The Fasting Highway

• Episode 297 Karen Coleman Ostrov -The journey continues a very inspiring story.

  Karen Coleman-Ostrov, age 65, spent much of her adult life trapped in the exhausting cycle of dieting. She was a lifelong dieter who tried over a dozen different diet programs and protocols, each promising weight loss but ultimately leading to frustration. Some diets caused her to gain weight or slow down her metabolism, while others required tedious food measuring or strict deprivation. Though she often lost weight temporarily, none of these plans were sustainable long-term, and she would always regain what she lost.In August 2020, Karen had a pivotal moment when she saw a stunning, youthful photo of her sister-in-law, Dedra Campbell, on Facebook. Karen initially thought it was a much older photo because Dedra looked so slim and vibrant. When she learned it was recent, Karen immediately called her to uncover her secret. Dedra shared that her success came from practising intermittent fasting, a concept that initially worried Karen because it sounded like deprivation and constant hunger. Yet, out of curiosity and hope, Karen bought the book, “Fast.Feast.Repeat.” by Gin Stephens and decided to give fasting a try—starting with a clean 18/6 fast.To her surprise, Karen found fasting easier than expected. The first fast sparked a change that would transform her life.At the time, Karen weighed 175 pounds (fluctuating often between that and 182 pounds) at 5’5”. Over the coming months, Karen faced challenges like a slowed metabolism caused by years of yo-yo dieting, the effects of menopause, and managing type 2 diabetes. Less than a year into fasting, Karen joined The Fasting Highway and also ordered and read the book.  Karen found encouragement from Graeme and fellow fasters, which was crucial as she learned to trust the process and understand that her weight-loss journey was uniquely hers—meaning she shouldn’t compare her progress to others'. Karen lost weight gradually but steadily.  After about two years, she dropped from 175 pounds to 160, and then a few months later to 149—a weight she hadn’t seen in more than 20 years! Eventually, Karen’s body settled around 142 pounds, a healthy and comfortable place for her. Her highest weight was 208 pounds, at which point she struggled with daily tasks such as bending over to tie her shoes, suffering from sleep apnea, and being out of breath after going up stairs or walking long distances.Today, Karen’s health and mobility have vastly improved. She no longer has sleep apnea and can climb challenging staircases, like the 185 steps of the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Bermuda and the 294 steps of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with ease. Maintaining her weight is effortless now with a flexible intermittent fasting routine, usually fasting 18/6 or OMAD on weekdays, and enjoying longer eating windows on weekends to socialise and eat out.Karen’s favourite part about fasting is the control it gives her over food—not feeling controlled by it. When asked why she continues fasting after reaching and surpassing her goal weight, Karen’s answer is simple: Intermittent fasting is not a diet or a fad—it’s a sustainable lifestyle. This lifestyle has allowed her to lose weight for the last time and live confidently in her body every day.Come and Join Our Patreon Community. I highly recommend you do!Please consider joining the Fasting Highway Patreon community. It has been great for all who have joined. Please visit www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway to learn about the benefits you receive and how to join.Private coaching with Graeme is available on a one-on-one basis. Please visit www.thefastinghighway.com, click 'Help Get Coaching,' and book a time that suits you. All times you see are in your local time zone.Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the host and guest only.

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• Episode 296 -Dianne Le Blanc -Thirty Pounds lost in less than a year an inspiring story

