5:WHO?

By Renee Pantas

In a world crammed with information regarding weight loss and health, it is easy to become confused and overwhelmed. However, with such profound results and scientific grounds, the 5:2 diet (otherwise known as the intermittent fasting diet) has exploded in popularity and is something which is certainly worth familiarizing yourself with.

Popularized by doctor and journalist, Michael Mosley in his 2013 international bestseller ‘The fast diet’ book, the world was first alerted to the 5:2 phenomenon in the BBC programme Horizon, whereby Mosley trials the intermittent diet for himself, with the results being physically and mentally profound. 

Basically, the 5:2 diet follows the premise that we are designed as humans to experience periods of fasting and periods of feasting and this is what essentially allows us to maintain a healthy and stable weight. By intermittently cutting our calorie intake, rather than all at once, our body is able to repair itself and restore damaged cells, whilst using energy to burn fat.

Some consider the 5:2 as lifestyle, rather than a diet, as it harks back to caveman times, where we were forced to use our own energy stores to stay alive in periods of famine. Author of ‘The fast diet’, Dr.Michael Mosley, says that ‘Fasting is nothing new…your body is designed to fast…we are the product of millennia of feast and famine. This is a natural bodily process which, when experienced intermittently, can reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease and increase longevity.

In modern times, due to the vast availability of food, the idea of fasting and feasting becomes non evident. Too often, we consume food out of boredom, stress or habit without truly recognizing the body’s hunger signals, overloading our system and putting our digestion into overdrive.

‘Intermittent Fasting can put us back in touch with our human selves.’ (Dr.Michael Mosley, ‘The Fast diet’)

When on the 5:2, individuals are recommended to consume a ‘normal’ number of calories five days a week and for two days in the week (either consecutive or non-consecutive), eat just 25% of their usual calorie total - 500 calories for women and 600 for men.

The 5:2 is simple, easy and practical to follow and many are surprised by their ability to easily follow its guidelines.

By intermittently fasting for 2-days and eating normally for 5-days, we can simply and effectively lose and maintain a healthy weight, whilst also giving our bodies and mind time to rest and recuperate and also reflect on eating habits and rituals.

Here at KARMIC, our juice cleanses are designed exactly in line with the 5:2 guidelines, with all our cleanses totalling between 400 and 500 calories per day, which means you can easily and effectively follow the 5:2 whilst getting all the nutrition provided from our low-fructose, cold-pressed juices.

Experiencing a KARMIC cleanse gives you the chance to calm and recuperate the mind, body and soul and lets you feel the real benefits of what humans have relied on for millions of years.

Next up: WHY do the 5:2? What happens to our bodies when we intermittently fast?