Like Mimi and many others I spent the run up to Christmas and then into the New Year feasting, rather than fasting. It is so strange; I know that I shouldn’t and that I will feel bad afterwards, but I still couldn’t resist eating far too much chocolate, cake and mince pies. It is because it is there, right in front of me, all the time.
Normally I try to ban such things from our house as I have a sweet tooth and know that when I am feeling peckish they will be hard to resist. As Oscar Wilde once famously put it, “I can resist anything but temptation”.
There’s a book I’m reading at the moment called The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt that helps explain why we sabotage our own best interests. As he points out, we can probably muster the willpower to resist ordering a dessert but not the willpower to resist it if one is put in front of us.
Or, as the poet Ovid wrote “Desire and feeling pull in different directions. I feel the right way and approve it, but I follow the wrong”.
We are like riders on the back of an elephant. We hold the reins and think we are in control; we can steer the elephant as long as the elephant has no desires of its own. But in the end the elephant does what the elephant wants to do and we are left helplessly raging at our own apparent weakness.
But is it really weak will or is it mainly about context and opportunity? I have a lot more to say about unconscious impulses, but that will have to wait for another day.
76 Comments
7:49 pm
10 Jan 2013
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Did you gain weight over Christmas?
8:03 pm
10 Jan 2013
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Like you I spent Christmas and New Year feasting not fasting. I made a del with myself, get below 90kg and I could feast for the festivities. I gained about 5kg over th 2 plus weeks but think it will drop of now I’m back on plan. My wiegh in is Friday morning so I willknow my progress in a few hours.
I’m loving this new lifestyle, Thanks Michael.
10:13 pm
10 Jan 2013
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In paleolithic times man would gorge on the honey tree if they stumbled across one – Christmas can be regarded as the modern day alternative to the honey tree, as long as it is kept to ‘just’ special occasions naturally!
12:24 pm
11 Jan 2013
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Am I Cheating?
I eat normally between 7pm and 9pm, then fast the next day. This can be a variety of things but always less than 600 calories. I then eat again normally between 7pm and 9pm. So I’m fasting for between 20 and 22 hours. Is this acceptable? I’ve been doing it since August and it has worked for weight control and generally feeling fitter. But I don’t want to cheat the system !!
3:10 pm
11 Jan 2013
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Hi okcole
Like you, I tend to start fasting at about 6pm. It seems to work for me and I hope that it doesn’t matter when you start so long as you do about 24(ish) hours.
The question I have is this – if you don’t eat ANYTHING during the 24 hours, is that REALLY bad???
#confused
Chris
8:07 pm
11 Jan 2013
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I don’t eat for 24 hours from about 7pm on one day till 7pm the next, but I do drink 4 500ml mugs of green or rooisbos tea on those days. Then I have a 500 calorie meal and eat normally the next day. I do this on Mondays and Thursdays and do it this way because for me spreading the calories was making me hungrier and also because I had heard that fasting for 24 hours increases the health benefits.
9:41 pm
11 Jan 2013
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I am also interested in thoughts on not eating at all during the fasting days, I started fasting this week after some test days a few months ago and, I fasted on Tuesday and Thursday, I did not eat anything at all from about 2100 on the evening before the fasting day until 0900 on the morning of the day after (36 hours fasting but only one day). I felt fine both days and not really hungry at all,. I do drink cups of tea (with a little milk) and also water but no food.
I am obese and I need to lose about 30KG but for me mentally not eating at all is much easier that thinking about what I will have next. Its early days but I also notice that I am probably eating slightly less on non fasting days as well.
Anyone else doing something similar.
10:01 pm
11 Jan 2013
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I started the 5:2 plan in August/September 2012. To begin with, I divided my 500kcal allowance into two 250kcal meals at breakfast and supper. However, I was restless and night and found it intereupted my sleep. I now save all of my Kcals for one evening meal. Due to my hectic life, I tend to have my last evening Feast at 8pm, and then fast till 8pm the next day. I have found that you can pack quite a lot into 500kcals in one sitting, I tend to have cous cous or pasta with lots of mixed vegetables and a nice piece of fish. I sometimes even have calories left over for a pudding. Usually strawberries in jelly or a banana
10:02 pm
11 Jan 2013
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I forgot to say that I now sleep like a log now that I follow this pattern.
11:03 am
12 Jan 2013
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@wytco0 – I have just started experimenting with proper fasting from 7pm the day before fast day through to 7 am on the morning following the fast day. Just finished second one, feeling great, much easier to stick to than eating during fast day.
