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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:
ElizaCBennett · 07/03/2013 15:54

TIC Plec thanks for advice. I have decided not to do a third fast this week, eat what I want but to be aware of TDEE. Will see what happens then. Feels quite liberating actually, but my appetite has really shrunk since I started so hopefully will stay on track.

NeverKnowinglyUnderstood · 07/03/2013 16:44

ladies.. I read but dont really post.

I need help!!!!!!

I am on a fasting day (mondays and thursdays)
I didn't realise quite how many calories were in my soup this lunchtime.
I thought it would be simliar to the other soups I have but NO it is 290 calories
I had already had 100 calories for breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee

can I REALLY not have any dinner at all or should I still allow myself to have something??

NeverKnowinglyUnderstood · 07/03/2013 16:46

should add that I have poached fish and veg planned for dinner
I thought that I would be able to eat 200 cals tonight

frenchfancy · 07/03/2013 16:51

I would eat the 200 cals and chalk it up to experience.

On a fast day ALWAYS check the calorie content AND the portion size.

On my recent trip to the Uk I spotted several packets with the calorie content prominently displayed on the front only to read on the back (in very small writing almost the same colour as the packet) this packet contains two servings.

NeverKnowinglyUnderstood · 07/03/2013 16:53

thanks ff
one fresh soup I buy is gorgeous and half a tub 300g is 100
so this was a shocker...
you are right.. I will learn Blush

BlackMaryJanes · 07/03/2013 17:07

NKU could you move your fast day to tomorrow?

NeverKnowinglyUnderstood · 07/03/2013 17:12

I guess I could but tis now 5.15 and have resisted SO many things all day it would feel like a giant waste..

ELR · 07/03/2013 17:29

Maybe Just have half the fish?

RLJ1874 · 07/03/2013 17:36

My mum and I had our first weigh-in today after starting the 5:2 one week ago and we've both lost 3 and a half pounds! Very happy! We have similar BMI's so I wonder if that has been the reason we have both lost the same.

Also, I find that the fresh tubs of soup are fantastic for fast days. I would really recommend them. I bought carrot and coriander, it has 4 servings and is only 200 calories, leaving you with 300! I had half the soup for lunch, and will have the rest for dinner with some fish fingers and vegetables. Perfect :)

BlackMaryJanes · 07/03/2013 17:37

I never felt like I've ate anything when I have soup Hmm

Dotty342kids · 07/03/2013 17:55

That's great rlj, really motivating for the rest of the week and into next week!

Madondogs · 07/03/2013 18:03

Hi I am de-lurking too! Have been reading threads since I started this WOE on Feb 18th, and have found them a great support.

I have been overweight for about 10 years now, and have a messed up relationship with food, and terribly low self esteem. So far I have lost 10lb and I am so pleased. I am not finding the fasting difficult, despite always having a fear of 'being hungry'. I feel I am learning a whole new much healthier relationship with food.

I realise it is early days yet, and I have a fair bit of weight to lose! But I feel confident that this is an eating pattern that I can sustain, I am beginning to feel as though I am in control of what I eat and when.

ELR · 07/03/2013 18:22

Mad dogs that's when I started too, I have lost 4.5lbs. Well done on losing 10lbs that's great!

Madondogs · 07/03/2013 18:31

Thanks ELR congratulations on your weight loss too! I need to lose 4 stone Blush so there is plenty more to go!

ellenbrody · 07/03/2013 18:51

I'm in my first week of maintenance now, I did a fast on Monday and am doing a mini fast today.
I'm going to weigh in on Saturday morning as usual and see if its been ok, although I have over eaten a little, so I'm not that hopeful!

BsshBossh · 07/03/2013 19:38

ThinkICan unfortunately I don't. I recorded all my "falls" but none of my "stalls". Based on the "falls" it went like this:

1 Feb 12 - 210lbs
2 June 12 - 196
13 July 12 - 178
7 Sept 12 - 168
10 Jan 13 - 166
25 Jan 13 - 164
Start fasting
1 Feb 13 - 163
8 Feb13 - 159
15 Feb 13 - 158
22 Feb 13 - 156
Start recording stalls/gains :-)
1 Mar 13 -156

Talkinpeace · 07/03/2013 19:39

Excellent to see so many new people joining in or de lurking.

