Your lazy Sunday sounded like the perfect Sunday to me

Okay, it's Monday, midday and the first fast day of my third week. I'm sipping my first cuppa tea of the day and thinking about the day ahead. I've a sewing project to hand to keep me busy and if I get desperate, I've some dreaded ironing to do (been avoiding that for a week!). But I don't think I'll get desperate. Feeling good, positive and kinda already know I'll be fine with fasting today. And looking forward to weighing myself tomorrow morning.

It's been great to read the different tips everyone has left in the thread about what makes a successful fast for you. Just out of interest, how long has everyone been doing the 5:2? Do you see yourself doing this (or a variation of it to maintain) for life?

I think I've been doing 5:2 for about 3 years and I plan to continue it throughout my life. I gained a little since my lowest weight but I am happy with my current weight and size. It took me about 7 or 8 months to lose about 25-30 lbs. Today's fast will be no model though. No food so far but my son's birthday was yesterday and I made him a cake but then he spent the night at another friends who was also celebrating a birthday so the cake is still on the counter. Plus he wants sushi and instead of going to a restaurant, we are going to make it at home tonight. So come dinner time, my 'fast' is over and I will probably eat as much as any non-fasting day. I will do proper 500 calorie fasts again on Wednesday and Friday. I also need to kick up my exercise back to a better level because for some reason I have been slacking in this area even though I know it is a mood booster and general all-around life enhancer.

Hi everyone!! I'm doing a FD today and Friday. My schedule continues to be sort of wonky, but we've got until after the first week of August before we start getting into school mode. School starts Aug. 22, but older son starts band camp. I happy to let you know I have found an alternative to my ballet class...our local university!! They offer an advanced class M, W, F from 12-1:50 and the instructor is allowing me to sign up unless the class if full with actual college students. I'm excited and nervous. Excited to be in a class with more people, nervous because it's more dancing than I've done in a long time and it may prove to be more challenging, but that's what I want. I prefer moving forward rather than just doing the same old boring thing.

As far as this program, I started on 12/23/14. I've been struggling with my weight my whole life. After watching BBC's airing of Moseleys show, I decided to give it a go. I haven't looked back. I've been consistently fasting on T and F and I don't plan on stopping. I exercise most days of the week and recently added strength training (thanks for the encouragement, Mama) and just bought a rebounder. I believe, after YEARS of experience, that the key is consistency, exercise, and good nutrition. I eat a mostly plant-based diet, which has also contributed to my success. I hated that feeling of my size 14 pants feeling snug. Now I enjoy my loose size 6-8's and actually like shopping (well, sometimes I do). One of the interesting things about intermittent fasting is people's reaction. I do find I have to be careful about what I say and to whom. It amazes me how non-judgement people are when the talk about low-carb, paleo, or other diets. But when you bring up IF, they immediately accuse you of starving yourself. Throw the word "vegan" in there, and now I'm a raving lunatic!!! If I really wanted to go crazy, I could even add some choice words about the current state of politics in this country (deplorable is the word that comes to mind) and I might just spontaneously combust. So I just quietly work my business and stick to my plan and let my results speak for themselves. Sorry for the super long long post and my reference to American politics. It's just so, so bad. And embarrassing. And ugly. I may ask to move in with Flumi or Mama ;-)

Mama, a rebounder is a mini trampoline. To be honest, I wanted it to help me with my jumps in class, but it's turned out to be a pretty vigorous workout. My heart rate gets up into the high 120's. I think Flumi uses one. I can only last about 15 minutes for now and when I get off, my legs feel like rubber. But I love that my jumps look pretty good. I'll keep you posted. And you are right...just saying I eat less and exercise more is enough. Sometimes I get lulled into thinking that friends might be more open-minded, but I quickly find that isn't the case. Diet is sooo personal and such a touchy subject. Mostly, I don't talk about it. I've learned my lesson. Lastly, I know every country has their problems. We just seem to be so loud about it. To live in another country right now and see what your media is posting about it would be interesting. One has to be careful which media sources to listen to, but in the end there's just mistrust. We seem to living in a time right now surrounded by so. much. hate. And at times, it's overwhelming. My personal belief is that if we used dance to solve our conflict, things would be better. I mean, if Michael Jackson can resolve gang conflict in "Beat It", then how could we not do the same with other social problems? Dance off, flash mob, interpretive dance, you name it. That's the way to peace. You think I'm kidding...;-)

Brilliant to read about your different experiences Thanks for sharing them. It's inspiring to hear about the success you've all had!

I've decided to not tell friends about doing the 5:2, except for one friend who has been supportive in the past of my attempts to lose weight. My immediate family know of course and again they are supportive. I'm lucky in that respect, especially when you read about some of the experiences of others on the message boards here who have to deal with criticism and sabotage.

I'm coming to the end of a fast day and it's gone well (so far!). I'm finding that saving my calories for one meal in the evening is working best for me.