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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:
Laska42 · 11/12/2013 18:09

... its all gone awfully quiet around here Sad

TalkinPeace · 11/12/2013 20:17

not quiet in my head ....
went to the O2 last night and my ears are still slightly buzzing ....
but have booked my tickets to see Barry Humphries when he comes to town next year.

not fasting tonight : tired after driving home in the fog at midnight yesterday
but still holding steady weight wise
and DID YOU SEE the research outcomes about dementia yesterday

holey moley fanoley we are on the right track

that and my Mumsnet Secret Santa pressie arrived today which still makes me think fluffy thoughts!

A whole day of database cleansing beckons tomorrow : bucket loads of tea will be needed!

OP posts:
Laska42 · 11/12/2013 21:02

ooh.. Barry Humphries .. Soton? When? might like to go too.
What did you see at the O2?

Today's fasting was fine until this evening when Wine called and I thought sod it , and now there will be no more fasting until Sunday ( tomorrow - she whispers) ill be 56! Shock, and Friday I'm off visiting the Most Gorgeous Grandson in the World Ever Who is Not Called Oscar ..

Marcus will be One this weekend..and WOW how time has flown.
(and for same as last t year, I'm not going into the festive season already overweight..5:2 its just FANTASTIC..
Thanks Dr M !..

Laska42 · 11/12/2013 21:03

Tip re dementia, no didn't.. will look, but have you a link?

TalkinPeace · 11/12/2013 21:45

Theatre next year ....
www.mayflower.org.uk/event.asp?show=EDNA13
we are going on the Wednesday
any other Maintainers who fancy it, we're in the balcony .... we could meet up for a drink

Dementia ....
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25303707
Factors to reduce Alzheimers risk by over 60%

  • exercise
  • not smoking
  • keeping weight under control
  • diet
  • not drinking too much

even just doing 4 of the five ( phew, I'm allowed Wine sometimes )
reduces risk by up to 60%

The research team estimated that unhealthy living has accounted for around 10% of the NHS budget in Wales since the study began.

OP posts:
Laska42 · 11/12/2013 22:38

cool, Ta, TiP ill see if anyone of mine fancies it ,,

TheCyclistist · 13/12/2013 10:01

Morning all

Well got what I reckon'll be the last 4:3 week of 2013 and tbh probably for a long time done.

Although when I woke up on Thursday and basically didn't fancy it at all and the mind games started 'you've already done 2 days', 'one day won't make a difference' 'why don't I just do a low da' etc etc. So decided not to do it....but said to myself I'll have a cuppa and see how I feel, then got on with some stuff, had another cup of tea, then got on with more stuff and before I knew it, it wasn't worth breaking the Fast so basically got through the day one way or other but God knows how.

Anyway, reckon next week will be at most a 5:2 and then see where things go. Interestingly though although my scales are fc*ked I don't reckon I've lost any weight over the past 2 weeks of 4:3 but my shape has continued to go in the right direction Confused

Good Luck all and it'd be great to hear from some longtimers on here before Christmas, Catsrus, MOCK, ATB, FB, FF etc who haven't posted for a while. Is Greeneggs still on the site does anyone know?

AmericasTorturedBrow · 13/12/2013 14:50

I'm here! Sorry just busy - was going to go on a date with DH at the dine in cinema tonight but our friend who was supposed to babysit has cancelled so I'm going to FD instead.

Great stuff on dementia....will go through and read up more

Laska42 · 14/12/2013 08:31

hmm two days of celebrating and another one today I suspect.... darent get on the scales!

had an all -out breakfast in an American Diner on thursday, which meant I was reckonedid be stuffed for most of the day , but even so managed a steak ,Wine and a large piece of garlic bread in the evening..Blush

then a good time seeing my grandson yesterday - and a plate of wedges and dips out ay lunch time, followed by pekin duck and more Wine inthe evening,

Now my DH is talking taking me to lunch today..so cant refuse . GrinHmmGrin

better be a fast tomorrow then , and definately 4:3 for me next week..

Job interview Monday

Laska42 · 14/12/2013 08:37

opps hit send too early, yes job interview , going along , but in two minds how i feel about the work , but what wih cuts etc,its more likely to survive than my current one might be..(and bit more £) so giving it my best. but depending how i feel i may not fastMonday, (but then theres the clarity of mind thing you get with fasting) hmm..

