The Inspirational 5:2 Thread

[eatriskier]

ROLL UP ROLL UP… OVER HERE FOR YOUR INSPIRATIONAL WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH BENEFIT STORIES

It has been suggested by the wonderful betsybell that a thread be started with some inspiring stories for us all.

I feel that there should be some disclaimers - we are all different, we gain weight in different ways and will lose differently. Similarly with health issues. Some stories here mine to start with may be extreme.

Umm, that's about it I think...

[Eatriskier]

I think I am bigchoc

And I am in no way replying very lately just as a means to bump this thread. Not at all

[MyWonderfulMimi]

Here’s my story.

Female – age 62
Height 5ft 3ins
Starting weight: 12st 9lb
Current weight: 9st 6lb

My reasons for wanting to lose weight: I was obviously too heavy, but my biggest reason is that I have lots of family members with heart problems which I desperately want to avoid.

I started with WW in August 2009 and did well at first, but when they changed the system to Pro Points I really struggled and stopped losing weight under the new system. I lost 1.5st with WW.

I swapped to 5:2 in January 2013, and haven’t looked back since. I’ve not only lost more weight than with WW (and in a shorter time), but I feel healthier, have more energy and definitely feel younger too! I often find myself looking in the mirror and thinking how good I look now - not bad for 62! (How vain is that?!)

Since starting 5:2 I’ve generally found it easy to have 2 days a week on 500 calories and rarely feel hungry. I rarely eat breakfast these days and on fast days often don’t bother with lunch either, so that I can have a good meal in the evening. I do try to be good during the week and don’t worry about what I eat at weekends, but I always use MFP to track EVERYTHING I’ve had – including wine. Sometimes I can’t believe the amount I’ve eaten during the course of a day, but I always track. It sort of brings home to me how stupid I can be with food sometimes. I’ve not always been good and put some weight back on, but I know that if I get back on the wagon the weight will come off fairly quickly.

I struggled after Christmas this year. I just didn’t seem to be able to do a fast day. My DH then retired and it was even harder to fast as he loves to go out for lunch, or tea and cake. We’ve sorted out a system now and thankfully he supports me in this WOL and understands when I say “No, today is a fast day–we’ll go tomorrow”.

[BigChocFrenzy]

That's a lovely report, MyWonderfulMimi

It's so nice to hear from another women just a few years older.
You're now a healthy weight and a much healthier person.
So good that your DH is supportive. Sounds like 5:2 is now your WOL.

[MyWonderfulMimi]

Thanks BigChoc. Yes, 5:2 is definitely my WOL from now on. I can't imagine not continuing to fast. It just makes so much sense to me.

[MazzleDazzle]

LOL at 'We'll go tomorrow!' .

Well done Mimi. You must be so proud of yourself! Well done.

Thank you for sharing your success. I often pop on here if I'm struggling to stay on track.

[KeepCalmAndLOLKittens]

Bumping this as I love to read them

[SquirrelledAway]

I have just hit my 6 month anniversary of 5:2, so thought I'd add my stats here too.

Decided at Christmas 2013, weighing 12 st 7, that I was miserable and felt bloated and uncomfortable, and needed to so something to shift the weight that had been creeping on over the years. Lost 3 lbs between Christmas and New Year, then found the 5:2 info on the web, and decided to get cracking on 5th January 2014.

Female: aged 48
Height: 5' 6"

Starting stats 5/1/14:
Weight: 12 st 4 lbs
BMI: 27.8
Bust: 38"
Waist: 33.5"
Hips: 42"
Thighs: 24"
Dress size: 14/16

Current stats 4/7/14
Weight: 10 st 0 lbs - loss of 2 st 4 lbs
BMI: 22.6
Bust: 35" - loss 3"
Waist: 28.5" - loss 5"
Hips: 37" - loss 5"
Thighs: 21" - loss 3"
Dress size: 10/12

I haven't been this shape and weight since I was 24 - half a lifetime ago!

I have worked really hard - FDs on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays for the first 6 weeks, then FDs on Mondays and Thursdays. MapMyWalk tells me that I have walked 500 miles over the last six months (that's just the additional walking I have done on top of the usual school runs and mooching around) plus I have cycled and Shredded.

