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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! Going up to 11!

999 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 29/01/2013 13:17

The continuing thread for those of us following either the 5:2 diet or the alternate-day fasting diet.

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, or approximately your TDEE (see explanation below). 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 for a woman, 600 for a man, on those days.

You'll find on these threads we use a number of acronyms. If you're new to the threads, or Mumsnet in general, they might not make much sense.

WOE/WOL = Way Of Eating/Way Of Life. We use this term instead of "diet" as many of us see this as something to do in the long term.

MFP = My Fitness Pal, a website many use for keeping track of the number of calories they're eating.

TDEE = Total Daily Energy Expenditure, 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.

ADF = Alternate-day Fasting, as it says on the tin, fasting every other day rather than 5:2.

Michael Mosley has recently unveiled a new website to accompany his new book on the subject. Please go check them out, as he's the whole reason most of us are here!

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!

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. This might be a good place to catch up with us if you're feeling a bit lost!

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.

B&W has found a new link to the aforementioned Horizon programme here. If you're keen to see it, watch it soon, because BBC has been quick to find these copies and shut them down online. We're hoping they'll re-play it again soon. I know these threads are popular, maybe they'll read my request. Wink

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%).")

Something to consider 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.

Another food link, here is a link to the BBC Good Food site, with a list of low-calorie soups.

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:
virginposter · 01/02/2013 14:56

dalek you have done the hardest part which is your first two fasts - well done. No need to panic, just eat healthily this weekend and you should see results on your weigh-in.
Try not to starve yourself and then cave in and eat all the wrong things, if you feel like skipping breakfast then do so but only if you want to and not because you feel you should. You can allow yourself some treats but in moderation. After a few weeks you will learn what is too much and what is enough.
Try to read as many of the links in OP and as many of these threads as you can and all will become clear.

welshmill · 01/02/2013 16:35

Aftereightsarenolongermine my feelings exactly. I'm still at the top end of my BMI and could do with losing another 12 lb but I'm no longer stressing. I'm over 2 stone lighter than I was in June last year and feel so much better for it both mentally and physically - that's got to be good, even if I don't lose any more weight.

lirael · 01/02/2013 16:36

Daisy I gained the first week and lost the second.

Bordercollielover · 01/02/2013 18:02

North Star try magnesium for cramps. You can take it as a supplement but it interacts with calcium in some way which might not be great. A spray is said to be good directly on to the cramps muscle, and Epsom salts in the bath or a footpath would help. Also eating good food sources of magnesium might be a plan.

GreenEggsAndNichts · 01/02/2013 18:06

TOTM started today and all I want are carbs and chocolate. :)

I'm never a chocolate fan until this day, every month.

Anyway, at least it's not a fasting day. I mostly want more ibuprofen and my bed. Have to be up early in the morning for an appointment with DS.

aftereights I totally agree. I had an epic plateau up to and after Christmas, but I'm finally slowly going down again. I'm pleased.

OP posts:
Fillybuster · 01/02/2013 18:14

Quick update, as I may not make it onto this thread (or at this rate, the next one Shock) for the next 10 days or so. Don't forget about me Grin

(OK, I haven't spent 10 days off MN in my life, so I will be around 'generally' but I'm not planning any more fasts until I get back from snowboarding, so will be lurking but not posting.....)

Welcome newbies - all I can is jump in, the water's lovely! - and well done to the losers.

To those who started recently but aren't seeing immediate results, I don't want to repeat my longish post of a few days ago, but please stick with it...some people see instant losses after their first few days, whilst others (like me!) don't see a gram of difference for a couple of weeks.....but eventually the weight loss really does kick in. Honest guv :)

In my case, I sat dead on 10st for the first 2 weeks, then this week dropped down to 9.9.2....I'm only aiming for 9st 6 or thereabouts, so was expecting it would take longer....of course now I'm not expecting great shakes for the next few weeks, especially since I'm taking all of next week 'off' to go snowboarding so it will be 12 days 'off' between my fasts.

