Intermittent Fasting Stories

Latest Episodes:

Linda Varghese Jul 02, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Dr. Linda Varghese, a pathologist who lives in Minneapolis, MN.

This episode is brought to you by Organifi. Gin loves Organifi Gold, but there are other delicious options available for you to choose from. Visit organifi.com/ifstories to save 15% on your order.

Linda was always trying to lose weight. She first came across intermittent fasting in 2016 when she came across Dr. Michael Mosley's book and blogs about the strategy known as 5:2, which is an up/down day approach where you fast two out of the five days each week. She liked the science behind it and followed this protocol for almost two years. But Linda never fasted clean, adding Splenda and cream in her coffee. And because of this, fasting was never "easy."

In May of 2019, Linda came across the Intermittent Fasting Podcast, where she learned about the clean fast. She read Delay, Don't Deny and The Obesity Code. Once she began to fast clean, the fast became easy and enjoyable! She then moved her window to a morning one, and this felt natural. Her window is typically 9 am-noon each day. She has lost 15 pounds.

Linda talks about the science behind the current obesity epidemic, and explains that about "80% of chronic diseases are linked to dietary choices." She also explains that "obesity is a hormonal disease." Restricting calories does not fix obesity, as it is an issue of insulin. "Fasting causes insulin to lower, and will heal the insulin problem, but this may take time. Be patient."

The advice she'd give to new IFers: "Understand the science behind IF. Start small and simple, and be persistent. Listen to the IF podcasts, use apps for tangible reminders, and tweak IF to fit your lifestyle. IF is not a diet, it is going to be your lifestyle."

Get Gin’s books, including her latest New York Times Bestseller, Fast. Feast. Repeat., available wherever you buy books! http://www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin: gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter @gin_stephens

Follow Gin on Instagram @GinStephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast: Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jody Ayers Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Gin talks to Jody Ayers, a teacher from Bloomington, IL.

This episode is brought to you by Phylabiotics, created by a team of passionate scientists who aim to change your life by giving you back the beautiful skin you were born with. Visit phylabiotics.com/ifstories to get 15% off any order of $50 or more.

Jody has been a 2nd grade teacher for the last 27 years. Jody shares that she always had 20 pounds to lose. She would follow Weight Watchers, limit carbs, count points, etc. She would lose some weight, but then gain it all right back.

In 2018, Jody's daughter was having great success with intermittent fasting. Jody was skeptical of IF at first, and thought she could never go all day without eating. For Christmas that year, her daughter gave her Delay, Don't Deny, and she officially began IF in February of 2019. Jody jumped right in with 2-3 hour windows, losing 5 pounds in the first 10 weeks.

At the same time Jody began IF, her husband was in the middle of cancer treatment for Multiple Myeloma, which is a blood cancer. She shares that IF was the "stabilizing thing that brought a level of normalcy" to her life. David passed away in the spring of 2019, and Jody shares that IF also helped in the grieving process. IF had truly become her beautiful lifestyle.

Jody has lost around 20 pounds, and she loves the incredible energy IF has given her. The advice she'd give to new IFers: "You have to make IF a lifestyle."

Get Gin’s books, including her latest New York Times Bestseller, Fast. Feast. Repeat., available wherever you buy books! http://www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin: gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter @gin_stephens

Follow Gin on Instagram @GinStephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast: Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jennifer Jenson Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Jennifer Jenson from Bennington, ID.

Fast. Feast. Repeat. The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny Intermittent Fasting: Now available everywhere books are sold! Get your copy through your favorite bookstore by following this link:http://www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html

This episode is sponsored by Ritual Essentials for Women: Ritual's Essentials have the nutrients most of us don't get enough of from food. Visit ritual.com/IFStories to get 10% off during your first three months.

Jennifer is an organic dairy farmer and mother of four. Jennifer grew up on a dairy farm, and was very active and slender as a child. She recalls that her parents encouraged eating until satisfaction. However, her husband was raised 'not to waste food,' and once they married, she developed a habit of overeating. She had gestational diabetes with all of her four pregnancies. With her last pregnancy, her doctor put her on medication, and this left her feeling exhausted all the time. The weight she gained while pregnant never came off, and Jennifer began to notice health symptoms that told her something else was going on. She found out from her doctor that her thyroid was not functioning properly. And after many attempts with various medications, her doctor was unsuccessful at helping to regulate her thyroid.

