Expert Q&A

Can I make it to 129.8lbs by New Years?? 🙈🙊🙉 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽 while doing intermittent fasting

Realistic Timeline to Reach 129.8 lbs by New Years

I see this question often from women in their late 40s and early 50s who feel desperate after years of failed diets. Assuming today is mid-October, you have roughly 10-11 weeks until New Years. Safe, sustainable fat loss for most beginners averages 1 to 2 pounds per week. That means a realistic target loss of 10-20 pounds total. Reaching exactly 129.8 lbs depends on your current weight. If you are starting at 155 lbs, yes it is possible with consistency. Starting at 170+ lbs makes the exact number less likely without extreme measures that risk muscle loss and metabolic slowdown.

How Intermittent Fasting Fits into the CFP Weight Loss Approach

Intermittent fasting can be an effective tool when done correctly for women over 45 dealing with hormonal changes. The 16/8 protocol (16 hours fasting, 8-hour eating window) works best for beginners because it aligns with natural circadian rhythms and helps regulate insulin, which is crucial when managing diabetes or blood pressure. In my book, I emphasize starting with a 12/12 window for the first two weeks to avoid cortisol spikes that worsen joint pain and fatigue. Focus your eating window from 10am to 6pm to allow proper overnight recovery. Combine this with high-protein meals (at least 100g daily) and resistance band exercises that protect joints rather than high-impact cardio.

Managing Joint Pain, Hormones, and Overwhelm

Many in your situation feel embarrassed asking for help and distrust the next diet. The CFP method prioritizes simple, insurance-friendly changes: walk 20-30 minutes daily at a comfortable pace, use anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, berries, and olive oil, and track only three metrics weekly—weight, waist, and energy levels. Hormonal fluctuations around perimenopause slow metabolism by up to 15%, so patience is key. Avoid cutting calories below 1,500 daily or you risk nutrient gaps that make blood sugar harder to control. If joint pain makes movement difficult, begin with seated strength routines or water walking.

Actionable Steps to Maximize Your Progress

1. Calculate your exact starting point today and divide remaining weeks by desired loss. 2. Choose an intermittent fasting schedule that fits your life without complex meal plans. 3. Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours) and stress reduction since cortisol drives belly fat. 4. Weigh weekly, not daily, to stay motivated. Many clients reach their goal range by adjusting expectations slightly and focusing on how they feel rather than one specific number. You can do this without another crash diet. Start simple this week and build consistency.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows cautious optimism mixed with past disappointments. Many 45-55 year old women report losing 8-15 pounds in 10 weeks using 16/8 intermittent fasting while managing joint pain and blood sugar issues, but few hit exact numbers like 129.8 due to holiday stress and hormonal stalls. Beginners often debate start times—some swear by 10am-6pm windows while others prefer evening eating to avoid family meal conflicts. A vocal group shares frustration that insurance won't cover programs so they rely on free apps and YouTube routines. Lived experiences highlight that those who combined fasting with short daily walks and higher protein saw better energy and less embarrassment asking for accountability. Most agree sustainable 1-2 lb weekly loss prevents rebound, though a minority pushes for faster results and risks burnout. Overall sentiment: possible with realistic adjustments, but focus should remain on feeling better rather than the scale alone.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Can I make it to 129.8lbs by New Years?? 🙈🙊🙉 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽 while doing intermi. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://blog.cfpweightloss.com/ask/can-i-make-it-to-129-8lbs-by-new-years-while-doing-intermittent
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

📖 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get the Book →
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