Yesterday was my six month anniversary (clean) fasting. I should specify that I do some longer fasts a couple times a month, because from what I’ve read, longer fasts better address insulin resistance.
On January 3, 2023, I weighed 371, and today, the scale read 271. I’ve lost 100 pounds in six months and a couple days thanks to clean fasting.
Thank you so, so much for that amazing update! 100 pounds in 6 months is absolutely incredible. You must feel like a whole new person! That's great that you do some longer fasts every now and then. Yes, it's very helpful to heal that insulin resistance. Keep me posted as you continue on!
It’s been a wild ride. I do feel like a new, healthier, younger version of myself. I’ve gone from size 32W to 22W, so just trying to update the wardrobe has been interesting. I’m amazed at the increase in my energy and motivation. Excited to see how the next six months goes.
I’ve never been better. I’m down 125 lbs in 2023. I’m off all GERD meds, including proton pump inhibitors (which I’ve been on for twenty years). I’ve gone from 32W/6X to 18/XL and it’s been a challenge to keep up with the size changes. My ability to focus and execute at work has never been better. I ride my bike, do kettlebell weight workouts and walk just for fun, because I have so much energy. I still do some extended fasts during the work week, with refeeds on the weekends and I’m probably 90% carnivore now. No plans to change what I’m doing nine months in. Thanks for checking in!
Thank you so much for sharing! You are an inspiration! I love that you have so much more energy and can focus your mind. I am the exact same way--my mind has never been sharper. Sometimes when I have a cheat meal and eat too many carbs, I am reminded how foggy I used to feel all the time. Then I can't wait to get back to my regular self. Keep us the great work! 😁
I am in! 20:4 - Clean fasting really does make fasting easier. I thought it'd be harder, but it's simpler and I actually felt better clean fasting than when I was drinking flavored LaCroix all day.
I'm in! Because your description of all the time since Memorial Day pretty much sums up my summer. I started IF on April 1, had a great two months, then have just barely been holding steady in June and July. I was planning to recommit anyway, but your post is added wind in my sails! Thanks.
I know, right? We think summer is going to be such a great time to be healthy because we're outside but it turns out it's just one food party after another. Glad you're in!
Elissa! That's awesome. I love that you feel so much better. Keep me updated on your progress. Many people find their sleep massively improves--mine certainly did.
Leslie, I'm in, and loved this article! I am a long-term successful faster (intermittent 16:8 for 5 years) who fell off the wagon a few months ago when my mom died. I happened to see your article and will get back on it and do it cleaner this time (no stevia, etc.) My goals are to tighten up my blood glucose again (as a T1D) and lose some pounds I added a few months ago. I know it works!
I'm sorry about your mom! Having a loved one die can really throw things off.
I'm so happy to hear you'll be giving up stevia. This has been a complete game changer for the people I coach (and myself as well). I wish you the best as you restart. It should be easy to get back into it since you were successful for so long. And kuddos to you for doing it with Type 1 diabetes. Some doctors try to tell type 1s they can't do it. So I'm always thankful to hear of more and more type 1s having success! Blessings!
Thank you so much for your kind words. A challenge like this will help me get through the sad days. Yes, fasting works great for Type 1, for lowering glucose numbers and total daily insulin. We just have to take care to reduce insulin to avoid low blood sugars. (A CGM is a good safety measure, for many fasting T1Ds. :-))
I’m in! I didn’t realize I was doing it half-heartedly until I read what you were doing halfhearted… I already fast clean for 16-18 hrs now I need to not eat all through my open windows. I eat mostly healthy already but was using my open eating windows to eat the sweets I totally crave now. (Clearly showing me I’m insulin resistant bc I crave sweets) today is the day! I’ve cut out all seed oils but realize I was allowing myself to eat them at restaurants. So skipping that for these 3 wks so I can feel better
I make my own mayo for chicken salad I love fruit but will try and eat after my protein and fats at my meals instead of eating throughout my open eating window. I’m excited
I just got back from a vacation so I missed the 1st of August start, but I am in on the challenge. My goal is to lose the rest of my belly fat. Also, I have many signs of insulin resistance from your list. But they are improving! I'm 71 years old and have been doing IF since March 2022. Thanks for your blog posts.
I'm leaving the refined sugars up to you for now. People will get the best results from cutting them out completely. However, if someone follows everything else, I'm not going to tell them they can't have a small piece of dark chocolate with real sugar. I'm hoping people will realize that when they eat a lot of protein/healthy fat and cut zero-cal sweeteners, their sugar cravings naturally subside without me even having to outlaw it.
So this challenge, I'd prefer a little real sugar to any zero calorie alternatives because my theory is that all those new things are so toxic for us, even the "natural" ones like stevia.