Cheers, Ian
4 months in, 120Kg -> 103Kg, another 35 or so to go!
1:35 pm
12 Jan 2013
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I found it easier to use most of the calories in one meal too – I kept my weight stable over Xmas by (most days) not eating until the evening (or late afternoon) even though I was then eating the usual Xmas treats
I had my share of 3am turkey sandwiches and large glasses of advocaat too so this method really does, for me, do away with the whole idea of “being on a diet” and moves me into the zone of “eating like a thin person”
5:35 am
13 Jan 2013
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Over Christmas I have stuck to the program, fasting 2 days each week. I’ve enjoyed the treats and now feel keen to get back to reality. My weight has continued to decline at a slower rate.
2:40 pm
13 Jan 2013
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Hey! Over Christmas and the New Year, I had a holiday from Fasting. I gained 5lbs over 3 weeks eating very heartily indeed. This was not helped by the fact that I also had Flu and a Chest infection which completely knocked me off my feet for another two weeks. Boxes of Chocolates, Cheese Boards, big family meals, snacking and over eating was the norm. However, Got back on the 5:2 plan this week and have lost 3lbs already.
2:51 pm
13 Jan 2013
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I kept fasting over Christmas, but allowed myself more like 600 cals on my Christmas fasts, so I could still have a little treat or two as they were all around me!
The first week of Christmas I pigged out but lost 1lb! The second week was a bit more indulgent, what with all the tasty Christmas gifts. I regained 0.75 of that pound. Overall, I came out quarter of a pound lighter atfer Christmas than before. Having lost a total of 31.5lbs since August I am still steadily losing around 1lb a week on 5:2. Huzzah!
9:30 am
15 Jan 2013
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I started this 4 months ago and lost 1.5 stones in 3 months. I am also a runner and since starting my diet I have improved my personal best for 5k from 27.10 to 23.05. I am 55 years old, thanks Mike!
5:29 pm
15 Jan 2013
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One of the beauties of the 5:2 approach is its flexibility. That meant for me that there was no problem fitting it around Christmas. Low cal days on the 23rd, 27th, 29th and 2nd, then back to the usual pattern after that.
7:40 am
24 Jan 2013
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I started at the beginning of January, did 2 weeks, and then went down with a cold last Sunday and don’t really have the mental energy to stick with it this week. I’m not going to let that bother me and will get back on again next week. However, I’ve found it tough to drink black anything, but begrudge giving up may calorie allowance to milk.
Having a sweet tooth and a passion for anything ginger flavoured, I’m thinking of going to work with a bottle of Waitrose low calorie fiery ginger beer. I think this will make my fast days more than tolerable but I’ve not seen low calorie drinks or food advocated anywhere on Fast Diet pages. What do people think?
3:28 pm
24 Jan 2013
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I read the book. My first day today. Wanting to loose 21pounds and gain a health future, iv only really been thinking about my future health since I turned 30! I don’t smoke btw. Today I am fasting I’ve had my calorie allowance between 10am-12.30 so I go 24hrs from then don’t I? Or just nothing else until, same time tomorrow. Anyway I shal keep you upto date. Iv got two kids so shouldn’t be to hard to keep occupied . I was amazed at the findings in the book. Really makes sence.
6:42 pm
24 Jan 2013
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Like Jolene I have read the book and started on ,y road to a slimmer and healthier life. I have just turned 47 and recently had my hip replaced. Weighing in at 14st 2lbs I hope to be 12st 7lb.
I have tried dieting before without success, they seem such hard work,being miserable around food for weeks only for a night out with mates to undo it all.
Fingers crossed……
10:10 pm
24 Jan 2013
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starting tomorrow- lots to loose but much more to gain!!!
9:17 am
25 Jan 2013
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Help… i have been so positive and excited about this, got my husband to start with me, the first week i lost 3lb but for the last 2 weeks i have stayed the same, my husband is steadily losing! i have most of my calories in one meal but do use up some in white tea with sweetener throughout the day, had a really good fast day yesterday and just weighed myself and again i’ve stayed the same
10:25 am
25 Jan 2013
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Day 2
as I have sugar and milk and the point is to have long periods with zero calories.) i think iv used up 450calories , it’s 6pm now and I’m feeling hungry so I’m drinking water, rumble belly but not feeling sick or ill or headache. I’m also cooking tea so my portion can go in the fridge for tomorrow when I can eat normally. I feel lighter and confident to day. Feeling good that I could actually stick to this, I’m finding myself not thinking about wanting food just focusing on making myself busy. I have no intention on going to the gym or anything as I get enough exercise at work 3days a week and being a mum of 2. I want a diet that fits in my life style not one where it says go to the gym. I’m sure it’ll be hard making my hubby a cup of tea and not automatically making myself one. I still intend sitting at the table while they eat as we have family time and I won’t miss that. As I was reading the book it was saying about how we have turned into grazers and over eating and back in the day there bodies where made for fasting and didn’t have allot of food, and none of them had weight issues and all these health problems we have today. Makes perfect sence. By starving our body for short periods of time it shocks the body in to repair mode and uses the fat to survive because I’m not putting calories in. Tricking the body and keep my met rate up I think haha.
