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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! 14 threads in a stone?

975 replies

GreenEggsAndNichts · 28/02/2013 10:18

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:
Breadandwine · 02/03/2013 22:44

X posted, TiP!

Grandchildren - I've got three already and, as you say, one more coming in the summer!

Sutinder I had 3/4 of a pizza for dinner, and now I can hear the leftover quarter calling my name! Smile

And as you say, we can regain control on Monday...

Talkinpeace · 02/03/2013 22:50

BMJ
and breathe

Mosely gets the credit for the very simple reason that he did a series of programmes for Horizon, culminating in the fasting one in August

lots of people decided to "give it a go" based on the programme
and lots of us found it worked.

When he was writing the book and the website there was definitely two way communication between him and the early threads on here
which he has openly credited.
Several of us are name checked on his website

yeah, he's cashing in, but at least HIS book keeps it simple.

keirahmum · 02/03/2013 23:05

BMJ been lurking here for ages - thanks to all for all advice but thought you had secret crush on MM?

catsrus · 02/03/2013 23:08

I'm with TiP on this - Dr M took the research, digested it, and presented it in a way that was easy to implement. Cudos. I've read the "2 day diet" book which is also based on IF and I find it dull and hard to penetrate - and by profession I am a scientist - well used to reading research Smile.

Its not about worshiping Dr M - just giving credit where it's due. I would not have tried this WOE unless I had seen the Horizon programme in August because I don't do "cranky diets" and I would have assumed this WOE was "cranky" because I had internalised the lies sold to us by the food industry about breakfast etc.

BlackMaryJanes · 02/03/2013 23:12

Oh I do have a crush on him (would have his babies, etc, etc). Speaking of which, you say he's done several doccumentaries leading to horizon? Are they on youtube? I fancy a perv.

Anyway, my point still stands. this diet is calorie counting under the guise of "OMFG I can eat burgers!!!!!"

keirahmum · 02/03/2013 23:19

I don't see the problem it works - after years of dieting ( all types including. Atkins ) it works - I've lost 10.5 pounds in 6 weeks - love it :)

BetsyVanBell · 02/03/2013 23:30

An interesting and entertaining essay on not eating breakfast, in case any of you needed further convincing Wink.

ExitPursuedByABear · 02/03/2013 23:35

But I have found, in my first week, that I don't want to overeat on my eating days. But I know that if I did have a bit of binge it would not be the end of the world new me.

Breadandwine · 03/03/2013 00:08

Blimey, Betsy, that's one hell of an essay! I've been reading it for about 15 minutes and I've only just reached the comments - 92 of them!

It more or less accords with my findings - I'm only eating breakfast about 3/4 days per week, now, and I've been thinking for a while that it's a redundant meal. The truth is that I don't wake up hungry in the morning - and, judging by these threads, neither do the great majority of posters!

As the article says, anyone who eats when they're not hungry is some sort of fool - well, that just about describes most of Western society. But it doesn't have to be that way!

BMJ just had a quick look at Dr M's book - although his book is marketed as a 'diet', the first chapter is solely about the science behind fasting, and quotes all the scientists he met. And it's hardly his fault if all the commentators wish to give him sole credit for inventing this WOL. I've never heard him say that.

BetsyVanBell · 03/03/2013 00:21

B&W I'm coming round to that way of thinking definitely. What I'm now trying to fathom is how best to feed my kids in the morning. I have one who is most insistent on cereal; I object to the stuff wholeheartedly and yet I still buy it. The other is perhaps veering towards not being a breakfast eater - though I will insist on it until he's a heck of a lot older but I feel conflicted about it. But he's into eating a good variety of things at least. I might try and see if the cereal eater would eat cold boiled egg slices in the morning, he's such a carb addict he could do with the additional protein intake too.

GreenEggsAndNichts · 03/03/2013 00:56

BMJ that's not it entirely, though. It's also the fact that we don't need to "keep eating to keep our metabolism going" and other "facts" which we're sold on other eating plans. Always eat breakfast. Eat small meals often. etc.

For some of us, we'd rather not feel as if we need to eat breakfast, for example. Being able to spend calories at the times we'd like to is appealing, and while you say it's not revolutionary, it's certainly contrary to most diets out there at the moment.

We were relieved to see someone say that not only was it okay to skip a meal, but indeed it also could have health benefits, in addition to weight loss.

You don't have to be amazed by the concept. :) However, my entire life I've just seen the eat breakfast/ lots of small meals/ eat low fat mantras, and this one is the easiest to follow by far. (I'm skipping all the low-carb variations in my examples, not trying to snub those who can do that long term, but I am not one of them!)

OP posts:
countryhousehotel · 03/03/2013 06:57

GreenEggs exactly, and the appealing thing for me is that nothing is excluded and there are no rules other than the fasting days and not exceeding TDEE too often. Simple. No penalty for eating healthy fats or wholegrain carbs. I consider my diet to be healthy (now) but according to MFP I'm going over the fat grams every day...I couldn't care less because it's all healthy good fats (hemp oil, flax oil, avocado, nuts etc) and it keeps me feeling full.

I didn't think MM was researching IF for weight loss primarily or am I wrong? I thought it was more to do with reducing disease and cancer risk and also improving longevity etc?

hmr2012 · 03/03/2013 07:39

Hi all

New to mumsnet (and I'm not a mum but a dad to an 8 month old) Found this thread (and the previous pages) after seeing Dr M on the Sarah Millican show a few weeks ago and liked the sound of the 5:2. Like many here I've never been fond of breakfast and often went hours in the day before eating and had read about the benefits of full-blown fasting before but lacked the self discipline to do it.

