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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
thenewaveragebear1983 · 12/02/2020 07:15

https://simplytaralynn.com/2013/01/13/what-is-a-plateau-a-weight-loss-plateau-is-when/

Apologies for this article, but the different methods at the end are quite varied and may have ideas you haven't tried yet. Personally, and I know this maybe goes against the grain, but I would suggest for any major long plateau- a 'cheat' meal or a no count day. Partly for your own sanity. Partly to break the cycle of 'I can't even lose weight on 800 calories so I will eventually have to eat nothing and live on air...' (don't lie, I know we've all thought that briefly...) and partly because I am a firm believer in tricking the body. I've never really done 800 calorie days because I do so much exercise and I'm always in awe of those who can do day after day after day.

So on a 'no count day' it's exactly that- you follow the plan but for protein and fat you don't count the cals. Have some cream, have a rib eye steak, have cheese. All good high fat/low carb stuff. Still avoid the 'big 5/6', and be mindful of things like fruit etc, but plan yourself a really delicious meal or whole day menu. And above all, enjoy it! Don't feel guilty, don't weigh yourself the next day. This diet can be very good for us, but it is low calorie and that sometimes isn't good for our minds even if it is good for our insulin! @Kimlek be kind to yourself Thanks

OP posts:
Kimlek · 12/02/2020 07:31

Ah thank you bear... I think I’m hormonal and grumpy which isn’t helping.

CaptainBrickbeard · 12/02/2020 08:14

Wholeheartedly agree with bear’s post! This diet is intense and it can be overwhelming and draining.

I’m really struggling work wise because my job is to be creative every day and I feel like food and weight is taking up a lot of my attention. The tracking and monitoring and weighing can start to feel relentless. For the sake of my sanity I have to do a few no count days sometimes.

My weight has been stable for a few days now and I can’t complain because I had a massive whoosh throughout last week but I’m hovering just half a pound away from going down another stone bracket so I’m really keen to nudge it over! Another weekend away this week though and period is due soon so I’m expecting to see a gain.

onanothertrain · 12/02/2020 08:49

kimlek I feel your pain!
When I did the initial 8 weeks in 2018 I stuck to 800 calories 6 days a week but on a Saturday I didn't count calories or alcohol but did aim to stay below 50g carbs. I also didn't weigh my self more often than once a month, I haven't actually haven't been on scales since October 2018! I did take measurements weekly and went by how clothes fitted. The most motivating thing for me was to have a pile of clothes that no longer fitted me. I used to try them on weekly and when they fitted they went back in my wardrobe until the pile was empty. They are all still in my wardrobe.

Riddleofthesands · 12/02/2020 10:38

Just did my C25K shuffle and feel like knuckling down and trying to lose the next 5 lbs fast. I’ve had a bad couple of days, eating really good BSD food, low calories and then at 8 ish I have had wine which leads to crisps or cheese and crackers. Regained 1lb surprise surprise. No excuses, period not due, DH hasn't had a drink so far this year. I did remeasure my waist and I’ve lost 1 inch which makes me very happy. It must be the running.

Kimlek hopefully you are playing tennis and it boosts your mood.

Onanothertrain thats very inspiring, as soon as I reach goal I want to go through my wardrobe and have a major sort out. I have never done this so I have clothes from when I was 7 1/2 stone to almost 11 stone.

Kimlek · 12/02/2020 14:07

Thank you all so much!! Grin I did indeed drag myself to tennis and then on a decent dog walk! It’s a gorgeous sunny but chilly day and needed to make the most of it & hoped it’d boost my mood but I just burst into tears. I’m thinking it could be hormonal... I’m 50 and wonder if I’m peri menopausal. I’ve booked an apt to see the GP and already beginning to feel a bit happier.
Currently eating cottage cheese, pear & walnuts all weighed properly! I’m going to remain strict these next few days as loosing is so incredibly slow I’m terrified I’ll gain next week. We are going away for half term and I won’t have any control or clue calorie wise what I’ll be eating. I’ll adhere to BSD woe though and have some steak as you suggest bear. I’ll be having a week off calorie/macro counting and no weighing!! I’ll take a tight pair of trousers to monitor! Wink