No weigh in this morning as its unlikely to be any different. Woke up feeling hungry probable because I was awake most of the night reading the book haha. I woke up conscious of the fact that I only had 500cals to have today and then zero calls for the rest of the day. Eek…between 10am and 12.00 lunch time I had half cheese salad sandwich on seeded brown bread with butter and half a tin of soup and of course followed by several cups of tea because I knew I’d not get anymore until 12.00tomorrow
10:26 am
25 Jan 2013
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Day 3
it’s now 9.40am I wonder how long I can go without calories today? Difference is tho if I get hungry later I will eat something because its a normal eating day. I’m not going to starve myself. I’m going to listen to my body and eat when I need to.
Well I made it through the night, had big rumbles in the bath so hungry went 8 with out a single calorie and then had a cup of tea then all night and woke up thinking what I could have today on my normal eating day. 9.00am and I made a seeded bread, tuna, salad cream, cucumber, tomato, lettuce sandwich for my breakfast?,,,!, its what I really fancied. Had cup tea and I really struggled to eat the whole sandwich. Thought about dinner and trying to have all my meals in a bunch as early as possible. But I really don’t wanna think about food. I reckon I could do a day two of fasting? Because there’s talk of a 4days fast in the book. But didn’t think I could do that. Weighed myself on wednesday and I was 141pound and this morning (friday) I was 139 pounds so that’s -2pounds in 2/3 days?!!!!!!! Whoop whoop , yeah it’s prob mostly water but who cares rite? I feel lighter. I feel in control. It’s only 3days but yeah I’m feeling good
11:34 am
25 Jan 2013
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Started yesterday with a fast day – 501 calories. My hunger pangs weren’t too bad and they do pass. I was surprised at how easy I found it but I guess not every day will be like yesterday. Best of all I woke up this morning feeling alive and alert! And not hungry! Had a normal breakfast. The hardest part was watching last night The Great British Bake Off for Comic Relief and wanting Claudia’s chocolate biscuits! Told myself I could have them today – but today I don’t really want them! Yay!
12:04 pm
25 Jan 2013
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Have started 5:2 this week. Fasted on Monday and Wednesday and did not find it too bad (I have a very busy worklife!). Was really hungry yesterday, though, and had 4 small (healthy) meals rather than my usual 3. Today I don’t feel so hungry. I really feel this lifestyle will work for me, as I love food!
12:11 pm
25 Jan 2013
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Shasha – some weeks weight will plateau, some weeks you’ll see a healthy drop. Michael always suggests people watch what they are drinking on fast days. Try black tea without sweetener. Know it’s hard, but it could really help! Lots of other no-cal drinks that you may like – all in the book. Best of luck.
12:39 pm
25 Jan 2013
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Got my copy of the book Saturday and decided to start the diet Monday. Had to abandon that day and restarted Tuesday and it was ok. I think I may have gone over the 500 calories slightly but overall it wasn’t too bad. Forgot how tasty Ryvita and cottage cheese are and have found some really nice cuppa soups. Still have a cup of tea in the morning with milk and sugar which is my daily treat. Recently given up smoking and trying to diet at the same time is a little difficult but I am feeling very positive about things.
Next fasting day is Sunday… normally a grazing day, but I can manage with the support of my family and looking forward to filling my fridge with lots of lovely veg when I go shopping on Saturday.
