Katrina!!! The results of your intermittent fasting are so encouraging! This part grabbed my attention the most: “ALL the inflammation in my knees is gone. ALL OF IT.
My pain level has gone from a 9 to a 2 because I’m no longer battling the swelling.” We are seeing a similar impact with Scott and his situation after having the tumor in his neck removed. His diet has truly impacted the inflammation in his body! He is feeling encouraged too. Thank you for sharing your commitment to living a long, healthy life!
I'm so happy to hear about Scott, Rachel! I'm truly amazed at the difference this has made. I mean, I've always known that my diet wasn't super healthy, but I never really realized what a negative impact it was having on my body until it all caught up with me! I guess my "younger" body could handle it much better than my "older" body, but I'm really trying to honor what makes me feel good and happy and strong right now. Hugs to you and Scott and the girls! XO
I can't imagine how hard it is with so many kids still at home! I'm in that privileged place of having grown kids and lots of time to spend on myself. It makes a difference, for sure. I probably wouldn't have been able to sustain this when my kids were young. I spent all my time running and driving and coaching and, and, and... (As I'm sure you're well aware!) Can't wait until tomorrow night!
I'm excited for you, Katrina! It is a challenge, to be sure, juggling my creative work with clean eating and managing a household. But I have enough grit in my personality to motivate me. 😊
It sounds too good to be true, but I'm happy for you! I might give it a try myself after my latest surgical intervention. I won't be able to play pickleball either, but swimming I can do. Great post!
I'm so happy you've found something that works. We are all so different and it can be so very hard to keep trying over and over until you figure out what works for you. Congratulations.
Just so everyone is aware, obesity and overweight (no offense meant to anyone, just using the medical terms because they have clear definitions) actually ARE constant states of inflammation. The type of body fat stored by adults, especially that which surrounds the internal organs as opposed to that which is just under the skin, is actually a highly inflammatory substance. So, anything that causes a person to actually lose body fat (as opposed to water, muscle or bone weight lost) should show a positive impact on overall inflammation, unless the method is inflammatory itself. Less excess body fat is less inflammation.
And of course in dealing with weight-bearing joints, loss of any weight other than bone weight will also reduce the strain on the joint, which can quickly reduce pain and other arthritis and soft tissue injury symptoms.
Not trying to rain on your parade at all. But I find it fascinating how a healthy lifestyle can have so many positive effects. I'm so happy for anyone enjoying them right now. And fingers crossed for those of us trying to get there.
I'm not quite sure how to respond to this comment. It feels somewhat congratulatory and somewhat (wo)mansplain-y, and I just don't quite know how to interpret it...?
I didn't think it really needed, or invited, interpretation? It was explicit congratulations, and basic health information that I've been learning on my own slow journey. I've never been called mansplainy (probably mainly because I'm not, and have never been, a man). I'm new to this substack and am used to substacks where people use comment sections to share encouragement, ideas, insights, and opinions. I guess I should have waited to get a feel for this one before commenting? I'm sorry if I offended you. That wasn't the intent.
Okay. Thanks for explaining. I guess it was this that kinda made me scratch my head: “Just so everyone is aware, obesity and overweight (no offense meant to anyone, just using the medical terms because they have clear definitions) actually ARE constant states of inflammation.”
I was a little offended, I guess. But we don’t really know each other yet, so the intent wasn’t clear. I appreciate you coming back to say more.
I found this really interesting because it’s the realisation I had in my own health/healing journey. I began to follow an anti inflammatory way of eating several years ago due to finding myself disabled by chronic illness. the welcome side effect was that I lost a couple of stone. I realised then that what I was actually reducing was inflammation in my body and we’ve become all het up on the weight as fat when really it’s inflammation and is often causing us aches, pains, brain fog etc. it helped me to reframe what was going on in my body and had led (slowly) to improved body image and mental health.
I wrote a post on IF also, because I think it has helped with some of my long COVID symptoms and healing. I was also doing 12-8pm. My newish nutritionist wanted me to go back to eating when I feel hunger, and I pretty immediately put on five pounds. No biggie, though I’m finding my natural start to for eating is 11-11:30 anyway.
Good luck with everything! So glad your inflammation went down so quickly. And that you have a surgery date to look forward to.
I responded to this earlier, but I think I forgot to hit "Post." ANYWAY, I'm super impressed that you know your natural start for eating. I've been SO out of tune with my body for most of my life, that this is all kinda new to me. Going to go find your IF post now!
Yay yay yay!!! Sooooo fucking proud of you!! Amazing!! I'm overdue for another fast. Thanks for the kick in the pants. Keep it up with making the great choices girl!! Love you.
After I wrote that comment, I had so much I was tempted to share with you about fasting and ways to make it easier and more effective. Herbal teas, enemas, easing in and out of the fast using fresh green juices, etc etc. Let's talk fasting soon! HUGE HUG.
So glad the second doc took you seriously and that your knee surgery is scheduled. My wife does a 11-7 eating window along with keto and has been very successful. I may have to give a 3 day fast a whirl after hearing your success.
Thanks, Deb! It's been pretty life-changing for me, for sure. Happy to hear about your wife's success, too! It gives me hope that this is a sustainable journey.
Thank you for writing this. I am in a similar conversation with fasting. Should I? Will I be able to make it? Tried it and loved it. Forgot. About to jump in again. This was just what I needed to read today. ❤️
It’s been such a great decision for me and my body. I’m going to do a 3-day fast once a month and continue with intermittent fasting from 12-8 every day. I feel soooo much better. The 3-day fast is definitely more mentally challenging than physically challenging. ❤️
Bamboozled that I have come across this post with this title….i wrote a title for a new piece the other week called “the slow lane to fasting” !! I haven’t yet made a start but it’s sat there waiting ☺️
I’ve been fasting til lunch - but at the same time adopting the “I eat what I want when I want” (so long as it’s largely anti-inflammatory).
I recently started to fast until teatime (like today) and I’ve done so many 72 hours but that was my body slamming me into them rendering me unable to eat, drink, speak or move for that duration (due to severe/agonising pain). Like you say here, the energy Increase and health benefits are like no other.
I’m enjoying reading your posts, thanks for sharing so much if your journey.
Beautiful❣️Such a healing path you are on. One of illuminating what is working for you in this now moment. 🙌🏼 Woo Hoo🤩
Thank you so much, Joanie. It's been a long road, but I'm ready to reclaim my body and my life. <3
Katrina!!! The results of your intermittent fasting are so encouraging! This part grabbed my attention the most: “ALL the inflammation in my knees is gone. ALL OF IT.
My pain level has gone from a 9 to a 2 because I’m no longer battling the swelling.” We are seeing a similar impact with Scott and his situation after having the tumor in his neck removed. His diet has truly impacted the inflammation in his body! He is feeling encouraged too. Thank you for sharing your commitment to living a long, healthy life!
I'm so happy to hear about Scott, Rachel! I'm truly amazed at the difference this has made. I mean, I've always known that my diet wasn't super healthy, but I never really realized what a negative impact it was having on my body until it all caught up with me! I guess my "younger" body could handle it much better than my "older" body, but I'm really trying to honor what makes me feel good and happy and strong right now. Hugs to you and Scott and the girls! XO
Hooray!! I'm so happy for you!!!
Thanks, friend! I'm happy, too. :)
I love this for you, Katrina! Clean eating has put my autoimmunity in remission, especially the pain and inflammation.
Like you, I still enjoy my sweets on occasion, but when I do, it's got to be good. Really good. Because I always suffer joint pain as a result.
And homemade salad dressing. Yes! I've been making my own for years. Tasty, nutritious, easy.
The downside to clean eating, for me, is the amount of time it takes to make everything homemade.
Looking forward to seeing you on Courtney Maum's webinar this Wednesday and noting her insights for your first page!
I can't imagine how hard it is with so many kids still at home! I'm in that privileged place of having grown kids and lots of time to spend on myself. It makes a difference, for sure. I probably wouldn't have been able to sustain this when my kids were young. I spent all my time running and driving and coaching and, and, and... (As I'm sure you're well aware!) Can't wait until tomorrow night!
I'm excited for you, Katrina! It is a challenge, to be sure, juggling my creative work with clean eating and managing a household. But I have enough grit in my personality to motivate me. 😊
It sounds too good to be true, but I'm happy for you! I might give it a try myself after my latest surgical intervention. I won't be able to play pickleball either, but swimming I can do. Great post!
Thanks, my friend. I know it sounds too good to be true, but I feel better than I've felt in a decade! XO
I'm so happy you've found something that works. We are all so different and it can be so very hard to keep trying over and over until you figure out what works for you. Congratulations.
Just so everyone is aware, obesity and overweight (no offense meant to anyone, just using the medical terms because they have clear definitions) actually ARE constant states of inflammation. The type of body fat stored by adults, especially that which surrounds the internal organs as opposed to that which is just under the skin, is actually a highly inflammatory substance. So, anything that causes a person to actually lose body fat (as opposed to water, muscle or bone weight lost) should show a positive impact on overall inflammation, unless the method is inflammatory itself. Less excess body fat is less inflammation.