Breadandwine · 14/12/2013 20:56

Keep going, Cyclist! You know you can do it!

The amount of times I miss breakfast and often lunch, I'm almost doing a 16:8. Mind you, I eat very well when I do eat. My old 'No Evening Snacking' rule has given way to 'Evening Snacking allowed if breakfast (and lunch, depending) is missed on the following day'.

Tonight we sent out for an Indian meal - I had a veg Madras, Bombay potatoes and tarka dal, and ate the lot. Then I had a piece of chocolate cake with my coffee. Hopefully that'll be it until tomorrow, but you never know.

Best wishes for the interview, Laska! I'd go for a mini-fast on Monday - with a celebratory dinner later, no matter how it goes!

Glad you've spent some time with grandson - we have ours here ATM. Unfortunately, I can't cuddle him because I've just started another cold - my third in three months, when I went 18 months prior to that without one. At least this means I should be fit for the festivities. Smile

I've also begun some strength exercises, inspired by this link from the main thread, which are already showing results.

I haven't been on the scales for months, but I've now gone to a fourth extra hole in my belt, so I must have lost another inch around the waist.

I'd also like to see a reappearance by those stalwarts mentioned earlier! Where are you guys?

wildwater · 14/12/2013 21:31

Hi there B&W! Not sure if I qualify as a stalwart, but here I again...fit & happy in Patgonia. House is going up fast: timber frame with adobe. Very exciting! Still fasting twice a week (except on the recent day LL & I got married) and with yoga three days my body is starting to become what it 'should' have been all my life. Better late than never
I guess. The first time I looked down at my abdomen and saw two big dents under my ribs, I had no idea what they were. In fact, your body is supposed to mould over your ribs - I had just never seen that on me before!
,

TalkinPeace · 14/12/2013 23:18

Wildwater
don't you DARE sneak that past us
except on the recent day LL & I got married

CONGRATULATIONS
ThanksWineThanksWineThanksWineThanksWineThanksWineThanksWineThanksWineThanksWineThanksWine

and glad you are feeling fab and fit : yup in Down dog you should be able to pull your abdomen in so that an orange can be balanced under your ribs

OP posts:
Breadandwine · 15/12/2013 00:07

Nice to see you again, WW! And with such exciting news - that your house is progressing well!

Oh, and that you didn't fast on your wedding day - shame!

What? You got married!?!?

Fantastic! Many congratulations to you and LL. FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers

May you have a long and happy life together!

Really glad to hear that everything is going to plan in Patagonia - been a great year, eh?

AmericasTorturedBrow · 15/12/2013 13:42

Yay congrats WW!!!

AmericasTorturedBrow · 16/12/2013 04:42

Phew managed a FD this week after all, thankfully babysitting otherwise DH's freshly baked bread would have been too much of a temptation

Anglaise1 · 16/12/2013 09:07

Congratulations on your wedding, WW Thanks Wine
Can I ask a question about the yoga, is it more physical or meditational, or both? Am thinking of starting as I would love to be a bit more supple.
Fasting today, scales crept up a kilo. Ran another 10k race on Saturday, didn't manage to get below 46 mins, but I don't like running in the afternoon. Have another race next Sunday so will see what happens there.
Good luck to everyone fasting today...my French Onion soup has already been prepared so I'll be eating that tonight and nothing else before.
Off to stack 2 cordes of wood now (a good 2 hours of work).

Fillybuster · 16/12/2013 10:57

Congrats on the wedding WW Grin Grin Lovely news!

Another one fasting today (despite the voice in my head urging me not to bother this morning) - scales are up a slightly shocking 6lbs in 3 days, and I haven't even been eating that much. Hopefully it will settle...but definitely need some xmas-biscuit-in-the-office avoidance techniques for NF days.

It's my birthday on Thursday and I need to be back down to 9.2ish, as dh is taking me away somewhere very lovely (with very good food) overnight for a surprise....I want to be able to over indulge in dinner and breakfast completely guilt free.

