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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.

Original poster

How soon do you see a difference?

68 replies

SpideyMom · 27/04/2021 21:43

Hiya

I've started IF, 16:8. I'm only on day 3 and already feel great. I am a night time binge eater and it's ruined my life to be fair. I'm a healthy weight at 10stone but been stuck in a starving then binging cycle for 15 years.

Its early days but its helped me stop the binging which was my biggest problem. I'd eat so much junk in one sitting I was ashamed. How I'm not bigger I don't know but my body just looks horrible.

I only have around a few kg to lose to be at my comfortable weight. I already feel more focused, alert and in control and overall better mentally.

I was just wondering how many weeks did others feel a difference in clothes? It's my clothes that have become tight hence why I want to shift a few kgs. But ultimately IF for me is about being able to control myself not eating after 8pm (normally I will binge after 9pm).

Thank you

OP posts:
Gordonbennit · 13/05/2021 22:43

I need to start IF again to regain control of my eating habits. I too am a binge eater I get an actual brain kick from certain foods and once I open the flood gate I cannot stop myself. I eat when I’m stressed when I’m upset when I’m bored it’s my favourite thing to do but then I simultaneously feel guilty about it which then fuels me to eat more and adds more guilt...It’s crazy.

I did IF last year for a few months and felt fantastic although I only lost about 5lbs I felt so much better, I wasn’t so bloated and the control over my eating really gave me a boost. Iv recently been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis plus my cholesterol is higher than it should be.

I’m 10st 6 only want to loose a bit of weight it’s more about the control. I found it so easy last time but this time even starting is seeming a big deal.

I’m posting this hoping it gives me a kick start.

Well done to everyone who is keeping it up Flowers your body will be thanking you everyday but I don’t think the scales help mentally.

DShrute · 13/05/2021 22:54

Gordonbennit . Go for it. Definitely worth doing again.

Original poster
SpideyMom · 13/05/2021 23:46

It's amazing how many people deal with this. Most brush it off as just being greedy. For me it became such a consuming problem that I hadn't been able to quit. In fact I think it got significantly worse with age.

I was wondering tonight if I will do it forever, the IF? I think I will certainly stop eating after 8pm, I honestly feel amazing taking control back. I dont particularly care too much about skipping breakfast too but I'd like to think at some point I can relax it abit and at least have a drink in the morning.

I measured my inches before the shower tonight. I'm still the same! I still can't get my head around how it's not making any change to my body shape. I'm not making it up when I say how badly I abused it with food. It was obscene really and it was mostly all sugary foods. Im amazed how stripping them right back has made zero difference to my shape. Maybe there is no such thing as 'bad foods' afterall.

I shouldn't focus on my weight and body, though it's hard, as I really do feel amazing. Mentally I feel so clear. I'm less bloated, going to the toilet better (sorry tmi), skin is clearer, I'm more alert, happy and less agitated. I feel focused and at peace. I dont feel weighed down by constant worrying. I laughed tonight to myself as I'm so organised. I used to be pre child. Post child it all went to pot and I've just winged it in most cases and rushed to get things sorted/together. Lately I go to bed with everything ready in order for the next morning. Even down to getting my DS bowl, spoon and cup ready for his breakfast and everything ready to go is by the door waiting. I wouldn't say sleep is better. It's one of the things I really wish was improving. For some reason I'm going to bed later. However I've noticed I'm no where near as fatigued as I was. There were days where I felt so unbelievably tired I wanted to cry as my body hurt and I couldn't even blame my child as he has always been an incredible sleeper. I dont feel that for the first time in years.

So far IF has been amazing. Its a shame we focus so much on our sizes when the other benefits have been really clear already

OP posts:
DShrute · 17/05/2021 09:49

Hi op. Sounds like you are doing marvelously. Surely you are having a drink before lunch time? I haven't stopped the tea and coffee, but no sugar and little milk. Having 50 calories doesn't break the fast. I am not getting weighed as I think it's too discouraging. I know I feel better, I eat well and most importantly, I can maintain this. It's getting where I don't even think about the fasting part, the longer I do it. My intention is to live like this now but not be obsessive, and miss the odd days when social life gets in the way 😊. Ps, I know if I had carried on the way I was, I would have put a stone on each year.

