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Coffee Talk: Weekend Recap & My First Week of IF

Good morning! How was your weekend? Have you de-Christmassed your house yet?

We took down our live tree last weekend, and I spent Friday taking down the garland from the foyer staircase. I never did get my skinny tree in the kitchen put away… maybe this afternoon.

I’m definitely leaving the tree in the family room for a while, though. It’s so pretty, and the colors are all silver and gold, so it looks more wintry than Christmassy.

I still have the village in my foyer too. A few of you asked for pictures, so here it is. I have more pieces, but I just chose a few favorites for this console table this year.

(And there is no reason why I only put the white felt under one house — I was just too lazy to comb through my bins of holiday decor to find more.)

I spent most of yesterday on the computer. It was chilly and rainy and the perfect day for staying indoors. I’m not sure what happened to our snow this year, but it sure better not all come in March! #youknowitwill

Having one less post to prepare this week gave me the opportunity to delve into other blog-related projects that I haven’t had time to tackle. I’m working on updating old posts that are still relevant, creating new pins, re-pinning, and internal linking within my own posts to try to increase page views and get new eyes on my content.

That may sound like a bunch of mumbo-jumbo to most of you, but it’s all part of the job!

I also need to plan out my editorial calendar for 2020. You guys have given me some great content ideas, and I want to make sure to implement them.

My most notable accomplishment yesterday, however, was not job-related. I’m happy to announce that I completed my 2019 Family Photo Album and got it ordered!!!!

I didn’t even get 2018 finished until just a few weeks ago, so to have 2019 complete and on order makes me SO happy!!!  Now I can start 2020 with a blank slate.

Before you ask, I use Apple Photos to store and organize all our family pictures, so I designed and ordered my photobook through their Mimeo app — which is basically the same company that always did Apple iPhoto albums. They’ve always been my favorite for good quality albums and a clean, uncomplicated design interface.

After a day of computer work, I was ready to get a change of scenery, so Paul and I decided to go out for happy hour at a local restaurant & bar we like to frequent. It was nice to get out, just the two of us, and talk uninterrupted.

Plus, I always love a good charcuterie board! Isn’t this gorgeous? I will say, the cheese selection was a little odd, but it was all delish.

I just threw on a casual outfit — a grey sweater and jeans (shocker!!!) And because it was rainy, I wore my Aquatalia sock booties (which are still 60% off and were restocked in a few sizes after selling out last month.)

OUTFIT DETAILS

In other news, I’ve been doing the intermittent fasting thing for a full week now. I dabbled in it before, but I didn’t really understand it, so I got the book Delay, Don’t Deny. I still need to read the last couple chapters, but I read enough to get the gist.

(Her Facebook Group is a great resource as well. That’s where I got my initial info and found out about the book.)

I realized I needed to shorten my eating window to have any hope of making my weight loss goal, so I’ve been doing 19:5 for the past week and pretty much eating one meal a day. (They call that OMAD.)

I know, it sounds like a ridiculous fad and totally not sustainable. And of course, it flies in the face of all conventional wisdom/(modern science?) about eating regularly and keeping your metabolism moving.

But I’m at the point where something has to give. My body is no longer playing by the rules, and I need something to jumpstart it into cooperating with me again.

And also? I really like wine and cheese. And meat. And the occasional dessert… just a taste is enough, but I don’t want to give up sugar again.

So, I’m giving this a try. Because the concept is, you can eat “whatever you want” during your eating window, and still get the weight loss results and health benefits of a keto diet.

I don’t know that I buy that, but I’m trying it. I mean, why not? It certainly seems to be working for a lot of people.

Now, hear me. I put “whatever you want” in quotes because you definitely cannot binge during that 5-hour window and lose any weight.

But if I’m careful to put nourishing food into my body during that time, I can also enjoy a bowl of potato chips while I’m making dinner, or some of that charcuterie board, or a few bites of dessert… or maybe all of the above, if my dinner is fairly low-carb and I watch my portions.

After a week, I’m down a couple pounds, but I realize at this point, it’s mostly due to calorie restriction. I haven’t been doing this long enough for my body to start breaking down fat cells for energy, but I’m hoping I can get there, and then it will be easier to maintain my happy weight.

Real Talk: I know some of you will tell me I look great, and I appreciate that. I actually hesitated to put all this out here because I know I’m a healthy weight, and I realize some of you are struggling with much bigger health issues and weight loss goals.