Hi Leslie, I'm in for lowering BP, cholesterol, losing weight and having more energy. I just wish I knew how to have the self control to stick to it. I've tried many other plans and I just can't stick to them. ?????
Many people who couldn’t stick with other plans have been able to stick with IF bc it’s so easy. After awhile, you get used to it and it doesn’t require as much self control
Preparing to put my marching boots on! Found you courtesy of the Samaritan Ministry newsletter at just the right time in my life after no luck with IF the first go round, nor with the big breakfast diet, etc. Thankful God has given me newfound motivation, drew me in specifically because of the name of your ministry, plus a friend starting a new branch of her ministry centered around God’s plan for our health. May this be the first step toward success.
Just read the article in monthly newsletter with Samaritan Ministry. Thank you! I recently prayed: "Lord help, I can't do this on my own, what am I doing wrong?" I do have insulin resistance, and can't keep weight off. Along with diverticulosis, arthritis, sinus issues. The obesity iscwhat troubles me the most. The 3 week challenge and helpful information is an answer to my prayer. I start tomorrow! April 3, 2025 God bless you!
I gained a pound! I lost a total of 1 and 3/4 inches
BUT! I learned A LOT about my relationship to food, how I think about it, how much it means to me...
Without being too dramatic, I have found that I have had a problem with what I'm calling "food lust" and it has lead me into "adultery". Seriously, it's a sobering problem.
What i mean by adultery is that I know it's wrong for me to eat unhealthy food, but I hide it. I'm coming to terms with this and I'm undertaking another 3 week fast with this new conviction. I feel I have lost a TON of emotional weight and inches❤️thanks for all of the support offered here!
Hey Leslie, love this substack!
Yesterday was my six month anniversary (clean) fasting. I should specify that I do some longer fasts a couple times a month, because from what I’ve read, longer fasts better address insulin resistance.
On January 3, 2023, I weighed 371, and today, the scale read 271. I’ve lost 100 pounds in six months and a couple days thanks to clean fasting.
Thank you so, so much for that amazing update! 100 pounds in 6 months is absolutely incredible. You must feel like a whole new person! That's great that you do some longer fasts every now and then. Yes, it's very helpful to heal that insulin resistance. Keep me posted as you continue on!
It’s been a wild ride. I do feel like a new, healthier, younger version of myself. I’ve gone from size 32W to 22W, so just trying to update the wardrobe has been interesting. I’m amazed at the increase in my energy and motivation. Excited to see how the next six months goes.
I love when I hear people say they feel younger and healthier! Losing 10 sizes is amazing. Yes, increased energy is the best.
Hi there, just circling back to see if you have an update. How's fasting going?
Hi Leslie,
I’ve never been better. I’m down 125 lbs in 2023. I’m off all GERD meds, including proton pump inhibitors (which I’ve been on for twenty years). I’ve gone from 32W/6X to 18/XL and it’s been a challenge to keep up with the size changes. My ability to focus and execute at work has never been better. I ride my bike, do kettlebell weight workouts and walk just for fun, because I have so much energy. I still do some extended fasts during the work week, with refeeds on the weekends and I’m probably 90% carnivore now. No plans to change what I’m doing nine months in. Thanks for checking in!
Thank you so much for sharing! You are an inspiration! I love that you have so much more energy and can focus your mind. I am the exact same way--my mind has never been sharper. Sometimes when I have a cheat meal and eat too many carbs, I am reminded how foggy I used to feel all the time. Then I can't wait to get back to my regular self. Keep us the great work! 😁
Oh my WOW!!!! Thank you for the awesome motivation!! Congratulations :) I know that is hard, hard work!
I am in! 20:4 - Clean fasting really does make fasting easier. I thought it'd be harder, but it's simpler and I actually felt better clean fasting than when I was drinking flavored LaCroix all day.
I’m in! I’ve been drinking Paradise brand iced tea with Stevia in my fasting windows.
I can’t make it through one fast without eating something. I’m sure it’s the tea/stevia. Giving it up!!
I'm in! Because your description of all the time since Memorial Day pretty much sums up my summer. I started IF on April 1, had a great two months, then have just barely been holding steady in June and July. I was planning to recommit anyway, but your post is added wind in my sails! Thanks.
I know, right? We think summer is going to be such a great time to be healthy because we're outside but it turns out it's just one food party after another. Glad you're in!
After some window creep happening lately this 'challenge' has come at the right time. I'm in! 16:8 and the biggest change will be NO snacking.
Yeah, that no snacking thing can be hard. Make sure you eat enough protein in your meals so you're nice and full.
I’m in! Started 11/23 and already feel sooo much better. Looking to increase over all feeling better and better sleep and lose some inches!
Elissa! That's awesome. I love that you feel so much better. Keep me updated on your progress. Many people find their sleep massively improves--mine certainly did.
