In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Desiree Slusher from Round Rock, Texas. Are you ready to take your intermittent fasting lifestyle to the next level? There’s nothing better than community to help with that. In the Delay, Don’t Deny community we all embrace the clean fast, and there’s just the right support for you as you live your intermittent fasting lifestyle.  You can connect directly with Gin in the Ask Gin group, and she will answer all of your questions personally. If you’re new to intermittent fasting or recommitting to the IF lifestyle, join the 28-Day FAST Start group. After your fast start, join us for support in The 1st Year group. Need tips for long term maintenance? We have a place for that! There are many more useful spaces beyond these, and you can interact in as many as you like.  Visit ginstephens.com/community to join us. An annual membership costs just over a dollar a week when you do the math. If you aren’t ready to fully commit for a year, join for a month and you can cancel at any time. If you know you’ll want to stay forever, we also have a lifetime membership option available.   IF is free. You don’t need to join our community to fast. But if you’re looking for support from a community of like-minded IFers, we are here for you at ginstephens.com/community.  Desiree is a retired homeschooling mom of 5. She shares her transformative journey with intermittent fasting, which started in June 2019. While Desiree didn’t have a history of dieting, she found herself at the very high end of the normal weight range for her height, and she didn’t feel good in her body. Then, a friend shared about Gin’s approach to intermittent fasting. She discusses her transition from bulletproof coffee to clean fasting, the impact of reading The Obesity Code, and the significant health improvements she experienced. Since beginning IF, Desiree has lost a significant amount of weight and enjoys being at her ideal weight. Desiree emphasizes the importance of community support, her evolving body image, and the role of strength training in her health journey. Her goal is to be both healthy and strong as she ages. She also addresses challenges related to weight fluctuations and possible mold exposure, ultimately encouraging others to embrace intermittent fasting for its numerous health benefits.  Takeaways: •          Desiree started intermittent fasting in June 2019 after hearing about it from a friend. •          Reading The Obesity Code changed her perspective on health and fasting. •          Desiree experienced rapid health improvements and weight loss after starting intermittent fasting. •          She emphasizes the importance of community support in her fasting journey. •          Desiree's body image evolved as she accepted her unique shape and size. •          She lost about 25 pounds in six months and felt more energetic. •          Desiree began strength training to build muscle and improve her overall health. •          She faced challenges with weight fluctuations and health issues related to mold exposure. •          Desiree encourages others to try intermittent fasting for its health benefits, regardless of weight loss goals. At the end of the episode, Desiree encourages anyone on the fence to just start, and to embrace the clean fast. Get Gin’s books at: https://www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html. Good news! The second edition of Delay, Don’t Deny is now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audiobook. This is the book that you’ll want to start with or share with others, as it is a simple introduction to IF. It’s been updated to include the clean fast, an easier to understand and more thorough description of ADF and all of your ADF options, and an all new success stories section. When shopping, make sure to get the second edition, which has a 2024 publication date. The audiobook for the second edition is available now!  Join Gin’s community! Go to: ginstephens.com/community Do you enjoy Intermittent Fasting Stories? You’ll probably also like Gin’s other podcast with cohost Sheri Bullock: Fast. Feast. Repeat. Intermittent Fasting for Life. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts.   Share your intermittent fasting stories with Gin: gin@intermittentfastingstories.com Visit Gin’s website at: ginstephens.com  Check out Gin’s Favorite Things at http://www.ginstephens.com/gins-favorite-things.html Subscribe to Gin’s YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_frGNiTEoJ88rZOwvuG2CA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.