2:56 pm
25 Jan 2013
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5:05 pm
25 Jan 2013
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my word, this diet is taking off like wildfire – suspect the impact of it will be huge – maybe outdoing Atkins and Dukan etc. Just spoke to the lovely lady in our local farm shop (we’re quite rural). She’s doing it (2st gone), her husband’s doing it, also 2st, all the chaps he works with are doing it, their son and daughter are doing it – crikey! Never known an eating plan that appeals to men but this one does. Might sound a bit extreme but can’t help thinking Michael Mosley’s programme may have saved a few lives and certainly the health of many
10:33 am
26 Jan 2013
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Mimi – thank you for the words of encouragement, I am determined to continue, as i like the sound of the health benefits too
i also have just given up smoking, so hope to repair some of the damage I’ve done! will keep you updated of my progress 
12:40 pm
26 Jan 2013
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Shasha you can do it, you should be proud you’ve quit smoking and this diet I’m sure from what iv read and watched will deco help you make it up to your body. I’m loving this diet, I’m not going to post my really long messages from my blog that I’m doing lol, today is fast day. Day for and started Wednesday and I’m already -3pounds down
it’s a life change and I can’t believe how iv abused my body on so much food when if you really think of the old days life styles and the amount of health issues they had. It’s obvious. This is going to help obese people so much all they have to do is not eat for a day at a time…. What’s easier than that? I hated calorie counting and points system. I’m 100%committed to this as I’m scared of my long term fait. I will do anything I can to stay able and myself until as old as I can 
thanks to all them ppl who did that research
1:33 pm
26 Jan 2013
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Hello all. I’ve just started the diet this week, and so far I’ve managed OK with the fasting days. I’m just wondering how ‘normally’ others are eating on their non-fasting days? Do you set a limit to your calories and try to eat as healthily as possible? For me ‘eating normally’ would include lots of fatty, unhealthy foods. Thanks
5:01 pm
26 Jan 2013
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I’m eating ‘normally’ on non-fast days but my ‘normal’ has changed since I started watching what I eat last September. I started the fast diet this week but I just eat what I fancy on non-fast days. I have found that what I fancy has changed in the last few months! Today I have had a late-ish breakfast of porridge and berries and was too busy for lunch but I really fancy pizza for tea. I really believe in listening to your body and giving it what it wants. I think this is starting to get easier for me-someone who has been overweight for most of her life and yoyo dieted for the past 20 years or so. Good luck!
2:33 pm
28 Jan 2013
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Started Wednesday at 141lb weight today Monday (5days later) 138…-3pounds in 5days, feel amazing, zero bloating, whole new relationship with food and off to a great start in my 2nd wk mon-mon this time xx
9:17 pm
28 Jan 2013
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Had a massive pig out this weekend with Burns night and a significant birthday party. Weighed in and have put on a pound.
Am I worried or disappointed?
If I was on any other diet then yes but fast day tomorrow and lets carry on.
12:14 am
29 Jan 2013
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Just stated to fast, today being the second day. I chose to fast today as I woke up late so got a head start. Blow me if the first session of a new night class involved the tutor supplying us with packets of chocolates as part of an exercise! I managed to stay clear and have kept within my 500. I always thought I could estimate calories quite accurately but was misleading myself and now weigh everything. It’s only for 24hrs. Feeling quite perky and tomorrow am feasting on venison sausages! Looks like a good way of life and, having been an unsuccessful dieter, feel this is manageable.
10:36 am
29 Jan 2013
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Just read the book on Sunday night, decided to start fasting on Monday…My reason was I attend a well known slimming club and I am struggling with my weight loss…I either lose a tiny amount or maintain my weight, I have noticed however that after reading the book I realised I was fasting without even being aware of it…because I was being weighed on a Monday evening I would not eat from 7pm on a Sunday until 7pm on a Monday, but then i would come home and pig out more than the 500 calories recommended in the book, I have a funny feeling that most people who attend slimming classes do as I was doing so their weight loss was a little or much the same, now I know the secret I have nothing to lose apart from weight that is! As I said I started yesterday and found the first day liberating, not stuffing my face after a fast, I was only going to have the 500 calories (I only 480 cals) I can honestly say I have CFS/ME which makes it hard to sleep well last night was the first time in about 10 years where I have slept longer than 3 hours I could’nt believe it when I woke to find I had slept 5 hrs…when I got up I expected to head straight for the kitchen for something to eat but hey guess what I did’nt want anything until 10m this morning….what a relief…I am so looking forward to the coming weeks and to my next fasting day which is Thursday this week, I will report back and let you all know how I am getting on…….
9:03 pm
31 Jan 2013
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My “fast diet” diary
THURSDAY, 31 JANUARY 2013
Week 1 of the 5:2 fast diet
Monday 21st january 2013 weight on Start day 141lbs
By end of first week 138lbs
Total loss in first week 3llbs
Doing two day fast, eating allocated 500cals in one go leaving as bigger calorie free gap as possible.
Eating smaller portions on normal days
Did well no side effects like dizziness or anything, toilet visits less often. Felt great zero bloating and felt happy alert good mood excellent start.