My eating habits have completely changed, for the better. I feel great, lots more energy, I can still splurge a little at weekends (and that includes beer and wine and pizza) because I know I can shift the extra pound or two that can creep on within a few days. I can wear all the lovely clothes that have been tucked away in the back of the wardrobe for years (that Laura Ashley silk ballgown that I could never part with - fits perfectly again).

DH says I look younger and even my teenager son has complimented me (anyone that has a 16 year old boy will know that's quite an achievement).

The 5:2 threads here have been invaluable - lots of ideas, tips, recipes and most of all encouragement. A big thank you to everyone.

[Breadandwine]

Wow, Squirrelled! Those stats are impressive indeed!

I'm so happy for you.

Are we going to see you on the maintenance thread anytime soon?

[BigChocFrenzy]

That's a brilliant 6 months, Squirrel You've obviously worked very hard at this WOL.

Wonderful to be back to your early adult weight and to receive those compliments.
Sounds like you have your maintenance regime sorted, too.

[SquirrelledAway]

We'll see! We have three weeks holiday in South Africa coming up, will have to remember to eat mindfully and not go too mad on the wine and beer.

[MyWonderfulMimi]

Well done Squirrelled. It's fantastic to feel in control again isn't it

[hollolew2]

You are all so inspirational! When I feel hungry on my FD tomorrow I'm gonna read the whole thread x

[cloudofpink]

I am approaching my 8 month anniversary of 5:2, so thought I'd add my stats here too (wanted to wait until I tested if I could recover and maintain post holiday!).

Decided at Christmas 2013, weighing 11 st 9lb that I felt bloated and uncomfortable, and needed to get back into some of the lovely clothes I had bought after I lost pregnancy weight in 2012 (and not just hit the January sales for bigger sizes!).

I started on 5th January 2014.

Female: aged 38
Height: 5' 4"

Starting stats 5/1/14:
Weight: 11 st 7 lbs
Bust: 34"
BMI: 27.9

Dress size: 14/16

Current stats 1/8/14
Weight: 9 st 6 lbs - loss of 2 st 3 lbs
BMI: 22.6
Bust: 30" loss 4 inches (wish it were my thighs!)
Dress size: 8/10

I wish I had measured.

I haven't been this shape and weight since I was at school.

I was strict on FDs on Mondays and Thursdays and using MyFitness Pal, aimed 2 FDs, 2 @ around 80% TDEE, 1 @100% TDEE and 2@ around 120% TDEE ( wine days!) days to enjoy. I continued to run 5-7k twice a week, as I have for the last few years, which was build into by lightly active TDEE. I am now trying to build in some body weight exercises to tone up.

My eating habits have completely changed, for the better. I am much more selective about what I eat and drink. I plan (and buy) ahead on FD's and snack much less in general. I feel great, lots more energy, I can still splurge on takeaway and wine because I know that it all evens out over the week.

I got into all the lovely clothes that I had for post maternity leave, but have had to buy new stuff when it all became too big.

I have received lots of lovely comments and everyone has been really interested in 5:2. I am completely honest in saying that it has worked well for me and fitted my (and my families) lifestyle. I honestly don't think my daughters have been aware of me 'dieting', which was important to me. My FD's coincided with evening activities when we didn't eat as a family anyway. Other than that, as a family we are eating more healthily in general.

Although I have been a lurker, the 5:2 threads here have been invaluable - lots of ideas, tips and most of all encouragement. A big thank you to everyone.

All I need to do now is figure out how to maintain.

[BigChocFrenzy]

Congratulations on your achievement Cloud

That's a great BMI and SV. So important that you have learned good habits you can sustain longterm.
You've thoroughly earned all those compliments.
You sound a really good ambassador for 5:2

[BsshBosh]

Back to update. Still maintaining weightloss. In fact BMI now 19 (from original 36) so trying to eat more. 5:2 rocks!

[BigChocFrenzy]

That's great, Bssh

[MazzleDazzle]

Wonderful to read of your success Squirrelled and cloudof. Well done!

And lovely to get an update from Bssh. Your BMI has more than halved!

[icanmakeyouicecream]

I love this thread! Bumping..

