Has anyone got any experience of the 5:2 diet??

karenmacroft
karenmacroft Posts: 3 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Over the last couple of years, due to a more relaxed lifestyle and entering the menopause, I’ve noticed the scales tipping to the wrong side. Couldn’t face having to count calories and weigh out food for every meal. A friend told me about the 5:2 diet, did a bit of research and thought it sounded like a great way to lose the extra weight, as you only need to cut back 2 days a week the other 5 days eat as normal.
A month in and I could see results so was very pleased. I was curious how many calories I was consuming over the week, that’s why I downloaded this app, that was 3 months ago. I now find its no trouble at all keeping tabs on my calories, with the help of this app.
Curious to hear from anyone who has done the 5:2 diet, pros and cons thanks

Replies

  • zeejane03
    zeejane03 Posts: 993 Member
    I've done several IF protocols (for my active weight loss phase and then the first few years of maintenance). I enjoyed doing 5:2IF because it only felt like I was 'dieting' two times a week, so mentally it was more sustainable for me, for that time.

    A good site to check out is https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    I did it and found it far less unpleasant, and therefore easier to adhere, to compared to everyday calorie restriction.
    @staticsplit raises a good point, people with a history of ED are advised not to do it as it might be triggering (there's other groups of people who shouldn't do it too - see the web site).

    It also supported a heavy exercise volume well as the majority of my training was fully fuelled.
    Transition to maintenance at goal weight was a breeze as I was already accustomed to eating at maintenance levels. Although the fasting days were hard they did educate me about my hunger cues which was a useful experience.

    It's a valid choice for some but probably a small minority.
  • graciamona8
    graciamona8 Posts: 5 Member
    karenmacroft wrote: »
    Over the last couple of years, due to a more relaxed lifestyle and entering the menopause, I’ve noticed the scales tipping to the wrong side. Couldn’t face having to count calories and weigh out food for every meal. A friend told me about the 5:2 diet, did a bit of research and thought it sounded like a great way to lose the extra weight, as you only need to cut back 2 days a week the other 5 days eat as normal.
    A month in and I could see results so was very pleased. I was curious how many calories I was consuming over the week, that’s why I downloaded this app, that was 3 months ago. I now find its no trouble at all keeping tabs on my calories, with the help of this app.
    Curious to hear from anyone who has done the 5:2 diet, pros and cons thanks

    I am starting 5:2 today, how much did you lose in month
  • karenmacroft
    karenmacroft Posts: 3 Member
    staticsplit wrote: »
    As someone with a history of eating disorders, I'm not a fan of the diet as 500 calories a day is so low. They can work for some people, but aren't appropriate for others. I ate like this but it was more due to bingeing and purging via subsequent low calorie days/fasting. The low calorie days affected my blood pressure and I ended up fainting a few times. My period stopped and still hasn't come back, even though I was/am maintaining a healthy weight (150-155 at just under 6 ft). I worry diets like this can sometimes lead to an all-or-nothing mentality common in bulimics.

    But some people like it and stay healthy, so it works for them. Monitor how you feel both mentally and physically.

  • karenmacroft
    karenmacroft Posts: 3 Member
    I lost 5 lbs and an inch from my waist and hips so very happy as I only have to watch the calories 2 days a week. I agree it’s not for everyone but it definitely works for me good luck
  • Dilvish
    Dilvish Posts: 398 Member
    I had limited success with it also but it's really hard to keep up. It is a short term thing but I think it has merit. I think I too will try it again and hope that on the fasting days I don't wig out!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories