Karen Coleman-Ostrov, age 65, spent much of her adult life trapped in the exhausting cycle of dieting. She was a lifelong dieter who tried over a dozen different diet programs and protocols, each promising weight loss but ultimately leading to frustration. Some diets caused her to gain weight or slow down her metabolism, while others required tedious food measuring or strict deprivation. Though she often lost weight temporarily, none of these plans were sustainable long-term, and she would always regain what she lost.In August 2020, Karen had a pivotal moment when she saw a stunning, youthful photo of her sister-in-law, Dedra Campbell, on Facebook. Karen initially thought it was a much older photo because Dedra looked so slim and vibrant. When she learned it was recent, Karen immediately called her to uncover her secret. Dedra shared that her success came from practising intermittent fasting, a concept that initially worried Karen because it sounded like deprivation and constant hunger. Yet, out of curiosity and hope, Karen bought the book, “Fast.Feast.Repeat.” by Gin Stephens and decided to give fasting a try—starting with a clean 18/6 fast.To her surprise, Karen found fasting easier than expected. The first fast sparked a change that would transform her life.At the time, Karen weighed 175 pounds (fluctuating often between that and 182 pounds) at 5’5”. Over the coming months, Karen faced challenges like a slowed metabolism caused by years of yo-yo dieting, the effects of menopause, and managing type 2 diabetes. Less than a year into fasting, Karen joined The Fasting Highway and also ordered and read the book.  Karen found encouragement from Graeme and fellow fasters, which was crucial as she learned to trust the process and understand that her weight-loss journey was uniquely hers—meaning she shouldn’t compare her progress to others'. Karen lost weight gradually but steadily.  After about two years, she dropped from 175 pounds to 160, and then a few months later to 149—a weight she hadn’t seen in more than 20 years! Eventually, Karen’s body settled around 142 pounds, a healthy and comfortable place for her. Her highest weight was 208 pounds, at which point she struggled with daily tasks such as bending over to tie her shoes, suffering from sleep apnea, and being out of breath after going up stairs or walking long distances.Today, Karen’s health and mobility have vastly improved. She no longer has sleep apnea and can climb challenging staircases, like the 185 steps of the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Bermuda and the 294 steps of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with ease. Maintaining her weight is effortless now with a flexible intermittent fasting routine, usually fasting 18/6 or OMAD on weekdays, and enjoying longer eating windows on weekends to socialise and eat out.Karen’s favourite part about fasting is the control it gives her over food—not feeling controlled by it. When asked why she continues fasting after reaching and surpassing her goal weight, Karen’s answer is simple: Intermittent fasting is not a diet or a fad—it’s a sustainable lifestyle. This lifestyle has allowed her to lose weight for the last time and live confidently in her body every day.Come and Join Our Patreon Community. I highly recommend you do!Please consider joining the Fasting Highway Patreon community. It has been great for all who have joined. Please visit www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway to learn about the benefits you receive and how to join.Private coaching with Graeme is available on a one-on-one basis. Please visit www.thefastinghighway.com, click 'Help Get Coaching,' and book a time that suits you. All times you see are in your local time zone.Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the host and guest only.

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