Fasting For Weight Loss: The 5:2 Diet

If you’re looking to lose weight but don’t fancy restricting your diet 7 days a week or simply want to maintain your amazing weight loss results, the 5:2 fasting diet could be the solution for you. With a combination of fasting and healthy eating, the 5:2 diet is a popular choice when it comes to losing weight. Channel 4’s January dieting series ‘How To Lose Weight Well’ recently trialed 5:2 intermittent fasting and below we look at their results.

Firstly, what is fasting?

Fasting, or abstaining from some or all foods and drink for a significant period of time, has been practiced for hundreds of years. Initially, a religious observance, the health benefits of fasting have since transformed it into a popular weight loss tool.

What are the benefits?

• Weight loss – Studies have shown that intermittent allows the body to use fat as it’s primary source of energy instead of sugar, promoting weight loss.
• Steady blood sugar levels – Fasting has a positive effect on the bodies sensitivity to insulin and how the sugar from carbohydrates are tolerated in the bloodstream.
• Improved digestion– Boosted metabolic function by regulating bowel movements and overall digestion.
• Protected immune system- Intermittent fasting reduces free radical damage, regulates inflammatory conditions in the body and starves off cancer cell formation.
• Brain function– promotes production of the protein in the brain essential for positive neural health

How to lose weight well: what is the 5:2 diet?

The 5:2 diet is an intermittent fasting plan. Traditionally, the plan involves 2 non-consecutive ‘fasting’ days where you restrict your daily calorie intake to around 500 calories, followed by 5 days of normal, healthy eating.

Is the 5:2 fasting diet for me?

If you are looking for a simple and effective way to lose or maintain your weight and find sticking to a restricted calorie diet every day challenging, 5:2 is for you.

• Learn how to cook healthy food and incorporate exercise into your routine.
• No ‘banned’ foods – making you less likely to fall off track
• A flexible way to sustain healthy weight loss.
• Fasting on weekdays reduces the need for meal prep during the week.
• Sustainable way to maintain a healthy lifestyle long-term
• Perfect for those looking to lose or maintain their weight
• Fasting is a simple concept proven to promote weight loss
• 1-2 pound a week weight loss*

 How can I do the 5:2 diet with Exante?

• On your fasting days, enjoy 3 Exante meal replacement products, reducing your calories to 600 kcal a day.
• On your ‘off’ days try healthy recipes from our Flexi Solution.
• Each Exante meal replacement contains 1/3 of your RDA of vitamins and minerals, giving your body everything it needs.
• No calorie counting or temptation from other foods.
• If you are vegan, and still want to follow a 5:2 diet plan, our new vegan meal replacement shakes are the perfect choice for your fasting days.