The 5:2 Diet: 1 week on

Saturday 20 July 2013




Hi Dolls

So, I've survived my very first week on the intermittent fasting diet, and I have to say, although its been challenging, I've actually kind of- sort of-whisper it- enjoyed it. I know. Weird, right? Not something I thought I would ever catch myself saying.

I think its because I have the virtuous glow of self-denial (if only for two days). I feel like I challenged myself and I actually stood my ground. My sketchy willpower somehow triumphed. And even though its only one week down, I feel like I might really be in with a chance here.

My second fasting day on Thursday was really tough. I was insanely hungry and even though I knew it was only for a day, my willpower seemed a lot weaker than on my first fasting day. I felt like I might actually crack. It seemed so much harder! Luckily, because I work with a couple of people who've done the diet, they are helping to guide me through the highs and lows, and they said that it was probably because I knew what was coming this time.

I managed to start my day off with a hot water, lemon juice and chilli powder. Then I just had a plain green salad with a small pot of cottage cheese. Dinner was a slice of wholemeal toast with half a can of baked beans. I had some mini Babybels in my bag, rather randomly, and I was so close to cracking in the afternoon and falling headfirst into a pile of cheese! Just managed to resist.


In the evening, as much to keep myself busy as anything, I went to the gym and despite the heat, did an okay workout - 20 minutes of intervals on the cross trainer, 10 minutes of interval running on the treadmill and 15 minutes of abs and core work. So I felt light as a feather and so pleased with myself coming out of the gym.

On the other days, I've been eating normally, but trying not to go overboard. Today I did slip up a little. I took my car in for an MOT and service just before lunch, and it was there until 4pm! I had no idea it would take that long and I hadn't eaten all day by the time it was ready to go. I was hungry, tired and fed up then, and I'm afraid the McDonald's drive through claimed me. I felt quite guilty about that one, even though you can technically eat whatever you like on a non-fasting day.I'm going to try not to repeat that mistake!

On the whole, I'm enjoying the diet. I don't think I've actually lost any weight yet (scales read the same on Tuesday and Thursday, although perhaps it takes time to show?!) but I feel lighter and somehow happier within myself. I am beginning to understand why people say they 'look forward' to their fasting days. I can actually see this becoming a lifestyle thing for me. There's a buzz that comes with fasting and I also feel like practicing little acts of willpower is helping me.

I feel like its teaching me the value of food, and that I'm enjoying it more when I do eat something. My brain has finally cottoned onto the fact that saying 'no' to something is not the end of the world.

I really hope the weight loss starts soon and I begin to see results. If nothing in a week or so, I might have to consider upping the intervals to 4:3 and see if that helps.

Wish me luck!

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