PhoenixMama · 12/02/2020 14:58

Having an emotional day with DD but instead of reaching for my usual pastries I stayed strong. 2 eggs on a piece of rye sourdough for lunch. Will let DD pick dinner so might be a bit out but will survive. I've been feeling off this week, bit down, bit tired, I'm wondering if I'm fighting a bug? Just don't really feel like myself. I'm Def shrinking inches wise but not lbs. Wondering if that will be the way for a bit?

Kimlek · 12/02/2020 16:28

Ahhh pheonix hope both you & DD ok!!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 12/02/2020 20:34

Closing up the kitchen on 1300 cals, 60g carbs, I did 16k steps (6km run and Also yoga day 2). I feel good today, even though calories were over I haven't eaten mindlessly.
Tomorrow, I'm going to do yoga day 3 but no run. I'm impressed with how strenuous a workout the yoga actually is, although I do struggle to follow the moves and watch the screen- I suppose this comes easier in time.

Tomorrow's food: something eggy for lunch. Dinner (before work again, that really helped yesterday) will be chicken, possibly in some sort of traybake.

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DareDevil223 · 12/02/2020 20:42

Evening, joining in with my first day, loads to lose and determined to stop my snacky, beige carbs, binging habits. Today I've had the overnight oats from the Fast 800 recipe book and pan-fried crispy seabass with pak choi and mushrooms. I'm better on 2 larger meals.

After a few strawberries I have shut up shop just under 800 cals. Feeling okay.

Colourmylife1 · 12/02/2020 21:27

@DareDevil223 Welcome and well done for completing your first day! I found the first few days the hardest as I felt hungry but like you I found 2 meals easiest.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 13/02/2020 06:53

10.8.4 today, so back to where I was this time last week! That's 2/3 off this week though so I'm happy. I'm very much a 'bounce around' loser at the moment.

Unfortunately as always happens, the weekend is looming on the horizon. We have a supermarket meal deal for valentines dinner, although I did try to chose well, but there is a tiny dessert and the main is beef Wellington, so has pastry. More significantly, it is halfterm so a full week of no work but kids off school, which impedes my running availability! I do have a few evening classes I can attend with my circuits group (normally can't as they clash with work) so I'm planning to go to those and give my legs a rest.

Anyway- today, lots of jobs, day 3 yoga, food planned. Should be a good day!

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Kimlek · 13/02/2020 07:08

Well done bear - did you find the yoga on YouTube on your TV - I can only find day 1 and 10 and nothing in between.
I’m still very perplexed... This week I’ve lost zero. Absolutely zero! Still 11.3.0 this am.
I’m posting my weekly averages. As you can see my daily average is only slightly above 800 and my macros aren’t bad. Protein needs to be higher but... As you can see from happy scale my recorded weights hardly budge. I’m getting a bit impatient! It also worries me that I’ll have to do 800 cals just to blinking maintain!
I came on yesterday which explains my grumpy mood. I’m dog walking this morning, fasting til lunch then meeting a friend for a pub lunch where I intend to have steak & veg/salad (no chips) & use a voucher for a glass of Prosecco! I’ve got a pudding voucher too - for two puds but may use that when I’ve got the kids as a pud each today will probably take me back to 12st with my luck!

BSD and Fast800 support thread #17
BSD and Fast800 support thread #17
BSD and Fast800 support thread #17
thenewaveragebear1983 · 13/02/2020 07:28

@Kimlek that's very odd, maybe you'll have a little whoosh, I always retain water terribly around my period week. Re: yoga, I searched Adrienne 30 days on YouTube and then found the 'channel' rather than individual days workouts which then plays the 30 separate workouts in order. I'm doing the 2015 one.

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Kimlek · 13/02/2020 08:02

Thanks bear I’ll search for the channel. I’ll start it after half term. Maybe that’ll give my body the change it needs too. Albeit half term will.

