We all go through moments in life where we look at ourselves and don’t quite recognize the person in the mirror. I had my moment recently.
Despite thinking of myself as the confident, fit undercover reporter I once was—posing on the cover of Radio Times in 1999 and becoming a runner-up in Dancing On Ice ten years later—the person looking back at me was very different.
At 58, I found myself weighing 17.5 stone with a BMI of 36, which made me medically obese.
It was a wake-up call.
The Struggle and Deciding on a Radical Approach
For years, I’d tried and failed to lose weight.
From cutting calories and portion sizes to experimenting with the low-carb ‘keto’ craze, I had attempted countless diets, but nothing worked long term. Then, after Christmas, I had a moment of clarity.
I decided it was time to try something drastic. While some people turn to medications like Ozempic for a quick fix, I wanted to earn my transformation.
So, I chose the path of fasting—no food, just water and coffee—for 21 days.
It might sound extreme, but as an investigative journalist who’s spent my career in some intense situations, I figured I could handle this challenge.
Plus, I had the support of Dr. Ash Kapoor, a respected expert in fasting and wellness.
I first met Dr. Kapoor years ago when he was my GP. Now running private health clinics in London and Surrey, he had become an authority on fasting, teaching how it could improve health and extend life.
Understanding the Science Behind Fasting
The science behind fasting is surprisingly simple. Our bodies have mechanisms that, in times of famine, use stored fat, protein, and sugar for energy.
This process, known as autophagy, essentially resets the body by clearing out toxins and unhealthy cells.
While modern society is filled with abundance, fasting allows the body to tap into these internal reserves, helping clear out the junk that can lead to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
With Dr. Kapoor’s guidance, I began my fast. He assured me that under proper supervision, fasting can bring massive benefits.
It helps improve chronic conditions, and weight loss is a natural result.
Over the next three weeks, I would only consume water and coffee, with IV drips providing essential vitamins and minerals to keep me safe.
Day 1: The Beginning of the Challenge
It was my 59th birthday, and instead of celebrating with cake, I began my fast. I had prepared for this by enjoying one last indulgent meal—an Indian dinner with my family.
As I ate, they asked about my plans.
Wasn’t I going to drink protein shakes? No, just coffee and water. As the day passed, I wasn’t hungry, and having my “before” photos taken helped remind me of the importance of this journey.
But there was more to it than vanity. Dr. Kapoor’s tests had revealed alarming results—fatty liver, high blood pressure, and pre-diabetes.
I was also at risk of needing a partial knee replacement. The fast could change all that, but I had a long road ahead of me.
Days 2–4: The Hunger Hits
The first day passed without much trouble, but by Day 2, hunger kicked in.
I was still working—filming for my Killer Evidence series—but every fast food joint I passed felt like a temptation. Yet, I was determined to push through.
By Day 4, I had lost almost a stone, but my mind was consumed by food.
I dreamt of steaks and fries while distracting myself by watching cooking shows. My jacket was starting to feel looser, which kept my spirits high.
Days 7–12: Seeing Results and Feeling Better
By Day 7, I had lost nearly two stone. I was feeling better, my energy levels remained steady, and my anxiety had reduced.
The first intravenous drip at Dr. Kapoor’s clinic showed some promising results: my glucose levels had dropped significantly.
I felt more focused, and my mood had improved. My body was no longer relying on sugar but on fat for energy, and it showed in my clear-headedness and calm.
Day 14: Two Weeks In
At two weeks into the fast, I felt better than ever. I had lost over two stone, and my energy was consistent.
Dr. Kapoor had warned me that I’d experience moments of clarity, and here they were.
But the hunger was still ever-present. I reminded myself that this was all part of the process.
Day 20: The Finish Line in Sight
By Day 20, the end was near, and I could feel my strength waning.
My body had already shed an impressive amount of weight, but it had been a challenge.
An acquaintance even stopped me on the street, concerned that I was unwell from the rapid weight loss.
But I took it as a compliment and pushed forward. I hadn’t eaten in over three weeks, and I was ready for the final stretch.
Day 21: Success
On Day 21, I weighed in at 14st 7lb. I had lost almost three stone, and I felt incredible.
It was the best gift I could have given myself, but the journey wasn’t over.
I was determined to keep the weight off. The fasting process had worked wonders: my blood pressure was normal, my fatty liver and pre-diabetes were gone, and the need for knee surgery had vanished.
The fasting process had done more than just help me lose weight; it had rejuvenated my body in ways I hadn’t expected.
The Aftermath: Easing Back into Food
The first food I ate after 23 days was a warm mug of chicken broth.
It was the most delicious thing I’d ever tasted. Dr. Kapoor had warned me not to jump back into heavy meals too quickly, so I started slowly, introducing soft foods like veggies and lean proteins.
In a few weeks, I might even enjoy that T-bone steak I’d been dreaming of.
The real challenge now is to maintain this new weight. I’ve changed physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The results have been staggering, and I’m confident I can maintain this lifestyle.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from this experience is that weight loss doesn’t have to come from pharmaceutical shortcuts.
It’s about self-discipline, determination, and patience. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most transformative journeys are the ones we take on our own terms.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn