Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: giniboz on August 11, 2012, 07:59:38 AM
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I'm trying this new way of eating, called alternate day fasting, and wondered if anyone else has tried this? Basically I've developed (like a lot of other ladies on here) an unattractive, bloated tummy and despite lots of agonising sit-ups and generally trying to up my exercise, it just won't budge >:( Last week I saw a documentary about this alternate day fasting, where a chap tried it for a few weeks, and not only did he lose weight, but also cut his chance of certain cancers by roughly 50% (prostate, breast etc.) He had a lot of prostate cancer in his family, so he was really pleased. As breast cancer is in my family (so no HRT for me :( it seems like a good idea.
Basically you eat normally for one day, and then the next day you consume roughly 20% of your normal calorie intake, the doc on the programme suggested about 400 calories or so, for women, so say a small sandwich and a couple of bits of fruit. And that's it. Black coffee, tea, water etc. allowed also. The following day you go back to eating normally - they even suggested that you could eat rubbish on your 'feast' days, as long as you follow it with a 'fast' day. I started on Tuesday, and have kept to it rigidly (OH also trying it too). So far we haven't really felt too deprived on the fast days, as it's only for 24 hours!
According to the scales I have lost 1lb already (and it's day 5) so it seems to be working. Anybody else trying this 'lifestyle choice'? And if so, is it working for you?
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I saw that programme too. Im also going to give it a go
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Still available on iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01lxyzc/Horizon_20122013_Eat_Fast_and_Live_Longer/
Taz x
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I saw that programme, too. You're right, Mrs. P., I don't think anyone with existing metabolic disorders like diabetes and thyroid should try this but in any case it's probably wise just to confirm with a G.P. that it's okay to try if you intend to do this on a long-term basis. By its very nature, it puts your body's systems under a certain amount of stress and all the participants on the programme were being regularly monitored by specialists.
It was interesting, none-the-less, to see how the programme's presenter responded, but he was by his own admission, overweight to begin with and any loss of weight however you do it will have a beneficial effect on glucose levels and future cancer risk.
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I would be inclined to just cut my intake everyday from 1400 to 1000 everyday??1 day on, 1 day off seems a bit radical ??? :o
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Jax - my initial thoughts. We are hunter gathers so would not eat on a regular basis anyway 'in the wild' ::). Cutting down what we put on our plates makes a difference, we are what we eat. Also as oestrogen levels drop off muscles all over the body become lax and there is NOTHING we can do about those. It's Nature ::) ......... regular exercise however means that our internal organs get the exercise we require as well as the outer levels.
If one already feels OK why risk making ourselves ill because of a programme we saw on TV? If the body diets too quickly then it begins to eat itself :o .......... as for my blood sugar levels well I weigh just under 8st - having been between 6-7 and a half since 1972 until 4 years ago. If I cut down too much I begin to feel dizzy, nauseious and my anxiety levels rise, fast.
Even those cultures which fast for religious purposes eat at night time ;)
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It seems as if the purpose of alternate day fasting is not just to lose weight. It has overall health benefits apparently. This article is about three years old http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1230347/Feast-famine-The-diet-wont-just-help-lose-weight-youll-live-longer-brainier.html
I would be worried about my concentration on the fasting days especially while driving long distances and I am not sure how I would cope at work either. When I am hungry I feel very spaced out.
Taz x
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I feel spaced out at times too .......... usually due to the busy dreams I've had in the night. I think hydration is important during these types of 'diet' too. Otherwise the body soon gives up. Also, we can be de-hydrated and think we are hungry ;)
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Thanks for the link Taz2, really interesting. I am currently 10 1/2 stone, and should be 9 stone ideally for my height - that's when I feel really good. I'm fairly fit, but am getting so fed up with carrying this extra stone and a half around, that I'm going to give it a shot for a few weeks and see how it goes. So far, I have not really felt starving hungry on the 'fast' days, and apart from the odd tummy rumble late in the evenings, feel fine! (Do miss a nice glass of wine tho...)
I do appreciate it's not for everyone, and it's a good idea to check with the GP first if you have concerns.
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Well, alcohol is known for putting weight on. When Himself decided to diet 2-3 years ago he cut out cider and lager and lost weight easily. Then the "I'll have a bottle of wine" type conversation interuppted his Good Intentions and before you know it ::)
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I saw the programme and not sure I could follow the diet on alternate days, however, I thought what he did was better, eating normally for 5 days, then fasting for 1 or 2. It was interesting to note that the nerves went into repair mode if hunger was there, therefore cell renewal more likely to take place. Also that too much protein stopped this process. I would be more inclined to go on a fast for a day to begin with and because realistically I could not maintain, it, would consider eating more fruit and vegetables cutting my protein and calories by about 500 and eating smaller portions. I think the main message there was over eating is a killer! ;)
I try to keep to the 'eat well plate' and have a balanced diet.
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I saw the proggramme and it did seem like a very good idea. I thought i might try it, but as i have very bad pmt which is near enough all the time now i'd hate to think how i would be on the fasting day. I have to eat every 3 hours or i might kill someone my temper at times is dreadful and i'm just so hungry all the time. I want to lose some weight as this eating all the time is getting silly now. But think i need to wait untill i'm past this crap stage.
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They did cover themselves by saying that you should be healthy consult a doctor before trying this fasting. I was amazed at that 101 year old fella running the marathon. He had eaten small portions of punjabi diet all his life.
Its interesting to find out that the best nutrition we had was during the war, when everything was rationed! :)
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Do we not 'fast' overnight? :-\
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I think it sounds excellent, especially for those who want to cut down on tablets because it improves blood pressure and lowers cholesterol.
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What does? Can you point me to any Peer reviewed research regarding this - thanks.
We fast over-night ;) ..............
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I did my first day yesterday, I chose to eat my one meal at lunchtime. Plus lots of herbal tea. I didn't really miss the food but no wine in the evening was much harder.....
Strangely I didn't wake up feeling hungry this morning. How are other fasters getting on?
:cancan:
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I wouldn't even think to open a bottle of wine particularly if living alone ::) - it's the aisle that would never be visited by me if I shopped for one!
Do you intend to eat less tomorrow?
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No, I'm only going to do two days a week, so I have chosen Monday's and thursdays. :)
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Hi Pixieboots.
Have just seen your post. I thought about posting about the same thing.
I saw most of the programme too - I joined it as he came to the end of the 3.5 day fast.
I like that he tries it himself and brings in the research that is being done.
I had a fasting day - not used to counting calories so think I had 550 which I know is too much on it.
I did not hear the part about protein - that's interesting.
I was very interested in reading about the potential health benefits - and someone has already mentioned the Hunter-gatherer style which was referred to.
I enjoyed that programme, since it gave an overview of the 3.5 day fasting, the ADF and the 5:2 fasting.
Plus explored briefly the compressed hours eating.
CLKD. I did not see the whole programme, however, he was in America. The research for halting Alzheimer's was done on mice and the results were remarkable if they can be replicated in humans. Interestingly, by adding in sugar or glucose to their water, Alzheimer's would occur sooner.
The ADF was done in Chicago on humans. I forget the Institute -
And I cannot recall how he got to the 5:2 day ratio fasting.
The Institute of genomics was on it at one stage.
The principle is that on the fasting days, the body uses its resources to survive and then it returns to using food consumed on the eating days. They did talk about constant low calorie diets slowing down the system to a point that it did not use its resources, it simply slowed everything down.
There are quite a few books about ADF (check out Amazon), and one of them I believe gives all the scientific evidence or information (I have not read it - but people referred to it as heavy going with detail before getting to the diet part).
I bought MISO soup the next day and have the mindset. I did try one day, with success then have been side-lined by dental op and heavy cold so eating what is in the cupboards lol.
So pleased you posted about this. Good luck. I am back at work tomorrow so will post when I get back in the zone.
Fx
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I didnt see it but to me it sounds like BINGE
You eat one day startve the next doesnt sound right medicaly to me
Even with people with no medical problems
Its almost an asault on your body ying and yang cant be good surley?
Why not just cut down we have a thing on TV here run by the GOV called SWAP
It simply means swap your size meal change your plate from a dinner to a sideplate
You still get all the food you need with out overfilling yourself and its working
I eat light meals plenty enough for me Sun to Thur then Fri and Sat I eat nice different meals like Currys Chinnese
I cut out most cakes and biccies do Zumba walk everywhere cos I cant drive and no proper bus service so I walk
Im not size 10 like I was in 2004 IM 14 some is Im not working outside the home so not doing so much and 2 Vagifem
I honestly think Vagifem has altered at least my tummy I always had a flat tum now its wobbly but IM 58 and a sixe 14
My neice is size 18 and more shes 23 its all the booze and takeaways and shes a daycare worker as well
But if you want to give it ago let us know how you go on with it?
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I agree, I don't think we should be messing about with our bodies, like this, maybe an occasional fast is ok, but i think generally people should eat more healthily and just cut out the amount of calories, to fit in with their lifestyle and activity levels. There are many obese young and middle aged people in this area, where I live. They stuff themselves full of fast food and can not get off the sofa as a result. We should be thinking of food for fuel rather than as a way of solving emotional problems. Its another obsessive fad about food, even if research does say otherwise! Everything in moderation?
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Still available on iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01lxyzc/Horizon_20122013_Eat_Fast_and_Live_Longer/
Taz x
Thanks for that link Taz. I hope to see the whole programme before it disappears.
Fx
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I agree Pixie
Ive never been a comfort eater I vommit when I get stressed or upset but I can understand why some peolple do
When i fly etc or go anywhere where I cant smoke I still dont eat in its place
Im not that fond of food so to me its easy to cut back cut down
Dont like dairy so no Yogs Ice cream Milkshakes cheeses dips even butter YUKO as for milk rather chew my own arm off
With working women with children full time its hard to cook fresh and do all that has to be done
But we are now seeing the results they say this generation now 20 and under will have a shorter life expectancy than us
We cant win can we we are damed if we do and damed if we dont
All we can do is try to eat at least 3 times a week cooked foods healthy stuff even if its just FRI SAT AND SUN
Better than a smack in the chops as my MUM used to say xxxxxxxxxx
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That looks interesting, i would like to try it too. It makes sense too, so who all is trying it?
Eddie. x
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I was, and about to go again (held up due to op and cold).
I am likely to do Mon and Thurs as fasting days, so would start tomorrow again.
I may go to ADF or just stick with 5 and 2 depending on what is happening.
That should still make 2 fasting days in the last week but system has been all over
the place, so tomorrow is the new week for me.
Fx
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I've had no ill effects as far as I know from being 'starved' prior to various surgeries over the years. But I have been anorexic-type since age 3 :-\ until recent years ............ it would be interesting to see the take on our recently successful athletes on fasting as well as nomadic tribes who are true hunter gatherers. Also some kids seem to survive on the same foodstuffs for years ::) ...... the healthiest the British people have ever been was during the Second World War when there was little sugar!
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As in ? chocolate eclairs springs to mind :-* - I know I have said that when I eat too much chocolate my body feels sluggish ....... I HAVE to put 2 sugars in black T though ;)
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Sugar is toxic to me ...............
But sugar makes things so nice to eat, really nice........ ::)
Sugar triggers my fibromyalgia symptoms :(
Fx
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I couldn't do it. The last time I fasted ( for a blood test) I nearly passed out.
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I will be fasting again tomorrow apart from a light lunch. Until meno hit I had stayed under eight stone without dieting, just eating home cooked food (along with wineof course >:(). Now I'm eight stone twelve and I hate it, it's got to go >:(. (by the way I am 5'2" and lightly built- so a few pounds goes a long way).
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Cut out the WINE for 3 months ;)
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:rofl:
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Wine + sugars = weight gain ;) .......... as my Husband found out: when he cut all alcohol from his diet for several months he lost weight!
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Agreed, wine IS very fattening, empty calories, bad for you etc. etc. But blimey, the menopause is awful enough without trying to struggle through without a nice ice-cold glass of Pinot every now and then!
Well, I have been on the ADF for just over a week now, but have modified it slightly - it is really, really hard to do at weekends, so OH and I are doing the 'fast' on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the other days we are trying to eat no more than we would normally (and actually, am no hungrier either, so it's not a problem at all) good home-cooked food, and a glass of vino or two. I find that at work it really is OK to do the fasting, if I take an interesting lunch with me to work, and then keep myself busy in the evenings (not too much slobbing about in front of the TV etc), and the fact that I know I can eat a nice breakfast in the morning, sort of makes up for feeling a tiny bit deprived. It is working for me, and I feel really good.
How's about the rest of you?
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As long as oyu are not drinking one or 2 glasses of wine a night
If you do and you feel you need them
Then hunnie you have a problem
As for the fast it sounds the way your doing it about right about how I eat
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Ps. Weighed myself this morning, and have lost another pound - excellent. And feel really good too! :)
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so you are doing 3 days fasting? how many calories on the fasting days?
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I think that inter mitten fasting is a great idea, eg 12 hours of fasting, 12 hours of normal sensible eating, 7pm to 7am is workable.
It rests the digestive system, burns fat and reduces inflammation in the body. We produce most of our cholesterol overnight.
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Zelda, on the three fasting days, just trying to keep calorie intake at around 400, 5maybe 00 calories, so a nice piece of chicken, big watercress salad, some fruit - or scrambled egg two small slices wholemeal toast, fruit or yoghurt - trying to keep in simple yet filling. I honestly am not feeling hungry on the fast evenings, and I realise that I have just got into the habit of having a fairly big evening meal, cos that's what I've always done - I don't miss it, and even seem to have a bit more energy. I have a big 'do' in September and have high hopes of being able to fit into my lovely size 10 Monsoon dress, that is currently covered in cobwebs in the wardrobe!
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Well, my tummy is rumbling but I have stuck to just herbal tea this evening :o
Not made easy by a very skinny hubby who has been eating all evening but tomorrow's a new day and I've got food and Zumba to look forward to :cheer: :cheer:
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Do you find you are eating more than usual on the non fast days?
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No, curiously the day after the fast I seem to wake up not feeling hungry!
I just eat normally.
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Its interesting how you are all doing. Do you get less hungry and want to eat less - stomach shrinks maybe because of the fasting :-X day?
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I haven't heard of that one but I have been trying the Dukan Diet. It's for rapid weight loss initially and seems to be working. I only need to lose half a stone so it's not too drastic for me.
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Im doing this intermittent fasting to get rid of my peri-belly. it is definitely working. I am just doing 2 days a week which is quite easy. I have read about it on mens forums to start with as it is very good for preserving muscle.
How is anyone else doing?
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I've done two weeks so far and have lost 1.5lbs. So going in the right direction. I too am doing two days a week which means it's not hard to stick to. Seems to be having a positive effect on my skin, it looks much clearer. :)
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Do you get hungry or feel sluggish? Do you have anything at all on the fasting days?
Purplenanny
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I have a small breakfast then just herbal tea until dinner time then have a small supper - in total about 600 calories. Not too hungry >:(
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I have not kept to it - but mainly because of hectic schedule and long days.
I have managed to do occasional days and enjoyed it. I keep to around 500cals. Normally couple of coffees, maybe a miso soup and a meal value around 300-400 cals.
Will get back into it week after next when things calm down a bit - and accept that's how it is for now.
Fx
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I wouldn't even think to open a bottle of wine particularly if living alone ::) - it's the aisle that would never be visited by me if I shopped for one!
The trick is to buy wine in a box. Then you can have a glass a night and it doesn't go 'off'!.
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Hi
I was just wondering how the ladies on fasting are doing?
PN xx
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Saturdays Times had a good article on this - worth a read,also gave some menus, want to lose 5 Lbs so will give it a go :D
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3 weeks on and have lost 5lbs , so impressed. The only negative is waking in the night feeling hungry so have large glass of water and wake up not feeling hungry at all, just cut calories on 2 days a week and give myself 500 - 600 cals.
Apart from the weight loss have just noticed that the brown menopausal patches on my skin ( which were not too dark and easily concealed ) have completely disappeared on one side of my face and fading rapidly on the other, amazing, will keep going. Had spent a lot of money on creams that promised to fade them to little effect . :)
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Thats interesting that the patches have vanished and well done on losing the weight too. ;) I need to lose a few pounds but not very good at cutting down!
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If you plan the day and try and make it a busy day it helps, I have yogurt and prunes( got a bit constipated in first week) for breakfast about 9ish then scrambled egg on small bit of toast, herbal tea, miso soup helps too, then I have been using M and S calorie counted meals in evening - they had a shelf full of reduced ones and from those you can work out how to make your own, basically about 2.5 ozs of meat and loads of steamed veg, it really stops you overeating on the non diet days as you are so aware of how many calories are in food, loads of tips for calorie counted snacks on net, 1 jaffa cake is 45 cals so helps if a sweet urge hits you , 5 almonds are about 100 cals .Its so good to see the stubborn pounds melt, :)
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Well done, think I will try this in the new year, really struggling with the weight!
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I am trying this today. Probably still eating too much! One boiled egg and 1 piece of toast for breakfast, soup and apple for lunch. Absolutely famished now! Cooking salmon and vegetables for dinner. Probably more than 600 calories :-\
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Well done Pixie, very impressive.
I will try after Jan 2nd. Honest.....................
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I could do with trying it too....after chocs are finished!
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I know that the long-lived people of a certain Japanese Island (can't remember the name) always cease eating before they feel full (takes 10 minutes for the stomach to fully register your intake) and seem to greatly benefit from not putting the strain on their bodies that over consumption leads to.
However, what I have found fantastic is cutting out wheat. I think I've been suffering from an intolerance for a couple of decades, and what a difference. My bloated tummy has gone, I'm less gassy, the dreaded plunge into overwhelming fatigue after eating from which I would never rally has gone, and I can think more clearly and remember more easily. And it has not been nearly as hard as I thought, although I do like playing around with recipes and cooking, so that helps. I'll never go back now and wish I had tried it sooner.
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Hello everyone!
Please can someone tell me if my last meal was at 6pm would i be right in thinking I could eat again at 6pm the following night (taking into account my 400 cal)
Thank you
boojess
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Hi
When I watched the programme, my understanding was that it is a day - not specifically 24hours from 1 time to another.
Example: I eat normallyone day, go to bed. Get up and the next day eat only 400-500 cals. Suggestion was at lunch-time although the reporter found it easier to have breakfast instead.
The principle is that you stop for long enough that the body uses current reservesd but not for long enough that it winds down as if in protection from starvation mode as a long term very low calorie diet can do.
Hope that makes sense.
Fx
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I found this article from the Daily Express interesting. Women over 50 seem to be ok though.
CAVEMAN FASTING DIET MAY LEAVE WOMEN DIABETIC
The 5:2 diet can have a detrimental effect on your health
Sunday January 27,2013
By Jane Symons
THE 5:2 weight-loss fad has been heralded as a miracle plan that boosts brain cells while reducing your risk of cancer and dementia but, as JANE SYMONS discovers, regular fasting has worrying health implications for women.
You probably know someone who is on the 5:2 fasting diet, you may even have tried it yourself.
Its promise to melt away pounds with minimal pain is seductive and, unlike so many fad diets, comes with promises of extraordinary health benefits. Just like the Atkins, cabbage soup and blood group diets before it, however, the latest flavour of the month weight loss regime could leave a bad taste in the mouth.
The few studies which confirm its benefits also reveal a potentially dangerous divide.
Intermittent fasting is very effective for men but potentially dangerous for many women.
There is increasing evidence that women are less likely to lose weight and more prone to unpleasant side effects such as insomnia, impaired fertility and increased stress hormones.
According to Michael Moseley, the doctor turned-television presenter who popularised this new approach to weight loss, the proof is in the pudding (which remains on the menu for five out of seven days). After trying the feast-and-famine regime for five weeks for the BBC documentary Eat, Fast and Live Longer, he lost almost a stone and reduced his body fat, cholesterol and blood sugar.
He also halved his levels of IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor, which increases the risk of cancer. However Dr Catherine Collins, Chief Dietician at London's St George's Hospital, warns that basic differences in biology make it effective for men, but unsuitable for many women.
For starters, men have a higher percentage of muscle, which gives them a faster metabolism, so if a man and woman of comparable size restrict their intake to 800 calories a day the man will lose more weight.
Their greater muscle mass also protects men from some of the downsides of the diet. Dr Collins explains: “The average adult turns over 300grams of protein a day.
Eighty per cent of that is recycled, broken down and reused; a bit like Lego bricks, but after a certain period of time these proteins become worn out and are lost to the body.
“What we cannot salvage, we need to replace and once you start skipping meals you will compromise your intake.
“Protein is non-negotiable, and unlike other micronutrients you need it every day, but men have a higher reserve of muscle they can call on for protein during fasting days.â€
The simplicity of 5:2 dieting is undeniable.
You eat normally for five days a week and cut calories to 500 (for women) and 600 (for men) a day for the other two, using diet shakes or the low carbohydrate “paleo†diet of our caveman ancestors.
Advocates argue that it is easy to stick to, prolongs life and reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and dementia.
However, Dr Susan Jebb, head of diet and population health at the Medical Research Council cautions: “As with every new diet that comes along there are always more claims made for it than are supported by the science.â€
Large population studies which appear to confirm the benefits of fasting are not always as clear cut as they seem. For instance, one which analysed the health records of 4,629
Americans reported that intermittent fasting reduced the risk of heart disease by 39 per cent, but the fasting group was made up almost entirely of Mormons, who also shun alcohol, tobacco, coffee and other unhealthy habits as part of their faith.
Even those who promote fasting admit the evidence is patchy. After reviewing all the published trials, Professor Krista Varady who featured in the BBC documentary admitted: “The human studies are limited, they all lacked control groups and used short trial lengths.â€
Closer examination of the handful of smaller, well-controlled studies on fasting reveal that women may actually miss out on the much-touted improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin responses and could actually increase their risk of developing diabetes.
The danger was identified in a 2005 study published in Obesity Research which tracked eight men and eight women as they tried intermittent fasting for three weeks. All were a healthy weight or carrying only a few extra pounds, with BMIs between 20 and 30.
At the end of the trial there was no insulin improvements in the women and their glucose response got worse, while the men had no glucose changes and their insulin response improved.
American scientist, author and blogger Stefani Ruper, who was one of the first to question the safety of the 5:2 regime, warns: “The IF regime was not just neutral for women, but was downright harmful.â€
In part, this may be due to differences in the way we store fat. Women are most likely to be pear-shaped and pile extra pounds on to their hips while men become apple-shaped and gain weight around their middle, which is much more dangerous and increases the odds of developing diabetes and heart disease.
Dr Collins says: “You would expect men to benefit more because the natural distribution of their body fat predisposes them to metabolic syndrome [a precursor to diabetes]. Losing weight around the middle will increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce their risk.â€
This dangerous apple-shape becomes more common in women after menopause, which suggests there may be some benefits to the 5:2 regime for those over 50. However, for younger women there are serious concerns about fasting and fertility.
Studies at the American National Institute on Ageing found that when rats are put on a restricted diet the females stop ovulating and their ovaries shrink.
They also become increasingly alert and active, which may account for the fact women are also more susceptible to insomnia on the 5:2 regime.
Lead researcher Bronwen Martin says these changes may explain why women are more vulnerable to anorexia and that also worries Dr Collins.
Eating disorders are rooted in psychological problems, but she says fasting encourages “disordered eating†and that could tip at-risk dieters into a full-blown eating disorder. “Fasting creates a feeling of euphoria because blood sugar is running quite moderately and that can be addictive. It is very important that you don't do more than two days a week,†she says.
We have to get away from this idea that the 5:2 diet is a panacea, an optimum diet. It isn't.
Dr Collins
The warning is borne out by research at Columbia University which found changes in female brain chemistry are directly related to food intake; the greater the hunger, the bigger the impact.
In female rats, even a modest cut in calories triggers a sharp increase in corticosterone levels and encourages the body to lay down fat stores, according to studies at the National Institute of Ageing.
In males, intake had to be slashed by 40 per cent before there was any change in the diet-busting hormone.
Dr Collins says, “We have to get away from this idea that the 5:2 diet is a panacea, an optimum diet. It isn't.â€
All the evidence suggests it undoubtedly works for men and it may work for overweight or obese women, but those who don't need to shed a lot of weight may have a lot more to lose than a few pounds"
Taz x
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I just thought I'd share my husband's experience of 5:2 fasting, which he has been doing since last August. He sticks rigidly to the 600 calories on fast days, and doesn't overeat on other days - however he has only lost about half a stone since he started. His weight goes up and down - he started at just over 13 stone, and has been down as low as 12, but seems to hover around 12.5 or so.
He likes it and thinks it is doing him good. I watched the original TV programme and was impressed, but am not doing it myself. I got too hungry and miserable on fast days. I prefer to watch overall calorie intake.
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I'm not into dieting as a rule as I seldom stick to them, but would never do anything as drastic as fasting, even on alternate days. Not sure I could cope with that or whether it would be good for my body long term.
I have started diet which has an app for my mobile and so far have lost half a stone. I eat normal food, record it and at the end of day it tells me how many calories I've eaten. It's easiest when I can exercise too. I've given myself an initial target and will see after that. I do go over slightly sometimes, but it's still less than I used to eat.
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OH is on a diet and has lost almost four stone since the end of July. His exercise regime is impressive though and he has gradually increased it so that he is now walking over 70 miles a week plus an hours swimming a day - split into half an hour at 6 a.m. and half an hour at 6 p.m. He feels so much better. Mind you I feel guilty when we are in the pub and I drink my wine and he has water.
Taz x
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How far does he walk each day Taz? And how long does it take him.
Honeyb
X
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OH is on a diet and has lost almost four stone since the end of July. His exercise regime is impressive though and he has gradually increased it so that he is now walking over 70 miles a week plus an hours swimming a day - split into half an hour at 6 a.m. and half an hour at 6 p.m. He feels so much better. Mind you I feel guilty when we are in the pub and I drink my wine and he has water.
Taz x
What a great result! Well done your OH.
Fx
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Good for him Taz! I'm hoping to lose around 2 stones or so. I realise that I will have to keep at it though. Maintaining afterwards will be the hardest bit.
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He does a 4 mile walk when he gets in from work after a bowl of shredded wheat and then a 5 mile one later in the evening. At weekends he does a 7 mile one followed by the 5 mile one later. It has rather taken over his life. He has totally changed his diet too under the guidance of his doctor. He seems to live on shredded wheat and low calorie ready meals! He gave up alcohol too. I am proud of him but I hope he knows when to stop - it is so addictive! He was 18.5 stone when he started.
I'm not sure how long it takes him Honeyb. He started off with only 2 mile walks and has gradually increased. I think the 7 miler takes around hour and a half - probably just over.
Taz x
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How are the ladies doing with this fasting for two days? Has anyone discovered the best low calorie, protein full breakfast to have for around 250 calories, so that your tummy doesn't rumble too much during the day? :)
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My husband and I have been on the 5:2 fasting since September last year and it has made an amazing difference to our lives. I am 56, and I have had a tough menopause with chronic pain forcing me to end my career as a physiotherapist last year. My husband has chronic kidney failure brought about by an untreated strep throat infection 14 years ago, and we were both heavier than we wanted to be. I am 5ft 6ins and in my early adult life had been around 9.5 stone, last year I topped the scale at 11st 11lbs, and on holiday had 4 rolls of fat round my middle. We heard about the Horizon programme, and met someone who was fasting (just liquids) on 2 days a week. We researched it all, and decided to just get on with it and do it. We were particularly interested in the health benefits side of things, especially the chronic pain for me and kidney failure for my husband, and the thought of 'cell regeneration' brought about by the hunger 'trigger' particularly appealed.
Well! 5 months on, my husband has lost almost 3 stone, and I have lost a stone and a half. We have got the body shapes back from 20+ years ago, I am actually a size 10 - unbelievable. And! My pain is much much less in my legs particularly - we have just got back from a 5 day break in Rome (10th wedding anniversary celebration), and we must have walked over 25 miles. I could never have done that last year, I had trouble even walking to the end of the street.
The most amazing thing though is that my husbands kidney function has gone up! His EGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) had got as low as 17.9%, and dialysis was about to be started if he got near to 15%, but when he saw the consultant 2 weeks ago, it had risen to 21.4%. Too big a rise to be just a glitch in measurement.
The fasting is now a way of life for us, very easy - sometimes a little bit challenging, as eating of course is not just about filling our bellies. We are committed to it, and don't cheat, though we alter it to fit our social lives - we didn't fast at all in Rome of course. It works, it has undoubtedly improved our lives, I am getting rid of all my 'big' clothes as I know I will never need them again. As Jon Kabbat Zin said about meditating - "You just have to do it!"
If any ladies out there need any advice or support, I am happy to give it. I feel that I have given myself a huge gift - my body back! I can't believe I let myself get so out of hand for so long.
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Sandi your post is really inspiring,I only wish I could follow the rules of the diet, I think it really helps if you have a partner willing to eat the same way, I know mine would not, so I do it my own way and don't eat after five or six in the evening, and eat breakfast at about nine in the morning.
The good thing about this way of eating is that it has medical approval too.
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Sandi, that is absoultely brilliant :congrats: How inspiring for us all.
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Sandi, well done to you both - amazing! I can even hear your excitement in your words as you describe how you both feel.
Would you be able to give an idea of what your fasting days consist of?
I am also interested in how you felt in Rome and not fasting? I know if I have a 'relaxed eating' day (which is how I used to be ALL the time) I notice how bloated and miserable I feel. When I am healthy eating I feel so much better
I have lost 3.5 stones over a period of a year but would still like to shift another stone and a half - maybe this is the way??
Sorry to be personal and don't answer if you don't want to, but I have lots of loose flabby bits - legs and arms mainly, has this happened to you? I walk and cycle but it isn't shifting. I am wondering if the further weight loss will help
It does feel good to be rid of all those big clothes ! Size 10 eh? wow! enjoy shopping for clothes!
PN x x
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Sandi well done to you and your husband, amazing results - you've made me want to give it a go. I just want to lose about 10 pounds.
Purplenanny, well done to you too - 3.5 stones in a year is very impressive.
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Thank you Purplenanny for your kind supportive words, of course I don't mind explaining more. I feel quite evangelical about it!! I think this way of life could have a major impact on the health of the nation, particularly in the reduction/prevention of diabetes, which is a time bomb waiting to happen, especially when you see young people constantly bombarding their systems with sugary drinks etc, etc, and how thick they are becoming around their middles. I think the whole horsemeat scandal will also force people to look at exactly what they are putting into their systems.
Although the fasting diet says that you can eat what you like for the other 5 days of the week, we ate very healthily before, but just too much! So we have found that since fasting that our unhealthy behaviours around food, and satisfying 'mouth hunger' have dissipated somewhat. Often the day after a fast, I don't feel hungry at all, and often only have an apple for breakfast and a light lunch. My portion sizes have diminished on my non fast days generally, and I have cut out cakes and sugar almost completely from my diet now. It is all quite amazing really. Rome was fine, I had soups and salads, and a bit of the other stuff ie 2 slices of my hubbies pizza along with a salad. And wonderful ice creams! I have digestive problems (long history of bowel troubles), and so need to keep an eye on my hydration levels, and so find that too much floury and sugary stodge slows down my bowel motility, having said all that I have just been out for lunch with my mum and had fish, chips and mushy peas!! And on a fast day! And really enjoyed them! I will now have a very light tea, no breakfast and a light lunch tomorrow, then I am back on track ........ it's great because there is no deprivation whatsoever, just a steely determination to keep light and lean - so it is well worth it all round.
In the book it advocates 2 'meals' on fast days, but we have been doing 3 - adding up to 500 cals for women and 600 for men. A typical day for me is - one scrambled egg with a tiny bit of HP sauce (no bread), 3 cups of tea through the day (with milk), as much hot water or herbal teas through the day. A light soup, in a cup, made of 2 carrots, 1 leek, small amount of turnip, 1 parsnip, stock cube, and blended, with 2 ryvitas. For tea, 2 ryvitas with cottage cheese and sliced tomatoes, half an apple after lunch and tea. Sometimes I have baked beans (2 tablespoons) on 1 slice of toast, no butter for tea, especially if it is cold. Find out the calorific contents of food (lots on the web), then work out what suits you. I am going to introduce more oily fish into my fast days soon. Then, that's it - you know what you are doing, and the strange thing is that hunger doesn't build and build, it gets slightly uncomfortable in the early days, but you definitely get used to it. You remain cheerful (part of the research shows increased levels of feel good hormones), and once the weight starts to move it really spurs you on.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fast-Diet-Intermittent-Fasting-Healthy/dp/1780721676/ref=sr_1_1's=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361463568&sr=1-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01387cv
Good luck!!
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Hi Sandi
So very well done. I am delighted to hear your positive outcome.
And as for you Purplenanny - you have accomplished what I hope to (and a bit more). Congratulations to both of you.
I watched the programme and started the 2:5 diet with good intentions. then cannot remember why I stopped.
Anyway, I was in Inverness last week and had some work done to increase my metabolism, then I took a Callanetics class on Monday (without injury!!) and now I am ready to start again. Your success promped me to log on to Amazon and to order the book. It will be here tomorrow. My first fasting day was today. I will probably do Monday and Thursday or adjust to a day at that suits what is going on at the time.
So, big congratulations to you both. Fingers crossed I have such a great result.
Fx
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Thanks Lily & FW, it certainly does feel good.
Thanks for the info Sandi and the links, I will order the book tomorrow. I have a small problem with my kidney function so after hearing your husbands great results I am hoping for a better reading when I go next for my annual test. I will have had a few months of fasting by then.
I have 'maintained' my weight loss for a few months now by basically reducing my intake the day after a 'relaxed eating' day. I think it is all about being sensible and more in control. Like you I have found my portions are so much smaller - when I think of the size meals I used to eat, it is scary!
You and your hubby are a great encouragement Sandi, thank you.
Good luck FW - little steps, there is no need to rush, I personally believe the slower it comes off, the longer it stays off. Also, this is the first time with weight loss that I have a different view of food. It is not about depriving myself, more of re-educating my brain. This whole fasting idea is all about good health, not the usual diet trap I have been in previously.
PN x x
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Glad to help ladies, I can only say how it seems to have worked for us, but would always suggest to check with your doctor if you have a medical condition before embarking on the diet. My husband made the decision to go ahead with this as he was nearing dialysis anyway, and he felt that there was nothing to lose. Luckily it seems to have worked in his favour. We are attributing some of his kidney 'recovery' to the 5:2, but he has also retired from work (stress reduced++), and has been receiving regular acupuncture, so maybe it is all these things. It will certainly be interesting to see his kidney counts in 3 months time!!
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Thats very interesting Sandi and good advice. I would just like to lose a stone. At the moment, I am cutting down but nothing happening so may need 'kick start'! :)
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Just found another article written by the woman who co wrote the book with Michael Mosley. It is how I feel about the whole thing
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2263424/Mimis-diet-My-fast-track-fabulousness.html
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Ladies
My husband and I are on this diet and only needed to lose about 1/2 a stone which has gone, we allowed ourselves 700 cals a day which still worked really well, we found that 500 was too little , my eyesight went fuzzy and he ran out of steam - we are both physically very active in work and leisure. Am posting this to let people know how well it works , you really learn portion control but dont feel if you cant manage on 500 cals then its not for you. We will do this 1 day a week now from now on and back to 2 days if weight goes up after holidays , as said before the busier you are the better on those days as it takes your mind off it. Knowing the next day one can indulge in cake if needs be makes one even more determined on the diet days :D
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Would be very interested to hear about this Winterose.
I tried the original alternate day fasting diet in September - for two weeks - 500 cals every other day and felt absolutely awful - weak and dizzy, permanently hungry and could think of nothing else but food on the fast days. I am thinking I might be able to cope with two days a week and especially 700 cals which makes a huge difference.
Are the two days consecutive or any two? Can they be spread out so that the hunger doesn't have time to build up?
I've only got about half a stone to lose as well - but always seems to go back on and the downside (for me) is the scraggy chin/neck look as the fat disappears!
I'm already OK on portion control - main meal on small plate!
Hurdity x
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Hurdity, if you google the 5:2 diet, there are some newspaper articles on it. I read that the fast should not be on two consequtive days. I was thinking of doing it on a mon and wednesday or sunday! :-\ x
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Hurdity
We do ours Mon and Thursday but swap round if we have to for social reasons. The first 2 weeks we didnt really lose much but then it just started falling away. 700 cals is definitely workable as like you on 500 felt ill. Michael Mosely said in his book that more calories will just mean weight loss is slower. This suited me as on previous diets my boobs disappeared but this time it seem largely to have gone from my middle, cant say how happy I am.
I look for calorie counted meals in M and S - and go for the reduced price ones and put them in freezer. Now I am more confident on calories in food I make our own meals but like to have the M and S ones for when I am busy as it makes sure you stick to it. I steam lots of vegetables and that really fills us up, broccoli & beans are great. Chilli flacoured hummous and carrot sticks are very satisfying and Aynsley Harriets packet soups are good too. Our blood pressure has dropped 10 points and I had some slight brown patches on my face and they have almost gone. Suspect if you go much above 700 cals you will lose some of the health benefits.let me know how you get on :)
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We do Mon and Thurs, but change it if needed - apparently those are the days on which the prophet Mohammed fasted!! The 5:2 fast diet was initially aimed at reducing diabetes, alzheimers, cancer heart disease and other health issues, the weight loss was almost a by product, but it is now done mainly for that reason. We initially did it for the chronic pain (me) and kidney failure (my husband), but have been astounded at the weight loss, and not just that, the whole new body shape, which I used to have in my 20's and 30's, the weight has mainly gone from my legs, abdomen and bum........ I think that the 500/600 cals was worked out so that the 'hunger' pangs kick in, which is the trigger for cell regeneration and repair, and not proliferation, which is usually what happens when we constantly bombard our bodies with food. At the beginning it was quite tough - but I just kept drinking hot water, and the hunger does subside. Now, after 4 months my body has got used to it and I rarely feel hungry, even on the day following the fast. My daughter in law really struggled the first time she did it, and packed in after a week, but with a bit of support, she is now well into it and is loving her new body, and the fact that she is conquering her food issues and bad habits.
Just be determined and keep at it, you deserve to have a lean light body, it is our birthright. I can't believe I lost track of mine for so long!
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I think I might try this, if I haven't lost any weight by Sunday. I just get concerned I might not be able to concentrate at work, on it and need to be with it there! However my salter scales seem to be playing up, not sure what I weigh, because they are showing such different readings, especially since puting the new battery in. Not really sure how to calibrate digital scales. I haven't got much to lose but I would like to get rid of the excess. My mum is only 7 stone and shorter than 5ft these days, and she has no fat. We don't necessarily have to be bigger because we are in menopause. So far, I have eaten smaller portions and no biscuits, chocolate, and little alcohol, but i went out for a meal on Wedesday and cooked a meal and had a few wines on Tuesday, so probably not lost anything again. ;D:-X :-X
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Pixie, don't worry about not being sharp enough at work. I have definitely 'livened' up in the brain department, particularly on fast days. Bright and sharp is how I would describe my brain function - and cheerful too - the feel good hormones kick in. In the early days of this diet I was sorting things out with social services and other departments to get my elderly uncle re-housed, and I was fully in control and thinking quickly and efficiently. Great after the meno fog I have been in for years. Good luck. Give it time though - I would advise to do it for 3 weeks (6 fast days) before re-evaluating it.
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Thats interesting Sandi, about the brain being sharper, maybe because the body isn't exhausting itself digesting food and loaded with carbs!! I have lost a pound this week, on my smaller plates and healthier regime. Not sure I could manage a fasting day, but may try it when I'm feeling a bit stronger. :) x
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Even with the 700 cals still have hunger pains only dont feel weak / unwell. Its a matter of what works for each person and you have to listen to your body. It drew my attention to how much I nibbled on during the day so on normal days I find myself asking if I really need another snack.
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Hi ladies,
After going out and buying another pair of bathroom scales, I weigh exactly the same on both. So I took them back to the supermarket!
Today, I have had one scrambled egg and 2 rashers of streaky bacon and half a tomato, also ginger tea, a cup of miso soup. I've walked to the shops twice - about 1 hours exercise and am starving and got a headache. This evening I am having a small vegerarian curry and rice. The days calorie intake must be around 600. I haven't noticed a sharpness in mind, yet, ::) just a need to go and have a lie down!!! :-X :-X :-X :P
Stomach growling, but going to stick to this. I'd like to lose a stone and get rid of the one roll of muffin which is slowing becomming two :o
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Hi Pixie, how long have you been following the diet?
I have had 3 fasting days so far (not together ;D). I was hungry on the last one.
I had smoked haddock which is less fattening than salmon.
Slice poached in a little milk for lunch with mullerlight yoghurt
Another slice at night with pile of vegetables and bowl of rasperries.
1 coffee and lots of water.
Just under 600 cals.
10 days - no change in weight yet but I believe it takes a while for my body to adjust to the eating regime so it realises it is not 'starvation' and then the weight come off?
Anyway, I happened to see the current adverts for starving children in Africa and realise how lucky I am to be able to have something and to eat the next day. It did help me to think that way.
My fasting day is tomorrow and then Thursday again.
Hope your stomach becomes used to it Pixie x
Fx
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Hi Firewalker,
I started it today, but had a dreadful headache. Its going off now. I've had 1 egg and 2 bits of streaky bacon for breakfast, miso soup for lunch. I was ok until about 4pm, but been drinking fluids all day, herbal and coffee with skimmed milk. At 7pm, I had 1 tbsp brown rice and 2 tbsps of chickpea, tomato and spinach curry. Probably too much, but headache going slowly! In future I think I will spread breakfast through the day and add some slow burning carb of some sort;) x Good luck, the weight should soon be falling off.
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Thanks Pixie. You too.
Did you buy the book to guide you? The one by the doctor who was on Horizon?
It has 500 and 600 cal meals in it.
Only £3.89 from Amazon.
I think there are some other recipe / idea books.
Piles of veg fill up for small number of cals.
I think we just need to get into the routine.
I think I have eaten to little in the past so I am kind of used to not eating. I love the fact I only have to think about it for 2 days a week and my brain does not need to think about losing weight, or what to eat 7 days a week ;)
Fx
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I felt well this morning, no headache, no hunger. Surprisingly I found eating my lunch a bit of struggle today as too much, so will have another go at it this week, but instead of going the whole day, I might take a tin of vegetable soup (which counts as two a day) and eat that throughout the day, so that blood sugar doesn't plummet so much in the afternoon. ;)
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Good job Pixie!
How I feel on my fasting days varies. I think it is affected by what I eat the day before.
Today ..............
I had one (3in1) coffee in the morning (90cals);
Cup of miso soup at lunch-time (20cals);
Can diet coke in the afternoon (did not see if there were any cals in that).
large veg stirfry mix (99) with prawns (55) and coconut stir fry (140 cals) (tot 294 cals)
2 x small satsuma type oranges (42 cals)
1 yoguhurt (80 cals)
Lots of water throughout the day.
Total cals for the day: around 526
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Thats really good Firewalker and thanks for the tips. Its quite a challenge. I'm going to try again tomorrow. Miso soup isn't too bad is it but I will probably do something that involves a snack in the afternoon because 4pm is when I usually have a slump and thats when the headache started. Thought about porridge with water, but hope we are getting enough calcium on this diet. Your fish and yoghurt lunch sounded good. Was thinking of still taking the fish oil pills and glucosomide. ;) I'll weigh myself friday and hope I've gone back down to 10 stone from 10 stone 21bs on Sunday. Its interesting that you can eat quite a lot if you have stir fries. I may try this myself, or take a large salad to eat during the day!
All the best.
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Hi Pixie
Low fat protein and lots of veg seems to do the trick.
I think in general dark veg are lower in calorie than coloured veg but that may only be a little.
Keep starchy carbs away or count them very carefully.
Study fruit to see the lowest sugar (raspberries and blueberries are good).
Protein keeps your sugar levels in balance for longer.
Label read and count the calories for the portion size you are eating.
I don't worry too much about calcium for those 2 days - I have worried and tried eating plans for years, plus hypnotherapy without shedding weight. So, this suits me personally. I am strict on 2 days, count calories religiously before I buy it and then don't worry about it on the other days.
It is very liberating for someone (me)consumed by diet theories and information - in a desperate attempt to lose even 1lb. Difficult for people to understand if they can lose weight or do not put it on.
Anyway, it suits me ....... for now at least. I have four stones and a bit to lose, so it will be a long journey - but at 1lb a week (when it starts to go that is), that is almost 4 stones in the year!!!
And very important, it should improve my health.
Keep at it Pixie.
Fx
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Morning Firewalker,
Thats sounds great!
This morning I am having a small portion of porridge with skimmed milk about 200 cals. I'm making a flask of healthy lentil vegetable soup to eat throughout the day, about 180 calls. This evening about 7pm, I will have chickpea, spinach and tomatoes, with garlic and ginger, and possible a tiny portion of rice. I probably have more like 700 cals, but have an active job, so may need slightly more. ;D ;D Good luck for today! Already I have had my bowels opened, which is great - TMI!
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Sounds like a good step in the right direction getting to 500cals. I think one of the other ladies uses around 700 cals. And as you say, if you have an active job, perhaps that suits you.
I have found I am much more aware of choice in the shop. It has actually helped a little re-training my brain. Relaxed today and tomorrow and Fast on Thursday as my second day.
I saw a new number on my scales this morning :D. It may disappear for a little while before it settles here but seeing the new number is important in my journey.
Are you vegetarian Pixie? Other than making Humous, I don't happen to use chickpeas. But I do like spinach - yummy. I looked up Chickpeas. 100g = 164 cals. 28% carb but Low sugar and low fat and around 9% protein. I think they are a bit like lentils - both carb and protein. They seem good to have on this kind of diet. Glad you mentioned them.
My friend and her partner are doing this eating plan and really like it.
My other friend is doing it but struggling a bit at the moment working out meals/cals on the fasting day.
Some of the ladies on here are doing well on it.
Good luck!
Fx
Fx
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Hi Firewalker,
Thats encouraging that you have seen a new number on your scales. Well done! I'm struggling today as we have had people off sick at work, and have had to work harder than usual. I'm not vegetarian, but seem to eat a lot it. I had to have an apple at 3.30pm, because I could feel a headache approaching, but managed to nip it in the bud! Stomach now protesting but panning it out until 7pm with a mug of ginger and lemon tea. :) Not doing anymore until next week now! Hopefully will be a 'kick start' so that I eat less generally. x
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Well done Firewalker and Pixie :hapij:
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Thanks limpy. Are. You on it? On my Blackberry so too much hassle to look back all the posts here ???
Pixie. Don't get hing up about it. I must be used to eating much less despite my weight. You are doing more than you were and it should fall into place for you :-).
Fx
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Firewalker I'me not on it, but I am eating a bit less, exercising a little more, things like that.
This morning I weighed myself before swimming - 2lb less - feeling pleased ish
Doesn't take much ::)
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Well done Limpy! :clapping:
I've cheated a bit this evening, has a few extra chickpeas and grains of rice! ;D
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Hi again everyone who is doing the 5:2 fasting programme. My husband and I have been doing this since last September, and now realise that worrying about hunger and blood sugars is not important, I think that I have always worried about low blood sugars. The important part of the 'fast', is the trigger of cell regeneration and is the crucial part of the 'diet'. You will find as you go on, that your body will recognise it is hungry, and whereas before I would reach for a snack, or use soup throughout the day as Pixie recommended, now I know I will be ok - hunger doesnt build build and build, it reaches a peak and then recedes. And because you aren't totally fasting some food will ease this anyway. In fact next day I hardly ever eat much breakfast, and gradually increase my eating - but it has never gone back to how much I ate before. I really don't like my belly feeling full anymore.
When we look at our thousands of years as hunter gatherers, and how we only ate when we had the food, and went hours or days before feeding again, it makes one realise how 'food' orientated we have become as a race, with snacks to get us through the days, and food available at every twist and turn. It is not how we were designed to live. We are supposed to be lean and strong. Our thick middles are testament to this new way of being, we can see it everywhere we look.
Sorry to be so evangelical, but I think that this way of being, and the development of this 'diet' by Michael Mosley could be the answer to most of the health problems we suffer from, particularly the obesity which often comes first.
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Pixie - chickpeas and rice isn't cheating it's healthy ;D
Must admit, I checked the scales were zeroed after this mornings miracle... ::)
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Hi Sandi
I echo what you have written and I am approaching it two-fold. Health and weight.
Like you, I believe we have food everywhere. There is so much information out there related to health and diet it can become confusing.
So far I feel psychologically liberated on this eating plan. I don't worry at all about any deficiencies on the two fasting days. Just work out what I fancy to eat and what I can eat to keep it to the 500cals. I find that on the other days, I am food aware but do not get hung up on it.
Thank you for your motivating comments Sandi.
Limpy, if I stood on the scales and had lost 2lbs I would be very pleased :-).
Well done!!
I wont bore everyone with the tale of no weight loss, fibromyalgia and no metabolism. Recipe for disaster .......... but that is changing.
Working to change that with this plan and with different mindset :-).
Let's go girls!
Fx
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FW -if i can do it then anyone can! I have yoyo dieted for so many years and never have I felt this good. This is just a whole different way of thinking and so sensible. I am determined to lose another 1.5 stone, but it will be gradual, this final lot has been attached to me for a very long time!
good luck to everyone giving it a go. PN x x
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That's encouraging Purplenanny. Thank you.
So pleased to hear it has worked for you and you feel well.
For some reason I cannot explain, my mood improves late on the fasting day and the next day. I am embracing that too.
Fx
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Sandi,
I think it is very good if you can adapt to you it. Although I had a headache last time, I didn't have one today. The soup didn't last long, and I was still hungry most of the afternoon, so hoping for some cell regeneration, especially of the brain!! Tonight I don't feel hungry after small dinner. Its interesting what you said about the next day, thought I would be really hungry like I am when I haven't eaten much in the day, then eat a lot in the evening. I actually found it a bit of struggle to eat a portion of rice and tuna for lunch yesterday! I agree what you said about food. We have built our lives around food and drink. In the 1970s, we never had the choice of foods we have now and we didn't eat so much. At school, we had a piece of meat, a spoonful of cabbage and a ball of mash potato. We should start to see it more as fuel. Wartime, apparently was when the people in this country had the best nutrition. The other thing I am trying to do is eat slowly, because it takes 20mins for your stomach to tell your brain that its full! - I think i read that somewhere!! 8)
Well done Purplenanny. :)
Firewalker, it would be interesting to see effects of the fasting diet on fibromyalgia, and whether it decreases the level of inflammation in the body, whilst cell regeneration is happening. ;)
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Pixie, I am delighted to say that I am now recovering from Fibromyalgia.
The latter past of last year, it seemed to go, although I find myself nervous in case it comes back.
I could not exercise (hardly walk at one point) during the past 3-4 years with it, so that did not help my metabolic rate!
You are right, it will be interesting to see if it has any effect on the fibro symptoms
Fx
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It is all pretty amazing stuff! I too have a chronic pain/fatigue/fybromyalgia condition which is definitely improving. I went to the playgym with my 3 year old grandson yesterday, and I was clambering around on my knees with him! I haven't been able to do that for a very long time .. . . perhaps it is the weight loss, but maybe it is the cellular regeneration.
If my husbands kidney counts have gone up again (see earlier post for more info on that) next time, we are going to contact Michael Mosley to see if he could be included in his trials. This could mean so much for chronically ill people. It really excites me.
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That is really incredible and very encouraging. Certainly weight loss by itself puts less stress on joints. :)
What I thought was amazing, was that man who was over 100 and still running marathons, on a very small Punjabi diet, of lentils, yoghurt, chapati, etc.
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Wow the scales are saying 9st 13 today. Wasn't expecting to be in the 9's already, but have been trying to cut down for several weeks as well. Have a great day ladies. x :)
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Well done pixie, just found a great website with lots of Q's and A's by Michael Mosley and a lot of the evidence.
http://thefastdiet.co.uk/
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Well done pixie :yipi:
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Thats an interesting link Sandi, thanks. How are you doing Limpy? :)
I seem to drink a lot and have drunk loads today, although not felt so much like eating. Didn't fancy a sandwich for lunch and instead had a salad and half a slice of bread. I've come out in a crop of spots of my face :(
Has anyone tried fasting from their 8pm meal in the evening until 1pm the next day?
Its quite difficult to figure out how much food we really should be eating on a normal day for nutrition, but I may get that book? It makes you wonder if the 2000 cals a day is really necessary :) x
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Hi pixie
I thought it was 12 hours. I had not read 8pm to 8am. I would go 7or 8pm to a coffee around 10am then lunch. Around. 1pm.
Anyway, my fast tomorrow will be:
1 x coffee
1 x small punnet raspberries
1 x small punnet blueberries
1 x small greek salad
2 x large flat cap stuffed mushrooms
(All M&S on way home late tonight because. I forgot!)
You can work out what you should be eating by going online and calculating your BMR (base metabolic rate). I should have 1771 cals. It will change as you exercise and lose weight so you just check it again. Do not have the link right now but google "calculate BMR and calories" and you should find it.
Thanks for the. Link Sandi. Will check it out although I have his book. Do you have his book Pixie?
Fx
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Thanks for information Firewalker, I will look it up. I think the book would be an interesting read. I read somewhere that somebody fasted for 16 hours and for them the easiest time to do this was between 8pm and 1pm the next day but I think they were doing alternative day fasting not the 5:2. It just means missing breakfast and going straight to lunch, which might be easier and prevent less headaches in my case, during the afternoon slump!! Good luck for tomorrow. It looks like a good menu!;) x
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Hi pixie.
You get the book for less than £4 from Amazon. Someone else on here told me about it. (Sorry cannot remember who right now). I also believe there is another one by him with meal ideas. In case that might help keep you on track. The website may have similar information and menu suggestions.
X
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Was 9stone 13 on Friday, so lost around 3 pound last week, considering I'd gone up to 10stone 2 the week before! Don't feel deprived. Will try again next week. Well done everyone on the fasting diet. ;)
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Well done Pixie, a great achievment - keep going - you will feel great! PN x x
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I have found a fabulous forum (not as fabulous as this one, I hasten to add!) which is a support for all the 5:2 'fasters'. Lots of Qs and As there. Here is the link:-
http://www.52fastdiet.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1881
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Well done pixie. Bet you are pleased!
Are you continuing with it?
I finished with 3lb weight loss over 2 weeks.
Delighted to have broken the ever fluctuating 2lb barrier
Aiming for 1lb a week for a year :-).
I feel good doing it and that's important to be able to sustain it.
Thanks for the link sandi. Will look it up later.
Fx
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Well done Pixie and Firewalker :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:
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How are you all doing? I had a lapse on Saturday, and had 4 mini magnums!! Anyway, nothing happend as a result as I hadn't eaten a lot in the day. Did a fast yesterday. One spoonful of muesli and little skimmed milk for breakfast, miso soup for lunch, chicken and rice small portion for dinner and a a yoghurt, so probably more that 600! Today I had lost another pound, so now 9.12. Great because my bra isn't digging into my back at all now. It doesn't feel tight around my top when I breathe in certain clothes. However, I could do with keeping my bust, which is always first to go. :( x
I'd say I lose on average one pound of weight each time I do a fast day, but might've lost more if I hadn't had the ice-creams
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Hi Pixie
Well done you. I love mini magnums.
I had a challenging weekend. Lunches, celebrations and wine and champagne.
I also had a bit of a chocolate fest.
However, today back onto a fasting day.
I was busy so I was hungry.
I also had NO chocolate cravings today at all.
Miso soup plus
2 slices of turkey meat, salad and a few berries for lunch (I was at a meeting and had asked them to provide that for me - so I was very good considering the options!).
Smoked haddock and a large pile of vegetables tonight.
Followed by blueberries.
Think I was a little over today because I could not count calories at lunchtime but not that bad.
I put on a top at the weekend and realised it was not so tight around my back :-).
I could do with losing some of my bust :P
I weigh myself again on Saturday morning so will let you know how I go.
I am enjoying it and have no problems at all when it comes to fast day - I am pleased to say.
Fx
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Well done Firewalker. Would you like to lose some of your bust over this way!! ;D ;D 8) x
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well done Pixie and FW!
What is miso soup please?
I have lost my bust!! first thing to go unfortunately!
Keep up the good work girls
PN x x
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It is a Japanese broth that combines seawood and tofu (or no tofu).
There are several recipes. Here is one as example.
I buy the small box with five packets of instant Miso in it.
I keep it at work. Simply add water and I have a warm drink which takes the edge of my appetite.
20 cals per packet.
Fx
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;D I read the last comment quickly as Cobwebs and seaweed ;D
Having another go! Miso soup for breakfast
Spinach and Ricotta canelloni - ready meal 297 calories for lunch
Soup and big salad for dinner.
Water 2 litres. :-\ x
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It can look a bit like it Pixie - fortunately it tastes better.
I have had a few heavier meals from the weekend, so although not fasting today, I am going to calorie watch today to help a bit.
Yours sounds tasty Pixie.
Must go and fill up the jug I have on my desk. Think it is around 2litres. :-X
Fx
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Thats a good idea. I do get dreadful headaches with this, and after this week of fasting, think I will go back to smaller meals daily as finding it difficult! X ;)
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Fortunately I don't get headaches, pixie. I feel good on those. Days and sometimes hungry. I am actually start the fasting days feeling positive about it - even look forward to it.
It has to suit us an individuals and you may need a different regime perhaps? I am cutting down today because I was out for meals and had wine and treats Sat, Sun, Tues. Too much. ;D
Fx
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Pixie
Perhaps try a few more calories, I couldnt manage on 500 and now do 700 and still lost weight, - am now at maintenance level, I am quite active though. Perhaps the health benefits arent quite as dramatic but certainly so much easier doing 2 days a week .I still feel really hungry in the evening and have to go to bed early , find that once in bed with lots of water in my tummy I stop feeling hungry. Feel hugely energised by this and look forward to the diet days :D
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Hi there - pixie - if you get headaches - then maybe it's not for you?
I mean it is possible to lose weight steadily without any discomfort at all - so why put yourself through this? We have enough to put up with menopausally as it is!
The thing is I understand that much of the work on ADF is skewed towards males and is specifically looking at body weight and other related physiological responses. I have read ( and most of us know) that there are sex specific differences in metabolism due to our different hormonal make-up and control mechanisms, so one would expect the response to ADF to be different in women.
There is an article (quite technical!) here which suggests it could even be harmful - particularly for women of reproductive age.
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/shattering-the-myth-of-fasting-for-women-a-review-of-female-specific-responses-to-fasting-in-the-literature/
(btw I have not read any other articles on the site but this one struck a chord)
OK not to believe everything on the internet but it is citing reputable scientific studies (some of which are done on rats!) which are linked to in the article and does not seem cranky to me - unlike some you read.
If you feel bad on it why not go for the lower fat option - like the Slimming World approach - I mentioned this on your muffin top thread. It is really easy and you do not get headaches, feel tired nor hungry!
Fine for those who feel OK but I've decided it is not for me - because maybe it is actually not good for women - whereas the slow but steady route can only do you good.
Hurdity x
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Thanks ladies, I'll see what the scales say on Friday. I'm pleased with the weight loss I don't get that hungry, mainly headaches. I read somewhere that the body starts burning fat and releasing toxins when you first begin to fast hence the headache. I had been fasting for 18 hours!! After lunch I was fine, no headache, then had a mackerell salad with avocado, so probably have had more like 700-800 today! I'm keen to continue with it because one of the days I didn't have a headache, so there must be a way around it. x
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Mackerel, salad, avocado .............. mmmmmmmm yummee ;D
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Yes, my fasting diet is a bit of joke today really, oh and a banana :parti:. It was supposed to be soup and salad ;D too chilly today. However, I'm going to try Michaels choice of 2 scrambled eggs and ham for b'fast and fish and a pile of veg in the evening!! x
How are you getting on Firewalker, having a fast tomorrow?
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Yes pixie. Have not worked out eating plan yet. Will have a coffee in the morning then shop in lunch-break for lunch and evening. Will read the book for inspiration.
Fx
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Pixie
Sounds like a good idea to try Michael's menus as it wont be so random then and protein with lots of veg ( grown above ground rather than below) really fill you up. One of the studies done on rats which suggests its not so good for women was on ADF fasting which is alternate day and not to be confused with 5:2 . Lots of people confuse these 2 ways of eating. Am sure ADF is a great help if you are seriously overweight.
However cutting calories for 2 days a week is unlikely to cause much of a problem in a healthy person. Another notable side affect is I have noticed my recall is much more like it was when I was in my 30s which is fantastic, look for the Marks and Spencer calorie counted meals . :D
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Just looked at the Rat study listed in above article and it is ADF and not 5:2, will be interesting to see what comes out of all this!
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Last post today so I dont bore everyone, Pixie are you drinking lots of water as that might help, squeeze of lemon helps . :P
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Hi I will try more water, because I do get very constipated with it. I mainly drank tea, coffee, cocoa and no water yesterday. Apparently headaches can be quite common with fasting. x
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I got constipated too but now eat 3 prunes with my yogurt in the morning and 1 teaspoon of physyllum husks, that with lots of water solves that problem. Possibly dont fast for 18hrs either as probably too much for you , I have last meal around 7.30 and breakfast at 8.30 ish as if I leave it too long feel weak,
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1 cup of coffee - 90 cal
I had M&S low calorie fuller longer meal for lunch - it was delicious. 325 cal
I have 2 x large flat capped stuffed mushrooms for later - 120 cal
I am used to not eating breakfast (not good I know) so it is fairly easy for me to go from evening meal around 8pm until lunch around 1pm but I don't advocate that - it just happens that way for me due to my day routine. If I am only having 2 meals, then I prefer lunch and evening.
From mid-afternoon onwards I become more aware to drink water and so consume around 2 litres within a 3 hour time-span.
I like to eat a heap of mixed veg as a meal in the evening, so usually do that on one of the days.
I have not had constipation so far, or headaches, so grateful for that.
Fx
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The headaches could be caused by low blood sugar i.e. not eating enough! We are not built to fast .............. to lose calories one needs to eat, well, calorlies ::) ....... eating less + exercise????
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I do believe we are designed to fast CLKD! Human beings have evolved over thousands of years as hunter gatherers, and often would go through 'lean times with little or no food for long periods. Then we would 'feast' if we killed an animal, or found plentiful berries etc. I think our fear of hunger (and low blood sugar) is deep rooted, and a belief I used to hold. Now I know differently - I have been on the 5:2 way of life (I hate the word diet) since last September not long after the Horizon programme, and I have lost 1 stone 9 pounds. Yes I feel hungry at times, but it never builds and builds to anything terrible, just a background feeling. I think that the days I ever had a headaches were when I didn't drink enough. Because a lot of the food we eat contains moisture, cutting the calories and food intake is bound to decrease body fluid levels. I drink lots of hot water on fast days, and this helps with keeping headaches at bay, as well as constipation (which can always be a problem for me if Im not careful). It really is a fantastic way of getting unwanted weight off, reclaiming a lean body that is our birthright, and just generally getting oneself back in order after years of feeling quite frankly - shite! I still have chronic pain and fatigue, low moods at times, and menopausal symptoms, but at least I am doing something positive for my body. And - it's only 2 days a week!! Good luck everyone, you can do it if I can.
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I do believe we are designed to fast CLKD! Human beings have evolved over thousands of years as hunter gatherers, and often would go through 'lean times with little or no food for long periods. Then we would 'feast' if we killed an animal, or found plentiful berries etc. I think our fear of hunger (and low blood sugar) is deep rooted, and a belief I used to hold. Now I know differently - I have been on the 5:2 way of life (I hate the word diet) since last September not long after the Horizon programme, and I have lost 1 stone 9 pounds. Yes I feel hungry at times, but it never builds and builds to anything terrible, just a background feeling. I think that the days I ever had a headaches were when I didn't drink enough. Because a lot of the food we eat contains moisture, cutting the calories and food intake is bound to decrease body fluid levels. I drink lots of hot water on fast days, and this helps with keeping headaches at bay, as well as constipation (which can always be a problem for me if Im not careful). It really is a fantastic way of getting unwanted weight off, reclaiming a lean body that is our birthright, and just generally getting oneself back in order after years of feeling quite frankly - shite! I still have chronic pain and fatigue, low moods at times, and menopausal symptoms, but at least I am doing something positive for my body. And - it's only 2 days a week!! Good luck everyone, you can do it if I can.
Oh Sandi - you made me laugh with that little comment hidden in your post.
I agree wholeheartedly with your post.
Some people may not like it or agree with it or wish to do it but then it is up to an individual to make that decision, try it and continue to stop.
I like it. I have very very very very very stubborn weightgain. Fluctuating 2lbs up and down. I am focussing on this 5:2 eating plan and keeping everything crossed, since I do enjoy it and feel better having abstained from eating too much on 2 days.
Congratulations on your weight loss. If I remember correctly, you said it took a little while for the weight to start coming off. Would you mind giving me some more details about how long it took to start and how much started to come off.
Fx
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;D Good on you Sandi and Firewalker. I have lost 4 pounds, since doing this, so will continue. I had forgotten about prunes, but will bring them back into my daily routine and also drink more water. x
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I do believe we are designed to fast CLKD! Human beings have evolved over thousands of years as hunter gatherers, and often would go through 'lean times with little or no food for long periods. Then we would 'feast' if we killed an animal, or found plentiful berries etc.
I think the issue is more complex than this. I started looking it up but can't find the reference apart from the paleo review below. But the essence of it was that it may have been beneficial to our survival as a species to be able to fast intermittently, but that this is not necessarily beneficial for women (now we are not in that situation ie starving hunter gatherers) because of changes in our metabolism and hormonal regulation that occur through adopting this practice. This was one comment in the link I found
"Many women find that with intermittent fasting comes sleeplessness, anxiety, and irregular periods, among a myriad of other symptoms hormone dysregulations. "
I also read somewhere that women who fast over a long period (OK this is 5:2 but the relevant aspects have not been studied fully in women I understand) may have increased androgens (I think there was info on this) - which can account for their irregular periods and the idea was the adaptive response was to make women more masculinized which would aid survival.
OK this is only a theory - but I believe based on some research I read, but worth thinking about?
I know the ADF or rather the 5:2 IF is all the rage and great that it can kick start the weight loss and healthy eating process - but this is another viewpoint.
As always I would want to look at scientific studies into just these aspects for women - but I think leading up to menopause some women may feel they have enough fluctuating hormones as it is without possibly upsetting things further!
I think it's fantastic those who have managed to lose weight and still feel well - you are stronger than I am as I felt terrible on fasting days ( although I did the ADF) but just wanted to pick up on the point made about our evolution.
Hurdity x
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There is a lot of controversy about it, because of long held beliefs about blood sugars dipping and metabolism slowing down etc. For some it really has had a very beneficial effect. For me, I think it is useful in the short-term to try and kick start the weight loss and maybe rest the digestive system. Apart from the headaches, I don't feel particularly well, or particularly bad on it. Some of it is psychological, because I stress about not eating, which is something I enjoy doing, which probably gives me the headache. I am doing it for the rest of this month. I feel good in that I am doing something positive to lose weight for a few weeks, but it is probably not a lifestyle choice I would make in the long-term, but would eat less and more healthily generally. During menopause we tend to gain more weight and need less calories. A lot of women don't make provision for this and eat the same way they did in their 30's and 40's, thus gaining a pound of weight a year. Its made me realise that I really don't need so much food and am amazed I can function quite well with a little amount. Probably save money too!! I'm interested in the process of improved cell regeneration that happens when we fast, as reflected in blood results etc ::)
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Pixie
It is interesting you talked about requiring less calories.
Have you calculated your base metabolic rate and the calories you now need?
I cannot remember if I mentioned it before. You may find it interesting.
This site does the calculation for you although it does state how to calculate long way at the bottom,
http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/bmr-calculator.html (http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/bmr-calculator.html)
This calculation takes into account sex, weight, height and activity.
Fx
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Thanks FW that's interesting. My basic need is 1629 calories according to this. I have around 1200 a day - sometimes much less - and the half stone I would like to lose is stubbornly staying put. The doc has said that I am not eating enough calories and I need to increase it to change my metabolic rate. Maybe she is right!
Taz x
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Hi Firewalker,yes i did read about it and found it very good. It was 2030.
I read somewhere that before menopause if we took in 1000 calories, we burn 700, but after menopause we are more likely to burn 300!. I do find that the menopause makes me feel a bit sluggish generally especially in the bowels department and am aware I need to do more excercise to liven myself up :-\ x
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I need to read more into the metabolic rate / calories.
I need around 1800 per day.
I do not generally eat anywhere near that. However, last weekend I had a very social weekend and I would have probably exceeded on both days.
but at the beginning of the week I had put on 1lb, so that I would think is not ideal either.
However, I previously read, that if your metabolic rate has dropped very low, then if you go on high calorie and suffer the increase in weight initially, it resets itself and then the weight comes off. I have no more information than that and I remember thinking if I put on any more I will go into a deep depression ???
Hmmm. I don't want to get myself confused again with all the advice food, nutritition, physiological and diet advice again. I will stick with the 5:2 for another month and see how that goes but will be aware of the calories on the 5 days.
It may well be the case for you Taz. Are you thinking of trying to up it. Any 'diet' class I have been too has told me to eat more to lose. Except rosemary conley who is strict with calories, fats and sugars (my friend attends that).
Anyway, 5:2 it is for me..... for now.
Fx
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For those who cannot stick to a fast diet ( for some it suits very well) like the 5.2 e.g. partner not wanting too (it can be hard if you are cooking normally for them) , why not eat sensibly during the day perhaps sticking to low GI food ( the 5.2 is based on this) and have your last meal around six o'clock and fast until the next morning, breaking it about eight o'clock, This works for me and I find I am not hungry in the evening and surprisingly when I wake up, over night your body goes naturally into a ketosis state which is an appetite suppressor.
We only eat one main meal a day and the last one is the lightest, one thing I do is keep some bread sticks by the side of my bed, and if I am having trouble dropping off I eat one, its usually enough to calm my brain enough to get me to sleep along with a little melatonin :) one of the things that can happen when you are lowering your carb intake is it effecting your sleep and after reading the 5.2 fast book it is very low in carbs which in itself will help with losing water weight and then fat loss as the body begins to switch from sugar to fat for energy (and no I am not getting mixed up with the 5.2 fast with the Aitkin's Diet)
Also it is very important to drink plenty of water as dehydration can cause headaches which is one of the symptoms reported on the 5.2 way of eating, I do think this way of eating suits men better then women, we are different in out nutritional and hormonal needs and it can be harder for women.
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However, I previously read, that if your metabolic rate has dropped very low, then if you go on high calorie and suffer the increase in weight initially, it resets itself and then the weight comes off.
Fx
Yes I have read this too. After initial weight loss your body's metabolic rate adapts to fewer calories - which is presumably why it often becomes hard to shift the more weight you lose. I am not sure how this works if you don't put your body into starvation mode - but I do know this is why you should only eat just under your calorific requirement in order to lose weight slowly and steadily.
One of the schools of thought is that in order to do this you would say diet (sensibly without going hungry) for 5 days of the week and eat a lot more ( of the right foods - eg especially high proten foods) on the other two days to boost your metabolism. You eat different amounts of carbs on the different days - I think the food types are fairly specific. Possibly called cycle dieting or zig-zag. Actually this is almost the opposite of the fasting!! Not sure whether it has any effect on cell regeneration though.....
Hurdity x
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Humans nor our pets would get a 'balanced diet' in the 'wild' ;-). I wonder how the native tribes live in the modern age, those that are in the Amazon or living along-side nature in the various desert regions?
"reclaiming a lean body that is our birthright .... " how lean would you like me to be: I weighed in at 3lb 4oz ;) and my friend was a stone :o when he was born ........... bodies alter every 7 years apparently: shape, mobility, eslasticity etc............
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Does that mean I might revert back to my lean fit body next year CLKD? At the end of 7 years ? Please say yes ;D
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Most of the studies done on women have been looking at ADF rather than the 5:2 plan - it is early days for research into it fully. But I take all your points ladies, we are all different, and we have enough to put up with in the menopause, without stressing if the 5:2 doesn't seem to suit you. Good luck with everything you all do - I am just chuffed to bits that it seems to be working for me. My daughter in law struggled initially, but with a bit of advice and encouragement is now loving it, and the unwanted pounds are moving now.
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Hi Sandi, I'm encouraged by the weight loss, and will be having another go tomorrow. Will drink more water and maybe have an apple if the headache starts around 4pm. ;)
I haven't decided whether to have breakfast yet. If I do, it will probably be baked beans and grilled bacon and a some mushrooms - around 300? Tea, water etc, and miso soupl Mackerell and large salad for tea, or fish and stir-fry. How are you all getting on? ;) x
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Morning ladies, another day of fasting commences. Had breakfast of bacon and baked beans, probably a bit over the 300! ;) Good luck to fellow fasters today. ;)
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Morning Pixie
A fasting day for me too.
I allow myself one coffee in the morning and I eat at lunch and dinner.
Have not planned what I will eat yet - thinking lots of veg or a stir fry with protein in it.
My weight is not really going down, and that is a bit of a disappointment, however, I do enjoy the fasting days and feel good about them, so continuing for a while to see where things go.
Have a great Fast everyone! ;D
Fx
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Morning Firewalker, good luck with the fasting. Are you eating much on your normal days? I ate quite a lot yesterday, and 1 large wine.
Its now 13.30 and tummy just starting to rumble, after 2 rashers of bacon and baked beans for breakfast. Miso soup at 12.00. Have got a large bottle of water so drinking loads throughout the day. Having a coffee with skimmed milk and will have a pile of stir-fry veg and mackerell for supper. :-X x
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And me too, another llb gone this morning - this weekend didnt go hungry at all but took slightly smaller portions as now want to lose another 2llb and then thats it, will probably have to follow same routine and one day fast properly and the other do maybe 1000 cals to see if I can maintain weight. I dont think 1 days maintenence a week will keep me stable.
Had yogurt and 3 prunes and some mango , coffee, smoked salmon and salad for lunch, fizzy water with lemon for when the hunger starts , tiny piece of toast with black tea later on and an M and Spicy chicken dish with 350 cals .......2 more friends have just started today too, keep going everyone, :D
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Try adding cinnamon to your first coffee of the day and taking a chromium supplement, it keeps your blood sugar levels steady and starves off hunger, I have done this for years and never felt the need to snack between meals.
Should have put that on "Health tips" ::)
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Good idea will try that, love cinnamon,bit hungry now , supper at 7.30 and early to bed :D
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Well done Winterose! Thanks for the tip Rowan. I have had a good day. You were all right about increasing the fluids - 1.5 litres of water and 1 litre of other drinks, tea, coffee, miso soup. No headache and hardly any rumbling stomach. Just the constipation, but plagued with that since the meno - even after all that fluid and the routine of prunes. :( x
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Pixie , have you tried physillum husks - i just sprinkle a heaped teaspoon onto my yogurt and they seem to help, you can get them in health stores, something I never used to think about , fluids do help eventually too and it may take a week to get things moving regularly. However think some people just have slower bowels, real nuisance though.
just love the fact I can eat normally tomorrow
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Yes it always used to be worse just before my periods. But, now the periods have stopped its all the time. I ton of prunes and nearly 3litres of fluid and another dire day of rabbit pellets, sorry ladies TMI! Will try the husks from the health stores - thanks. :)
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I used to use Lepicol which is cyllium husks with pro biotics added, might try them again mixed in with my linseed and flax seed. Constipation has blighted my life, it is the ONLY downside to the fasting though. Good luck everyone!!
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Well done Winterose and thanks to you all for the ideas to keep us 'moving' ;D
First day I have struggled - but all because I was busy and did not focus on it.
Had usual coffee but went to visit Grandson who is fighting a virus and did not get time for lunch. Had a bag of crisps (eek! - rarely do that). Could not seem to face drinking lots of water either today. Was desperate when I got home at 8pm and couldn't cook and eat the fish and veg quickly enough :D. Phew! never had a chocolate bar so much attraction :-).
Anyway, managed to stick with it somehow - Just about 20 cals over. Lesson learned - Proper Preparation Prevents P*ss poor performance :madeyes:
Pixie - I vary on normal days. Not much different to previously. Sometimes I am careful and other times if I have social events I enjoy the occasion. What were your thoughts?
Fx
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Hi Firewalker, as you said you were not losing much weight on it, I wondered if you were eating more on the normal days. I know I have done last week, with the 4 mini magnums, otherwise I haven't and didn't lose anything much last week.Apparently we have to create a deficit of 3,500 calories a week to lose a pound. :-X
It also occured to me that I probably fast most nights because I go from 7pm (last meal) to 7am breakfast!!
I hope it goes well for you this week. I've felt quite well on this today, and had the sharpness of mind that everyone talks about and am sure my blood profile must be improving.The only downside was the constipation, from the gut slowing down and feeling cold. x
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That's why they call it break-fast!! ;D
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Pixie , glad you have felt better on it this week, saw on another post that you might need a bit more salt in the water if you get headaches so suppose mineral water would help with that. Its good the weight comes off slowly and if some weeks we dont lose then its better than gaining. Do you exercise much as that helps the gut too? Live in terror of the side effects of constipation so sympathise a lot. Next diet day is Thursday so will try not to overdo it today and tomorrow. ::)
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Hi ladies, scales registering at 9stone 11 today, so very pleased as one more pound to go and I will be in the healthy BMI range. Still rather constipated, despite lots of water and prunes, and will be getting flax later. x
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Well done Pixie!! Fortunately I don't suffer constipation.
Other than the suggestions already made; have you considered drinking plain boiled water? It is kinder on the system?
You don't have long to go. Will you go down an extre pound to give you a little leeway? Will you stay on it and adjust for maintenance?
I cannot remember how long I have been on it - four weeks I think this week. Will look back and check it out.
My day yesterday seemed like a bit of a fast ;D - just due to circumstances as they unfolded. Coffee and biscuit; light buffet lunch - did not overindulge; yoghurt at 6.30pm; and toasted hot cross bun with lurpak later in evening with more coffee. Hmmm not a good day for what I like to eat.
Normal day today I hope. Probably Sushi for dinner since going straight out to shopping centre from work.
Hope you are all having a good week ladies.
Fx
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Hi Firewalker,
Glad your day going well. I'm drinking hot water with lemon and ginger. Bowels still ground to a halt unfortunately apart from pellets, but TMI - :-\ !! When I do go properly hoping for more weight loss!! For that reason, i have changed my routine. Nothing to eat after 7pm until 7am. Small breakfast - today porridge and skimmed milk, small lunch one rasher of bacon with lettuce and tomato and 2 slices of bread, no butter, banana and apple, loads of water. Tonight I will have an spanish omelette and salad and a yoghurt. I may try fasting again next week once i can get on top of the constipation!! ;D X Good luck for tomorrow. Been for a walk on lunch break and may try and go swimming tomorrow as day off.