Just wanted to say that I started doing my own version of Slimming World on the 1st Jan and admittedly I did well by losing a good stone and a half in a month (I have a lot of weight to lose so it comes off quickly at the start) but as I live on my own now (recently divorced) I found SW to be expensive and time consuming as it was constant cooking. The appeal of 5:2 for me was being able to eat what I liked on my non-fast days and then plan my fast days round my 600 calorie allowance. Like others on here I've found the fast days to be the easiest and tend to worry that I'm eating the 'wrong' things on non-fast days although the stone and a half I've lost since the 1st Feb since doing 5:2 must mean that I'm doing something right lol.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for all the positive messages on here, they really are a source of inspiration and I read this thread every day so wanted to just say hello and maybe contribute a bit from time to time, I hope that's OK.

BetsyVanBell · 03/03/2013 07:58

hmr Welcome Smile I think there's quite a few people who only arrived at mumsnet via these threads, I know I'm one of them. Wow, you've lost 3 stone since 1st Jan then, very impressive, congratulations! Don't you just love how cheap & easy this WOE is?

systemsaddict · 03/03/2013 08:10

Hi everyone, still interested by my energy levels after first day fasting Friday. After getting up at 4.30 Saturday I was fine to keep going all day; then woke up today at 5.30 and could get straight on with things. Even without any weight loss, if this is fast related it is worth keeping going with it! Have also watched the Horizon programme now - very persuasive.

hmr2012 · 03/03/2013 08:14

BetsyVanBell - yes, definitely!... I thought the SW principles made sense but it was so expensive cooking from scratch all the time and being by myself I was spending a stupid amount of money on cooking for one. The 5:2 lets me eat relatively normally and up to now has shown a consistent weight loss. 3 stone gone since January doing both SW and 5:2 but I do have plenty to lose and this was my last chance of doing it by myself before I looked at bariatric (?) surgery as I hit 40 last year and realised that I can't carry on being the size I am especially now that I'm a daddy...

charliegreentea · 03/03/2013 08:15

Hi everyone. It's Sunday evening here and I'm feeling a tad guilty as I've over indulged this weekend! Does anyone else find it hard to keep on the straight and narrow over the weekend? I'm thinking of changing my fast days to Mon and Fri, with three sensible days in the middle and hopefully less indulgence on Sat and Sun. A few weeks ago I fasted Mon and Fri and found I wasn't at all hungry on Sat and was quite sensible all weekend long, so hopefully by making Fri a fast day I will be less inclined to indulge my sweet tooth! I'm down 9 pounds in 6 weeks - pretty happy with these results considering I have mostly been feasting on my non-fast days. Best wishes to everyone for the week ahead!

charliegreentea · 03/03/2013 08:34

HMR, well done on the weight loss! I agree - fast days are easy but I do tend worry about what I'm eating on non-fast days! I'm not calorie counting on normal days, but the weight is coming off, so it's a step in the right direction. I also have a fair amount to lose. My aim is to be at a normal BMI, fitter, healthier and more energetic by the end of the year...

countryhousehotel · 03/03/2013 09:33

SW must have changed since I did it a few years ago. I was shocked at the amount of processed crap they peddled...all that splenda and convenience foods!

SerotoninButterfly · 03/03/2013 09:41

Morning all!

Today is an eating and no exercise day so I'm vegetating!

I have just bought one of the body analyser scales and my weight on them is 152.3lbs and I have 30.6% body fat and 55% body water

They are similar to my 'normal' old scales on the weight front - started fasting on Wed at 155lbs so almost 3lbs gone in a few days (yes!!!)

Very much enjoying this woe and feel almost euphoric on my fast days - in control and virtuous and (TMI) horny!!

Monday,Wednesday and Friday are my fast days and hopefully this week should be longer fasts and shorter days as I'm not working.

Congratulations to everyone on doing so well!

ellenbrody · 03/03/2013 10:02

Betsy - just read the whole article, very interesting. I don't have breakfast on fast days and seem to have veered to not having it on other days as well as I'm just not hungry.
Interestingly, it's the way I always ate as a teenager, but then I started to believe the 'most important meal of the day' hype.
I had breakfast this morning, even though I wasn't hungry, 2 pieces of homemade white bread and butter (over 400 cals) and NOW I feel hungry!

BlackMaryJanes · 03/03/2013 10:35

charliegreentea When you say 'indulge', what do you mean exactly? (Sorry, I'm not being pedantic - one person's 'indulge' is another's 'moderation').

ChocolateFondant · 03/03/2013 10:41

Hi I've been reading all the threads so thought I'd better say hello.
Been doing 5:2 for 5 weeks now. It's much easier than I thought it would be. Losing weight slowly, about half a kilo a week but that's fine as its down not up.
Thanks for the information you all share it all helps.
Oh and charliegreentea I too pig out on weekends. It's Sunday night here and I sooooo don't want to see the scales tomorrow!!

dines · 03/03/2013 10:42

Hi all good news for me today, despite my off days and goin over 500 cals on my fast days I have lost 3lb. Feeling really happy about that and excited to start again next week.

ChocolateFondant · 03/03/2013 10:43

Sorry charliegreentea you did say indulge not pig out.