I’m actually fairly okay with how I look, but I’m currently at the tippy-tip-top of my regular weight range, and I’m headed into the season where I tend to put on a few pounds.

If I don’t get control of this now, I’ll have to move into the next clothing size, and I’m not interested in buying a new wardrobe. Ha! As if I don’t practically do that every season… #occupationalhazards

But seriously, this is it for me. I’ve been hovering around my “oh, hell no” weight for a few months — the months when I usually lose a few because I’m so busy — and I need to take action.

I thought about downplaying it and not sharing much about what I’m doing, but let’s face it, I’m an over-sharer, and this is a pretty big lifestyle change, so I decided to just put it all out here. If you think I’m crazy, please just keep that to yourself.

Although, it actually sounds like a lot of you practice IF, so I’ll be curious to hear your input.

Got advice? Struggles you want to share? Things you’ve learned? Let me know!

Is it sustainable?

As far as the sustainability of intermittent fasting goes, I’ve actually found it a lot easier than I expected. In fact, it’s kind of a relief.

Because I work from home, I don’t have social events around breakfast or lunch very often. In fact, I’m usually so busy during the day that I don’t want to take time to prepare something healthy to eat, so I fell back on snacking on junk.

With a 19:5 fasting/eating schedule, I just don’t eat for most of the day, and then I “break my fast” around 3PM. I try to eat something nourishing first (lately it’s been some leftover soup or dinner from a day or two before, or I’ll make some tuna salad) and then I might have a bite of something sweet as a reward for making it through my fast.

We eat dinner around 6PM, and I like to have a snack while I’m cooking — a bowl of popcorn or potato chips, or maybe some cheese. I try to close my feeding window by 7PM, or 8 at the latest. Some days my feeding window is 4 hours, sometimes it’s 6, but it’s usually around 5.

Also, I do put a wee bit of heavy cream in my coffee in the mornings… just enough to take the edge off the bitterness. . Yes, I know this is against the rules of a clean fast, but I’m talking a teaspoon at most, usually a little less. (I even measure it.) With two or three cups of coffee, that’s still less than 50 calories total — which some say is okay.

I realize that goes against the Delay, Don’t Deny philosophy, but I’m willing to risk it. Call me a rebel, if you must!

Any-who. I’m sure y’all will have questions, and feel free to ask, but really, if you’re truly interested, just buy this book. Or if you want quick answers, read this article. It seems fairly accurate and even addresses the opponents of IF at the end.

Only time will tell if IF works for me, or if I can stick with it long-term, but I’m gonna give it the old college try.

Well, that was definitely longer than I expected! Long-winded much?

I’m headed out to church in a bit. I have nursery duty, so it will be a casual #ootd.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Join The Conversation

56 Responses

  1. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday! I’ve done IF as well. I don’t have a lot to lose either but do not want to purchase new clothing and honestly I feel much better when I’m consistent with it. And at almost 49, feeling good is so important to me. And…autophagy is real thing. I normally do 16:8; every now and again fasting for 17-18 hrs. I eat well during my window and have pretty much always avoided lots of carbs anyway. I feel very good when I choose this way of eating and have plenty of energy.

  2. Your tree is so pretty! Where is it from? I think I need a new tree next year. And I totally get it. I turned 45 this year and it is just so much harder to keep the weight off. I play tennis almost every day and I think I’m a pretty careful eater. And I think a lot of it is just what I see and how I feel. I really don’t like when my pants get snug. But finally I went to a nutritionist and I really like the results. She helps me set up a meal plan and we plan weight workouts and it’s been good. Slow, but good.

    1. Slow and steady wins the race!

      My tree is from Home Depot, I believe, but it is reeeeeally old and starting to look it. I was actually thinking it may be time to replace it.

  3. Very interesting subject. New year is perfect for new beginnings. Not only a new way of eating but a new blog for me to read, and yours is great. Glad I found you!

  4. I just bought the book Delay, Don’t Deny last week. I read it all and through most of the testimonials at the end. I wish she would have given actual menus to see what foods realistically will work. Yes IF is a faddish thing now and I know of at least one other blogger who follows an IF plan, hello Cyndi! I’m much older than you, but I too have this middle tummy thing going on and gained a lot over the holidays. So I’m going to try IF too. I will look forward to seeing how we do! Love your home decor – Northern homes are always so much classier than our southern homes(my opinion.) Have a good one.

