IF works! If I can do it, you can too!

I started this journey in August of 2021. At the time, my weight was somewhere in the 170 lb range for my 5’3” height. I quit weighing once I saw the scales hit and try to recalculate when I was 170. It most likely was more but I was too embarrassed to see the real weight. I was so despondent and angry that I let myself get to this point and trying to tell myself that bigger and fluffier was ok, as in body acceptance and positivity. In truth, I was a miserable soul. I did not know where to start, but I knew I did not want to land in my PCP office or the ER with notes of….”63-year-old obese female …..”. I looked back on vacation pictures where I was completely out of shape, just taking up so much space, unable to walk or exercise so I just sat (A LOT) and ate my way through the fat depression and pandemic and used any excuse I could find for not losing weight and trying to validate my obesity. So, I started a limited version of IF, not removing the offensive foods (sooooooo many carbs / snacks) and saw a small but significant weight loss. That small change made all the difference in the world in how I found the motivation to keep it going and moving my personal goal posts along the way. When I started logging every single thing I ate during my open eating window, I realized I could do so much more, not be hungry and still have weight loss. Long story short, I used the 16:8 window, logged every food (using the LoseIt app), walked a dedicated 10,000 (plus) steps per day, and found I was much happier, more energized and “full” even though I was taking in fewer foods and calories. Once in a while I did the OMAD plan, other days I did 18:6 plan, or the 20:4 plan. I changed it up constantly but never went over 1,200 calories and still felt satisfied. Today I am at my goal weight of 125 however I think I would be happier with 120 or even 115 if my body would ever get over this plateau. I still eat and drink many things that are in the comfort food list, but I have them in moderation. I absolutely hate exercise but found that even mild walking (while listening to audible books or podcasts) helped me to keep moving. I have a history of not one but two previously broken knees, surgically repaired — which made walking difficult initially but as the weight loss continued, I was able to walk even more. Again, no matter what your situation, it is not only possible but probable success if you just give it an honest try. Female Age 64 (63 when started in August 2021) Height : 5’3” SW 170 lbs+ CW 125 lbs GW 125 lbs ​ Edited to add: Thanks for all the lovely comments and feedback! This is an amazing and supportive community. [The new me! ](https://preview.redd.it/l72iwiu7hd881.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aac83292fa3ab9060955c2292986dc15c0d29473)