sanjoparolas Member

I'm not sure anyone can give you a definitive answer with the science to back it up. I've done both but nothing super strenuous and had no ill effects. Some self experimentation may be the best approach, all the while listening to your body. Best wishes on your journey to great health. :)

I agree that it is helpful to check in with MFP regularly to keep focused on healthy living.

Great reports everyone! I completed my Monday fast with a few extra calories and am fasting again on Thursday. I got in a great bike ride on Sunday during perfect weather. Other than that, I am keeping to my weekday routine of bodyweight strength and Tabata training.

20000 steps a day - fantastic! I am continuing with 2 fasts per week. I liked having 3 fasts per week last year, but this year my schedule doesn't accommodate it without having to do 2 of the days back-to-back, which I am not interested in doing. I'm a few pounds higher, but stable within my healthy range. Now that I've…

:Great job sticking with it Snaps! And how fun that some MFP 5:2 folks are meeting up in Dublin!

I am just continuing with the 5:2. I stopped losing weight once I got into my normal weight range so it appears my body is happy with 2 ultra low calorie days each week. I was doing 3 low days per week for a while and I gained a bit when I went back to 2 but now I seem pretty stable. I am happy with the weight and size I…

Great smile, fun outfit, overall impression - super adorable! I love that you don't wait around for 'your prince' but you are out there living life to the fullest.

I am fasting today as well. I have also been guilty of eating too much on non fasting days, especially weekends. My weight crept up this summer a bit but now that the routines are back in place the weight trend is in a better direction. All the best to you Snaps and to the rest of the folks here!

Enjoying occasional breaks from the routine is one of the great benefits of this way of eating. We just get back to it when the break is over and I often find it is without too much damage done despite any indulgences. Same for the exercise routine. I'm in the middle of a few such breaks myself but that all ends when…

Nice photos - I love the labyrinth! It's supposed to be 109 F today. I'm taking the kids to Sunsplash waterpark and will spend the day making sure they apply their sunscreen and drink their water. I have gained a bit due to lack of routine during the summer but school and my job starts up again mid-August so that excuse…

Love the outside exercise tip - wonderful! I used to do my yoga outside, maybe I will follow your lead . . . :)

"sparky" - love it! Hold out for the spark, you are worth it (doesn't mean you can't have lots of fun with the dates leading up to it too).

I left the overweight category and reached the midpoint of my BMI over a year ago. I still use the 5:2 strategy, often switching to 4:3 although my calorie intake has exceeded the recommended fasting guidelines from time to time. I am maintaining at this point and am happy with my results. I never had long term success…

Your description of mini-workouts in the mornings is exactly what I do and for the same reason - I can do them at home without looking presentable and they are so short, I can't let myself skip them. Doing them makes me feel that no matter what, I did something good for me that very morning. If I get other exercise in…

Thank you for sharing your healthy, beautiful day with us!

5:2 works great for me. Check out the groups for lots of discussion and support on this topic.

Great results - congratulations! I don't use cookbooks much but I laugh at the Thug Kitchen videos.

exercise - yes (minimum weekday routine) cal intake - high (don't record non-'fast' days) proteins, veggies, etc - yes, yesterday included swiss chard, cranberry walnut bread, oatmeal, blueberries, strawberries, asparagus, onions, spinach, carrots, avocado, chia, flax, pumpkin and hemp seeds, banana, pecans, tomatoes, and…

I have subscribed to a local CSA for over a decade. I purchase a weekly box of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables. I can't say scientifically whether I am healthier because the produce is organic or not. I enjoy supporting a local farm. I am much more aware of what is in season. I end up learning how to use and…

Your efforts are paying off - bravo to you!

I hear you mowbry. I only see students in the mornings. LUCKY FOR THEM because when I get hungry in the afternoons lack of patience is probably a kind way of describing how I might react! Yesterday I did great on my fast day, students and meetings in the morning, low key afternoon, no calories until I was working at a…

MWF I do a bodyweight / yoga combination including stretches, pushups, planks, lunges, squats, and assisted pullups. TTh I do a Tabata session on an exercise bike, kettlebell swings, and rows. Each weekday routine takes me less than 10 minutes in the morning before I go to work - no gym, no travel, can be done in my…

I do! The feeling of lightness and emptiness (as opposed to feeling full or thinking about what to eat next) is a pleasant effect of this way of life.

I also found the Jillian Michaels videos very effective. I can do them at home and I prefer the ones that only take 20 minutes to complete like the 30 Day Shred. Like she says, it's just 20 minutes! It is tough and I recommend beginners start slowly, but 20 minutes later you can check exercise off your To Do list and go…

I do not track on my non-fasting days and was able to reach and maintain a weight well within my healthy BMI. It can be done. I eat a lot of healthy food plus a regular dose of salty or sweet treats so I may never get to only one fasting day per week. Currently at two or sometimes three. I haven't lost any weight for…

Check out the groups - lots of success and support there!

veggie korma, dhal, naan, saag

The warrior picture of you on the mountain in Colorado brought tears to my eyes and I don't even know you but wow, you are getting it done - congratulations!

Super sweet, awesome success, and great attitude!

I did that and it worked for me. I still plan to fast each MWF but typically something comes up on one of the days so I figure at least I got my two days in. I am in the middle of my normal BMI now, 5ft 5in 137lbs this morning. I have been as low as 132.something on this plan. I seem to be at a stable weight, not really…