Eat, fast and live longer - the 5:2 lifestyle

[cookie1]

I always thought middle age spread was a fabrication. However I have put on several kilos and it is all round my middle. I can still fit into my trousers and do the zip up but the button and band won't fit round me anymore. It's a damn nuisance. I lost weight on the CSIRO diet years ago but over time my portions have increased and I have a thermomix. 

I love the sound of the 5:2 diet. I saw it on TV earlier this year. DH likes the idea too.

[Cuilidh]

That 'middle aged spread' is a real drag (is that a pun?  If it is, please excuse it!). 

It is much easier to do this diet if you are both on it, then you don't have to worry about preparing different / separate / 'special' meals and, because it's only two days a week, you don't feel deprived as if you are on a DIET when you have to be continually counting calories, etc.  Give it a try.  There are enough of us on it or looking at it now that there will be lots of recipes we can share.  Well, my recipes are vegan, so perhaps you don't want to share mine, but Chookie, Judy and all the others will have loads of inspiration for you.

[cookie1]

Vegan is fine by us Marina.

[droverjess]

My spread is not just the waist..... I had to buy new bras....LOL
I've never had a cleavage before.... Or ever had to watch my weight in 50+ yrs! I'd been one of the lucky ones.

However I am heartened as even this week by being sensible for a few days the scales have just started to gently go the right way....
My fitness pal is a big help. I was a bit hungry yesterday, but need to have healthy nibbles handy like carrots.

Bit more of a test with a hungry person staying.
Maybe  has added the lbs too!

[droverjess]

Here are some recipe ideas

http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/dieting/recipes/52-diet-fast-low-calorie-1770918

Am still on normal food, just less of it.
Using MFP and eating just under suggested daily amount.
A little bit hungry sometimes but nothing awful. Had left over calories tonight so had a mini horlicks and two biccies before bed.

[Cuilidh]

Here are some recipe ideas

http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/dieting/recipes/52-diet-fast-low-calorie-1770918

The book that that link links to is one that Chookie has got.  There are some really nice (vegan!) recipes in it.  I would imagine the meat ones are delicious too.

[droverjess]

Have done a whole week of my fitness pal and am 1000 calories under goal for the week.
Today was 25 over, only day this week been over.
Hard to know how to add in some of the exercise I do, some of it is guessed or just not added.
Am quite pleased but it's only a week!

[Kimmyh]

Well done DJ. Keep up the good
 work.

[cookie1]

DJ you should be very proud of yourself.

[achookwoman]

DJ,  that is good.  I also don't know how to add exercise to MFP,  but don't worry too much.  I see any exercise as a bonus.  I put on a kilo while on holiday but it is coming off now that I am back on 5.2.  There are lots of good recipes on internet for 2 days.  You just have to decide how to do it.  I find 3 small meals good,  others like 2 or 1 a day.
Cookie, WW have just put out a new book,  called the Monday to Friday Diet,  or something like that.  This helps control the calories on the 5 days.  Very clever marketing.  The calories are counted and the food has variety and is the sort of food we eat. 
It would help if DH also did it,  Ral is on it but doesn't know.   . He thinks he is doing well by cutting out sugar in his coffee. 
Cookie,  give it a go.  Nothing to lose,  except that bit around the middle.

[droverjess]

The custard slice upset my new regime tonight...
I must not make it ever again...
Ah well just start again...

[cookie1]

Thanks Chookie. I like the sound of the new WW book.

[achookwoman]

Cookie,  I notice you can buy it on line for $9.50. 
DJ,  I also had bad day.  Must not make Date scones again.  Like you will start again. 

[Rogizoja]

Sorry, I've been off line for a while - but it's gratifying to see the 5:2 discussion is still going strong.

DW and I have reached our target weight so now only fast on one day per week, though if the weight starts to creep back on (e.g. Christmas overindulgences) we go back to two days for a while. Must admit we've taken the easy route now for fast days (got fed up with continually trying to count calories and portion control). So now we have a sachet of oat porridge for a late breakfast (107 calories) and then have a calorie-counted ready meal for supper with lots of black coffee and water through the day to make sure we stay under the 500/600 calories. It's become an integral part of our lifestyle now and we do relish not having to stick to a particular diet; so much easier. Blood pressure and cholesterol are also easier to control now.

So good luck everyone and persevere - you'll never regret it 

[achookwoman]

Rogizoja,  thanks for the update.  It is nice to hear that you are successful.