11:04 am
1 Feb 2013
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Yesterday was my third fast day and I found it slightly more difficult than the first two – it was very busy at work and I was running around a lot (normally I would ‘manage the stress’ with several biscuits) and instead of porridge for late brekkie I had veggie soup for lunch which didn’t seem to work so well. However I made it through, slept well, feel great today, and am determined to carry on
2:44 pm
1 Feb 2013
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Having spent the last two days reading the book cover to cover first day of fasting. have bmi of 24.3 but fat is 39%. Am not classed as overweight but carry too much fat. Decided to try the diet as am at risk of developing diabetes as had in pregnancy. Off we go!
Book is fan by the way
3:10 pm
1 Feb 2013
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HI all , first 5 days of this regime completed. I tried the no eating breakfast so as to have a long gap from night before. My milky coffee at breakfast time has never tasted so good. 3 lbs off, so very pleased but a long way to go…..
7:43 pm
1 Feb 2013
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Page 80 of the book What quantities are used to calculate GL?
11:43 pm
3 Feb 2013
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If I have say 900 calories 3 days a week instead will this work?
4:59 am
4 Feb 2013
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My “fast diet” diary: Pist off and failed diet
another chance? http://jayhutchsfastdiary.blogspot.com/2013/02/pist-off-and-failed-diet-another-chance.html?spref=tw
9:10 am
4 Feb 2013
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My partner and I fasted this weekend, wanting to support each other before we go back to work Monday, and give the diet a good kick start.
I lost 5.5lb, my partner lost 2.75lb.
We’re going to start doing non-sequential fast days now and see how it goes.
We worked from the book, but watched the horizon documentary last night on dailymotions.com and we are convinced this is worth pursuing.
Thank you
11:10 am
4 Feb 2013
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Have just completed my first week doing 5:2 and managed to put 1lb ON! My fast days were Monday and Thursday and I stuck to the 500 calories with less trauma than I had feared. I haven’t overeaten on the non-fast days but have been away for the weekend where I’ve had more alcohol than I would normally.
Without the diet I would have expected to have gained a pound after this weekend anyway, so was hoping to have at least stayed the same having fasted for 2 days.
Not a great start is it?
I’m female, 50 and need to lose 1.5 stone.
11:55 am
4 Feb 2013
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I adopted a 5:2 programme (4 weeks ago), but my fast days (Monday & Thursday)extend to 36 hours with no food as I stop eating e.g., 8pm Sunday and have first meal on the Tuesday / no food after 8pm on Wednesday evening, first meal Friday. I don’t go down the 600 cal route, but simple stop eating apart from water (found sparkling kills the hunger pangs better than still) and dash of lemon or lime for variety.
I must admit it is hard not to think of food when you are surrounded by it on fast days, but I think its want rather than hunger and my will power tells me it is doing me some good. I am a three weeks in now and it is now becoming routine.
Noticed fridge is emptier too
.
I eat very well, but not overdoing it on eat days, simply having what I would nornally and I have always eaten pretty healthily having a strange addiction to raw vegetables and salad. Meat does play a big part especially fish, but I have cut back on the portion size (a bit) in favour of mixed nuts as a snack. Alcohol on occasion has been involved too, but not above 1-2 units and then only ocasionally.
Lost 6.4Kg.
Would add, loss was greater at first, so assume mainly fluid (noted to self to drink more water on fast days, but not looking to waste away, more on the healthy benefits this regime should deliver.
8:33 pm
4 Feb 2013
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My “fast diet” diary: Day1 of fresh start….Monday 4th feb http://jayhutchsfastdiary.blogspot.com/2013/02/day1-of-fresh-startmonday-4th-feb.html?spref=tw
7:13 am
5 Feb 2013
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My “fast diet” diary: Success! http://jayhutchsfastdiary.blogspot.com/2013/02/success.html?spref=tw
9:30 am
6 Feb 2013
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I have been on the fast diet since last August just after the program aired. Over the years I have tried countless diets and exercise classes but nothing seemed to work. Maybe lose 4-5lbs then stall. The simple matter being I like food too much and hate being told not to eat cheese or bacon etc. Don’t get me wrong I wasn’t vastly overweight but could always have done to lose half a stone. This “fasting lifestyle” has been a revelation to my husband and I. I have now lost 2 stone (weight had crept up a bit in middle age!) my husband has lost well over a stone and is now trying to just maintain his weight. Food shopping bills have reduced, another good thing.
