5:2 diet - a few questions.

ArisRaza
ArisRaza Posts: 6
in Health and Weight Loss
I've been on the 5:2 diet for almost 2 weeks and lost 4 pounds. Just for those that aren't familiar with 5:2 - it's 5 days eating at your maintenance calories and then 2 days intermittent fasting only consuming 600 calories.

I have a question for those that are on the diet or for any of those that have any advice. On my fasting days, I fast religiously. Before closing my fast I drink 500ml water and when I open the fast, which is usually at 9.30pm (when sun the sets) I drink 750ml water and eat 600 calories. I DON'T drink while fasting, which you should do in intermittent fasting.

Will not drinking water while fasting affect the results of the 5:2? Should I drop fasting religiously and start intermittent fasting?

Thanks

Replies

  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Firstly, here's a great group of 5:2ers who have lots of tips and support!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/8005-5-2-fasting

    Going without water doesn't sound like a good idea to me. On fast days, I find it helps to drink LOTS of water - it can get through a hunger pang, keeps headaches at bay, and is needed as the body isnt getting the fluids it would normally be ingesting through foods.

    What's your reasoning for adopting your approach?
  • ArisRaza
    ArisRaza Posts: 6
    Firstly, here's a great group of 5:2ers who have lots of tips and support!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/8005-5-2-fasting

    Going without water doesn't sound like a good idea to me. On fast days, I find it helps to drink LOTS of water - it can get through a hunger pang, keeps headaches at bay, and is needed as the body isnt getting the fluids it would normally be ingesting through foods.

    What's your reasoning for adopting your approach?

    Thanks for the group link! I don't drink water during fast days because I also use the fasting days to fast Islamically as I'm a Muslim and it want it to be beneficial spiritually. When fasting in Islam, we shouldn't drink water while fasting.
  • FaithfulJewel
    FaithfulJewel Posts: 177 Member
    Other than shifting excess salt/water weight, I don't think there's an issue with not drinking water while religiously fasting/IF if you're used to it.

    Some fast days I drink 5 pints, other days I drink about 3 pints, but that's me not restricting my drinking throughout the day.

    When fasting religiously, it's continuous for around 28 days or so, isn't it? (apologies if I've got that wrong) - with IF being only 2 days out of 5, and not being back to back unless you choose to do so, that shouldn't really be an issue if you're used to not drinking when fasting at other times.
  • ArisRaza
    ArisRaza Posts: 6
    Other than shifting excess salt/water weight, I don't think there's an issue with not drinking water while religiously fasting/IF if you're used to it.

    Some fast days I drink 5 pints, other days I drink about 3 pints, but that's me not restricting my drinking throughout the day.

    When fasting religiously, it's continuous for around 28 days or so, isn't it? (apologies if I've got that wrong) - with IF being only 2 days out of 5, and not being back to back unless you choose to do so, that shouldn't really be an issue if you're used to not drinking when fasting at other times.

    You are right, fasting religiously continuously for 28 days is in Ramadan.... but we can fast out of Ramadan too, chose a lot of people decide not too. I used those 2 days out of 5 to fast religiously instead of IF fasting. But, I am used to fasting without no water or food for long periods of times.
  • ArisRaza
    ArisRaza Posts: 6
    It's just that I read while doing the 5:2 diet, water is vital for fasting days. I just wanted to know if not drinking water while fasting will affect the result.
  • FaithfulJewel
    FaithfulJewel Posts: 177 Member
    Can I ask where you read that? As far as I'm concerned, if you're used to fasting without water, it shouldn't do you any harm.

    Just try it for 4 weeks and see what happens! If you're losing weight (even if slower than you're hoping) you'll 1) still be losing weight and 2) still fasting for religious reasons.

    If you're not losing weight, but recording food diligently and sticking to your calorie allowance, maybe try 2-4 weeks with water when fasting and see if that helps.

    It's all a matter of trial and error, and everyone's body is different.

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