In summers past, I was able to lose weight regularly, usually through some combination of 1) keto/low carb, and 2) intermittent fasting (skipping breakfast, two or sometimes one meal a day), and exercise. These methods work but they are not sustainable for me once the more stressful work schedule begins in September (I'm a teacher). I am determined to find a way of eating and stress management that is sustainable so I can at least maintain, if not lose, during the months I am working (September-June). The calorie counting fits my mindset and helps me prevent overeating.

In summer 2023, I decided to get more help: I went to a weight loss clinic and got an appetite suppressing medication (phentermine). I was on that medication for six months, through the end of 2023, and it greatly aided my effort to lose weight. Now I'm off the medication and hope my new habits of eating and exercising will sustain me in still losing more pounds and then maintaining. The food scale is a great ($10) purchase of the year. FatSecret is a great discovery, too. I'm experimenting with various new additions to my diet, but my way of eating is evolving, more or less, into a more of a Mediterranean diet with lots of healthy carbs (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and healthy fats like olive oil. I eat a home-prepared, relatively plant-rich, fiber-rich, omnivorous diet that tries to stay clear of processed foods and take-outs.