Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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:
Laska42 · 07/10/2013 19:06

FF yes I might even blow the thick layer of dust off Evil Jillian this week also ...

AmericasTorturedBrow · 07/10/2013 19:35

I got a groupon deal for a months unlimited beach body workout a while ago, think I'll be cashing it in next week!

Argh my sod it switch has been well and truly turned on

BUT I want to look fab in Hawaii photos so best get myself in hand

mumofcrazynamedkids · 08/10/2013 11:55

hi all, I've been off to london for the weekend birthdaying, so far too much Wine and some delicious food and bread, back now and needing to focus on the fasting, had a repeat fasting blood test this morning, for my dr's to check that dodgy thyroid result.

Thanks all, especially cyclist for the links, I had a look, was good reading, will see what comes back from these repeat bloods.

did manage to eat a 100 cal muesli bar when i got home from doc's, but not going to let that send me off track, also got a 4.1 cholestrol result which I'm pleased with, considering how much butter/cheese/cream I have in my diet!

i'm going to just stick to my 500 today and get one fast under my belt, even if I didn't manage 16 hours since last nights supper with unexpected visitors from Wales. think i'll plan a courgette frittata laterwith my new non stick omlette pan from my little brother. but laska's mention of roasted cauliflower has me salivating, haven't eaten cauliflower for ages and I love it!

very jealous of atb's hawaii trip, i so need a hot and sunny beach holiday, but have just been offered a cottage in norfolk in november, so cold and damp, but will be very nice to get away!

catsrus · 09/10/2013 17:17

well - a bit more indulgence in terms of Wine last weekend and some very large breakfasts to deal with the hangovers then a 16:8 on Monday and generally plant based meals this week so far, lots of warming lentil / stewy / curry type dishes packed full of veggies. The odd egg and tub of cottage cheese with salad lunches (don't skimp on the dressing these days Grin) so despite lack of exercise I'm keeping stable.

Have got a posh "smart casual" lunch 'do' to go to this week - wardrobe crisis! - but have settled on some smart leggings (thicker than usual and look more like smart trousers) and a nice long top. I think it should do OK - my other stuff is either too 'office' or 'evening' or casual - or too big!

Had a wardrobe clear out on Sunday - and I was ruthless. Good sized charity bag and another for my 5:2 friend who is now almost the size 16 I used to be Grin

Moominsummermadness · 10/10/2013 09:15

Well hello everyone!

Sorry for the very long absence, things have been manic in real life since DDs went back to school, and I rarely get time time to myself these days. If I ever get to go on the PC, it is to do the online food order or internet banking!

I'm successfully maintaining at around 8st 7lb (BMI 18.95). I mostly eat what I want, but don't usually eat breakfast, so do a 16:8 in about 5 days out of 7. I'm pretty happy with the way I look now, and have loads of energy (except for at the moment, as I have tonsilitis). I may try to put a bit back on though, and aim for around 9 stone, as since gradually stopping breastfeeding 1 year old DD over the last couple of weeks, my chest is looking very bony. I also took the girls to a fun day at the local leisure centre, and they were doing free health MOTs. My body fat came out at 16.3%, which is a bit on the low side. I'm sure that after all the Christmas indulgence, I will put on at least half a stone anyway!

Will have a good read of the thread, sorry this post has been a little me,me,me!

AmericasTorturedBrow · 10/10/2013 14:26

moomin I have that scrawny chest problem too post bf 2 DC, but could still with losing from other places. Such a pain

Sorry to brag about hawaii, but it's a once in a lifetime opp and almost completely paid for by DH's work, Just so excited to be taking the DC!

Anglaise1 · 10/10/2013 18:43

ATB you aren't bragging, you are really excited about it and justifiably so! I'm really looking forward hearing about it. I prefer hearing about other people's holidays to actually going on one myself!
I have a bony chest too (BMI of 18.7), but as the rest of me is OK as I'm running so much and quite toned, I'm not worrying. Just not wearing really low tops but then there is no point without a decent bust!