In July of 2019, a friend told Jennifer about intermittent fasting, but she didn't think she could do it. Months later, she felt "all hope had been lost." Because none of the medication worked, IF seemed to be her last hope. She began with a 16:8 protocol, and within two weeks, moved to 20:4. Her "puffiness" went away almost immediately. She has had many NSVs, (Non Scale Victories). Jennifer now feels more in control of her mental health. The "emotional roller coaster" is gone, she feels more calm, she is able to work through stress, and she feels more like herself. Jennifer has lost 35 pounds, and will do IF for the rest of her life.

The advice she'd give new IFers: "IF gives you the hope you're looking for, and it gives you the glimmer of the life that will be better than it is now."

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Courtney Contos Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to virtual chef and health coach Courtney Contos.

This episode is sponsored by Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative: It's grilling season! For the best tasting meat around, from local family farms straight to your door, go to grassrootscoop.com/IFStories to save $40 plus get free shipping!

Courtney is from Miami. For twelve years, Courtney suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA is an auto-immune condition which causes joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. She had difficulty walking and multiple surgeries: both of her wrists were "auto-fused," and one of her feet had to be completely rebuilt with seven auto-fusions. "I didn't know what it felt like to feel good anymore." She realizes now that her body was simply out of balance.

Courtney is under the care of a Functional Medicine Doctor. Courtney explains that working with a functional medicine doctor "empowers a person" because it is individualized and patient-centered healthcare. It goes beyond a patient's symptoms, focusing on areas where they may be deficient. A functional medicine doctor will then look at what supplements are needed, and what foods are best for your body. Courtney remarks, "Food is not energy. It is information." She describes her experience with her doctor as "a beautiful journey." To find an functional medicine doctor in your area, go to: IFM.org.

Once Courtney began intermittent fasting in April 2018, her RA symptoms began to go away. She does both 16:8 and 18:6 IF protocols, and has lost 38 pounds. Fasting has freed up her time, now that she is no longer focused on eating all day.

The advice she'd give a new IFer: "Results don't happen overnight, or even in a week. Trust the process. The results are going to be amazing."

To find Courtney Contos, go to: ccontos.com

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heather Stuart Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Heather Stuart from New Zealand.

This episode is supported by Dry Farm Wines: Gin has finally solved her wine dilemma by switching to Dry Farm Wines for good! If you are looking for organic/biodynamic wines that are lab tested to ensure they are sugar free, lower in sulfites, and contain lower alcohol, go to dryfarmwines.com/ifstories to start your own subscription to Dry Farm Wines, and get an extra bottle for just one penny in your first shipment!

Heather is a mother of four, and a grandmother of two! She shares that has always been "short and round." When her first son was about to get married, she wanted to lose weight. Her doctor prescribed diet pills, and she lost 40 pounds. However, once she stopped taking the diet pills, all the weight came back on, plus more. When her second son was getting married, she still needed to lose weight, but the diet pills were no longer available. So, Heather decided that she'd walk 6 miles every day to lose the weight. Walking this far was too much to maintain on a daily basis, and she gave up. By the time her youngest son was getting married in 2019, she decided she must do something, yet again. This time, she skipped lunch and walked 10K steps everyday. She tried this for a week, but it was very hard for her.

Around this same time, her friend encouraged her to skip dinner instead of lunch. Heather researched intermittent fasting, and learned that skipping breakfast was actually a good thing! In February 2019, Heather began to wait for "tea time" (dinner) to eat. After a year of IF, she has lost around 70 pounds!

Heather shares that she feels IF is an answer to prayer, she feels more "in control" of her life, and her confidence has greatly improved. One of the biggest things she's noticed is the incredible amount of energy she has now.

The advice Heather would give to new IFers: "Take lots of photos from different angles."

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Gil Blander Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Dr. Gil Blander from Inside Tracker. He is a leader in the personalized nutrition movement and has been living an intermittent fasting lifestyle himself for the past 8 years. He calls intermittent fasting the "best natural intervention available to us today."

