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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.

IF, 4:3, 5:2 - Maintaining a healthy weight - Chapter 3

999 replies

Talkinpeace · 19/07/2013 13:03

This thread is for those who have been practicing IF (Intermittent Fasting) for quite a while and are now at, or nearing, their target healthy weight.
It's also for anyone who is doing it for the health benefits alone.

How do we experience fasts and balance a stable food intake while having little or no weight to lose?
How do we ensure that this WOL keeps us at the healthy weight long term rather than revert to yoyo games?
How do we ensure that we keep ourselves looking great rather than just thin?

Many of us have been maintaining at our original goal weight for a few months, and others are joining all the time.
Obviously, the more the merrier!
It is also worth considering whether a second, leaner target might be achievable.

You'll find the first two maintenance threads and all the main 5:2 threads for posters practicing IF to lose weight here on the Fasting / 5:2 on the diet forum. We're currently on thread no. 23, but there is a new main thread every 2-3 weeks.

There are two other associated threads:
This one, which is an absolute goldmine of Tips and Links on how to practice IF, and the research behind it.

And here is a treasure trove of 5:2 recipes, mostly low calorie for fasting days, but there are also recipes for when you want to treat yourself. And, now we're maintaining, we'll need more of these!

PS thanks to Breadandwine (proof that this forum welcomes everybody, not just Mums) for setting up the last thread while my old name that set up the first one was on 'holiday' Grin

OP posts:
ZipIt · 16/09/2013 14:25

Hello maintainers. I've just discovered this thread, and skim-read a bit but got a bit lost. So I'm sorry if I'm re-asking any old questions.

I've just started fasting for health reasons, with the aim of doing 1 or 2 days a week of 500 cals (all in the evening). I don't want to lose any weight (I'd guess my BMI's around 19, so OK).

Others who fasted without wanting to lose weight, did you have to make an extra special effort to eat more on nonfast days, or did you find you did it without thinking? I don't tend to really "watch" what I eat either way, so hate the idea of having to start (albeit in the opposite direction) on non-fast days too.

Talkinpeace · 16/09/2013 14:43

I fast - ie not eat for 24 hours - and have a smaller supper twice a week.
Other than that I'm pretty relaxed about it all.

OP posts:
ZipIt · 16/09/2013 14:51

Thanks Talkinpeace, that's useful to know.

Anglaise1 · 16/09/2013 16:37

Most people who fast 2 days a week on 500cals each fast day lose weight, so if you just want to fast for health reasons you might be better to just fast for 24 hours but eat a normal supper. Or consider 16:8 instead where by you fast for 16 hours (skip breakfast) then eat normally but within an eight hour window.
I like breakfast so isn't an option for me!

Breadandwine · 16/09/2013 21:34

Spent the day in bed today after coming down with a fairly severe cold. Sad

There was I, thinking I didn't get them any more, but I felt the first stirrings late on Saturday, then the cold progressed more and more yesterday, so I went to bed about ten last night.

Slept most of today and didn't feel like eating so I thought I'd fast until dinner time. However, when I got up about three after feeling a bit better (needed to get my laptop charger) I found I had quite achy sides and lower back. This got worse and worse as I walked around a bit - so much so that I needed to top up the paracetamol with some aspirin. Which meant I had to have something to eat.

So, a bowl of curry plus some some bread, two biscuits and 4 pieces of chocolate later, I look like turning a fast day into a feast day (well, there's only one letter different! Smile)

Now back in bed and wondering if I should get up and have some dinner?

Don't require any sympathy, folks, it's England v Australia in the last one day match - should keep me entertained until 10 tonight! Grin

Thanks, southeastdweller, I've relayed that comment to the proud parents!