Leslie, I'm in, and loved this article! I am a long-term successful faster (intermittent 16:8 for 5 years) who fell off the wagon a few months ago when my mom died. I happened to see your article and will get back on it and do it cleaner this time (no stevia, etc.) My goals are to tighten up my blood glucose again (as a T1D) and lose some pounds I added a few months ago. I know it works!
I'm sorry about your mom! Having a loved one die can really throw things off.
I'm so happy to hear you'll be giving up stevia. This has been a complete game changer for the people I coach (and myself as well). I wish you the best as you restart. It should be easy to get back into it since you were successful for so long. And kuddos to you for doing it with Type 1 diabetes. Some doctors try to tell type 1s they can't do it. So I'm always thankful to hear of more and more type 1s having success! Blessings!
Thank you so much for your kind words. A challenge like this will help me get through the sad days. Yes, fasting works great for Type 1, for lowering glucose numbers and total daily insulin. We just have to take care to reduce insulin to avoid low blood sugars. (A CGM is a good safety measure, for many fasting T1Ds. :-))
I’m in! I didn’t realize I was doing it half-heartedly until I read what you were doing halfhearted… I already fast clean for 16-18 hrs now I need to not eat all through my open windows. I eat mostly healthy already but was using my open eating windows to eat the sweets I totally crave now. (Clearly showing me I’m insulin resistant bc I crave sweets) today is the day! I’ve cut out all seed oils but realize I was allowing myself to eat them at restaurants. So skipping that for these 3 wks so I can feel better
I make my own mayo for chicken salad I love fruit but will try and eat after my protein and fats at my meals instead of eating throughout my open eating window. I’m excited
I’m excited to see how those changes he’ll! Keep me posted!
Is there a clean Mayo you can buy?
I just got back from a vacation so I missed the 1st of August start, but I am in on the challenge. My goal is to lose the rest of my belly fat. Also, I have many signs of insulin resistance from your list. But they are improving! I'm 71 years old and have been doing IF since March 2022. Thanks for your blog posts.
I’m in!!! 😀
I'm in and hoping to flatten this tummy, or see the scale move, or anything that shows that i've been clean fasting for 8 months.
I am in! I literally just made myself a challenge in my journal! 30days MADF 5:2 w/2 workouts a week.
Yay! Let's go! Perfect timing. 5:2 MADF is a super protocol. Love it!
What’s MADF?
Hi Leslie,
You addresses artificial sweeteners but am I to assume no refined sugars?
Love your sub stack.
I'm leaving the refined sugars up to you for now. People will get the best results from cutting them out completely. However, if someone follows everything else, I'm not going to tell them they can't have a small piece of dark chocolate with real sugar. I'm hoping people will realize that when they eat a lot of protein/healthy fat and cut zero-cal sweeteners, their sugar cravings naturally subside without me even having to outlaw it.
So this challenge, I'd prefer a little real sugar to any zero calorie alternatives because my theory is that all those new things are so toxic for us, even the "natural" ones like stevia.
I’m with you completely. Don’t want anything artificially sweetened!
I’m in!
Yay!
Hi Leslie, I'm in for lowering BP, cholesterol, losing weight and having more energy. I just wish I knew how to have the self control to stick to it. I've tried many other plans and I just can't stick to them. ?????
Many people who couldn’t stick with other plans have been able to stick with IF bc it’s so easy. After awhile, you get used to it and it doesn’t require as much self control
Thanks for the encouragement!
Preparing to put my marching boots on! Found you courtesy of the Samaritan Ministry newsletter at just the right time in my life after no luck with IF the first go round, nor with the big breakfast diet, etc. Thankful God has given me newfound motivation, drew me in specifically because of the name of your ministry, plus a friend starting a new branch of her ministry centered around God’s plan for our health. May this be the first step toward success.
Just read the article in monthly newsletter with Samaritan Ministry. Thank you! I recently prayed: "Lord help, I can't do this on my own, what am I doing wrong?" I do have insulin resistance, and can't keep weight off. Along with diverticulosis, arthritis, sinus issues. The obesity iscwhat troubles me the most. The 3 week challenge and helpful information is an answer to my prayer. I start tomorrow! April 3, 2025 God bless you!
Kathy, I'm so glad the article is a blessing to you. Let me know how fasting goes.
Week 3 challenge is complete!
As far as measurements go:
I gained a pound! I lost a total of 1 and 3/4 inches
BUT! I learned A LOT about my relationship to food, how I think about it, how much it means to me...
Without being too dramatic, I have found that I have had a problem with what I'm calling "food lust" and it has lead me into "adultery". Seriously, it's a sobering problem.
What i mean by adultery is that I know it's wrong for me to eat unhealthy food, but I hide it. I'm coming to terms with this and I'm undertaking another 3 week fast with this new conviction. I feel I have lost a TON of emotional weight and inches❤️thanks for all of the support offered here!