I’m 66, and I live in Rugby. I was born here, left when I was 18 to go to university in Portsmouth, and then did my postgraduate studies and a master's in education.
I moved to London and worked in North London as a class teacher in the Primary phase. I became a head teacher, or a school principal, by the age of 32, and then I became one of the head teachers in Britain who were sent into failing schools.
So I was the headteacher of several very large schools, and at 56, I retired. Like most people, I did not make caring for myself a priority. We were placed in some very scary situations, but as professionals, we have to deal with them and accept all the responsibilities. I slept badly, I worried about everything and everyone, and I ate erratically. I could go all day without eating, then eat everything.
Yet each day arrive at 6.30 am with a smile on my face and get ready for a new day!!
I had no control, and buffets were a nightmare. I can’t have one biscuit!! I can stand and toast white bread until the cows come home.I can eat 5 doughnuts in 10 bites.
I was 120 kilos with a belly and a round face, and I hated myself. I did all the diets and lost weight that always returned, plus more.
Finally, I read Dr Fung's book, then Glenn Livingston's book on bingeing, then Gin Stephen’s and then you, and it’s changed my life.
But I feel we underestimate the power of fake food and chemicals. With hindsight, walking away from recreational drugs, from smoking 40cigarettes a day, was easier than the pull of ultra-processed fake foods.
I am back in Rugby because my Mum is 89 and housebound, and I can’t, in good conscience, not be around. So I’ve slipped into being a caregiver, which wasn’t the plan. I live with my partner, Juan, and we have been together for ten years.
IF has helped me in so many other ways. I love the mental clarity, I feel positive and happy, every day feels like an education, and I’m learning about myself and finally putting my own needs first. If I want to be the best life partner or most helpful child to my Mum, then I need to take care.
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Disclaimer -The views in this podcast are those of the guest and host only and should not be taken as direct medical advice. Please consult your health professional before beginning any health plan.