I fully expect to gain a few lbs over the next week or so, but seriously, I can't believe that I've dropped nearly 5lbs in a week. And I had cheese on toast just now :) :) (Admittedly, that was my very first food today...doing a little weird 20 hour fast followed by normal food as a 3rd day boost...mainly because I didn't get to eat until just now and really didn't plan to fast today....Hmm )

Oops, sorry, stupidly long post. See you all soon :)

Madeyemoodysmum · 01/02/2013 18:17

Yay! Had my carrot and coriander soup at lunch and could only eat 3/4 so have 350 cals left for tea. Happy days. Managed to resist the Victoria sponge at my friends this avo but have bought a Danish pastry for tomorrow. Really looking forward to that!

Was happy in Asda as treated myself to a new size 14 lacey top and two sets bra and pants. Have massive boobs so great to get a 14 top instead of a 16!
Well done all, please keep these inspiring story's coming.

kiwigirl42 · 01/02/2013 18:20

have a great time fillybuster

I've just made a chocolate Guinness cake and have two very happy 13 yr old stuffed full. Its strong tasting. May make it with coffee instead next time. Its a really unusual method for making a cake and I'd definitely make a cake like it again. Perhaps a lemon almond variation.

I ate half a piece. I've never ever not scoffed a huge bit of cake. I blame the fasting. Really not that hungry today after starving during my fast yesterday

Bordercollielover · 01/02/2013 18:35

here is something which I have pondered since the recent Dr MM bit on You and Yours where they were discussing vegetables and the number of portions one should eat per day. I had always taken "vegetables" to mean......well, vegetables. But does it actually mean "unrefined foods of plant origin" such as lentils, beans, grains etc as well as carrots and broccoli etc. Or do they really mean traditional vegetables ?

MWOW1 · 01/02/2013 18:36

I love the carrot and coriander soup on bbcgoodfood also heck out their broccoli soup. I dot had the blue cheese to keep the calories down. The first time I made it it just looked too green but tasted amazing

TalkinPeace2 · 01/02/2013 18:44

Weighed in this morning.
No more weight lost. But none gained either. And actually I could quite happily stay at this weight for the next 20 years.

Have started a thread about maintaining for those who have been on 5:2 or equivalent for a while.
I'd be interested to have the thoughts of some of the others who are well on their way to target weights and totally settled into fasting.

That way these big threads remain a support and information source for those who are new to it and those still actively trying to lose weight.

Iwearblack · 01/02/2013 19:00

TiP that's a good idea - I think it may be a bit daunting to read about people doing 24 hr fasts at the beginning, so a separate thread for old hands would be useful.
My good news today - went and bought 4 pairs of work trousers in a size 12! Haven't been that size for 20 years!!

stickygingerbread · 01/02/2013 19:12

bordercollielover thank you for the tip on magnesium for leg cramps.

I am at the end of the 4th week of practicing adf, and this is the first day I am calling off a fast - or at least I will intentionally go over the 500 calorie target.

It has been surprisingly fairly easy (overall, despite moments) all month until TOTM arrived today. What a difference; leg cramp in the night, fatigue in the day, slight headache and fierce craving for caffeine. Time to go easy and pick it up later. Had a really energetic, fresh fast just on Wednesday so things changed quickly.

I am not doing regular weigh-in but the other day I tried on a favorite suit jacket that hasn't fit since before ds1 (almost 6) - and buttoned it right up. Still a little awkwardly snug but incredible progress. I only held on to it because I couldn't bear to discard. I had all but given up on ever looking anything like my pre-child self.

In mid-february I will be having a bp,glucose and cholesterol test and am curiously looking forward to the result.

kiwi42 that cake looks amazing. Did you do the icing as well?

BsshBossh · 01/02/2013 19:26

Good idea TalkinPeace2 but please keep checking in on this thread as you and other seasoned fasters give such good advice (and kicks up arses!).

