500 calories two days a week

younginaz
younginaz Posts: 71 Member
in Introduce Yourself
I recently read an article in Healthy Magazine ( I note since subscribing to this magazine I am very dissapointed in the topics and the advertisements). This month's issue covered a new "diet" where you eat only 500 calories twice a week and then whatever you want for the other five. No exercises or any other changes. Of course it guaranteed lost weight.

1) My first question is, why is a magazine that touts helping people stay healthy be writing articles about fad diets; and 2) I have no intention of trying this as I personnally think it looks irresponsible, but I am wondering what your thoughts are.

Thoughts?

Replies

  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    1) Define fad. I've been following this way of eating for 2 months now, and am very happy with it. I watched the Horizon documentary where Dr Michael Mosley explored the various benefits of fasting and looked at diffferent ways of making occasional fasting a do-able sustainable approach. I've also read his book, and understand the science behind it. There's no gimmicky shakes or replacement meal bars to buy, or special supplements to use. Magazines exist to make money, their primary purpose isn't really in helping you get healthy, but I'm pleased that they've covered 5:2 ing, I'd be interested in reading their review.

    2) You don't have to try it if you don't feel it's for you. There are a number of groups for whom fasting is specifically not suitable, including diabetics, children, pregnant, and those with a tendency to eating disorders. So there's an acceptance that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to losing weight.

    Clearly, what you do the other 5 days has a big impact, it's not just a licence to overeat. And exercise is always good, but it's not essential for weight loss.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    A lot of people practice intermittent fasting. It doesn't seem unsafe or irresponsible to me. Supposedly it reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease as a bonus, though the jury is still out on that since it's so new.
  • kayt1217
    kayt1217 Posts: 1
    My friend's husband says he's been doing this since the beginning of the year and has lost 42 lbs. He said to make sure you don't do your two 500 calorie days together, or your body will think you're starving and it messes up your metabolism. I was thinking of giving it a try. I need to find the article though and get more details.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Kayt, there's at least 2 groups dedicated to 5:2 followers on here- you should be able to find lots of information on them.
  • boboff
    boboff Posts: 129 Member
    http://www.52fastdiet.co.uk/


    This site is very good for information in this WOE

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