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Unbelievable Freedom: How We Transformed Our Health and Happiness with Intermittent Fasting
Gaining 200 pounds wasn’t in their wedding vows.For years, it was a problem they couldn’t face.Eventually, with doses of determination and devotion, they found a practice that brought them freedom.This book tells that story, and it is uniquely a “Why To” book amongst a plethora of how-to books on the dietary management strategy known as time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting.Ryan & Kim Smith, also known as "The Super Shrinking Smiths," struggled with dysfunctional eating throughout their lives. They had been on the hamster wheel of diets from long before they met. From the time of their wedding in 2003, they ate their way through a decade plagued by massive weight gain until 2014, at which point they topped out at well over 500 pounds combined. First Ryan began a weight loss effort, then Kim followed suit, eventually leading them both to intermittent fasting as outlined in Gin Stephens’ “Delay, Don’t Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle.” At this point, Ryan and Kim have lost a collective 200 pounds. The journey transformed not only their connection to food, but to themselves and to each other. Their lives are filled with peaceful joy that they hope to share with others. The Smiths specifically hope to reach couples who feel their separate issues with food are magnified in the context of their relationship.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2018
295 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 18, 2019
There isn't much about HOW they transformed their health and happiness—btw, how do you transform happiness in the first place—other than they finally stumbled onto intermittent fasting. About 70% of the book before that describes their depressing history of disastrous relationship with food, as well as their private/family circumstances. Too much of completely irrelevant information. If you're looking for useful and applicable information on IF, move on.
September 27, 2019
Among top five books I've ever read!
I read this book in literal days . It was so captivating, I couldn't put it down. Often I teared up, as my life and Kim's have many parallels. I shed a few tears because I can relate to the struggling years. For decades, dieting has become a part of my identity. I cannot enjoy life because of my insecurities about my weight. Your story has truly inspired me. Both of you look great and healthy. Thank you for sharing your story.
I read this book in literal days . It was so captivating, I couldn't put it down. Often I teared up, as my life and Kim's have many parallels. I shed a few tears because I can relate to the struggling years. For decades, dieting has become a part of my identity. I cannot enjoy life because of my insecurities about my weight. Your story has truly inspired me. Both of you look great and healthy. Thank you for sharing your story.
September 29, 2023
Inspiring
I'm on my tablet so until I get a chance to write a proper review with a keyboard this will be brief. If you've ever thought you would like to try IF, but thought you couldn't succeed, or it would only work for others, read this book. I could relate to every negative thought, fear and bad habit described. They are likeable and real. So if they are just as real as me, and it worked for them... This book, and one other are the reason why I've given this a go. Only nine days in, but I feel as though this may be life changing.
I'm on my tablet so until I get a chance to write a proper review with a keyboard this will be brief. If you've ever thought you would like to try IF, but thought you couldn't succeed, or it would only work for others, read this book. I could relate to every negative thought, fear and bad habit described. They are likeable and real. So if they are just as real as me, and it worked for them... This book, and one other are the reason why I've given this a go. Only nine days in, but I feel as though this may be life changing.
October 15, 2018
Inspiring!!
Loved this book. It is easy to read and hard to put down. I found it very inspiring! It is an encouragement to anyone who is sick of dieting and would like to live in freedom and enjoy life again.
Loved this book. It is easy to read and hard to put down. I found it very inspiring! It is an encouragement to anyone who is sick of dieting and would like to live in freedom and enjoy life again.
October 18, 2018
Inspiring
The style is like your in the room and having a get together. They are warm and inviting but honest in their struggles to lose weight. It's a great read for anyone whose ever wondered how to change their connection with food.
The style is like your in the room and having a get together. They are warm and inviting but honest in their struggles to lose weight. It's a great read for anyone whose ever wondered how to change their connection with food.
November 21, 2018
Freedom to live thanks to the Smiths
We really enjoyed the personal flavor that the book presented . You allowed readers to be right there with you in your struggles and in the good times . Such inspiring words and lessons
We really enjoyed the personal flavor that the book presented . You allowed readers to be right there with you in your struggles and in the good times . Such inspiring words and lessons
March 21, 2019
An Inspiring Tale
Kim and Ryan share the story of their lives together in a very candid, yet inspiring way. This book is worth your time if you’re looking to make a lifestyle change for the better. Highly recommend.
Kim and Ryan share the story of their lives together in a very candid, yet inspiring way. This book is worth your time if you’re looking to make a lifestyle change for the better. Highly recommend.
