Surprising things you have learnt about yourself from 5:2

[MadauntofA]

Apart from the ability to lose weight, control appetite etc. I found out I am lactose intolerant! I have had thyroid problems for years and thought my gut problems / headaches / tiredness were all related but found I was feeling absolutely fab on my fasting days. Figured out it may be dairy related as I wasn't having any on those days. Two weeks dairy free then glass of milk to test confirmed, and have felt great since swapping to dairy equivalents.
Anyone else learnt anything strange about themselves?

What is 5:2?

5days normal eating, 2 days fasting. Look at the other threads to explain in detail

Thank you. I will have a look. Not sure it would work for me though as I'm very greedy.

Interesting to hear your experiences, madaunt
No foods are banned, but 500 cals on FDs may mean excluding many foods someone normally eats. So it can reveal intolerances.
I hadn't thought of that before

Betty Many of us on 5:2 are greedy and are only prepared to diet 2 days per week. The OP on our main 52Thread52 has loads of imformation.

I was a real dairy nut before but I'm feeling so much better and the different foods I'm using instead - avocado instead of cheese etc are much healthier. I just need to make sure I'm eating enough calcium. I don't think I would ever have put 2&2 together if I hadn't been on 5:2

Non-dairy sources of calcium: sardines, salmon, mackerel, firm tofu, spinach, kale, turnip tops (greens). Orange juice is high GI, so better eat the fruit.

Thanks bigchoc, I love mackerel and salmon and also kale so should be ok!