Why isn't it working?

[hemel07]

I have been doing the 5:2 diet for almost 3 weeks and its not really working. I lost 2lbs somewhere in the second week but it just seems to fluctuate, today I'm almost back where I started. I only want to lose about half stone but I'm really struggling. I'm being pretty sensible on my non fast days, maybe having one day a week where I have whatever I like. What am I doing wrong?

Try calculating your TDEE (sedentary) and logging every morsel you eat on NFD.

Is it your TOTM?

Try checking your measurements as well as your weight.

If you only have 7lb to lose you may have to be extra tough and even then weight lose may be slow.

Good luck!

What is TDEE? I think I probably do need to be a bit more careful on NFD and yes I am due on. Thanks! Will keep preserving...

Basically TDEE is the Total Daily Energy Expended ie. how many calories a day you need to stay the same weight.

You need a weekly deficit of 3500 cals per week, to lose a pound a week.

Obviously if you're managing 2 x 500 cal FD then you've got a deficit on those days that will contribute to your weekly deficit.

If you go on to the main thread (I think it's no. 43 currently), there is an explanation of what TDEE is and a link to a calculator so you can work yours out. When using the calculator, set it to 'sedentary'.

Pop over to the main thread and say hello. Everyone is super friendly and supportive and always welcome new folks!

Thankyou so much, I'll have a look.

Sounds like you are eating back your FD deficit on NFDs.
Many folk who are overweight don't judge portion size properly for their body. Some eat the same amount as their much bigger OH, or don't realise how many cals snacks have.

So, log all food and drink on mfp for a full week, then calculate your TDEE.

To lose weight, you need a weekly total like this:
. 2x500 FDs plus
. 5 x TDEE for NFDs (average: you can eat less during the week to save cals for weekend)

agree with measurements being different to weight. Also is there something irritating you? when I give up wheat, the weight falls off even if I eat tons of other carbs. I think my metabolism seems to work better.

Do you actually need to lose weight? Sometimes our bodies will dig it's heels in if it's not really needed.