How I Started Intermittent Fasting and Transformed My Health: My Personal Journey
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How I Started Intermittent Fasting and Transformed My Health: My Personal Journey
Hi, my name is Brian Lizama, CEO of Celt Salt by Nature’s Pantry. As a father of four and someone passionate about health and natural living, I want to share my personal journey into intermittent fasting and water fasting- a journey that helped me ultimately lose 50 pounds, gain mental clarity, and reclaim my vitality.
After running a successful insurance company for over 12 years, I realized health was a huge factor in life (I always knew that but couldn't grab a hold of it) especially seeing many of my clients develop chronic illnesses and even die prematurely in their 30s and 40s. That was a wake-up call: I could no longer put my health on the back burner, prioritizing everything else before it.
It’s normal for most Americans to get so busy with careers and family that eating out and inconsistent diets become the norm. The struggle to control weight can feel like an endless uphill battle, often without understanding why.
After watching countless videos on TikTok and Instagram about intermittent fasting, I decided to give it a try. At 5’5” and 206 pounds, I knew those "healthy" chicken and veggie bowls weren’t helping me. In June 2023, I started eating only between 1 PM and 5 PM, creating a 4-hour eating window and a 20-hour fasting period daily. This simple change gave my body the rest it desperately needed.
Why Changing How We Eat Matters
In America, most of us are accustomed to eating three meals a day. But our ancestors typically ate only one or two meals a day—and there’s a reason “breakfast” means breaking the fast. Constant eating means our digestive system rarely rests, leading to sluggish metabolism and poor health over time.
By extending my daily fast to 20 hours, I gave my body the chance to heal and reset naturally.
What I Ate During My Eating Window
During my 4-hour window, I focused mostly on animal-based foods:
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Ground beef and beef cuts like top sirloin, New York steak, and more
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Eggs (luckily, I have backyard chickens, so I get to enjoy fresh, home-raised eggs)
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Dairy like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
I paired these with low-calorie fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. To satisfy sugar cravings and add flavor, I also added a touch of honey.
The Results: Weight Loss and Mental Clarity
After feeling confident with intermittent fasting, I then ventured into one-day and two-day water fasts. The first days were challenging—hunger and irritability were intense—but by day three, I experienced incredible energy, focus, and mental clarity.
By following this intermittent fasting plan, I lost 30 pounds within three months! My initial goal when I began this journey in June was to reach 185 lbs by December, and surprisingly I did it in 90 days! I told myself "Why stop here? Let me really shoot for my ideal muscle to body weight of 160 lbs." By December 2023, I reached 157 pounds and even developed a six-pack—something I hadn’t seen my whole life. JAW DROPPED. It took a ton of mental and physical discipline but I am grateful to have accomplished that huge feat(at least in my eyes).
The Secret to a Successful Fast: Mineral Balance
One key to my success during fasting was replenishing essential minerals using Celt Salt, which kept my electrolytes balanced and helped avoid dizziness and fatigue that often come with fasting.
Important Reminder: Consult Your Healthcare Provider
This blog shares my personal experience and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting intermittent or water fasting, especially if you have health conditions or take medication.
Water fasting and intermittent fasting transformed my life—helping me regain control of my health, lose weight, and sharpen my mind. If you’re considering trying fasting, start slow, eat nutrient-rich foods during your window, stay hydrated, and consider adding mineral-rich Celt Salt to support your journey.
Ready to begin your own transformation? Start small, stay consistent, and discover the life-changing benefits of fasting and clean eating. Comment any questions you may have below and follow us on instagram @CeltSalt
Stay Healthy.
-Brian Lizama