  5. Thanks for keeping it real with us! I have always liked your blog because you are so honest and relatable.

  6. I appreciate you sharing with us.  I believe that most of us want to be happy with what we see in the mirror, and we have different ways of reigning things back in, when necessary.  I keep proving to myself that if I snack every night after dinner, the pounds are going to creep back on.  Why do I have to keep proving that fact to myself!!  Loving myself the way my body looks now, instead of wanting it to be the way it was 20 years ago, is a real struggle.  Deep down I know that if I were that thin now, I would look sickly nor would I have enough meat on my bones to fight off sickness.  As of last night, I have committed to not putting snacks in my mouth after 8p, which is a good 3 hrs. before I go to bed.  Have a blessed day!

  7. I have been doing intermittent fasting for over a year – it is great and I feel so much better.  I stop eating at 6pm and drink black coffee until 11am (3cups) which I switched to when I started.  The holidays are brutal for eating things that aren’t so great but I typically eat protein and salads in my feeding window.  It is easier when you do it with someone so my husband and I do it together but the kids eat whenever.  I’ve increased my water drinking because that is what is encouraged (more than 8 glasses).  We are at the point where we don’t even think about it anymore.  

  8. Yesterday I spent the day cleaning and started to take down and re organize our Christmas decorations. I still have our family room tree and railing up ( both artificial) .. until after our last gathering tomorrow.. I went on Pinterest last night and looked at blogs of going from Christmas to winter decor. I’m not ready for my spring decorating yet… but I’m ready for spring lol if that makes sense. So I plan on leaving up some of my little green trees etc.. and of course today we have snow and it’s a winter wonderland and there will be more to come so I’m keeping with the season I guess.. I hope you find success on the intermittent fasting.. I just find the older I get (52 this month) I eat when I’m hungry( sometimes it feels like IF lol)and have cut portion sizes over the past few years.. I’m a nibbler and find too many big meals too much, as well as too much meat for me no good… I was trying to get off a set weight that wouldn’t budge either and over the last couple weeks final went down 2 lbs… for me it’s about maintaining where I’m at right now and if I drop another few pounds yah!!’ We do have to work harder at it the older we get that’s for sure.. Question though? If you’re up at 530 a.m.how do you go so long until 3 p.m. to eat without being starved and having fuel for your body? 

  9. I just ordered the Vince v-neck at Nordstrom Rack. Thank you for the alert on that! So glad you’re doing IF. I love it and will never go back to “normal” eating. If you like Gin’s book, then you might enjoy her podcast (Intermittent Fasting Stories) where she interviews other IF-ers. I don’t listen regularly but have caught a few of them. She also has another book releasing in early June called Fast, Feast, Repeat. It’s a more comprehensive guide to IF. Happy Sunday!!

  10. It seems this intermittent fasting is all the rage right now. I know I couldn’t do it because I get headaches when I don’t eat in the mornings plus I enjoy having meals with my family and they aren’t going to do it. My daughter just graduated with a nutrition degree and disagrees with the Intermittent fasting theory. So there that too. But I have to confess that I did get some help from my doctor 2 yrs ago. Because I had gained 20 pounds and it doesn’t sound like a lot. But when your 5’1 petite, menopausal and 55 it was very hard to get the weight off and I developed high blood pressure which I had never suffered from in my life. I made a commitment to my doctor to exercise more and eat better and refused to go on medication but after a few months of trying the weight wasn’t coming off. So my doctor offered to help with a monitored diet pill to kick start my metabolism. I only took it on the days I worked out because it provided the extra energy I needed and although it took a year, I lost the 20 pounds and have kept it off with regular exercise and healthy eating habits. We all need a little help sometimes so definitely do what works for you and good luck! 

  11. I’ve been eating zero carb (low carb/high fat) for more than a year. Lost about 5 lbs. But since I’ve gotten serious about IF, I’ve lost 10 more pounds lbs. since last October. I feel healthy and good! Main thing is to eat plenty during feeding
    window so as not to be restricting calories. That’s not sustainable. Good luck!

  12. Your winter Christmas tree is lovely! It adds such a nice ambiance to your living room. Good for you for trying different strategies to keep your weight in check – its a battle for us all! I too struggle with pesky extra pounds and being 40+ doesn’t help matters. I watched Dr. Michael Mosley’s documentary on IF a few years ago and it was an eye opener. Google it if you can. I think there is merit in IF. We, as a society, started eating 3 meals plus added constant snacking in the 1980s and that may have contributed to the obesity epidemic we have now. In France (and most of Europe), women eat 3 meals per day and snacks are unheard of and faux pas. Most French women are slim regardless of their age. I tried the 5:2 fasting. It was effective but tough when working. I was able to do it for 2 months but keeping it up as a lifestyle was too challenging. I now try to stop eating after 6 pm and IF until 8 am. I’m not my “ideal” weight but am healthy so take my blessings as they come. Thanks for sharing your story….. We can all learn from each other!

