I saw the programme on BBC2 last year about fasting and how it could boost your health and help you lose weight. I thought it sounded interesting but couldn't really factor in one day with no food, because on such days you need to do little physical activity.
Being married with 2 boys and running a business, and I decided that it wasn't going to happen. But, as the programme progressed it was explained that you could get the same benefits simply by restricting your calorie intake for a couple of days a week.
Fast-forward to today and I have decided to give this regime a go. The so-called 5:2 diet (5 days of normal eating and 2 days of 600 calories for men or 500 for women) has to be one of the easiet to get your head around. Provided you are accurate in how you calculate your calorific intake you will improve many areas of your life.
If anyone is in doubt about this diet they should always seek medical opinion and it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with underlying health conditions.
At 5'11'' and weighing 15.5 stones, I am overweight (on some charts almost 'obese', which is a scary thought because I don't think I look that bad, at least in my opinion) and I know that as I am about to turn 48 something has to be done.
Previously, I have tried Weight Watchers and Slimming World, and I just got bored with the regimentation of these diets and also didn't have time for the 'weigh ins', which were just like scenes out of Little Britain's Fat Fighers: the weekly embarrassment of having only 'lost' half a pound or even worse: gaining weight.
So, the fasting diet is (comparatively) easy. Yes, I did feel hungry during the fasting day, but having only done one day so far I think that the hunger pange will diminish as your stomach reduces in size (and in expectation).
My next limited calorie intake day is this Thursday and I hope that I can stick to this regime.
I'll report back in due course, but so far, so good.
