The Best You

"The greatest wealth is health." - Virgil

Hard to believe that two years ago, I was carrying around 40 pounds of extra weight caused by poor unhealthy and irresponsible eating habits. Basically, my train of thought was if it looked good and I wanted it, I ate it.

At one point, my diet consisted of:
having two - three Starbucks frappes a day, three or four cans of Pepsi with dinner, second and third helpings of food after work, and water? What's that? I would NEVER even glance at a glass or bottle of water even if i was dying of thirst! I'd rather have passed out in dehydration.

Month after month, my weight increased. I knew something had to change.

I tried several different diets I read about online. I would stick with one for a few months, then I would start getting bored with it, which would cause my weight to slowly creep back to me. Once I noticed the gains, it was time to start another diet I had placed on my Next Up list, thinking to myself, "This one will work SO much better than the last".

During my journey of Minimalism, I read about how even simplifying your food choices, ingredients and meal specifics, could not only be a great way to save money and increase your financial situation, but how you could also use it to increase your overall health.

After doing more research and investigatory work, I found out about an "eating lifestyle" called intermittent fasting. There are several different options, but the 16/8 choice really grabbed my attention.

16/8 Intermittent Fasting - 16 hours a day, you fast. Then you have an 8 hour window to consume 2,000 calories (or less depending on the person and desire to maintain, lose or gain weight).

I am on my second week now.

And honestly, it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I fast from 8pm to 12pm. And my window of food is noon to eight at night.

I have to admit, I really have been enjoying this diet. I'm not trying to lose anymore, just maintain a healthy weight.

When I was 40lbs heavier, I felt drained of energy all the time, I was constantly feeling lethargic, I was out of shape, I didn't want to participate in any activity outdoors for more than 15-20 minutes...

And I definitely did not feel good about myself.

Now I'm more positive, my confidence is higher, and I'm ready for whatever life throws at me. I have even found solace and peace in a daily 1-2 mile walk.

So if you're feeling like the 2015-Me, it's never too late to change, especially when it comes to your well-being.

Be the best you, you can be!