  13. Same here, healthy weight, but up about 10 lbs from where I was when I lost 55 lbs with Weight Watchers (about 2 years ago). And 10 lbs makes a big difference when you’re 5’0″. And I love my clothes that I bought and really don’t want to buy a new wardrobe, but many of the pants/jeans are definitely too tight. It’s just so easy to fall back into not-so-great eating habits. I’m going to google IF, but I think I would have a tough time, since I’m still working (teaching). I hate to think of the kids bearing the brunt if/when I get hangry. 😀

  14. We are de-Christmasing today. My plan is to take everything off the tree and then let my husband wrap the ornaments and get everything organized. That’s the part that does not bring me joy! 

    Your village is cute! Did you buy the felt pre-cut like that? I think I will get some for under my nativity scene. It’s all white and very modern but looks a little strange sitting on the glass coffee table. 

    Good luck on your IF! I totally agree with you…my wardrobe is a big reason I don’t let myself gain weight! It used to be all about looks, but now it’s about health and it’s much easier. Re: cream in your coffee…it’s your life-your rules! Have a wonderful day!

  15. Thought I’d throw my experience into the discussion (long time reader – first time commenting!). I had the same struggle with my weight earlier this year (55 and a steadily climbing scale over the past few years) and finally decided permanent lifestyle changes were needed to go with my “new normal”  metabolism. I made a serious go at IF but didn’t see any change and felt seriously deprived. I finally settled on Weight Watchers and have lost 30 lbs that I didn’t know I needed to lose until it was gone! I feel like I’ve retrained myself to eat healthier foods in moderation and don’t feel deprived at all. It really is all about how YOU feel when you look in a mirror, not what others think. Thanks for always providing great content, looking forward to 2020!

  16. Happy Sunday! I completely understand your mumbo jumbo, I am a web geek and design websites for a living!
    I love your honesty and details about IF. I have started IF myself not so much because of how I look, but I want to feel better. My 21-year-old college age son has been doing IF for a while. I actually read about it at drmercola.com. I have decided to try 18:6. But I give myself grace and take it 1 day at a time. Coffee sure helps!!

  17. I think I got to my oh hell no weight 30 lbs ago lol. I’m starting nutrisystem tomorrow and really hoping this kicks it into gear. Good for you for trying to stop the gain before it’s too far gone! We all have our happy weight and when you’re not at it, it’s hard! 

  18. I ordered the book and about to start reading it.  I am interested in hearing updates on your progress.  

    Have a blessed day!  

  19. IF might seem like a fad, but there’s actually a lot of science to back up its health benefits. Check out work done by Dr. Jason Fung of Canada on this topic. We’re using it to manage my husband’s Type II diabetes, and I personally know one person who lost 25 lbs in the last year with time limited eating. When you stop to think about it, we didn’t evolve on three square meals a day plus snacks – instead, we fasted for long periods, then binged. Now I think we mostly just binge! Or maybe that’s just me, ha.

  20. Thank you for the article on IF. We have tried it in the past and didn’t make it part of our lifestyle so we are going to try it again. I enjoyed reading the research and health benefits. Thanks for sharing how you work it into your daily life. Being retired, it’s not as hard for us as it is for you and other younger families. Starting today we will also add more plants into our diet. 

    Thank you and have a wonderful week. 

  21. I’ve been IF for almost 3 yrs & it works for me! I’m 59 & the weight kept creeping on no matter how much cardio or exercise I did. So, 3 yrs ago I started FWTFL which was life changing. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been with more energy too. I believe it’s totally sustainable. I love to cook & eat so I don’t have to deny myself of either. I would say I’m 90% very healthy & the rest is either a sugary or salty treat. I also do the “cheat” of putting a little cream in my morning coffee. I wish you well on your journey!