[Mrschalke]

Hello, please can someone help me? I'm at an all time low. My weight it disgusting and I'm 5 ft 4. I have just been diagnosed with 2 disabilities so it's very hard for me to exercise. Can anyone explain what you have to eat on this 5:2 diet. My doctor has recommended it to me but with one of my illnesses I need to be told what to do. I cannot make decisions by myself and I am a really fussy eater. What do you eat on normal days etc? I really need some help x

[Breadandwine]

Hi Mrschalke

Your questions will be answered by reading the OP of the main thread, which is a veritable mine of information.

And all the support and help you could ever wish for will be found on joining the thread and posing those questions!

Most of us who've ever been on these threads were once in the position you find yourself in ATM - so you'll get a good deal of empathy as well.

Best wishes, B&W

[Breadandwine]

Oh, dear! Nothing to report since September?

Well, I can report that after a year of increasing exercise, inspired by BigChoc, my lung capacity has increased by 10%!

I know this because I have mild COPD from smoking 44 years ago, and I get checked out annually. The clinic was very pleased!

But I came on here tonight to post about Carorees, from the Fast Day forum. Here's her very inspirational story!

[BigChocFrenzy]

For anyone who has been inspired by these lovely success stories to start IF / 5:2, we have a new main
Thread48
Come join us for friendly support & advice.
In a few months, it could be you posting your inspirational story.

[MazzleDazzle]

Hello! Well it's the eve of my first fast day anniversary and I can't believe I'm here.

Where to start? I've crashed dieted since my teens (even though I was slim!), but regardless of how much I weighed I never felt in control of my eating. Sugar has always been my weakness and I'd gorge on cakes, chocolate and biscuits. I never felt like I was any good at sports, so never joined in at school.

When I was losing weight it was like I was underwater holding my breath; I knew I could only hold out so long. When I was putting on weight, it was like I was free falling; I couldn't stop.

In my early twenties I had a terrible body image. I used to hear "I'm fat, I'm ugly and I hate myself" on a loop, in my head. Others would often make snide comments about my weight too. Looking back, I wasn't even that big!

Things started to change when I fell pregnant. After having a body like an Easter egg, I swore that when my pregnancy I'd never moan about my body again! I stopped hating my body. I stopped putting myself down and made the best of what I had. If anyone dared comment on my weight I would have bitten their head off, but they never did.

I started eating sensibly and joined some local exercise classes. Soon I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight.

Then I fell pregnant with DD2 and when I was 6 months pregnant my Dad died suddenly. To make it worse, my mum had not long been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My husband works away from home for weeks at a time, so I had little support. I bottled things up and put on a brave face, but I wasn't coping at all. And so I ate! After the birth of DD2 I was a size 16-18.

I finally admitted I wasn't coping and went for counselling, where I dealt with losing my dad, my issues with my mum, and finally, my eating.

I started to have a much more positive relationship with food and lost a little bit of weight. Weight Watchers helped me lose 9lb, but as Xmas approached I knew it wouldn't last.

By chance I came across fasting on MN and thought it was much more feasible long term and I was impressed with the health benefits. I then started exercising, just brisk walking at first, then HIIT, weight training and boxercise.

This week, for the first time in my LIFE I've had no sugar, sweeteners or caffeine. A year ago, this would have been impossible!

I don't stick to healthy eating all the time, in fact there have been fortnights and even a whole month when I haven't fasted at all and indulged, but I always know I'll come back to fasting and after a few fasts I'm back on track.

I've lost 2 and a half stone and gone from a 16-18 to a size 12!

I remember reading this thread when I first started and feeling so desperate, hoping that fasting would work for me. I've never stuck at any slumming or diet plan for longer than a couple of months, but for me fasting is for life.

My weight loss journey isn't over yet, but I'm proud of how far I've come. If I can do it, anyone can!

[MazzleDazzle]

slimming!

Could quite easily stick to slumming .

[BigChocFrenzy]

That's brilliant, Mazzle
You are entitled to be proud of how hard you have worked to sort out difficult issues.

You've taken control of your weight and have developed a sustainable form of 5:2 to suit your preferences.
I'm sure you will continue your journey with success and achieve your goal