  My name is Dianne LeBlanc. I am 67 years old. And, living in Canada, I have been married to the same wonderful man for 48 years.  We have 2 adult children, ages 46 and 44, and 2 wonderful grandkids, ages 14 and 13. I did not have a weight problem growing up, but like many, after having my children, I started gaining weight.  I joined WW when I was around 30 years old and soon became a lifetime member.  The first time I joined I probably had 15 pounds to lose.  I gained it all back and more in no time and struggled, always.  I tried many different diets over the years, but none were sustainable. Fast forward to December 31st 2024, 2 months after my retirement, I was at my highest weight, probably close to 170, but I’m not sure, because I was no longer weighing.  I’m 5’1’’ tall, and size 12 was too small.  I was very disappointed in myself and thought that I was just going to get bigger. I could see myself turning into my mother, who has been miserable all her life because of her weight. I’m down over 30 pounds and 4 pant sizes since January 1st of this year.  I’m not sure if I have much more to lose, but I’m counting on my body to let me know.Come and Join Our Patreon Community. I highly recommend you do!Please consider joining the Fasting Highway Patreon community. It has been great for all who have joined. It has become an excellent add-on to our Patreon members' IF lifestyle, providing them with a wealth of bonus content to support their IF life.For less than a cup of coffee a month, you can join and support your own health goals.Graeme hosts three Zoom meetings monthly in the Northern and Southern hemispheres to support members in their IF lifestyle, which has proven very popular with our Patreon members.You will not find anywhere that provides that kind of support and accountability for just 0.16 cents a day. You can join for a month and see if it is for you. You will have access to all of the content exclusive to our Patreon community. Please visit www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway to learn about the benefits you receive and how to join.Private coaching with Graeme is available on a one-on-one basis. Please visit www.thefastinghighway.com, click 'Help Get Coaching,' and book a time that suits you. All times you see are in your local time zone.Graeme's best-selling book, The Fasting Highway, about his journey and how he did it, is available in paperback and Kindle at your local Amazon store. It is also available on audio at Apple Books, Kobo, Spotify, and many other audiobook platforms. Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the host and guest only.

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• Episode 295 Hope Clark - A Beginners Journey to Intermittent Fasting and Overcoming Challenges .

  Hello! Nice to connect with fellow Intermittent Fasters from around the world. My name is Hope, and I welcome you to join me in reflecting on my new journey of committing to losing weight for the last time. I live in Maine with my supportive and loving husband and best friend, Kevin, near the beach, alongside our dogs, Bea and Lou. I joined the Fasting Highways Patreon community in May of 2025 and am not looking back. From being placed on a diet as a preteen through adulthood, of going through nursing school, getting married and having 3 children, getting divorced, having anadult child diagnosed with a mental health issue, & working through Covid as a RN,,,,, I continued to yo-yo up and down with weight fluctuations and trying various diets (cabbage soup diet, weight watchers, slim fast, South Beach, lowcarb, Adkins, faith based intuitive eating plan, etc.) only repeating the same patterns. Gain weight, try another diet, lose some weight, regain, plus some.  Sound familiar? Self-reflecting on how I got to this place, I have realised that I turned to food in unhealthy ways to manage my stress &suppress unwanted feelings, mainly overeating sugary foods, and had unrealistic expectations around weight loss. It is about the journey now and being patient with myself, to create a healthier lifestyle while staying plugged into alike-minded community for support & encouragement, while being consistent. The journey so far has brought freedom from food noise, a mindset shift, & has evolved into so much more than a 25-pound weight loss. I’m just getting started! Our Patreon Community Please consider joining the Fasting Highway Patreon community. It has been great for all who have joined. It has become an excellent add-on to our Patreon members' IF lifestyle, providing them with a wealth of bonus content to support their IF life.For less than a cup of coffee a month, you can join and support your own health goals.Graeme hosts three Zoom meetings monthly in the Northern and Southern hemispheres for members to receive support for their IF lifestyle, which has proven very popular with our Patreon members.You will not find anywhere that provides that kind of support and accountability for just 0.16 cents a day. I urge you to give it your utmost consideration. Please visit www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway to learn about the benefits you receive and how to join.Private coaching is available with Graeme on a one-on-one basis. Please visit www.thefastinghighway.com, click 'Help Get Coaching,' and book a time that suits you. All times you see are in your local time zone.Graeme's best-selling book, The Fasting Highway, about his journey and how he did it, is available in paperback and Kindle at your local Amazon store. It is also available on audio at Apple Books, Kobo, Spotify, and many other audiobook platforms. Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the host and guest only.

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• Episode 294 Erika Barnhart - The Journey continues after losing 90 pounds (43 Kg) in a year living an IF lifestyle.

