The Benefits of a 5:2 Diet
The 5:2 diet is five days of what ever you want to eat and two days of limited calorie intake. Now, while the five days allows you to take in as many calories as you’d like, you should eat only highly nutritious foods, as the results will be more beneficial. The two days of limited calories is a kind of “intermittent fasting.” Unlike a regular, only-water fast, you are limited to a specific amount of calories.
The numbers for the two day fast: Women can have up to 500 calories, while men 600. The average caloric intake in North American and European countries is 2000. Having a good plan will help you follow through your goal. Try a calorie regiment of 150 at breakfast, 100 at lunch, 200 at dinner and 50-100 for snacks throughout the day.
What’s the science behind this? This kind of diet promotes your body’s IGF-1 hormone to go from growth to repair, allowing your body to heal, rather than just grow. Fewer calories will also mean you will lose weight, which is beneficial for your overall health.
Remember, this is NOT a real fast. Going for two days without eating will store unhealthy, more durable (your body’s survival mechanism) fat in your body. This makes it more difficult to lose that weight. If you wish to pursue a true fast, you should consult your doctor or clinic first.
While the 5:2 diet can help you towards a more healthier you, you should still maintain a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to stay hydrated and get a good amount of sleep. Cut out your bad habits like smoking and heavy drinking. As stated before, you should be eating highly nutritious foods on your five day “eat anything” time so having an idea of your meals for the week will help with that. By having a meal plan it will cut down the unhealthy “surprise” meals you eat throughout the week. If you’re eating nothing but hamburgers and french fries and cheese cake on those five days, the positive results won’t come.
Source: thefastingdietplan.com
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