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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:
BetsyVanBell · 17/02/2013 10:27

BMJ Your BMI is a very healthy 23. Lots of people are saying that they're losing weight specifically off their tummy on 5:2 (with sensible eating days of course) so it could work for you if replace the stodgy carbs with more fresh fruit & veg type foods.

Miffytastic · 17/02/2013 10:34

Can someone explain to me why my weight has increased by two pounds since Friday morning?!!! I was all jubilant during my fast day on Friday having weighed in at 10-7.5 then I ate normally yesterday and I am 10-9.5 this morning. I dont think I was too overboard on my eating, I certainly didn't stuff myself to busting, but now I'm wondering if it was too carb heavy?
What do you think. I had:
porridge with water, a chocolate brioche
Mini baby bel &apple after a 40 min run/power walk
Cheese &marmite sandwich made of 2pieces granary
Average bun sized choc chip muffin
3 pieces home made veg pizza &carrot sticks
2 spoons of kheer rice pud - I binned the put rest as it was too rich and calorie filled (!)
A mini crunchie

Any input appreciated. I'm 5-6 so my BMI Is currently 24so I accept weight loss could be slow but 2 lbs on!?? Should I switch to 4:3 I wonder...or eat differently in food days?
Thanks

swallowedAfly · 17/02/2013 10:35

23 bmj.

very healthy bmi but waist circumference turns out to be very important too.

BsshBossh · 17/02/2013 10:35

I'm losing inches off my tummy too (just to add to the anecdotal posts), though I'm not watching carb/protein/fat macros.

BsshBossh · 17/02/2013 10:37

Miffy it's probably water. Don't weigh so often. Stick to weekly weigh ins or fortnightly ones.

BetsyVanBell · 17/02/2013 10:55

miffy everyone's weight goes up and down if you look at it daily due to water retention and what's hanging around in your digestive tract (it takes a couple of days for stuff to go from end to the other!). You need to look at the longer term trend rather than the short term spikes.

swallowedAfly · 17/02/2013 10:59

miffy - yesterday and the day before i was 11.7.2. today i am 11.9.2. after mondays fast i would hope to be 11.7.2 or less again. a couple of days after that it will have gone up a bit then i'll do a fast and it will be overall down again.

for me that's the pattern so far. it goes up in between fasts but then is lower than ever after fasts.

either don't weigh so often as some suggest or weigh everyday and watch the pattern so when the up bits come you don't feel freaked out by them because you know they will go down again.

i do the latter.

Newlook · 17/02/2013 11:07

Hello everyone, great to be back - I had a technical hitch but courtesy of Mumsnet Towers, it is now resolved Smile. Had a good week overall - fasted last Monday and Wednesday as wanted to keep Val Day clear for potential food. Ate in Jamie's restaurant on Friday - really delicious, great menu and service - recommend it. So, as away for few days from tomorrow, am fasting today and then again on Thursday.

Have not weighed myself as not really expecting to have lost anything yet - maybe tomorrow morning as it will be a week since I started, though I can see from the thread that too frequent weighing can be frustrating.
I strongly recommend myfitnesspal as a tool for helping to keep on track; it really highlighted how much I was eating in snacks on one of my days - far too many, therefore leaving fewer for proper meals. If you haven't tried it, check it out - imagine there must be an equivalent on line for those who can't get apps on their phone.
Have a good day everyone - Spring is in the air - gorgeous out there!

Prettymaidsallinarow · 17/02/2013 11:08

Happy Sunday everyone! Interesting post about visceral fat, thanks betsy.

I listened to MM a few weeks ago on Richard Bacon's 5 live show, it may still be on listen again. He was very clear that diet, not exercise is the biggest factor in weight management in the long term. That's because many people start an exercise regimen but then give up. He really does advocate short bursts of High intensity exercise but was adamant that diet is the most important thing.

After 12 weeks of 5/2 I am in complete agreement with that. Although I exercise 6 days a week and have done for years and will never give that up as long as I'm able, I really have got nowhere in shifting my belly fat. That is until now. And it's diet, not exercise that has made the difference.

I even ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 2011 and despite the long hours of training for 26.2 miles, not a jot of difference to my belly fat Confused

I exercise because it makes me feel good and this woe combined with the exercise is changing my body in ways I could only have dreamed of.
I have also taken MM's advice and make sure I walk 10,000 steps everyday. I bought a pedometer and it has basically meant walking for about an extra 40 mins a day on top of what I was already doing and going up 3 floors to the loo when I'm at work, etc.
So two little tweaks really on top of what I was already doing, fast 2 days a week and a bit of extra walking and it's cost me hardly anything.Smile

swallowedAfly · 17/02/2013 11:17

has anyone actually bought a reliable pedometer? i've bought two over the years and neither of them worked. recommendations would be gratefully received!

prettymaid - i too don't lose weight from exercise. i also don't want to do much more exercise as it would be artificial and unsustainable for me. i don't drive and walk everywhere which no isn't massively aerobic but it is good, staple exercise that keeps me active. i walk about 3-4 miles a day on workdays doing school run and walking home from work. i fancy a pedometer to motivate me to move around more at work.

