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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:
BsshBossh · 05/08/2013 14:15

Big hugs to you moomin. Such a young age and her poor daughters too... so sad.

vintage52er · 05/08/2013 17:30

Hi all, vintage52er here (aka virginposter) Smile

To celebrate the MM prog one year tomorrow, I've decided on a new name change - I was a virgin poster then (and still have only posted on here). I didn't join these threads until number 6 but I was lurking from the beginning and was encouraged to join. I watched the original Horizon and started my life changing journey on 21st August 2012 and so will have my own personal celebration then too. I've lost a total of 30lbs and maintaining well.

Tomorrow I will mark the occasion with a full day fast and indulge myself by re-reading the first few threads to remind myself of where and when it all started and how far we have all come.
I'd like to say a HUGE Flowers to all who have ever posted and especially to those of you who have been there all the way and have helped me in so many ways.
There has been blood, sweat and tears on the 5:2/4:3 forums but mostly a wealth of information, inspiration, encouragement and a lot of fun (Top Of The Morning still stands out for me) Grin

So here's to the next year Wine

vintage52er · 05/08/2013 17:33

GreenEggs good to see you back.
Moomin big hugs from me too.

Northstarmum · 05/08/2013 23:01

moomin huge hugs and condolences from me- my Dad died of cancer aged 52 and that's no age at all. It's only 10 years older than I am now for goodness sake Sad. Be kind to yourself, 5:2 will be there when you're ready, and if it helps you to do something positive for your own health by fasting, go for it. Only you will know what's right for you and grief is a funny thing, everyone copes with it differently.

I've been doing more lurking than posting, especially as I've been struggling to fast since I came back from holiday in June. i have been helped by knowing others are in the same boat and always inspired by everyone on here too numerous to thank individually Thanks- you've kept me going.

catsrus · 06/08/2013 01:38

52 is so young moomin Sad

I saw the programme the day after it aired - watched it on iplayer and then joined the first thread on here Grin. I celebrated today with a fast as I'd had a totally over indulgent weekend with friends. Take-away, meals out, artisan bread from the farmer's market, beer and Wine and I ate exactly what I wanted to - knowing that this week a couple of good fasts would get me right back to target weight.

Thank you Dr M and all the supportive MNers Wine

TheCyclistist · 06/08/2013 07:54

Good morning all and Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!

Still keeping the Faith myself albeit not as fervently as last Summer and Autumn. Really great to see many of the same faces still here though, Hi all and thanks for all the support over the year Flowers.

Good Luck all, and here's to another year of the healthiest and easiest WOL the world has ever seen Smile

mumofcrazynamedkids · 06/08/2013 11:30

Hi all, happy 5:2 Anniversary Flowers so glad to have watched the doc and found this WOE, not to mention all the amazing support from all you guys (both fasting and more importantly non fasting related!)

moomin so sorry to hear of your and your families loss Flowers like others have said, do what works best for you, but whatever try not to stress about fasting, do it if it helps to have some control, or not if it gets in the way of grieving.

B&W i remember that first post, you were definitely the early poster boy grandpa for fasting!

hi cyclist good to see you're still around!

greeneggs how's it all going? good to hear from you, and great you're still fasting.

vintage52 good call on name change and huge congrats on 30 pounds loss, that is really fantastic!

northstar I've definitely had lots of struggles, but 1 year in and I'm still doing it, have got back to the original 12 pound loss i achieved in the first 3 months, have worked out what works with me and fasting/indulging for either losing or maintaining, and feel better prepared for the next year and maybe more losing.

non fast day today as I fasted yesterday, but have easily passed 16:8 and will be practicing my new control at healthy eating on 3 non fast days per week.

off topic update: have rented my london place out and now looking for a wirral place to move into by 30th - have finally taken control, and it feels good, boss still agreeing to let me work remotely, so just keeping fingers crossed that a suitable place comes up for let in next 2 weeks - eeekkkkk!

Laska42 · 06/08/2013 13:25

YEY Happy5:2 Anniversary to US..Flowers
I joined thread one, having seen the prog a week aftre it aired and started straight away .

But i thought id give myself a summer off.... and the result? Oh.Dear. 10st 7 this morning Hmm.. . and im back sporting a wobbly tummy over the top of ny size 10s which I know is down to white wine consumption on a (yes Blush) daily basis!.