Hmm. Might need to squeeze a mini fast in for Wednesday...Hmm

TiP so glad you got a MN Secret Santa...I'm sure you got nominated by loads of people (including moi Grin) - you're a brilliant support on this forum, and your willingness to share your experience and motivation with others is fantastic :)

Having said that; I think every single one of you on this thread deserves recognition and Thanks for being the nicest community on MN Grin

wildwater · 16/12/2013 11:20

Muchas gracias a todos :)

Guess that was a bit sneaky of me! I would love to post a photo of the occasion but this site won't cooperate.

An orange balanced in my ribcage when I'm in downwards dog? Now there's something to strive for! Thank you, TIP - you remain a great inspiration.

Anglais1 - yoga is equally physical and mediation for me now. I have been going to classes regularly for five months and the difference is vast.
I am learning how to stand properly, and walk, and breathe. Plus I am becoming much stronger, and infinitely more flexible.

I highly recommend yoga as a way to sort out multiple levels of stress and stiffness, and gain greater peace of mind into the bargain.

I still struggle with simple things like drinking enough water. This is of course the easiest one to fix. It sometimes feels like my old pattern of self-sabotage, but I'm aware of and working on that.

Regards to all (thanks)

.

TalkinPeace · 16/12/2013 12:52

Anglaise
see if you can follow these videos through ....
malayogastudio.com/online-studio/
I've been doing yoga for just over 10 years (I did BodyBalance first)
I'm not the world's calmest person
but over time the mental side has locked in with the physical side.
I still prefer Asana practice (ie all the postures) to the meditation
but breath and posture control is really, really good for you

OP posts:
Laska42 · 16/12/2013 19:16

Wildwater Congratulations FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers. I got married only 7 years ago (2nd time after an 18 year separation from my first husband and havingbeen with my Now DH for 13 years.. ) and its GREAT(got it totally wrong first time and now I see how good it can be ) So here's to a long , happy and fulfilling future to you both Wine (there should be a champagne emoticon, lets lobby Mumsnet towers for one)

Well i've had a knackering day in which fasting has been swapped for coffee and carbs (and now Wine again Blush) .. I went to the job interview , which turned out to be all a bit bizarre, as about 10mins in I was wondering whether id actually applied for the job they thought they were were interviewing for.. as it had all gone a bit Pete Tong on the questioning front or so I thought. So of course I didn't get it .., but that's OK .. it wouldn't have been me, but I'm just a bit weirded out and think and think that now an early night is in order

Tip I like those yoga videos. I did Iyenga for a while and really loved it , but the teacher moved on .. and I wasn't so keen on the other teachers I tried after, but do miss it so am definitely going to give this a go again.

Laska42 · 16/12/2013 19:20

B&W hope you are feeling better and you got a little cuddle with Oscar. (sorry I realise I didn't reply to your PM) , but glad to hear about your son..
Bro ATB Filly Anglaise ..hi all .. yes, where is MOCNK and Cats .. et all?

AmericasTorturedBrow · 17/12/2013 00:18

I need to get back into yoga too - I've been so lazy since visiting the UK, can't believe how unfit and undefined I am compared to when I completed the AIDS ride in June. We've moved as well so I need to find a new studio closer to home

Curried parsnip soup on the cook for tomorrow - I'm taking DS to Disneyland for the first time and I know if I start to eat the crap food there I'll continue so attempting full food fast until we get back from picking my mum up from the airport, she and I will have soup before she conks out from jetlag!

Anglaise1 · 17/12/2013 06:46

WW Thanks for sharing your experience of yoga and TIP very useful videos, thanks too! I get a lot of stress relief from my running but it doesn't do much for my flexibility state of mind. I know my brother is feeling a lot more at peace with himself since taking up yoga. If I can find a class nearby I'll try it.
Hope your fasts went well Filly and Laska - I was freezing by the time I went to bed but slept really well. Happy birthday for Thursday Filly I hope you get down to your 9.2 and really enjoy your surprise night away.
ATB Enjoy Disneyland, Christmas must be a great first time to visit!

Mary2010xx · 17/12/2013 13:47

(On yoga I do bikram yoga and nothing ever has made me feel as good. I don't do it enough but that's a different story. Stretching in the heat (which I suppose you get automatically in Patagonia and India due to climate but not so easily in cold London) seems to suit my body very well. Lots of men do bikram yoga as it's such a good stretch. It seems to make me feel physically and mentally well).