I am used to being on a restricted diet because of my health problems. I have fibromyalgia, an autoimmune disease that has no cure but symptoms/pain can be reduced with stress management, diet, and exercise. I can't eat large amounts of foods high in lectin content like grain, nuts, and legumes because the lectin in these food groups causes inflammation. If you have a healthy gut more than likely, you have no problem eating foods high in lectin. I eat a small amount of these food groups for my gut bacteria; they love the lectin and fiber. I use intermittent fasting as a way to mitigate inflammation, which is what fibromyalgia is all about. I lost 55lbs in 5 months 3 years ago with this diet and kept it off until this last winter.

I went to a doctor who is also a nutritionist, and he gave me the 800 calorie diet. I will be on this restricted diet for the next two months. My nutritionist aid weighed and measured me as well. I go in once a month to talk to my doctor, and we check my weight and adjust my diet if needed.

I think I weigh around 147lbs, I'm going to try and lose another 10lbs in the next two months. Weight-loss has slowed because my muscle mass is growing from lifting my weight with my yoga routine and walking. That is where I can see my body mass tightening up. One of the most significant positive from yoga is my balance has improved, most likely because of my stronger core muscles.

This last week I haven't wanted to eat and have to remind myself to eat. My biggest meal is in the morning after I take my walk and my second and last meal is made at 3 pm. I eat two meals a day and one small snack consisting of fruit or vegetables steamed or raw.

My new set of habits have been established, and I no longer have to struggle to get up at 5:30 am to take my 4-mile walk, it's a nice way to wake up and start the morning. Before I walk I drink 2 cups of water, and when I get home, I drink another two cups of water, feed the animals and clean the house, I drink around a 1/2 gallon of water a day. Around 8:30 am I eat breakfast, today I had three soft-boiled organic free-range chicken eggs. I like eggs because they fill me up and also help me sleep because of tryptophan. I don't eat eggs every day. Usually, I eat them three times a week. Because my body's immune system is hyper-sensitive, I try and avoid chemical laden foods, and I drink filtered water. I do take supplements for my minerals, which are crucial for a healthy immune system. Most foods we eat today are depleted in minerals because of poor soil management. Dirt Poor: Have Fruits and Vegetables Become Less Nutritious?-Scientific America

I've found through the years that consistent sleep habits and sleeping 8 hours a day help me maintain my weight and also help my body and mind heal and repair, helping me find balance both mentally and physically. Also, I am now in menopause, my hormone system has changed, and I had to adapt my diet and exercise program to accommodate the change. I gain weight easier, but I don't stress as much as when I was younger. When I sleep, I easily wake up. I've read this is common for older women. I don't read from a digital device before bed, and I don't have digital devices in my bedroom. I don't have electronic digital lights in my bedroom, which helps me sleep. Sleep, diet, exercise have become my best friend as I age. Sleep and Fibromyalgia

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1993 and tried the traditional protocols my doctors prescribed me, nothing has helped reduce the symptoms except diet, exercise, and meditation. When I was going through pre-menopause symptoms, I had a difficult time figuring out what was fibro symptoms and what was menopause. When I look back through my 50s, my knowledge gained from working with my fibro symptoms have helped me figure out what my older body needs to stay healthy and fit.

I've lost 20lbs since May 1st, walking, yoga, and keeping to my nutrition program.