5:2 diet

tesuhoha

GillE wrote: »

On fast days, I use a calorie counter book to calculate exactly how many calories I'm consuming. These books are very cheap and readily available from retailers such as Amazon. The one I use isn't as comprehensive as I would like it to be but such information as it may lack can be found on the internet very easily.

I see the headline in today's Daily Express says that eating a low calorie diet 'will add years to your life'. It looks as if research from the USA is continuing to point to the benefits of low calorie diets, although it was difficult to tell from the report if this research had been peer-reviewed. I take most science stories in the tabloid press with a large dose of (low calorie) salt ! Nevertheless, it's encouraging.

I might start making a conscientious effort to count calories on non-fasting days. Mind, that doesn't necessarily mean I'll do anything about consuming fewer calories on non-fasting days! As was said earlier, it's easier to stick to the 5:2 diet knowing you can sneak a little indulgence on non-fasting days.

I think that whilst its necessary not to go over the 500/600 calories on fast days, counting calories on non-fast days defeats the object of the diet. Its not counting calories that makes the 5:2 diet so easy and if you are down to 500/600 on fast days you are going to achieve an overall deficit in calories unless you resort to extreme overeating on non fast days. So it is not really necessary to count calories as long as you are eating sensibly and not overindulging. You can have some treats. I eat chocolate and cake when I fancy it.

It took a while for this diet to kick in for me but by following the rules I am losing weight steadily now. You will find that your appetite will shrink naturally on this diet.

GreenFairy

I note down my calories on feast days, but not so that I stick to a limit. I like to see what my average is over the course of a week, plus I've noticed that since starting fast days, my appetite overall has decreased - using an online tracker showed me this clearly

GillE_2

GreenFairy wrote: »

I note down my calories on feast days, but not so that I stick to a limit. I like to see what my average is over the course of a week...

Quite so . Some data is worth having just for information purposes.

joho

I'm glad I found this thread. I've tried reading it all, but only got to page 8! Hubby and I watched the Horizon programme and were very interested but kind of forgot about it. Then we read about Dom Joly and his experience of this 5:2 diet and it got us thinking about it again.

We both need to lose weight, a stone or so each which isn't a lot but it just won't stay off. BUT we were also interested in the health side of it and as a long-term lifestyle change.

So I've done my first restricted (fast) day today. I had porridge made with water (ugh) for breakfast which was 100 cals (ish). I had homemade soup for lunch (again 100 cals ish). And am planning Indian lentil cakes with raita for tea (about 300 cals ish).

I've found today mostly ok. I managed until lunch without food even crossing my mind, but I am ready for my tea already (it's only 4.30PM). I've been drinking lots of water and tea, but I'm not going to count every single calorie and especially not those in the milk in my tea!! I'm going to aim for 500 ish.

I don't intend to calorie count on non-restricted days either, but do intend to keep track using myfitnesspal. I know that sounds contradictory but I know what I mean.

Good luck to everyone else doing this. I look forward to reading more. :beer:
ETA: I think Tuesdays and Thursdays will be my restricted (fast) days to begin with.

sharnad

Can't do this during the week could manage at weekends but would fail during the week

hannoja

Had 'liquid' days Friday, Sunday and yesterday :T

Low-carbing today. Just started the day with a lc pancake with a few strawberries and blueberries

Feeling fine. Not noticing anything different yet. Hadn't planned ADF, it's just the way it's gone. Might do Thursday, might not, but will do at least one more day this week

Jei70

sharnad wrote: »

Can't do this during the week could manage at weekends but would fail during the week

That's interesting - I find it easier to "fast" on a workday, as I don't feel like a brekkie before going to work, and then can subside on coffee and green tea till about 3pm or even later. A mug of green tea at dinner time, and I'm fine!

On weekends, on the contrary, I enjoy my brunch, even the occasional snack or dessert. I would find it hard to refrain from eating when I'm at home all day!

Mado

Jei70 wrote: »

That's interesting - I find it easier to "fast" on a workday, as I don't feel like a brekkie before going to work, and then can subside on coffee and green tea till about 3pm or even later. A mug of green tea at dinner time, and I'm fine!

On weekends, on the contrary, I enjoy my brunch, even the occasional snack or dessert. I would find it hard to refrain from eating when I'm at home all day!

I know what you mean... I can manage fine if I'm at work or out and about, but it's much harder to keep away from food at home.

G.G_2

Hi folks, can any brave person give an opinion on how much harm this diet would do to a 79 year old?

Mado

G.G wrote: »

Hi folks, can any brave person give an opinion on how much harm this diet would do to a 79 year old?

Well, I just read an article in the new scientist, and I'm even more determined than ever to stick to it.
Maybe check with your GP, and give it a go, but there didn't appear to be any restrictions based on age, apart maybe if your heart is weak.