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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! Number 8, fast away fast away fast away all!

999 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 14/12/2012 15:51

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 You'll find a lot of support here.

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. Here is a link to the programme's page on iPlayer, which features a couple of clips, and might have updates eventually. Let us know if you find another site hosting it.

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. (This is a new calculator to previous threads, this one seems to give me approximately the same results the last one did, but without the virus warnings on my browser!)

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 · 02/01/2013 06:58

Same here Laska. Last night was our last night of festivities and I'm quite pleased about it. I don't sleep well when I have been drinking (I was also awake at 5am but didn't go as far as being on MN).

Back fasting tomorrow. This year I am combining it with exercise - I've already done wk 1 of C25K. As I've never run before in my life I am rather proud of myself;

froot · 02/01/2013 07:51

First fast since 19 dec today. Not looking forward to it as hangover from NYE not completely subsided Blush. It's a work day so hope being busy will take my mind off feeling rough but if I don't manage to stick to 500 won't beat myself up may work my way down over the next few fasts. Have read the book now and do feel motivated esp as scales showed 10 st 5.5 this morning (was 9.11 before Xmas!!) cats must try your method next Xmas - fantastic !!

Snowkey · 02/01/2013 08:50

Happy New Year! Welcome to all the newbies.

Fasting day - first one since mid Dec. I finally picked up the courage to weighin this morning damage on the scales today shows a gain of about 3lbs, which is better than expected and probably due to me kicking the sugar habit on Christmas Day - I'd had enough - which suggests I'd really had too much!

Gym gear back on this morning, fitbit purchased for that extra motivation to move more and looking forward to those scales moving in the right direction. Good luck to all the fasters especially the first timers - it's only one day guys!

MABS · 02/01/2013 09:56

plan to be very careful today and go to gym, then fast tomorrow.... :)

Breadandwine · 02/01/2013 10:12

Dr M has just tweeted, in reply to someone looking to join a group, that:

"There's one on Facebook and one on Mumsnet. Will add to website, up next week."

The website is a default site ATM, but once it's up and running, it'll be

thefastdiet.co.uk/

I've been unable to shake this annoying cold and cough I've had for a while. I cancelled a walk across the Blackdowns to a pub this morning - in favour of driving out there and waiting (by the roaring log fire I know will be there) for my friends to arrive - all looking like drowned rats I'm secretly hoping.

I was going to fast today, but, since I'm not 100%, I've decided against it - and I don't intend watching my friends all have a pub lunch while I drink water! But I'll have to get down to it, and soon - the last hole on my belt is under severe threat. A bowl of pub chips might push it over the edge! Grin

Breadandwine · 02/01/2013 10:18

BecBro4 you little beauty! That is indeed the one!

I would urge everyone who has yet to see the Horizon programme to watch it quickly, before the BBC has it taken down!

Dr M is on You and Yours at midday today - think he's talking about exercise. He's also on tomorrow and Friday.

TheCyclistist · 02/01/2013 10:33

Morning all

Had huge weight gain over Christmas, but tbh it wasn't really surprising as I ate stupid amounts of unhealthy food for 2 weeks non-stop. I think in a way this WOE was behind the huge gains though...To explain, over the last 4 months or so it seemed almost impossible to put weight on, no matter what or how much I ate on the non restricted eating days. I just kept losing weight and dropping belt notches around my waist.

However with the onset of the Christmas festivities I just couldn't be arsed to do the Fasting days...but kept on eating at a rate that would put a Pot smoking teenager with the munchies to shame Sad .The end result being a peak of around 12lb higher than my lowest weight just over 2 weeks ago and tbh feeling like cr@p healthwise.

Rather than give me inspiration to Fast, this made it harder and I aborted or abandaned several Fasts over the last week until eventually getting one done yesterday. Really, really glad I did though as have that 'slim' unbloated feeling back today and less cravings for high sugar foods and dropped a few pounds already.

