I love summer for a couple of different reasons. The first being the extra daylight. I love the sun. I love being outdoors, however I don’t love excessive heat.
But what I do love is my pool and the ability to work my ass off, literally! I am so thankful that I have it in my arsenal to try to keep up with menopause and all of the different changes in my body. It’s everything I can do to lose a few pounds anymore!
The other day I was taking a selfie in the pool 🙂 because on my Instagram I share a lot of my more personal information regarding foods, exercise, other progression in my fight against fat. ( PSSST Follow me!)
As I was scrolling through my Instagram, which has become a poster example for things that have worked and things that have not worked in terms of eating and lifestyle, I happened to find a picture from last summer, and the summer before, all within the same month of pool selfies. Apparently, I take them seriously! 🙂
I noticed a few things in my travels through my pictures. The one from two years ago 2019, I had pretty much gained all of my weight back from my last attempt at weightloss. YAY… But what I really noticed was just how swollen and inflamed I was – again! UGH!
Even the picture from 2020 where I was cutting breads, gluten, and eating more low carb again, I still had a lot of extra flesh on my face and neck.
Fast forward to this week in 2021, and although I’m only down about 40 pounds, you can see a huge difference in my face, my neck, and my upper shoulder area with a reduced amount of Inflammation and, hopefully, fat. ( I think I even look better than I did 6 yrs ago with a 60 lb loss, linked above)!
So what’s the difference?
Fasting.
Face 2 Face with Intermittent Fasting
99% of the time, I fast 23 hours a day. I eat normally between 12:30 and 1:30 in the afternoon, or so. Some days a little later depending on when I get off work.
- Fasting is allowing my body to rest and reset.
- It reduces blood sugar.
- It’s helpful for reducing inflammation around your heart and other organs allowing them to work properly.
- It boosts metabolism and can help your brain function.
- It assists in weight loss, plus so many other benefits to your health.
One of the most encouraging things it’s just this picture.
It’s about control really. There are still many days I do not feel in control of my eating. I cave to sugar which I’m still trying to kick; it is seriously addicting. Some days I get out of the pool and I’m ravenous, so I eat and break my fast. Some days I don’t eat as planned and I break my fast. Yes, it pisses me off!!!
However, I find this way of eating almost peaceful. I don’t have to think about what I’m going to eat every day or when I’m going to eat. That gives me control over my food.
As I mentioned above, I am not perfect. However, I’m finding I’m getting much better at controlling when and what I eat regardless of what other people are doing around me. And then I get to look at pictures like this, that makes it all worthwhile.
What do you think about the comparison picture. Worth it??
The plan I use – EatLikeABear.com
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.