Eat, fast and live longer - the 5:2 lifestyle

[Wonder]

Good luck with it Marina, I'll be very interested to hear how you go. I watched half the show last night and found it very interesting.

[achookwoman]

It certainly works,  but I have noticed that the rate of weight loss is different for different people. 

[Wonder]

I'm seriously considering doing this for a little while. I have never believed in diets but this seems more a lifestyle than diet. Will need to do some more research though.

[Cuilidh]

I've only done one day so far, so perhaps I am speaking too soon, but it didn't seem too onerous, and I even came out below my 500 calories.  My major problem was keeping myself under control and remembering not to snack - although I did have a bag of carrot sticks ready in the fridge, just to be on the safe side.  I really need to go to the bank today, but have decided it can just wait until tomorrow as I could easily be tempted by the shops down the street, my will-power is pathetic.  I hope this works for me because I do need to lose some weight and bulk.  Fingers are crossed, anyway.

[ElleG]

Good luck with it Marina. It is a lifestyle change, rather then a diet. We are still on it,and once again I am cooking meals from scratch. I found 2 days in a row difficult, one is ok.

Still only do one day of the 5:2 per week, but do have other days where I have mini fasts. I exercise in the morning, then eat when I am hungry. Mightn't be until 11 -12. I maintain my weight, trying a little harder to lose a few more kilos. My husband is still very slim, so can't do 2 days a week, as he would be too thin.

Everyone is different with the weight loss. My DH lost 1kg a week on 5:2, so certainly doable, just harder for women. Unfair!
I do believe it has health benefits and that is probably the main reason we continue.

[Cuilidh]

One of the things Chookie stressed to me when she loaned me her 5:2 book was that exercise on the fast days was important.  Needless to say, I haven't done any!

[Wonder]

That's interesting because I read in one the articles that you shouldn't do exercise on the fast days. I do some form of exercise (gym or walk thanks to over active dog) most days so was wondering how to fit it in still.

I downloaded a recipe book to the kindle and might have read of a few others and plan to start next week.

[Cuilidh]

Good luck with it Nadine.  Let me know how you are getting on.  I've just about survived 2 days now and feel fine (2 days is a record for me!).

[achookwoman]

Wonder and Marina,  I think one of the benefits is that you don't feel like you are continually on a diet.  The flexibility of being able to swap days is good because if something interesting comes up,  you can swap a day.   

[cookie1]

We saw this on the TV a while ago and both think it could be a good idea. I have enjoyed reading all the posts and following how things have been going with people. Thanks for all the links etc.

[Bedlam]

I also saw a tv show on SBS recently. It appears the health benefits are massive. I have got as far as buying the recipe book! Maybe a new year project. It does appear do able.

[cookie1]

What is the recipe book called please Bedlam? I will have a look at it.

[Cuilidh]

We have just completed three weeks on the diet and I found day two this week was much easier for some reason than it was in the earlier two weeks.  I haven't weighed myself or measured my waist yet, but I feel much better psychologically and I think that is just as important at this stage as weight loss. 

Actually, must go out and buy a decent set of bathroom scales, ours are useless ... any suggestions anyone on good brands / makes?

[achookwoman]

Marina,  I have Weight watchers scales.  They measure in very small amounts.  Very happy with them.
Great to hear you are both going well.
Cookie,  there are several cooking books,  but most of the recipes are on line.

[cookie1]

Thanks.