer.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lxyzc

There are a couple of clips from the programme on there, but clicking on 'See all the buzz about this programme' takes you to a number of different blogs and forums about IF.

Haven't had a chance to look at them yet, but I can see there's a wealth of info on there - well worth a browse.

(Also posted on the Links thread)

Souper · 13/12/2012 12:45

Thank you

Since doing this I am so shocked by the truisms that are peddled by the diet industry day in, day out. You must eat breakfast, don't allow yourself to get hungry, keep eating to keep you metabolism up... No wonder the population is getting bigger and bigger!!

dkoctopus · 13/12/2012 14:27

@Souper

Yes, that strikes me as well. Read this the other day which others might find interesting:
www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/fasting-health_b_1557043.html

mamarun · 13/12/2012 15:13

Happy Birthday Laska and welcome to all the new fasters. I have also just joined so still learning the ropes. GP finally prescribed me antibiotics. On the plus side or negative side whichever way you look at it I made it through 2 of my 3 festive meals yesterday - although really struggled to eat at the second meal. Today's was cancelled so I was able to fast today. But I am really being challenged today - this is where my bad habits are really coming into play. I am not hungry but want to eat as feeling so unwell. Body's automatic reaction to turn to food. Haven't given in yet so fingers crossed I will make it through to the end of the day.

Sorry to be so miserable - promise I'm not always like this just struggling with being so unwell.

frenchfancy · 13/12/2012 15:18

You can do it mamarun. Just think how much worse you will feel if you give in. If you can fast when you are ill you truely can make this a long term WOE.

TalkinPeace2 · 13/12/2012 15:33

mamarun
go sort a wardrobe ~ or that junk drawer in your utility room ~ or under your kids beds ~ Trust me : displacement activity is THE BEST. If the weather was warmer I'd say go for a walk. You need to learn routines to pass the time that do not involve going into the kitchen.
But you'll do it, because the feeling of success the next day releases so many positive chemicals into your brain that you'll feel FAB.

pookey · 13/12/2012 16:27

True about displacement, I really thought my fast would fail yesterday but I got engrossed in some jobs and forgot my hunger.

Hope you get a blog spot B&W, when I first joined mumsnet there were very few dads and i am pretty sure there were no grandads Grin is your blog about bread?

I decided to have a healthy feast day so skipped breakfast, had half a pot of skinny soup then some oat biscuits with humus (unfortunately I ate 18 oat biscuits and half a large pot of humus Blush )

mumofcrazynamedkids · 13/12/2012 17:24

Hey all, well I was fasting mon and wed this week, did great on Mon til me and the kids and my lodger started decorating the tree and then my model skinny lodger said, ooh we should have some mince pies and mulled wine to do this with, to which of course I said, yes! so a mr kipling mince pie and 2 mugs of mulled wine probably took me 350 cals over? ahh well, a low cal day then and I did a perfectly good 500cal fast yesterday, and today is my work party, but have manage dto do something horridly painful to my back, have had heat patches on, taken prescription anti inflammatory and have put ibuprofen gel on too....are you even allowed to mix those? who knows, but I am going to go, attempt to have a good time, but no dancing for me, which is a shame because i love to let my hair down.

I might try and do a no eating til dinner tomorrow as I have no kids until 3.30 (and then only for 2 hours) and lots and lots of chores to do!

welcome all the new people and lurkers, good to hear some new stories and hear more people getting to love this WOE.

I'm off to change into my party frock and may try and get a photo taken later!

promises promises Xmas Wink

welshmill · 13/12/2012 18:31

I love this way of eating! I'm now under 9st (8st 13lb, not much under but still)...I haven't been this 'light' for 15 years. Xmas Smile

GirlWithTheMouseyHair · 13/12/2012 20:24

well done welshmill!

fasting went well yesterday, whoop! although I did go to bed at 8:30pm at an anticipated awful night with DD.

We're off to a prvate advanced screening of The Hobbit tonight which means missing dinner, so I"ve made up for it with half a bar of lush green and blacks I"ve been saving

Skinnyeye · 13/12/2012 21:30

Hi Losers, Fasting gone much better today and am back on track after Wednesday's wobble. Thanks for all your support and good wishes it really helps to know we are all in this together. Work Christmas lunch tomorrow so no breakfast and probably no dinner either does alcohol count as a meal? Xmas Wink