Fasting Changed My Life
Embarking on a weight loss journey is never easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding paths I’ve ever taken. For a long time, I carried the weight of self-doubt, feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. At my heaviest, I weighed 192 pounds. Today, I’m at 154 pounds, just 9 pounds away from my ultimate goal of 145. It’s taken me a year and a half to get here, with plenty of ups and downs, but every step has been worth it.
This journey has been as much mental as it has been physical, and I’ve learned so much along the way. From fasting and walking to experimenting with low-impact workouts like mat Pilates and the elliptical, each step has brought me closer to a healthier, more confident version of myself. And while I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I know there’s still work to do. Here’s how I’ve lost 38 pounds and why I’m more committed than ever to hitting my goal.
The Start of My Journey: A Wake-Up Call
My weight loss journey began during one of the hardest weeks of my life. I caught the flu and, within the same week, lost a dear friend to a drug overdose. That was a wake-up call. In the blink of an eye, life can change, and I was reminded of just how precious this gift of life truly is. I realized that I had been letting my health and my body take a backseat to everything else. I wasn’t taking care of myself the way I should.
The loss of my friend and my own battle with illness shed a light on the fact that we are only given one life, and it’s a life we need to cherish and take care of. God has blessed us with these bodies, and it’s our responsibility to honor them. I knew I didn’t want to let my life fly by, stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits and feeling like someone I didn’t want to be. That week made me understand that we don’t have the luxury of taking life for granted. It’s too short, and I needed to make a change.
Losing the First 30 Pounds: Fasting, Walking, and Consistency
The first 30 pounds came off with a combination of fasting and walking. I started with intermittent fasting, fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. At first, it was a challenge, but as time went on, I found it to be incredibly freeing. Eventually, I moved to fasting for 20 hours, eating within a 4-hour window, and sometimes I’d even do 24-hour fasts. While I didn’t restrict what I could eat, I ate less. I wasn’t cutting out foods or following a strict diet—I was just learning to be mindful of my portions. I realized that even healthy foods can pack a lot of calories, and I didn’t fully understand how much I was eating before.
What was eye-opening for me was how my body adapted. I can’t eat the way I used to anymore. At first, I felt hungry all the time, but as my body adjusted, I noticed I didn’t need to eat as much. The physical cravings started to subside, and I found that I was more satisfied with smaller portions. It’s like my body has recalibrated, and now it signals to me when it’s truly hungry, not when I’m bored or stressed.
Fasting gave my body the time it needed to rest and repair itself. It’s not about depriving yourself; it’s about creating balance. As I’ve learned, fasting activates the body’s natural healing process, known as autophagy, which helps repair damaged cells and improve overall health and longevity. And believe me, it works. Even when I didn’t exercise, fasting alone helped me shed weight and regain control over my health.
The Benefits I Feel from Fasting: More Than Just Weight Loss
While fasting has helped me lose weight, the benefits I’ve experienced go beyond the number on the scale. One of the most noticeable changes is my sleep. I used to struggle with restless nights, but fasting has helped me sleep more deeply and wake up feeling more refreshed. It’s as though my body is finally getting the rest it truly needs.
Another major benefit I’ve felt from fasting is more energy. For so long, I was caught in that mid-afternoon slump, needing caffeine or a snack to get through the day. Now, I feel more sustained throughout the day, and I have consistent energy from morning to evening. There’s no more food “noise” or constant cravings that make me feel sluggish and distracted.
Clearer skin has also been one of the unexpected perks. I used to deal with frequent breakouts, especially when I ate too much sugar or processed foods. Since I started fasting, my skin has been clearer, and I’ve noticed a natural glow that wasn’t there before. Fasting has given my digestive system a break, which has helped my skin look and feel healthier.
One of the things I cherish most about fasting is the mental clarity I’ve gained. I used to deal with brain fog, especially after eating big meals, but now I feel sharper and more focused. I’m able to think more clearly and be more productive throughout the day. This is a huge win for me because it’s not just about how I look—it’s about how I feel mentally, too.
The Mental Game: Understanding It’s More Than Physical
Losing weight isn’t just about what you do to your body—it’s also about what you do to your mind. The mental side of weight loss is the hardest part. There are days I didn’t feel motivated or days I slipped up and ate more than I intended, but I learned to not let those moments define me. I had to constantly remind myself that this is a process, not a race, and that each setback was just part of the journey.
It’s also a mental game of perseverance. I haven’t been fasting as much lately and I’ve taken some breaks here and there, but every time I get back into it, the weight slides off—even without intense exercise. That’s the beauty of fasting and finding the right balance—it works for me, even on the days I’m not as active.
It also helped me understand something about the way our bodies are designed. Our ancestors, as hunters and gatherers, didn’t have three meals and snacks every day. They fasted naturally, eating when they could and fasting when food was scarce. Our bodies are actually designed to handle fasting, and that’s why intermittent fasting is so effective for so many people. Of course, if you’re diabetic or have any medical conditions, always consult your doctor before starting any fasting routine.
Fun, Low-Impact Workouts: Mat Pilates and the Elliptical
I found that keeping my workouts low-impact was crucial to avoiding stress on my body and not spiking my cortisol levels. Mat Pilates became one of my favorite ways to move my body. It was a fun, low-impact exercise that helped me build core strength, improve flexibility, and tone my muscles without putting strain on my joints. Plus, it was a great way to focus on breath and mindfulness, which helped me stay grounded throughout my day.
The elliptical also became another go-to workout. It gave me a good cardio session without the impact of running, which was especially helpful on days when I needed something gentle but still effective. Both of these exercises fit into my routine without overwhelming my body, and they provided variety that kept me motivated.
The Science Behind Fasting: Healing and Repair
One of the things that really clicked for me during this journey was understanding the science behind fasting. Beyond weight loss, fasting helps our bodies heal. When we fast, our insulin levels drop, allowing our bodies to access stored fat and use it for energy. Fasting also stimulates autophagy, which is the process by which our cells remove toxins and repair damaged cells. This process not only helps with fat loss but also promotes overall health, longevity, and improved mental clarity.
Fasting also allows our digestive system to rest and repair itself. It gives the body time to focus on healing, instead of constantly processing food. Our ancestors lived by this rhythm, and our bodies are still designed to thrive with this pattern of eating and fasting. It’s truly amazing how our bodies can adapt and heal when we give them the proper time to rest and reset.
Where I Am Now: 154 Pounds and 9 Pounds Away from My Goal
As of today, I’m down to 154 pounds—just 9 pounds away from my goal weight of 145. It’s been a year and a half, and while I’ve had my ups and downs, I feel proud of where I’m at. The weight didn’t come off overnight, and it hasn’t been a perfect journey, but every pound lost is a step closer to becoming the best version of myself.
I’ve learned that weight loss isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. It’s about learning to listen to your body, embracing the process, and not giving up when things get tough. I’m excited to hit my goal, but I’m more excited about the person I’ve become along the way—stronger, healthier, and more confident.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Is Just as Important as the Destination
This journey has been as much about mental transformation as it has been about physical change. I’ve learned to love my body for what it is, not just what it looks like. I’ve gained confidence, clarity, and a new sense of self-worth that comes from taking care of my health. I’m down to 154 pounds, and while I’m almost at my goal, the biggest takeaway is that the journey itself has been worth more than the destination.
If you’re on your own weight loss journey, remember that it’s okay to take it one day at a time. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time. Trust the process, be kind to yourself, and know that every step you take gets you closer to where you want to be!!
