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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! 13! Now, the baker's dozen!

991 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 19/02/2013 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!

If you've been at this a while and are moving on to maintaining your goal weight, there is a thread here to discuss that.

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.

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:
Chipstick10 · 25/02/2013 09:07

I have found since starting this woe that I probably eat less on my normal days except on Sunday (the day before my first fast of the wk). I tend to go a bit mad. I eat because I can. I ate a cream cake ystday and crisps. I feel guilty and greedy. Am hoping the fast days and the rest of the wk when I am sensible, cancel it out.

ELR · 25/02/2013 09:36

Morning everyone, just walked kids to school and back so a good 15 minutes each way. Feeling really sluggish this morning and still got my nearly a migraine headache! Took some disprin this morning usually I dissolve then in a little bit of fruit cordial but as I'm fasting today my options were only water or swallow them quick before they dissolve went for the latter and now all I can taste is a the tablets in my throat yuck!
What herbal teas is everyone drinking I'm finding the lack of a little caffeine a pain so just tried a Pukka black tea with cardamom and cinnamon is doing the trick.

Salbertina · 25/02/2013 09:42

Oh am on caffeine! Peppermint tea nice too though? Fasting today, other than tiny cream in coffee, have fasted 19 hrs so far. Not bad.

Ninunina · 25/02/2013 09:53

NurseEzzaChapel That is a really helpful summary. Thanks for taking the time to write it. I'm starting my 5th fasting day, and I'm happy to say that the results are starting to show already. I managed to lose 1.5kg in 2 weeks and it seems to be easiest 1.5kg I've ever lost. I thought I was eating far too much on my off days, and over indulged on carbs when I had a cold, but despite this, the weight seems to be coming off (and my DH and mum have noticed it already).

I'm so happy to have discovered this WOE. I had a baby 15 months ago and managed to lose 25kg thanks to a very low calorie diet (had put on a lot of weight during pregnancy and was already slightly over weight before). I am now in a healthy weight range, but still have 3 or 4 kg to go to reach my optimum weight. I was finding it so hard to get back onto serious calorie restricting after a whole year of dieting, but thanks to this WOE, I can easily mantain the 500kcal on my fast days, and still get my occasional treats. I think I might increase to 3 fasting days though. I'm going to be a bridesmaid in July and am soon going to be measured for the dress, so I need to lose a couple of kgs and my awful saggy mummy tummy that just doesn't want to go away Blush

ELR · 25/02/2013 09:56

Salbertina I'm on caffeine too but can't drink tea without milk so I have only been having a tea with milk after my lunch, the black pukka tea has caffeine but because it has the cardamom and cinnamon it's ok without milk.

Hi greenfig, I got a bean salad from M&S to ave for lunch but think I will stick to my usual mix of oats and oat bran porridge with some berries know it fills me up, too scared to try something different in case I'm starving! Planning oven baked cod with lemon and capers and some roasted veg for dinner. Good luck with your fast today.

parrotsandcarsnips · 25/02/2013 10:31

Another fast day for me and dh. Doing Monday and thursday as changing the fast days was not working. I feel ready for it as pigged out over the weekend with fish and chips and roast chicken dinner.
I am fed up with green and peppermint teas though as i consume so much of them on my fast day. I am drinking hot water mainly but I will try the licorice tea someone suggested on here.

Im doing this for health benefits (normal BMI) although i have lost 3.5lbs and excess fat around middle which i had just accepted was going to be there after 2 babies! i have tried many exercises to reduce my belly and none have been as effectively as this WOE. Im delighted as not doing any calculations of TDEE on feed days. I'm just being more mindful and enjoying really tasting food and eating when hungry, not just because the clock says its breakfast, lunch, tea or supper time!

dines · 25/02/2013 10:32

Jus broke my fast with a nice bowl of chicken and veg soup 133 cals and a bit of bread 91 cals spread with one triangle of laughing cow chesse 41 cals.. feel so much better now.. I did have 2 cups of tea on my fasting time with a splash of milk hope that didn't mess things up. Gonna be drinking loads of water until dinner. Happy fasting days ppl

