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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:
ever2optimistic · 07/03/2013 11:31

Thanks, Iwearblack, for the link to your graph. I can see your loss was static for several weeks at a time but the overall trend is down. That motivates me to keep going although I don't need to lose much. Also thanks to Aftereights for motivational words! I think a large part of this is that I feel better. I'd just like to see the scales go down too!

ElizaCBennett · 07/03/2013 11:36

Morning all. I need some reassurance! I was low carbing from beginning of year and transferred to 5:2 at end of Jan. I have lost about 10 lbs all in which sounds great BUT - as I was not struggling on 5:2 decided to throw in an extra fast for the last two weeks - nothing, absolutely nothing! I am not eating over on my feed days, rarely reach TDEE. Am happy staying on this WOE but am concerned that if I do not lose any more I have nowhere else to go diet wise. Just tell me it will be OK?

Daisy1407 · 07/03/2013 11:39

Morning all
Just had a little bit of the cake that i put away yesterday (as i was fasting) and chomped into it and decided that it wasnt really worth it so i binned over half - very happy girl (I LOVE CAKE)

Im so cold today and still have a coldsore that ive kept for nearly 3 weeks i must be lacking in some vitamin?!? Im off to the doctors this afternoon as im still having a bit of trouble sleeping from by break in at the house 2 weeks ago (stress man!)

I love reading how everyone is losing inches or lbs - im looking forward to weighing in Monday - usually i have 3-4 days of eating and drinking but this weekend - Saturad rugby and booze but im gonna try and do a mini fast 2mo

By mini fast is this - eat tonight finish eating about 8pm, then not eat any calories till about 6pm 2mo - then eat what i like? Well within my TDEE?

ELR · 07/03/2013 11:48

Today's lunch is porridge with a tbs of oatbran and strawberries, boring I know but it fills me up is comforting and. Love it!
Then dinner tonight is pan fried dab fillets with black olives and cherry tomatoes with purple sprinting broccoli and maybe a few new potatoes or a spoon of brown rice.

Tomorrow which is a feed day I'm panning:

Breakfast homemade potato cakes, poached eggs and smoked salmon. Dd favourite may be tricky on a school morning but usually wake early after a fast.

Lunch some kind of thai prawn and noodle soup with loads of chilli and fresh coriander.

Dinner chicken kebabs which i marinade in balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic, tarragon, chilli, olive oil and tomato purée then I sauté fennel, red and yellow peppers garlic and black olives and juice of half a lemon served with pine nut and saffron rice.

Also tomorrow got a PTA meeting in the afternoon so am baking chocolate, hazelnut and pear cake and lemon and blueberry polenta cake.

Omg I am now starving!!

jayceejay3 · 07/03/2013 12:12

Hi everyone. Your weight loss stories are brilliant! Ive only just started this WOE and I have to admit Im still sceptical, will it really work? I fasted on Monday but had nothing but water all day which was not too bad, today I intended to fast again but woke really shaky but I think I know why. Had a salad for my tea last night but then had 3 glasses of wine so although theoretically its supposed to be ok to drink I think it might scupper me, am annoyed with myself. Does it take some time to get the hang of it? can`t believe you really can eat lovely food and still lose fat, have just had a bowl of veg soup and now I feel sooooo guilty!

Miffytastic · 07/03/2013 12:14

Aftereights wooo hoooo for the new number on the scales!

I'm fasting today. Had some odd eating yesterday - too many sweet snacks at a conference, but I sort of compensated by just having 2 slices of marmite toast, a baby bel anbd a tunnocks tea cake for tea (!!)
Weight is still hovering at 10-6 (4lbs down since 1/2/13) but I seem to have lost 1cm off my waist :D

Dotty342kids · 07/03/2013 12:24

Daisy that's my interpretation of a mini fast, yes! To finish eating day as normal, then go for as long as possible, pref till teatime the next day, just like a normal fast day, but then eat whatever you like for dinner, not restricted to 500 cals.

Dotty342kids · 07/03/2013 12:27

jayceejay3 did you eat anything on Monday? Most of us have the 500 calories in a fast day somewhere so I hope you did too?
And a lot depends on how much you need to lose in the first place, how your body reacts to this woe, what time of the month it is etc, etc. It took me a couple of weeks before I saw any movement on the scales but then it dropped off the following week, then this week I've bounced back up slightly. Overall though, over time, the trend will be down I promise!

