Hi Victoria. I guess you are looking to develop a plan where you fast but do not decrease your calorie intake on fast days, so not really a 5:2 diet.

If the theory on cell repair is correct you should strive for long fasts (ie 18-24 hours) because the process is somehow linked to being in a fasted state.

Find a program that works for you. Once you trained yourself to do a 18-24 hours fast you will probably find that two days in a row is not more difficult than two days a week. In fact seven days a weeks is no more ‘extreme’ than two days since you are NOT aiming to eat less calories – it is only a matter of the time of day you eat.

I believe the key to success is developing our fasting ability, and for most people this means taking small steps to increase the duration each fasting-day until they can fast for 18-24 hours without feeling weak/ sick and without over-eating afterwards.

Hi Victoria,

I have also read the Joel Furhman book on fasting, and he says that by the second day, the hunger actually goes away. I don’t think I could do two days in a row, but I think it’s perfectly fine to do so and might even offer additional benefits. So it’s whatever suits you best, I think.

The thing is, the modified fast of this plan isn’t a true water-only fast. You are eating some. You’re not going to die. You might be uncomfortable (I actually think that is sort of the deal of it….your body is becoming stressed, allowing healing to occur), but it’s all for a good cause. You will be fine!