ElizaCBennett · 25/02/2013 10:36

It's a fast day for me after my birthday weekend. I didn't go mad at the weekend as was not very tempted; strange. Tried a skirt on this morning that strangled me last time I tried it, and it fit me! In this for the long haul, have a stone to lose to get to my previous SW target of 5 years ago. Good luck everyone fasting today.

dines · 25/02/2013 10:48

elizaCBennet I am looking to lose a stone also. Do u know how much uv lost? And how long have been doin this?

squeezelt · 25/02/2013 10:58

Hi - I am new to this message board and looking for some advice/encouragement.
I have been on 5:2 fasting for a week and a half (3 fasts so far). In addition I took up running three weeks ago and am now running (not very far but its better than nothing!) 3 times a week.
I was devastated to find that on weighing myself this morning I have not lost 1 lb!! Very demoralising. I have been eating freely on no fast days - do I need to reign in the clarie consumption on these days too do you think (I tend to eat rather unhealthily as have a v sweet tooth)?
I'm going to continue as hope there will be a cumulative effect but was hoping for some quicker results - anyone else had the same experience? Any advice much appreciated

squeezelt · 25/02/2013 11:01

Hi - I am new to this message board and looking for some advice/encouragement.
I have been on 5:2 fasting for a week and a half (3 fasts so far). In addition I took up running three weeks ago and am now running (not very far but its better than nothing!) 3 times a week.
I was devastated to find that on weighing myself this morning I have not lost 1 lb!! Very demoralising. I have been eating freely on no fast days - do I need to reign in the clarie consumption on these days too do you think (I tend to eat rather unhealthily as have a v sweet tooth)?
I'm going to continue as hope there will be a cumulative effect but was hoping for some quicker results - anyone else had the same experience? Any advice much appreciated

ExitPursuedByABear · 25/02/2013 11:02

First fast day for me. Wish me luck!

notapizzaeater · 25/02/2013 11:03

Fasting today, had 4 black coffees so far, on a college course this afternoon so can't eat Blush, hoping to get to at least 4 this afternoon (last food yesterday was 7pm) going to try and get to 7 so a full 24 hr, then for tea I'm making the tomato and garlic soup which I will have with a couple of ryvitas. Tomorrow I don't intend eating till about 1 so a good long stretch.

Not lost anything this week but it's th week before and I always retain fluid this week (as well as eating everything in sight -so dong really well for me ).

Am finding I'm getting addicted to mumsnet though as when I'm on here I'm not thinking about food !

BetsyVanBell · 25/02/2013 11:13

Hi Squeezeit Sounds like you're working hard! It is early days so give it a chance but can I suggest that you record what you're eating on something like My Fitness Pal as it may turn out you're eating more than you think on non-fast days. It's surprising how quickly the calories add up if you're eating sweet things. Have you worked out your TDEE (see OP above)? Once you know that you should keep your calorie count to within that limit on normal days. Once you've got into the swing of how much food is right for you I promise you won't have to calorie count anymore! Sugar is very addictive and it's too easy to overindulge.

There's lots of useful stuff in the Tips and Links thread for anyone in the early stages of IF.

Dotty342kids · 25/02/2013 11:28

squeezeit I'd just echo want Betsy says above. I've been doing this for four weeks now and am finding using MFP really useful on my "eating" days as I really had no idea how many cals in a day I generally eat and I too have a sweet tooth. Sweet treats really stack up. As an example, yesterday I had a slice of homemade chocolate marble cake - approx 450 cals! Yikes!!
Once I've been going for a few weeks I am certain that I'll have a much better idea of what my TDEE (at the mo approx 2100 cals) "looks" like and then I won't need to use MFP as much. But for now, it's really useful and sounds like it could be for you too.
Also, others on here have had very little loss to start with but it all kicks off on wk 3 or 4 so don't despair! It will, of course also depend on whether you have a lot or a little to lose!

