Episode 472: Karen Hiebert

·59 min·5 clips

At her annual physical, Karen saw 209 pounds on the scale, 20 pounds more than she estimated.

The episode begins with host Gin Stephens promoting her new Eat Like a Grown-Up program in the Fast Feast Repeat app. She then introduces guest Karen Hiebert, who is 13 days from retirement and lives in Winnipeg, Canada. Karen explains she started intermittent fasting in July 2024 after a six-week DIY diet failed. She describes a history of being slender until her 40s, when stress and menopause led to weight gain. A pivotal moment was her annual physical in May 2024, where she saw 209 pounds on the scale, shocking her into action. Karen initially adopted a militant low-carb, no-alcohol approach, losing 10 pounds in two weeks. She then discovered intermittent fasting through Gin's book Fast Feast Repeat and incorporated it, giving up calorie counting. Karen emphasizes eating whole, unprocessed foods and avoiding ultra-processed items during weight loss. She lost a total of 49 pounds, reaching 161 pounds, and now maintains with an 18:6 fasting window. Non-scale victories include improved skin, hair, nails, and relief from acid reflux and inflammation. Karen discusses reintroducing foods like sourdough bread and high-quality pasta. The conversation covers emotional eating, cravings linked to gut microbiome, and the challenge of giving up comforting rituals like creamy coffee. Karen advises beginners to stay curious and take progress photos. The episode concludes with Gin inviting listeners to share their stories.

As heard by us

A grounded look at how food weight and density can shape satisfaction during an eating window.

The episode keeps its focus on a practical intermittent fasting question: what makes an eating window feel satisfying rather than merely compliant.

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Why you'd press play

Want your eating window to feel satisfying instead of ending with a 10 a.m. Rice Krispies encore?

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