Hi carieoates! Unfortunately I didn't measure my waist when I started but I'd guess that I lost at least 3/4 inches, considering how my hands feel around my middle now compared with before...to be honest, as you can see, before I didn't really have a waist - I think in the first photo I look like a potato!
I used to drink a LOT of cider and eat fairly mindlessly - now, even on my 'feast' days I am aware of what I am eating and I don't usually use these days as an excuse to 'pig out'. Since beginning the 5/2 I have been far more aware of what I'm eating as well as how much - healthier options are what I tend to go for most of the time, but I refuse to compromise on taste, so I make sure I add lots of tasty, healthy extras, such as spices, desiccated coconut, nuts and seeds. I have also tried making my own chocolate, with cacao powder, maple syrup and coconut oil (mix together 50g of each and keep in the freezer - add berries and nuts to taste!) - it's so rich I can only eat a small amount.
I have also introduced a lot more movement into my lifestyle, mainly in the form of walking my nan's beloved golden retriever, Bella! I now thoroughly enjoy walking for an hour or so around four times a week.
On fasting days I make sure my meals are interesting and eat lots of salad, fruit and protein, but don't skip out on flavour, including a homemade salsa (finely chopped peppers, red onion, mango and pineapple with a dash of vinegar and some mixed herbs) in most fast day dishes. I have also found that I prefer to eat a breakfast of fruit (you can buy 45 calorie pots of fruit from the co-op) and a couple of finely chopped almonds, with some natural fat free greek yoghurt, and either a large salad or small wrap for lunch. Yesterday I had three small meals for the first time, including a bowl of 80 calorie tomato soup for dinner.
I find that keeping as busy as possible on fasting days is the key to getting over hunger pangs, plus lots and lots of water. Sometimes fizzy water is the answer, as you feel as though you are drinking something a bit more interesting, whilst the bubbles fill you up!
Good luck everyone - I hope I haven't waffled on too long!xx