The New 5:2 Diet - The Fast 800 (2024)

The Fast 800 is flexible. All three approaches follow the principles of a moderately low-carb, Mediterranean-style diet. You can switch easily between each approach as your needs change – some people start with The Very Fast 800 if they have a significant amount of weight to lose, or to kick start weight loss, while others start with The New 5:2 or The Way of Life for gradual weight loss or to improve their overall health.

Flexibility and finding what works for you are pivotal in maintaining a long-term, sustainable lifestyle. The Fast 800 is designed to complement your life and any event, holiday or challenge that comes with it.

The Very Fast 800

For those looking to kick-start significant weight loss and re-set their metabolism.

The New 5:2For those looking for an effective, gradual way to lose weight and keep it off long-term.Way of LifeFor those looking for long-term maintenance of weight and metabolic health.

What is it?

The New 5:2 is a highly effective approach to intermittent fasting, enabling weight loss and building a healthier brain and body.

Some people start with The Very Fast 800 if they have a significant amount of weight to lose, or to kick start weight loss, while others start with The New 5:2 for gradual weight loss or to improve overall health. When following The New 5:2, schedule two days a week as 800-calorie “fasting days”, and follow a healthy Mediterranean-style diet for the rest of the week, with no calorie restriction, just sensible portions.

How to do it

The New 5:2 approach involves restricting calories to 800 on fasting days, then eating a healthy lower carb, Mediterranean-style diet for the rest of the week.

The beauty of intermittent fasting means that as your insulin sensitivity returns, you will feel fuller for longer on smaller portions. This is why, on non-fasting days, you do not have to count calories, just eat sensible portions. By maintaining a Mediterranean-style diet, you will consume all of the healthy fats, protein, fibre and fresh plant-based food that your body needs.

If you would like more support to implement your healthy lifestyle, our online programme offers tasty and easy meal plans for all approaches, including The New 5:2. On days when cooking is not possible, The Fast 800 Shakes provide calorie controlled convenience. High in protein, fibre and healthy fats, our shakes are low in sugar and made from all natural ingredients – they are designed to fit perfectly alongside The Fast 800 approaches.

Please note The New 5:2 is not suitable for everyone. We always recommend consulting your usual healthcare professional before beginning any diet or fitness regime.

The Evidence

A rapidly-growing body of studies demonstrates the benefits of intermittent fasting.

In a study carried out in 2013 (4), 115 overweight women, aged 20-69 and with a family history of breast cancer, were randomly allocated into three groups:

  • One group was asked to stick to a 1500-calorie Mediterranean diet and was also encouraged to avoid high-fat foods and alcohol;
  • Another group was asked to eat normally five days a week, but to eat a 650-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet on the other two days; and
  • A third group was asked to avoid carbohydrates for two days a week but was otherwise not calorie-restricted

After three months, the women on the 5:2 diets had lost an average of 4.2kgs, 3.6kg of which was fat. This was twice as much as the full-time dieters, who had lost an average of 2kg of fat.

Insulin resistance had also improved significantly in the two-day diet group, which did not happen with those on the standard diet. Those who stuck with the 5:2 diets for six months lost an average of 7.7kg and three inches from their waists. Some lost over 20kg.

Another study by researchers at the University of Surrey examined the impact of the 5:2 diet on the body’s ability to metabolise and clear fat and glucose after a meal in 27 participants. (5)

Those on the 5:2 achieved 5% weight loss in 59 days compared to 73 days by those on the calorie restriction diet. Results also showed that:

  • Following weight-loss, participants who followed the 5:2 diet cleared fat from a meal more efficiently; and
  • Blood pressure was reduced by 9% as compared to 2% for those on a daily diet.

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The New 5:2 Diet - The Fast 800 (2024)

FAQs

Can you do the 5:2 diet on 800 calories? ›

The New 5:2 approach involves restricting calories to 800 on fasting days, then eating a healthy lower carb, Mediterranean-style diet for the rest of the week. The beauty of intermittent fasting means that as your insulin sensitivity returns, you will feel fuller for longer on smaller portions.

What does Michael Mosley recommend for breakfast? ›

Dr Mosley said his best four breakfasts were porridge, overnight oats, eggs - especially omelettes and kippers.

How much weight can you lose in 12 weeks on Fast 800? ›

It's important to remember that individual results can vary significantly, and it's always crucial to **consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as the Fast 800**. * **Studies have shown an average weight loss of 10.5kg (23.1 lbs) after 12 weeks on the Fast 800**.

What do you eat on 800 calories a day? ›

The Very Fast 800: What is it? The rapid weight loss phase involves eating 800 calories a day. The key to feeling satiated, while restricting calories, is to consume a moderately low-carb Mediterranean-style diet, rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats.

Can you eat pasta on Fast 800? ›

How does the Fast 800 work? The first stage of the diet works on the premise that when we eat refined, typically 'white' carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta and rice, they are easily broken down in the gut to release sugars which, over time, leads to fat accumulation and possible insulin resistance.

What can you drink on the 5:2 diet? ›

As with food, your drinks aren't that restricted on the 5:2 diet plan. The diet supports drinking black tea and coffee, herbal teas and diet drinks. (Note: While you can have milk in your hot drinks, it does contribute towards your overall calorie count).