Over the past ten years or so I would have described myself as being miserable. Have been on anti-depressants for the last 6 and could not see a time when I would come off them. Over the last month as the scales announced a weight that I have not seen in the last 8 years or so I have become a different woman. Happier, more confident and not constantly taking tablets. Couldn’t quite understand it til I read Michael and Mimi’s book. Fasting and mood changes didn’t come across on the prog but the book now explains my elation.
Wish I’d known about this way of life ten years ago.
2:02 pm
9 Feb 2013
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I lost about 7kg and was amazed that I didn’t put anything back on over Xmas despite the cake, chocs and mince pies! I suspect you loose whatever you’re going to in the first few months. I’ve certainly levelled off at 61kg and wouldn’t want to loose much more.
I fast Mondays and Fridays and will go from the evening before until the morning after, so actually longer than 24hrs. I haven’t tried recipes etc… Just try to find anything simple that offers the most filing mass for the least calories – plain chicken, rolled oats, protein shakes etc. the “lazy 5:2 diet” !!!
If someone could invent something safe that swells up in your stomach and lasts several hours it would sooooo much easier!
I’m now experimenting on how I mix fasting with exercise. I do an hour of hard cardio on mon, wed and fri and try to squeeze a 5-10km run in weekends. I know that fasting the day before going to gym makes the early morning session a little harder. Fasting on gym days makes hunger worse, but does stop me from rewarding myself!
From a scientific/performance view Im not sure whether it would be better to fast on exercise or rest days.
5:11 pm
9 Feb 2013
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Hi everyone. I’m new to this forum and to the 5:2 diet. I came on here to look for some inspiration and luckily on reading through I have already found it! I have been doing the fasting diet for 4 weeks now. I have 2-3 stone to lose (BMI of 30). I lost 3lbs on the first week, 1lb the second week and nothing for the last two weeks. I felt disapointed not losing every week as I was sticking to my fast days although I did have a couple of OTT indulgences on my normal days (curry and beer) so I guess that maintaining my weight after eating like that is actually not too bad. I have renewed enthusiasm now and instead of fitting my 500cals into two meals as I have been doing I think I’m going to just have water, green tea and black coffee during the day and one healthy 500cal meal in the evening. Good luck everyone.
7:19 pm
9 Feb 2013
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I have just started the diet and completed 2 500 calorie days during the week. I found the second one excruciating, and couldn’t sleep as I was starving When I woke and took the dog out for a walk, I ached all over and had a cracking headache. Has anyone else felt this bad? I drank masses of water during the day, but I am used to eating lots of small meals, so perhaps it was the shock of not eating and feeling hungry! I ate 250 calories at 11am, then 250 at 7 pm. I’m doing it for the health benefits, if I lost a stone I’d be delighted.
Shall I eat more protein in my 500 calories, or do people find that they leave it as late as possible to eat in the evening?
8:02 pm
9 Feb 2013
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Powerful story Helen B thanks – and really interesting about your improved mood. Lots more research on this to come, we’ll keep you updated
8:05 pm
9 Feb 2013
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Liza – tricky to talk about individual cases (and we mustn’t – well beyond our remit to give any specific medical advice). But generally, we’ve found that fasting gets easier over time – anecdotally, this is certainly the case for many – whether the issue is with sleep patterns, hunger or just feeling out of sorts. Of course, if you are feeling truly awful on it, you should stop. The key here is happy balance. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
8:09 pm
9 Feb 2013
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Mossy says his fast days are ‘now becoming routine’. I think this is key. Fasting for me really started to work when I stopped thinking too hard about it, and just let it become part of the natural rhythm of my week. Fasting can be weird at first (I found), but it soon becomes just ‘something you do’. Plenty of people say they look forward to their fasts once the routine has become established – and I know what they mean about that too. It’s a chance to have a calm, clean sort of day in a crazy, food-mad world!
12:33 am
10 Feb 2013
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Hi another quick question I read that a calorie is a calorie so basically it doesnt matter what u eat as long as u keep withing your calorie limits u will be fine is this true?
Also how can u keep the weight off all the time?
8:06 am
10 Feb 2013
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I have fasted and stuck to 500 calories for 4 weeks now and not list a pound, I’m so disappointed, what am I doing wrong? I was splitting the 500 between 3 meals, should I just eat it all in one go? Any advice welcome please x
9:09 am
10 Feb 2013
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Lisa – I think I shall be like you and not loose significant weight at 4 weeks. Have just completed 2 wks, and have noticed one good thing – I can do up the jeans I had “grown out” of. Perhaps you are similar and will find inches gone? Don’t give up, its so tempting on a fast day, but think what you have achieved so far. Also its now just about weight loss, there would appear to be other great benefits too!
