I started intermittent fasting in 2017—not to lose weight, but to simplify my mornings. I was tired of the constant breakfast struggle, trying to make something healthy that would keep me from snacking until lunch: eggs and toast? Apples and almond butter? Avocado toast? Smoothies? Nothing really worked, and even “healthy” cereals or oatmeal left me super hungry within a couple of hours of eating. I needed help with the breakfast battle!

As a master certified health coach with a degree in psychology, I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between habits, behavior, and health. When I discovered intermittent fasting, it felt like the perfect solution. I preferred lunch foods anyway, so skipping breakfast seemed logical and doable. It wasn’t easy at first, but the freedom I felt from not having to worry about breakfast anymore was enough incentive to keep me going, so I stuck with it—and I’m so glad I did!

When I started, I was 58 and at the same weight I’d been since high school, and I wasn’t, necessarily, trying to change that. I assumed that I was at my set weight — basically, the weight my body seemed to default to no matter what I tried —since every past attempt at dieting had only ever resulted in a few pounds lost (and regained). Plus, we’re often told that weight gain during menopause is inevitable. So, imagine my surprise when I started to lose weight with intermittent fasting! Over time, my body just naturally settled into a lighter, healthier state.

I’ve maintained my new set weight (the equivalent of a Thanksgiving turkey!) for four years now, and I feel better than I even felt in my twenties. I wake up without stiff, puffy, or achy fingers like I used to, I never feel tired during the day, I have no aches or pains, and my mind feels clearer and more focused. And the benefits don’t stop there—there’s more I’ll share on my blog.

I hope I’ve inspired you enough to stick around for tips, to join my email list, and to give intermittent fasting a try. However, if you’d like support, please explore my programs: the one-month Just a Slice Support for a quick start or the three-month Whole Cake Support for a gradual approach to this lifestyle. I’d love to help you lose weight and feel great, too. And seriously, if I can do this, so can you!