Fast. Feast. Repeat. The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny Intermittent Fasting: Now available everywhere books are sold! Get your copy now through your favorite bookstore by following this link: http://www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html

This episode is made possible by Inside Tracker: Interested in the ultra-personalized nutrition system that analyzes your blood, DNA and lifestyle to help you optimize your body and reach your goals that Dr. Blander talks about in today's episode? Go to insidetracker.com and use promo code IFStories to get 20% off any plan, PLUS free InnerAge with the purchase of the Ultimate and/or Vitality plans.

Dr. Blander is internationally recognized for his research in the Biology of Aging. He shares that as a child, he was "fascinated by the aging process." A relative had passed away when he was young, and he realized he would not live forever. Dr. Blander decided to dedicate his life to the study of aging.

He moved to Boston in 2002, and received his PhD from MIT, with a focus on aging research. At the same time, he learned about intermittent fasting, studying its benefits on longevity. He learned that intermittent fasting lowers glucose and reduces inflammation, among other things. Dr. Blander has been living an intermittent fasting lifestyle for the last eight years, because his research showed its abundant health benefits. He fasts for health, not for weight loss, and his windows vary every day.

Dr. Blander created his company, Inside Tracker, with the desire to help people live longer lives with personalized nutrition. Inside Tracker looks at what is going on in ones's body by looking at a variety of different blood markers and DNA analysis. This combined information helps Inside Tracker give the best recommendations for optimal health. IF with personalized nutrition is the best way to help you live a healthy and long life!

The advice Dr. Blander would give new IFers: "The best intervention we have available for us today to live longer is IF. It is natural and simple. It's not easy for the first couple of weeks. But once it becomes a routine, then it's easy.

For more information on Inside Tracker, go to: www.insidetracker.com. Use promo code IFStories to get 20% off any plan, PLUS free InnerAge with the purchase of the Ultimate and/or Vitality plans.

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Veronica Jun 11, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Veronica, a Nurse Practitioner from Albuquerque, NM.

Gin's new book is almost here! Fast. Feast. Repeat. The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny Intermittent Fasting: Available June 16, 2020! Preorder now through your favorite bookstore by following this link: http://www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html

This episode is brought to you by Feals: Are you looking for high quality CBD oil from a source you trust? To save 50% on your first order of premium CBD oil plus get free shipping, go to feals.com/ifstories.

Veronica is a Nurse Practitioner for a sleep medicine practice. Veronica shares that she was always a thin teenager, but in college, began to gain weight. She gained a large amount of weight with her first pregnancy. And then with her second pregnancy, she developed Gestational Diabetes. This began the next ten years of a "diet roller coaster," Weight Watchers being one of her preferred plans. She spent a great deal of money on countless diets.

By the time Veronica was forty, she came back to Weight Watchers. But this time around it didn't work. She was eating all day, meal prepping, counting calories, tracking macros....even trying Keto, which actually made her feel sick. She cried to her husband, "I've been a nurse for fifteen years, why can't I figure this out?" Her frustration was compounded by the amount of money she was spending on diets.

Around this same time, she began researching diets, and came across Delay, Don't Deny. She read it, and it all made sense to her! She began with 16:8, and by the end of the week, she was at 18:6 and now follows OMAD (One Meal A Day). Intermittent fasting immediately felt normal and natural and easy to Veronica.

Veronica has stopped weighing herself, but in her estimate, she has lost around 50 pounds. Because the scale can affect her emotionally, she goes by measurements and uses pictures to track her progress. She stopped following Keto and enjoys the foods she loves in her window. Her tastes have changed since IF, and she craves healthier things now.

The health benefits she has experienced: all of the signs of insulin resistance are gone, all of her levels have normalized, and Veronica is no longer pre-diabetic! Her skin is healthier, and she feels sustained energy throughout the day.

The advice she'd give to new IFers: "Stick with it! IF takes a lot of time to figure out. Don't worry about being perfect. Give your body time to adjust to IF."

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacey Downs Jun 09, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Stacey Downs from Old River, Texas.