October 18, 2018
Wow
Wow Outstanding! Your journey and your honesty gives hope and belief that change is possible to so many Thank you for sharing your story it was a pleasure to read
Wow Outstanding! Your journey and your honesty gives hope and belief that change is possible to so many Thank you for sharing your story it was a pleasure to read
October 6, 2024
Aloin lukea kirjaa, sillä minua kiinnosti kuulla ihmisten omia kokemuksia pätkäpaastosta.
Harmikseni kirja ei kuitenkaan käsitellyt niitä juurikaan, vaan kertoi vain pariskunnan taistelusta painon kanssa niin yhdessä kuin erikseen. Kirjan loppupuolella pariskunta löysi pätkäpaaston, oli ollut sillä reilun vuoden kirjan kirjoittaessaan ja puhui siitä hieman, mutta koska pätkäpaastoon ei ole mitään sääntöjä ja jokaisen pätkäpaasto on itsensä näköinen, ei heilläkään ollut kertoa siitä kauheasti.
Kirja olisi varmasti ollut mielenkiintoinen, jos lukijalla olisi joku suhde kirjoittajiin (pätkäpaastomaailmassa he olivat kuulemma alunperin tunnettuja inspiraation lähteitä), mutta näin randomina lukijana en saanut kirjasta paljonkaan irti, sillä se keskittyi lähes täysin heidän elämäänsä ennen pätkäpaastoa.
Jos nimenomaan pätkäpaasto kiinnostaa en usko, että saat kirjasta kauheasti irti, joten en suosittele käyttämään aikaa tähän.
Harmikseni kirja ei kuitenkaan käsitellyt niitä juurikaan, vaan kertoi vain pariskunnan taistelusta painon kanssa niin yhdessä kuin erikseen. Kirjan loppupuolella pariskunta löysi pätkäpaaston, oli ollut sillä reilun vuoden kirjan kirjoittaessaan ja puhui siitä hieman, mutta koska pätkäpaastoon ei ole mitään sääntöjä ja jokaisen pätkäpaasto on itsensä näköinen, ei heilläkään ollut kertoa siitä kauheasti.
Kirja olisi varmasti ollut mielenkiintoinen, jos lukijalla olisi joku suhde kirjoittajiin (pätkäpaastomaailmassa he olivat kuulemma alunperin tunnettuja inspiraation lähteitä), mutta näin randomina lukijana en saanut kirjasta paljonkaan irti, sillä se keskittyi lähes täysin heidän elämäänsä ennen pätkäpaastoa.
Jos nimenomaan pätkäpaasto kiinnostaa en usko, että saat kirjasta kauheasti irti, joten en suosittele käyttämään aikaa tähän.
October 1, 2020
I was disappointed in this book as it turned out to be 95% the emotional, psychological, social, and physical damage being overweight caused in their lives. There is very little regarding the hows and whys about intermittent fasting. I’m happy Kim and Ryan have found freedom and wish them well. I was just hoping to learn more about IF itself and this book doesn’t do that.
July 18, 2021
Good value - helpful inspiring story
This isn’t a 1-2-3 how to book as much as a long recollection of the personal journey the authors made courtesy of Intermittent Fasting. It helps people explore their own improper relationship with food and, I believe, gain hope. At the end they discuss their personal practices of fasting which is helpful.
This isn’t a 1-2-3 how to book as much as a long recollection of the personal journey the authors made courtesy of Intermittent Fasting. It helps people explore their own improper relationship with food and, I believe, gain hope. At the end they discuss their personal practices of fasting which is helpful.
August 31, 2021
Very motivating and encouraging
I really found this book very motivating and encouraging, especially hearing from both Kim and Ryan and their different perspectives. Weight loss is hard for everyone and they really show their struggles not just their accomplishments which I really respected. I definitely recommend this book.
I really found this book very motivating and encouraging, especially hearing from both Kim and Ryan and their different perspectives. Weight loss is hard for everyone and they really show their struggles not just their accomplishments which I really respected. I definitely recommend this book.
October 27, 2018
Very touching success story
Everyone struggles with life. The story of Kim and Ryan’s struggles and how they overcame them together, improving their health and their outlook is inspirational, and actionable!
Everyone struggles with life. The story of Kim and Ryan’s struggles and how they overcame them together, improving their health and their outlook is inspirational, and actionable!
October 29, 2018
Fantastic journey !
Found the book very motivating and inspiring for me and my husband! It almost touches many parts of our lives as dieters, struggling to lose weight in the busy world!
Found the book very motivating and inspiring for me and my husband! It almost touches many parts of our lives as dieters, struggling to lose weight in the busy world!
February 15, 2019
scattered and limitedly informative. Didn't like the narrative approach they used to write it. I will, however, applaud their willingness to be transparent. Best part of the book was the cover photo.
