There is no doubt that intermittent fasting is one of the most popular diets for weight loss today.
The 16:8 diet is one of many iterations available to choose from, which is ideal for your lifestyle. You may also be familiar with the 5:2 diet. It allows you to eat anything you like for five days, but you must restrict your intake on the other two days.
Specifically, you eat roughly 25 percent of what you typically eat two days a week.
Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian, said, “The daily requirement for calories for women is between 1,600 and 2,400 per day. Based on those numbers, that would translate to consuming 400-600 calories on fasting days. However, physically active women will likely need higher amounts.”
How Effective Is The 5:2 Diet For Weight Loss?
Ehsani explains that a calorie deficit of 3500 calories per week is necessary for a healthy weight loss of one to two pounds per week.
According to Cell Research, intermittent fasting may increase metabolism, burn fat more efficiently, and help you lose weight.
The 5:2 diet usually makes you lose weight in one to three weeks.
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What Are The Other Health Benefits Of The 5:2 Diet?
Besides weight loss, several health and nutritional benefits are associated with the 5:2 diet.
- It may help prevent Alzheimer’s
- Consume more fruits and vegetables
- It may lower blood sugar
- Improves cholesterol levels
How Safe Is The 5:2 Diet?
Ehsani said It depends. “If you were looking to follow this fasting method, 500 calories is quite low and equivalent to one meal per day.”
However, Brooking says that otherwise, healthy people can try the 5:2. There is no doubt that it is not safe for children.
Brooking says the 5:2 diet best suits people with healthy eating habits, adding those who restrict food intake or binge should pass.
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How Do Fast 800 And The 5:2 Diet Differ?
It’s a different diet. Fast 800 involves more restrictions.
Ehsani explains, “The Fast 800 is where you follow an 800-calorie diet for at least two weeks or more depending on your weight loss goals. I’d say the 5:2 diet is probably easier to follow and stick with for the long term versus the Fast 800.”
5:2 diet might be good for weight loss. If you decide to try it, you should speak to your doctor first to ensure there won’t be any side effects.