  22. Thank you for keeping it real. I’m at a healthy weight too but am up a few pounds mostly because I haven’t been to the gym in 4 months. My small, intimate gym closed and I’ve tried other gyms and while there are more programs and trainers, I hate the crowded feeling. I know that I was spoiled with the small gym and I have to get over it and join a new gym. My sleep patterns are off, too and I know lack of exercise is the reason. I have to shove myself out the door and do it! LOL! Interestingly enough, I spent two weeks in Italy in November and I didn’t gain any weight despite more eating and larger meals than what I normally eat. As Yelena mentioned, women in Europe eat 3 solid meals a day and I rarely saw any overweight locals. The food I ate in Italy was all homemade with no preservatives with lots of fruit and vegetables. Except for holidays, I have tried to add some of the ways of eating I experienced into the meals that my husband and I have. For the new year, my focus will be on this more healthy eating method and the gym. I look forward to hearing how IF is working for you.

    1. I spent a year in Italy and never ate so much and got so thin. Food is less processed and walking a lot attributes to much of it.

  23. I started IF almost 2 years ago (dropped 35 pounds) and find it to be the easiest way to manage my weight that I have ever tried. For me it is sustainable, even when I’m traveling. I generally have a 6 hour eating window-noon to 6pm. I eat 2 meals, no snacks. I eat dessert at times and have an occasional drink. I put a little cream in my coffee-another rebel here!  don’t feel deprived and I don’t fixate on food like I have on other “diets”. I expect to be eating this way for the rest of my life. I read “The Obesity Code” by Dr Jason Fung when I started. Life changing for me!  

  24. You do look great but I’m a lot older than you and it’s best to nip it in the bud early. I’ve been up and down forever and an injury caused a large gain a few years ago. I also bought the book upon your recommendation but one meal a day seemed extreme. I’m starting tomorrow with a smaller goal and I’ll follow your progress before I go to one meal! Love the blog!

  25. Hi Jolynn,
    I have spent all week off going through my closet and cleaning, organizing and getting rid of stuff and found your blog about it very helpful. I would love a post on now how to put outfits together. I have lots of cardigans, vests and some underlayer things but not sure the best way to put it all together. Thanks.

  26. I have been IF for a year and half. For me it posed no issues. Back in the day if i did eat something say at 8am i was hungry again by 11am (and was eating 2x before 11am, crazy!)  …. so now i just drink coffee and water til 11am and then break my fast at that time. It is now my lifestyle. I usually eat one main meal a day and then some roasted veges at dinner time (that i make for my husband… so in theory we are still having dinner together). I gave up sugar about 8mos ago and do NOT miss it at all. I try to basically just eat whole foods, lots of lean protein and good fats. I have kept 15 lbs off for 2 years now….. coming from someone who trains for half marathons and never lost a lbs from that training….. it goes to show that what and when you eat IS the most important factor in weight loss and being strong & healthy. Good luck, i think u can stick with it ! 

  27. I work in a surgery center, so the day begins at 5:30 am. Just like you, I drink my first coffee then, with cream, haha!! Then it’s yogurt, Kind bar, or nuts around 9:30 am, lunch whenever I can break, snack when I get home or while cooking, dinner around 5:30-6:00 pm (wine and dessert sometimes included), then nothing until my coffee at 5:30 am the next day. 

    I will say that my eight hours of eating are fairly clean and Mediterranean-inspired: toast, cereal, eggs, salads, thoughtful subs, thoughtful pasta, chicken, beef, fish, veggies, soup, quality bread, quality cheeses, and quality smallish desserts. Thoughtful and quality are words I emphasize. And exercise is a must…I powerwalk.
    I love to eat and experience food, so this works well with my own lifestyle. Good luck! Allow yourself some room to adjust and celebrate those mini goals that you achieve!!  

  28. Thank you for mentioning the book. I have read it and am also trying it. So far I like the plan. I appreciate how honest and open you are. 

  29. Glad to hear that your are trying interment fasting. I started IF about 2 years ago after learning about it through Cindi, Cassie at Hi Sugarplum and Kay at Dressed for My Day blogs. I have an 8 hour window between noon and 8pm, 2 healthy meals, baby carrots and yogurt dip or hummus or salad about 5 pm when I am starving. I don’t broadcast my eating schedule but rather quietly follow it on my own. My husband eats a WW breakfast every morning. I have committed to the gym 4-5 days weekly using the elliptical or attending a spin class. My goal is to add three strength training machines one at a time in the next few weeks. Again, I find if I broadcast my regime, I fall off the rails! So I quietly keep to my flexible schedule and maintain my weight. My guilty pleasures are salty and sweet but I work hard at keeping them to a minimum. I am in my mid sixties, and yes it does get harder as you get older so you are smart to keep an eye on it now! I should also admit that if we are visiting / helping out with our grandkids, my interrupted gym routine often leads to a 3 week interruption!
    Changing topics, our daughter earned her BS in nursing at Villanova. Your daughter should check it out. I assume it is in your area. Also, how nice would it be if one of your daughters chose Gordon! Best Happy New Year Wishes to you and your family!

