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5:2 might work during the off season, ie. I should've been doing it for the last 3 months but if I'm trying to train I'd rather be fed and train, than be fasted, blow a session and then hate myself for the next day for not hitting my numbers (yes, I'm a headcase).
I've done 24hr fasts before and it's not really a big deal but they're certainly not a sustainable option, just a nice psych test.
Currently trying to keep eating to a reduced window and being mindful of what I'm eating and drinking. It won't work as fast as I'd like but I know I'll drop the weight again when I start getting into training. What's tricky is when I get under 90kg - then I normally stagnate then get bored and then go back up. I'm sure I'm not meant to be 90kg but it does seem to be a sweetspot I tend not to move away from unless I get excessive in either direction.
Even with a much healthier diet than I used to have I'm still around that mark. It's bloody annoying.
hippy-
I'd say 5:2 is the most sustainable thing I've tried - it feels like a permanent change. Really easy to schedule, even on awkward weeks where I end up doing my 500kcal days in a row (I could avoid this if I really wanted but for me, fasting 2 days in a row is better than giving up any day fri-sun). I still manage to train on fasting days, albeit in a slightly different manner.
I'd give it a punt. It helps create a calorific deficit over the week, but removes the pressure of being on a diet 7 days a week. Also, I find it easier to say no to crap food the days after fasting - don't want to waste the hungry days!
Nef
I spend an unhealthy amount of time watching food based videos on youtube when I'm fasting. And weirdly the urge just to watch those videos isn't there on normal eating days.
Also, I've been doing a bit of reading up on fasting - I've been doing 5:2 for 4 months, 5.5 kg down - and fuck me, the intermittent fasting community is bonkers. People getting shot down for "ruining their fast" by having a 20kcal herbal drink, or others recommending 48hr fasts 2x a week. I haven't seen this level of diet cult since I was into keto!
On a positive note, I took some progress pictures today to see how I've been faring, amazed at the difference that 5.5kgs makes. Especially as I've stalled out on weight loss. Would recommend keeping some photos to anyone trying to stay motivated.