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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:
Daisy1407 · 08/03/2013 15:48

Cmon 5pm i need wine o'clock Wine

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend ill pop in and out over weekend and catch up on peoples food diaries Wink

ExitPursuedByABear · 08/03/2013 16:00

Very disheartened as I am on my second fasting week and don't seem to be losing any weight. I know I am not eating up to my allowed calories on my eating days but as I have so much to lose I was hoping it would be dropping off me instead of clinging on for fear of a famine.

Does the vodka really have to go?

Dotty342kids · 08/03/2013 16:07

exit, you can do it!! I didn't shift much on the scales for the first couple of weeks iether, it's like that for some of us I'm afraid. But week 4 was a good loss and this week has been hard due to it being TOM but after mini fast yesterday and normal fast today I'm feeling optimistic about the scales tomorrow!
Veg ratatouille with small helping of wholewheat pasta for my tea tonight and I'm really looking forward to it. Nearly there now....

silverbeetle · 08/03/2013 16:09

Hi Folks, I haven't posted for a few weeks but thought as I'd hit a personal mile stone I'd share my progress.
I think I should change my name to 'slowbutsure' or 'therabbitandthehare' as that describes my weight loss so far Smile
I'm half way through week 4 and have lost about 4lbs in total.
However I had a bit of a hallelujah moment this morning as the scales stated I was 10st 13.8lbs - I'm at last 10st something!!!!!Shock even if it's only 0.2lb under.

I'm quite pleased with this especially as I've had a crap week and was told that I might be made redundant in a few months Sad. On similar occasions in the past I would have dealt with this by raiding the cupboard or the fridge but I quite surprised myself and settled for a large black coffee in a nice cafe and a good bitch and planning session with a friend. And you know what, it was fine. Another example of how stuffing your face when faced with difficult situations is not always the answer.

Looks like fasting may be easier in the future!

Mumelie · 08/03/2013 16:23

Well done Silverbeetle thats great news! Hoping to join you in the 10s myself in a few weeks.

Dotty342kids · 08/03/2013 16:25

silverbeetle that really is good news and just what you needed by the sounds of it!
Another one itching to get into the 10's here (stones, not dress size - that really would be a miracle Grin)

frenchfancy · 08/03/2013 16:30

silver I think the black coffee may be as much of a milestone as the 10 stone something Grin

I'm really looking forward to beer and curry tonight.

silverbeetle · 08/03/2013 16:50

I'm having that lovely chickpea, aubergine and spinach curry tonight (made by my DH - bless him) and a big glass of wine and also looking forward to it Grin

Have to say can't remember whose recipe it was but the curry on the recipe thread is really nice. Thanks so much

droopytulip · 08/03/2013 17:14

Thanks for your advice everyone. I do love this way of eating, and hopefully the weight will come off eventually. Just need to get rid of this tyre around my middle I hate being an apple!

BlackMaryJanes · 08/03/2013 17:21

I'm finding this WOE quite difficult :( I'm starving on non-fast days. Always hungry and always thinking about food. I stick to my TDEE (1800 cals) but I'm so grumpy, miserable and hungry.

SpiralSkies · 08/03/2013 17:31

BMJ Perhaps your breastfeeding and exercise means your TDEE should be a little higher? Or perhaps you need to look at what you're actually eating for those calories? Carb-y food will make you hungrier than, say, a roast chicken fillet and ton of veg/salad for lunch. If I eat something like a pasta ready meal, or my beloved toast, I'm ready to grapple small children to the ground for the crisps after half an hour!

But this WoE isn't the law. Life is too short to be grumpy, miserable and hungry. But, to be honest, most of us don't feel like that whilst doing it after a while.

What do you eat on a food day? If you want to keep doing this, let's figure out what we can do to make it easier?

BlackMaryJanes · 08/03/2013 17:35

Thanks Spiral I'm off to a spinning class now but will reply when I get back :)

Dotty342kids · 08/03/2013 17:37

BMJ I always feel ravenous on fast days too but I focus on the positive nature of it by reminding myself that feeling full generally means my body is absorbing stuff it really doesn't need, that feeling hungry means my body is working off some unwanted calories and fat, that I'm really going to enjoy whatever I spend my 500 cals on (and I make sure I cook something really tasty!) and that it's going to feel so good when the scales next show a loss. It's sooo important to keep a positive frame of mind about it all.

catsrus · 08/03/2013 18:03

That's not BMJs problem though Dotty - she's starving on non fast days!

Honestly BMJ if you're miserable and it's not working why stick with it? I wouldn't Confused.

Most of us have stuck with it precisely because we have had positive benefits both in terms of weight loss and how we feel generally.

Why not forget about it for a few weeks and review the situation?

BsshBossh · 08/03/2013 18:09

BMJ you've been struggling with this WOE on and off for a long while now. More than most on these threads. Many people have posted advice to you but it's obviously not working for you. This WOE is one of many, it's not the only way to lose weight. It's pointless struggling through it. Give yourself a break and try something different.

