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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.

BSD and Fast800 support thread #17

999 replies

thenewaveragebear1983 · 06/01/2020 10:51

Here’s the new thread for the BSD followers, plus those following the Fast800 plan. Everyone is welcome to join us. Here’s a quick recap!

The BSD/fast 800 is a low carb, Mediterranean style way of eating, with the primary aim of stabilising your insulin response when you eat. You achieve this by: eating fewer carbs, cutting out sugar and sweet tasting foods including most fruit, and by following a low calorie plan that reduces your visceral fat meaning that everything functions more effectively. Less insulin means less fat storage (in a nutshell, although more info can be found on this online). The diet was designed to reduce T2 diabetes symptoms (or even reverse it entirely) but can also be used for weightloss.

Eat:
Meats and fish
Oils
Eggs
Full fat dairy products
Nuts, seeds
Pulses/ beans
Veg that grows above ground
Limit fruit: apples, pears, berries- in moderation, with meals, with fats

Occasional alcoholic drinks allowed (spirits, red wine are preferable to beer, lager, etc)
Tea and coffee, herbal tea etc.
And water- drink lots of water!

Avoid
sugar, sweets, and ‘naturally occurring sugars’ such as fructose, maltose, honey, agave, puréed dates etc....

Potatoes of any variety
Pasta
Rice
Breakfast cereals (occasional steel cut oats are ok)
Breads/ flour based products

Exercise:
Michael Moseley recommends HIIT workouts to increase calorie burn and help to tone up, and recommends walking more (increasing your steps weekly until you hit around 10000 a day)

Mindfulness
MM also suggests a programme of mindfulness, meditation, practised for a few minutes each day.

How to follow the plan:
Fast800: follow the plan above, sticking to 800 calories every day for 2 weeks. Ideal to give your weightloss a real kick start, plus improve your insulin function and reduce your sugar cravings.
8 weeks BSD- 8 weeks, follow the guidelines above- 800 calories a day. You don’t need to count carbs grams because the diet is naturally self limiting.
BSD 5:2- for a more leisurely weightloss journey, or as maintenance, or once you’ve done an 8 week stint or 2 weeks of Fast800, you can play around with a combination of increased calorie count, ‘free eating’ and fasting days (800 cals) until you achieve your goals. Many of our long standing members now follow this approach.

You can stop 800 calorie days at any time once you achieve your goal. It’s advised to limit yourself to 12 weeks maximum at 800 calorie days, but you should get excellent results in 8 weeks. Depending on your weightloss goals, you can do further ‘rounds’ of either the 8 week BSD or the Fast800.

Time restricted eating/TRE :
In addition to the fast800/ BSD plan you can incorporate a strategy of time restricted eating. Put simply, this means only eating between certain times each day to maximise your fasting time. TRE has shown to have positive results for weightloss, even if there is no calorie restriction, and increases insulin sensitivity/reduces insulin resistance. At first, try for a clear 12 hours without food each 24 hours, increasing to 16:8 as you get more adept at fasting.

Some useful links:

previous thread

Meal planning ideas thread
Blood sugar diet recipe thread and menu planner meal planning thread

<a class="break-all" href="http://go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=healthyeater.com/important-tool-weight-loss" target="_blank">TDEE calculator to calculate your daily calorie requirement

information about the ‘whoosh’ phenomenon

OP posts:
Thread gallery
23
FluffyEarMuffs · 08/02/2020 20:42

Thank you for sharing @VenusInfers It's just the kind of motivation I need 🙌🏻

I should be 9 stone, or a lb or two under. 8 stone 12 or 13 would be perfect.

I did do this way of eating for a while last summer, but unhappiness outside got in the way.

I was the heaviest I have ever been at 11 stone 8 lbs in December, including when I was pregnant!!

I found the first bit came off, but I am now bobbing around over 10 stone. 10 stone 3 yesterday to be precise.

I need to just keep going, and remember I have actually lost a lot of weight, and I am getting fitter too. My clothes are looser and I am going to need new bras soon as the centre wire is digging into my ribs 😁

VenusInfers · 08/02/2020 21:08

Gosh, Fluffy, you've done SO WELL already. You're over half way to your goal; you should be so proud! You are going to enjoy getting into those older, smaller clothes that are lurking at the back of the drawer or in the attic. Take a break if you need one, and then right back at it! Grin

thenewaveragebear1983 · 09/02/2020 07:39

Yesterday was an unmitigated carb fest at mother's, and it was one of those where I just had to get on with it being as she was already catering for a vegan, a dairy allergy, a nut allergy and a very fussy child- I couldn't exactly throw my low carb into the mix! So as a result, coupled with a pretty dire week for me overall, I'm not even risking the scales this morning.

