5:2 explanation

kelseyjsnyder
kelseyjsnyder Posts: 219 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Ok could someone explain how the fasting works. I dont understand it. No im not interested in doing it im just curious about it and would like more info because i know people doing it and would like to try and support them at it. THANKS

Replies

  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    In simplest terms, it's just this: you fast for two of the seven days in the week, and then eat normally (ie, maintenance) the other five. On the two fast days, one is restricted to 500-600 calories for the day, however they choose to allocate them. Some prefer to fast all day and eat their calorie allotment at dinner, others like to split them between breakfast and dinner, or lunch and dinner without eating between those meals.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    It's a very simple eating protocol.

    Five days eating normally (in a calorie counting setting that would be your maintenance calories).
    Two days a week eating 500 calories for women or 600 calories for men.
    That typically gives you around a deficit over the course of a week roughly equal to a pound a week loss.

    The two days aren't normally consecutive but some people do.
    You can eat whatever you like on fasting days and in whatever pattern suits you best. Some people graze through the day, some (like me) split their calories between two meals, quite a few people save their calories for one evening meal. Very flexible in that regard.

    Most people gravitate towards a light, fresh, tasty eating style on fast days - loads of veg, soups, lean protein, berries but really you can do it however you want, even a Happy Meal....

    Loads of info on www.thefastdiet.co.uk and there are two 5:2 groups on MFP as well.

    A caveat would be that's it not recommended for anyone under 18, history of disordered eating or pregnant.
  • kelseyjsnyder
    kelseyjsnyder Posts: 219 Member
    Thank you both!

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