'It is not just a diet, but a life change for the better' she says.
Made famous by the BBC’s Horizon programme Eat, Fast and Live Longer, studies have suggested that the 5:2 diet - where the premise is to fast once or twice a week, consuming only 500 calories (600 fore men) - can protect the brain against illnesses including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The plan promises to be the easiest fasting regime to adapt into your regular lifestyle, and food lovers have been turning to this diet in droves.
But if you're still not sure about embarking on this new diet craze, then let Karen explain why she is feeling so good!
'What is all the hype about the 5:2 Diet I hear you ask? Well, on a personal level I have been following the diet since watching the Horizon programme last August and the benefits to me have been endless. Not only have I lost weight - over a stone - but I have also noticed a difference in my health on many other levels.
'I sleep better since following the intermittent fasting programme, and that obviously makes me feel more refreshed in the morning. I have also noticed that I am more alert and my memory seems to have improved slightly; I am sure that this is due to a more restful night's sleep. My energy levels have increased two fold and I am much more active than I used to be prior to embarking on two "fast days" a week. Also, my appetite for "junk" food has waned and I am more likely to reach for a piece of fruit than a slice of cake now, not that I don't enjoy a slice of cake on a feast day, of course!
'These observations have been gradual over the last few months, and as well as losing over 10 kilos, which has given me more confidence, I fell much more "Alive".
'Don't get me wrong, I HAVE fallen off the 5:2 diet wagon now and then, over Christmas and the New Year as well as when I was travelling for work last year, but, it's so easy to start again, and the positive effects of this life style change can be felt almost immediately on starting the low calorie fast days once again.
'A low calorie fast day is a maximum of 500 calories for a woman and 600 calories for a man, and I have found that it's not that bad to exist on such a low amount, like some may think. I have created dozens of new and exciting recipes for the diet, and believe it or not, you CAN have your burger or pasta if you wish! I have found that it's all about low fat and low carb accompaniments and bulking out a meal with lots of vegetables, as well as using herbs and spices for taste and flavour.
'For me the 5:2 diet has been a life style change and one that I can stick to with ease.'
If I cannot manage two fast days in one week, I just have one fast day as a sort of maintenance day and then pick up again next week. Plus, intermittent fasting means I CAN attend dinner parties and special events without having to tell my hosts that I'm "on a diet" so I can't eat certain foods.
'It's a very liberating diet plan that gives me the freedom I want and need, in which to lose weight on my own terms with NO "forbidden" ingredients or food. Whether it will increase my lifespan is yet to be seen, but, I have lost weight, gained confidence, sleep better and have more energy, so on a short term basis and as Nina Simone says, I am feeling GOOD!'