Talkinpeace · 10/10/2013 20:34

Moomin, good to hear from you, and glad you are still succeeding.
I'm still a tad heavier than I'd like to be - but do still have a little bit of a bust even after kids - just shows we are all built differently :-)

and ATB please tell us about your holiday - the warmth will ooze through the screen onto us !

OP posts:
TheCyclistist · 11/10/2013 10:12

Hi all

On a bit of a solo boot camp here, trying to learn lessons from last year and preparing for the Christmas festivities. Did 4:3 for the first time since early Spring this week so feeling great. Want to keep aiming for 4:3 but hitting a minimum of 5:2 till about mid December.

Great to see you still maintaining so well moomin. I think we can all relate to your wardrobe 'clear out' Cats, I reckon the second hand shops of Britain (and Isle of Wright Smile ) must be wondering where this bonanza of donations has sprung from over the past year or so!!!!!

Have a great weekend all.....and remember if you've failed a fast recently, life is long..........and there's always tomorrow Wink

AmericasTorturedBrow · 11/10/2013 15:26

Good on you Cyclistist and I'll join you - 4:3 and 16:8 when not fasting until Hawaii (not actually very long!) also no alcohol or meat, mainly to clear my system a bit - and starting Cardio Barre this week (argh, I am terrified!)

I'm so jealous TiP, I used to have such lovely boobs Sad they're apparently the same size (though smaller back thanks to 5:2) but lack any substance which I think is what has led to the bony chest despite BMI of 19.9 and well more than and inch to pinch around my middle

I think actually I'm most looking forward to the healthier diet I'm on when fasting, I've missed my vegetables! So, FD today!

Talkinpeace · 11/10/2013 19:04

Here's a funny thing. I did my weekly weigh in today - holding steady just under 9 st. But I realise that I'm still carrying quite a lot of body fat.
Or more to the point I've realised how light my true frame actually is.
So I plan to drop well down so that I've got loads of leeway before Christmas.
So strict fasting returns. But actually I find it quite nice to be good in the week as I do like my Wine at the weekend!

ATB DHs joke has always been that less than a handful = divorce. I ask if it applies to him too Wink

OP posts:
AmericasTorturedBrow · 12/10/2013 15:58

So what's your aim now TiP? Are you aiming to go skinnier than you want in order to allow yourself to eat more?! Careful lady...

Successful fast day yesterday, going to do one today as well as we're seeing friends tomorrow and getting a pizza takeaway

Raw zucchini noodles and green beans as dinner was delicious, can't wait to hit up farmers market tomorrow (once I've battled through the plethora of pumpkins!)

Talkinpeace · 12/10/2013 17:13

ATB I'm going to see how I look at BMI 20 ... am currently 20.8 - had quite a few photos taken of me at a party and my frame just does not carry any excess fat well.
I'm doing more weight training to get the fat burnt, but love my food so would really struggle to lose too much.

I forgot to have lunch today (have been gardening) but supper is chicken parmesan with home made olive bread followed by apple tart - so that will make up for the missed meal!

Pumpkin pie time - with pecans, nom nom : maybe next week !

OP posts:
catsrus · 13/10/2013 08:50

I was at a 'do' on Friday so scrubbed up a bit - have seen the photos and now know why people tell me not to lose any more weight - that slim woman is still not who I see when i look n the mirror - yet I know I can fit into size 10 skinny jeans. Interesting how the photo captures a 'reality' I don't see "live" - and in the other direction, used to get shocked when overweight too!

TheCyclistist · 13/10/2013 12:23

Hi all

MOCNK had my bi-annual blood test results back last week and checked my TSH results (the common test for thyroid function and probably the one your doctor mentioned to you) The 'healthy zone' is (0.35-5.5 ug/L) back in November 2012 it was 1.64, this March it was 1.29 and the most recent result was .88. About 50% of the first test.

Reading what others have written on the 5:2 forum and elsewhere it does seem that there is something that fasting does that lowers your TSH levels......which is not necessarily a bad thing but worth following up.

Pretty happy with my Cholesterol levels of 3.6 overall with 'Good' Cholesterol HDL 1.56 mmol/L and 'Bad' Cholesterol LDL at 1.7mmol/L and a triglyceride level of .65 mmol/L.

