Bye, Bye Barefoot!

     It took a while, but I've finally come to the realization that the Pino Grigio has to go, at least for a few weeks. Sadly, I've not lost any weight for more than two weeks, and it's clear that something is going wrong, and the Pino is the only carb-infested element in my diet. Therefore, I shall dispense with the wine for several weeks and see if it makes a difference. Fortunately, I've not gained either, but my goal is to lose weight until I reach the top end of my appropriate weight at a minimum, which is 159 pounds. Also, I'm going to try to jump-start my weight loss with additional fasting. I'm already doing the 16/8 intermittent fasting, but I don't think that's enough for my issues, which may include ruining my metabolism when I was younger by yoyo dieting. Current research seems to disprove this idea, but it is certainly more challenging for me to lose weight now. I'm not sure that these changes are permanent until I see how my interventions work. According to some, fasting has other benefits like lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. According to my most recent blood tests, both levels exceed the normal ranges. Also, several studies show that calorie consumption within a limited time frame prevents hypertension, so this seems like it is a good practice for anyone. I've had a relatively easy time sticking to the 16/8 fast and will continue doing that even as I fast for two days out of the week. For those who don't know about this, I will explain. Abstain from anything containing calories for sixteen hours each day and then consume your regular number of calories within eight hours. I've had moderate success with this, but now I need something more. If I continue with the status quo, I'm sure that I will eventually lose weight, but it will be slow, and I don't want to get discouraged. Therefore, I intend to add the 5/2 fast and do away with my daily wine consumption. Hopefully, the combination will get the weight loss going again. If this combination is successful within a few weeks, I'll continue until I reach my goal. Obviously, I will continue limiting snacks and remain within the keto carb limits. I am careful to consume plenty of vegetables, protein, and of course, the fats necessary to remain in ketosis. The 5/2 fast is simple. It requires fasting two days of each week. I plan to fast on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I chose these days because my exercise regimen is somewhat easier.  On Tuesday and Thursday I don't lift weights.  The literature recommends consuming no more than one-fourth of your average caloric intake on fasting days. Since I try to limit my calories to 1200 per day, I'll be having a maximum of 300 calories on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Again, literature shows that fasting several days per week helps control blood glucose, and that's a win for me. If necessary, I will change fasting days to accommodate things that might come up. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!