10:20 am
10 Feb 2013
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I started on the fast diet 5 weeks ago with my husband. He has lost 6lbs over that period of time and waist has reduced by an inch. In contrast I haven’t lost an ounce and waist size remains the same!! Any idea why this is happening? Admittedly I only have about half a stone to lose but thought some of this would have shifted by now.
9:16 am
12 Feb 2013
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Hi all, I’m new to this forum (or indeed any forum), have been on the fast diet since 7th Jan and have had a steady 2 pound per week average weight loss. 2 weeks ago i strained my back and havn’t done any exercise whatsoever, or really even moved at all, but still managed a pound weight loss per week. i think the secret is simple, willpower, willpower, willpower. On the fast days i am strict to my 600 calorie amount, spread over a 300 cal breakfast at 8am-ish and a 300 cal dinner at 6pm-ish (male) and on the eating days i very loosely calorie count and try not to go above 2500 cal, but i dont stress if i do.
like others say, i treat this as a way of life and i look forward to the fast days and i enjoy the feeling of a tightening stomach.
11:22 am
12 Feb 2013
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sammie al: I’ve seen quite a bit of debate about this one (which could be summarised as ‘are some calories bigger than other calories?’) My 2p (sorry I am not a scientist): purely in energy terms all calories are equal by definition. But in practice it does seem that some calories (HG carbs) make you hungry again quickly, and if a larger proportion of your daily intake consists of those then you may find that it is harder not to gain weight, or to fast successfully.
But even for those of us who still love carbs, 5:2 does offer real health benefits because it gives our body a twice-weekly break from the dripfeed of glucose (especially if you don’t eat until evening). Work by Dr Valter Longo (who you may have seen in the original Horizon programme) has shown that this can have amazing results against cancer cells, and it seems plausible (to me) that it would have preventative value too.
Re keeping the weight off: in the short term, your weight will move around each week anyway, it will tend to be lowest after your 2nd fasting day, and may track up a bit thereafter, but the long-term trend is what matters. In the long term, to keep the weight off just stay on 5:2 (it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!), or when you have lost enough weight modify it a bit e.g. 6:1 or have a larger meal in the evening of the fasting day. Good luck!
11:51 am
12 Feb 2013
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A group of us would like to try this out, but one of us suffers with depression, normally well controlled with medication. Is there any reason why someone with depression shouldn’t try this diet as indicated in one of the papers over the weekend? I see that Helen Burns has done very well and she was on anti depressants.
2:38 pm
12 Feb 2013
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Hi tooplump – I think this is one for the GP as we really can’t/mustn’t give medical advice to individuals. That said, there’s evidence, as detailed in the book, that fasting can have a positive effect on mood. Your friend should see her/his doctor to get an informed, specific medical view. Good luck!
9:27 pm
13 Feb 2013
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Hello! Been on the 5:2 for almost 6 weeks and lost 1stone 3 pounds, think its great. Just got the book and had a read (a bit backwards I know) would like to know now that I have lost the weight I wanted to, if I go on the 6:1 does this actually still have the same benefits of the 5:2 health wise? Has anyone had the blood tests after being on 6:1 like Michael did after being on 5:2?
8:20 am
28 Feb 2013
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Reaching 64yrs of age, 5.9″ and 15st 12lb and male I started fasting at the end of January. I have just completed my 10th fasting day.My weight on the morning following my 10th fast day is 15st 2lb a loss of 10lb in a month. I have also “banked” a loss of 19,000 calories based on an average daily calory requirement of 2500cals. I am not getting carried away because I know that weight fluctuates, my next target is 20 fast days.I do find it hard some days to ignore hunger pangs but I intend to find simple coping issues to deal with this. I am inherently lazy in calory counting at any time but on my fast days am pretty consistently boring. I weigh my oatmeal and have fruit with this, 200 cals. On an evening I have a “Fuller Longer” ready meal and pad it out with more veg if I need to. I find that normally I cope with this regime and the quality ready meal is a godsend coming in from work when my wife has something different to eat. Good luck to all you FASTERS out there.
