Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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:
starlady · 04/01/2013 15:57

hi - occasional poster and fulltime lurker here. Just wanted to say as regards the immunity debate, since fasting I have been pretty healthy. Only felt terrible when I overate + dropped a fast over xmas! Of course now I've types this, who knows what will happen ...!

virginposter · 04/01/2013 16:18

Just a little re-cap for newbies, I started off doing 5:2, dinner about 7.00pm then nothing but plenty of non calorie fluids (black coffee, peppermint tea and water) until 7pm the following day at which time I eat my 500 cal meal. Breakfast as usual the next day. This suits me as I don't like to go to bed with a grumbly tum.
Have lost 14lbs but when weight stalled upped to 4:3 and it started again. Now back to 5:2 and hoping to lose another 7lbs to target.
I agree fully with all the advice given on here, try what feels right for you and if you don't like it then change it. Perhaps you could start by spreading your cals throughout the day and later consolidate them into just one or two meals. The beauty of this WOE is that it is flexible and one size fits all ;)

virginposter · 04/01/2013 16:19

Oh, forgot to say that I've not had colds or flu since starting and feel great.

pookey · 04/01/2013 16:24

Greeneggs by total coincidence the one discussion on facebook I clicked into was one you were on (guessed by the Baileys comment). Think this thread is easier to follow than facebook as it is one discussion although things have moved pretty fast here since I last posted so need to catch up.
I have a cold but haven't been fasting properly this week and everyone around me has it too so wouldn't attribute to this woe.

literarygeek · 04/01/2013 16:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TitHead · 04/01/2013 16:58

Starting my first fast on Monday, just a few quick questions. Is it easier to snack on the fast days or have 1-2 meals. Also do you need to eat the 500 would it matter if you just ate 200 for example? Finally do the fast days need to be the same every week?

Breadandwine · 04/01/2013 17:28

TitHead Most posters work up to 1-2 meals very gradually. Snacking is not a good idea. You don't have to eat the whole 500 - I've gone as low as 350 (I'm allowed 600) and I've been fine.

Change the fast days to suit yourself. I generally fast on Monday's and Wednesday's - but if something gets in the way I just move the days.

This is very much a pick and mix WOL (Way of Life!).

Good luck for Monday! Smile

frenchfancy · 04/01/2013 17:29

TH It is much easier not to snack. I started off skipping breakfast and having soup for lunch then a dinner, but now just wait until dinner time. Most people (but not all) have found that skipping breakfast makes things easier. You get hungry for a little bit, but then it goes away.

Doesn't matter if you don't eat all 500, I often finish at about 400. You can change your days about, that is one of the good thing about this diet.

Snowkey · 04/01/2013 17:39

Like Frenchfancy and breadandWine wine I started skipping breakfast and having a light lunch, then moved onto one meal in the evening - I find it easier to have a proper meal. Going to bed hungry affects my sleep.

MrsJingleBells74 · 04/01/2013 17:50

Does anyone know of a good app for tracking calories on fast days? Will be starting next week Shock

Can anyone recommend a filling, low calorie breakfast, don't think I can cope on 1 meal a day.

DH has been doing this for a few months now but all he eats on fast days for dinner is either 'supernoodles' or pasta with tuna & sweet corn. I need something a bit more like a proper meal.

Souper · 04/01/2013 17:51

I always skip breakfast even if it is an eating day. Then I usually have soup for lunch and soup for an early dinner (around 5pm).

GreenEggsAndNichts · 04/01/2013 18:21

Yes sorry, been doing this since August and just sticking to dinner works for me. The rest of the day is tea/coffee with very little low-fat milk (and I count those calories ofc). If I eat early on, I just want more food. :)

I think you will have to work out what works best for you. I definitely prefer saving the majority of my calories so I can have a reasonable meal in the evening. Maybe someone else has suggestions for a breakfast. Ryvita can be good?

OP posts:
Snowkey · 04/01/2013 18:29

Low calorie breakfasts that contain protein will be most filling -Total fat free yoghurt with berries or a couple of boiled eggs.

TitHead · 04/01/2013 18:43

Thanks everyone. Will have a look for a few low cal meals over the weekend so i'm fully prepared for Monday then.

Laska42 · 04/01/2013 18:44

mrsjinglebells . I eat the same breakfast every fast day and have been doing so since i started in August

Two large eggs 1 thin slice of ham, a couple of mushrooms or tomatoes and a tiny smear of butter made into an omelette . Works out at 205 calories .

