Hi all, have just started the 5:2 eating plan (not going to call it a diet!). I’m a retired Brit.(63) living in Spain now and whilst the Mediterranean diet is good for you with plenty of fresh fruit, veg, fish, olive oil etc what people forget to mention is also available here is the Vino Tinto (red wine) and the Churros and Chocolate! (for those that don’t know them Churros are like thin strips of crisp doughnuts which you smother in sugar then dip in thick dark chocolate and usually eat for breakfast). However, can’t blame my being overweight on living in Spain as have been overweight all my life and seems like on one diet or another since I was 18. But now I’m looking for more than just weight loss, I’m looking to avoid (or put off for as long as poss) the health problems that seem to go with age, at the moment I’m one of the few people in my circle of friends who is not on medication for Blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes (and I would like it to stay that way!) But, I am also 5ft 2 and 75 kilos, which puts me overweight and at risk! So need to do something about it right now, unfortunately going on holiday next week but thought I would at least start this week rather than putting it off until I came back. Today is my second fast day (my first on Monday went well) and I will weigh myself at the end of each week. Thank you all for the really excellent posts, so very informative and inspiring, I look forward to my journey with you all. PamT

Hi MaryAnne, thanks for answering the post. I’m from north of the Thames (Essex) originally myself. It’s summer here 33 Degrees and rising (don’t know which is worst for me summer or winter!). Will update before I go on hols (and when I get back!). Hope you get back on track, all the best
Pam