A couple of points

Does your weight fluctuate during the week?
Yes.
Of course it will. Your digestive tract will be full after a food day and empty after a fast day. If I can be bothered to go to the scales I know that I weight two pounds more on a Monday than I do on a Friday.

How often should I weigh myself?
Ideally very rarely.
You need to start listening to your clothes and your knee joints to tell you how much you weigh.
BUT
For those who have a set of scales at home, put them in the boot of the car.
Then pick a specific time each week, and a specific outfit and weigh yourself.
Then your bowels and clothes will be in the same level so any weight loss will be real.
All the other days, try to listen to your body.

Should I use bodyfat scales?
No.
Because they are up to 20% inaccurate.
Pinch an inch instead.
Over time the number of places where you can will diminish.

But I need constant feedback ....
Diana Rigg once said in an interview that she kept a thin piece of ribbon tied around her waist - always. If it dug in she was too fat, if it slid around she was too thin.
Try that.

Mintyy · 07/03/2013 19:43

Hey Talky, I got my rl friend doing this. She started 31st January and has lost 10lb. We went out for lunch today (non-fasting) and I wanted to hit her over the head quite frankly, as she has lost twice as much as me in less than half the time Hmm.

Shybairns · 07/03/2013 19:48

First week doing fasting.
Second fast day of the week.
Apple for breakfast.
2pm - 2 soft boiled eggs
6.30pm half tin beans and slice of wholemeal toast, no butter Sad

All fine and bang on for a good days fasting. Doesn't even feel like fasting.
Blush Then I stuffed a biscuit down my throat. Whoops!

NurseEzzzaChapel · 07/03/2013 19:49

Ha ha ha ha! I like the idea behind scales in the boot of the car but it wouldn't quite work for me given that my 'chosen outfit' for weighing myself is my birthday suit. It's a good principle for those who find they live and die by the number on the scales each time they get on them though.

Talkinpeace · 07/03/2013 19:54

(((Mintyy)))
Did you get anywhere with the quack as to whether its thyroid or possibly endocrine? I guess the thing to hang onto is that even if you are not losing weight, the good you are doing to your immune system will help with a longer healthier life.

NeverKnowinglyUnderstood · 07/03/2013 20:54

I do weigh in every day.
after going to the loo, naked, before breakfast.
I seem to be losing 1lb per fast day.. ie 2lb ish a week

My scales are body fat monitors.. I like the fact that although they may not be accurate they are showing a reduction and I find that motivating.

They also calculate BMI so sometimes it is good to see that if I hadn't lost alot of weight but the fat has gone down, or the weight has gone down and the fat not and my BMI changes.. it is all good at kicking me up the bum to keep going.

Although I know everyone is different. Smile

postmanpatscat · 07/03/2013 20:58

Just marking my place! Third fast day of the week for me, supposed to be 5:2 but Sunday's fast feels like last week not this week!

Mintyy I'll give her a slap for you Grin

daisyji · 07/03/2013 21:04

Help, please...

I looked to start 5:2 back in the summer, bought the books, but then decided I couldn't do it in case it made me feel deprived, binge etc. I like so many others have tried every diet under the sun, from ww. to atkins, sureslim etc, .

I in a desperate attempt have been following a low carb plan called natural ketosis, cost me a lot of money I didn't have, and I really didn't like the prepackaged food. I've manage to lose over a stone, need to lose at least 3 to get back to 12 stone, but as always happens, time of stress + ill health and I crave all the carbs/choc etc I haven't been having and have put on over 5 lbs in two weeks.

After much sobbing and despair, I am again looking at this woe, as I soooo want to find a way of life that enables me to lose weight and feel normal. I would very much love anybody's opinion as to how this diet has affected their cravings, denials etc, and whether anybody who is an emotional eater or who binges now and again has managed on this diet?

I need some hope!

thanks v much x

Talkinpeace · 07/03/2013 21:09

daisyji
the odd binge is FINE on this way of eating
and the emotional eating is EXACTLY the side of it you learn to deal with.

Have a read through the Tips and Hints thread
Stop spending your money on some gimmicky thing
have a cup of tea
and join the gang