By Sophie Beresiner.
Getting Chris O' Dowd on board (pretty sure we're directly responsible for this tweet) means we've passed the reigns on and our job here is done. More to the point we were happy with our ELLE Style Awards outfits to the point of a little too much time photographing ourselves in them, which means a subtle outcome of the anti-diet was achieved. This was essentially what we were going for. Not dropping two dress sizes or fitting a satsuma between our thigh gaps - more a gentle acceptance of ourselves and the best fit into our current clothes so far.
No entire new wardrobe needed here - which is of course a financial bonus - but we can all say we prefer our reflections since the Xmas bingeing, and we're pretty proud of our new discovery: Will Power. It was in there somewhere!
Beauty Director Sophie:
I think I could have tried harder, in fact I'm going to keep going from now on, since I'm more interested in the health benefits than the weight loss ones. A healthier lifestyle will always mean cutting a finer figure, so if thats a bonus then its a happy one. I'm not sure I'll be able to ignore nutritional benefits or calories from now on so I'm a slightly more conscious food lover. I honestly think it would feel weird to go back to my old way of eating, but I'm so looking forward to a full-fat meal out tonight to celebrate.
Senior Beauty Writer Amy:
It is a fast anti-diet, not a fast diet... Dont expect major weight loss like that *clicks fingers* The next day I dont eat as much as usual but come the weekends Im like a rotund child at a all-you-can-eat buffet. Despite my low points at the weekends, this diet has taught me about portion control and I find myself snacking less often. Where my clothes felt tight after Christmas they now feel alright, by that I mean zips stay fastened and my trousers dont cut off circulation ... result! I will definitely stick with 5:2, it definitely feels more like a lifestyle than a diet.
Beauty Assistant Joely
This experiment has honestly the only eating plan that has worked for me. OK I have slacked on my final week (too many nice dinners to say no to) but will be back on track next week. And the weird thing? Im actually looking forward to it. Sad but true. I like having the one day of control knowing I can eat how I like the other days. I also feel less bloated, my skinny jeans fit better and focusing on eating well on those two days means my intake of fruit and veg has been upped. (Plus I get to eat pizza 5 days a week as I see it, win win on all fronts!)