In fact I've passed on all your good wishes and comments to my DD, and she thanks you all! Thanks

Talkinpeace · 16/09/2013 21:51

(((( B&W ))))
Stay warm and eat if you need to - your body burns more calories when fighting a cold
and it got really cold last night (2 degrees overnight near Bournemouth)

OP posts:
AmericasTorturedBrow · 17/09/2013 01:12

Poor B&W huddle up with hot choc and carbs Wink

Wow anglaise no wonder you're trying to put weight on, you must be tiny - hope emotionally you're doing a bit better

Like you and catsrus I'm fairly tall, hover around 9stone 7-10lbs (haven't weighed in for ages though), am 5'9", size 5-6feet (I know, I look ridiculous!) and according to that wrist thing am small framed.

Depending on the shop I'm generally size 8-10 bottom and solid 10 top, need to go bra shopping now I'm back in the land of nice undies though.

I'd like to lose and maintain at half a stone lighter.....

Anglaise1 · 17/09/2013 07:01

Look after yourself B&W and don't worry about fasting while you aren't well - it is important to have some reserve in place to fight illness.
ATB am feeling and eating more thanks, so will soon be back up to 9 stone. I've joined a local running club instead of just running on my own which has been really good - hopefully will do a 10km race soon and maybe even a half marathon.
I'm size 8 - 10 top and bottom (straight up and down with no boobs or bum sadly) and size 7 but thin feet. It is nice to be in nice undie land, I agree!

AmericasTorturedBrow · 17/09/2013 11:16

Yay whoop! Have been a bit scared to get in the scales due to my binge fortnight in August but have successfully managed to do 16:8 since arriving in UK, jumped on the scales and FINALLY back down to 131lbs....haven't seen that number on the scales since just before the mammoth bike ride, so pleased

Abra1d · 17/09/2013 11:45

Finally back down to 9st 9-ish again! Perhaps the hotter summer months really were just a bleep. We don't have the heating on and I think my body works harder in colder weather to keep me warm. But I did a very fierce FD yesterday--barely 350-400 calories.

Anglaise1 · 17/09/2013 13:11

Article in the Daily Telegraph today denouncing 5:2 in favour of a low GI diet.

Anglaise1 · 17/09/2013 13:16

And congrats to ATB and Abra1d on excellent scales results!

Abra1d · 17/09/2013 14:07

Thanks, Anglaise!

Breadandwine · 17/09/2013 17:18

Thanks, everyone - 'twas just a 48 hour bug, but it's left me with a bad back. Which is slowly improving. So it's all good.

Thanks for that link, Anglaise! The very first word told me all I needed to know - 'Nutritionist…' Grin

Then later on, this - "Many who embark on the 5:2 speak of an intense and unrelenting hunger during their days of abstinence. "

No they bloody don't! Poppycock. Everyone I've read on the subject of hunger says "It comes in waves" - or "It comes and goes". Nowhere have I read of people experiencing 'unrelenting hunger' - and I've read a lot on this subject!

Then he goes on to say:

"The next big hurdle for 5:2 dieters is the lethargy that results from their dip in energy intake." Whaat? The man is a fool! I just wish I could bottle my increased energy!

There's more - but all my criticisms have been answered by the comments on the article. Better to read them than the article!

Talkinpeace · 17/09/2013 17:58

"Nutritionist" = prat

OP posts:
frenchfancy · 20/09/2013 08:56

Morning all, WI this morning and I have now undone any harm done over the summer and am back down to my lowest ever 64.7kg Grin leaving me just 1.2kg to lose to get down to below 10 st (I know I'm mixing my units but I'm a child of the 70's so I've been doing it all my life).

Interestingly despite being at my lightest I am not at my slimest. When I was this weight at the end of June I had been doing a lot of running and shred, I was toned and my size 10 skirts were falling off me. I have one of those same skirts on today, and whilst it is comfortable it is definitely not too big. I am decidedly flabby round the middle. I really need to do something about it.

wildwater it is a shame we can't do yoga and shred to firm up our chests in the same way isn't it.

Talkinpeace · 20/09/2013 12:31

Hi there all,
Well I'm back at 8:12 - not the 8:8 I wanted to be at for this weekend, but near enough.
I still get a buzz that at 48 I can put on weight on a holiday and lose it easily within weeks.

