Food Porn Nation

I’ve started on the 5:2 diet and I have been sharing on my instagram @foodpornnation what I eat on feast days and 5:2 diet recipes on my fast days. Essentially you consume a quarter of your calorie intake to receive the benefits of fasting rather than actually having to fast (no eating). On the upside, you get to have your cake and eat it too!

Scientific trials of intermittent fasting showed that the benefits include lowering  your risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, alzheimer’s/dementia & what we all love to hear, WEIGHT LOSS!

For ladies, this means consuming 500 calories and for gents 600 calories for two non-consecutive days. On other days, there is no calorie restrictions. You can eat your ice cream, burgers and cheese and enjoy all these health benefits as long as you do not overindulge too much, which is ideal for a foodie like me. It sounds a little crazy but when you watch the documentary, Eat, Fast and Live Longer you will be pleasantly surprised – click here to watch. Dr Michael Moseley and Mimi Spencer, subsequently released The Fast Diet Book, which is also very compelling. It will change your life as it has changed mine. This is something I will adopt for the rest of my life, this I am certain of.

500 calories probably sounds a little steep, but I have found if you are smart and spend your calories wisely, it is very achievable. So far, I am really enjoying the challenge of coming up with recipes that are delicious and fit in with my fast days. All of which I will begin sharing with you.

Pictured from left to right – Zucchini Lasagne – recipe here (185 calories) & Zucchini Pesto Pasta – recipe to come (165 calories).

I am also really enjoying my fast days. I get really excited when they come and particularly when I’ve made it to the end. Surprisingly enough, this is not because I will know I will get to eat, more because of the sense of achievement I get from the experience. You will also be surprised to know that you will not be ravenous by the next day. The reality is you will notice how much longer you would rather wait to eat and begin to realise how much you really need to consume. I can already tell I’m starting to eat less. I was feeling particularly inspired last week and went for 4:3, alternate day fasting. I am really beginning to love fast days and I keep telling everybody about it! I have to admit, it didn’t come easy at first. My first week was hard and I went over the 500 limit but I was determined to hit 500 calories next time round. You just have to keep at it and let your body adjust. Once you find your rhythm, it’s like a walk in the park.

I am coming up to my third week and to date, I’ve lost 2 inches from waist and hips, 1 inch from my bust and 0.5 an inch from my thighs and bottom however my weight has remained the same. I have a handful of friends who have also seen fantastic results. One has lost 10 kilos (4 months), 8kg (6 months) and 5kg (6 months) losing inches whilst eating chips, cheese, KFC, you name it! Even fellow food blogger nikcooks.com has seen some great results dropping 12 kg (6 months) – check out her post here!

Here are some other foodies who have shown positive results on the 5:2 diet – check out “Foodies on the 5:2“.

They predict loosing a pound a week but this will vary on how much you have to loose, what you are eating on feast days and how much you exercise. They also recommend measuring yourself as you may see changes in your measurements but not on the scales and adding the total of inches lost. Therefore, my total of inches lost is 6 inches. Hmmm… that’s one way of looking at it!

If you’re interested in seeing more results, I would suggest searching the hashtag #52diet on twitter and instagram. You will be able to connect with fellow fasters and track their results, some are particularly dramatic!

Have a look at the thefastdiet.co.uk for more info and take a peek at the forums to see other peoples progress!

Tell me, what are your thoughts on the 5:2 diet? Have you tried it and shown success? Or do you have any burning questions or reservations? Leave your comments below, I would love to hear them!

Priscilla x