Diets that allow all kinds of foods yet help to lose weight might sound crazy and unbelievable, but the 5:2 diet is all about that. Eat anything for five days and eat nothing for next two days.
The research about fasting and its side effects started right from the 1940s. The habit of fasting reached the peak of its fame in August 2012 when BBC broadcasted its "Eat Fast and Live Healthy" horizon episode.
The revolutionary ideas of eating healthy and still lose weight inspired Michael Mosley to publish "The Fast Diet" book in January 2013.
Following Mosley, BBC's former journalist, Kate Harrison let out her book named "The 5:2 Diet" book. The underlying principles of both the books were same.
The 5:2 recipes assure 1lb weight loss in a week for women and slightly more weight loss in men.
A registered Nutritional Therapist, Kerry Torrens says, "intermittent fasting diets are said to be easier to follow than traditional calorie restriction. " She further says, "Benefits of these diets are yet unknown and clearly a long-term human based studies are needed."
This 5:2 diet should not be followed by the pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. The diabetic patient undertaking medication should also avoid this diet plan.
It is dangerous for children and teenagers as they may be prone to the risk of nutrient deficiency by following this diet plan. As the organs are still in growing stage they may face deficiency leading to adverse effects.
It is wise to plan for a nutritional diet on the first five days to compensate for the next two days. It will help to overcome the side effects of fasting like poor concentration and tiredness.
Additionally, it's always important to make diets specific for each week, especially for a low-calorie diet and choosing foods which are rich in nutrition.
