It amazes me that even after the last 4 years of following Dr. Boz and doing keto seriously, there’s always something new to learn. I’ve learned that connecting my why for this challenge goes beyond the reach of this class. I had a mini breakthrough-after the mini breakdown 😭- that helped me see my why can carry me through to the next level. Between the pain of the worse and the joy of the best is my desire to be connected to myself, God and others. Connectedness +wholeness= Joy/ Peace. Having a healthy body and a clear mind supports this purpose.

I'm Keto Continuum #6 sometimes #7. Most days I eat in 6 hours or less. 18/6 is my normal. Day 1: (Sunday-Funday! We're a football family and it shows in my numbers.) Protein: 98 gr. Carbs: 88gr. Fat: 132 gr. Day 2: (Not much better...leftovers...ugh) Protein: 80 gr. Carbs: 59gr. Fat: 134 gr. My goals for this course are: 1. Strengthen fasting muscle (36-48 hr fasts) I've done 3 72 hr fasts total since last year but i really want more consistency weekly. 2. Break a few bad habits (eating after sunset, track my food daily, no eating alone). 3. Lose the inflammation/pounds I've gained since my son went to college this summer. Emotional eating is real!

I’m sandwiched in between generations. My mom will be 90 years young later this month. My two kids are married and out on their own. In each generation, I have come to recognize metabolic health issues thanks to the amazing ability of Dr. Boz to teach in layman’s terms. My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a couple of years ago. Standard of care has a pill for that. She was told recently that her cholesterol is too high. Standard of care has a pill for that. My son (and his wife) and daughter (and her husband) are trying to manage their obesity with the “calories in, calories out” mantra: none of them are having success. In fact, my daughter believes that her weight gain is due to a “broken” thyroid as she eats so little. She’s on a self-fulfilling mission to find a doctor who will prescribe medication. (She’s a tough cookie. She’s a medic and standard of care is in her job description.) My son has two children and I see the pattern of metabolic health issues starting to appear. My 10 year old granddaughter is showing signs of weight gain and acne. My grandson is almost 4 and cute as a button. So this brings me back to me. I have contributed to the eating habits in their lives. I did not know any better then. But now I do so I want to do better. Lecturing or sharing books and videos have been ineffective – actually, outright rejected. I am looking to do a better job in walking the talk. My why is steeped in acceptance. I want to understand as much as possible of the inner workings of my body so I can heal. I am overweight (flirting with obesity). I am dealing with frequent ankle swelling, with some nerve damage from an injury, with mild headaches periodically (annoying buggers!), with sleep challenges, and with a brain that seem to stall with the throbber (that spinning wheel on computers) just circling. You can’t give of yourself what you do not have. I want the best health I can have to live the best life I can live. And then pass it on to my family. I know this could work as my husband has been watching over my shoulder. He has lost weight and finds that he feels better overall.

Currently I would say I'm at 4.5 on the continuum. Most days I eat within 8 hours but I do find that I snack (lately it's been pickled eggs). I am struggling with keeping my carbs under 20. Sneaky buggers! My goal is to be at least a solid 5 with a fast now and then. I have to be careful and not feel deprived as food has been my comfort.

@Stacey Gerard @Wendy Devlin @Roger Peyton @Wolf Thiel @Ian Darwent @Judy Kuhl @Tammy Kipen @Ruthie Slingerland @Margo Marquess @Sophie Park @Tmichael Ingram @Luminita Hellmann I am ready for this new day and greet it with joy...change is in the air, welcome it!! Keep working on your WHY and post here with the "Category "Post Your Powerful Why here" See you soon!