  30. I haven’t read the book you mention, but I have read lots of articles on the health benefits of IF in addition to weight loss. I’ve been trying my own version of IF for the digestive health reasons. I eat a normal breakfast and take my vitamins, but then I’ll go about 6-7 hours without food (I’m skipping lunch)  and then eat a normal dinner and drink wine some nights, and I have no food after 7:00. I’ve been doing this for just a week, but I feel good. I was having some digestive issues and terrible heartburn at night but this past week I’ve felt great. I start back at work tomorrow so it might change a little, as I’m not sure if I can go all day without eating and still be 100% energetic for my class of 9 year olds 😄 so I might have to tweak it a little, but the doctor said it’s good to give your gut a “digestive rest.”
    Good luck to you!
    Funny thing is I just read an article about former super-model Cindy Crawford who said her secret to staying young looking is that she’s put on a little extra weight as it plumps up the skin and you see less wrinkles. 🤷‍♀️
    Last question: Do you feel that Pinterest is still relevant to new fashion? Are people/influencers still “pinning” new outfits? I ask because I recently went on there and it seemed that most of the fashion was dated – didn’t see much new. I know personally I don’t use Pinterest much at all anymore. I go to Instagram or the Like to Know It app. Just curious what you thought. 
    Sorry for the long wordy comments☀️ 

  31. My doctor says her healthiest patients are intermittent fasters.  I eat between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.  Thanks for sharing this.

  32. Oh my…..  that doesnt sound sustainable to not eat all day. I just never have been for fad diets. Once you break it you usually gain back and then some. Be very careful as you could mess up your metabolism. What happens when your Europe trip comes and you want to eat during the day?  I wish you would do Weight watchers or talk to Cyndi about her Faster Way To Weight lose program. Her sister does it too and they had great results and it seems sustainable. I know you will probably get lots of comments today, don’t take this wrong just want you to be healthy and start something that will last. You are right I don’t think you need it but I know how it feels to be just alittle ways from ideal weight and not want to go up a size etc. have a good day. Love your coffee talks. Thanks for sharing. 

  33. Let us know how the IF goes. I’ve just got through learning my body is a machine that needs fuel every three hours and now IF is all the rage. LOL! At this point I’m not sure I could do it but it’s working for lots of people I know. It seems like weight loss isn’t a one size fits all thing. For me I feel best when I’m eating protein, doing weights and feel more toned regardless of how I may look to other people or the number on the scale, so I know what you’re saying. How we feel in our own skin is the deciding factor. 

  34. Jo-Lynne,

    I’m also doing 5:2 IF. I do watch what I eat on the 5 days off and try to keep my eating window to 8 hours on those days. I have lost 13 lbs since October. I made it through the holidays just fine. I still enjoyed my favorite Michigan craft beers and Christmas cookies. I’m 55 and post menopausal and IF is the only thing that works for me. On my fast days I have half-n-half in my coffee. I have found that popcorn helps me stay on task with my fast also. It may seem like a fad, but it’s helping me. I have 11 pounds to go. When I get there, I will be happy to buy some of the clothes you feature on your blog. Thanks 😊 in advance for that!  Your tree is beautiful!

  35. I’ll be interested to see how the IF goes for you.  My husband and I did the Naturally Slim program a year ago and lost weight.  It’s truly a lifestyle change and I can tell when I slip and don’t follow the main guidelines.  The biggest eye-opener was to learn our stomachs are the size of a loosely held fist.  When you fill your plate, you should have about that much food to eat and no more.  Our dinner plates have increased in size over the years which attributes to us eating more without actually realizing it.  Most meals at restaurants and fast food places have about twice that amount of food.  Yikes!  The other thing I try not to do is drink pop and snack in between meals (I am a snacker!) and wait until I am really hungry to eat.  There are numerous more tips that really change the way you think about food, not to mention how you eat.  If we follow it, the weight drops off And stays off, and if we lapse, we see it creep back on.  Holidays are the worst!  Good luck with your fasting!  

