5:2 diet

richard-iow

I’ve been keeping an eye on this thread for a while now so it's probably about time I posted something myself. I’m 29 pretty healthy looking already but my 6ft 5 height hides the fact that I should probably lose about 3 stone.
I initially followed the horizon documentary and started with a 3.5 day fast (with a daily cuppa soup), I never planned to do this long term more just a personal challenge, having done it I really wouldn’t recommend it as you get some nasty hunger pangs in the last day. Over that period I lost about a stone, of which about 60% was put back on over the following week or so.
I then tried the 5:2 diet which seems easy in comparison. In the 6 weeks I’ve been on that I’ve consistently lost about 1kg (2.2Ib) which has been great. I’ve been keeping to Monday and Tuesday every week to get it over with plus I’m sure the documentary said to do that. There seems to be more info online now and most people are suggesting non consecutive days. I was wondering what people’s opinions are of this. Has anyone has compared the two methods?
Also a few people has mentioned “zero noodles”, I just bought a similar product call “eat water” with a mixed pack of pasta/rice/noodles. Seems like a pretty good deal when you see how much Holland and Barrett are charging, should last a few months:
https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/502340?ref=conf-jp&rpi=88803700

alyssa_mae

richard-iow wrote: »

I’ve been keeping an eye on this thread for a while now so it's probably about time I posted something myself. I’m 29 pretty healthy looking already but my 6ft 5 height hides the fact that I should probably lose about 3 stone.
I initially followed the horizon documentary and started with a 3.5 day fast (with a daily cuppa soup), I never planned to do this long term more just a personal challenge, having done it I really wouldn’t recommend it as you get some nasty hunger pangs in the last day. Over that period I lost about a stone, of which about 60% was put back on over the following week or so.
I then tried the 5:2 diet which seems easy in comparison. In the 6 weeks I’ve been on that I’ve consistently lost about 1kg (2.2Ib) which has been great. I’ve been keeping to Monday and Tuesday every week to get it over with plus I’m sure the documentary said to do that. There seems to be more info online now and most people are suggesting non consecutive days. I was wondering what people’s opinions are of this. Has anyone has compared the two methods?
Also a few people has mentioned “zero noodles”, I just bought a similar product call “eat water” with a mixed pack of pasta/rice/noodles. Seems like a pretty good deal when you see how much Holland and Barrett are charging, should last a few months:
https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/502340?ref=conf-jp&rpi=88803700

My brother does 2 consecutive days, I have read that your not supposed to do 2 days on the trot! I personally know I could not do 2 days in a row. The thought of eating normally the next day is what gets me through the fast day! I just think why put yourself through it when you don't have to!

Mado

I've just started the 5:2 as well!
My primary aim is to shift the stone I can't move otherwise, and the reason I like this diet is that it has shown to have added health benefits. I have done fad diets many moons ago and I'm just not interested in eating cabbage soup for a week on end...
I was surprised at how easy it felt to fast for a day (done2 days so far) and in a perverse way, I'm quite looking forward to the fasts. I think part of it is the feeling of control it gives me. Yet, it doesn't have to interfere with social and family life.

I'll keep you posted on my progress if any!:D

Robm1955

I've been doing the 5:2 fasting since August, when I saw the program. It's great to see a lot of you losing weight in a matter of weeks. I'm just approaching losing a stone. It could be more, but I still enjoy a few beers every other weekend, and have just had a few days in Benidorm, where there was no way I was going to fast. With all the food I ate, and all I drank, I was pleased that I had only put on 3lbs. Back fasting on my return, and lost it again. My main problem, which I have mentioned in other threads, is how can you make up your own calorie counted salad. I love most things in salad, beetroot, cucumber, spring onions, radishes, etc, but every time I search, I get results for branded salads, or it says 'per serving'. What's a serving. This is the reason, at the moment, I am sticking to meals where the amount of calories are on the packet.

Mado

Robm1955 wrote: »

My main problem, which I have mentioned in other threads, is how can you make up your own calorie counted salad. I love most things in salad, beetroot, cucumber, spring onions, radishes, etc, but every time I search, I get results for branded salads, or it says 'per serving'. What's a serving. This is the reason, at the moment, I am sticking to meals where the amount of calories are on the packet.

Easy; just weigh up the ingredients!
I made my own salad the other day with:
200 g of cherry tom (~ 40 cal)
100g baby sweetcorn (~26 cal)
200g cucumber (~30 cal)
and a bag of Florette bistro salad (leaves and beetroot): 42 cal (written on packet this one...:D)
A tbsp of balsamic vinegar and apple juice for the dressing.

What I find confusing is the vast variations in calorie count from different websites. What is a good (and free) reference?

tyllwyd

Robm1955 wrote: »

... My main problem, which I have mentioned in other threads, is how can you make up your own calorie counted salad. I love most things in salad, beetroot, cucumber, spring onions, radishes, etc, but every time I search, I get results for branded salads, or it says 'per serving'. What's a serving. This is the reason, at the moment, I am sticking to meals where the amount of calories are on the packet.

Personally, I wouldn't get too stressed about it - the kind of salad items you've mentioned are not high calorie, so if it says 'per serving' you know by common sense what a normal kind of serving size would look like on your plate - probably a couple of spoonfuls.

alyssa_mae

tyllwyd wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't get too stressed about it - the kind of salad items you've mentioned are not high calorie, so if it says 'per serving' you know by common sense what a normal kind of serving size would look like on your plate - probably a couple of spoonfuls.

if you look on lavender & loveage she has a receipe for a salad telling you how much & cals also think it has feta cheese as well. look under 5.2 reciepe's when you get on the sight! I have been doing the 5.2 for a week & 1/2 my husband has had to put a new hole in my belt!!!:j

Robm1955

Mado wrote: »

What I find confusing is the vast variations in calorie count from different websites. What is a good (and free) reference?

I totally agree on that one Mado, and thanks to you and tyllwyd for the info. Suppose I'm trying to be too precise, when a couple of calories here and there won't matter, especially when most of my fasting days, I'm well under the 600. Funny thing last night was, I was really hungry before I went to bed, and was planning what I would have for breakfast (a feast day), sausage, bacon (both grilled). Got up this morning, and all I fancied was cereal.

melbury

Made it at last - now weighing 10st 13lb.

First time out of the 11st somethings for about 5 years - was beginning to think I would never see 10st on the scales again:D

I love this way of dieting, it really works and is so easy to do. With no hard and fast rules, if you are naughty one week you can soon catch up.

Verbatim

tesuhoha wrote: »

I think weight that stays off is very slowly lost, just as it is gained. I only eat one meal on fasting days, it used to be breakfast, then lunch and now it is dinner. I'll be interested to see whether I have lost/gained anymore this week but my fasting day is tomorrow.

Are you weighing yourself the day after fasting day? That is the day you are supposed to because other days you may gain water etc from your food which may add weight.

Thanks Tesuhoha
I don't have any scales so try and remember to weigh myself when I go to the gym. Perhaps I should buy some but I don't want to get obsessive!