This episode is brought to you by Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative: Are you looking for the highest quality meat? Visit grassrootscoop.com/IFStories to get $40 off plus free shipping.

Stacey works at a chemical plant in the shipping department. Stacey shares that growing up she was overweight, and watched her mother diet. She followed along with whatever diet her mother was doing. She lost weight in high school, even getting too skinny!

Stacey got married right after high school in 1996. She gained weight with each of her three pregnancies, but with Atkins and low carb, she got down to her lowest weight of 170 pounds. This led to a cycle of yo-yo dieting for Stacey. She would gain weight, then lose it following Keto or low carb.

Fast forward to 2018, a very stressful year. She had a hysterectomy, reaching her highest weight of 265 pounds. Low carb was no longer working. She found a Keto group on Facebook, and heard about intermittent fasting in the group. She first read, Obesity Code, then, Delay, Don't Deny. She began IF in March of 2019, losing 30 pounds by May!

Stacey says she was "tired of feeling bad and tired." She had aches and pains, and a "daily afternoon slump in energy." The health benefits she's experienced with IF: Her plantar fasciitis is gone, a cyst went away, and she no longer has heartburn. She has energy and mental clarity, and that afternoon slump is long gone!

The advice she'd give new IFers: "Read the books, and educate yourself as to why IF works. Start today! Don't wait! Enjoy it. Find what works for YOU. IF is not a wagon to fall on or off of...you simply have shorter fasts and longer fasts!"

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mukund Ragunathan Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Mukund Ragunathan, who his friends call Matt. He lives in New Zealand but is originally from India.

This episode is sponsored by Ritual: Ritual's Essentials have the nutrients most of us don't get from food. From D3 to Omega 3, Ritual's Essentials for Women helps fill the gaps in a woman's diet. Visit ritual.com/IFSTORIES and use code IFSTORIES to get 10% off during your first 3 months.

Matt is a Marketing Contractor who does merchandising for retail companies. At the age of 24, Matt was diagnosed with a fatty liver, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Matt was pre-diabetic. His doctor told him to reduce sweets, and to "eat a nice, healthy breakfast." He followed this for a couple of weeks, but then went right back to eating the same, and gained back what he lost.

In November of 2018, Matt heard a podcast about intermittent fasting, and started with 16:8. He quickly dropped 13 pounds! Matt currently follows 18:6 effortlessly, and is working towards OMAD (One Meal A Day). He is currently around 15 pounds from his goal weight.

Matt's health has improved immensely! All of his elevated levels normalized: blood pressure, cholesterol, and pre-diabetes. He no longer has fatty liver, and he is no longer pre-diabetic.

The advice that Matt would give new IFers: It is never too late! IF is the best medication for your diabetes. Don't worry as much about what you eat. Hunger pangs pass...ride them out. The health benefits far outweigh the momentary hunger.

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John McDonnell Jun 02, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to John McDonnell, who lives in Austin, TX. John is a comedian and actor who is loving the freedom IF brings him.

This episode is sponsored by Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative: Are you looking for a better way to source your meat? Delicious, nutrient-rich meat from a source you can trust! Go to grassrootscoop.com/IFSTORIES to save $40 plus get free shipping.

John grew up as a "very, very skinny little boy" until the age of nine. He remembers sneaking food whenever he could, and over time, he became overweight. In an attempt to help him, his family talked to doctors, and this was when the dieting began. He started calorie counting, tried various diet plans, and was fed diet food. Many years later, John was morbidly obese.

He found IF in December of 2019, and started with 20:4. John has lost 45 pounds so far. IF has greatly improved John's mood, and he no longer needs medication for depression. He is also no longer on medication for his autoimmune diseases.

The advice John would give to new IFers: Clean fast. Love yourself. Trust the process and enjoy the journey. Love yourself for who you are, where you are, and where you're going to be. IF works for everyone, and it works differently for everyone.

Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin:

gin@intermittentfastingstories.com

Follow Gin on Twitter

@gin_stephens

Connect with Gin on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Gin-Stephens-370557866639779

Read Gin’s book Delay, Don’t Deny

Listen to Gin on the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast:

Intermittent Fasting Stories on iTunes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.