One year ago I decided to make an investment in myself and start a ketogenic lifestyle. That investment has paid off! I’m 5’6 and have lost 102 pounds eating keto. I’ve also lost my need for anxiety and depression meds. I’ve lost the need to nap daily. I’ve lost an addiction to food that gripped me. I’ve gained too. I’ve gained self-confidence. I’ve gained pride in myself.
I’ve gained endless amounts of energy and the ability to sleep through the night. I’ve been lucky enough to share this incredible journey with family members and friends. My sister in law has cured typed 2 diabetes through a ketogenic lifestyle alone! I’m still on my journey, but this sense of accomplishment is priceless.
I’m now down 105 pounds! I started at 298 and am now at 195. My goal is 150-160, I don’t have a set number, I’m thinking I’ll know when I get there.
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
When I started I promised myself I wouldn’t quit. In general, I’m definitely not a quitter, but for some reason, when it came to me and my health I was always looking for a quick fix and would quit.
I found focusing on small goals and celebrating every success, no matter how small, helped keep me going. It was overwhelming thinking about how much weight I wanted to lose, but once I focused on small, attainable goals I was celebrating successes left and right! All of the small successes started to really add up. That’s when I knew I was really doing something that was my new lifestyle, not a quick fix diet.
I also bought goal pants. I’d try them on every few weeks and found it so exciting when I would get closer and closer to buttoning them…until they finally did! Then I bought a new pair of goal pants! I do this for every size I lose…
2. What is the most impactful change you’ve made to your diet and why do you feel it’s been the most important?
The most impactful change I’ve made to my diet is listening to my body and recognizing when I’m actually hungry versus wanting to eat out of boredom or eating emotionally. Once I became fat adapted I found fasting came naturally, and the benefits of fasting have been incredible.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
Don’t compare! Theodore Roosevelt said “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s impossible to celebrate your victories when you are comparing yourself to others. No two bodies are the same and no two people will lose at the same pace. Consistency is key. Don’t quit and trust the process. Keto absolutely works if you do.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
My life has improved immeasurably. It’s unbelievable. I no longer need to nap to make it through the day. I sleep through the night and wake up rested. I no longer take medications for depression and anxiety. I’m finally proud of myself. It’s amazing the confidence that provides. It’s not just about the weight loss. The sense of pride and accomplishment feel absolutely amazing.
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
The biggest change to my day to day life is the energy I have. I have the energy to work full time and keep up with my kids and husband. That is priceless. I also am awed by making choices, in terms of food, to sustain myself rather than fill a void.
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
I shared my journey with everyone. I found this so helpful as it held me accountable. I also joined keto Facebook groups and read as many success stories on ruled.me as I could.
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
I’m still in the process of getting to my end goal weight. I continue to eat a ketogenic diet that makes me feel satisfied. I continue to get ideas for new foods from ruled.me, friends and family that have started to live a ketogenic lifestyle and Facebook groups. I always focus on all of the incredible foods that are part of the ketogenic lifestyle and never let myself get in the mindset of “oh I can’t have that.” I ALWAYS say “I choose not to have that.” It’s empowering.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
My absolute favorite is the creamed spinach. I crave it! It goes with everything, reheats really well, and is even great on its own! I also really love the ketoproof coffee recipe…it’s delicious!
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
I would have started sooner! I’d been on the fence for months before starting, and now looking back at all the benefits a ketogenic lifestyle has afforded me, I wish I would have started right away!