And of course in dealing with weight-bearing joints, loss of any weight other than bone weight will also reduce the strain on the joint, which can quickly reduce pain and other arthritis and soft tissue injury symptoms.
Not trying to rain on your parade at all. But I find it fascinating how a healthy lifestyle can have so many positive effects. I'm so happy for anyone enjoying them right now. And fingers crossed for those of us trying to get there.
I'm not quite sure how to respond to this comment. It feels somewhat congratulatory and somewhat (wo)mansplain-y, and I just don't quite know how to interpret it...?
I didn't think it really needed, or invited, interpretation? It was explicit congratulations, and basic health information that I've been learning on my own slow journey. I've never been called mansplainy (probably mainly because I'm not, and have never been, a man). I'm new to this substack and am used to substacks where people use comment sections to share encouragement, ideas, insights, and opinions. I guess I should have waited to get a feel for this one before commenting? I'm sorry if I offended you. That wasn't the intent.
Okay. Thanks for explaining. I guess it was this that kinda made me scratch my head: “Just so everyone is aware, obesity and overweight (no offense meant to anyone, just using the medical terms because they have clear definitions) actually ARE constant states of inflammation.”
I was a little offended, I guess. But we don’t really know each other yet, so the intent wasn’t clear. I appreciate you coming back to say more.
Also… I’m a pretty perpetually positive person, but the initial comment didn’t feel super positive to me. I’m sorry, too, if my response offended you.
I found this really interesting because it’s the realisation I had in my own health/healing journey. I began to follow an anti inflammatory way of eating several years ago due to finding myself disabled by chronic illness. the welcome side effect was that I lost a couple of stone. I realised then that what I was actually reducing was inflammation in my body and we’ve become all het up on the weight as fat when really it’s inflammation and is often causing us aches, pains, brain fog etc. it helped me to reframe what was going on in my body and had led (slowly) to improved body image and mental health.
I wrote a post on IF also, because I think it has helped with some of my long COVID symptoms and healing. I was also doing 12-8pm. My newish nutritionist wanted me to go back to eating when I feel hunger, and I pretty immediately put on five pounds. No biggie, though I’m finding my natural start to for eating is 11-11:30 anyway.
Good luck with everything! So glad your inflammation went down so quickly. And that you have a surgery date to look forward to.
I responded to this earlier, but I think I forgot to hit "Post." ANYWAY, I'm super impressed that you know your natural start for eating. I've been SO out of tune with my body for most of my life, that this is all kinda new to me. Going to go find your IF post now!
Yay yay yay!!! Sooooo fucking proud of you!! Amazing!! I'm overdue for another fast. Thanks for the kick in the pants. Keep it up with making the great choices girl!! Love you.
Thanks, friend. You've always been so supportive of me, my writing, and my health. I love and miss you! XO
After I wrote that comment, I had so much I was tempted to share with you about fasting and ways to make it easier and more effective. Herbal teas, enemas, easing in and out of the fast using fresh green juices, etc etc. Let's talk fasting soon! HUGE HUG.
ENEMAS?? I might have to draw the line there!! 😂
Never say never baby! Nothing like a coffee enema to put some pep in your step and get your gall bladder purging.
So glad the second doc took you seriously and that your knee surgery is scheduled. My wife does a 11-7 eating window along with keto and has been very successful. I may have to give a 3 day fast a whirl after hearing your success.
Thanks, Deb! It's been pretty life-changing for me, for sure. Happy to hear about your wife's success, too! It gives me hope that this is a sustainable journey.
Thank you for writing this. I am in a similar conversation with fasting. Should I? Will I be able to make it? Tried it and loved it. Forgot. About to jump in again. This was just what I needed to read today. ❤️
It’s been such a great decision for me and my body. I’m going to do a 3-day fast once a month and continue with intermittent fasting from 12-8 every day. I feel soooo much better. The 3-day fast is definitely more mentally challenging than physically challenging. ❤️
Bamboozled that I have come across this post with this title….i wrote a title for a new piece the other week called “the slow lane to fasting” !! I haven’t yet made a start but it’s sat there waiting ☺️
I’ve been fasting til lunch - but at the same time adopting the “I eat what I want when I want” (so long as it’s largely anti-inflammatory).
I recently started to fast until teatime (like today) and I’ve done so many 72 hours but that was my body slamming me into them rendering me unable to eat, drink, speak or move for that duration (due to severe/agonising pain). Like you say here, the energy Increase and health benefits are like no other.
I’m enjoying reading your posts, thanks for sharing so much if your journey.