However, I do feel a bit miserable as I never seem to manage to do two weeks in a row and I pretty much know I'll have regained most of what I lost last week which is why I'm not getting on the scales!

You know me though, I'm always getting back on it. I will sit today and make my plan for the week. I need a low, low carb, very strict few days. I also need to cut dairy right out again; I've been having more and my rosacea has flared right back up, plus I do think it gives me carb cravings.

Another modification this week is going to be that I am going to eat before work on Tuesday/Thursday night. 8.30/9 is too late, and it throws me out entirely.

Today: Dh and I are braving storm ciara to go for a run. I'm going to have chicken soup for lunch, and dinner will be a slow roast brisket and veg so in theory it could be a good day. I just have to battle my own self which is the tricky bit!

OP posts:
Kimlek · 09/02/2020 08:03

Morning all!
Yes fluffy you’re doing brilliantly!
I had a disastrous day yesterday as friends came over and DH fired up the pizza oven... I don’t normally like pizza but his are the thinnest crispiest most garlicky fabulous pizzas ever. So I had lots! And then started on the wine. And had lots! I’m cross as I’ve not been drinking & hadn’t missed it and I’ve no idea why I started last night. I’m feeling a tadge hung over this morning and have a headache. And up to 11.3.
I’m driving my youngest DD 100 miles & back for a competition. Groan. There’s a cafe but it’ll be burgers so I’m packing a food flask of BSD bolognese & spinach for me & another that includes pasta for DD. I’ll take nuts and seeds for snacks as there’ll be lots of sitting around. DH will have a roast beef etc cooked for our dinner when we return so should be an ok day albeit zero exercise. And awful driving conditions.

CaptainBrickbeard · 09/02/2020 08:31

Well I not only fell off the wagon yesterday but if my hangover this morning is anything to go by, I fell right under it and the wheels ran over me too. Went out for a nine hour lunch with a lot of wine and cocktails. What I wouldn’t give for a slice of toast right now! But I’m back on it Envy

Kimlek · 09/02/2020 09:30

Aargh captain I feel your pain! I’ve just drunk a litre of ginger tea and beginning to feel human again. I’ve packed a litre of sugar free cordial and a mug of fennel tea and will take spiced apple teabags with me. I’m so dehydrated! And The coffee there is gross!!

Riddleofthesands · 09/02/2020 09:33

Enjoyed catching up on the thread, it’s so busy!

Sympathy to those with hangovers. Just start again tomorrow. I am out for Sunday lunch with family today. Should be fine if I stick to roast beef and non carby veg, I am driving so no wine.

Similar stats to VenusInfers and Fluffy, my highest weight was pregnancy at 10 st 12 lbs. Currently 9 st 11 and aiming for 9 st. What bugs me the most is 35 inch waist, rings of blubber around my middle and most of my clothes don’t fit. Age 52 it is hard to shift. W3 and have lost 5 1/2 lbs. Feel much better on this WOE. Period finished so should have a good week next week. Enjoying C25K but daren’t run today (be careful Bear!) as I usually run in a wood. Have a good day everyone.

PhoenixMama · 09/02/2020 10:24

Morning all! somehow my message from yesterday didn't show up but thinking of you @Hellsbells0509, hope it was ok.

So interesting waking up to all these posts of people falling off the wagon and being cross with themselves, I'm reading The Kindness Method at the moment and I wonder how differently this whole woe would be if we were kinder with ourselves on those days?

I had a course yesterday and I knew it would be an off=plan day as I don't like to be all hardcore diet on occasions where food is part of the socialising and I have limited control over what I can have. I also know I can't fast when I'm supposed to be learning, it all goes in one ear and out the other so I had breakfast around 9:30.

I then decided to give myself the day off food wise, I've had DD for 3 weeks straight because her dad's work schedule has changed around a lot this month and she sprained her ankle again this week (she is the most accident-prone child I've ever met!) and my week has been built around waiting on her hand and foot and generally not having a second to myself she was so clingy. I ended up in bed watching netflix and eating waitrose chicken korma and garlic bread with a little glass of prosecco and I was so bloody happy lol. I think sometimes we need to go off piste, and lets be honest if we didn't we would be miserable, I can do this long term if I know the world doesn't end because I ate some bread.

