Female, 58 and dieted all my “post children” life! Did really well 4 years ago and was keeping it off until the pain in my hip stopped me exercising. Got a lovely amazing new hip in September and I am determined to get back to where I was or even better. Chose the 5:2 as I know I will manage the fasting ok (it’s not really fasting – 500 cals is doable). I have read the book and I am disappointed that all the recipes seem to be a bit fancy. I need down to earth, simple things that don’t take a lot of preparation or thinking about.

I presume I don’t have to keep to the same fast days each week but could vary them as circumstances required.