Life and Writing
Weight loss journey
Back in 2021, my doctor “suggested” I start taking diabetic medication again, as my A1C shot back up. I refused. Instead, I decided to get my shit together. Doing a little bit of research, I came across Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist from Canada, who is basically the “Fasting Doc”. After watching a few of his videos, I decided to start fasting to get my A1C under control.
It worked. Not only is my A1C normal, but I’ve lost a lot of weight in the process.
My starting weight was 265. I’m currently 178. My goal is 140. Not only have I lost weight but I’m sleeping better, my pain levels have improved, I’m always happy, and I have a lot of energy. The most important change—I’m back to writing.
I stopped writing in 2012 because of severe brain fog, which I blamed on Fibromyalgia. In 2022, I decided to mix extended fasting, intermittent fasting and a low carb way of eating. My brain fog lifted and I started writing again.
I’m in the process of working on myself. Between my multiple disorders (four neurological disorders) and stress in general, I’ve let myself go. It happens to the best of us. But since the weight loss, I’ve been working on taking better care of myself. Mainly my appearance.
I’m still wearing a lot of the clothes I had before the weight loss. I did buy a new pair of pants this week and I’m so happy, finally jeans that fit. No more pulling them up every time I move. My goal for the rest of the year is to update my wardrobe and get rid of clothes that are way too big for me. And of course, getting the last 38 pounds off.
I’ve stopped extended water fasting for now and mainly do intermittent fasting. I also am no longer low carb. I’ve moved into ketovore and carnivore as I feel my best with lots of fat and protein.
If anyone is interested in learning more, you can follow Dr. Jason Fung (Fasting), Dr. Eric Westman (Keto), RN Neisha Salas-Berry (Ketovore), and Dr. Ken Berry (Carnivore).
Crime/Thriller Series
I should be getting book one back from my beta reader tomorrow. Like I stated in the last update, I’ll start working through the third draft in December. I’m currently 49% done with the second draft of book two. I’ll be writing books three and four for NaNoWriMo in November.
Forthcoming Poetry Book
I’m halfway through my second proof copy of the new poetry book and am hoping to finish this week. The good thing is, I haven’t come across anything that needs changed. Cover and title reveal coming next month. The book will be released in January of 2025.
The Hourglass Collection
The Red Hour, the first book in The Hourglass Collection, was released last month. Book two is still resting at 33% complete. I gave myself the first half of this month off from writing any new poems for the book so I could concentrate on editing book two in the crime series. I plan on writing more poems the rest of this month and hopefully finishing the book by the end of the month.
Conjure Volume 1 Audiobook
The audiobook for Conjure Volume 1 is now available through Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo, Libro.fm, and Storytel. You can also purchase it directly from me through my Official Store and Etsy.
On Repeat
This week I’ve been relaxing with Robi Draco Rosa. Some of you guys may remember him from his Menudo days. Others from the movie Salsa. Some of you might have never heard of him. I hope you enjoy Lie Without A Lover.
Alright ya’ll. Everyone stay safe and warm.
Rena Aliston