Hi 19lani93,

I don’t change it too much on fast days – I already cook for my vegetarian husband (which I can no longer eat) and my fussy kids – I just can’t be bothered thinking about it! I don’t eat all day (though I have found I can’t survive without my one cappucino in the morning – this leaves me with 400 calories for food, or 350 if I have a big coffee), then at tea time I’ll have either: scrambled egg with parsley and a piece of lean, chopped shortcut gluten free bacon on a piece of g/f toast; or dry fried egg & lean shortcut bacon; or I make a lean turkey mince burger with chopped capsicum, zucchini, carrot, egg & small amount of g/f bread crumbs with a big low fodmap salad; a piece of grilled fish with a big low fodmap salad. I often have a few calories left, so have some low fodmap fruit with a small amount of lactose free ice cream. Not very adventurous, but I no longer have to weigh & calculate. The first couple of weeks I was starving by 4.00pm, so sould eat a small can of tuna wrapped in a lettuce leaf to ward off the hunger pangs…

Good luck 19lani93! I am so glad I have done the diet, as I have lost those couple of kilos which I put on in the last couple of years. But also I feel so good!!

Gone! I too believe that my IBS has gone. Previously after eating, my stomach cramps were so intense, I would get very weak and yawn constantly, and just felt like sleeping. I would ‘Burp’ (sorry if too much detail) constantly, very loud, long and embarrassing burps. 2 months in, and no symptoms, so much energy and enjoy a very brisk, hilly,5 mile walk after eating on an evening (something I would have struggled to find the energy to do).

I am completely convinced I have IBS in control.
However, I have no doubt at all, should I return to my previous eating habits, it would return. What more of an incentive is needed to continue on this great eating plan.

Good luck everyone x

Long-time sufferer from IBS. My IBS gets normally triggered by high-carb and/or high-fat food, though not all fats are bad e.g. dairy fat seems alright. Sometimes there is no clear trigger. Though I know what triggers it regularly, the temptation of a fish & chip is sometimes too great and I know I am gambling with my bowels.

I have been doing the 5:2 diet for 2 months. Of course on the fast days I don’t eat easy carbs and very little fat. but I noticed that on non-fast days I can eat more or less anything without upsetting my bowels.

To Sean. I have been on 5:2 for four weeks. I have had IBS with constipation since chemo and radiation treatment for anal cancer in 2009. I control it with diet but it has been an annoyance at best. I noticed after week three that my symptoms improved a lot. I didn’t expect it and didn’t start the diet because of it but it has been a huge benefit. I also lost 5 ponds and 1/2″ off my belly in 4 weeks which is why I started it. I love this way of life. I hope you find success. Peace.

Hi James,

It’s hard to give reassurance but what do you think about the chest pain and shortness of breath. Is it constant or intermittent? Does it get worse when you are more stressed?

It is most likely caused by anxiety associated with the stress you’ve been under but it would be worth seeing a doctor and having a check-up to ensure there’s nothing unrelated happening.

Good luck with managing your IBS. I suffered with it for about 10 years and I found a way to manage it and I’m sure you’ll be able to do the same.