Anja1Cam · 07/03/2013 12:34

jayceejay3 Never feel guilty about food! Esp not about a bowl of soup!

If it really is something 'regrettable' then just tell yourself you'll do better next time. and if you stick with this WOE then you will. I'm only two weeks into it and 'treats' still draw me at times but it's getting better and easier sticking to a healthy way of eating within my requirements. However I can finally again have restaurant meals or go to coffee mornings without ANY guilt and enjoy myself. I find I do want the marginally healthier options, or have just one piece of cake not two Grin. I just had a mug of soup and a small sandwich and I feel STUFFED (feast day though) so I'm saving my Satsuma for later.

Dotty342kids · 07/03/2013 12:44

I am intrigued by the idea, talked about by lots of you here, that on "normal" eating days you can eat smaller portions than you used to and feel full. That definitely doesn't happen for me! What tends to happen is that I eat a healthy amount (rather than overeating!), still feel a bit "peckish" but have learnt that I can still feel hunger but can cope with it.
There's no sense of my hunger having reduced particularly, it's just that I'm better at ignoring it!
Is it just me?

monster54 · 07/03/2013 12:52

Dotty342kids I have only just completed my third fast yesterday. But I have noticed a big decrease in my appetite the last couple of days.

I don't know whether that is a mixture of fear and learning to relax a bit more on eating days.

I'm on an eating day and I've just had a meal replacement shake and usually these never satisfy and today I feel quite full!!!

ThinnerByDinner · 07/03/2013 13:05

Hi all..

Newbie here! Been reading these thread for weeks and really enjoyed reading everyones stories.

I started the 5:2 on 4th February with weigh in's every Monday.. over the past 4 weeks Ive so far lost 8lbs so very happy with that. Ive got another 2 stone to lose but getting there! I tend to do Mon & Weds but throwing in a Friday this week too.

Find this WOE very confusing.. im really enjoying it and am finding it relatively easy.. I am just bewildered at how im loosing weight. Not gonna moan tho am very happy with it!

Thanks for all the stories.. really are encouraging and motivating!

Dotty342kids · 07/03/2013 13:08

thinnerbydinner (love your username btw!), that's really good to hear. That's about the same start time as me and you're doing really well. Agree that it is baffling in some ways but easy in others ie. over a week you take in less cals therefore you lose weight. Plus the fasting process helps the body go into repair mode, thereby causing beneficial health effects.
Nice to meet you anyway, and hope it continues just as well!

Breadandwine · 07/03/2013 13:19

Daisy I read in the Times (reprinted from the Lancet) that instant coffee will cure cold sores!

Just wet your finger and dip it into some coffee, then apply it to the sore. Especially useful when the sore is inside the lip and you can't put cream on it.

It'll sting a bit - and that's when you know it's working. Smile

Not a great look, but it works! Grin

Anja1Cam · 07/03/2013 13:35

Dotty342kids it is as you describe.

I used to low carb before, so hunger was never an issue as all allowed foods were mostly 'unlimited'. Portions grew generous in time and if I was feeling peckish I'd go and nibble something or have a yoghurt. I was losing weight but the approach was not good in the long term... that's when I eventually realised I had a problem if I ever wanted to go back to 'normal'. So now my portions are probably 'normal', there definitely is less yoghurt, eggs and meat in my diet. Our household budget show it too :-) as I switch back to more pulses and veg in main meals and of course there are 2 or 3 days when I don't have to cater for my breakfast and lunch at all, that could be as many ad 6 eggs at the very least! I am still fighting the snacking habit Grin. But it should improve in time as my friends assure me...
Hunger does occur at times but never unbearably so and always goes away in time.

ELR · 07/03/2013 13:36

Dotty the first few days after my first fast my appetite was reduced but now I just find I am able to resist snacks rather than my appetite being reduced. To be honest I have always eaten normal size portions so prob not the best person to go by.
Just watched millionaire match maker to pass some time!! I may be getting extra health benefits from fasting but I'm losing brain cells by watching trash tv!

jayceejay3 · 07/03/2013 14:05

Hi, no I just had water on monday, maybe that`s counter-productive? Thanks for the replies : )

Dotty342kids · 07/03/2013 14:08

Well jaycee I admire you for diving straight in with a 36hr fast but really, it's not necessary and it'll probably be quite hard to stick to. Next fast day allow yourself up to 500 cals for the evening meal. I think you'll feel better for it!

