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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:
SerotoninButterfly · 06/03/2013 11:55

Greenfig glad you liked it - did the same for me too! DDP (the host) is an ex wrestler so I know him from there and he is ripped - doesnt lift any weights it's all yoga Grin

snoworneahva · 06/03/2013 11:57

Tracedw it's unlikely that gaining muscle is the reason for your plateau - it's hard to gain muscle, especially for woman. But the exercise could be the cause of your plateau for a different reason - intensive exercise causes tiny muscle tears and your body retains fluid to assist with the repair. Stick at it because even if you are not seeing the results of your exercise - your body is benefitting.

tracedw · 06/03/2013 12:05

seratonin yup , i have a tiny frame and only 5 ft 2 plus 3 cs, so not at all pretty, i've gone from a 24 in waist before DC to a 32in now, i threw away all of my size 8 clothes years ago but still eyeing up the size 10's in the back of the wardrobe longinglyBlush

Treacleq · 06/03/2013 12:07

Second fast of my first week today, going well so far! Went a bit I've my TDEE yesterday so hoping to counter that today :) Definitely know now that waiting until lunchtime for first calories is the way to go.

Good luck to everyone else fasting today!

greenfig · 06/03/2013 12:24

Yes trace Also water retention from muscle repair. Keep it up it'll be worth it!

BsshBossh · 06/03/2013 12:32

tracedw it will be water weight - as your muscles repair they retain water. Keep at it though as muscle burns more calories post exercise so eventually those numbers will go down.

Fantastic losses some of you, well done!

BsshBossh · 06/03/2013 12:33

Sorry, x-posted! Hopefully you get the message now tracedw :)

melodyangel · 06/03/2013 12:44

Hi all I've been lurking since January. Need some encouragement.

DH and I have been doing this for about four weeks now. He has lost about half a stone but I haven't really lost any, about 3lbs. Any one else just not getting anywhere? Have switched form breakfast and dinner, so missing lunch, to just tea in the morning and then very small lunch and then high protein dinner with lots of veg no carbs. I think the biggest difference is he is now doing lots of walking but I have been doing a lot less as I've been ill.

Please tell me this is going to work feeling really down but determined to stick with this WOE.

Well done to everyone sticking with this and I'm very impressed with some of the losses.

tracedw · 06/03/2013 12:56

Thanks everyone for your replies, got it now [wink
I think i need to ignore the scales for a while.

monster54 · 06/03/2013 13:30

Hello everyone!

I am a newbie and have been reading the threads with great interest. I am on my thrid fast day and wondering if I'm in the right place.

After having my first baby I seem to be unable to shift the last bit actually any weight whatsoever.

I was 10st always and creeped up to 11st and now I'm around 11st 13lbs....I'm 5ft 7in. I would love to be near 10st again, I'm just not sure if thats possible. I work, small child, I like the idea of the 5:2 as its easy to follow and fit in with a crazy lifestyle.

Has any one found that they have lost when only in the overweight catagory as opposed to obese?

I'm just wondering if I've started something not quite suited to me and whether I need to up it to 4:3?

I've tried all the diets in the world but nothing I feel like I can stick to!!!

frenchfancy · 06/03/2013 13:30

Melody 3lbs in 4 weeks isn't bad. i average about a lb a week. Some more, some less. Your DH has lost 7lbs but he is presumably larger than you, so as a % loss there probably isn't that much difference.

Think of all the other health benefits, and don't forget to measure your waist.

frenchfancy · 06/03/2013 13:33

monster of course it is possible. My BMI was 28.8 when I started 5:2, it is now 24.8. It is easy to stick to as it is only 2 days a week. I have never done 4:3 as I find it too much like a diet. 2 days of deprivation fits into my schedule.

monster54 · 06/03/2013 13:44

Thanks french how long has that taken you?

What is the implication of going to 4:3? Is it Ok to do so?

whatsforyou · 06/03/2013 13:48

Thanks serotonin I'll look into the ddp DVD.

