Hi everyone, my name is Beth and I’ve started the 5:2 fast diet on Friday last week.

I’m just over 5’7 or 171cm, 54 years old and my starting weight was 81.1kg.

I was 61kg when I turned 40. Always slim until my 20’s (when I moved out of home and started making my own meals 🙁). my weight has been up and down a bit but steadily climbing since I was 40. Dr says perimenopause and menopause plays a part but I see plenty of other people my age who are not overweight so Im determined to make changes.

Met and married a lovely farmer 4 years ago and the last 10kg have come on since then. Moved from Sydney to the country and felt some obligation to produce full on meals every night for my husband working outside all day. Consequently, Ive ended up eating nearly the same amount. Trouble is, I’m lazy when it comes to exercise. So, too many cals in and not enough out.

Time to change. Not happy with my size and the GP suggested 5:2 when I asked for suggestions. Tried it (half heartedly) 2 years ago and lost about 5kg so am back with determination! Re-read the book to refresh my memory and it makes sense and seems doable to only restrict cals 2 days per week.

Started exercising yesterday, 40 min hilly walk and today 45 mins.

Had a fast day last Friday and lost 600g. 2nd fast day today and my diet plan for the day is 1 small cold lean grilled lamb chop, 1 boiled egg, 1 cup of 54 cal soup), Lebanese cucumber and green beans for snacks, fish & veg or salad for dinner. That comes to about 400 cals so will have a protein snack before bed which will hopefully keep hunger pangs away during the night.

Love to hear from other women of similar age and their experiences! 😊