  In this episode, we check in with Erika from episode 212, recorded in February 2024. Erika is 45 years old and lives in Pennsylvania, USA, with her family and pets, working in the beauty industry.Bio In March of 2022, Erika decided it was time for a change —and that’s when her journey with intermittent fasting began. In just the first year, she lost nearly 90 pounds, going from her highest weight of 249 to feeling her best in the 160s. She says that’s where her body felt strong, balanced, and free.Fasting didn’t just change her weight — it transformed her mindset, energy, and confidence. Erika had hoped that fasting might also heal her Achilles tendonitis and heel spur, but in late 2024, she needed surgery. What could have been a setback became another part of her story. Her recovery was quick and inspiring — her doctors were amazed — and today she focuses on gentle movement, stretching, yoga, and light walking to stay active. Not long after her last podcast, life got even busier — and sweeter. Her youngest daughter moved in with her three-month-old baby, and just a month later, Erika discovered that her eldest daughter was also expecting. It’s been a year filled with love, laughter, and big family moments.Through it all, Erika stayed grounded in fasting. Sure, she’s had some longer eating windows and maybe a few too many sweets — but she knows exactly how to reset. And now, her daughter Kiana has joined the journey too, losing over 70 pounds through fasting after weaning her baby.Erika shares her story and encouragement on Instagram at @Pause and Fast, reminding everyone that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive — it just takes consistency, curiosity, and a whole lot of self-love.To connect with Erika https://www.instagram.com/pause_and_fast/Fasting isFree (@pause.and.fast) | TikTokComing soon: The Pause and Fast Podcast on Spotify.  Our Patreon Community Please consider joining the Fasting Highway Patreon community. It has been great for all who have joined. It has become an excellent add-on to our Patreon members' IF lifestyle, providing them with a wealth of bonus content to support their IF life.For less than a cup of coffee a month, you can join and support your own health goals.Graeme hosts three Zoom meetings monthly in the Northern and Southern hemispheres for members to receive support for their IF lifestyle, which has proven very popular with our Patreon members.You will not find anywhere that provides that kind of support and accountability for just 0.16 cents a day. I urge you to give it your utmost consideration. Please visit www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway to learn about the benefits you receive and how to join.Private coaching is available with Graeme on a one-on-one basis. Please visit www.thefastinghighway.com, click 'Help Get Coaching,' and book a time that suits you. All times you see are in your local time zone.Graeme's best-selling book, The Fasting Highway, about his journey and how he did it, is available in paperback and Kindle at your local Amazon store. It is also available on audio at Apple Books, Kobo, Spotify, and many other audiobook platforms. Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the host and guest only.

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• Episode 293 Keith McDonald -The journey continues and just gets more amazing.

  Keith McDonald is back for his fifth appearance on The Fasting Highway with his good friend Graeme Currie. At 45, Keith is a father of two daughters and has experienced a profound transformation—physically, emotionally, and mentally. His journey began at 317 pounds in 2015, and by 2019, he had lost 28 pounds, reaching 289 pounds when he discovered the benefits of fasting. Through dedication and deep self-reflection, he dropped to 173 lbs by 2021.But the journey wasn’t without challenges. Keith became obsessed with weight loss, and the extreme drop led to years of sciatica and physical pain. That turning point led him to strength training 2.5 years ago, where he rebuilt hisbody, resolved his back issues, and added nearly 30 lbs of muscle—all while maintaining his clothing size. He also underwent skin surgery to complete his transformation.In this episode, Keith opens up about the real-life tribulations of maintenance, the emotional toll of transformation, and how fasting remains a foundational part of his life—not just for weight, but for wellness, resilience, and purposeOur Patreon Community Please consider joining the Fasting Highway Patreon community. It has been great for all who have joined. It has become an excellent add-on to our Patreon members' IF lifestyle, providing them with a wealth of bonus content to support their IF life.For less than a cup of coffee a month, you can join and support your own health goals.Graeme hosts three Zoom meetings monthly in the Northern and Southern hemispheres for members to receive support for their IF lifestyle, which has proven very popular with our Patreon members.You will not find anywhere that provides that kind of support and accountability for just 0.16 cents a day. I urge you to give it your utmost consideration. Please visit www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway to learn about the benefits you receive and how to join.Private coaching is available with Graeme on a one-on-one basis. Please visit www.thefastinghighway.com, click 'Help Get Coaching,' and book a time that suits you. All times you see are in your local time zone.Graeme's best-selling book, The Fasting Highway, about his journey and how he did it, is available in paperback and Kindle at your local Amazon store. It is also available on audio at Apple Books, Kobo, Spotify, and many other audiobook platforms. Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the host and guest only.

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