Hard to believe just 40 short days ago I made a commitment to myself to get healthy. And like I shared in Week 1, it was never really about the weight. I finally found myself sick and tired of being sick and tired. And once I came to that place of self awareness, it was easy to make what felt like “hard choices” in the short term, to ensure a better, healthier, more joyful me in the long term! And I have to say, 40 days later, this was the best gift I could give myself!!! What Intermittent Fasting taught me was that through simple discipline (by sticking to my fasting windows), in addition to making better and better intentional choices (change that tortilla out for a lettuce wrap…addded these multi-vitamins and this supplement to my daily routine along with implementing herbal teas nightly)…led me to a place where I began to see positive changes in my physical and mental health…a decline in my body’s inflammation…more energy…more brain clarity…and overall a more hormonally-balanced demeanor. And once I found that balance…it’s funny how the weight began to come off.
Like most things in life, sometimes it’s taking that first step that’s the hardest. And while I’m not a fan of fad diets…lose weight quick schemes…or frankly, not even claiming Intermittent Fasting is for everyone…what I do want to share, is that for me, it was giving something a try, and fully committing to it, is what hands down made this experience a positive one! In addition, going through this challenge with my husband made this experience way more fun and also successful! So, without dragging this thing out…I’m headed straight to our results!
Our 40 Day Challenge Results
After 40 days…and just shy of 6 weeks, I lost a total of 18 lbs, weighing in at 152. And Brian lost a total of 19 lbs! Isn’t that just bananas?! And while losing more than 1 lb a week is absolutely not advised for healthy weight loss, I’ll acknowledge that the majority of this stemmed from water weight and excessive bloat. Again, one of the many challenges that face those with PCOS. And like I shared in previous weeks and want to emphasize again, while I’m fully transparent with you about the pounds on my body and therefore the number on my scale, please be reminded that the number is not what it’s all about. Again, healthy is the new skinny! And positive change for mind, body and spirit is what the real goal is. Everyone’s body is different, and therefore results will vary. Have pride in your journey, celebrate the victories and give yourself grace during the challenges.
So, where do we go from here?
Well for starters, Brian and I are fully committed to this Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle, at least of now. Our goal for the next month is to implement working out into the mix and otherwise, sticking pretty much to the schedule we made for ourselves the past 6 weeks.
And for those of you curious or interested in starting Intermittent Fasting, consult your doctor and do your own research. To learn more about the benefits (outside of weight-loss) along with my own personal reasoning for starting it, along with the surprising benefits I experienced (hello lower blood pressure!!!)…you can read my journey in the posts below:
Week 1
Read More HERE.
Week 2
Read More HERE
Week 3
Read More HERE
Week 4
Read More HERE