Looking for some friends...

eagergirl

Hey! My names Tami. I could start with the fact that I'm morbidly obese, but why ruin the suspense! I'm almost 50 years old, but people peg me around 35-40. Good genes! I live in Central Illinois, and I'm single with a boyfriend of 8 years (who is a chef, no less!!).

I am a teacher, which this year has been the most stressful thing probably in my life. The year started out really rough with complete e-learning. I'm a reading specialist in a low-income school. I don't have the option of assigning online independent lessons, but instead have 8 groups of students throughout the day that I meet online and do live lessons with. It is such a joy to see the kids during the week, but my weekends are filled with the dread and stress of planning and creating 8 different plans for 2nd-4th graders. Last week, we started back during a COVID spike, in which our governor has reclosed everything non-essential, but left school districts to their own devices. It's small steps. I meet with two of my groups at school, and the rest are still online. In two weeks, more students will be returning.

So, back to the morbidly obese deal. Honestly, my weight does not bother me. I've been a big girl since my teen years, and I've gotten past the fat-shaming of others (and myself). What does bother me is my health. I'm Type 2 diabetic, have high blood pressure, have high cholesterol (all controlled by meds), but those same genes that help me look young, are the ones that put me in this corner. Although, the over-eating hasn't helped.

Three weeks ago, I heard about intermittent fasting. I read some of the books, checked with my doctor, and on Nov 3, I began this new journey. Presently, I only eat between 2-7. I don't over-indulge, but have a light protein snack at 2, and then I eat whatever I want for dinner. I might eat a light snack before 7, but most evenings I don't. I'm also drinking about 100 oz of water every day. Yes, I'm trying to stay under 1200 calories a day, but I'm not worried if I go over.

To my surprise, this has been a very easy transition for me! I don't think I've felt hungry at all. (The water keeps me full!) I did have headaches the first few days, as I wasn't drinking any soda or other caffeinated beverages. I also was limiting my sugar intake that first week.

So, to get to the good news, I've lost 11 lbs in two weeks! I really don't have a weight goal, but I want my bloodwork to be better when I see my doctor on June 1. June 1. That's my goal. I know this isn't a diet; it's a lifestyle. June 1st, though, is my goal. I want to at least make it to then. My bloodwork is what matters most to me, and the pounds lost are an added bonus!

I'm hoping to make some new friends here. Right now, I feel like my self-accountability is good, but down the road, there may come a time when I need that help! Also, if anyone else is doing intermittent fasting, I'd like to hear how it's worked for you! 🙂