Miffytastic · 17/02/2013 11:19

Thanks people :)
Prettymaids your story is inspiring to a fellow apple shape :-) I find I can rapidly change clothes size as all my extra fat is around my belly button. I am looking forward to losing back fat too. Tell me that happens!?! ;)

Newlook · 17/02/2013 11:23

prettymaid - that is so interesting. I have exercised a lot of the years but since I had my second child, it just hasn't made any difference. I have always beaten myself up about. I am 45 and know that people say it gets harder to shift weight the older you get - not sure whether this is fatual tho. Either way,the fast diet is extremely exciting!
Also, like a number of other "threaders" I am currently unable to do any aerobic activity due to a knee injury (ongoing for 6 months) so am restricted to careful swimming and Pilates.
Used to have a WW pedometer, not sure how reliable it was really. Would the Which website be helpful?

Prettymaidsallinarow · 17/02/2013 11:35

I did a bit of research and ended up buying an "omron walking style 3". It cost me £24.99 and I probably could have got it cheaper off the Internet but I wanted it there and then, I'm very impatient Grin
It is very accurate and works even if its in your pocket so whilst its a bit pricey I thought worth it in the long run.
Tip2 who used to post on here and who's advice I soaked up like a sponge always used to say to move about as much as possible, especially on fast days. You will be shifting visceral fat. Also if you are struggling on fast days with hunger pangs, if you can, move. Exercise including walking is an appetite suppressant, you won't notice the hunger, that's a promise

Prettymaidsallinarow · 17/02/2013 11:41

Miffy I am happy to tell you that yes indeed, goodbye back fatGrin
newlook Yes I think there is truth in the age and weight debate, it is harder. I'm 46 and definitely need to be more careful these days
swallowed I think it's worth the investment for sure. 10,000 steps equates to about 5 miles a day so maybe try and increase your walking just a little and maybe think about upping the pace just a touch.

Prettymaidsallinarow · 17/02/2013 11:44

Right, I'm off to do Davina Intense DVD, it's an absolute cracker! Then I'm off out in that gorgeous sunshine for a decent walk in the woods, can't wait Smile

BlackMaryJanes · 17/02/2013 12:02

23 bmj. very healthy bmi but waist circumference turns out to be very important too.

Where's the "I'm going to throw up" emoticon? I hate my waist. Do you reckon I should measure it now, so I can keep track of it?

swallowedAfly · 17/02/2013 12:05

i walk really fast and i don't count the other steps (as in general activity in the day). glad you said omron walking style because i just ordered one of that model - got it for £15 on amazon.

i think so bmj - realising i'd lost 4 inches round my waist had far more of a wow factor on me than losing half a stone.

Daisy1407 · 17/02/2013 12:29

Hiya
I've been such a piggy this week - I fasted Monday and Wednesday and then with V.day Thursday and loads of drinks and food fri and Saturday I'm feeling a bloater today! I usually weigh every Monday morning tomorrow will be my 3rd weigh in (3 weeks in) however I've decided to fast today so this week is now becoming my first 4:3 rather than 5:2 as I know it's needed! I have weighed this morning and I lost 0.8 of a pound lol at least after all I've eaten and its a day early of my usual weigh day I can't grumble at all! However after 3 weeks now I've only lost 2lb! I'm 28 and weigh 9 stone 9 so maybe I'm at my correct weight - as long as it comes off gradually and I'm not gaining anything - I'm gonna keep going deffo! May take measurement on my belly today as it feels like its getting flatter somehow! Hope u all have had a lovely weekend xx happy fast day to others fasting today! Tomo we can eat! Xx

Newlook · 17/02/2013 14:35

Daisy oh to be 9.9! but agreed that what seems to be one of the bonuses of this WOE is that it puts you back in control; so if you feel you need to do an additional fast, then you can. I am fasting today instead of tomorrow as I know the next 3 days will be harder to control as visiting relations, so Thursday will be fast 2 and if I really need to I'll do another on Sat. But with myfitness pal app, perhaps I will stay "on track".
prettymaid and swallowed thanks for pedometer tip - may get one of these once knee behaving or even before as I bet I walk several miles or more at home and out and about. A bit like the myfitnessapp, it's a helpful tool to see what you are REALLY doing.

ElizaCBennett · 17/02/2013 14:59

Hi, been lurking for a while now. I have been following low carb since Christmas and lost 5lbs that way. Been following 5:2 for three weeks now and saw my first weight loss of 3lbs last Friday. The thing I find strange and different about this WOE is that between fast days I forget that I am on a diet! Have done every diet know to man in the past and have lost weight but it has all gone back on, hopefully this time we have found the Holy Grail. Smile

BsshBossh · 17/02/2013 15:08

miffy yes - very little back fat (after a year of "dieting" though) and I still have around 10 lbs to goal.

Dotty342kids · 17/02/2013 15:33

Oh god I'm SO hungry! Normally on fast days I have something small at around 2ish but today, because we're having a roast chicken dinner which I've worked out to be 505 cals i've got to wait till teatime to eat anything. I've taken kids to park, done some weeding, packed for days away, prepared dinner - anything to distract me but this last 1.5hrs is going to be a killer I think!

GiraffesEatPineapples · 17/02/2013 16:20

Welcome Eliza

My back fat has reduced first!

Dotty be strong , roast will be all the more delicious if you are hungry!

BsshBossh · 17/02/2013 16:30

Dotty you haven't got long now. Keep busy and keep going :)

Daisy1407 · 17/02/2013 16:43

I'm starving too! Haven't eaten yet! But the rumbles are getting tougher and tougher deffo easier when at work to fast! Jacket potato, lots if salad, carrots and Philadelphia light coming up at 5pm! Then about 7ish a highlight hot choc and some jelly!

Hopefully then an early night to forget about food! X

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