Want to start this today, what do I need to know?

[fiddlemethis]

Hello all, I want to start this way of eating today, however, I really dont want to buy another diet book. Do you think you need to? I know the basic rules are you have 5 days of eating normally and 2 fast days of 500 calories. Is that it or are there any restrictions on what you can eat on your normal eating days?

[EagleRiderDirk]

Hi fiddle
On a non fast day you should eat "normally" which does't necessarily mean as you normally eat. It means you should eat to your TDEE (which is the calories you need to maintain your weight).
If you click onto one of the main massive threads, there's a wealth on information in the first post, including a link to a TDEE calculator.
Good luck today

[fiddlemethis]

I see, I did find that after posting this and I should be on 1810 calories a day. I'll have a bit more of a mooch around and see what I can find. I really didn't want to be calorie counting though, can you get away with just trying to be good and not eating junk?
Thanks for your response.

[Breadandwine]

That's pretty much it, fiddle.

You don't need the book! There's more info in the OP of the Main thread (number 25, ATM) and the Links and Tips thread, than there is in the book.

Plus there is loads of support and encouragement to be found on the main thread - it's full of posters who've all found that 5:2 works and have loads of experience they are happy to share.

[fiddlemethis]

Excellent, I'm hoping this woe will work better for me, I was having a go at pigtotwig before and kept "falling off the wagon" every weekend whereas I'd find it pretty easy to be good in the week. I'm hoping I will find this a bit more suitable for my lifestyle!

[EagleRiderDirk]

1810 calories is actually a lot to play with so yes, give it a go with healthy eating and not counting if you want (allow yourself a treat often though, as otherwise it won't feel sustainable). If you find that works and you start losing then fine, don't worry about changing anything. If it doesn't work after a few weeks then its best to start counting on non fast days just to double check and get an idea of what a good portion size is etc.