Hi everyone

After a lifetime of the weight gain/weight loss routine (ring any bells?) I read an article by Mimi Spencer last year about 5:2 and something just clicked. I researched it, even bought a couple of books and on January 5th this year (well, I thought it best to get Xmas celebrations out of the way) took the plunge and began. I’m still embarrassed at what the scales indicated that morning but suffice to say I have about 6 stone to lose.

For the 1st 2 months I wrote down everything (and I do mean everything – even an absent minded lick of the spoon) that I ate. From month 3 and still today, I record what I eat on my fast days. This works for me.

There have been highs, lows and plateaux but for some unfathomable reason, this time I’m sticking with it regardless – 2 days fasting every week.

To date I have lost 3 stone, 3lb:)

Most weeks, it’s just 1lb but I no longer mind the slow pace, I’m in this for the long haul. Now, if I can just get the same motivation for exercise ……. KEEP POSITIVE everyone!

Good to hear from you Milena and well done on your weight loss – let’s keep in touch to support each other!

I know what you mean about ‘sticking scales’ and I think not being fazed by it is a mind set as ‘traditional’ diets always seem to harp on about losing ‘so much’ per week that when you don’t you believe you’ve failed and get turned off from the diet. With 5:2 I see it as a life style change and I feel sure that when (not if) I’ve reached my target, I shall use the fasting one day per week.

It sounds odd but I actually enjoy my fast days and find I don’t get hungry at all. I’ve created a really easy to make celeriac & apple soup recipe which ‘costs’ about 80 calories for a mug and is so satisfying especially on these cooler Autumn days. Let me know if you’d like it and I’ll post it here.

I also drink peppermint tea during the day. I’ve never really liked herbal or fruit teas but peppermint seems really refreshing.

Talk soon.

So here’s my Celeriac & apple soup (makes 6 mugs):

1 celeriac (they’re all about same size) peeled and cubed, 1 average onion chopped, 2 knorr vegetable stock pots (or 2 vegetable stock cubes whatever you normally use). 1 large cooking apple or 2 eating apples peeled and chopped.
Put everything in a large pan and add enough water to just cover. Cook until celeriac soft and then blend until smooth. You can add extra water if it seems too thick. Each mug will be no more than 80 calories and very satisfying. Enjoy!