My weight gain was getting out of control. Yes, I was in menopause—and that is definitely an excuse I could use. But I had been in menopause for several years, and it was only when I turned sixty-two that the weight stuck to me like super glue.
Most people would consider me slender, but when I’m fifteen to twenty pounds over my ideal body weight, I feel enormous.
Was Exhaustion a Contributing Factor?
I had struggled with exhaustion for longer than I could remember. I would look at items that needed to be attended to and choose to walk on by, because my brain was too tired to process what needed to be done. I don’t know if it was “brain fog” or not—but I just knew my brain was too tired to execute menial tasks, like picking up the house or handling daily cleaning.
I had gone to alternative doctors and taken multiple supplements, but I still struggled to get out of bed every morning. I began to prefer sleep to actively engaging in life. I took it to the Lord in prayer, but still—exhaustion lingered.
Even Though I Was Fatigued, I Still Soldiered On
I am an award-winning Christian author, and although I was tired and felt like a blubbery mess, I kept writing. I had just released the second book in my Christian fantasy series, From the Valley to the Palace, when I decided I needed to get out of my own valley.
After Writing About a Valley, I Decided to Climb Out of Mine
I had heard about the Daniel Fast and decided to dive headfirst into this plan. I bought The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast and started planning out my meals. I went to Natural Grocers and stocked up on plenty of items allowed on the fast.
Doing a Diet with a Friend Is More Fun Than Doing It Alone
I talked with one of my best friends about my plan, and she decided to join me. We were only committing to it for twenty-one days—so it shouldn’t be hard, right?
Well, let me tell you one thing: doing without cheese and dairy products was not something I was going to suffer through, on any fast. I love me some cheese! So, I adjusted the diet to fit my taste buds.
Accountability Does Not Equal Condemnation
Eight days after we started the fast, we had a phone call—and some confessing to do. I admitted that I hadn’t been able to eliminate dairy products from my diet. My friend, too, had struggled. She was still savoring her morning coffee.
Where I had no problem bypassing my coffee machine, she couldn’t give it up. She also admitted that she wasn’t about to forgo butter. We didn’t condemn each other for our weaknesses. Instead, we gave each other grace.
Within a Couple of Days, I Noticed Changes
I realized that by cutting out coffee, my brain fog lifted. I have ADHD, and the funny thing about that mental challenge is that coffee can actually be more of a depressant than a stimulant. I found that eliminating coffee had real benefits. I felt more patient and kind without that morning jolt of caffeine. I also focused better and was able to execute tasks I would normally ignore because they were boring.
Eliminating coffee has been a lifechanger for me.
Moderation Is Key to Any Successful Diet
Another item discouraged on the fast is sugar. Oh no! In addition to cheese, I love me some chocolate—and I had some yummy See’s Chocolates stashed away.
I must admit, I allowed myself one chocolate a day until the box was finished. That, I may add, is quite an accomplishment—because See’s Chocolates are way beyond yummy! But I’m committed to limiting my sugar intake, and I hope to eliminate it entirely in the future.
I’ve heard that sugar feeds cancer cells. While it’s not officially linked to causing cancer, I wonder if limiting or eliminating sugar from our diets could reduce its prevalence in society?
Celebrating My Wins and Remembering My Losses
I found that I didn’t miss meat. I enjoyed experimenting with different forms of protein—but did so with caution because of my past experiences. When I worked as a home health nurse, I often took trail mix on long drives to visit patients, thinking it was a healthy option. But I didn’t realize how calorie-dense nuts were. Once I stopped snacking on trail mix every day, my weight stabilized.
So, this time around, I chose not to stock up on nuts. I used beans, protein powder, and yes—cheese—for protein.
I’m part of an electric co-op, and each month they send out a magazine. In this month’s issue, I found a butternut squash and black bean enchilada recipe. I had no idea enchiladas could be so delicious! I made a huge batch and will be enjoying them all week.
What I’ve Learned
Through this journey of fasting, I’ve learned several lessons about dieting that I’d like to share with you:
- If you’re struggling with exhaustion, weight gain, and brain fog, try eliminating items from your diet one at a time. For me, it was coffee. For you, it may be something else.
- If a diet feels too restrictive, loosen the guidelines. I couldn’t comply with one that didn’t allow dairy or the occasional chocolate.
- Drink lots of water. It’s my favorite drink. If plain water bores you, add a splash of lemon for some pizzazz.
- Make it fun! A few years ago, I was limited to a soft diet after major dental surgery. I had so much fun testing soup recipes and even lost weight in the process.
- Give yourself grace. If you fail or cheat, don’t beat yourself up. Pat yourself on the back for trying—and do better the next day.
- If you’d like to read the story that inspired this change in my life, please visit my website: gracielynne.com. The book is called From the Valley to the Palace.
Author Bio
Gracie Lynne is an international, award-winning author with a passion for storytelling that uplifts, inspires, and transforms. Gracie has written and published eight diverse books, ranging from her powerful debut The Shattered Vase to devotionals on dating, a heartwarming true story about a stray cat and two uplifting children’s books. She is currently deep in the journey of completing an award-winning Christian Fantasy series—an epic adventure of faith and hope—which she hopes to finish by the end of this year. Stay tuned… the best is yet to come!https://www.amazon.com/VALLEY-PALACE-FINDING-MY-FATHER/dp/B0F7RQZXN5