Talkinpeace · 08/03/2013 18:31

Evening all.
No, I am not going to change my name to MissWhiplash I remember her court case and I look nothing like her.
Weighed in today. Only lost another half pound this week - but that leaves me less than four pounds to get to bikini weight for my Easter holiday.

OK, time for the usual couple of points (or thoughts of Chairwoman TiP Grin)

I'm not losing weight, why not?
5:2 and all other forms of intermittent fasting are not primarily about weight loss. That is a happy side effect for most of those who are over weight to begin with.
THe true reason for doing any form of intermittent fasting is to kick your body into repair mode, reset your insulin system and possibly reduce your chances of alzheimers and dementia. Fasting will definitely reduce your chances of diabetes, heart disease and bowel disorders.
Therefore do not give up. Think of the good you are doing and the weight might just sneak away when you stop watching it.

I'm ravenous on non fast days
You need to alter the mix of what you are eating.
Michael Mosely's first programme for Horizon www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ksh7c covered the fact that different foods affect hunger in different ways.
Low (not no) carb, high protein diets slow down hunger
as do thick soups and stews (like this www.waitrose.com/shop/ProductView-10317-10001-8009-Waitrose+pea+%26+ham+soup
that way your meals will keep you sated for longer.
Also, 90% of what people think is hunger is actually thirst. Have a pint of water or a mug of tea or a pink of skimmed milk.

I'm new to all this - can I ask a question?
You are more than welcome, but first of all read the tips and hints thread - which I'm just about to bump.
There is more in these threads than all the books put together.
Join in and add your ideas and data.

swallowedAfly · 08/03/2013 18:34

BMJ i was going to bite my lip but i'm actually concerned. when i got my journalist paranoid head on earlier (sorry about that) i went and did an advanced search. it is very, very clear in all of the info on fasting that this is not suitable for people with eating disorders.

everyone who writes about fasting emphasises time and again that you shouldn't try this if you have eating disorders and obsessive issues around food. i know you won't thank me for this but i really think you should scrap fasting and all 'diets' and concentrate instead on building a healthy relationship with food and getting some professional help.

Wishihadabs · 08/03/2013 19:08

Hello all
Thanks for all your support on Wednesday.FFasted again today (fast number 5). Changed tactic so had just black coffee until 4pm, I was hungry first thing but then it seemed to melt away. Wasn't even starving at 4, weird.

A couple of changes, I didn't do any specific exercise today although probably walked a couple of miles. Was v. busy at work so didn't realy notice not eating g SWIM. Friday's are definitely my new fast days.

Wishihadabs · 08/03/2013 19:11

Hello all
Thanks for all your support on Wednesday.FFasted again today (fast number 5). Changed tactic so had just black coffee until 4pm, I was hungry first thing but then it seemed to melt away. Wasn't even starving at 4, weird.

A couple of changes, I didn't do any specific exercise today although probably walked a couple of miles. Was v. busy at work so didn't realy notice not eating g SWIM. Friday's are definitely my new fast days.

LaurieFairyCake · 08/03/2013 19:35

Arghhgggghhhhhhh - I'm going mental. I HATE pmt.... I'm so hungry I could eat a scabby headed wean!

This is the first day I've managed to actually fast this week, every other day I've had to just eat under my TDEE (which I'm managing, currently 6300 calories for this week - to last til Sunday)

I've eaten 560 today and I NEED to finish the day or give the smeg up and just 'diet' for the next 2 days and thus evening to keep me my 3000 calories under this week.

Words of comfort/kick in the arse/metaphorical biscuit needed please

Talkinpeace · 08/03/2013 19:47

Its not often I get to gloat about being peri menopausal (and having a coil) but Laurie's post made me Grin

LaurieFairyCake · 08/03/2013 19:51

I'm possibly sort of Peri too, getting longer between them (now 40) and one of the ovaries doesn't work and that's the hungry/mad/insane week - yes it's now !

SpiralSkies · 08/03/2013 20:18

Laurie I was like that until I started taking Dong Quai ('ave a donkey tab, says Teen 2). I was so up the creek for aaaages in that department but this worked wonders. Just a thought. Took in conjunction with Kira Low Mood Relief and my world has been (almost) transformed. Just thought I'd mention it.

BlackMaryJanes · 08/03/2013 20:30

BsshBossh I don't know what else to do :(

swallowedAfly I've tried to 'build a healthy relationship with food' (a vague term) my whole life. Just can't do it. I'm a person of extremes.

cardiffmummy · 08/03/2013 20:40

Uh oh!! Have completely lost control and had a carb fest today. It is a normal day but I got a little carried away and have eaten a load of bread and cake. Dread to think how many calories have been consumed. And was completely pointless as now just feeling guilty and bloated! Hoping can behave myself over the weekend to balance things out!