BsshBossh · 01/02/2013 19:34

2nd day of fasting nearly over and I've not felt hungry much at all. It's so nice feeling empty too. Even managed an intense 45 minute cardio session at the gym. The weekend beckons and I'm really looking forward to all the nice things I can eat. Yet not desperate to binge at all. Will fast again on Monday.

Snowkey · 01/02/2013 19:40

Really good day today - met my target - have lost 10lbs since the beginning of January, now have a BMI of 20, bought a slinky size 8 dress to celebrate, have gone further than just the 5:2 diet to achieve that loss though, now on maintenance mode and 5:2 will be central to achieving this goal. Have a great weekend everyone!

Jamillie · 01/02/2013 19:50

Hello! Have been lurking around and am now leaping in...am doing second fast day this week. Found first ok but have struggled today esp at kids' tea time. Really interesting to read how you all manage it, but I have a query I can't seem to find the answer to. I have been spreading calories out over day, say banana mid morning, soup lunch then couple of ryvita and apple at night. Is this not advisable? Should I try and have a bigger food free gap? Does it matter? Advice from those who know would be much appreciated! Also can't stop drinking bloody tea (with milk); must measure how much I use...it keeps me going but must find an alternative!

BettySuarez · 01/02/2013 19:55

jamille welcome to the thread. I am also a newbie but I think the advice is that it doesn't matter how you spread your days calories so just pick whichever option suits you best.

There may be some evidence to support skipping breakfast - so to spread over lunch and dinner as this gives you a 16 hour fast period after last nights evening meal. But it really doesn't matter.

You may find 3 meals easier to begin with, then gradually cutting down to two or even one.

Definitely count the milk Smile

stickygingerbread · 01/02/2013 19:59

Congratulations Snowkey!

Ezzza · 01/02/2013 21:08

Stupid cold. Angry Tossed and turned until 2am at which point I tried paracetamol, which didn't work so at 3am decided reading a book might help me get off to sleep. It didn't. So now (5am) on Mumsnet instead. Knowing me I'll want to sleep as soon as the sun peeks over the horizon. Fast day tomorrow so hopefully the cold/lack of sleep won't make it too difficult. Don't want to skip the fast if I can help it. I like the routine.

Fanjounchained · 01/02/2013 21:14

Go Snowkey....think there is more chance of my feet becoming a size 8 than my body they way I'm feeling today. Didn't eat too badly today considering it was a non fast day, some birthday cake was left over from OH's bday yesterday so that got polished off Blush.

I'm doing another fast tomorrow and actually considering trying 4:3 to kickstart me. Having cut out so much crap over the last week (apart from the Bday cake !) it's really dawned on me how much I was overeating for the past couple of years. I'm quite sad when I think about it actually - but I suppose the thing to do is pull my socks up and do something about it. Will weigh in on Monday to see how I'm doing. Have a good weekend everyone x

TalkinPeace2 · 01/02/2013 21:19

Jamillie
are you that Jamilie? .... Half Term ... kids behinds the gate

PS for the "stalwarts" " Old fogeys" "experts" - I've started a thread which (in that cliquey way) is for those who have sussed this IF stuff and need support on the non weight loss aspects
...
which if we are right will be the BUSY thread and the death of this board in a year.

frenchfancy · 01/02/2013 21:20

jamillie Once you have got into fasting it is recommended that you try to get a period of 16 hours without food in to get the maximum benefits, but even the great Dr M doesn't manage this. However many of us have learned that the longer we hold off eating the easier it is. Once you start to eat your body wakes up to the idea that there is food to be had and you get hungry. If you can hold of until the kids tea then have something with them and something later you may find it easier.

kiwigirl42 · 01/02/2013 21:21

ezzzra - hope you start to feel better soon

Ezzza · 01/02/2013 21:31

Thanks kiwigirl4, me too!