Whilst I am generally not in favour of diets, as I feel they do not encourage a healthy relationship with food, there is one that intrigues me at the moment.

It is based on the idea that by fasting intermittently – and by fasting this does not mean totally eliminating food, but severely restricting calories to about 500 for two or perhaps three days each week and then for the other days, just eating anything you want (yes, anything) – you can not only lose weight, but also significantly improve your general health.

A BBC2 documentary last year saw Dr Michael Mosley investigate this, and after six weeks on the 5:2 diet – two days of fasting, then five days of eating normally – he found that he had lost well over a stone in weight, his blood glucose levels were normal, his cholesterol level (which had previously been very high) was in the healthy range. He also found that, although he could eat anything he wanted on the non- fasting days, he didn’t overeat.

So, after having a, shall we say, relaxed Christmas, food-wise, I decided to embark on the 5:2 and I have to admit that I am feeling really good and a little bit slimmer into the bargain. I tend to have my two days of fasting on Monday and Wednesday or Thursday, then this leaves me free to enjoy my food over the weekend. What I have found is that I don’t tend to eat everything in sight in the non-fasting days, neither is it unhealthy high- fat food. Instead I seem to find that I take my time over meals, really savouring the food, and making sure that I eat healthily, but with no restriction on the good fats, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, oily fish. I have to say it seems to work for me, and I will be happy to continue with this way of eating as it is so easy and enjoyable. Apparently it also slows down the ageing process and, having had a big birthday last year, I am all for that!

If you feel that this way of eating would work for you, it is very important that you check with your GP first, as for some people it would not be advisable – this would include those who have an existing eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, or those who have a physical health problem which would rule them out for this type of eating plan.

However, if you feel that you would be suited to follow this sort of regime, then give it a try. Personally, I think it may be the answer for a lot of people who want to be able to enjoy their food, but are also keen to be the healthiest they can be.

Take care,
Wendy x