  36. Happy Sunday! Thank you for sharing about your intermittent fasting. I know exactly how you feel. I started doing FWTFL about 2 1/2 years ago for exactly the same reason. I was at the top of my comfortable weight, everything was tight and I was so frustrated getting dressed each day. I was eating pretty healthfully and exercising but couldn’t drop any weight. I liked my clothes and didn’t want to take the time to buy new clothes! I found it after Cyndi mentioned she liked it and finally bit the bullet which was big for me. I hate spending money on things like that. I know you said you didn’t care for it but it was tremendously successful for me to the point where a lot of my clothes were too big! I’ve stopped paying for the membership now and slacked off the program a bit and gained a little back but in a good way as my husband said I was getting too thin and it was frustrating getting dressed because everything was too big! Oh, and I didn’t tell anyone (even my family) I was doing it because I didn’t want to hear “but you look great! You didn’t need to lose any weight!” I knew I needed to do something for myself, not how anyone else thought I looked. Anyway, I do still practice the intermittent fasting and I guess it helps. I was just looking at the Facebook link you shared for that book and I guess I don’t do a clean fast. I put milk in my tea and keep it under 50 calories. I’m going to take a look at the book and see what other differences there are. I also eat A LOT. I try to balance my macros and usually eat about 2000 calories a day (I’m 5’9″) so I’m definitely not calorie restricted. I hope it works for you and you find it sustainable. I know how stinky it feels to not feel comfortable in your clothes (especially when it’s what you do for a living!!!)

  37. Oh and thanks for the heads up about the Aquatilia booties. Once I finally decided to buy them last fall, they had sold out so I took that as a sign. I’ve been lusting after them for a while and they are a little out of my price range, even on sale but I figure if I wear them a ton, they’re worth it. I just ordered them so we’ll see.

  38. Well I think you are wise to pay attention to your weight now….I did not in my 40’s, while I was always quite small, 5’4, 125 -it started to creep up on me…now I’m in my mid 50’s and have a lot of weight to lose, probably about 50 lbs…and it’s very tough…menopause😫 I wish I had been paying much closer attention and taken the weight off when it was just a few pounds.  

  39. Thank you for sharing. I’m in the same boat, the weight keeps creeping up and I was at the highest weight I thought I would allow more than a year ago, sigh!  I’ve not struggled with my weight up till now (age 45) and it’s showing that I have no idea how to eat healthily, really, with snacking and sweets!  I’ve gone a different route and joined Weight Watchers to lose the 10 pounds that will safely keep me in my wardrobe!  Anyway, I will be curious how the journey goes for you.  

  40. I have been doing IF since 2017. I close my window between 8-9 pm and open it between 3-5pm the next day. It has become so easy. I drink black coffee, tea and water sometimes I have a cup of ice chips. I don’t use any cream
    In my coffee because sometimes that can trigger your insulin response and cause you to be more hungry. I love If because not only the weight loss but the health benefits. I am 56 and had never had a weight problem always a size 4-6. As soon as I hit peri-menopause the weight gain started along with aches and pains and hot flashes you name it I had it. If has taken all of that away. It’s also a great lifestyle because you can change your window as needed for special events or family get together or whatever. Sorry for the long post but this has been an amazing thing for me and I hope you stick with it a while to see and feel the benefits. I was pushing 12 and 14’s and am now back down to an 8. However, the other health benefits have been the best! I follow Gin Stevens and highly recommend you listening to her podcasts she also has a podcast with Melanie Avalon that gives a lot of information. When I take a day off I can’t wait to jump back in because I feel so much better. Good luck with your journey ! And keep up the awesome job on your blog. 

  41. I wanted to say a personal thank you to you for recommending the intermittent fasting book, Delay, Don’t Deny, in your post today. Something about your words clicked with me, so I downloaded it this morning, and finished it this afternoon. I always seem to be satisfied after one “real” meal, so I’m ready to give the eating window a try. I wish you the best on your journey, too. 

  42. Merry Christmas! I just wanted to comment on the Intermittent fasting. I did it, and lost 18 pounds. However, be careful…after my weight loss, I also started to lose something else, my hair! I now suffer from chronic hair shedding and cannot seem to regulate my body since fasting. I know its such a quick fix and works wonders, but wanted to share my experience with it and to be cautious!

  43. I just started IT, and I’m reading DDD. I’m shocked at how well I am adapting! I’ve tried many diets over the years, but I truly believe I can make this lifestyle change.  Today is my 5th day, and I’m very encouraged. It’s a completely different mindset that makes me feel like I’m in control of my food vs it controlling me. 
    I have completely eliminated stevia and my eating window is about 6 hours. I try to make healthy choices when I eat, but it’s by choice. Just knowing I can have dessert too is a big deal! Good luck to anyone who decides to try it! 

