I started this diet yesterday and I’m aiming to lose 1.5-2 stone. I often miss breakfast, so getting through the morning was relatively easy, but I then tend to eat a lot during the day whilst at work (less so on the weekend), so just a mini wrap with salad leaves made that part harder, and I felt ravenous by my evening meal (later than usual anyway as on “swimming lesson duty” with the kids), but after I had my “stir fried veg” with a tablespoon of teriaki sauce, I managed to get through the boredom hours by pushing out the thought of food from my head. What was surprising was that I didn’t feel overly hungry the next morning. I really hope this works for me as I think this is something I can stick with. For those who are getting headaches, I suspect it may be caffeine withdrawal – I get this every time I cut back on tea/coffee …

Sorry to be a party pooper but my main struggle with fasting days is I really am not keen on fish of any sort, or nuts of any sort, and as a single person have to buy quantities of stuff which mean half will go to waste. Consequently my fasting days are a bit samey but so far working. I do admire all you folk who set to with the pots and pans BUT in my case that alone would make the diet unsustainable. Can we have some REALLY simple ideas for non-cooks please?

day 2 tomorrow, no problems fo far, but wondered about a possible error in book concerning blueberries – Day 2 breakfast in suggested 500 cal menu shows 145g blueberries 37 cals BUT in calorie counter 100g blueberries = 60cals!! Adjusted day 1 breakfast using calorie counter info was I right?

Three weeks on the fast and lost 1/2 from my belly already (although looks more. I need to buy a new belt!!

Have had to shift my days a couple of times but that’s been no problem.

Mimi, read your column in MoS. How great to achieve, if that is the right word, such celebrity by promoting health and fitness in such an interesting and achievable way. It all makes so much sense.There will always be those who will do you down but just look at those followers here who have already begun to achieve so much. As a lifetime taker of sugar in tea/coffee, I have at last made the concerted effort to give it up! I lost 4lb in my 1st week , probably water retention, and this is my 3rd fast day. I already feel in charge of my weight and health. I am keeping a couple of M & S low calorie meals to hand,veg moussaka & fish pie, for emergency consumption in case the fridge is bare or the spirit is weak on a fast day. Do you approve?

Hi. I started on “The Fast Diet Plan” on the 4th Feb 2013 after reading the book from cover to cover, totally obsorbed by the whole idea that it’s only for two days a week! I have tried many different diets over the years, but not been able to keep them going for very long.
But this one is just so different. It’s not difficult, and fits around my life style with ease! and because it’s only for 2 days a week, you don’t really feel like your on a diet.
In just four weeks I have lost 7lb-10oz, and for the first time in my life I feel really positive, thank you so much.

I want to say, thank you, thank you and thanks again, for bringing this diet to my attention. I have tried them all but because they all have been restrictive, I have failed time and time again. This diet is user friendly, fit for purpose and I don’t feel deprived. I call this a psychological diet because my brain has taken in, what I can’t have today I can have tomorrow. I have lost 11lb in all since I started before Christmas. Obviously I had a few hiccups over that period but am in full swing and shout it from the hilltops, anybody not taking advantage of this phenomena don’t know what they are missing. Thanks again.

I am baffled, keep clicking on the Meal Plans from Mimi link and get nothing – have tried Firefox and Explorer – any suggestions?

Hi, just saw your program on swedish television and got immediately interested of the 5-2 fasting. On my fasting day I spread the 500 kcal on 3 meals, is that ok? In the program M seems to eat only breakfast, amd the menues above contains only two meals…

Hi, susieq – For maximum filling-effect with minimum calories, a mix of protein and green/ leafy vegetables is recommended. Have a read around some other sections on the site – like ‘Different ways to manage your fasting days’ – for more comments/ suggestions about what/how to eat on fast days. Personally, I think it’s good not to get too attached to the weighing-scales – once a week or even once a month promotes greater equanimity and gives a better idea of an overall trend, thus avoiding any anxiety caused by the natural, quite broad, daily fluctuations. Many people like to use a tape-measure as well as (or instead of) scales, as they find that their body measurements have often reduced even when their overall weight hasn’t altered. We are all different and have different needs, etc, so it’s important to experiment and work out what best suits your individual lifestyle using the 5:2 approach. I hope you will enjoy the process and happily achieve your personal goals.

Hi I’ve read a lot about this diet over the last week and started on Sunday. I found I wasn’t that hungry and it went well. I downloaded the my fitness app which is excellent for calorie counting I think because you are counting the calories on your fast day you are more aware of the calories on your normal days, which is good. My main comment is that I went to the cardiologist with my mum today to see the doctor who specialises in cholesterol (lipid clinic) I asked if the diet was suitable he said this is his regime and he encourages his family and friends to do the 2:5 diet. I was really surprised, I thought he would laugh me out of the place! He said this was fine for mum so off we go!

ddunder, I’ve been on 9 months and just had a blood test. And the results are:

Date: Aug-12 to May-13
Weight: 104 kg to 89 kg
Blood Pressure: 137/87 to 110/75
Blood Sugar(FPG): 104 mg/dl to 109 mg/dl
Liver Function SGOT/AST: 24 u/l to 21 u/l
Liver Function SGPT/ALT 46 u/l to 21 u/l
Cholesterol: 228 mg/dl to 272 mg/dl
Triglycerides: 181 mg/dl to 133 mg/dl
HDL-C: 36 mg/dl to 52 mg/dl
LDL-C: 156 mg/dl to 188 mg/dl