Also interestingly I did my measurements this morning and since doing yoga every day I've lost 11 inches - now some of them were just getting me back to where I was but in the last 3 weeks I've lost 4.75 inches which takes me to my lowest measurements in over 10 years! So although the scale isn't breaking through my bloody border wall number I'm still getting smaller!

DottyDetective · 09/02/2020 11:41

I had a HIIT class this morning and I’m so hungry now! Suspect if I start eating I just won’t stop though so trying to push through until early dinner (roast chicken).

onanothertrain · 09/02/2020 12:54

I had bread yesterday, I don't usually crave it but I really really wanted bread yesterday! Today was meant to be my long run day but having been out with the dog this morning there's no way I'm running in that weather. Will do a couple of YouTube hiit workouts instead and try and avoid the crisps that are shouting to me from the kitchen cupboard....

FluffyEarMuffs · 09/02/2020 14:28

Aww, thanks Venus and Kimlek but annoyingly the scales were stubbornly back at 10 stone 5 this morning 🙄 so until they do drop below 10 consistently, or at least on 10 stone, I can't celebrate "half way" 😁

I really want to be 9 stone something very soon 🤞🏻

I am making moussaka for dinner with a load of broccoli.

I hope everyone is having a good day!

Kimlek · 09/02/2020 20:20

pheonix - I ended up in bed watching netflix and eating waitrose chicken korma and garlic bread with a little glass of prosecco and I was so bloody happy lol
Sounds perfect!!! We do need to be kind to ourselves. I’m seriously thinking about starting Adrienne... I’ve never fancied yoga but it sounds amazing!!
riddle I’m also 35 inches... same as my boobs Hmm.
fluffy absolutely love moussaka but how on Earth dyou do it to be BSD friendly? A recipe please?
I’m closing at 838 cals and DD with a gold medal 🥇

DottyDetective · 09/02/2020 22:30

I’ve been afraid to take measurements! I know I’m the biggest I’ve ever been. 2kg down week one though which seems like less than most people but not the worst I suppose.

Fluffy interested in the same question!

I had a roast today with chicken, celeriac puree, carrots, spinach and sausage and walnut stuffing. Had it early and it was about 850kcals so will struggle tomorrow I’m sure.

FluffyEarMuffs · 10/02/2020 03:59

I didn't end up eating it afterall, so I have a whole Tupperware of slow cooked mince in the fridge, but hey ho.

I haven't got a recipe to link to, but I worked it out as just under 500 calories per portion with 19 grams carbs. Basically, very very slow cooked beef passata (I don't like lamb!), slices of (frozen) pre grilled aubergine, ricotta/natural yogurt/Parmesan mixture spread on top, lots of oregano. Had to google stats for aubergine, as hadn't eaten it so far this year. Dug the frozen packet out the freezer to check nutritional box as well 😁

I don't put diced carrot in it, I use celery which disintegrates into it. And no egg, sugar, potato or cornflour either. It just needs hours of slow cooking for the beef, and a good additional hour or two with the aubergine and yogurt mix for the flavours to deepen. Then another half an hour just to rest.

But I didn't end up finishing making it... I might freeze the cooked beef now and either do it in the week or thin it out and have a bit with some courgetti. I'll probably freeze it.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 10/02/2020 07:09

My weekend went from bad to still as bad, and I've put 2lbs back on last week. Grrrrr. My own fault entirely but I just seem to have no staying power at the moment.

Dh and I ran 14km yesterday but it was only because we got lost on a 'shortcut' yeah thanks for that Dh so my bad hamstring is tight and swollen today and probably accounts for some of that gain as I can feel the water retention around my glute backside. A big muscle like that can hold a lot of water! I had reasonable food yesterday, but did have a kit Kat in the evening although really that shouldn't have had too much impact given that my run burned 1000 cals but the scales disagree!

I'm stepping off the scales again til Friday and just focussing straight on food. I need to replace my kitchen scales as mine are broken so that I can properly weigh my portions. And will be drinking loads of water this week too. Menu planned, list done: Ds and I like to go to tesco after we've been to boxercise on Mondays.

I'm going to look for the 30 days of yoga too. I love Adrienne's running yoga but maybe a daily 'check in' would be beneficial to my zen! Any particular one you recommend?

