Linda Varghese

In this episode of Intermittent Fasting Stories, Gin talks to Dr. Linda Varghese, a pathologist who lives in Minneapolis, MN.

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Linda was always trying to lose weight. She first came across intermittent fasting in 2016 when she came across Dr. Michael Mosley's book and blogs about the strategy known as 5:2, which is an up/down day approach where you fast two out of the five days each week. She liked the science behind it and followed this protocol for almost two years. But Linda never fasted clean, adding Splenda and cream in her coffee. And because of this, fasting was never "easy."

In May of 2019, Linda came across the Intermittent Fasting Podcast, where she learned about the clean fast. She read Delay, Don't Deny and The Obesity Code. Once she began to fast clean, the fast became easy and enjoyable! She then moved her window to a morning one, and this felt natural. Her window is typically 9 am-noon each day. She has lost 15 pounds.

Linda talks about the science behind the current obesity epidemic, and explains that about "80% of chronic diseases are linked to dietary choices." She also explains that "obesity is a hormonal disease." Restricting calories does not fix obesity, as it is an issue of insulin. "Fasting causes insulin to lower, and will heal the insulin problem, but this may take time. Be patient."

The advice she'd give to new IFers: "Understand the science behind IF. Start small and simple, and be persistent. Listen to the IF podcasts, use apps for tangible reminders, and tweak IF to fit your lifestyle. IF is not a diet, it is going to be your lifestyle."

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