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Hi everyone, I have been reading this with interest as I need to lose weight too. I have been a member of WW for years and lose weight only to put it back on again . I also suffer with Fibromyalgia so I am interested in it from that point of view too. I have a terrible diet at the moment as I am just basically eating junk and seem to have lost my willpower, however when I got to goal on WW I did it by dieting from monday to friday and would then eat what I liked at the weekend, I lost the stone I needed to lose doing this, but I just can't stick to it at the moment. The plan you are all following makes sense to me and I know I could manage to stick to two days fasting and then eat normally the rest of the time. I am a vegetarian so should be eating lots of fruit and veg anyway so this would fit in quite nicely.
I have been feeling really down about putting the stone I lost back on and just need motivating to lose it again and keep it off, I also had bloods done a couple of months ago and my GP contacted me to say the results show that I have prediabetes and that if I don't do something about it now I am at a very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes,he said if I lose the stone I have gained I can reverse this so that is another reason for giving it a go
I will watch with interest to see hoe everyone gets on and I think I am going to join you too :)
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Welcome to the 5:2 Club Battygirl!
I had fibromyalgia until recently so I can empathise with you.
I also struggle a great deal to lose weight.
I have also been at the preaidiabetic stage and turned it around so I know you can do it too.
You may find sugar exacerbates your fibro and so changing your diet will also help with that ;-).
I find it easy to do the fast days and happy to do them. Weight slow to come off me but happy to continue to end of April to see how it goes.
Today was relaxed day for me ... 2 coffees; cereal: roast beef sandwich and blueberries for lunch. Bounty bar mid-afternoon. Out straight from workand timings went wonky so had lamb chops and. Veg at 10pm when I got home. I was soooo hungry.
Fasting day tomorrow. Fish will be in there somewhere. Also eggs.
Have a great day tomorrow.
Fx
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Thanks for the encouragement :), sugar is my nemesis I have a very sweet tooth and have sweetner in all my drinks, I know I need to give it up but so far haven't lasted longer than a day :'( I think cutting down on tea and coffee would help with that little problem though, I'm going to give hot water a go I think, I tried it before and liked it, I don't like cold drinks so struggle to drink enough too.I am feeling really positive after reading everyones posts :), its good to hear you say you have recovered from Fibromyalgia as I haven't met anyone who has recovered from it yet, I have long periods where I am symptom free and would like to think that some day that could be permanent,so to hear that is really encouraging
Have a good day tomorrow x
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I hear you about having a sweet tooth! We were fed sugary food and drinks as children.
Have you considered trying fruit flavoured teas instead? And if necessary add a (small) amount of diluting juice in it to strengthen the flavour (based on your sweet tooth). It is very tasty and refreshing.
Just a thought. You can try a few until you get the one you like.
Hot water is good too - I drink it too.
Or hot sugar free diluting juice?
Just some thoughts.
Fx
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Morning ladies. I saw a new number on the scales today. Just crept in. That would make 4lbs in 4 weeks - albeint haphazardly. For me, seeing the new number (lbs) on the scale is significant because it means it is on the move.
So that would make 4lbs in 4 weeks. Delighted with end result - wish it was clearer cut on the way and not go up and down during that time lol.
Hope you are all doing well and feeling well. Pixie - my friend told me last night that she also gets constipation on some of the days. She does not seem to work well on protein mainly days. I passed on the suggestions from here :)
Fx
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Welcome, Batty girl, If you can give this a month am sure you will see results, also well done firewalker its so satisfying seeing the weight drop off. Also to know that there is a maintenance day when you get to desired weight as thats where I have failed in past and it slowly creeps on again. Yesterday was good for me as busy most of day and didnt have time for lunch until 3pm and then didnt feel too hungry so ate less than usual ( i go for 700 cals normally) , however woke in night quite cold which I havent done for a while, small price to pay.
Will try to keep weekend eating within reason. :D
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:congrats: Firewalker, after all that effort you've got the result!
I am glad to say my bowels have started working again after several weeks. Although my weight loss has been good, the change in my diet upset my bowels. I haven't fasted now since last Monday, but will just continue to eat less at each meal, because I am scared that will happen again. ;) x
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Glad your system is back to normal Pixie.
You will know what suits your system.
I am taking a bowel cleansing capsule tonight - it works overnight and tomorrow.
I only take it occasionally and also take probiotic to support the flora.
Fx
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Such a relief when bowels work again and so stressfull when they dont, think the 5.2 also helps you realise portion control too so that will help with new regime, back on diet today and looking forward to turkey salad for lunch :D
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Popcorn works, the slightly sweetened type not the salty.
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I agree Winterose.
I am almost returning to basics with calorie counting. I had so much information in my head about various types of eating and dieting and health benefits and combining and and and and.
As you say, I have been very aware of the calorific value of what I am eating and so portion control.
Popcorn for bowels Rowan? I was at the cinema twice but no popcorn or drinks - I was very good ::)
So, today.....
Coffee at work - don't know the calorific value - from a machine.
chili and coriander prawns and stir fry veg for lunch - 130 cals calculated.
Raspberries - 27 cals.
Having a second coffee because my office is freezing - 90 cals.
Tonight I will have the rest of the prawns and stir fry and rasps - easy and tasty and fits calories left for today.
I am wondering if it would benefit any to cut to 1000 on the other 3 mid-week days and just not think about it at the weekends? That is kind of opposite to what they are saying but it might be an option.
(I am suggesting that since I was showing 4lbs loss on Friday over 4 weeks and on Sunday I had 3 of them back on again :-(. It drives me insane.
However, I do enjoy the fasting and so overall I think if I can remain positive, it may start to work.
I think it was Sandi who said it took a time for the weight to come off but I am not sure what that was in time/loss.
Fx
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FW it works for me, http://www.livestrong.com/article/370725-is-popcorn-a-good-source-of-fiber/
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Rowan, good tip on popcorn , thank you, Firewalker how annoying for so much to go on over weekend, I put on one lb
but know it will be gone again by Wed, perhaps thru week u should just try 1500 cals , alcohol is bad as the body loves the sugar in it, I read somewhere that if you drink and eat together then the body uses the sugar in alcohol for energy and stores the food as fat ..........also it took about 3 weeks for my weight loss to really kick in and stabilise, hungry now , M and S curry and load of stir fry veg and hope I dont wake up cold in night, :)
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Hi Winterose
Thanks for the tip on the alcohol. Actually, I do not drink much. As it happens I was at a party on Friday night and had some G&Ts but prior to that I cannot remember when I had a drink. Perhaps 2 weeks ago?
I get your point about the 1500 cals. In fact, due to my basal metabolic rate I need 1830 cals. So let's assume I drop it by 500 a day, that should effectively remove 1lb a week. However, I believe if I drop it just a bit then my system slows down, so I have to drop it a further 500 cals for it to work (professor and doctor talked about it at a seminar last week). So, taking that as true for now, 2 days at 500 plus 5 days at 1200 = 7000 a week. Not sure that is enough. But I can try it can't I? Although the 5:2 said that we should eat normally on the other days.
I was thinking along the lines of your thoughts Winterose so could stick to 1200-1500 for the majority of days.
Too much thinking methinks lol lol. Hopefully brain power uses calories hehe
Fx
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Hi Ladies,
Stepping up on the prunes and still not quite resolved, must be age related! Anyway, although I haven't fasted today, I have had:-
Porridge/linseed for breakfast with skimmed milk and 1 tsp honey 3 prunes - breakfast
Tuna fish salad with no carbs and a banana - lunch
Macaroni cheese - small portion, with peas and broccoli, yoghurt and frozen raspberries. 3 prunes!! for dinner.
I won't eat now from 7pm until 7am (that is my attempts at fasting)!! ;) x
The other thing is make sure you weigh yourself, when you have done a number 2, as they can weigh a few pounds!!
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I hope your system settles.
I fast every day based on when I last eat at night to when I next eat the next day. Minimum of 12 hours most days.
It is strange that you get constipation with one day's fasting. What a shame. Is your diet much different on that day compared to other days?
Fx
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Hi firewalker
Just to say really it is not about total calories - obviously these do matter but it's more about what you eat and what contains those calories and when you eat them. My opinion is I think it would not be good to cut your calories on the other 5 days - I am sure this would slow your metabolism and defeat the object of the 5:2 so you would be more likely to put the weight back on. On the other days eat a really good low fat healthy diet with some whole grain carbs and no processed foods and eat whatvere you need to satisfy you - that's what I would do. You want to boost your metabolism so that you get used to eating a normal diet for your height/weight/age and not put weight on
With respect and I know everyone likes to do what suits them, but I think one can get too hung up on calorie counting and I don't think it's that important provided one understands and follow the basic principles of weight loss. fair enough to count them on the 2 days but not on the others.
So I would make sure I had at least 1800 cals on the other days - but better still don't count them!
Just to say again this time last year I followed the principles of the Slimming World diet and lost 12 punds in 3 months and never counted a single calorie and never went hungry. And I wasn't much overweight to start with ie only the amount I lost. Was 8st 11 by the time I finished.
This is meant to be helpful not critical :)
Hurdity x
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Thanks Hurdity. I took it as helpful.
I lost 2 stones on two occasions with sW so I understand completely where you are coming from. The last time however, I put on 5lbs over a month.
I try to follow the 5% rule. 5g per 100g for fat and for sugar. I lost 1.5 stones in 6 weeks doing that.
Again, tried it more recently and no difference.
(Both of the above without counting calories)
I have tried low GI;
low carb too.
Also NLP hypnosis slimming programme for 6 weeks.
And had 2 x 1>1 sessions for hypnosis.
Desperation kicks in.
I have been told I have all the signs of metabolic syndrome X and that is causing the problem.
that's why I though the 5:2 might help.
I do appreciate your suggestions and I had thought the same which is why I calculated my basal metabolic rate to know how much I need for age, height, sex and lifestyle.
So far, on the five days I have not been counting. Maybe I need to count for a while to be aware what I am eating to ensure I am eating enough?
Oh who knows..... A bacon slicer and liposuction might just work ;D ;D
Best not to talk about it methinks. Perhaps I am telling my brain the story i don't want to live ::)
Fx
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Hi Firewalker, I don't thing the fasting itself is to blame, but just changes in eating habits and possibly very little exercise. Maybe 4 pints of beer would sort out, like the other night ;D ;Dx
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A male friend of mine has been on the Dr Mosely diet since February 19th and has lost 11lbs. He says that for two days of the week he has to have only 500 calories but must have protein on those days and the other days he eats normally. Is that the same as what you are all doing? Mind you he has given up the alcohol - no wine or beer - which he had every day so it could just be that!
Taz x
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Yes. That's the one Taz. I liked the Horizon programme and decided to try it along with my friend. Now there are three of us plus the friends on here. I weighed in this morning and hadremained the same as last friday, so the weight. Up during the week was back down. Slbs in 5 weeks. So long as it keeps going down I will be happy :-).
I do like the routine. It suits me actually and I generally eat protein (usually fish) and veg and miso soup. I do vary it though. On those days I just calorie count and eat what I fancy - carbs in the form of veg.
Fx
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I have been doing low carb for the last three weeks, and although the scales don't really register it...I have lost SO much fat from my middle, bum and thighs it is quite :o
I take it I am burning fat instead of muscle, which would account for the fact my weight has not really changed, but my body has? Even the woman on the checkout at Asda noticed my diminishing figure.
Typical day
Baby bel and two slices of ham for breakfast
Poached egg and turkey rashers for lunch
Stir fry beef, pork or chicken with pak choi, mushrooms, spring onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and cauliflower 'rice'
Not hungry and feeling great :)
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"I take it I am burning fat instead of muscle, which would account for the fact my weight has not really changed, but my body has? Even the woman on the checkout at Asda noticed my diminishing figure."
Sweet pea
Whatever it is, it's working.
Well done :)
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Hi there
Great it is working for you all but sweet pea you do lose muscle as well as fat when you go on diets unless you up the exercise you take to strengthen and build your muscle. This is v important! Also increased muscle mass burns more calories at rest than fat so doubly good in the long run.
Hurdity x
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Hi Hurdity!
Have to disagree. I don't think you lose muscle on low carb. Perhaps on low cal diets.
My understanding - on a very simple and basic level ( not even mentioning all the bodyweight/glycogen stuff, which is far too techy for me) ... is this.
If you are on a low calorie diet, your body first burn the carbs you ARE still eating for fuel, followed by muscle tissue, and only after that, it burns fat.
However, if you starve yourself, (ie no recently eaten carb stores) you lose muscle, water, then fat.
On low carb diets, there are no carbs in your body to burn but plenty of fat stores, as your body
automatically burns fat for fuel. And it burns it quickly. Only once the fat stores are depleted do you lose muscle tissue. You eat fat, to lose fat.
Anyone interested should read Gary Taubes' Why we get Fat, and Good Calories, Bad Calories.
All I know is I am eating lots, (apart from bread, potatoes, rice, sugar, cakes, sweets etc..and hey, where is the loss) I never go hungry, eat veg, no fasts.... and my waist is down by three inches!
Edit: My spelling!! aaargh
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You are talking about ketosis sweet pea
"Ketosis is a state the body may find itself in either as a result of raised blood glucose levels or as a part of low carb dieting.
Low levels of ketosis is perfectly normal.
However, high levels of ketosis in the short term can be serious and the long term effects of regular moderate ketosis are only partially known at the moment.
