About 8 out of 100 pregnant women develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancy: this particular form of diabetes affects more future mothers who suffer from obesity or overweight, who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or who have a history of miscarriage.
Problem: gestational diabetes is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes (or “diabetes mellitus”) in young mothers: the risk is thus multiplied by 10 on average. To avoid the onset of this chronic disease, weight loss is particularly necessary.
Precisely: according to a recent study published by the University of South Australia (in Australia, therefore), the 5:2 diet would allow women who have just given birth to easily regain a normal body mass index (BMI), that is- i.e. below 25, to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
5:2 diet: 5 days of balanced diet, 2 days of fasting
5:2 diet: what is it? The 5:2 diet works on the principle of intermittent fasting. Concretely: for 5 days in a row, we adopt a healthy and balanced diet, close to that which is advocated by the Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fatty fish, low fat , little dairy, little red meat); then, for 2 days, you try to restrict your food intake, mainly by consuming broths, steamed vegetables and lean meats.
“The 5:2 diet is a low-restriction option for women who have just given birth: it is an easier way to eat than constantly reducing your food intake, which is the principle of a low-calorie diet.“say the researchers, who published their work in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Please note: we remind you that after childbirth (and especially in the event of breastfeeding), the advice of a health professional is essential before starting a diet…
Read also :
- 5:2 diet: the 5 days of pleasure menus in practice
- 5:2 diet: the 2-day detox in practice
- The 5:2 diet, effective in preventing breast cancer?
