When I decided in May 2018 that it was time to lose weight (306 pounds), I threw my scale away. I was tired of numbers on a scale and smashed it in the trash. LOL! I decided to measure my success by how many days in a row I could remain on target with calories and Intermittent Fasting. This was before the pandemic, so I made sure my plan was livable by continuing going out to eat twice a week (Wednesday, Sunday) and ordering pizza on Saturday.

When I would go to the doctor's prior to May 2018 and the nurse would say, "Could you step on the scale?" I would politely answer, "No, thank you." LOL! I tell you this because my doctor never set a goal weight for me. We definitely discussed what I was doing to lose weight. She was attentive and supportive, but allowed me to find my way. Mostly, she wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything dangerous or stupid. I can tell you when I weighed in at 142, she suggested that it was low enough, I just nodded and smiled because I felt like it wasn't low enough. It's just like Cindyh said. You'll know when you're at a good weight. When I reached 121, she said no more! This time I agreed and that's when we agreed on an acceptable weight range of 118-124.

I have been maintaining for 5 years. I still get cravings in the evenings, but I know that if I can distract myself and power through it, the cravings will be gone in the morning at which time I reward myself with my favorite coffee!

The IF schedule I chose when I weighed 306 pounds was the daily 16/8 schedule. I fasted 16 hours and ate 1200 calories during the 8 hour eating window for seven days a week. During the 8 hours I ate anything I wanted as long as it stayed under 1200 calories. Cookies? No problem, just count the calories. Going out to eat? No problem, just count the calories. Pizza? No problem, just count the calories. I drank coffee and diet soda during the fasting window. No problem for me. Please note that your PCP may determine that 1200 calories is too low for you.

Once a month, I would throw caution to the wind, and eat what I wanted. The monthly free day was centered around a holiday/event. For example - February/Valentine's Day, March/St. Patrick's Day, April/Easter, you get the idea. I did that for the first year. After a little over a year, I weighed around 180. Don't forget, I had also started walking during that time. That was my go to exercise.

At some point, I decided I didn't need an 8 hour eating window. 6 hours was good enough. So, I switched to 18/6. Remember, there are many forms of IF that you can read about from credible sources. This is just what worked for me.

Currently, I do IF seven days a week. Six days a week I do 18/6 (fast 18 hours, eat 6 hours). On the seventh day, Treat Day, I do 20/4 (fast 20 hours, eat 4 hours).

Yesterday, I weighed 117 pounds. I don't know if any of my story is helpful to you, but once I got started and found a way to stop the constant cravings, I was able to keep going.