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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

16:8 I need to lose at least 5 stone

314 replies

Whichcatthatcat · 23/01/2022 10:09

Please help me. I've done this diet before, lost a stone or so but gradually put most of it back on.

I'm starting today and need company/ motivation etc.

Anyone want to join me?

OP posts:
Rodedooda · 31/01/2022 09:29

1 week down and scales back up a wee bit so 0.5kg off last week.

I've been since reading a bit more about IF and have decided that if I'm going to do it I will do a 'clean' fast (black tea & coffee and water only), and try and aim for 18:6, with a bit of flexibility for social occasions.

Apparently it can take a few weeks before any major changes to scales as your body adapts. I'm a wee bit skeptical on all the amazing claims but I figure if I'm not going to calorie count there has to be effort out in elsewhere - and tbh I'm not finding the fast too hard. My appetite in general has reduced I feel too. Crazy dream though (could be the wind - weather wind not the other kind of wind Grin).

I've even managed to so some exercise over the weekend in the mornings whilst 12+ hours faster, and didn't collapse!

Plump82 · 31/01/2022 10:49

Weigh day for me and 2.8lbs off. I would have liked to have been over 3 but a loss is a loss. Im going to factor in exercise this week to see whether I can budge it up a bit.

Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 31/01/2022 13:59

Fail this morning. I only managed 13 hours fast. I was just so hungry before work.

OP posts:
Plump82 · 31/01/2022 15:21

Just went for a walk and burned 184 cals and now to break my fasting!

Tuirseach · 01/02/2022 22:42

It's going OK here, I've gotten used to my black tea in the evenings, and given how busy I am in the mornings with the school run the 16 hours are usually up by the time I get to sit down! Have started trying to do some pilates in the morning, I definitely need to tone up more.For me the school run is plenty of cardio, and I'm hoping the 16:8 will restrict the calories enough so hopefully with the bit of pilates aswell I might see some change soon, I'd like February to show some change! How is everyone else getting on?

hunder · 02/02/2022 07:28

I've just finished my first week and am 3lbs down. Pleased as I've also just started my period and my eating can be quite out of control in the days running up to that.
I'm finding it quite easy to stick to fasting during the week whilst I'm at work, just got to make sure I'm prepared for the weekends.

Plump82 · 02/02/2022 08:26

@hunder

I've just finished my first week and am 3lbs down. Pleased as I've also just started my period and my eating can be quite out of control in the days running up to that. I'm finding it quite easy to stick to fasting during the week whilst I'm at work, just got to make sure I'm prepared for the weekends.
I'm finding weekends harder as during the week work keeps my mind off wanting to eat!
Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 02/02/2022 08:41

I'm finding this week much harder than last. Due to my work shifts I have more time in the morning at home and it's hard not to eat.
Managing it so far, but it's tricky.

Well done, hunder, 3lb is great.

OP posts:
donkeyhottie · 03/02/2022 10:57

I'm 22 days in and I've lost a total of 7lbs. Most was in the first week, as always happens with me, then has slowed the last couple of weeks. I'm weighing every day as it keeps me on track.

I'd like to see more weekly loss but I'm not really tracking during my eating window and I'm still having treats. I'm trying to make small, manageable adjustments- a bit more activity, skipping the odd treat.

This is the longest I've stayed on the wagon so far though! And I am feeling better. I'm setting myself small goals and I'm going to treat myself to a new item of clothing or a beauty product when I reach them to try to keep myself motivated.

Rodedooda · 04/02/2022 09:17

I had a blip on Wednesday with a couple of beers with a birthday curry (within eating window!) and then DC testing positive and all that entails, so yesterday was a regular day, I have to say I did really enjoy my toast in the morning! But back on it since 7pm last night and have set goal of 16 rather than 18h fast which I had been doing since weekend.

Scales are up and down by half a kg each time but general trend down, and I'm aiming for the long game.

Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 04/02/2022 19:27

Similar here, Rodedooda, ds tested positive Wed night and it just threw me totally off routine, so ate for the sake if it.
But back on track today, except just got in from work, not at all hungry for dinner yet and fast is supposed to start in 30 mins.

OP posts:
Plump82 · 04/02/2022 19:45

My weigh in is Monday but checked the scales today just to see how I'm getting on and so disappointed. Only looks to be about 1lb off this week 😞 I was hoping to hit half a stone on Monday.

Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 04/02/2022 20:27

You still have a few days left, plump82, you might do it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 06/02/2022 09:11

Really disappointed. I didn't lose anything this week. I fasted 5 out of 7 days, only managed 14 hours the other 2 days.

Last time I did this diet, about 18 months ago, I found I could still lose 2lb a week just by fasting 5 nights.
So I think I need to check in here every day to keep me on track. Hope I won't be talking to myself rough!.

OP posts:
donkeyhottie · 06/02/2022 10:27

I'm still here @Whichcatthatcat !

Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 06/02/2022 10:53

Great, donkey, thanks. How are you getting on?

OP posts:
donkeyhottie · 06/02/2022 11:06

I'm on day 26 @Whichcatthatcat , and so far it's the longest I've stuck at any diet! 😂

I'm finding the fasting quite easy - I eat with baby DS at 5/6pm, then the rest of the evening is busy with bath and bedtime then I fall into bed. It means I can break my fast mid morning, which feels quite civilised.

But weight loss has definitely slowed and I'm really realising that I need to be much more mindful of what I eat during my eating window. The reality is hitting home - it does come down to what and how much I eat - but hopefully with the added benefit of the effects of the fasting period.

I really recommend the Fastic app. It's encouraged me to drink more water and move more, and you can earn "Frosties" which is basically a day off without losing your streak. It's motivating me to save my Frosties for special events. There's also interesting articles about the process of fasting on the body and the benefits.

Plump82 · 07/02/2022 10:42

That's me been on it 3 weeks and today I hit half a stone off! I don't know whether that's good going or not but it's literally the 1st time in my adult life I've lost weight so im proud of myself. I've also lost 5cm round my waist.
I felt I ate quite a bit last week so I'm going back to soups for dinner. I have a fancy meal out on Saturday so hope this doesn't spoil things!

Rodedooda · 07/02/2022 11:59

Oh well done Plump82!! Name change due??

I'm 'just' 3lbs down - started 2 weeks ago today. But i'm looking for slow & steady.

Plump82 · 07/02/2022 12:18

@Rodedooda

Oh well done Plump82!! Name change due??

I'm 'just' 3lbs down - started 2 weeks ago today. But i'm looking for slow & steady.

Haha yes I might have to change it in a wee while!! Still living up to that name just now!
Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 07/02/2022 12:50

That's great , plump82.

I managed a 18 hour fast which I've just broken.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 07/02/2022 21:33

Started tonight's fast at 720pm, so should get a long one in effort I get a lunch break tomorrow at around 1pm.
As long as I don't give in due to boredom tonight. Ds is at his dad's and dd self isolating in her room and I v v bored.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 08/02/2022 12:30

I managed 17 hours! I even resisted when a colleague put chocolate biscuits in front of me. :)
I really hope the scales reflect this on Sunday

OP posts:
Original poster
Whichcatthatcat · 09/02/2022 08:03

Sneaky mid week weigh in, I seem to have lost 1.5lb

But I'm not recording it or believing it until Sunday morning.

OP posts:
Plump82 · 09/02/2022 19:46

@Whichcatthatcat

Sneaky mid week weigh in, I seem to have lost 1.5lb

But I'm not recording it or believing it until Sunday morning.

Excellent!! I meant to weigh myself today but forgot. Feel like I'm eating a awful lot so don't have high hopes!