Riddleofthesands · 13/02/2020 09:20

Hi Kimlek I am 52 and having been slim all my life have found the pounds piling onto my middle, also general feeling of anxiety and impending doom which I’ve never had before. I have started running which is helping mood, just getting out in the fresh air is hugely helpful. Unfortunately the menopause does make weight loss difficult. We seem to need far fewer calories as we get older.

Dinner last night was delicious, brill fillet, roast courgettes, roast cauliflower and tiny portion of lentils with red chilli.

Pajamagirl · 13/02/2020 19:41

Lost this thread , been lurking
Still not well enough to go on tre and 800 , but enjoying reading all your tips , hopefully be well prepared when I start

DottyDetective · 13/02/2020 22:10

@Kimlek I’m also stressed about going away for half term and managing. Think I’ll have to just do my best to keep to the low carb principles and try to do a 16 hour fast each day, hope I don’t gain and get back on it on my return.

Today I had a hard boiled egg as a snack and a beef stew with cauliflower mash for dinner. 800kcals in total. Tomorrow I’m travelling so all bets are off!

Kimlek · 13/02/2020 22:31

Ah dotty but there’s the included b’fast that you feel obliged to eat that’ll scupper the 16 hour fast!! Ours is b’fast & dinner included and there’ll be no option to eat b’fast late as we’ll be up & about. Not sure what I’ll do tbh as I’m now so used to not having b’fast.
Had a very energetic 1.5 hour dog walk today & fasted til lunch as per usual. Pub lunch was a braised beef with broccoli and celeriac mash but it tasted nothing like celeriac; turns out it was garlic mash made with potatoes. The jus was incredibly rich and sweet. All yummy & not a huge portion but it’ll have been very high carb. Also had a glass of the free Prosecco. Drank quite a lot of coffee too. I had intended to miss dinner but peckish so had chicken fillet with sweet corn & broccoli with the kids. I’ve not planned tomorrow’s food as need to empty the fridge ready for hols on Sat but I’ll ensure it’s bsd friendly. Having a day off was quite nice today but I’m sure I’ll pay for it!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 14/02/2020 07:02

@DottyDetective enjoy your holiday. What I wouldn't give for a week in the sunshine right now!

I'm down to 10.8.0 this morning which is around 2.5 this week I think. And just dipping below last week's lowest! I'm actually surprised by that as I ate a cupcake last night after work, but maybe my food had been good enough to counter it!

Today I'm going for a run, hopefully a solid 10km before the weather spirals into storms again this weekend. I will Do day 4 of yoga (I am loving it, thanks for suggesting it!) and then will have various jobs to do at home. Tonight we have a beef wellington but the veg is BSD and there's no potatoes, although there is a v small pud and some red wine! I'm going to try to fast all day until dinner but I do have a pot of soup which I may bring out if I get hungry.

Have a great day!

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DottyDetective · 14/02/2020 07:12

Oh I’m not going to the sunshine or nice hotels sadly, just going to spend time with family. Who like to comment and nitpick on my weight and appearance constantly.

DottyDetective · 14/02/2020 07:14

bear well done on the loss- I’m not really losing this week which is disheartening.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 14/02/2020 07:43

@DottyDetective oh dear, i'm not sure why I thought you were jetting off. Don't let people get you down, think of the amazing changes you've made recently. Will food be completely beyond your control or will you be partly catering for yourself?

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DottyDetective · 14/02/2020 08:14

Mostly out of my control I’m afraid. So not ideal!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 14/02/2020 08:31

@DottyDetective I suppose all you can do is really try to focus on the protein/fat and try to avoid the carbs as best you can. Maybe take some little packs of nuts so you have suitable snacks? And definitely keep up the other healthy habits like drinking plenty of water and getting a walk in every day. Are they the sort of family who will accept you're dieting and not eating certain things, or will there be cake at every meal and disapproving looks when you decline?

I'm sure you will be fine anyway, and even if you completely abandon plan for a week, you will get back on it once you're home!

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