Daisy1407 · 07/03/2013 14:32

Breadandwine - thanks for the tip with the coffee - ill be trying that tonight deffo!

just had my dinner a shapers meal deal for lunch and tonight im gonna have a curry

i cannot wait!

countryhousehotel · 07/03/2013 14:40

Well this is week 2 for me and I keep finding that - guess what, I have a social life! LOL who'd have thunk. So fast days end up being scuppered by DH being at home all day and taking me out for lunch, or friends turning up for play dates and staying all day.

So basically Ive been tracking ALL my food and drink on MFP, aiming for less than TDEE most of the time (to allow for the odd splurge) and doing 2 or 3 mini fasts - for example, today I had lunch out with DH (grilled chicken with quinoa and broccoli) but also had some wine and some bread, and i won't eat tonight. And I didn't have breakfast. Perhaps I'll try to go until tomorrow lunchtime until i eat again.

And I'm still losing. Just to reassure those who are finding it hard to get in to the "hard core" fasting routine ;)

But I am still aiming for it, and creating a huge calorie deficit over a week in the meantime.

If that's the way it goes for the time being then I'm happy. I have a DS at home with me full-time, and he is going through a bad sleep phase, so i'm not going to beat myself up about fasting when I'm up at 4.30 am (and 11pm)!!! But I can minimise the damage and "health up" my diet overall.

ThinkICan · 07/03/2013 14:48

Iwearblack - your graph of weight loss is very inspiring. Keep it up! Bssh - do you have a graph of yours too? Thanks for the fastdiet link B&W. Seems to be about insulin sensitivity on high carb/low carb diets. As a vegetarian, I eat lots of veggies and can't eat high protein meat, so don't know how I can vary what I eat to get out of my stall.

ThinkICan · 07/03/2013 14:51

Great graph Ezzza and achieved when you were away from home and hearth as well!

SaltyandSweet · 07/03/2013 14:55

Hallo! Finally delurking - I've followed these threads avidly, and was motivated to start 4:3 - on my third week now. My scale was broken the first week so I don't know how much I lost, but I lost 1kg last week and fingers crossed for more this week. I need to lose 16kgs! I found fasting really hard at first but have found what works for me - I don't eat until dinner, only drinks during the day. Once I've eaten, I can't stop thinking about food which makes fasting just that much harder!! So only solid food after 8pm on fast days (I wait for my DH to get home to eat together).

I think my initial slow loss is due to not monitoring my eating on non-fast days and taking the "eat whatever you want" to crazy levels. Three weeks in though, I've found I'm more in control of my appetite even on feast days. I do notice that if I eat alot on a feast day, fasting the next day is a bit harder - a blood sugar drop maybe? I love this WOE, I feel so much better already! And I have you guys and these threads to thank for making me go for it Smile

ThinkICan · 07/03/2013 14:56

Eliza - I lost 22 lb from Sep to Christmas with alternate day fasting and have stalled since then. 30 lb to go to enter normal wt category, so felt terrible. Then Googled 'set point' and found that our body often establishes a new set point after we lose 10% of our weight. You have to maintain it for 2 or 3 months and then start your diet again. Don't cut your food further now because your metabolism will slow down. I'm hoping this is so in my case!

plecofjustice · 07/03/2013 15:25

ElizaCBennett

Reading your post, I suspect part of the problem is that you're undereating. The weightloss from 5:2 comes from the calorie deficit, but if that deficit per week is too high, your body will desperately cling to every ounce of far it can from all food you eat, and you will not lose weight.

You need to try and achieve, averaged over the course of the week, TDEE - the 2 fast days calories. So, for example, if your TDEE is 2000, over the course of the week, your average eat should be 14,000-3000, so 11,000 cals in total. Much lower than that and you're risking pushing your body into starvation mode.

Immediately, I'd suggest giving yourself a day "off" next week and doing a 6:1. Make sure you eat to TDEE on all feed days or, if you're like me and over-indulge at weekends, eat below TDEE but above BMR on your weekly feeds and eat TDEE+ at the weekend. I think you'll be surprised at how quickly your body gets back "on track"