5:2 diet

elizabunny

Morning Fasters! My 12th today so coming to the end of 6 weeks.

Regarding counting calories on non-fast days -I think this is up to the individual and what suits them best but in my opinion this is not what the 5:2 is all about. The main benefits of the 5:2 are the possible health benefits and the weight loss is an added bonus. One of the main points of the 5:2 is that you can eat without guilt on non-fast days. Counting calories on non-fast days just turns the whole thing in to a normal restricted calorie diet which I can't do and when I have once, previously, I have lost weight so quickly it all went back on a again plus alot extra!
I have quite a bit of weight to lose, not wanting to go into exact figures but around 6 to 7 stone so this is why this is a life plan for me. I am sad to say I have even been nearly 3 stone heavier than I am now and don't really know how I got there! What I do know is that the nearly 3 stone came off so.... slowly it will not go back on again because -I just cannot eat that much now.
In the MM 5:2 book I think a weight loss of around 1 lb a week was what was expected. My average over 5 weeks is just under 2 lb a week, but some weeks were much less than others. This does not bother me, if it keeps moving slowly in the right direction I am happy.
I won't weight in until Saturday and don't expect fabulous results but as long as it is not UP and hopefully a tiny bit down that will be good. It is the accumulation that matters.

Just had a quick measure of my waist this morning and it looked like I had another lost 1.5 inches off waist since last week! Now that can't be right can it? I will measure again Saturday to make sure.

Keep going fasters! Well done yesterday's and good luck tomorrow's.

welshdreamer71

It's crazy the inches lost isn't it its only my second week and clothes are hanging off me but scales only down 3 lb last week makes no sense but tis nice lol have a fab day all x

1940sGal

welshdreamer71 wrote: »

It's crazy the inches lost isn't it its only my second week and clothes are hanging off me but scales only down 3 lb last week makes no sense but tis nice lol have a fab day all x

I've noticed similar too! Even with a belt I feel like I'm pulling my jeans up all the time and even in my chunky hoody I can see a difference.

I must admit, everyone says they're in it for the health benefits and the weight loss is a bonus, but I'm the other way round. There's no getting away from the fact that I need to lose the weight!

elizabunny

welshdreamer71 wrote: »

It's crazy the inches lost isn't it its only my second week and clothes are hanging off me but scales only down 3 lb last week makes no sense but tis nice lol have a fab day all x

Yes this is what I don't understand at all. The weight loss is ok but doesn't really reflect the inches that I am losing, which is amazing -where's it all going?:rotfl:

Kaz2904

Is the lack of weight loss in comparison to the inches lost perhaps because fat is quite light in comparison to muscle and it's fat which is being lost on this diet?
Perhaps TMI but I seemed to spend most of the day yesterday weeing! Perhaps it's going through quicker because the body doesn't have to process the solids away from the liquid when you're only having liquids.

FWIW, I wasn't suggesting elletee go on a calorie controlled diet as well as the 5:2, I suggested she see how many calories she actually is consuming on her feast days. If it is way over the rda then she will know and can start swapping in some healthier choices on her feast days.
I'm supposed to be fasting today but actually don't know if I can manage it. I came off nights yesterday morning but didn't eat until 2pm. Yesterday's food was not good (2 sausages for lunch and an Indian takeaway for tea and it's left me feeling hungry). I was so hungry this morning that I had 2 slices of toast for breakfast. I've had 3 cups of coffee too.
I'm off to have a load of salad for lunch and will still calorie count it so I then know how many calories are left. If the aren't enough, I may go over but I will switch to black or herbal tea now for the rest of the day.

elizabunny

Kaz2904 wrote: »

Is the lack of weight loss in comparison to the inches lost perhaps because fat is quite light in comparison to muscle and it's fat which is being lost on this diet?
Perhaps TMI but I seemed to spend most of the day yesterday weeing! Perhaps it's going through quicker because the body doesn't have to process the solids away from the liquid when you're only having liquids.

That is a really interesting thought Kaz2904 I for one had never thought of it that way, but it would makes sense. I haven't 'cheated' once on my fast days and although I don't count calories on non-fast days, I am more aware of what I am putting in my mouth and tend to steer to healthier choices (plus a few naughties:D) Yet my weight loss does not reflect my inches lost. I have jeans now that are literally dropping off me despite tightening the belt. They have become so baggy around the hip and thigh area.

I really like your theory, it makes me think that all the effort really is paying off, even if we can't see it on the scales:T

1940sGal

Is anyone else using MyFitnessPal? Either through the website or via the app? I downloaded the app yesterday and it seems quite good so far in helping to keep track of everything as I simply 'add' it to my daily diary.

For those who want to keep an eye on what they eat on non-fast days too it's good as you can simply search for what you're eating and tot up the calories.

I know it's not new but it's the first time I've used it. I like it anyway

LalaGomay

I made this Highland stew today http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2012/12/a-52-fast-day-diet-winter-meal-plan-with-low-calorie-highland-stew-recipe.html



Very nice indeed, and only 150 cals per serving! I just had some for lunch, I might have it for dinner too.

elletee

I really don't want to be counting calories, but I got to the size I am now (15.5 stone) by having a different definition to 'eating what I want' to a lot of other people (You'd think after already losing 4.5 stone I'd have a clue by now lol) I'm going to experiment with different calories during my non fast days until i get to an average 1.5 loss (I'm not looking for miracles). then hopefully I'll get used to the amount of food that means and I can relax a bit on the calorie counting - that's the plan anyway.


1940sGal Yes I use MFP - not all the items are 100% correct, but it's a great site in general

LalaGomay - that looks v yummy (might be becuase I'm on a fast day and nothing but water will now pass my lips until 9am tomorrow tho lol) What's in it?

LalaGomay

elletee wrote: »

LalaGomay - that looks v yummy (might be becuase I'm on a fast day and nothing but water will now pass my lips until 9am tomorrow tho lol) What's in it?

Mainly onion, garlic, leeks, potatoes, carrots, pearl barley, red lentils and smoked sausage.
The smoked sausage is SO YUM.