Then I eat the rest of the cals as an early dinner .. its usually veggies stir fried in stock with a tiny bit of fish or some prawns .. or I have soup ..

Only in the last few fasts during the holiday have I had just one meal .. I find eating two suits me better when im working

Laska42 · 04/01/2013 18:46

sshh I haven't had any colds since I started this

MrsJingleBells74 · 04/01/2013 18:48

Laska, that sounds perfect! Will also look into yoghurt with fruit.

I don't think I can skip breakfast as am always starving in the morning, having been up at night with DS2.

Laska42 · 04/01/2013 18:59

If you dont think its too weird you can also add a generous filling of watercress spinach and rocket salad along with black pepper to your cooked omelette , and some fresh herbs .. Coriander is very good and so is fresh parsley ..I do this a lot .. AND I have (of course as I'm a serious chilli head Grin), a splash of hot sauce on it , I use Franks , but Tabasco is also good.

Strong flavours are very good at making you feel satiated ..
Of course this makes a good dinner also ..

I have found yoghurt and berries dont keep me feeling full on fast days and id also avoid bready things as they also 'run out' quickly IMHO

Fazerina · 04/01/2013 19:31

Hello hello all! I hope I can join in as well, I saw there are quite a few newbies here at the start of the new year:)! I've been reading what I could on the thread and on various websites..

Today was my first fast day and I already knew I wouldn't be able to stay at 500 calories and have started on 800 calories and I'm determined to work my way down over time. I have masses and masses to lose (about 4 stones to be exact:() and have decided to try 4:3 at first.

Like many other dieters my main problem is not to start but to stick with it and I hate having to restrict myself all day every day, so I'm really seeing how the thought of being able to eat normally the following day can keep me going with this.

So far so good and haven't felt deprived today at all and looking forward to the next fast day on Monday:)!

plecofjustice · 04/01/2013 19:33

Hi,

I've been doing 5:2 since September and at the moment, am 9 pounds down on where I was when I started. I'm just getting back on the wagon after skipping 2 weeks of fasts for Xmas - did a 6:1 the week before Xmas and a 6:1 this week, so back on the 5:2 starting monday. I'm pretty sure the weight will come off as fast as it did from September - End November (when I was down a stone)

The only issue I have is fasting lunches. I've been buying Heinz soups, they're nice and convenient for work, but full of salt. Does anyone have any suggestions for healthier alternatives that don't require too much effort?

Skinnyeye · 04/01/2013 19:37

Hi Losers (and gainers)
Over the last month I have gained a total of 10lbs Xmas Blush. I have eaten and drank far too much over the holiday and got back on the wagon yesterday. I feel very disappointed at the rapid gain and at putting on almost half of what I have lost since September. I know in the past i would have just thrown in the towel but this time I will not. The last couple of months have been a learning experience and hopefully it won't take me too long to get back to where I was at the start of December.

I hope you all did better than I did over the holidays

OnlyWantsOne · 04/01/2013 20:07

Would any one be up for a 5:2 mumsnet Facebook group?

TalkinPeace2 · 04/01/2013 20:56

Grin not me - ever. I keep this ID strictly separate from my real name!

BUT : I've had a very odd eating day today as I've been at the airport since 6.30 am (noon UK time) waiting for a flight back to the UK.
Hopefully we will land tomorrow morning - but we thought that yesterday - and we'll be 150 miles north of where we wanted.
Stress levels are an amazing metabolism boost!
Might bunk the Monday fast as I'll be in need of sleep.

Welcome to all the new people by the way.
Several of us who started 5:2 last summer kinds blew it over the holidays - I'm dreading the scales on Monday - so are effectively where you are Wink

TreadOnTheCracks · 04/01/2013 21:06

I am starting Monday, going to make some soup to be ready.

I get up at 6.30 and work until 1.15 so don't know if I will make it until I have lunch at home at 1.30. Has anyone got any ideas for a filling snack I could have about 12?

I am a TA and lunchtime supervisor so it would need to be "packed". I usually have 3 cheese oatcakes to fill me up, but they would be 120 calories so quite expensive.

I will have veg soup for lunch and chicken salad for dinner.

housesalehelp · 04/01/2013 21:41

no to facebook for me - done 3 fasts - got easier each time - lost 1 lb in a week so pleased - just drinking in the morning - ainsley harriot cup-a-soup - very spicy at lunch and large meal in the evening -