So now I KNOW why slim people remain slim (well thopse who are not natuarral thin that is) !They dont take their eye off the ball!

Today im fasting for the first time in weeks! At work right now and meditation course tonight (struggling with that a bit) but will endeavour to get back on the board later and chat more..

WELL DONE ALL MAINTAINERS!!

Talkinpeace · 06/08/2013 13:37

Wahey : lovely to see that maintainers who do not post regularly are still out there.

Yup, Laska as I tried to explain to a twonk on the AIBU thread, if you stop eating healthily you will put on weight.
And frankly for those of us who enjoy food, there is no alternative.
I'm trying to do one full fast a week and 16:8 and restricted weekday alcohol : I do NOT want to be 10 st at the end of this summer holiday like I was last year.

OP posts:
Breadandwine · 06/08/2013 13:43

this an hour or so ago - and forgot to post it, ah well!

Happy anniversary, indeed!Flowers

Where are Tip and Laska? We need you here, girls!Smile

Mocnk Hope you find somewhere suitable - and soon!

We've come such a long way, and learned so much over the past 12 months, haven't we?

For instance, I've just come to the end of a 40-hour fast (with 330cals for dinner last night) and, to break my fast, I had my usual spicy breakfast naan with banana. And slices of half a bread roll which I spread with marmalade.

The food tasted so good, I was tempted to defrost another roll and have more bread and marmalade - but now I know my body and that if I left it for a while the desire would pass, and sure enough it did.

The extra roll would have left me bloated and uncomfortable, for certain!Sad

Talkinpeace · 06/08/2013 17:36

We went to the seaside for the morning en famille and then this afternoon I've been at work, DD is at a friends and DS has a friend round. DH is completing the finishing touches of his latest automata ....

OP posts:
Anglaise1 · 06/08/2013 19:08

moomin so sorry for your loss, 52 is too young, don't worry about dieting at the moment, please.
vintage52 30lbs is amazing, have you managed to maintain without a problem?
Laska I've only been able to keep just below 9 stone on maintenance for 5 months now by weighing every day to keep a check on things. And barely eating anything if I want to indulge in wine and cashew nuts of an evening. It's tough being slim if you like food! Good luck with the fasting to get back on track.
I had a good weekend in the UK and only one person told me I was too skinny - the rest said I looked great (I was a size 12 the last time I saw most of them). Am about to join my OH for a couple of days camping in La Rochelle so probably no exercise as I'll be on the back of a scooter most the time. And no scales either!

Talkinpeace · 06/08/2013 20:12

glad the UK trip went well.

OP posts:
frenchfancy · 06/08/2013 21:32

Happy Anniversary Everyone!

I've spent the evening going through a huge bag of clothes my thin and stylish friend gave me - things she doesn't want any more or don't suit her. Lots of it is lovely, including a Nicole Farhi top and a jigsaw dress that is so comfy I don't want to take off. There was even a pair of jeans that fit perfectly (which has been eluding me since I lost weight). I am Grin Grin Grin.

Even better some of the stuff was too big!

Waves to Anglaise who is camping not far from me.

vintage52er · 06/08/2013 23:20

ff wow what a NSV no wonder you're smiling.

Anglais have been maintaining for 9 weeks now and have stayed within 2lbs of my lowest weight. At first I panicked but then I realised that I had complete control. Since then I've continued to skip breakfast (stopped soon after starting 5:2 as I found I was never hungry in the morning) every day, eat healthily through the week, always go out for a huge carvery lunch on a Wednesday and have Sat & Sun as eat what you like.
I do a 24 hour fast on Tuesdays and some Fridays for the health benefits as I'm still not sure that 6:1 does it.
I also DO NOT SNACK (not sure where that idea came from wink) except for very rare occasions and when I fancy a treat like cake or ice cream I always try to have it directly after a meal.
I've found that these few rules are very doable as I feel in control but not too stricktly - I still have all the naughties I want and I still weigh myself once a week just to keep tabs on how I'm doing.

I think that a few of us now eat in a similar way?

mumofcrazynamedkids · 07/08/2013 12:37

was just beating myself up for eating high calorie high carb crap on my NFD yesterday, and decided to see the damage, so calorie counted:

plain bagel with egg mayo, 2 shortbread fingers, 1/4 margartia pizza, 2 yes 2 cream cakes, a plum, some strawberries and an apple, as well as a glass of wine, coffee, a tea and loads of fizzy water. and amazingly I come in at about 2000 TDEE, I am shocked but pleased, and just glad the kids said "no mum, we;ve got cakes and strawberries" when i tried to go and buy chocolate! Blush

now I definitely need some veggies and today was supposed to be an out for lunch NFD but lunch has been cancelled so I'm going to fast instead...probably, although kids with their dad tonight so wine with a friend may come a calling!