Itsaboatjack · 25/02/2013 11:33

I haven't caught up reading the thread yet but I just thought I'd share my bp results as I was at the nurse this morning.

3 months ago was 148/83
Today (after nearly 5 weeks on 5:2) was 128/81

I don't have any knowledge to know whether that is good yet or not but at least it's lower.

Bramblesinafield · 25/02/2013 11:39

Well done jack. I'm sure you feel better for the improvement.

Fast day here. Will have my soup for a late lunch then one of my batch baked frozen curries. Punctuated with herbal teas and fizzy mineral water.

I'm one of those'bouncing' weights, but I do expect it to go down after a fasting day, then up on a normal eating day. General trend is down and I'm back into a twelve, albeit with a little way to go!

Dotty342kids · 25/02/2013 11:42

brambles well done for getting back into a size 12. That must feel so good Grin

ElizaCBennett · 25/02/2013 11:44

dines I started this WOE on 31st January. I have lost 5lb so far. I was low carbing from the New Year which I still do alongside this as I agree with cutting out refined carbs anyway. So since 1st Jan I have lost 10 lb overall.

It was slow to start, I think because I was already cutting down I never saw the immediate water loss, but I look much slimmer already!

silverbeetle · 25/02/2013 11:46

Wow Itsaboatjack great improvement, same thing happened to my BP. You don't say how old you are but I would say that's about normal. You must be pleased.

beadycake · 25/02/2013 11:46

My first fast day today!
I have been reading up on this for a few weeks and decided to wobble in to action at last...booking a holiday in August had the desired effect!

I am still learning the basics and not really sure about what I'm doing but guess doing something is better than doing nothing Grin

GreenEggsAndNichts · 25/02/2013 11:47

Great post Ezzza :)

Just checking in to see how everyone is getting on. Fast day here; I have my cup of coffee and am having a break from juggling tradesmen appts at the new house and trying to clean the current house. Keeping busy is a very good thing on fast days!

Welcome to the thread Exit, I think I recall your name from other threads. Have always liked it, though I've no idea what it refers to. Grin

Well done not going overboard at the weekend Eliza!

Chipstick if you're eating TDEE on your other eating days, one snacky day per week shouldn't hurt you. Of course, if you find you aren't losing weight, it might be something to re-visit.

OP posts:
squeezelt · 25/02/2013 11:55

Thanks BetsyVanBell and Dotty342kids - have just calculated my TDEE so am going to monitor what I eat this week on MFP and see where I am going wrong. You are pobably right - think I've been taking the 'you can eat what you like' principle a little too far! :-) Fingers crossed I will start to see some results over the coming weeks. Thanks again!

Reallyusefulengine · 25/02/2013 11:56

Joining the thread too. Have been doing 5:2 WOE since beginning of January and have lost 14lbs as well as quitting smoking 4 weeks ago. Bizarrely the fasting has made it seem a bit easier Smile which is definately a bonus. Fasting day today so just green tea so far. Can I ask everyone how often they weigh themselves?

Thanks for all the links, they have been invaluable. I only learnt about the diet because I stumbled upon your thread Grin.

greenfig · 25/02/2013 12:02

Morning all ! (Just!)
Woke up to another 1/4lb loss but hungry tummy. I found my hot water w ginger & lemon surprisingly took rumbles away. Kept busy & had another water & 2 small black coffees then took the dog out. I feel like I'm on speed!! Empty tummy + caffeine I guess!
Just had a miso soup & now feel I can wait longer before I have lunch.
Thanks v much for your post Ezzza clarified things well, was getting a little confused with all the different recommendations.
Your supper sounds yum ELR think I'll do that with my salmon.
Am planning on having a teeny piece of cake tonight as my friends b'day. It will be officially after my 24hrs as I last ate 7pm yest but will be in excess of my 500cal daily allowance. Plan on a low day on tues so hopefully will balance out. Well done to all first time fasters, over midday nowSmile