  44. As soon as I saw your photo and before realising your new regime I thought you looked thinner!!
    The 5:2 is very popular here and I know several people- guys and gals- who have successfully shed their tummies!  
    Your tree is gorgeous too!
    Best wishes Jane

  45. I enjoy hearing about your struggles with weight.  For years I have felt I should be quiet about my struggles as friends are often much heavier and have health issues. But…as you state, it isn’t that we are too big right now .  The issue is we can’t keep gaining.  About 5 years ago my body also did a turn.  I am still leaning how to navigate the new body. I have dappled a little with IF.  Will look into it more. 

  46. I do the 16:8 Monday- Friday. And a longer fast 19:5 every Sunday. I prefer to fast from 4p-8a because the end of the fast is while I am sleeping but I realize that doesn’t work for most families. I find that it helps me be able to balance…like you, I only need to lose a few pounds to stay within my pant size goal. I’ve been doing this for a couple years now and at 45 I find it is a realistic way to have a healthy balance of food (including desserts) and stay within my weight limits. (I have the hell no weight too!)

  47. I began IF about 3 years ago to try to lose 20 stubborn pounds. I didn’t lose the 20 pounds 😩  but it helped so much with my ulcerative colitis symptoms that I continue to use it to this day. It’s become a lifestyle for me. I do 16-8, I eat from 12-8 every day. And lemmetellya, I feel so much better as far as my UC goes!  Good luck to you!

  48. I’ve been doing 16-8 ever since The 8 Hour Diet book came out several years ago. It’s definitely the way to go for me and the book was very helpful.

  49. First of all, let me say that I love your blog even though you have enabled me more than any other influencer! 🙂 It is clear that you put a ton of time and effort into your content. I hope you are getting rich from your commission on my purchases! Haha!

    Regarding IF, I had dipped my toe into it a few months ago but stopped for some reason. Then I noticed a picture of you with “Delay, Don’t Deny” in your lap and got intrigued enough to purchase the book from Audible, since I’d read what a great narrator Gin Stephens (the author) is. This time I jumped in with both feet. (thanks to your photo!!) IF appeals to me for a number of reasons: I’m lazy and the thought of not having to think about food prep for most of the day was appealing. I don’t like breakfast, anyway, and my “danger” time has always been after dinner. I will say that the change to drinking my coffee black was the biggest challenge, but I’ve done it. I actually don’t really need to lose a lot of weight, but I was especially intrigued by the people who reported increased energy and better sleep, which have been big problems for me my entire life. So after getting back in to IF (with a 5-6 hour window), I already feel MUCH better. I’ve been losing around a pound a week, but the difference in my energy level is not to be believed. I visited my sister who is a gourmet chef over New Year’s, and after 3 days of eating her food, I felt completely exhausted. Now I’m back to feeling perky again! I was discussing IF with my family, and when I called my 33-year old son yesterday, he said that after listening to me, he had started IF as well. I won’t get into how often he listens to me! 🙂 Whew, this is a long comment, but I truly enjoyed your Sunday post and hope that IF works for you. In case you didn’t know, there’s a Delay, Don’t Deny FB group that has almost 190,000 members!! Thanks again for being a fabulous and helpful blogger.

    1. Hey Barbara, thanks for all that!!! How exciting. I am noticing the increase of energy (it just kicked in over the past couple of days), and it feels great. I am in that FB group – it’s fantastic.

  50. I hit the age where I can’t make the scale move downward even with exercising. I began IF in June and got some good news at the doctor in September: that I was down a few pounds. I know that isn’t’ earth-shattering for most, but oh my goodness I was thrilled! I haven’t been able to lose one pound for the last several years, much less a few. I will continue with the IF as I feel good with it. If I’m particularly stressed or on vacation, I go off the IF, but return to it when I’m back home or the stressful period is over. Good luck with your endeavor….just listen to your body. 🙂

  51. I started intermittent fasting last summer (I do 18:6).  I started for the same reasons you mentioned.  I am not getting any younger (just turned 45) and was at the tippy top of where I wanted to be. It has worked so well for me (I also exercise everyday).  I realized I was eating breakfast b/c I was making it for my girls, not because I was hungry.  So my eating window starts around noon and I try to close it by 6.  Good luck. I think you will find it gets easier the longer you do it!!  🙂 

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