5:2 and NHS diet

I do not measure or count carbohydrates, just avoid too much in one day. A lot of my substitutions date back to our generally unsuccessful calorie counting only diets. Like Mamie I use vegetables like, cauliflower, broccoli, root veg etc instead of potatoes as toppings for shepherds pie etc. I serve curry with chappatis.

Fast days aren't food free days. On yesterday's fast day we had a chicken casserole with mixed veg for lunch, followed by a small bunch of grapes and in the evening we had a chapatti and veg curry for supper. DH used his 100 extra calories on a scrambled egg and grilled tomato for breakfast. I skipped breakfast. He went for a swim, I went for my usual 2 - 3 mile walk, we did all our usual activities. I did a 25 mile round drive to check on some voluntary work I do. I didn't feel hungry or have flagging concentration or feel drained of energy. Just felt as alive and active as normal.

The idea that eating less than required for one day is likely to affect one's health fitness etc, unless you have a some medical condition is rich western life style conceit.

FlicketB

I've been on the 5:2 diet for a few months this year, I usually have a single egg omelette for brunch around 11 and salmon with grilled tomato for tea with grapes and water when I get hungry. M & S also do 300 cal meals which is useful if you are cooking for others and you are the only one dieting. I have lost a stone and half so far and 6 inches off my waist.

I don't have any problems driving when fasting, and try to visualise any hunger pangs as my fat cells being gnawed away from inside! It is easier than ordinary dieting as you can basically eat what you want on other days, but in reality I find I don't go mad those days as it is just more weight to lose.

I did read or hear something the other day that part of the trouble of modern living is that our stomachs are too large for today's requirements. They are built for famine and feast, storing large amounts of food every few days and slowly digesting it until next time. These days we are forever filling up and frightened to feel hungry. Well it sounded like a good theory to me!

Hi everyone - I see that no one has posted on here for a while. I started 5:2 last month and so far is working for me, I have already lost 6lbs and feel quite content so far to stick with it.
I enjoyed reading all your comments and stories of your approach to 5:2 and other diet/lifestyle changes, please keep us updated to how you're getting on.��