Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

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! 12! Cheaper by the dozen!

999 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 08/02/2013 10:09

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:
Minimammoth · 13/02/2013 12:46

Giraffe. I have a book about knee probs, and the recommendation is balancing. Simple standing on one leg strengthens the whole lot without impact. Off for soup now.

Fillybuster · 13/02/2013 12:50

Onto my 2nd fast of the week and finding it hard, but mainly because I'm so blinking freezing today! Plus, today has confirmed that I find fasting in the office much much easier than at home....I was meant to be in the office today but ended up wfh, and am finding it sooooo hard to resist the call of the kitchen....

1st fast after 11 days off on monday was fine, but i overdid the eating slightly yesterday (boy, I was hungry after a week of pigging out on holiday!) and i had a whole big veg tortilla (plus sour cream, cheese, guacamole, beans etc) for lunch....scales were sadly up this morning....(yes, yes, I know I shouldn't weigh daily, but I can't help it...)

Anyway, hoping to keep my 500cals for dinner....I tried the new M&S cod rogan josh dish on Monday and it was utterly yum, so hopefully I'll be able to pick one up on my way home (heading into the office in a bit)....

Very very pissed off at regaining the full 5lbs I had lost, and obviously being a bit impatient (and 'pouty' Ezzza ) as I want it to just fall off again straight away, not hang around like a bad smell.

Right, off to boil kettle, apply makeup and head into the office....

bbbbrrrr.....

Newlook · 13/02/2013 12:54

Giraffe ok - back from Pilates - interesting to read other comments - especially Minimammoth's one about balance which ties in with one of the principles of Pilates which is all about core strength, posture and balance (it's probably lots of other things too but this is what I understand at this stage).
My instructor is not a fan of DVDs but obviously it depends on the individual and preferences. She suggested a book - what about the library for checking out books and DVDs to start with? If you are a member of a library you should be able to check out resources on line. Good luck.

Hang on in the Swallowed though I guess if it's your first time of doing 2 fast days in a row you must read your body - I guess there's no harm in doing 1 1/2 days is there? I am not trying to dissuade though Smile.

I have had my porridge/blueberries, cup of tea and water so far. Will hold out as long as poss and then have a cuppa soup to keep going before proper soup this evening. This will take me slightly over 500 cals which I hope is ok...?

Ninunina · 13/02/2013 13:02

Thanks for the encouragement dotty & *Ayshiagirl

Newlook · 13/02/2013 13:07

It's so hard not to get on the scales Filly - I have always hopped on and off them loads on past diets. Am aiming to just weigh in on morning of Monday fasts, so my first one will be next Monday. I think it messes up the head otherwise. You WILL lose that 5lbs again - you can do it. Smile

Don't know whether carrying emergency carrots or even cuppa soup - mine is 73 cals is of any help to anyone - common sense I know but I often forget these simple things (especially when the urge to eat chocolate is overwhelming - but that can be eaten tomorrow if the urge is still there!!)

Ninunina · 13/02/2013 13:09

oops, accidentally presses send on my phone.
Thanks for the encouragement dotty & ayshigirl. I'm already feeling better and back on track. It's 2pm where I am and just had a lovely bowl of broccoli soup. Did you know that adding cauliflower to soup acts as a thickener? I recently discovered this and have since been making lovely thick and filling soups.

LackaDAISYcal · 13/02/2013 13:39

did well yesterday, until working at night and stopped for petrol and the sugar craving hit Blush

Trying again today but I had a hysteroscopy this morning to remove polyps and mirena coil fitted so feeling a bit crampy and rubbish so had chocolate. Buuut, other than that I have had a slice of ham, two poached eggs and some cherry tomatoes and plan on chicken broth for tea. No petrol needed tonight so I will leave my wallet at home thereby removing temptation!

lots to try and catch up on!

Dotty342kids · 13/02/2013 13:44

I have been hit by some real waves of nausea today, for the first time. Genuinely thought I was going to be sick, most unpleasant Shock
Was hoping to last till about 2.00 or so today before eating (as had late dinner last night) but have had to give in to some grapes to fend off the nausea.
Anyone else get like this?

LackaDAISYcal · 13/02/2013 13:53

I do sometimes dotty. Most unpleasant! Hopefully though this woe will mean better regulation of blood sugars in the long run.

Gherkinsmummy · 13/02/2013 14:08

Ninunina what a useful tip! Thanks!

DoubleMum · 13/02/2013 14:12

That's interesting MiniMammoth. I had to have both knees replaced 2 years ago due to severe arthritis and I struggle with most exercise because I don't have a good bend in either knee. Lots of walking leads to lots of pain. Perhaps trying to do some balancing would build up muscles and let me go for longer walks. Might be worth looking up some pilates moves on youtube too.
I'm on a feed day today (fasted sunday and tuesday) and I am feeling really full on my 650 cals so far. I don't think I will be eating to TDEE today, and I didn't monday either but I'm not sure which is worse, that or to force yourself to eat when you aren't hungry (which is a novel experience I must say).

