My Keto journey began with an insurance blood test in March, 2017. My premium quote was tripled due to my weight and blood results. Weight was 235 lb. My a1c was 6.1. I was deemed obese and pre-diabetic. I was taking high dose Lipator for cholesterol, High dose of Protonix for gerd/acid reflux and a beta-blocker for blood pressure. Breathing was strained and I couldn’t make it up a set of stairs without becoming winded. I was eating 20-30 ibuprofen a day for joint and back pain.
By November, my weight was 145lb. I no longer take Lipator, I no longer take Protonix and my beta-blocker dose has been halved. My joint pain is gone. No signs of acid reflux for the first time in decades. I can walk all day and stairs are no issue. My last a1c was 4.4.
Waist went from 40-30″ waist. My shirts are now medium – down from X-Large.
I currently fast at least 18 hours/day. Normally eat a single meal in the evening.
I’m saving a fortune on food and medications.
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 have six children. I had no clue how unhealthy I was until I applied for insurance. Any time I struggle, I remind myself I have a responsibility to be alive and healthy until my children are grown. I am setting an example for my kids and they need to know that we all have a responsibility to deal with issues – not ignore them.
To be overly frank, I also tap into my anger for motivation. I work with two very overweight Type II diabetics who indulge in snacks and sugared sodas all day. They both take insulin and Metphormin and constantly complain about their health care costs. People like this are draining our health care system and I am enraged. Type II diabetes is a choice and I am so very tired of paying for all those who choose to live that lifestyle. I can’t afford the healthcare my own children require but a huge portion of our population drains the system so they can indulge. Infuriating.
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 carbs. This was the most impactful because I was consuming huge amounts of carbs and removing them was the biggest adjustment. I only intended to loose 30 lbs to qualify for standard insurance rates. I had no idea what would follow. Just this morning I hit 90lb.
Acid Reflx = Completely Cured.
Pre Diabetes = Gone.
Blood Pressure = Normal.
Joint Pain = Gone.
$160 Monthly Prescription Co-Pays = No More!
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
Get Your Baseline Bloodwork!!!
In fact, I would get two tests over two months and spend that time reading The Obesity Code and listening to the entire 2KetoDudes library before starting. I wish I had done so. I made several mistakes that could have been prevented.
Ruled.me has been a huge help during the journey and is my go-to “continuing education” resource.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
To be honest, I feel isolated and lonely. I have encountered a lot of resistance and resentment from family and coworkers. I am criticized for my appearance and everyone takes joy in reminding me that the weight will come back with a vengeance.
Plenty of eye-rolling as everyone assumes I’m having a midlife crisis and I’ll be back to normal in a year. Many comments are just hateful. Every achieved goal I should celebrate with others is kept secret. The lack of support has been very disheartening.
Imagine a 49 year old man letting bullies and criticism from family affect him. A bit embarrassing but I think it’s worth mentioning if it helps others know they are not alone.
I have no doubt that I will regain most of the weight as my metabolism adjusts but I also know I will be healthier. I have no intention of returning to a high-carb lifestyle and firmly believe I will be much healthier regardless of my final weight. It’s really not about me, it’s about my kids. I don’t get to bring six lives into this world just to check out because of stupid choices. I don’t have that right.
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
Fasting. 18/6 schedule. It’s not as easy as some make it out to be. For me, it’s minute by minute. But It’s necessary and I have to remind myself to man up.
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
Ruled.me and 2KetoDudes forums.
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
Fast 18/6 and limit carbs and protein. I’m trying very hard to eliminate sweeteners during the fasting hours. They have been my weakness.
I drink cups of hot water with a big portion of hot sauce. Probably more than I should but it is very satisfying. I would estimate I drink 1-1/2 cups of hot sauce daily.
For me, protein is the enemy. Every bite I eat goes straight to the scale and is difficult to lose. I don’t fully understand it. I can eat an entire spaghetti squash soaked in butter and garlic salt and still maintain or lose. But if I were to add bacon to it… up goes the scale. I can eat 50-100 grams of carbs from squash in a single meal and do fine. But never the protein.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
Various pizzas. I’ve adjusted my pizza crust a bit but I love low-carb pizza and so does the entire family. I use your recipes as starters and adjust for laziness or to my own taste. I don’t think I’ve ever followed one fully.
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
Research and get baseline blood testing before beginning.
I have wrecked my metabolism because I didn’t fully understand the process. I did it too fast and too logically. If I had understood the mechanics of insulin response in the beginning I would have taken it a bit slower and easier.
I lost my first 60 lbs in three months. That’s too much for someone starting at 235lb.
I was restricting calories way too much because I didn’t know any better. If I would have listened to every episode of the 2KetoDudes podcast first, it would have been prevented. Every question or problem I’ve run into has been addressed in one or more episodes. Too late for me but perhaps others can learn from my mistakes.