May 17, 2020
Inspired
I heard about the Smiths through another IF Mentor, Kayla Cox. I'm really glad I finally read their story because it really inspires me to continue pushing past obesity on my own IF journey.
I heard about the Smiths through another IF Mentor, Kayla Cox. I'm really glad I finally read their story because it really inspires me to continue pushing past obesity on my own IF journey.
June 23, 2020
Thank you for telling your story!
Such a wonderful story of how fasting can change your life in so many good ways! I highly recommend this book and this way of life if you are struggling to lose weight and/or just get healthier!!!
Such a wonderful story of how fasting can change your life in so many good ways! I highly recommend this book and this way of life if you are struggling to lose weight and/or just get healthier!!!
July 3, 2020
If you want to change your life...read this.
This along with Delay Don’t Deny will forever be the books I recommend for people to change their lives. I am just beginning but I am so inspired by their words. All I can say is “Thank You”.
This along with Delay Don’t Deny will forever be the books I recommend for people to change their lives. I am just beginning but I am so inspired by their words. All I can say is “Thank You”.
July 31, 2020
A journey through a couple's transformation
Simple read. Nothing too spectacular and in-depth. Nice personal story. Maybe for a bit of encouragement for people considering to start on intermittent fasting.
Simple read. Nothing too spectacular and in-depth. Nice personal story. Maybe for a bit of encouragement for people considering to start on intermittent fasting.
October 6, 2022
Inspiring life journey
Read this after undertaking intermittent fasting this Summer and having already read Gin’s book - delay don’t deny , this book was great reinforcement. IF you try this life change , it works period . I am amazed at my personal progress
Read this after undertaking intermittent fasting this Summer and having already read Gin’s book - delay don’t deny , this book was great reinforcement. IF you try this life change , it works period . I am amazed at my personal progress
December 11, 2022
Inspiring and down to Earth
This story was well written and honest. I do appreciated their willingness to be honest and vulnerable. I will be reading this again! Highly recommended.
This story was well written and honest. I do appreciated their willingness to be honest and vulnerable. I will be reading this again! Highly recommended.
December 9, 2023
An amazing testimony
Inspirational and practical insight into Intermittent fasting (IF). My favorite was the last couple chapters. Loved their detailed summary of how IF benefited them. This definitely encouraged me to try IF.
Inspirational and practical insight into Intermittent fasting (IF). My favorite was the last couple chapters. Loved their detailed summary of how IF benefited them. This definitely encouraged me to try IF.
February 11, 2024
Very inspirational book
I enjoyed reading this book and I feel like I can do a 5 hour window for eating. I am excited to show this book to my sisters. It feels good to have a plan that is workable. Thanks to the authors for sharing their lives.
I enjoyed reading this book and I feel like I can do a 5 hour window for eating. I am excited to show this book to my sisters. It feels good to have a plan that is workable. Thanks to the authors for sharing their lives.
March 7, 2024
inspiring
I enjoyed so much on their mission to go at it together. How lucky is that? I would say most of us do not have that support which makes it harder to start IF. Its a struggle but it be can be done alone. Kudos to Kim and Ryan for inspiring others like Gin has.
I enjoyed so much on their mission to go at it together. How lucky is that? I would say most of us do not have that support which makes it harder to start IF. Its a struggle but it be can be done alone. Kudos to Kim and Ryan for inspiring others like Gin has.
May 10, 2024
Gratifying
I am grateful to read this story and the struggles that Kim and Ryan have gone through to accomplish food freedom, better health and better mental health. This is the story of most households where good is readily available and life stresses become food addiction.
I am grateful to read this story and the struggles that Kim and Ryan have gone through to accomplish food freedom, better health and better mental health. This is the story of most households where good is readily available and life stresses become food addiction.
October 29, 2018
Awesome!
This was such an honest and delightful book! Loved hearing from both Kim and Ryan. It was both heartwarming and motivational!
This was such an honest and delightful book! Loved hearing from both Kim and Ryan. It was both heartwarming and motivational!
November 11, 2018
I have done Intermittent Fasting since Feb 2018. I know it works and have seen the benefits. I still enjoy being inspired by others stories. It proves that it can be done!
April 27, 2019
Great Read
So encouraging, Easy Read
Answers so many questions in my mind and how to handle others opposition
Thanks for the encouragement
So encouraging, Easy Read
Answers so many questions in my mind and how to handle others opposition
Thanks for the encouragement
June 4, 2019
Very thoughtful and inspiring personal story. The Smiths do a wonderful job telling their story and encouraging others to follow a similar path to better health.
February 6, 2020
Inspirerend. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews