The Diet Plan That Makes The 5:2 Easier Than Ever

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EXANTE

Tell us more about exante – how can it help with the 5:2 diet?

Offering doctor-approved shakes, snacks and meals, exante is the name to know in the world of meal replacements. Unlike its counterparts, all exante meals are high in fibre and protein and contain 27 vitamins and minerals per serving, meaning there’s no need to worry about falling short on your health goals when cutting back on calories. With exante’s 5:2 plan, it’s as simple as eating healthily for five days of the week and then enjoying three exante meal replacement products per day. If you’ve ever done the 5:2, you’ll understand how time-consuming it can be to meticulously count your calories on a fasting day, but with exante’s shakes and snacks, the hard work has been done for you. Simply choose three meals for each fasting day and you’re good to go. And if the 5:2 isn't for you, exante also offers a host of other shakes and meal replacements that work with their other low-calorie plans.

Remind me – what are the benefits of fasting?

One of the biggest research-backed benefits is weight loss, with additional studies showing intermittent fasting causes less lean muscle loss than other forms of continuous calorie restriction, making the 5:2 a great choice if you’re into fitness. Other studies show people who fast have better memories, more energy and improved brain function, and research also shows it can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. With no complicated rules, the 5:2 is a simple and flexible way to lose weight. Plus, with exante’s meal replacements, you’ll remove the dilemma of deciding what to cook. 

What can you eat on your fasting days?

As Sophie Elwood, nutrition co-ordinator at exante explains, “Each product – whether it’s a porridge blend or smoothie – contains 200-250 calories, so you should aim to eat three of these on your fasting days. Packed with fibre and protein, the meal replacements will keep you fuller for longer, and we know how important fibre is, especially when it comes to weight loss. Foods with lots of fibre move through your digestive system more slowly, which can stabilise blood sugar throughout the day. Plus, three exante meals, whichever you chose, will provide 100% your vitamin and mineral needs.” When it comes to meals, there’s an impressive selection. Think chocolate, strawberry and vanilla shakes as well as one-pot meals such as cinnamon porridge, maple syrup pancakes, soups, bean chilis and stews as well as puddings like apple crumble and custard. Exante also offers a range of meal replacement bars that both fill the gap and satisfy a sweet tooth, with flavours including banana bread and salted caramel, and the team recently launched Juiced, a world-first juice meal replacement made with clear whey protein and real fruit juices. Each serving contains 100 calories and is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it the perfect way to quash hunger pangs.