5:2 Fasting Diet

Mention of your swimsuit caught my eye, shysal, because I'd just decided [probably brought on by the hot weather] that I should try swimming again. Even my daughter has bought a swimsuit with legs of some kind. I've never been able to swim but, with it being such a good form of exercise it's time I tried again.

I've just reached the end of week 3 (fast day yesterday) on 5:2. I feel despondent and could really do with a bit of (okay..a LOT of) encouragement.

Week one (with 2 fast days) I lost under 1lb. End of week 2 had lost well under 3lb in total, this week have put 2lb on and I can't understand WHY.

I'm very enthusiastic and have thrown myself heartily into the whole '500 fast' days, and have found that on non-fast days I'm not very hungry, so am not eating anywhere near as much as I would of before.
So optimistically standing on the scales today and finding that I've lost very little (maybe an ounce) in three weeks is very disheartening.
Is/did anyone else have this problem. I really feel like jacking it in - but don't want to

Fluid retention? Also I have found that it can take a while for any sort of diet to take effect - which is why I have fallen into the trap in the past of thinking I have "got away" with a bit of a binge because the effects were not immediatley apparent.I had my first fast day yesterday and thanks to the hot weather and keeping incredibly busy, I did not feel hungry. In fact I still didn't feel hungry today and didn't have breakfast until 11 o clock. BUT I feel very "wired" as if I am firing on all cylinders and I wonder if the fasting does something to your metabolism, which would be brilliant as my metabiolism is somewhere between a sloth and a snail's. I have had a slice of quiche ans some chicory and beetroot salad and some strawberries and honestly feel uncomfortably stuffed.
Don't get dispirited, Goose the hot weather is probably making you retain more fluid.

Goose, do you always weigh the morning after a fast day? Otherwise the readings will be all over the place. Please don't give up, blame the weather! I have to admit that I doubt whether I would have had much success with the 5:2, I did alternate days from the start, with great results. I still eat less on every other day, but anything from 500 up to 1000 calories, and have managed to maintain my weight since reaching my goal before Christmas, despite eating very well on the other days. I am enjoying my food without any guilt for the first time for years!

Goose, it also occurs to me that you might have been eating too little on eating days, hence your body feels it is being starved and is holding onto it's reserves. I think studies have shown better results when normal and even large amounts are consumed between 'fasts'. Even eating unhealthy foods did not affect the improvement in cholesterol, BP, blood sugar etc. The diet from Heaven!!

Thanks gracesmum/shysal I wondered if that's what the problem is - water retention. I never drink enough water (even in this weather) thogh drink copious amounts of tea/coffee, so wonder if my body is holding on to the precious trickles I am throwing down my throat occasionally. I'm sweating (sorry 'glowing') for England - and the rest of the world come to that, but not weeing - which I assume should be the first obvious signs of weight coming off???

Pshysal I really don't want to eat much whilst it's so hot, so I'm not really trying to, but look forward to the winter when I can stuff on egg & chips in great abundance (on non-fast days, of course

8 hour diet
I have been reading about the 16:8 or 8 hour version of this diet. It recommends eating only within an 8 hour window, for instance 12 noon till 8pm, therefore fasting for 16 hours. This can be done daily or a few times a week. Apparently Hugh Jackman has done this, calls it the Wolverine diet.

Isn't this called 'just skip breakfast'?

Yes, that's what I thought Aka!

Hello. I'm new to Gransnet. Is anyone still following the 5:2 eating plan

Wombat 22: Although I reached my goal. I am still following the diet. I seemed to have plateaued but that's ok because I don't want to put any on. I have enjoyed entertaining and meals out this summer, but have 500 cal days when we are on our own. I do alternative days. It took me a year to reach goal weight, but it was really for me to do. Good luck. X

Thank you J52. I am on week 3. I haven't lost much weight but I can't seem to help overeating on non fast days. I don't eat because I'm hungry, I just eat junk. I don't find the fast days difficult but spoil it for myself. Don't know how to stop myself really

J52: Having seen that it took you a year to reach goal weight, I realise that maybe I'm expecting too much. I'll stick with it and test my resolve. Well done you and thanks for your reply

wombat22, welcome to Gransnet. It is OK to eat a lot on non-fast days, that is the joy of intermittent fasting! This time last year I managed to lose 2.5 stone in about 4 months, by doing alternate days. Much the same as J52, I am still doing it to maintain, it is now a way of life. I have to say that the diet really suits me, as I love my food and can still indulge every other day. This morning I am making Paul Hollywood's cheddar and bacon bread and have no need to feel guilty! Slow but sure is good if you stick with it. Good luck.

Hi Wombat22, you seem to be experiencing the same as many 5:2ers. At first I was eating all sorts of things on non fast days. Gradually, taste buds change and now I find that I am happily full on more sensible foods. Also I don't tend to snack between meals, or want anything to eat after my evening dinner.
This may be due to the gradual shrinking of the stomach. Some fast days I still feel a little hungry, but I find something to keep me busy.
The feeling when someone you have not seen for a while tells you how good you are looking is great! And you don't have to wait to reach your goal before this will happen!
5:2 or alternate day is a lifestyle way of eating, especially good as no food is forbidden and it is time adaptable. I wish you every success. Post on Gransnet if you have a wobbly day. Everyone will be supportive. X

I am really grateful for you replies J52 and Shysal. Today has been a fast day and i've found it relatively easy. I even stayed out of the crisp cupboard yesterday! 2.5 stone is incredible. Well done and thank you for the inspiration. I'll post when I've had a loss. I know I can do this xx

Well I got weighed this morning and to my astonishment, I had lost 1.5lb. Considering what I have eaten this past week, I am thrilled. It's certainly motivated me for another week

My copy of BBC Good Food magazine for October arrived today. It has a heap of 5:2 recipes!

I'm just going round to WH Smith, so might have a look for that, Galen. I will also tip off my DiL who was on the 5:2 before we went on holiday and has put on a lot of weight while away whereas I have not. [satisfied smirk emoticon]

Fo

Silly me - tried to answer this on my phone and the b** buttons too small so pressed "post" too soon!

Meant to say:
For October Galen - I've just been to buy the Good Food and the only one I could get was September. Bought it anyway as I'm sure there'll be lots in there to try

I'm a subscriber so get mine early.

I started this thread all that time ago & I was doing brilliantly & then suddenly LIFE happened! 2 blissful weeks in Greece, visitors from Canada who needed to be wined & dined, school holidays with grandchildren around a lot & DH home more than usual & I slipped. Well no- actually I fell from a great height with no parachute!! I had put the sales away when I was tidying the bathroom for visitors so luckily I have no clue how much damage has been done but I know how tight the old waistbands are right now.
SO I am starting this again next week when the children go back.
It was really good it worked for me so hopefully it will again.

I am so cross with myself - I went off to Greece full of good intentions but eating out every night was fatal- I just adore Greek food & even when I stuck to fish, it always came with some sort of carbohydrate & the wine was soooo delicious. Never mind- here we go again & nothing to upset it until Christmas! ( sorry to use the C word!!)

I got weighed this morning and a couple of pounds had crept on. I've had a fast day today and been famished all day. I am going to try to stick to 1700 cals on my non fast days and see how it goes. Good luck GrandmaH