Must be hormonal, that clip had me in tears Blush

SerotoninButterfly · 06/03/2013 14:17

Whatsforyou - it did it to me too I was in floods. Loadsa testimonials about helping people and it feels good to do it!

Itsaboatjack · 06/03/2013 14:22

Hi monster, I'm 5'7" and as of this morning was 11st13. So far I've lost 11lbs on this woe. I switch between 5:2 and 4:3 depending on what's going on in my week, or if I particularly over indulged at the weekend Wink

As others have said this is the easiest 'diet' I've ever done, I'm also aiming for 10st, may even go to 9.5st if I can, but I think this woe is the way to get there if I'm ever going too.

Just broken my fast after 18 hrs with a yummy bowl of carrot and lentil soup and a coffee with almond milk. Warming up now :)

monster54 · 06/03/2013 14:34

Thanks itsaboatjack is there a benefit to waiting for 18 hours before breaking the fast? I've been 19 hours, before breaking for lunch, apart from water and fruit tea.

I need to give this a chance to work. I've been struggling with this weight for too long and it's making me too unhappy. Just feeling very upset about it, but also negative about any method and whether I'm ever going to lose it or be stuck like this!!! :o(

Silly I know I've spent loasds of money and determination on 'slimfast' and other things and seen really poor results!!

melodyangel · 06/03/2013 14:35

frenchfancy Thanks I hadn't really thought about it like that. Yes he has a lot more than me to lose. He doing really well and I'm so proud of him.
I have about a stone I would like to lose. My waist isn't too bad as I hold all my weight on my hips, thighs and bottom - a classic pear. The bit I have lost has come straight off my chest Sad

I guess I have lurked too long and only noticed the big weight losses. Must read more closely.

Do you all weigh once a week or more often?

Looking forward to some warmer weather, I find I get super cold on fast days.

dines · 06/03/2013 14:43

Hello again my feed day today but.. Havnt ate all days so I've decided I'm goin to do a fast... had one Monday and goin to have another Friday 4:3 this week.. goin to get the chicken and chorizo soup for dinner later, really looking forward to it.. wen I'm not having a feed day I seem to go longer not wanting anything to eat but wen on a fast day I'm really craving food. Its weird.. but anyway today I've had two cups of coffee with 2 tsp in both with a dash of milk.. one cup of tea with milk... can anyone estimate how much calories I will have to leave out for my dinner?

artemis17 · 06/03/2013 14:49

melody dont be disheartened, the weight will slowly come off, but i think it does depend on how much you have to lose. Im 5'8 BMI 21, only want to lose 7llbs...this is my 5th week, and ive lost 3.5llbs and 1.5" off my waist though will be checking stats tmow(i only do it once a week after the 2nd fast). I exercise too...
The great thing is im waaay more energised most days and my appetite has shrunk and i just fel good about myself and my WOE :)

Dotty342kids · 06/03/2013 15:31

Oh today really isn't going well either. Polished off the ginger cake this morning, met a friend for lunch and came home and scoffed more cake!
I'm blaming it on my period!
I think I need the discipline of a fast day again to sort me out Sad

dines · 06/03/2013 15:42

Dotty u remind me of me lol that's something I wud do.. I'm terrible lol

Mumelie · 06/03/2013 16:10

Hi everyone.
I'm in the middle of my fast day - just broken with a carrot and houmous - never tasted so good! Got some fish and a veggi stir fry for dinner later.
I've been freezing today - had countless hot drinks and am sat glued to the radiator at the moment. Think it's TOTM as this fast has been harder than any other. Does anyone else struggle with hormones and feeling hungry? Can't stop dreaming of chocolate cake.............

SerotoninButterfly · 06/03/2013 16:21

It's my TOTM too, have actually had a period for the first time in almost 3 years and struggling with my fast today. Early night tonight methinks as I will be up for a run tomorrow morning Grin

postmanpatscat · 06/03/2013 16:31

I had dreadfully painful cramps this TOTM, so bad I came home from work as soon as I could and took painkillers. Even my thighs hurt. It's the first month of 5:2 so too early to say there's a link (I fasted the day before it started). Hope next month is better!