Hi Joobie,

5:2 is marathon, not a sprint so having about a year to the wedding fits well. I initially lost weight at an average of 1.4lbs/0.65kg per week for the first 26 weeks I was on 5:2. There were some plateaus and even weight gain in those weeks, but they only lasted 3-4 weeks at the most before I started losing weight again. It took me about 10 years to put on the unwanted 17kg, but it took just half a year to lose it all by following 5:2. That was 7 years ago. I’ve fluctuated a bit since then but the worse case has only been back to a 12kg loss, and currently I’m at a 16.9kg loss. Working from home during lockdown has helped a lot recently as not commuting gives me time to do a 4 mile walk most days, as well as doing the normal 5:2 regime.

Very best of luck with it.

No Problem Joobie,

Hopefully you will find your portion control improves quite quickly as your stomach gets used to smaller potions on the fast days. I think it was after about 6-8 weeks that I said to my wife that my dinner seemed a bit large – and she told me it was less than half of what I used to have. I was fairly stunned at the time. Obviously it’s not the same for everyone, but give yourself time to adjust and stick with it.

Hi Busymom,
Thanks. I plan to fast Monday’s and Thursday’s but with some flexibility around ‘events’. I realise it’s my late evening drinking that leads to late evening snacking that usually takes me out of my limits. On fasting days I don’t drink and am pleased not to (sounds like I’ve got a problem oops lol) but non fasting days when my hubby thinks I deserve a ‘treat’ make it hard. I will keep trying and keep posting. J

Mr Data,
I do notice I am happy not having big portions. I rarely feel hungry so I know that’s not a problem. I guess it’s a lifetime of over indulgences, excuses and being fed up with never getting my diet consistently right. I do choose healthy foods during the day until that danger zone late evening. Then one sip of something nice and I can go to pot. I do enjoy the ’empty’ feeling I get on fast days and that makes me look forward to the first meal after fasting. That will become my treat and I’ll just have to weather out the other times as best I can. J

Hi Busymom,
My fast day went well yesterday although it took a while to get off to sleep and I woke early (5.15am) and found it difficult to get back to sleep again. I might’ve been a bit cold but disturbed and restless sleep and a snoring hubby make my night times a challenge at the best of times. I had 577 cals which is slightly over but I was fine with that. I was going to weigh myself after every fast but it was recommended (on another site shhh) that I should weigh after the second fasting day as there could be fluctuations during the week. So, I planned to weigh Friday morning. That’s assuming hubby doesn’t want us to go fishing (one of our hobbies) which might distrupt the day. If that’s the case then I’ll fast Friday and weigh Saturday. That’s the good thing about fasting, you can change days if something crops up but I’d really like to get into a pattern first to give me a routine so I know what works and what doesn’t. I don’t have a chocolate thing, take them or leave them. I wouldn’t cross the road for them but offer me savoury stuff and I’m lost. Whether it’s salted peanuts, pretzels and dip, anything that makes having a drink a little less wet lol. Hubby likes snacks in the house but snacks less than me and although he is in desperate need of losing weight (nearly 19stone) he’s not committed to losing and or giving up his drink sadly. It would be nice if he at least tried it, he might be surprised. Oh well. I’ll have to focus on me and hope he sees the benefits and changes his mind. J

Hi Busymom,
I don’t fast at weekends. I’m hoping that I’ll achieve what I feel is realistic during the week. I had a terrible evening yesterday. My son came over and brought wine and snacks 😳😱. I’m back on it being sensible today and fasting tomorrow but what an idiot I was. It’s so easy to undo all the good. I hope I get into a sensible pattern and can be moderate at other times. To slip up so badly, so early is stupid 😕.

It’s good to get away. We’ve a short break planned for the 16th so I really should try to focus on getting on top of things so I can enjoy it. We’re going to Hythe in Kent, uk. There’s a canal there so we’ll be taking our fishing tackle, just me and hubby. My kids are grown up and have their own homes now.

Tell me about your break and kids, if you like. J

Hi Busymom,
Well I had a couple of good fast days and weighed. Oh dear, somehow is put on weight, I can’t see why that should have happened but maybe my treats were just too big and frequent. Oh well, I fasted today and shall again later in the week but I too fear the dreaded, accusing scales lol.
I’m glad you had chance to get away. 3 youngsters must be exhausting. What a treat the break must’ve been for you and you’re right, we’re in this for the long haul so don’t beat yourself up. We will succeed, in time.
Sorry to hear about the break-in attempt and glad no one was hurt but boy what a shock. I don’t know how I’d cope with that. Reinforce everything.
My son usually comes empty handed but once in a while he comes up trumps lol. I usually match what he brings anyway but it’s all good.
Hubby and I are planning a short 3 night break on the 16th for our wedding anniversary. 39 years on the 18th. I doubt I’ll fast while away lol. Hopefully I can lose a little before then so I can enjoy a few treats without fretting.
Good luck with your fast tomorrow and we can talk again when you’re in the other side of it lol.

What helpful posts! I’d like to mention that upping my calories to 800 on fasting days (Dr. Mosley’s new book The Fast 800) was a game changer for me. I’m still amazed how an extra 300 calories can make all the difference, at least for me. I am very excited because this is sustainable.