It was the year after my mother passed away at the age of 65 when I resolved to take charge of my health. For the first time in my family, she had lived beyond 50, yet she, like my grandmother and great-grandmother, fell victim to cancer far too early. Faced with my own struggles at just 48, I weighed 97kg, had developed type 2 diabetes, and experienced early menopause at 35. The pressures of running a multinational business, managing a household, and caring for my two children, alongside my pets and a crumbling marriage, left me exhausted.
Despite external stability, I was internally battling demons from my past. A fear of failure had permeated every aspect of my life, and neglecting my health only exacerbated my struggles. Growing up, I faced instability; compelled to navigate an unpredictable childhood marked by constant relocation and a lack of nurturing care. Food became my solace during periods of anxiety and sadness, rooted in a childhood fear of starvation.
By the age of 14, I began my journey towards independence, landing my first job and eventually climbing the ranks in the beauty industry—from cleaning in a chemist shop to serving as the global chief executive of reputable brands. Yet, despite my extensive experience in health and beauty, my own health remained in dire straits. I was acutely aware that I had to break the cycle of poor health that haunted the women in my family.
Determined to turn my life around after my mother's death, I began working with a nutritionist and exercising regularly. However, I sought a more radical transformation. I enrolled in a fasting clinic for an intense two-week fast, where I would consume nothing at all. Autophagy—the body's method for recycling and breaking down its components—was a key motivator. This process, vital for immune function and discovered by Nobel Prize winner Yoshinori Ohsumi, accelerates during fasting, activating fat burning and reducing inflammation.
At the fasting retreat in the German Alps, I was taken aback by the psychological shift that came after the initial struggle of the first three days. As the cravings subsided, I entered a state of calm acceptance, allowing my body to reset. Each morning began with a tea made from apple skins, complemented by daily health check-ups. Tasks such as hiking, yoga, and meditation distracted me from thoughts of food, replaced instead by a profound clarity of mind.
Over the course of this fasting journey, I lost nearly half my body weight—down to 69kg—and achieved a dress size of 12, while my diabetes entered remission. This dramatic change was about more than just weight; it was a turning point in my mental wellbeing. Having faced a womb cancer diagnosis two years ago, early detection proved critical to my recovery. I attribute my successful fight against the disease, in part, to the improvements in my health ushered in by fasting.
Ten years later, my transformation continues. My commitment to maintaining a lifestyle free from ultra-processed foods has become central to my existence, as has the routine of weightlifting a couple of times a week and maintaining an enjoyable exercise regimen. I’ve cultivated a healthier relationship with food, steering clear from past destructive habits.
Today, I strive to be a positive health role model for my children, prioritising their wellbeing over indulgent vacations or extravagant dining experiences. Instead of seeking out culinary adventures, I choose health retreats focused on meditation, fasting, and restorative movement. I have learnt to listen to my body, a skill I intend to nurture for life, fostering resilience and wellness not just for myself but for the generations who will follow.
The growing body of research supporting intermittent fasting and its myriad benefits strengthens my resolve. By embracing periods of fasting, people can harness not just weight loss but also improvements in metabolic health and longevity—potentially reducing risks linked to chronic diseases. While some remain sceptical, the increasing popularity of fasting and its celebrated effects on physical and mental health cannot be overlooked.
As I reflect on my transformative journey, it is clear that the path to health can be laden with complexity, but ultimately, it offers the possibility of profound change. I have reclaimed my narrative, embracing wellness fully, and in doing so, I have changed not just my own life, but the legacy I will leave for my children.
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Source: Noah Wire Services