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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! 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:
notapizzaeater · 15/02/2013 16:37

Ooh today is an eating day and I haven't actually been hungry - am liking this !!

The butternut squash and coconut milk soup sounds fab - I have both of those in - can I have a recipe please.

Should I weigh tomorrow (as will be after an eating day - started last Saturday and managed 3 fasts)

LackaDAISYcal · 15/02/2013 16:40

I decided to try another fast today since my first two attempts were only half-fast and it's gone really well. I skipped breakfast, and took lunch of four baby corn, a celery stick and 30g of low fat soft cheese, to school with me (I volunteer on Fridays) and so far so great. I avoided the staffroom, with it's vast array of chocolates, cakes and biscuits, and have drunk herbal tea or water when I felt any hunger pangs. Keeping busy definately helps. And I refused a chocolate from one of the student teachers, telling her I'm waiting till tomorrow before I have chocolate. I'm doing bangers and mash for the kids tea, so that will be a test of my will power, then I'll have fish and veg after they are in bed and have an early night! I've got this far, I hope I can make it to the end of the day in one piece!

One of the children asking me if I had a baby in my tummy Confused has given me an added boost to keep this going!

drmummmsy · 15/02/2013 16:41

oooh think i've fallen off the wagon already guys - i fasted one day last week, and whilst it was great, and taught me more mindful eating, I find it better for me if I eat 1200 cals everyday and work off about 350-500 of those, still 2200 at the weekends though Blush

not sure 5:2ing is for me, might come back to it though!

so i'm not sure how that will work

hopingtodrive · 15/02/2013 16:42

Hi, on the alternate day fasting how much exercise can you do in a day?

Itsaboatjack · 15/02/2013 16:43

It is yummy. No recipe, just boil up the squash with a veg stock cube, then add 200mls coconut milk and blitz.

Still feeling bluegh, but not hungry though at least. And dh is doings kids dinner tonight as I'm off back to work soon so at least I don't have to worry about that.

frenchfancy · 15/02/2013 16:50

drmummmmsy it isn't for everyone, you just have to go with what works for you. Good luck to you whatever you do.

hopingtodrive you can do as much or as little exercise as you like. Some people find it easier to exercise on fast days others can't manage it. Do whatever you feel you can.

Itsaboatjack · 15/02/2013 17:00

hopingtodrive exercise as much as you feel comfortable with. If you are used to it then there is no reason not to carry on, though if you are new to it you may want to start slower.

BsshBossh · 15/02/2013 17:04

ThinkICan that's really interesting. I will Google further.

Em2905 · 15/02/2013 17:33

Can i just ask...

I'm been doing 5:2 WOE for 5 weeks and have lost 7lb. I'm trilled as it hasn't felt challenging, like some diets I've tried.

With half term next week, and more time on my hand, I wonder, has anyone tried fasting 4:3 and if so did you lose any more weight that when on 5:2?

I'm hoping this might give me a boost!?

Em

hopingtodrive · 15/02/2013 17:42

I am doing the 30 day shred. It's just 20 min a day so I hope i can continue with it.

Can u drink as much water as you like during the fast days?

Sorry if these questions have been answered before, I can't look through the 30 pages or so. Thanks.

Itsaboatjack · 15/02/2013 18:05

em I do 4:3 I've lost 8.5lbs in 3 weeks, I started on 4:3 though so ant compare to 5:2

hoping I would say you should be able to carry on doing the shred. There's no limit as such on how much water you drink, as long as you are sensible, if you drink too much then you can get water toxicity (I've no idea how much that would take).

Aftereightsarenolongermine · 15/02/2013 18:28

Em I started on 5:2 moved to 4:3 & back to 5:2. Try it & see what works for you.

swallowedAfly · 15/02/2013 19:35

eating day has gone well - had a small bowl of pasta pesto with a little grated edam on top this afternoon and just realised i should eat more really. unfortunately nothing healthy in the house and i'm heating up a frozen pizza - not ideal but i won't eat much of it so not a big overkill of calories. must make sure i eat some healthy food tomorrow rather than more carby crap.

am also sipping a lovely whiskey mac after realising i hadn't had a drink since sunday and it was friday night and that would be quite nice actually Smile

another eating day tomorrow and probably sunday too then half term is over here and i can go back to fasting at work.

well done to the fasters - not long to go now and it's bedtime.

