I’ve always struggled with my weight since my teen years. I never really noticed how big I was until I stepped on the scale a few years ago and saw 360! I cried with pure shock and disbelief. I’m almost 6’3 and carry my weight very well. So I didn’t feel 360. I tried to eat somewhat healthy (terrible on the weekends) and work out 6 days a week. I lost about 40 pounds in 2 years!
That wasn’t impressive for someone at 360. So last year in May I gave keto a shot. I found ruled.me and studied every single word. It became my addiction and still is. In May 2018 I started keto at 320 pounds today in January 2019 I’m 250. I lost 70 pounds in 8 months. I am still going and will reach my weight goal in 2019. Then of course continue to lift and improve my muscle mass. Not only have I gained so much knowledge and improved my health. I finally know what it feels like to truly love myself… unconditionally.
Thank you ruled.me! Everywhere I go, on every keto page I’ve been featured on and every person I talk to knows what ruled.me is. I spread the web address like wild fire. Thank you.
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
The tactic I used to help me get to my goal was putting my before pictures everywhere. I made a picture of me at 360 pounds my screen savers on my computer and cellphone. Literally put that picture everywhere. This helped me because it constantly reminded me of how unhappy and unhealthy I was. A person with depression and a serious eating disorder. I would look at that picture and instantly remember who I was and who I will never be again.
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 is being able to eat 20g of carbs or less. I was addicted to sugar. I would eat up to 300g or more a day. Yes, everyday that was my carb count. Changing that has transformed my body inside and out. My health is the best it’s been in over 10 years.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
The advice I always give someone is to research everything. Any questions or concerns you may have. Just search for it online, in books or wherever you can find keto information. I did my research for months before starting and to this day I’m still looking up things and learning new things. I refuse to rely on someone else’s journey because we are all different.
Our bodies, minds and goals will never be the same. So you find what works for you, so you’re not disappointed when you don’t get the same results as someone you admire.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
I feel my life is at a great point. A place I’ve never felt this happy, this healthy and never loved myself this much. I’m not quite at my goal yet but I’m so close. I’m excited about my future. In the past when I was 360 pounds, I didn’t think I had a future.
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
The biggest change is being able to work out, play with my son and be so active without pain. At a young age, because of my weight, I was diagnosed with arthritis. It was a bad as someone in there 60’s. I was early 20’s then. Since starting keto the inflammation in my joints is almost non-existent. I can do things I’ve never been able to do before.
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
I found support by following people and blogs online that inspired me. I don’t have any friends or family who follow this way of eating. So I’m the line ranger when it comes to this lifestyle. Online support helped to encourage and motivate me.
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
To manage my diet I log all of my food, stay active and workout daily. I love to learn and discover new recipes and workout routines. I find that finding a variety will stop you from getting bored. Don’t eat the same things and do the same work outs. Test your palate and your limits.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
My favorite Keto recipe is Keto chocolate cake in a mug. I am obsessed! There are so many ways you can make it. Different toppings are my favorite things to come up with. Satisfying my sweet tooth in a keto way.
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
The one thing I would do differently is stop weighing myself so much. It has such a negative impact. I don’t like the the mindset it puts me in. I am working on improving that. Being healthy is so much more important to me.
