Hi from hot and sunny Los Angeles!

This topic contains 6 replies, has 6 voices, and was last updated by caffeinated 9 years, 2 months ago.

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dharmachic

4:05 am
10 Sep 15
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Hi everyone! My name is Helen from Los Angeles, California, and I wanted to introduce myself.

I actually picked up the “Fast Diet” as an audiobook to listen to during my long commute to work about a month and a half ago. Initially, I was under the misconception that the Fast Diet was a diet to get “fast” results, so I was quite surprised to learn that it was actually about fasting.

Although I was mainly interested in weight loss, it was the other health benefits that really sold me on the idea of trying 5:2, as I had just completed a health assessment at work and my cholesterol readings and blood pressure were dangerously high. My family is pre-disposed to high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, so I knew that I was heading down the same road if I didn’t make changes soon. It was fascinating to learn that fasting could also help in those areas as well. I also liked the flexibility of choosing my fast days, since my weekends are usually when I am quite adventurous with eating at places serving authentic ethnic foods.

I started 4 weeks ago with Mondays and Wednesdays as my fast days. Mondays are easy since coming off the weekend, I usually am not hungry until later in the day. Wednesdays are harder since I only have one day of normal eating before I have to fast again; however I comfort my growling stomach with the fact that the next day, I can eat normally again.

I just purchased a bathroom scale today, so the last time I weighed myself was during my health assessment a month ago. 4 weeks into the 5:2 diet, I lost 10 lbs/4.5 kg! (happy dance)

This gives me such a great feeling since I have always struggled with my weight. Currently, I am not exercising as I have been studying to take a big exam next week. Once I am finished with that, I plan to start exercising and hopefully see continued results with 5:2. I have never seen such results before and am quite excited to continue towards my goal weight – 30 more lbs to go!

Helen

simcoeluv

5:40 am
10 Sep 15
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Hi Helen and welcome:

Exercise for better health, but it won’t help your weight loss very much.

Here are some tips that might help over time: https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/topic/the-basics-for-newbies-your-questions-answered/

Good Luck!

caffeinated

5:09 pm
13 Sep 15
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Hi Helen!

I’m in Los Angeles too. 10 lbs. in 4 weeks is awesome. I’m starting today. I’m doing my fasts back to back to get them over with, so I’ll be fasting today (Sunday) and tomorrow. I’m planning on fasting regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays, but I ate so much junk yesterday, I consider this fast day a kind of detox.

I really like 5:2 so much better than regimented Weight Watchers points every single day. I’m not new to it; I did 5:2 about 3 years ago, but for some insane reason I stopped and gained back the weight. So now it will be a lifestyle.

Bronx

9:18 pm
14 Sep 15
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Hi Helen, Caffeinated and anyone else reading,

I’m in Thousand Oaks. I wonder how many of us in LA are doing 5:2. I saw the BBC Horizon show about the diet and thought it would be something for me to try, not so much to lose weight but maintain. A couple years ago I lost about 65 pounds with the Lose It app, but counting calories like that isn’t something I think I can do long term. I’m going to try 5:2 and see if it’s something I can keep doing. I don’t mind counting calories a couple days and then estimate my intake the rest of the week.

Today starts my 4th week and I’m also fasting Monday and Tuesday. Being a compulsive overeater, I give myself Sundays to just eat anything without worry and have noticed over the past few months my belt getting a little tighter. I need to put it to as stop before it gets out of hand.

I’ve been reading through these forums for a couple of weeks but don’t know how much I will have to contribute. I just wanted to say hi.

Bronx

slg

9:45 pm
14 Sep 15
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Hi to those in LA,

I am not in LA, but in Northern Ca. and wanted to say hi. I am doing the Fast diet to get rid the rid of the few pounds that are settling around the belly and abdomen as well as a way to reduce blood pressure. I started a few weeks ago, prior to vacation. The first week was ok. I chose Tues & Thurs as fast days. I did not fast on vacation and resumed when I got back. Last week I only did one fast day and this week will probably do the same. Today is a FD and is challenging. The rest of the week I try to eat real food, that is not processed.

I have lost about 4 pounds in a month, however more importantly I have lost inches. I have also been doing circuit training 2 times a week since July and have added an addition HIT training session on a rowing machine. The jury is out as to whether it is helping the blood pressure that is creeping up.

Emilyashen

10:01 pm
14 Sep 15
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Hi, wish I was in LA! However, it’s still sunny and beautiful here, though our time is limited in the Midwest.

This is my third week fasting, although I was successful with the diet last fall. I dropped 10 pounds easily and was at an all-time low weight for myself. Helen, amazing job on losing 10 so quickly! I was able to use 5:2 over the holidays last year and lost my way around February. The weight crept back on and I started to obsess over other diets (but never actually start one).

I know this is the best way of life for me, and I think I’ve finally come to the reality that I need to take in less calories now that I’m older and this is the only sane way to do it (in my opinion).

I did have a bit of a hard time today, but I think I’ve come down with a cold / or some kind of allergies. However, I’m determined to stay the course! Good luck to everyone, and let us know how you are doing.

caffeinated

2:48 am
15 Sep 15
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Hi everyone! So glad to meet you!

This way of eating is it for me. I can never go back to reckless eating 7 days a week or count calories, points, whatever…every single day.

I don’t care how long it takes me to lose, this is my new eating lifestyle. Not another diet to go off of.

We can all do this! The key for me on fasting days is lots of plant protein (I’m vegan), and lots of fluids.