Postscript to wiltdnrUSA – I am suffering the consequences of 50 years of eating just before I go to sleep, now having to take on-going high doses of drugs to not-very-successfully manage a damaged and painful gullet, so I really don’t recommend late-night eating. With all best wishes.

Hi, wiltldnrUSA – Many thanks for your good wishes. You’ll see from my most recent comment, prior to this one, that I officially now recognise myself as a person with GERD/GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease). I think the bacteria you refer to is Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to (/causes?) stomach ulcers, and which usually is successfully eradicated by a strong cocktail of anti-biotics. I think it’s time I returned to my GP for advice about further treatment, as my efforts in applying the 5:2 approach have provoked an increase in symptoms. I’m very glad that, so far, I’ve lost 28lbs in the process, though!
Your comment about 1500 cals and ‘doing it all wrong’ relates, I think, to a recent comment I made to owen888 about calculating one’s TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). To my mind, the TDEE figure (based on one’s individual statistics and activity levels) represents the appropriate healthy daily intake for the five non-fasting days of a 5:2 regime and, then, one factors-in the low-calorie intake of the two fasting days in order to achieve weight-loss. It seems many people think that a more drastic weekly calorie-reduction will automatically lead to a greater weight-loss. That seems to be true in the short-term but in the long-term it: a) is usually too difficult to sustain; b) leads to a greater loss of lean muscle (rather than the more-desirable loss of fat); and c) seems to slow down the metabolism more quickly, thus making weight-loss even more difficult. All dieting systems seem naturally to lead to plateaux and a gradually slowing of metabolism/weight-loss, so, adjustments have to be made as one progresses, but, if one is patient and pro-active then, I think, those stages can be overcome and further benefits and weight-losses achieved. (Oh, It just occurs to me that, as soon as one achieves a good weight-loss, then one’s TDEE needs to be re-calculated, as one’s daily intake needs to reduce too. I wonder how many people have also failed to realise this?)
Good luck with your continuing efforts – diabetes does seem to present particular challenges but I have read various positive accounts from many diabetic followers of the 5:2 method. It was good to hear more about your situation. Your 1.43333333lb average loss per week is really great. (See my entry of 16 May, 9.52pm for my own fasting history.) With all best wishes.

Joannek, simply put you are not following Michaels idea of the “Fast Diet”. He says that on your fast days eat 500 cals- female or 600 cals- male in any 24 hr period. On alternative days. The idea of this is to make things a little easier for those “Fasters”. Look at other posters or go over Michael or Mimi explanations.
Do not be confused, there is no reason to be. Do what suits you provided you eat within those guide lines.
So… for example, Monday is your fast day. Have your last “normal” eating day on Sunday and finish your last meal at what ever time suits you. Wake up any time Monday on a regular waking time for most people… 7, 8, am ish…I know some are different but bear with me. Eat a small calorific meal if you feel the need before noon. Around 6 pm or 7 pm eat your second meal (or first meal) to achieve your allowance. Go to bed…at your normal time. Wake next morning and “break your fast”. Eat as a “normal” day. Repeat the fast on Wednesday.
If a 24 hr fast suits you then do that, no problem, no confusion.
The suggestion by Michael as to intermitent fasting is to make it easier for people to do. Just read the posts. See how others do it and find a way suitable for you. BUT… do not become confused, it is really simple, keep it simple, I do because I am a simple chap and I need to keep it simple.
It will work for you.. just do not sweat the simple stuff.
By the way, weight loss is secondary to this life style albeit a welcome one.

Good luck.

Thank you! I don’t have a lot to lose only 2/3 kg but I always feel tired, headachy and lifeless. I want the health benefits as well as weight loss. I don’t eat a lot-never have done and so normal dieting doesn’t work for me.

on the 24-hour fast, noon to noon let’s say, when is the fast actually broken? Normal lunch day 1, normal lunch day 2? And then normal dinner day 2? I’ve asked this question several times and am still very confused as nobody has just simply answered my question. Thank you.

Hi,
I’m fasting from 2 p.m. to 8 a.m. without eat anything (42 hours), just water. Twice a week. This works for me (about 2lbs a week).

Ciao, Eva, (eva76) – Non parlano italiano ma (usando un app di traduzione) la risposta alla tua domanda è ‘Sì’. I miei migliori auguri.
(English translation: Hi, Eva, I don’t speak Italian but(using a translation app) the answer to your question is ‘Yes’. Best wishes.
– Eva’s question, roughly translated: ‘Can I have 500 cals for breakfast and lunch and the fast until the next morning?’)