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CaptainBrickbeard · 10/02/2020 07:14

I was very strict with myself through my hangover yesterday and stayed away from all the carby comfort food. I am glad I did because today I totalled one and a half stone off - in five and a half weeks! And I’m half a pound away from breaking into another stone bracket. The BSD book cover says the average loss over the eight weeks is two stone and I feel like I could possibly hit that which would be quite amazing.

Having read all the weights upthread though and seen how many of you are in the 9 and 10 stone category, I certainly have a lot more to lose than most and that will be why it’s coming off quickly!

Kimlek · 10/02/2020 07:17

Wow sounds yum fluffy I didn’t know you could get frozen aubergine!
dotty 2kg in a week is 4lb - I’ve never lost 4lb in a week! I only do my waist measurement - across my belly button as that’s where my belly fat is rather than my natural waist but the belly button is a ‘landmark’ for a consistent measurement. It’s actually not changed that much - an inch. But I feel slimmer higher up & across ribcage if that makes sense.
I’m walking the dog this morning but with slow walking friends, then have pilates. I’ll fast til lunch but can’t recall what I’ve planned. I know it’s the BSD stir fry beef tonight. I’ve got lots of chores today but will try to see if I can download yoga on the TV - I think I’ll struggle to follow it on an iPad or phone. No idea if that’s even possible though.

Kimlek · 10/02/2020 07:20

Amazing results captain Keep up the fabulous work!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 10/02/2020 07:48

@Kimlek I have done YouTube yoga on my phone while on holiday but I think you need to have seen it on the big screen a few times to know what she's telling you to do. Do you have a smartTV?

@CaptainBrickbeard that's a great achievement, well done!
I'm in the 10 stone bracket but according to fitbit I am about 2-3 lbs from being overweight still (ie just in the very top of 'normal' weight) and I could comfortably lose a stone I reckon.

Have a great Monday everyone

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DottyDetective · 10/02/2020 08:27

@CaptainBrickbeard I have 30kg to lose! That’s 4.5stone. Could definitely lose more and still be healthy too! I hope I’ve done as well as you 5.5weeks in!

FluffyEarMuffs · 10/02/2020 09:58

Pah. I am still 10 stone 5 (and a bit) this morning, and so I am still heavier than I ended last week on still. Bloody annoying, but deserved.

I will water (plus mint tea, etc) fast all day and then have a light dinner to kick start the week. Or just water fast until tomorrow morning possibly. I do have a miso sachet so I could have a miso soup later as a compromise between the two!

I have yoga later, if the floods are okay and I can get there.

I hope everyone has a good start to the week.

Kimlek · 10/02/2020 11:31

Yeah! Found a beginners yoga with Adrienne via YouTube on my big tv! So I’m going to give that a go after tennis tomorrow. It doesn’t look tricky so I may then try to find her 30 day ones. I’ve found day 0 and day 10... so not sure if all on YouTube. But there’s lots of different ones to try.

PhoenixMama · 10/02/2020 13:58

@Kimlek Yes all her 30 day yogas are on there so just search for it. I find searching for it online and then pulling it up on the tv works best.

I'm about the same today and I'm ok with that. Salmon w/pesto tonight with roasted cauliflower and greens. Will be baking with dd tonight but the amazing low-ish cal banana chocolate chip muffins I do.

Loving all the measurement successes! My belly used to be bigger than my boobs but now it's waaaaay smaller!

Kimlek · 10/02/2020 15:27

Thanks pheonix now I need to not just watch her do yoga whilst I sit on the sofa drinking tea!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 10/02/2020 18:44

Closing up the kitchen on 1150 cals, 43g carbs. I've done 18k steps which included 1hr boxercise class. A good day back on track for me! I'm surprised the carbs were as high because all I had really was a tbsp beans and some raspberries, but looking closer it was the vegetarian sausages...they do have a fairly high carb count. My challenge is now to not eat any more tonight!

I'd decided I was just going to eat freely today, provided it was fat/protein based, so for lunch I just had leftover roast chicken and avocado, dinner was sausage and egg.

Tomorrow: if my leg isn't hurting then I will run, if it is then I'll do a hiit/kettlebell workout at home. I'm going to fast as long as possible then have my dinner before I go to work. Dh is away tomorrow so perfect opportunity to try that as normally we eat together when I get home.

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