In an engaging narrative, Scott Jennings, a well-known conservative voice on CNN and partner at RunSwitch Public Relations, recounts his personal journey towards better health and weight loss. From his days as a White House advisor to his current role as a political commentator, Jennings shares a deeply personal experience that transcends political discourse, focusing on his transformation through intermittent fasting.
From Politics to Personal Transformation
Scott Jennings' career has spanned the realms of politics and media, marked by insightful commentary and a commitment to engaging in good-faith debates. While he navigates the challenges of maintaining friendships across the political aisle, he also grapples with personal health goals. This narrative takes a turn as Jennings shares a significant, non-political event: his decision to address his health and weight.
The Turning Point
The catalyst for change occurred on January 16th, during a dinner with friends. Jennings recalls feeling physically and emotionally awful after indulging in shrimp and grits, followed by an enormous slab of carrot cake. His suit barely fit before the meal, and he felt his health was spiraling out of control. This moment served as his rock bottom, prompting a resolution to make a change.
Previous Attempts and the Cycle of Weight Regain
Jennings had struggled with his weight for years, fluctuating between 250 and 275 pounds. He had previously achieved some success, once dropping to 220 pounds by "running farther and eating less." However, the weight always returned. He realized that exercise alone was not the solution, emphasizing that diet plays a more significant role in weight management.
In 2017, he weighed 194 pounds, but then watched the scale steadily tick up to 233 pounds the morning after this January’s dinner. Stress, anxiety, social pressures and boredom (more than actual hunger) caused him to eat all the time and he could feel himself heading right back where he started.
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Discovering Intermittent Fasting
Driven by a desire to understand nutrition, Jennings began researching and devouring information about food, insulin, sugar, ketones, glycogen, carbohydrates, and more. His research led him to discover intermittent fasting, an idea that initially seemed daunting. The thought of going without food for extended periods, such as 16, 24, or 36 hours, was a significant departure from his usual eating habits.
He learned that fasting is no fad - humans have been fasting for millennia. Today, we are bombarded with advice to eat. Eat more meals to keep up your metabolism. Eat this style or that and watch the pounds fall off. Eat bars. Drink shakes. The common thread in all dieting advice is to eat. Eat all the time!
Inspired by the eating habits of our ancestors, who feasted and fasted due to food scarcity, Jennings questioned the modern obsession with constant eating. He delved into books by Dr. Jason Fung and others, who presented a compelling case for intermittent fasting and consuming whole, unprocessed foods.
Implementing Intermittent Fasting
Jennings embarked on his intermittent fasting journey and has lost weight every single week since Jan. 18. He started with a 16-hour fast and an 8-hour eating window, skipping breakfast and consuming lunch and dinner. As he adapted, he gradually reduced his eating window to six, then four, and eventually, to a one-hour window on most days, following the One Meal a Day (OMAD) method. He compares this progression to weightlifting, emphasizing the need to build capacity over time.
During his fasting periods, Jennings consumes water, coffee, and tea without artificial flavors or sweeteners. Seltzer water with lime wedges has become his preferred beverage. He ensures that his meals are at least three hours before bedtime.
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Confronting Sugar Addiction
As Jennings took control of his eating schedule, he confronted a long-standing issue: his addiction to sugar. Despite attempts to moderate his sugar intake in the past, he consistently relapsed. He realized the extent of his addiction, acknowledging that he couldn't stop at just one cookie.
Jennings recognized the pervasive presence of sugar and processed foods in our daily lives and made a firm decision to eliminate them. He also eliminated sugar substitutes, as they exacerbated his cravings.
The Importance of Whole Foods and Mindful Eating
During his eating window, Jennings focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed foods. He doesn't skimp on food but eats until he is full, incorporating eggs from his backyard chickens, meat, cheese, and vegetables into his meals. He emphasizes the importance of including enough fat and salt in the diet, as they are essential for good health.
Jennings advises others to experiment with different fasting methods to find what suits their lifestyle. He also stresses the importance of mindful eating, encouraging individuals to savor their meals instead of eating mindlessly.
The Benefits of Having a Partner
A friend joined Jennings on his weight loss journey, providing invaluable support. They shared their experiences, dietary choices, eating schedules, and challenges. Jennings emphasizes that having a partner makes the journey more enjoyable and sustainable.
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Additional Benefits and the Gift of Time
Beyond weight loss, Jennings has experienced enhanced mental clarity, improved gut health, reduced inflammation, and improved skin complexion. He also notes a significant increase in energy levels.
Intermittent fasting has also given him the gift of time. He estimates that he has gained productive hours in his day that he would have otherwise spent eating, planning to eat, or snacking.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom
Jennings acknowledges that intermittent fasting appealed to his contrarian nature, as it challenges conventional wisdom about eating and nutrition. He also connects it to the old, country wisdom he learned from his grandmother, who always said, "Snacks will ruin your dinner!"
A Call to Action
While emphasizing that he is not a doctor and advising readers to consult with their healthcare providers, Jennings suggests that many health issues, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, can be traced back to our diets.
Inspired by a CNN viewer's question about his weight loss, Jennings decided to share his experience, hoping to connect with others facing similar challenges. He encourages those who have been searching for answers to research intermittent fasting, suggesting that it could make a significant difference in their lives.