Not bad for someone who loves Pizza, Dhansak, Chocolate and cooks by opening a door, closing a door and waiting for the microwave to 'ping' Smile

AmericasTorturedBrow · 13/10/2013 13:01

That all sounds pretty encouraging Cyclistist

I'm exactly the same cats....I cringe when the very rare photo of me approaching 12stone rears its ugly head, I knew I wasn't slim but didn't realise that at size 14 I looked fat (even at 5'9", so goes to show about the whole frame size thing) and there are photos doing the rounds where sometimes I look thinner than I think I am. I feel it's going to take a long time for me to just look at myself objectively and not hate what I see in the mirror regardless.

Oh Christ TiP, I can't move for pumpkin flavored everything at the moment, I haven't even eaten any!

mumofcrazynamedkids · 14/10/2013 14:58

thanks cyclistist I've been called back to see the dr tomorrow after the second set of bloods, so be interesting to see what my levels are like compared to your results. don't feel like my very recent fasting history could have had much affect as I have not been doing regular fasting for quite some time now, just a lot of half or a few 16:8's. I do have a lot of teh symptoms, but then i'm a single parent with 2 very active young children, so I am going to feel exhausted each evening anyway right? and teh other symptoms I've had all my life! anyway i'll enjoy a trip to the dr to talk about me for 10 minutes....ooohh dear what has it come to that this is a highlight of my week?

AmericasTorturedBrow · 14/10/2013 19:12

Anyone fasting today? What re you eating? Need some inspiration....

SarahWithAFringeOnTop · 14/10/2013 19:32

Have had my fasting temporarily derailed by being prescribed tablets I have to take with food... has anyone else had to deal with this? How much of a meal do you think I would need from that point of view? I've been eating in the evenings only on fast days but I suppose I could split it into breakfast and supper, only it would be quite a small breakfast and I don't know if it would be enough... also, it needs to be really quick as on NFDs I'm a "fling some cereal in a bowl and shovel it down quick on the way out the door" sort of person...

Laska42 · 14/10/2013 20:26

I promised myself that -after a weekend with fussy guests ,where I cooked a hell of a lot lot but didnt eat that much preferring Wine once i had finally dished up and sat down at the table ) that i would fast today and attempt 4:3 this week ..

All went well until I got home.. but have fallen into a bucket of h/m (salt) popcorn and 2 glasses of redWine [shame]

Anyone heard fromB&W?..its not like him to be away for so long..hope all is well, mate, if you are lurking..

Tip where is that fat layer ? you made me feel quite porky in comparison (and its true I am a sone and a bit more than you .. though I reminded myself of the nearly 4 stone id lost) Smile. you look great now though I do understand the desire to be really lean ..

Laska42 · 14/10/2013 20:29

Bro.. I'm a Dhansak fan also !!(though perhaps more into the Korais '(sp?) or hotter currys as dhansak seems a bit too sweet fo me these days , i keep trying to get a meet going but how about a 5:2 curry nite Brick lane ( or wherever is good in town) ?

Laska42 · 14/10/2013 20:30

ATB popcorn and [wine} !! any good? [grin}

Talkinpeace · 14/10/2013 20:30

Sarah - a glass of milk might do the trick - and is only not many calories and no real digestion.

ATB I cheat - I eat the Waitrose fresh pots of soup .... 4 minutes in the microwave, 320 calories, cannot move after eating one!

Laska Thing is I'm narrow .... so as I lose weight I do not (yet) get gaunt. But there's a lass at the gym whose overdone it lots and I'm very aware that I do not want to get like that.

MOCNK hope it all goes OK

cyclistist you've got to get into omelettes - nearly as quick as chicken ping but more fun !

OP posts:
Laska42 · 14/10/2013 20:33

but certainly not narrow minded tip Grin I'll be over again for a meeting in a couple of weeks . John Lewis? (they do a great lemon drizzle) Smile

Laska42 · 14/10/2013 20:37

ATB and Sarah Marks and Spencers ..Super Green soup is the absolute business.. 220 calories a pot and totally yummy ..