What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a state the body goes into if it needs to break down body fat for energy. The state is marked by raised levels of ketones in the blood which can be used by the body as fuel.
Ketones which are not used for fuel are excreted out of the body via the kidneys and the urine."
Taz x
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Yup...got my ketosis sticks, been sticking them in my wee on a regular basis!
I am not doing no carb...just low carb, which burns fat. I am not cutting out a whole food groups. I'm eating carbs in the form of veg, nuts, oatbran etc....just not more than 50g per day. All I am cutting out is sweets, sugar, starch...all the bad stuff.
I have to say, I am not hungry and the fat is melting like the wicked witch of the west!
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A very interesting programme on radio 4 about fasting,also saying that when the nerves cells are 'hungry' they become more active hence the protective element for the brain. Going to try again tomorrow.
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I must have had a fasting day yesterday. Was so busy that I forgot to eat. A slice of toast in the morning followed by a piece of cake in the afternoon (for fund raising purposes so that was my excuse!) two glasses of white wine and a packet of cheeselets. I just wasn't hungry.
I reckon that must be about right calorie-wise but not exactly nutritious!
Taz x
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;D
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I've eaten rather a lot this weekend, including 2 fried breakfasts!! Anyway back on the fasting today.
Porridge with skimmed milk and 1 tsp honey about 300 calories
Miso soup for lunch - maybe an apple later if still hungry
chickpeas, tomotoe and spinach curry with a spoonful of brown rice at 7pm. :( X
By the way, there are some very nice healthy looking meals on the Waitrose love life recipe website. Mouth watering just looking at the pictures - after my miso soup :-\
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Oops I forgot this was monday. Missed the fast day!
On Saturday I thought it was Sunday.
So, will fast tomorrow and thursday or Friday. After this weekend, I could fast all week ;D
Fx
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Radio 4 had a program about this yesterday.
It is seemingly very closely linked with various religious orders. It clears the mind and helps one to commune it would seem.
They were also talking about research that is being done on animals. Early results would suggest that it increases life expectancy.
They are hoping this research could be helpful when linked to Alzheimer's.
So even if you don't want to loose weight this has all sorts of health benefits.
Honeyb
X
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Had visitors for last 6 days so had to abandon fasting, however it has stopped me going overboard , will be interested to see if I have gained weight as when I stopped at Christmas I didnt gain anything, keep going ladies :D
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Pixie, which programme was it and which day,? thanks
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Was it me you were asking Winterose.
It wad radio 4 food programme that is on a Sunday at 12:30.
I did not hear it all but it was very interesting.
If it was not me then ;D
Honeyb
X
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It's The Food Programme Winterose http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnx3
Taz x
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Honeybun and Taz , thank you.
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I have just listened to a part of it - very interesting. I have always been one who eats just because I have to in order to live rather than enjoy food. It's always been the joke in our family that if I could have a pill and a bar of chocolate a day to meet my needs I would be fine so according to this programme I would be ok living in a Monastery!!
Taz x
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Hi Winterose, yes it was a programme I mentioned on radio 4 on Sunday. ;) x
Colon on strike again today - never mind will up the dose of prunes and linseed! ;D
Didn't do too well in the evening yesterday - had a couple of bits of tickler cheese yum!
Another fasting day to commence on Thursday, to shed those fried breakfasts. Felt pleased I didn't indulge in choc eggs, but had a bar of chocolate anyway today! Back to 9st 13 at the moment pre bowel movement - sorry TMI
Taz its a good job you know how to put these links on here - very useful. X 8)
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Ha ha pixie! I only ever weigh myself in the morning sans vetements and after that unmentionable....
The odd bar of choc can't do any harm - but too much can mess up the blood sugar regulation I've found.
Hurdity x
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Visitors and family all left so on diet today as tomorrow wont work for social reasons. Got on scales this am and have not put on any weight, what joy! This after 8 days of cooked breakfasts (3) ,large lunches,cakes and puddings. I wonder though if I have actually eaten smaller portions, certainly checked myself a few times as I dived in for second helpings. Realise with lots of people around am physically busy all day. Looks like the maintenance day will work as doubtless keeps you focused and stops old grazing habits . Now saw an article in Times that shows how to calculate a weight that you should be able to maintain with sensible eating. I can see that I have 1kg more to lose ( still a bit of flab on middle) and with this calculation its spot on.
If you are interested its like this: (1) - How much did u weigh at 18 without dieting? (2 ) How much did u weigh at your heaviest excluding pregnancy? (3) How much did u weigh at your lightest after age 18 with or without dieting? (4) What is your current weight?
Add answers of 1 and 2 together and divide by 2. Add answers to 3 and 4 together and divide by 2
Add both totals together and divide by 2 . This should give you an ideal weight that you can realistically maintain.
It puts me at 57.8 kgs and I am aiming for 58. First time I have ever agreed with an ideal weight calculator.
Have run out of prunes ................ :)
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yesterday was diet day , took 2 teaspoons of coconut oil before bed and huge glass fizzy water . Did not wake up cold as I usually do but was actually quite hot so will try just 1 teaspoon next time.
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Sorry, I did not see your posting.
I lost weight just trying to work it out ;D
So the fasting days in the last week have not been attractive to me and this week I started on WEdnesday thinking it was Thursday, then reverted later in the day; fasted yesterday except for an attack on a bag of Doritas, and by default and a broken cashline machine, I seem to be fasting today ;D
However, I saw a new number on the scales again today, so perhaps hope is not lost after all.
5lbs in total, which is better than the pendulum 2lbs I have had for several years. It has taken 7 weeks to lose 5lbs so slow but at least on the downward trend.
Hope you are all doing okay on it.
Fx
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Visitors and family all left so on diet today as tomorrow wont work for social reasons. Got on scales this am and have not put on any weight, what joy! This after 8 days of cooked breakfasts (3) ,large lunches,cakes and puddings. I wonder though if I have actually eaten smaller portions, certainly checked myself a few times as I dived in for second helpings. Realise with lots of people around am physically busy all day. Looks like the maintenance day will work as doubtless keeps you focused and stops old grazing habits . Now saw an article in Times that shows how to calculate a weight that you should be able to maintain with sensible eating. I can see that I have 1kg more to lose ( still a bit of flab on middle) and with this calculation its spot on.
If you are interested its like this: (1) - How much did u weigh at 18 without dieting? (2 ) How much did u weigh at your heaviest excluding pregnancy? (3) How much did u weigh at your lightest after age 18 with or without dieting? (4) What is your current weight?
Add answers of 1 and 2 together and divide by 2. Add answers to 3 and 4 together and divide by 2
Add both totals together and divide by 2 . This should give you an ideal weight that you can realistically maintain.
It puts me at 57.8 kgs and I am aiming for 58. First time I have ever agreed with an ideal weight calculator.
Have run out of prunes ................ :)
Interesting, my calculation means I am only 1lb over what I can realistically maintain - but I would like to lose 1/2 a stone.
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I Did the calculation And I would have 2sts 4lbs to lose. That is too heavy. I should be 1 to 1.5 stones lighter - being conservative and still not be in healthy BMI :-(.
Let' s see the reality lol.
Fx
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obviously not as good a calculation as I had read. Think my last 2lbs are going to be a real struggle - see below.
Monday going ok so far having stocked up on prunes, Friday, after diet Thursday, consumed the best part of a bar of dairy milk chocolate with sea salt and almonds in it , not all at once but steadily throughout the day --- have not done anything like that for years so feel the diet day was blown away , will try harder tomorrow to exercise control. Delicious chocolate.
How is anyone else doing?
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;D
Hi Winterose,
I had a few of those moments! Thats the trouble if you limit your intake you end of making up for it somewhere ;D
I'm not doing the fasting at the moment, as still healing from op.However my bowels have been spot on since the op, no constipation and after all that medication/anaesthetic! x
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Hope you are recovering well Pixie. Glad your bowels are working okay.
Winterose. Don't worry about the chocolate binge. I think from reading the book and watching the programme, it does not matter much what you eat the next day. I had a poor week last week as I thought Nd lost a pound. If you feel you have had a bad day perhaps consider it one day and not a disaster and move forward.
Considering I have not been able to change weight for several years, I am happy to see 5 less albeit slow. It hAs really made me aware of calories Nd food clorie value so that I am sure will help long term.
Fx
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thank you ladies, and FW so glad you are seeing a drop , husband is now at his required weight so he will go on one day a week and see how it goes , his blood pressure has dropped from 135 to 117 so thats good news. ( cant remember the bottom figure )but the doctor was impressed and asked how hed done it.
Suspect the slow weight loss is good as body is adapting , Pixie glad to hear that all is working well in bowel department,x
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Hi Firewalker,
Good to see you have lost some pounds after all. Winterose - good your hubby has lowered his BP.
I got on the scales and am 9st11. Not fasting at all, but probably due to the op! Have been trying to eat healthily but less portions :) x
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Forgive me for not trawling through all the pages on this thread.
I've just started the 5:2 diet and am interested to know if any of you who have done/are doing it have noticed any changes in your meno symptoms?
I'm just curious really. Having read the book, I want to try this strategy for all sorts of reasons that have nothing to do with the menopause but would be interested to know if it's had an effect on anyone.
Thanks.
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Hello , I have been on it for 9 months now and lost the half stone that had crept on, weight loss was slow but sure . I have a lot more energy and it generally focuses you more on what you are eating on the days you are not fasting. I did 700 cals on the fast day as couldnt manage the 500 . Can now do a 1 day maintenance and funnily enough really look forward to it, accept this will be a way of life now . My husband lost a stone and dropped his blood pressure . Had some problems with constipation at first but prunes helped with that and now it doesnt seem t bother me, the other issue was waking up cold at night and that can still be a problem. I now eat dinner a bit later ( which seems at odds with the fast length) 0 but it was either that or stop and I couldnt bear for that weight to go on again. Am sure its not for everyone but give it a good go , theres a forum with lots of tips on it. :D
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And cant really say it changed any meno symptoms but already on HRT so difficult to know if it could have helped but somehow doubt it, 8)
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Thanks for the reply, Winterose. I'm doing this with my husband as we're both keen to try it.
We haven't had many problems fasting. The first day we tried it was fairly tricky and I dealt with the hunger pangs by eating grapes. When I did it yesterday (my third fast day) I only felt a couple of pangs that I dealt with by drinking green tea. By the afternoon I can honestly say that I felt no hunger and when I sat down to eat in the evening, I still didn't feel hungry. Have to say, I was astonished!
This morning I didn't feel particularly hungry, so I'm hoping that I've found a long-term eating strategy that I'll be able to stick to indefinitely. If it has an impact on meno symptoms - now or in the future - it will be a bonus.
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Hi Gypsy
I posted a few times in the thread but don't blame you for not wanting to trawl through all the posts.
I have now lost 1lb short of a stone. Very very slow but at least it has moved.
My blood sugar was 3.2 the last time I checked which is a huge cry from pre-diabetic some years ago. Inflammation is also much less.
I actually enjoy the fasting although have been under extreme pressure recently, with erratic timetable so I have been less inclined to stick to the fast for a couple of weeks.
I like Miso soup. Great for a fasting day if you like it. Gets me through lunch-time.
I see you said that you take a few grapes. Just a word of caution - it is recommended that you have protein or very low gi food on that day. grapes are quite high in sugar.
So, you can have more filling things to eat. Protein balances our your sugar levels and keeps hunger at bay.
Also, small number of walnuts with cubes of cheese is an idea.
Mark and Spencer do packs of large flat mushrooms with crumble topping. I think it is 120cals for 2 of them and they are very filling.
I often have a large bowl of mixed veg. Or some nice prawns and stir fry veg and feel full.
Hope you have great success on it. I certainly feel better following it. IN fact, afer a weekend, I look forward to it on a Monday with some relief that I rest my system.
Fx
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FW - thats brilliant, good tip about the mushrooms I shall look out for them, also some days if everything is out of kilter as it can be now and again with visitors or an extra heavy workload I just try and cut down on what I would have eaten that day, nuts are really good at making you feel full and like the idea of a bit of cheese with them,
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Thanks for the tip regarding grapes, Winterose. On my last fast day I ate a few pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.
I originally thought the weight loss would be quite fast, but am resigned to things going more slowly. When I consider how long it has taken to put on an additional half stone, it makes sense to get rid of it slowly but surely, and I think maintaining this strategy is far more doable than calorie counting.
;)
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Hi Girls,
I have been following the 5:2 diet for 6 weeks now and have lost over 12lbs. Feel so much better and, very interestingly, don't feel that hungry when I thought I'd be ravenous. I am also a type 2 diabetic and have found that my blood glucose levels have shot down since I have lost weight. It's a bit of faff as I have to gauge my carb intakes for the diabetes, but usually stick to low carb meals on the fasting days. I find soup keeps me going and I always try and eat at least one apple during the day, never fails to keep me regular!
It helps if you have a buddy doing the same days as you. In my case, my daughter has joined me and she has also lost weight. It's not a huge amount, but steady 1lb of fat per week.
What I have found, is that it really opened my eyes to the amount of hidden calories in things which you would just generally graze on. It makes you so much more aware and the plus side is that on non fasting days, you a) don't seem to be so hungry and b) are very much aware of the calorific values in foods. I find eating a piece of chicken or salmon with a big salad or green veggies really fills you up and having a stock cupboard filled with loads of herbs and spices.
Good luck,
Donnarob x