5:2 diet

Just_a_Girl_2

euronorris wrote: »

And I suppose, if anyone wanted to, they could have a holiday from IF for a week or two.

Of course! There are often occasions where were break the fast earlier than planned - going for lunch with family, etc. Normally we would just finish eating slightly earlier the day before but it's not the end of the world if we don't fast as long as normal.

The beauty of IF, and the reason I practice it, is because it's so simple and takes any stress out of food planning

Scrapaholic

Thanks for replies . I like the sound of it . When I get started on eating less and the right things , low carb, more protein works for me , I lose my bloated abdomen and lethargy and feel much better . I just need a bit more willpower to keep it up . Well done to you all who are managing it .

Jo049

So I have been trying out eating primal and fasting, aiming for the 5:2, if there is a chance of improving my health and sluggish digestive system I thought I would give it a shot.

I decided to fast for 24 hrs - although this was from 6pm on one evening til 6 pm the next evening where I then had one meal which was full of veg and some chicken. (Does this still count as fasting?? It almost felt like cheating because I was still able to eat a meal, and had eaten the day previous!)
Although feeling hungry at certain points, I found the fasting relatively easy. However, as soon as I ate I began to feel full extremely quickly and did not get hungry again that evening. The day after the fast I went to the gym, working out was absolutely fine and I felt no urge of hunger although I wasn't excerting myself too much. When I got back I had fish and salad for lunch, after that I didnt feel hungry for the rest of the day! I ate a dinner of veg and meat as I was concerned I wouldnt be getting enough calories and nutrients across the couple of days. However, it concerned me that I wasnt hungry despite excercise and an obvious lack of calories.
I do need to lose some weight but even so, Im curious at the sudden lack of appetite. I'm not a fan of making myself eat when I do not want food or am not feeling hungry. I want to do another fast soon, but am slightly wary of how un hungry it is making me, and do not want to end up not eating on feast days! Any thoughts? Sorry if this seems like a slightly pointless question...

(And I have been drinking lots and have been eating well otherwise!)

KxMx

I've got to say since I started 8/16 fasting I am not so pre-occupied with food! I used to wake and think about what to have for my evening meal. Very bizarre would have thought now to be thinking more about it.

I am still doing well with it. Think it has been easier for me because I already had long fasting periods (for other reasons) and was quite used to it. I had worries as to whether I would be able to cope doing it every day and about the hunger, but once I got over the bump earlier in the week I have been fine.

I am also going to a super, one of a kind specialist in 2 weeks about my health problems, hoping for some answers at long last. The first test takes 4-6 weeks to come back and then they do the others so will be a long process but here is hoping. I do think the high Cortisol is a factor in my weight and the struggle to lose any, as before I lost 1/2 stone for a wedding no problem.

My local Rheumatologist has been fabulous, but hasn't been able to get to the bottom of things. When you consider a hefty course of steroids not only failed to improve my inflammatory markers, but they went up (I did pre and post trial blood tests) it's no wonder really which is why I have high hopes for the super-specialist. After 6 years if normal, normal, normal tests I don't get my hopes up easily.

EDIT, just seen the post above, I too am bemused at the decrease in hunger.

kittykat500

Jo049 wrote: »

So I have been trying out eating primal and fasting, aiming for the 5:2, if there is a chance of improving my health and sluggish digestive system I thought I would give it a shot.

I decided to fast for 24 hrs - although this was from 6pm on one evening til 6 pm the next evening where I then had one meal which was full of veg and some chicken. (Does this still count as fasting?? It almost felt like cheating because I was still able to eat a meal, and had eaten the day previous!)
Although feeling hungry at certain points, I found the fasting relatively easy. However, as soon as I ate I began to feel full extremely quickly and did not get hungry again that evening. The day after the fast I went to the gym, working out was absolutely fine and I felt no urge of hunger although I wasn't excerting myself too much. When I got back I had fish and salad for lunch, after that I didnt feel hungry for the rest of the day! I ate a dinner of veg and meat as I was concerned I wouldnt be getting enough calories and nutrients across the couple of days. However, it concerned me that I wasnt hungry despite excercise and an obvious lack of calories.
I do need to lose some weight but even so, Im curious at the sudden lack of appetite. I'm not a fan of making myself eat when I do not want food or am not feeling hungry. I want to do another fast soon, but am slightly wary of how un hungry it is making me, and do not want to end up not eating on feast days! Any thoughts? Sorry if this seems like a slightly pointless question...

(And I have been drinking lots and have been eating well otherwise!)

I found this too, and it worries me also. I do not want to have to calorie count to make sure I get enough calories on the non-fast days. I also don't want to increase, or for that matter eat more than a recommended daily intake of protein! The only way I can think of of increasing calories, is using lots of olive oil in dressings! Oh and I've also started eating whole avocados - well guacamole really with lots of chilli in them.

~Chameleon~

There are two hormones in our body called leptin and ghrelin which are responsible for letting us know when we're hungry and when we've had enough to eat. These often get switched off, hence why people frequently overeat and become obese so it's very likely the fasting is triggering them to become switched on again. This is a GOOD thing!

murphydog999

Chameleon has hit the nail on the head re. hormones (spec. ones mentioned), they will be all over the place not knowing what on earth is going on. The hunger thing happens when you adapt to low-carb as well, and you are right to question eating when you don't feel hungry.

I would suggest you keep a record of your daily intake, log it on one of the calorie sites if you can, and try and eat as well as you can when you want to.

As these trials are very much trials and so down to individual circumstances, you will be governed by your own feelings and circumstances to decide what's best for you.

KxMx

Thanks so much for your very sensible post. I myself am happy that I am getting enough calories, so I don't feel the need to check.

I am still a bit bemused though at how much my appetite has dropped! I can certainly see why fasting seems to be flavour of the month. I think I said before one of my worries was being very hungry all the time, and it so has not happened that way, I would call it remarkable.

Not only am I seemingly having a healthier realtionship to food, mentally I feel so much better because I know I am making an effort with my weight (which is a problem). I'm not starting from a good health perspective, and have other issues which cause the weight to gain/cling on, but since I started my tummy is noticeably flatter in just a few days. It may be water and not fat off but I don't care!

I started the 8/16 eating/fasting because it seemed not only the easiest option, but one which would fit in with what I was already doing at times. I am certainly pleased with the results thus far. I am looking to lose weight in the short term, but I am looking upon this as a change in lifestyle and something I am happy to carry on with long term.

The only time I will stop is following a flare-up of my gastro problems, because then I genuinely do need to increase my food intake for a few days. It would be dangerous and silly to fast when my body needs the opposite. I really do need to eat alot following one of those and my body lets me know when I can stop too.

Molly41

So against my better judgement I tried intermittent fasting. Great I originally lost 3 lbs but have now put back on 1.5 lbs after eating sensibly. I also fainted and blacked out so much so that my poor dog dives for cover under the table when I stand up. Im obviously not a suitable candidate. I drank loads whilst doing it and yes it was very easy but obviously there are side effects. Be very careful - IM BACK TO SENSIBLE EATING NOW :eek::eek::eek:

pineapple

KxMx wrote: »

how much my appetite has dropped! I can certainly see why fasting seems to be flavour of the month. I think I said before one of my worries was being very hungry all the time, and it so has not happened that way, I would call it remarkable.

Not only am I seemingly having a healthier realtionship to food, mentally I feel so much better because I know I am making an effort with my weight (which is a problem).

This is exactly the same with me! I am not getting the cravings I used to get. It's as if my tastebuds are changing. I'm also less tempted to overeat. :T