So what I'd say to anyone feeling down about falling off the wagon either at Christmas or at any time of the year is JUST GET ONE FAST DAY DONE and see how you feel after that. Along the same lines if you're new to this WOE and haven't managed to get a full Fast done, don't despair, just set a day aside in the near future when you think circumstances will suit and get it done...you'll be amazed at how great you feel afterwards and what that one day of success leads on to.

Have a great day all. New Year, New Opportunities Smile

Breadandwine · 02/01/2013 10:39

Fascinating stuff on Dr M's Twitter feed

"My husband has propable alzheimers and we noticed +ve change since starting this diet will there be clinical trials? YES (responds Dr M)

His book is currently no. 2 on Amazon bestseller list - only JO to beat! I'm buying 3 copies - one each for my two kids - but from my local independent bookshop - they're giving me a discount of 20%. I'm told it's not out until the 10th - but they'll give me a ring when it comes in.

In the meantime it's back to Dr M's Twitter feed:

(This from one of his followers)
" Started 5:2 diet 10/8/12-179lbs and BF 25%. Now 165lbs/19%. Age 55 now really healthy. This isn't a diet more a lifestyle!"

Exactly what we've been saying on here!

Breadandwine · 02/01/2013 11:16

Dr M's interview on BBC Breakfast this morning.

GreenEggsAndNichts · 02/01/2013 11:42

oh wow thanks for the links, B&W! I'll have a look at the interview when I can.

That's also really neat that he mentioned the group here. It just shows how helpful and supportive everyone is! I've joined the FB group but I've only had a very quick look at it- there are only so many hours in the day, and so this one will just have to bear the brunt of my ramblings for now. Wink

Great post Cyclistist! I did wedge in two fast days over the Christmas period, mostly because DH and I both felt as if we needed a reset button on our eating. Grin We hadn't been going overboard, certainly compared with previous Christmases we were eating less, but it was feeling as if we were eating because the food was there. If that makes sense. It helped us appreciate all the food again when we were back on the next day.

I've still not weighed in. Perhaps tomorrow morning, as I usually weigh after a fast day.

OP posts:
catsrus · 02/01/2013 11:52

We are actually mentioned in the book too p100 Xmas Smile. I think he has a mole Xmas Grin

Back at work today and first proper fast for a few weeks - phew! I've got a batch of stews frozen from before Xmas so will have one of those when I get home. Nice to get back into a routine - now what to do with the Christmas cake that didn't even get opened???

OddBoots · 02/01/2013 11:52

Just popping in here, I did my first fast yesterday (and into today as I didn't really feel hungry until just now but wow my first meal tasted great). I'm not good at keeping up with busy threads but I shall poke my nose in from time to time.

I got my copy of the book from Amazon a couple of day sago but it's not letting me review it yet, I'll keep trying.

mandyr · 02/01/2013 11:57

First weigh-in since before Christmas and I'm five pounds up. Could have been a lot worse, given the amount of food I've eaten, so I'm not too worried about it. I'm fasting today and expect to have dropped a pound by tomorrow morning.

I had been weighing myself every day, making a note of all the fluctuations, more out of curiosity than anything, but I now intend to only weigh myself once a month. I've found that I gain around six pounds when on my period and that my lowest weight is always one week before I'm due on (although, being perimenopausal, that could all change over the next few months). Therefore, I'll do my monthly weigh-in then, when I'm at my lightest.

Veggie chilli tonight, using Frenchfancy's recipe (thanks), although done on the hob, instead of a slow cooker. Can't wait. I'm hungry already.

To those of you who already have Dr M's book; what do you think? I was tempted to get it myself, but I'd be surprised if there is anything in there that hasn't been covered by you lot on this thread.

mandyr · 02/01/2013 12:00

By the way, GreenEggs I love the idea of a fast day being a 'reset button'.

Aftereightsaremine · 02/01/2013 13:56

Afternoon all. Just about to set off for home & will be on scales tomorrow to check out the damage. Have not had access to scales for a week so a tad nervous about the weigh in. Official weigh in are Mondays but can't wait that long to find out!