10:31 pm
19 Mar 2013
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Hi, ive been on the plan since christmas and lost around a stone, we did have one week off to go on holiday and spoil myself for my fortieth, but I am now having a few health problems mainly in the passing of stools on my off days, originaly i noticed that i never went on fasting days and this was noticed quite early as I am a regular twice a day man, but now its becoming a real issue and im seriously thinking of stopping, its allready caused me to suffer from hemorrhoid’s and now im costipated on my off days and its getting quite uncomfortable, has anyone else experienced this i wonder and if so how have they resolved it?????. steve
2:33 pm
3 Apr 2013
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@whytco0 I wonder how you have progressed since your post. I have just started: one fast day down and one normal foods day passed. Fast day was fine aside from feeling a bit light-headed, and I noticed I ate quite a bit less yesterday, and so far today. I, too, would rather not have think about what I MAY eat on fast days; I would prefer to hydrate with low/no cal beverages only. I am in the midst of reading the book and love the science behind it. I could see myself living the rest of my days in this manner.
12:29 pm
6 Apr 2013
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To reply to Steven Warren 19 March. I have this problem of constipation which is caused by the medication I have to take for blood pressure(nothing to do with this diet)and which I have solved by taking two 500mg slow release Vitamin C tablets twice a day,morning and evening, that is 2 grams a day in total. Vitamin C has a laxative effect – Anyone trying this for other reasons might find a lower amount suitable. I have only just known about this diet, begun it this week, and started to look at the website for the first time.
12:52 pm
6 Apr 2013
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I noticed that my comment made this week is not posted? Anyway, what is a “stone”?
5:29 pm
6 Apr 2013
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Ok, here goes, I am a fast diet newby and am about to take on the challenge. My parents have religiously been following the plan for the last 6 months and the results are amazing. I have never been one for diets, zero staying power. I am 27 yrs old and the last couple of years have been ignoring the fact my weight has been creeping up. Mum suggested the book and have now read cover to cover and completely convinced this is the way forwards. On the books suggestion I went out and bought scales, turns out I had massively underestimated my weight, so the challenge is now on. I am 166cm and currently 80kg(10kg more than I guessed
), so have a significant lump to shift. Not going to broadcast my plan with friends, just quietly persevere and see what happens. I have a target in my mind as to what I would like to lose, but also the massive health benefits are a massive draw. My family are prone to high cholesterol and my nan died at 60 of a heart attack, and an aunt at 60 has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so very determined to change the course for me. Any suggestions for my first couple of weeks will be greatly appreciated!
11:42 am
3 May 2013
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I have been doing well on this diet, as a mater of fact i have even starting to blog about my success
blabla
12:35 pm
16 May 2013
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I have been on the Fast diet since February but haven’t lost any weight. I Fast on Monday’s and Thursday’s. I don’t really feel hungry on my Fast days, and as it is based on Feast and Famine I was wondering whether I didn’t eat enough on the non Fast days.
6:29 pm
16 May 2013
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Hello, cornaby – As you haven’t given any details of your current statistics – such as your BMI (Body Mass Index) or how much weight you feel you need to lose, it’s hard to be specific about potential barriers to weight-loss. So many factors can be involved, such as ‘hidden calories’ in drinks (like wine, for instance) which mean your daily intake might be much higher than you expect. Conversely, a slowed down metabolism can result from under-nourishment, due to prolonged, severe dieting. In some cases, underlying health issues can make weight-loss harder, such as an under-active thyroid. I suppose the only way you can check out what’s going on during your non-fasting days, is to monitor your intake over a week or two, by doing at least a rough calorie count, and see how it compares to the average recommended maintenance-level daily intake of 2000cals (women)/2500cals (men), allowing for adjustments for ways in which you might not be average (e.g. above/below average height, etc). Using 5:2 since February, you certainly seem to have given the system a good trial, so, I think it’s time to do some detective work, to track down the difficulty and, hopefully, then be able to remedy it. Perhaps, have a read around the site, to see if any other comments strike a chord and prove helpful? Well done, you, for all your sterling efforts to date and I wish you every positive outcome ahead.
1:26 pm
17 May 2013
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Thank you Jeanius – I will try to monitor my non-fasting days! I don’t drink wine very often! My BMI is 31.4. I am 68 years old. I do quite a lot of exercise, Nordic walking, pilates and yoga. I would like to lose a couple of stone. I will keep doing the diet as I do feel a bit leaner and it does make one more aware of how much one consumes during a day and it is good for all the other organs!
9:23 am
18 May 2013
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I have been doing alternate days of fasting for about 2 weeks now and have lost 4 kilos. I am extremely impressed…have not found it too difficult at all, particularly when you see the weight loss results – I just think “Well I can eat tomorrow” In fact the fasting days make me feel so good, as if my whole system is cleaning itself out, I can almost feel the cholesterol flushing out. I would like to lose about another 15 kgs, but what happens when I achieve that goal? Is there a maintenance version – do you just reduce the number of fast days?