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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:
Galaxymum · 07/02/2013 11:21

I'm on my 1st Fast Day - just had some porridge with strawberries, blueberries and really enjoyed it. I usually rush breakfast to fit it in before school run and doing errands. But this morning I have been able to just enjoy it with my Americano after school run and different errands as I start work. I've got all my favourite crunchy veg for dinner to have with cooked meat so feeling all motivated.

I'm hoping this will have a good effect on my eczema as it has been very bad for the past six months due to stress. I still swear food affects eczema a lot and interested to see how this WOE will improve it. Fingers crossed.

TalkinPeace2 · 07/02/2013 11:25

ayshigirl
Body Fat Scales : Ignore it. They are so incredibly innacurate. Look at your weight and whether you can pinch an inch.
Being a healthy weight is about smooth curves over lean muscles, not arbitrary statistics.

Breadandwine · 07/02/2013 11:44

Happy to report that I'm finally up and about - and off to work this afternoon.

With no fast days this week, I'm now several pounds above where I want to be - so I'm not having breakfast or lunch today, may have a low-cal dinner, maybe not, see how it goes. I'm certain that 2 fast days next week would put paid to any excess weight.

After my initial chocolate splurge when I retired to my bed - I just stopped eating the stuff. So the 110g bar I took upstairs with me came down with 78g remaining! Mind you the crystallised ginger took a pasting.

But I'm having a coffee now, and I'm surrounded by the stuff - with no desire to snack in the slightest! This is truly progress! Grin

Welcome to all the new posters - and good luck to both feeders and fasters today!

Look, the sun's even shining! (Well it is here in the SW!Smile)

Bramblesinafield · 07/02/2013 11:47

Thanks and hello again! Well I've decided why not start going for it today. I'm a big fan of a drink of marmite, so half a teaspoon in hot water is very flavoursome and I'm going to have something salad/ soup ish for supper. Off to measure vital stats as a starter, weigh and look into snacks, etc.

At least this way my wetsuit won't seem to have shrunk too much in the wardrobe when I go surfing at Easter!

ubik · 07/02/2013 11:55

Just checking in

Been going this since August - am 5ft 2ins and was 10.9lbs after having my third child.

Am now 9st 8lbs but would like to be 9 stone so still some way to go.

Second fast day if the week and it's not going as well as usual - just eaten 300cals in crackers and chocolate-topped rice cakes ( which I am NOT buying again as it is too easy to eat loads and squander 200 cals)

Am going to look at recipe thread to see if I can get s nice 200/250 recipe for tonight.

I think I find it much easier to not eat at all until the evening, do will go that again on Monday.

mamamoomin2 · 07/02/2013 11:56

I've been needing a sweet satisfying hit on fast days. I bought some options hot choc sachets and yesterday it was perfect! Really hit the spot. However it is full of aspartame....

Will one a couple of times a week be that bad?? What else would you suggest that works for you? (im not convinced 1 square of choc would do it)

ubik · 07/02/2013 12:05

I actually had a Lindor choc thing on a fast day after Xmas - 60 cals I think.

I am now having to endure making DD3 a bacon sandwich for lunch. On the upside there is a lovely salmon recipe on recipe thread for 250 cals :)

InterestingIan · 07/02/2013 12:38

Have now been on this diet 6 months (started on the 8th Aug 2012). Have lost a total of 11 lbs. However all my weight loss came in the first 9-10 weeks. Have lost no weight whatsoever in almost 4 months! And have gained 3.5lbs in past 7 days.

As a matter of interest I wondered how many calories I consumed on a normal eating day i.e one of the 5 days out of the 7. So I counted the calories I consumed yesterday. Supposed to be around 2400 cals for a person around my height. However it came to around 3700- 3800 cals.

I have concluded that if I desire to lose weight I would need to eat less on the 5 days. I'm not prepared to do that though since I'm already restricting myself to 600 cals for 2 days each week. Anything over and above that is unduly restrictive and not doable over the long term.

I suppose the problem here is that your body goes into emergency mode when you deprive yourself of calories and sends out emergency signals to generate hunger. It's not just the lack of calories on 2 days, it's all the weight lifting and running I'm doing too. This is why slimming diets do not work. And this is why exercising doesn't make you lose weight.

I'll be continuing with the diet since it isn't a slimming diet per se but rather a longevity diet.

BsshBossh · 07/02/2013 12:50

InterestingIan so you're saying that the reason you're not losing anymore is because you are eating way more than your TDEE on non-fast days and also because you are gaining muscle? You already know you don't want to restrict to TDEE because it's unworkable for you - but if you want to lose more weight what are you doing instead? I know weight training in the longterm is beneficial for weightloss and it's what I want to ramp up (but only when I've lost more pounds as I'd still find it discouraging not to see downwards movement on my scales). But am genuinely interested if weight loss is still your goal now.

BsshBossh · 07/02/2013 13:05

Finding fasting today a bit more difficult. I was fine this morning because I was able to distract myself with the gym and errands, and it will be fine after school because then DD and her playdate will keep me busy. It's just this interim period when I'm sat at my desk working. I think the bitter cold is not helping. I work from home but I think I might have to put the heating on (doesn't kick in until 2pm but I may have to override it today as it's freezing!).

I will persevere as I have a lovely spicy spinach and chickpea curry awaiting me tonight for my 500 cal dinner. I want to eat all of it so don't want to snack now.