How many pounds will I lose if I only eat 800 calories a day? ›

Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD)

On a VLCD, you may have as few as 800 calories a day and may lose up to 3 to 5 pounds (1.5 to 2 kg) week. Most VLCDs use meal replacements, such as formulas, soups, shakes, and bars instead of regular meals. This helps ensure that you get all of the nutrients you need each day.

How much weight can you lose in a month on the 5:2 diet? ›

The 5:2 diet plan aims for a weight loss of 1lb a week for women, and for men you could expect to lose slightly more. The NHS recommend a loss of 1-2lbs a week for healthy and safe weight loss, this amount is also more sustainable.

What is the ultimate healthy breakfast? ›

If you're looking for a healthy morning meal, try easy options like eggs, whole wheat toast with toppings, nuts, and green tea. Breakfast is a great way to start your day. A nutritious breakfast can provide long-lasting energy and keep you full for hours.

Which oats does Michael Mosley recommend? ›

Not the instant stuff, but rolled wholegrain oats with wheat bran. I buy supermarket own brand." The presenter is a fan of the meal, having recommended it to a couple trying to lose weight on his latest show, Michael Mosley: Secrets of Your Big Shop.

Can you eat oats on the Fast 800 diet? ›

And when it comes to breakfast, overnight oats are one of his favourite options. Dr Michael Mosley, known for his Fast 800 diet, has shared one of his favourite breakfast recipes for weight loss - overnight oats. He says this low-carb, protein-rich meal is key to feeling full while limiting calories.

Why am I not losing weight on 800 calories a day? ›

You've likely hit a plateau because you have been consuming so little for so long. Most of losing weight is what you eat, but you should pair it with exercise.

Why am I gaining weight on 800 calories a day? ›

Decreased Muscle Mass. Your body composition may be another reason why you are still gaining weight while in a calorie deficit. If you have a higher body fat percentage and lower muscle mass, then you are probably burning fewer calories than if you had more muscle mass.

What does Dr. Michael Mosley eat in a day? ›

Dr Michael Mosley's diet encourages people to eat 800 calories per day, fast intermittently and replace some meals with nutritious shakes, in a new iteration of his famous 5:2 diet. When Dr Michael Mosley unveiled his latest diet, he described it as his “best plan ever”.

What foods keep you full when fasting? ›

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are high in fiber, so they can help keep a person feeling full and satisfied. Healthy fats and proteins can also contribute to satiety. Beverages can play a role in satiety for those following the 16:8 intermittent fasting diet.

Can you eat cheese on Fast 800? ›

Try to avoid snacks, especially on fasting days, but if required, have some non-starchy veg, a sliver of cheese or some berries. Alternatively, nuts are a great source of protein, fibre and micronutrients - just avoid salted or sweetened nuts, which can be moreish and easy to overeat.

What vegetables can you eat on Fast 800? ›

Non-starchy vegetables

These are veggies like broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, cucumber, aubergine/eggplant etc. They contain a host of vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients like phytochemicals that help to aid digestion, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Are bananas ok on fast 800? ›

Dr Mosley, who created the Fast 800 diet and popularised the 5:2 diet, claims bananas aren't as beneficial as you think when it comes to weight loss. He acknowledges you should eat fruit and veg, but urges dieters not to eat more than seven portions in a day.

Can you have lemon water on fast 800? ›

Tip: Add lemon, lime or ginger to your water if you want to add a little more flavour. Black coffee and tea – For fasting, black tea and coffee are great as they have virtually no calories. If you are a coffee lover, be mindful of your caffeine intake – we recommend no more than two cups of coffee a day.

What fruit to avoid on fast 800? ›

Sharing the advice on the Fast 800 Instagram page, Mosley said that fruits such as pineapple, mango and melon should be limited. Instead, the weight loss expert recommends that those looking to slim down stick to berries, apples and pears, reports the Express.

Does the 5:2 diet reduce belly fat? ›

The 5:2 diet should be very effective for weight loss if done correctly. It may help reduce belly fat, as well as help maintain muscle mass during weight loss.

How many pounds per week do you lose on the 5:2 diet? ›

In the meantime, eating a balanced diet and being more active will help you lose weight steadily and gradually – a weight loss of 1-2 pounds (0.5-1kg) a week is achievable. This is the safest approach. Our booklet Fact not fads will help you to get started.

What is the best intermittent fasting window to lose belly fat? ›

Best Intermittent Fasting Method For Visceral Belly Fat

14/10 Method: Fast for 14 hours and have a 10-hour eating window daily. That means you restrict your food intake to a specific 10-hour period while abstaining from caloric consumption for the remaining 14 hours.

How many calories should I eat on a 5:2 diet? ›

Dieters are recommended to consume a 'normal' number of calories for five days and then, for two, non-consecutive days, eat just 25 per cent of their usual calorie total – 500 calories for women and 600 for men.

How many calories should a 5 2 person eat to lose weight? ›

5 - How Tall You Are
The Effect of Height on Calorie Needs:Daily Calories to Lose:
1lb/wk1.5lbs/wk
Height 5'215431293
Height 5'616301380
Height 5'1017171467
5 more rows

How many calories should I eat if I burn 800? ›

So, if you are exercising enough to burn 800 calories, you are eating 2200 calories and maintaining your weight, you are in a balanced state. If you are losing weight, you are in a calorie deficit, and need to calculate how much. 3500 extra/less calories produce roughly 1 pound of weight gain/loss, (1600 kc = 1 kg).

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