When is a fast not a fast? 5:2 Fast Diet topic

Snoozypaws3000

Hi All,

I'm following a calorie counting programme at the moment and am having success but would like to get your thoughts on the 5:2 Fast Diet if you're doing it.

I saw the Horizon programme, read the book and found the information re: the health benefits that are reported to go along with fasting really interesting.

I got the impression that the idea was [on fast days] to have a max of 500 cals a day [600 for men] either as one meal during the day or spread over 2 meals being a breakfast and a dinner preferably as far apart as possible
Ie; Breakfast 7.30 am don't eat anything then until 7.30 pm when you have your dinner.

But there is mention in the book that if you really can't go that long then you could have low cal soup or an apple for lunch and can also see from the boards and groups that some people are actually having 3 small meals spread out over the day.

I'm a bit confused.
How is it that having 3 meals a day [irrespective of their size or calorie content] can be considered "fasting" ?

Isn't this just having a regular day with a severe calorie restriction rather than a fast ie; abstaining from food for a period of time?

No disrespect intended to anyone doing this sort of thing...I'm not posting this to start any sort of flame war!

I'm a great believer in do it if it works for you and following what you feel is right for your body but if you are actively doing the 5:2 and are having the three meals can you let me know how you are getting on ie: are you eating normally on the other 5 days or are you still restricting calories on those other days and are you seeing results on the scale or have you had any noticeable health benefits from fasting?

Be very grateful for your input if you are doing this
Thanks
Sky

patnkaz

Hi like you I watched the horizon programme and was blown away by what I saw. I have been following the 5:2 diet since before Christmas and I am having some success in losing weight. I find that after a few weeks the fasting gets much easier to do, and I am also finding that on my non-fast days I actually don't want to eat as much. Infact I actually look forward to my fast days.

I am a career slimmer, and I am currently enrolled with slimming world, where I lost nearly 4 stone. When I stopped going I put weight back on, and have recently returned. However, whilst I still go to SW I am not following their diet rigidly but going with the 5:2 instead.

I also have the book, but prior to that I researched other info. My daily fast goes like this:

Lunch at noon. Say a poached egg on toast (no butter or marg of course)
Dinner at about 5-5.30. Usually some protein ( steamed fish, chicken, or ham say) with a load of vegetables or salad.

This means I fast between my previous days evening meal, and my first meal, and between my last meal on the fast day and my breakfast the following day. One of the books I read said that a fast of 12-15hours will ensure you are moving your body into fat burning mode.

I don't skimp on cups of tea (with skimmed milk, no sugar), at any time. And I drink loads of water. I also might have a little extra, say a cracker, or a biscuit, at anytime if I need to take the edge off. Though I try to keep this within my eating period I.e. between noon and 6o'clock.

On my non fast days I keep a check on my calories with MyFitnessPal and try to keep to a limit to lose half a pound a week. I find with the fasting as well I am loosing between 1-3 pounds a week on average. Having been going to slimming world for so long I am already on a fairly healthy diet, and watch what I eat. I think I will always have to watch what I eat, but going back is not an option. I do believe in the saying ' anything in moderation' and if I fancy a bar of chocolate, a cake or some other treat, I will have it. However I can now say no to things I couldn't say no to before.


I think you will find that the books can't give you a definitive answer to your question because they don't know which method is best. Mainly because the research is in its infancy. I think the best thing to do is, as they say work within the guidelines and stick to what is comfortable for you. If you don't think you could go to bed on an empty stomach then have something before you go to bed. The main thing to remember is stick to your daily calorie allowance.

I think where your confusion comes from is, if your are eating, how can it be a fast. Well it's not. I've done a fast, eating nothing, and only drinking water, and I can tell you I felt so ill I won't be doing that again, ever! No what this is is a reduced calorie day diet.

I think everyone should try it. I certainly feel better. I intend to go back to my doctors when I have lost a bit more weight and request blood tests on cholesterol and blood sugars. I think for the potential health benefits alone its a no brainer.

They it you won't be disappointed

Snoozypaws3000

Thanks so much for your detailed reply...hope you don't mind but I'd like to PM you
Thanks
Sky x