I was a vegan for 12 years when I was diagnosed with lupus. After a failed lap band and after the birth of our 5th child, I had ballooned up to over 340lbs and became bedridden. I would additionally be diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, Raynaud’s, PCOS and pre-diabetes.
I met a woman in an overeaters group who would introduce me to a ketogenic diet. I have been completely keto for 3.5 years and currently weigh 130lbs. I am on the lowest dose of thyroid meds now, my pre-diabetes is reversed and I have full mobility.
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
Starting keto, information overload and battle of the keto “experts”…
When I first decided to try keto in July of 2016, I enthusiastically became a keto/Google master, researching anything and everything about keto. I watched YouTube videos, joined Facebook groups, and observed and asked questions.
RESEARCH: do your research, both pros and cons (I started with Ruled.me).
INVENTORY: take inventory of your own health through lab work.
APPLY: apply the method you chose.
ASSESS: is it working for me? Is this sustainable, or something I can see myself doing forever?
EVOLVE: incorporate different tools like fasting, or eliminating a certain food you think may cause a stall or binge.
If you are getting the results you want and it’s sustainable for you, it’s the right version of keto. If it stops working and becomes less sustainable, then you change it. Simple.
2. What is the most impactful change you’ve made to your diet and why do you feel it’s been the most important?
Eliminating sugar and starchy carbs. I realized the first day I reduced my carb intake that I was a sugar addict. I went through a physical and mental withdrawal. Once I approached my diet change as an addiction, it gave me focus and purpose.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
DEFINITELY empower yourself with research.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
I feel empowered!
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
My relationship with food is different now. I don’t wake up with cravings, so sugar no longer controls me.
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
I reached out to my primary care physician, who supported my dietary change. I also immediately let my spouse and children know that I was making some major dietary and life changes.
7. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
8. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
I would have looked up and stuck with a weekly menu early on. This would have made shopping and family meals easier.