BsshBossh · 15/02/2013 19:58

Eating day not going well for me (I am shovelling it in) but I blame it on TOM oh no, it's not me being a greedy pig, oh no. As long as the weekly cals balance out, it should be fine. Will skip breakfast tomorrow as I'm never truly hungry for it anyway.

Northstarmum · 15/02/2013 22:00

bsshbossh snap! Hoping it will all even out in the end.

Breadandwine · 15/02/2013 23:52

Been away all day, just catching up. Lots more inspiring stories on here - and lots of advice for new posters - great stuff!

FastFeeder thanks for that link - I've put it on the Tips and Links thread

Just to say, if you do have any research to post, stick it on the Links (research) thread, so it doesn't get lost in these long day-to-day threads. Smile

Breadandwine · 16/02/2013 00:15

About 4:3 versus 5:2:

IF is the ultimate flexible eating regime! One week you could do 4:3 - the next 5:2 - and if your social life requires, you could do 6:1 the next week. You tailor the regime to your lifestyle!

You can intersperse these fasting days with 'mini-fasts', either missing out breakfast on an eating day, or breakfast and lunch, if you wish.

Very useful if you unexpectedly over-indulge one day. I'm prone to eating late at night, and if I'm too greedy enthusiastic one evening, well, I'll miss out one or two meals the day after - reasoning, "Well, I had my breakfast (or breakfast and lunch) last night!"

Once you get used to the idea that you don't have to eat at certain, pre-designated times, it's tremendously liberating! Smile

ThinkICan · 16/02/2013 01:33

It's useful to get more and more information, which is where all our research helps. I was cutting my calories further thinking I was eating too much which is why I had stopped losing. It helps to know that it's our body trying to keep us going, as if we are going to disappear. Big chance of that happening :) Once you understand why you are on a plateau, you can relax and wait for the weight to come off again.

mangohedgehog · 16/02/2013 07:14

Morning all, my 2nd fast day today. I am planning to do the supermarket shop mid morning, is this unwise..?!

I'm planning to have a cup a soup for lunch and then a miso soup if I'm desperate, then a proper dinner. Last week's green juice lunch was a bit - ahem - astringent on the insides Blush so here's hoping the cup a soup is a bit more gentle!

BetsyVanBell · 16/02/2013 07:57

Hi Mango, I haven't found supermarket shopping a problem - in a way it's better as there's no point buying treats!

Why not make yourself some good hearty veg & lentil soup instead of having a nutritionally devoid cup a soup? (Lots of recipes on the the good food site and the recipe links thread - mine tend to come out at 100 calories per bowl.) Or sometimes on work days I have a sandwich of low GI bread with a thin slice of ham and masses of salad with a bit of plain yogurt instead of butter/mayo - works out less than 200 calories and is very satisfying.

I agree with you about the green juice - I made some on Thursday's fast and had issues afterwards! I personally think the principle of getting the best nutritional value for your 500 calories is very one to aim for- but I love cooking so I see this as a challenge in itself.

Good luck to anyone fasting today - I had previously thought weekend would be harder but having now survived a half term with hungry kids and no work I know it is doable!

BsshBossh · 16/02/2013 08:01

Breadandwine, yes skipping meals because I've over-indulged - before discovering the weekly calorie tab on MyFitnessPal I'd never have thought of this. Now it makes perfect sense.

BsshBossh · 16/02/2013 08:04

ThinkICan exactly. I plateaued for weeks at a time (even more that a month sometimes) last year - some of that was when I stopped dieting altogether - but I've still lost 52lbs to date (6 of those on 5:2). The key for me is to keep plodding on.

mangohedgehog · 16/02/2013 08:18

Good point Betsy. I hadn't considered making my own but yes I can see how you could hit the same calorie count with a controlled portion of real soup. Let's see what I can rustle up this morning from what's in the cupboards

Aftereightsarenolongermine · 16/02/2013 08:43

Last Saturday was at an all time low. Today have gained 2lbs. But I'm not concerned as this has happened before. I'll just carry on doing 5:2 & hopefully weight will shift again. It's the long term plan that's important.

Aftereightsarenolongermine · 16/02/2013 08:44

I agree homemade soups are much better than shop bought ones.