Daisy1407 · 13/02/2013 14:37

Hi all
Im on a fast day 2day (also did Monday) i havent eaten anything yet since 8.30pm last night - im popping to M&S on way home to grab a beef spicy noodle ready meal - 430 kcal
Im starting to feel hungry now however i will just try and have another cup of tea to take the edge off. The real test is i have a train ride now from reading back to cardiff I MUST NOT BUY ANYTHING AT STATION!!!! STEP AWAY FROM THE SWEETS!

Good luck everyone who is on a fast day x daisy x

ConsiderablyBiggerBuns · 13/02/2013 14:47

Hello All, can I get on board please? I followed this WOE for a couple of months last Autumn and lost a stone, even though wasn't always as strict as I should be. I have since put 6lbs back on. I am 5' 7'', weigh 11st 8lb and will be appearing with very few clothes on in Calendar Girls in June - Cripes - I need this!! My first target is to get below 10st. 7lb and then see how I am looking, although I am sure I will still have some excess flesh, I do tend to lose it off my face (and boobs) before anywhere else and at 47 could do without looking haggard and flat-chested (as my username suggests could do with going the other way in that area).
Second fast day of the week today and coping okay although worrying a little about managing during half term and also really fascinated to read all the different appraoches and experiences on this thread. Will attempt not to ask questions that have been asked a hundred times before but will be here for motivation and encouragement (giving and receiving) when things get tough.

Dotty342kids · 13/02/2013 14:53

Oh good luck daisy, I'm guilty of eating my way home on train journeys too!
And welcome considerably, nice to have you with us!

I'm feeling slightly better after a boiled egg and some grapes so should be fine till teatime now.

Newlook · 13/02/2013 14:57

Welcome CBB - that's great that you lost a stone - shows you can do it! Imagine what you can do again if you stick with it.

I started this WOE on Monday and am also on 2nd fast day today - it is true that the hunger comes in waves - I have read this on a previous thread. Water, coffee, chewing gum if desperate and a WW hot chocolate when I've collected the children - WEAK moment guaranteed to emerge after school pick up that's for sure.

Hopefully half term will be ok for everyone who has different routine next week (and for some, this week) - I keep reminding myself "I can do this for a day" - it worked on fast day 1 and so far today, but I do wonder if I might have to go to bed early! I think similar questions are probably asked every day but no-one seems to mind - everyone is really supportive.

Good luck!

Aftereightsarenolongermine · 13/02/2013 15:05

Hope you are feeling better soon daisy.

virginposter · 13/02/2013 15:18

lottie63 No you do NOT have to drink 3 litres of water on your fast days but you must make sure you don't become dehydrated. I fill a 1 litre bottle with water and keep taking from that during the day. Also I have a lot of herbal teas and a couple of coffees. Sometimes I drink a bit more water if I feel like it.
It's always good to make sure you drink enough but as our food also contains water we are getting less on our fast days.

PORRIDGEANYONE · 13/02/2013 15:35

I was supposed to have my first fast day today and I have failed miserably :-( I was a bit hangover and tired this morning.. I had a egg mid morning, then a cup a soup @133 calories then...chocolate biscuits, peanuts, 3 babybels...tell me it is just a false start and that I can make it :-(

notapizzaeater · 13/02/2013 15:36

I'm on an eat day today but just not been hungry At all. Just had. Cookie but shared it with the dog ... This is unheard of !!!

Dotty342kids · 13/02/2013 15:40

Of course you can do it porridge, write off today, eat normally and do your first fast day tomorrow!

DoubleMum · 13/02/2013 15:50

Yes Porridge, don't say sod it and go mad today, just eat healthily and do a fast tomorrow.

ConsiderablyBiggerBuns · 13/02/2013 15:54

Porridge I always tend to have a couple of false starts when I am starting a new WOE, the great thing about this one is that tomorrow is another day and today just reverts to being a non fast day not a fail day. Try again tomorrow - good luck.

Newlook · 13/02/2013 16:00

Porridge Agree with all replies to you - it just wasn't your day to fast then - pick another one and start again. Yes, you can do it. Mind you, I fighting hunger pangs today (2nd fast of first week of new WOE) - the kettle is doing a lot of boiling this week - WW hot choc at 40 cals awaits....
let us all know when you are fasting and someone will be there to support you Smile

swallowedAfly · 13/02/2013 16:01

right i've made it so far just on tea and water but it has been hard. not so much physically today - not feeling sick or anything - just a bit unsettled mentally and a tad irritable.

want to go as long as possible (and as close to bedtime as possible) before eating as i feel like the floodgates of hunger/munchiness are going to open when i do.

i'm pleased with myself for sticking with it so far as i had the perfect excuse for not doing so. i really really want to do this. have carried this extra weight for over a year and i don't want to carry it forever.

Minimammoth · 13/02/2013 16:02

DoubleMum I would try some gentle yoga balances. Hold on to a chair if you feel a bit wobbly. Engage abs and pelvic floor. Put one foot on top of the other. Then progress to moving it higher up your leg. Let go of the chair when confident. Keep it easy. Good luck.
porridge me too and also feel am not going to make it, had scrambled egg, soup, drinks, so have reached 500. But am really hungry.