Dotty342kids · 07/02/2013 13:09

ooh, that sounds tasty BsshBossh, just keep thinking how nice that will taste. Perhaps put some music on whilst you work to keep yourself distracted with? Have some warm boiled water with lemon?

tempnameswap · 07/02/2013 13:28

Hi all, joining you all on my 2nd fast day. I am finding them HARD!! The hunger isn't coming in waves but is relentless. Splitting my calories between breakfast and dinner but have just had a miso soup and cracker as impossibly hungry. Am also putting off driving into town because I feel so hungry and not sure I can concentrate fully. I overate a bit yesterday on the feed day, but was still hungry for most of the day.

Is this normal?! Am wondering whether I am unusually hungry as still bf a bit (doing 600 cals a day as I guessed feeding a toddler morn and evening wouldn't be using too many extra calories) but maybe my body is telling me something. Or maybe I am a wimp who has got far too used to eating non-stop!

InterestingIan · 07/02/2013 13:35

BsshBossh

I can't have weight loss as a goal unless it's realistically attainable. I have a BMI of 27. Recent research suggests that this is not really an undesirable BMI. So if I'm getting other benefits in terms of disease markers then I'm happy. The big question is whether it is having such benefits! I don't know as I haven't had any blood tests or anything. My BP hasn't gone down from 2 years ago and still around 138/88 on average.

Salbertina · 07/02/2013 13:43

Temp - sure i read exclusive bfing used 500 cals so maybe you're using up half that? Ie might need 750cals depending on yr TDEE. No wonder you're hungry!

TyrannosaurusBex · 07/02/2013 13:46

Hello, can I join you? I did 5:2 for the first time last week and was amazed at how easy it was - I must say I don't think I would have tried it without reading these threads as I'm usually starving by 10.30. Skipping breakfast has been a revelation! I'm doing 4:3 fasting on the days when I work in the mornings (Mon, Wed and Fri) this week, because I don't think I'll have a chance to do more than 6:1 during half term.

At the moment I'm eating at lunchtime, mid afternoon and early evening and am interested to see that so many of you eat only once quite late in the day. I can't imagine making it through to the evening, but maybe I'll adjust.

I'm 5'7" or 8" depending on which leg I stand on (scoliosis) and 9st 3lb and my BMI is ok, I am doing this for health reasons as well as vanity - I would love to lose my thigh wobble! I haven't lost any weight yet but that's fine, I'm hoping to see some downward scale action after a month on this WOE.

I've been eating 2000 cals a day for years and maintaining, so I'm surprised to see my TDEE is 1600 according to the calculator. I think I'm going to stick with 2000 on feed days and 500 on fast days.

Anyway, just want to say thanks for this thread, it has really inspired me!

BsshBossh · 07/02/2013 13:47

Dotty342kids - lots of liquorice tea by Teapigs. It's so yummy and satisfies my "mouth hunger".

tempnameswap · 07/02/2013 14:01

Thanks Salbertina - the bf makes it all a bit more confusing and open to interpretation! Without that I would be sure I just needed to tough it out.

swallowedAfly · 07/02/2013 14:17

afternoon.

fasting day going ok foodwise - haven't eaten yet. trouble is that after a bit of a disappointment at work i got a real hankering for a beer and then had to remember oh no i can't today. so today it's the 'i want a beer', rather than, 'i'm hungry' that i'm battling with.

will deal with it by constant hot herbal tea sipping i guess.

don't know what to have for dinner. there is salmon in the freezer and plenty of veg so i guess that's the obvious choice and i will have calories leftover with that. damn it my brain is now trying to work out how many calories there are in a beer!!!

BettySuarez · 07/02/2013 14:26

Bit fed up, first week down of 5.2.

Found it really easy (or so I thought) but wasn't watching calories on normal days. I have 4 stone to lose.

Anyway, scales showing no change. Measurements the same too. Bit despondent and heart not in my fast today Sad

drmummmsy · 07/02/2013 14:40

omg folks! i am on a hunger high

not sure i want to face the come-down though Wink

Daisy1407 · 07/02/2013 14:43

Afternoon all
Yesterday was my fast day and youll be pleased to know that at my trip to the cinema i didnt cheat :) i had a packet of carrots LOL

Then i had a 18 hour gap :) (for my 4th fast ever im impressed)

Im not on a fast day today and just had a M&S fuller for longer meal 350 kcal and a skinny latte at work - Tonight is chicken and chips from the oven and maybe a sneaky glass of red!
I usually eat about 1200 kcal a day on my NON fast days and then probabably about 2000-3000 on a saturday night

Weigh day is Monday! Come on scales - please like me :)

Daisy x

Dotty342kids · 07/02/2013 14:57

Bettysuarez don't be down! It's just the first week so think we're all different in terms of what we can expect to see from the scales. Stick to it this week and I'm sure you'll see more positive results next time Grin

BsshBossh · 07/02/2013 14:59

Onwards and downwards BettySuarez. As you have a few stones to lose, start logging all your food in MyFitnessPal - fast and non-fast days. Start today. And remember, we're all in this together so keep posting on this thread :)

Bramblesinafield · 07/02/2013 15:19

Afternoon. Bluergh, miso soup. So much promise but so yucky!

Looking forwards to spicy root veg later.

BlackMaryJanes · 07/02/2013 15:58

Hi guys, how is TDEE relevant to the 5:2 diet? I thought an advantage of this diet was to do away with calorie counting?