The toning thing : definitely - I did an extra 20 mins of abs work this morning so my dress fits well on Sunday.

wildwater well done you on the headstand. I was always terrified of being upside down as a kid so MUST overcome that fear and learn them - I'm plenty strong enough, its just the brain that stops me ...
cleavage is not an issue for me!

OP posts:
Breadandwine · 21/09/2013 12:19

Just read back a few posts and I have to say well done everyone on the losing/maintaining/fitness fronts! Flowers

Standing on ones head though…that's a step too far for me! Wink

I put on several pounds whilst I was laid up - but by yesterday it had all gone again! Grin

Then…read on!Shock

Had a great meal out with our friends last night - must get on trip advisor to give the pub a glowing review. My impression of the meal is that the chef saw me (a vegan, for new readers) as a challenge, and a chance to be a bit creative - and it paid off handsomely!

I had wild mushrooms and garlic in olive oil on courgette 'boats', for a starter. (With loads of rocket, which I hate - but I just shoved that to one side.) This was followed by a huge bowl of roasted Mediterranean veg and pasta - with a bit of spice, which I'd requested.]

Then I was asked if I'd like a pudding - the chef suggested a caramelised, spicy apple, so I thought, 'What the hell - there goes breakfast tomorrow!' and had that as well.

That wasn't all, however - this lovely meal had awoken the hunger monster in me. When I got home I quickly knocked up some pancake mixture and had two of these:

nobreadisanisland.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/crepe-suzette-simplified-and-vegan.html

4 rounded dsps of s/r flour and enough water to make a batter - a la single cream consistency.

This is my fall back pudding in case I don't have a pud while I'm out - which is generally the case. I really didn't need it last night, but they were so good!

So today's a mini-fast - I'll eat normally tonight.

Hope you guys are having as good a weekend!

ATB, B&W

Talkinpeace · 21/09/2013 14:10

B&W
That meal sounds FANTASTIC.

I had dinner at a veggie / vegan curry house one evening and because it was done with love and imagination it was excellent.

OP posts:
scripsi · 21/09/2013 20:09

I have been unwell and also am caring for a relative a lot these days but have been managing to carry on the fast days more or less (I have not been doing 5:2 to lose weight, more for the ongoing possible health benefits). I was thinking about tweaking my non-fast days to make them more healthy (not sure if MM has spoken about anything he does on non-fast days in particular?) and am also considering doing the high intensity training which MM spoke about on another doc. Has anyone done this?

AmericasTorturedBrow · 21/09/2013 23:32

That DOES sound like a lush meal. DH has been having surprising vegan thoughts while I've been away so watch this space....I've decided definitely that unless I absolutely know the animal products are sourced from places with welfare standards Im comfortable with, I will eat vegan (or at least vegetarian) when out, same applies in my own home. Not going to inflict this yet in friends who cook for us but think this is generally a good way for me to test the waters....

Very very indulgent weekend, will try to offset with 16:8 over next few days then fasting tuesday and Thursday next week

Talkinpeace · 22/09/2013 21:18

is chilling after a long weekend - Mum's party today went far better than it could have. But its nice to be barefoot in jeans drinking cidre.

OP posts:
Breadandwine · 23/09/2013 01:04

Really ate big this weekend! Blush

Definitely need the fast I began after dinner tonight - hoping to do a complete 36 hour fast this time, with only water and coffee.

Anglaise1 · 23/09/2013 15:04

Good luck with your fast todat B&W !
I've put on nearly 2kgs and am back up to nearly 57kgs (9 stone), so am going to start fasting again to maintain. It wasn't as difficult to put on 2kgs at all, and I know I look and feel better for it. Doing so much running now that a lot of the weight is muscle and my clothes still feel on the loose side.

ZipIt · 24/09/2013 16:17

Anglaise1 thanks for your advice last week. I decided in the end to do one fast day (20+ hours fast - no breakfast or lunch and a small dinner, like 2 poached eggs on 1 toast with smoked salmon) per week. So far I haven't noticed losing any weight which is what I'd hoped. But how soon would this happen? (only done 3 fast days so far, i.e., 3 weeks). Thanks again.