The FastDay Forum

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/hea ... 90140.html

This is the second rather negative piece I've seen in the Irish press in as many days. Not as bad as the first* and at least this journalist did present some positives before declaring herself agin it.

When something is really new, journalists like to write about it positively because they are introducing it and they are ahead of the curve. When something moves beyond that stage and edges towards the limelight, as 5:2 is now doing, there's no mileage for a writer is saying "I think it's good too", so they go the other way. I expect a barrage of press cricitism over the coming weeks and months. I hope Dr M is ready!

* http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/claire-omahony-why-this-years-fashionable-diet-is-just-a-faster-way-to-misery-3368942.html

We're bound to see mainstream dieticians trotting out their failed mantra of a low fat low sugar low salt "healthy" diet plus more exercise. “We want people to exercise more so they can enjoy their calories" says dietician Mee, presumably on the payroll of both a food company and a chain of gyms

I think last night's tv prog showed how hard that it is to control weight with exercise alone. I.e run for 15 mins to use up the banana.

[carorees]

...and then "reward" yourself with a muffin and so end up further into energy excess than you were before, of course...

Actually I don't think it's negative at all! Of course long term fasting could pose health risks but 5;2 doesn;t advocate that. Also exercise is ,of course, good for you. I fasted on Mon and swam a mile...Like everything one shoe won't fit all . I am 4 weeks fasting and haven't decided yet whether I am a yea or nea. Weight loss will decide!

There's no such thing as bad publicity! So let's not feel too bad about what the press writes, as long as they write about it!