Hi Robin,
This is why many people decide that 5:2 isn’t for them. However, since it is working, ie you are losing weight, you might find that with some tools and tricks you can retrain some of your habits so that you can enjoy you Non Fast Days too.

The main thing I have had to do is cut out sugar as it sets off the unstoppable sugar munchies.
My other strategies are that on at least 2 of my non fast days I do not snack.
I don’t eat after 8:30 pm.
I eat a meal and then wait for 3 hours before I eat again.
I plan something to do after a meal as it seems to take at least an hour before the “I have eaten enough” signal to reach my brain.
I make sure I have healthy, low GI meals that are good sensible portions.
I give myself non food rewards.

5:2 has got me down to the lower end of my healthy weight range, and is helping me maintain it. I love that my Fast Days are a ‘reset’ if I have had an overeating day, but it is a work in process to get my eating habits nice and normal. What with childhood patterns, entrenched brain signals that seem quite confused, and lordy knows what my microbiome is trying to do… But 5:2 keeps me keeping on, and I hope it does for you too. Cheers.

Good luck robinsmetz! Do you tend to eat throughout your fast day, one main meal or not eat? Similar to what fasting_me said, if I break my fast/ start my day with sugar I will just crave more and more. If the first thing I eat is more about the protein or even just a complex carb I can control it a lot better.

People think weighing scales are scientific instruments, but in fact they are nasty little devils who do everything they can to mess with your brain and undermine any self confidence you might have.

Try to avoid them! Once a week at the most! (seriously, the amount of water in your body, and food passing through, makes your weight go up and down enormously over the day). Judge how you are going by how your clothes feel, how you look in the mirror, and occasionally by measuring around your waist (once a month?). Remember this is a longterm strategy for your health.

keep at your fast days, try to eat ‘normal’ healthy foods and portion sizes on ‘normal’ days and (sigh) if the Pinot Noir is your nemesis, then make it a once a week treat. Be dogged and hopefully soon your clothes will get looser.

Hope your evening meal made you feel nice and full.

Sorry your husband has stopped 5:2ing, but hopefully he is understanding of what it takes for you to keep at it. We’ve got your back!

Thsee tips are really good. I’m just starting but will try and implement a few of them. Thank you.