8 pounds to go until I hit my heaviest

Weighed myself today, I’m 233 pounds. That’s eight pounds heavier than I swore I would ever be, 225 was my original max weight. But then Covid happened, home life happened, an extra 30 pounds just gradually appeared.

So I exercised, I low carbed, and…5-10 pounds, and yo-yo back to even heavier. At my worst I was 252. But one night I had acid reflux when I slept that choked me awake, a most uncomfortable feeling. I decided that instead of taking a pill to stop the reflux I’d stop eating at 5pm and stop the problem itself. And that’s how I accidentally discovered IF.

Now the weight actually started coming off. I’ve maintained the 16:8 program since October. I’ve continued going to the gym, playing pickleball with my kids and lifting twice a week. My weight has gradually dropped from 252 to 233. I’m eight pounds away from 225, a line I swore I would never cross, and it feels so good to see that line come back into sight.

I do eat more protein, but I don’t restrict foods. I’ll even do a sugary treat once in a while. My feeling is that if I can make this as least restrictive as possible and continue to slowly lose weight, that’s the best progress for me. I’m considering doing alternate day fasting, my longest fast to date has been 40 hours.

My advice to anyone who wants to lose weight? Start with IF on a 16:8 program. No food restrictions other than the time restriction. You’ll start feeling better, your urge to snack will subside, you’ll find yourself pushing even longer into fasting hours because it feels natural to do so. I’ve rediscovered how to listen to my body and I love it. Much love to this community of people who have been so supportive, positive, and helpful. I’ve really appreciated discovering this place and hope that I can be helpful to others as well. Happy new year!