Talkinpeace · 07/08/2013 15:07

not even attempting to fast today. or even be sensible NFD or exercise
spent the morning (from 7am) in hospital with DS having booked surgery. It was quick but the waiting : what else was I to do but sit and read and eat the free food!

MOCNK
thing is in the past you'd have had 1/2 pizza and 2 bagels etc etc ...

OP posts:
BsshBossh · 07/08/2013 15:21

Oh no, hope your DS is okay TiP?

Talkinpeace · 07/08/2013 15:25

yeah, it was a planned thingy to fit in the summer hols. just SO boring hanging around in hospitals, even posh ones Smile

OP posts:
AmericasTorturedBrow · 07/08/2013 17:02

H all and happy birthday!

Been a bit of a fast failure week this week as plans keep changing and it was our anniversary on Monday. Annoyingly after getting back into control last week amd seeing 134lbs on the scales, after no fasting since Friday I've put another 3.5lbs on!! We have friends over for dinner tonight, all but pudding is pretty healthy and I can skip the cream with the strawberries amd flapjack. Tomorrow was supposed to be a FD but DG's company are putting on a free event with dinner tomorrow amd the food is always so good! But it's ribs and I'm tying t steer clear of red meat at the moment so reckon if I don't eat til then amd have mainly the salad and a rib or two it's still just within calories....then a proper fast day friday even though its drinks out in the evening if I fast I won't even have one which is much better for me.

We have our grown up night away in two weeks, I have a dress I want to fit into for then so going to do an alcohol fast til then to help me along the way! Then it's only two more weeks til I fy one, not sure I'm going to make the attempted 9stone but I should be back to my lowest weight of 130lbs at least, if I retain some control

Laska42 · 07/08/2013 18:18

Hi all and sorry I didn't say before but many (((hugs)) to you Moomin . Also I hope DS is ok this evening TIP

Well i managed my fast and this morning was 2lbs down again,, so Iknow I can get back to 10st .. but we have a weekend away this one and am looking forward to a curry. You'd be surprised ( or not if you've been here , at the dearth of decent curry on the Island so now - when I dont make my own - I save them for trips back Brighton way.

Tonight I have a friend coming over for dinner.. well actually its my first ever boyfriend (of over 35 years ago) who 'friends reunited' me a few years ago .. but dont worry nothing nefarious planned and im not doing anything silly . DH has known i've been in contact with him since the beginning and also that he's coming over and is fine about it. And im pretty confident -after all 2 or 3 years years chatting , and meeting him last years also that the xbf is perfectly ok and has no worrying ulterior motives ..

It should be an interesting evening though.. salmon and salad and not too much Wine planned..

ill check in again tomorrow though just so you know i survived ..

and will be fasting again ..in the few weeks I hadn't done it , id forgotten it was so easy!(and that I really dont need lunch .. breakfast is another matter though i can manage on black coffee I've found )

Talkinpeace · 07/08/2013 18:22

Hi Laska agree that the only bit of the Island with interesting fooderies is Ventnor. Cowes can be OK, but not this week!
A while back I met up with an ex for lunch. It was great fun but he'd forgotten to tell his wife and she hit the roof. DH thought it was really funny.
Yes, limit the Wine

OP posts:
Laska42 · 07/08/2013 18:28

yeah i dont think hes told his wife he talks to me (I told him i wasnt that happy about it but then its up to him, ).. but i told DH right from the beginning . no reason to be dishonest cos its been quite clear that neither of us want to relive the past relationship .. ..

Laska42 · 07/08/2013 18:29

actually Ryde is pretty good these days . but West Wight not so much =one or two nice and expensive places

Laska42 · 08/08/2013 08:21

morning checking in!! a nice evening was had ( though I did down sone {wine} but mysteriously im back down to 10.3 this morning.. )Ok ok I know it fluctuates and I could be a bit dehydrated etc etc... . planning on fasting today , but I know a friend wants to meet up this evening.. and we usually go for a meal ..