It's possible to make big changes that stick at any age!
I am 73 years old and, until 3 years ago, had tried just about every program that came out to reduce weight. I remember going on my first diet when I was 11 years old, since I was always a “chubby” child. In those days, it was always just about eating less, so I spent a lot of time hungry.
By the time I was in college, weight loss programs had become popular, and I remember existing on three lemon-flavored “diet” cookies for lunch each day. I’m not sure there was any difference between those and regular cookies, but clever marketing!
Over the working years, it was a question of yo-yoing up and down 30 or so pounds. I never stayed at the lower weights for long, since there was no life-style change involved. I always tried to do the right things, and even spent 15 years as a vegetarian. I was stunned by how much my blood numbers improved when I started eating meat again! I can now see that the problem was all those high-carb vegetable proteins that I ate.
Three years ago, my husband had knee replacement surgery, and his recovery did not go well. It was a time of high stress, and I realized after a few weeks that I’d put on 6 pounds. I had also come across Jason Fung’s Obesity Code, and it made so much sense to me. I decided that I would use his ideas to lose the 6 pounds. I started a low carb diet, with intermittent fasting. I cut out all processed foods, avoided the higher starch vegetables, but kept fruit, having berries with breakfast every day, plus fruit as dessert. I settled on two meals a day, between 16:8 and 18:6. The effect was amazing! I lost the six pounds, and went on to lose a total of 20. I have kept at that weight for three years now. I never snack between meals – my trick is to brush my teeth after both meals, so that signals no more eating. I’ve also cut the net carbs to <20, so I no longer have fruit.
I needed to get regular exercise and my hip problem limits walking so I took up cycling. The picture shows the day last year when I completed 10,000 miles (in three years) on my bike.
Last year, I discovered Polly Lysen-Halpern, and she is making a real difference to my health. Unlike most health professionals, she is a firm believer in the power of a low carb lifestyle. She is a delight to work with, and very encouraging with any progress I make!
We advise that you always check with your healthcare provider before starting a low carb diet or intermittent fasting as it could impact your medications and have serious medical consequences.
