One year report on the alternating day fast routine.

[alfredo]

I started off weighing over 190 lbs. I got down to 169, then cut back to fasting one day a week. After a few months I went back to fasting on Monday and Friday, the 5:2 routine. I liked the discipline of those 600 calorie days.

My weight fluctuates between 172 to 173. Part of the weight gain was from the combo of bad weather and knee injury. Now that I am back to walking, my weight should stabilize or drop.

So I am happy with alternate day fasting. It has made me more creative in the kitchen. Today I am looking to make a Kale and feta stir fry to see if it is suitable for the one meal allowed on fast days. Yesterday's one meal was braised veggies and home made bread. This method is so much easier than other methods I've tried. It isn't what you do, it is what you don't do. That makes it easy.

http://www.webmd.boots.com/diet/features/is-fasting-good-for-your-health

This routine is not just for weight loss. Other health benefits come from reducing calorie intake.

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Congrats!

I am glad it is working for you.

[alfredo]

2. Thanks. If I can keep my BMI in the low 26's, I'm fine.

[Trajan]

3. I have been 5:2 ADF for 14 months now

Last edited Mon Jun 23, 2014, 12:38 PM - Edit history (1)

I just recently hit -60 lbs. .... it took 8 months to lose the first 50, and another 6 months to lose another 10.

I love ADF ... I agree about the discipline - I appreciate how that strict 600 cal limit forces me to create meal plans that are substantial enough to satisfy my appetite, and yet light enough in calories to stay under the limits ... Esselstyn's and Ornish's books have helped me create meal plans that are vegetarian based, and contains the tasty spices and seasonings that help liven basic veggies ....

By combining ADF and Esselstyn/Ornish, I have had great success and considerable happiness with my eating habits ....

[alfredo]

4. It's made me a better cook. I have rediscovered the art of braising.

I am fasting today, and I am sitting here planning my meal. It's going to be braised veggies and steamed salmon.

[davidpdx]

5. Wow, I wish I could get back down in the low 170 range

After a year that is pretty stable. Do you ever splurge?

[alfredo]

6. Yup I splurg, but I still fast on Monday and Friday.

I like this regime because it isn't what you do, it is what you don't do. On my fast days I don't eat breakfast and supper. I have one meal around 3PM. It's a high protein meal because it keeps me feeling full longer.

Before and after I just take liquids. Green tea blunts my appetite, so does plain water.

[avaistheone1]

7. Who knew this kind of diet could be healthy?!

I am surprised.

[alfredo]

8. It is a different way to cut calorie intake. Weight loss is not

the not the primary reason for this diet it is just a side benefit.