Fancy living on 500 calories a day? Nope, me neither but I’ve seen a tonne of articles recently claiming to help people on the 5:2 diet get on well with their fasting days where they only eat 500 calories. Some of these articles are saying that you should start your day with 40g of porridge oats or some Belvita Breakfast biscuits and it’s just not sustainable, nor is it going to keep the person full. They’re also saying to blow at least half of the calories in the first meal of the day. Some of these meal plans don’t even have a lunch included but, I don’t know about you, I wouldn’t be able to last from breakfast until dinner on some sugary breakfast biscuits.

With this in mind, it got me thinking and I’ve come up with a full 500 calories worth of food that I would eat if I ever tried this diet. It’s packed full of 90 grams of protein to help keep hunger at bay and loads of nutrients from fish and fresh veg. Some additions to the day which might help keep cravings at bay are herbal tea and miso soup. Also, don’t forget that you can add seasonings such as chilli and paprika with very little calories. I hope this helps someone trying out the 5:2!

Breakfast: Egg White Omelette with Spinach, Ham and Mushroom
Lunch: White Fish (Basa) with a Spinach, Cherry Tomato and Yellow Pepper Salad
Dinner: Tuna Steak with Green Beans, Spinach and Broccoli

Disclaimer: I’ve never tried the 5:2 and I can probably categorically say that I never will, it’s just not for me. I know a few people that have done it or are still doing it and have seen some really great success. I’m also not a dietician or nutritionist but I like to think that I have a healthy relationship with food and know a little bit about what’s ‘healthy’.