I decided in November of 2018 that I had to make a change in my life. I was the heaviest I had ever been. At 4 foot 11 inches, 242 pounds is super unhealthy. I was in size 22 pants and 1-2 XL shirts. Also, being an RN, I needed to be a picture of health for my patients as I educate them on improving their diets.
I started the keto diet on January 2, 2019 and never looked back. I have discovered what works for me, and strict keto is it. It surely isn’t a diet. It is a full lifestyle change. With the combination of keto and exercise I am now 134 pounds and in a size 6 jeans and XS shirt.
I’m loving the new skin I’m in, and I’m the smallest I’ve ever been. I have been told that I look 10 years younger. Well, I feel 10 years younger. I have been sharing my success with my patients and colleagues. There are so many people in the world that just need to see a real person succeed at weight loss before they try. I have no shame and I’m very proud. #keto4life
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
I do intermittent fasting, drink anywhere from 1-2 liters of water a day, check my ketone and blood glucose levels, weigh weekly, and exercise 3 times a week.
2. What is the most impactful change you’ve made to your diet and why do you feel it’s been the most important?
Cutting the sugar. It’s the most important because after you cut it out of your diet, you no longer crave it.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
Make sure you get your electrolytes in. You’ll thank me later.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
My life is great now. I’m happier, more confident, full of energy, and comfortable with the person I’ve become.
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
Planning meals ahead of time.
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
I have a friend at work who did keto years ago and was successful, and my fiancé kept me motivated.
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
Track my macros using Carb Manager, weigh my food, drink black coffee, drink water, and keep snacking to a minimum.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
The Zingy Lemon Fish is an all-time favorite. I’ve used it for salmon mostly, but I’ve also used it for flounder and cod. It works great for all fish.
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
I would have stayed away from the low carb breads and tortillas. They don’t mesh well with my system and spike my blood sugar 20-30 points. I feel like I could have lost weight a little quicker if I had stayed away.
I would like to add that another reason I started the keto lifestyle is because I was getting short of breath walking from the employee parking garage at work to the employee entrance, which was only about 1/4 of a mile.