Original poster
SpideyMom · 17/05/2021 11:28

No, only having water. Today is the first day I'm finding it tough. I feel shattered so it isn't helping. Only 30 odd minutes to go but typical I'm at work and have 2 sets of customers due in when I'm about to eat. I could cry.

I didnt realise anything under 50 calories doesn't break a fast? That's interesting.

It definitely is becoming a way of life for me but I hope I don't become obsessive with it. I was so rushed on Saturday to make sure I ate before 8pm. I dont get why I'm being so strict and won't let myself have off days or just lessen the fasting window by a little. It's stupid and I have to get away from thinking that way.

OP posts:
DShrute · 17/05/2021 11:46

Look at it long term. You don't have to be so rigid, just keep going. Look at how many strict diets fall by the wayside. This is just being healthier and kinder to your body. You can change the hours . If you have customers, you could eat before and do 11-7 for example. Don't beat yourself up on if you have a bad day. Just feel good that you can do this x also, if I was still running about after DCs or working f/t, I would just do the if 3 days a week!

Original poster
SpideyMom · 17/05/2021 12:45

That's the word I was looking for, rigid. I need to stop. My point of doing this was to regulate my eating and form better habits. I dont want to become so obsessive as it becomes another form of disordered eating for me then when I am too strict.

I feel bad moaning about it as I really do love it and am so pleased with how easily I've fell into it. But I do need to take more positives from what it's doing rather than me only focusing if I don't do something. So what, I've done 3 whole weeks now without a binge. That's worth celebrating in itself as I was so trapped in the cycle. And to be honest I entered into this with only it helping control my binging in mind.

I'm on the lookout for good books about it?

OP posts:
DShrute · 17/05/2021 13:03

No book recommendations. There are lots of threads on MN. Some are just fasting for shorter times. Some have lots of weight to lose. Remember you are only needing to lose a little!

Original poster
SpideyMom · 17/05/2021 16:01

I think eventually I will definitely start relaxing it back. Afterall life isn't meant to be so regimented. I think cutting out the night time eating has been a massive help

OP posts:
Sarcobaleno · 18/05/2021 10:41

Can I join the chat please? I have previously done the 5:2 diet successfully but now giving the 16:8 a bash because I think I'm likely to stick to it better. I have about 8 or 9 kilos to lose. How many calories do you eat in your window? I'm going to try and be much more careful than normal but wondering how strict I need to be to see fast results. Wine is my downfall so no more weekday drinking... thanks

Original poster
SpideyMom · 18/05/2021 10:56

Hi. Of course you can.

Good question regarding the calories. I have to be honest I don't really count them but at a guess I'm eating maybe 1500 to 1600 a day in my window. I had a big issue with binge eating so that was my motive for doing this. The fact I've managed to be completely binge free since I started this over 3 weeks ago is such an achievement for me, and I know for a fact I am eating much less than I was calorie wise. Also the types of foods I'm eating have shifted. I only have the odd biscuits now if at all and virtually no chocolate which were tough ones for me to cut.
Soon though I am going to become more mindful of what I eat. Not overly strict but maybe watch the carbs

OP posts:
Sarcobaleno · 18/05/2021 15:04

I think I will try and do around the same, it has to be sustainable. The 5:2 was great but I am a comfort eater and just love food generally so I prefer to know I can have at least something a bit tasty without worrying too much. It is almost a relief to not be eating so much again, frightening how easy it is to consume nutritionally empty calories.

Original poster
SpideyMom · 18/05/2021 15:46

For me I prefer the routine. If I eat the same hours every day it becomes normal. Now if I was to do the 5:2 I bet I would absolutely dread the 2 days and I'd throw in the towel. Someone at work does the 5:2 way and loves it. It works well for him. But for me I dont want to feel like im starving myself.
16:8 has worked well for me. I dont feel deprived at all

OP posts:
Original poster
SpideyMom · 18/05/2021 15:49

I meant to add, as long as I eat within my eating window I'm not overly critical of what I eat unless of course I start to overeat which luckily has only happen twice in 3 weeks. But when I've overate it's not been by much really.

In a few weeks I may review what I am eating and see what I can change. I'm stuck at 9 stone 6 which I am happy with but want to get to around 9 stone if possible

OP posts:
Original poster
SpideyMom · 18/05/2021 16:23

Now I feel a hypocrite Envy

First time since I started that I've come home and picked as crisps, sweets, and biscuits like I just have. I havent even enjoyed them and to top it off my tummy is now hurting bad.

I sat down after and thought to myself you can either beat yourself up over it or just move on. I have a real tendency to go in on myself when I feel like I've failed. But it's a little bump. There are so many better days ahead.

I only wish I'd of had the munchies for something more enjoyable lol. Something like this was bound to happen. These last few days I've felt so drained and exhausted. I pick for comfort. But gonna put this one behind me I think

OP posts:
Sarcobaleno · 18/05/2021 18:06

Start fresh tomorrow. It's one day compared to all the days you haven't eaten too much. That's a brilliant achievement x

Original poster
SpideyMom · 18/05/2021 19:48

I actually feel sick after it lol. It's hard to believe how much I binged only a matter of weeks ago. But im still feeling sick after today. So it just goes to show your stomach does change, and pretty quickly.

OP posts:
KittytheHare · 18/05/2021 21:27

@SpideyMom I've just read this thread and I think it sounds like you're doing brilliantly. One of the most important things is not letting yourself become derailed by a little hiccup. As you say, you're breaking a really unhealthy pattern which has caused you great unhappiness. You've a lot to be proud of!

I'm currently trying 16:8 plus a low calorie diet during my 'window'. It's only day 4, but I'm feeling a lot better, even if it's just psychological. I'd like to lose about 1.5 stone. I really piled it on during lockdown.

Original poster
SpideyMom · 18/05/2021 22:08

Thanks @KittytheHare

When you say you are eating low calorie in your window, what sort of number are you talking? I know soon I need to start looking at what I eat as I have about 6lbs to go. But at the moment I was focusing on curbing the night time binging

OP posts:
KittytheHare · 18/05/2021 23:13

I’m trying to keep within the 800 calories atm. Really because I’m desperate to lose weight in a hurry! I need a quick loss to motivate me further.

Original poster
SpideyMom · 18/05/2021 23:25

Oh im nearly double that. Maybe I'm eating too much still

OP posts:
Original poster
SpideyMom · 31/05/2021 12:52

So im losing interest now. Im still doing it but this last week ive found the eating during the window pretty poor, and ive felt it too.

I think it's because I haven't lost any more weight.

Any tips to keep me on track? I like the no eating after 8pm. In fact the idea of it really works for me as its stopped the night time binging. But I have started snacking more and its so disappointing. I just feel so deflated

OP posts:
KittytheHare · 01/06/2021 09:13

What’s your calorie count like in your ‘window’ @SpideyMom? Could that be what’s slowing your weight loss?

IsFuzzyBeagMise · 01/06/2021 09:18

I hope you get back on track, SpideyMom. You were doing so well. It seems to have made a big difference to your well-being.

Original poster
SpideyMom · 01/06/2021 16:00

Thanks both. I had a huge binge last night before my fast window had started. Oh god it was a bad one. And I felt that 'oh fuck it just carry on' attitude for the first time since I started. I was so annoyed with myself. It is the first major one though since starting so I won't beat myself up too much.

Food wise during my eating window I start with 2 weetabix, milk and 1 teaspoon of sunflower seeds and a coffee. A few hours later I will have a bag or crisps like wotsits, quavers or skips (the low calories type crisps). When I get in from work I will have another coffee and if I'm hungry maybe a stick of cheese or 2 biscuits. Dinner is between 600 and 800 calories at a guess. I cook alot home made but I dont necessarily cut out anything. As I didn't want this to be a diet as such. That said I still cook with less oil and do everything as healthily as I can with plenty of veg or salad. Then before my fasting begins I will either have another coffee or a 300ml glass of coconut milk (the carton kind).

Last night's binge aside, above is very typical of my eating since I started IF and hugely different from when I binged constantly. Today I just feel a fat blob and like why am I eating so differently with no improvement

OP posts:
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