Hope to fast tomorrow & that will be first one for ages I can't even remember when the last one was!

DontGoThereDaisy · 02/01/2013 15:30

Glad to see no one else is worried about the few (4) pounds put on over Christmas ? I wondered if I was in denial!

Not managed a fast in the Christmas fortnight ? in fact only 6 fasts attempted (all successful) since mid-November (all-inclusive holiday + 4lbs but fortunately lost in time for Christmas piggery!) .

Still it does mean the six week push to my goal which I hit November 20th (with no real hope of hitting before the end of January) is now a seemingly agonising ten week slog (before I hopefully go 6:1 in April).

I hope I go back to finding the two fasts a week easy, and always losing a pound a week - which seemed to be the case provided I ?remember? I?m trying to lose weight during the other 5 days!

Good luck all.

Doha · 02/01/2013 15:56

Hi everyone mind if join in??

My DH watched the interview this morning and told me about it. He also did some web searching and found this site while l was on AIBU...

The fast diet sounds great. I stood on the scales this morning and was shocked to be 10 stone 13--the heaviest l have ever been. My aim is 9 stone and would like to have lost at least 1 stone by April-is it doable ??

Any advice encouragement would be great/

MABS · 02/01/2013 16:51

5ft 8 and weighed myself today, disgusted to say heaviest ever 11 stone :( wasn't planning to fast today, meant to be tomorrow but am pleased to say i have eaten very little since the scales weigh in !

SpringHeeledJack · 02/01/2013 17:35

right, I'm in

doing a sort of trial fast today...am off on tiny holiday tomorrow so not hopeful for next few days- will start properly tuesdays and thursdays when I get home

I'm 5'7 and ten stone. Could do with 9.5-tho not focused so much on the weight aspect as the health plus the heavy belt of lard am currently dragging round with me attached to my waist

Grin
Foodfactory · 02/01/2013 17:40

Just been advised by Amazon that my book has been dispatched. How are people finding it who have already received it? Does it contain any information that we don't already know or seen on the TV etc?

OddBoots · 02/01/2013 17:54

It is pretty much the info that is around online and in the programme but it is pulled together in a nice way and has a whole pile of references at the back for anyone who wants to delve more. I'm looking forward to the website.

froot · 02/01/2013 18:10

I really like the book and would wholeheartedly recommend it although for the 5/2'ers who are already devotees there isn't much new to learn in it but it is very motivating to read it. The sciencey bit is easier to get your head around when reading it. My first post-Xmas fast day today and as expected wont quite make it but will clock in at around 700 ( but that is around 5000 less than I have consumed every other day this Xmas!). I'm looking on today as a bonus day as had already decided to fast on Saturday this week too. Experience tells me I should find it easier on Saturday and really back into the swing of it by next Monday & Wednesday....

scripsi · 02/01/2013 19:26

I am in a similar position - going straight to 500 calories again made me stay awake for much of a night, starving. I am gently cutting down in general and am in the middle of a 700 calorie "fast" day today which is going really easily.

I really wish that more research was done on fasting for women - perhaps we need to have a webchat with Dr M

Piebaldrider · 02/01/2013 19:47

My first proper-ish fast day today since before Christmas. Its gone ok and i ate what's fast becoming my signature quick dry curry that i will post a recipe for at some point soon. I suspect i will top my 500 calorie allowance by the time i have had a glass of wine but i have never stuck to 500 and usually have at least 600. I shall try another fast Friday and over the weekend stick in a 24 hour fast which i seem to find very easy . The shorter 24 hour complete fasts seem to have kept my weight going in the right direction even when i haven't fasted properly at all. So far i have been very lucky but i know i need to get back on track and fast ! Having not been to the gym or ridden my poor horse for what seems ages I'm desperate to get moving again but like so many i have been suffering with a virus i just cant completely shake off. Lets hope we all have a happy healthy 2013.