Antonietta was severely overweight with lots of different health issues and was on a long list of drugs to get through her days. After her doctor had suggested surgery for her back problems, she knew the real solution was to lose weight. She started seeing a trainer that recommended the keto diet for optimal weight loss. This is Antonietta’s story:
I am currently 48 years of age and began keto in 2015 and in 2017 almost two years later, I had lost a total of 150 pounds (68 kilos). I have maintained my 150-pound-loss as of today… I truly love the keto lifestyle and will never look back. It has been a true lifesaver for me.
I was 321 (146 kilos) when I began my journey to a healthier life. From 236 to 236 pounds (107-146 kilos) I had tried over five different trainers, and always incorporated a low-fat low-calorie diet, none of which worked until I reached out to my trainer Jill Murphy at Mission Fitness. She not only incorporated a physical workout program but also advocated the ketogenic diet in my regimen.
Prior to working out with Jill, I had been on prednisone for the better part of 14 years, for the year prior up to 60 mg a day to treat my eczema. I was taking 800 mg of Naproxen daily and at times 1,600 mg to help my back. My doctor had mentioned possibly having surgery, but after seeing what my father went through with a failed back surgery, I refused. That is when I figured it was time to lose weight. I also was using an inhaler up to four times a day. Within three weeks of following the keto diet plan, I was off the steroids and within approximately a month, no longer needed the inhaler nor the Naproxen. So when I say keto has been a lifesaver, I truly believe it.
At my heaviest, I was wearing a size 24 and my goal was 180 pounds (82 kilos) or a size 10. Well, just a few weeks beyond the two-year mark on June 21, 2017, I weighed in at 180 pounds (82 kilos) and wearing a size 8. I was ecstatic, it was a long road, many times I wanted to quit. There were some cheat days along the way, but I soon realized that it wasn’t worth it. The feeling from the carbs and sugar were not worth it. I didn’t miss the bread, pizza, pasta, candy or pastries enough to feel like crap. I have found over the last three and a half years that with keto I don’t feel deprived, everything can be ketofied and it tastes so much better.
We also recently launched a keto menu at our restaurants, because I truly believe it can change others lives as it has changed mine.
Yes, it takes some commitment and dedication but what doesn’t? I share my story daily in hope to inspire and change others. I wake up feeling like I am 25 every day. The energy, mental focus and lack of hunger are unexplainable.
The feeling of being in ketosis is one that surpasses anything I have ever experienced. I say keto is like the perfect vacation, and that experience you would want to share with everyone you meet.
Thank you for all that you and your colleagues do. I love using Diet Doctor as a resource.
Antonietta
Comment
Thank you for sharing your story Antonietta, it’s amazing what difference a lifestyle change like this can make!
Do you have a success story you want to share on this blog? Send it (photos appreciated) to frida@dietdoctor.com, and please let me know if it’s OK to publish your photo and name or if you’d rather remain anonymous. It would also be greatly appreciated if you shared what you eat in a typical day, whether you fast etc. More information:
I am excited to go to Antonietta’s restaurant! It’s wonderful to find out about a local place that has specifically designed menu choices for people who follow keto. Keep up the good work, Antonietta.
It's hard to believe all these people because I myself have tried lots of diet plans and wasted lots of money and just gave up what if keto is another scam
It's hard to believe all these people because I myself have tried lots of diet plans and wasted lots of money and just gave up what if keto is another scam
Hi Debbie! All of our information is available for free. There is no need to purchase anything. We have a completely free two week challenge if you would like to check it out. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/get-started
Keto works, for me it has been the easiest to stay committed too. I have met many that have had true success and feel the same way. There is a formula that you have to follow just as in all "diet" plans. But they will become a lifestyle, you just can't bounce in and out and expect the true benefits. Try the 2 week challenge and see if you like it.
Good job Antonietta. I started the keto diet on the 1st of Jan this year not having hope for my own situation Debbie, but i had nothing to lose by at least trying and im 6.7kilos and a few centimeters down with no exercise i can tell you that its been working for me. I felt swollen from head to toe, bloated, my knees was sore and alot more. Today im feeling much better and I want to lose more. Thank you Antonietta for inspiring me to keep on going.
I am 75 and have been on the Keto program since November 2018. I have tried other programs, even becoming a life time member of Weight Watchers, only to gain all back, and more. Everything I learned in 40 years of WW is thrown out the window and I finally have a program that works for me. My insulin has been decreased by half and I have eliminated the fast acting I was taking completely. Our goal is to have me off insulin completely by Nov. 2019. I have lost 25 pounds and already feel so much better. I broke the 200 barrier I had put up. Just seemed I couldn't get past that and this week I was 198.2. I am eating healthier and I am being forced to cook, which I really don't like to do. Everything I want to eat, I can find on the program, even old fashioned baked donuts!! I love it and will keep everyone informed on my progress. If this 75 year old woman can do it, anyone can.
Oh my goodness!!! You look beautiful and vital and full of life! You were always beautiful, but now you positively GLOW!
I should point out the numbers at the beginning of your letter are off. "I was 321 (146 kilos) when I began my journey to a healthier life. From 236 to 236 pounds (107-146 kilos) I had tried..." I think at the end you meant to write "From 321 to 236 pounds (146 - 107 kilos)..."
Regardless, what a great story! And now at 180 pounds, you say you're wearing a size 8? That just goes to show how different we all are. I'm 5'6", and at 180, I'm just starting to fit into size 12. You must be taller than I am, or shaped differently. KUDOS on a fantastic achievement!!! Ever think of opening a restaurant in Maine? We'd love to have your energy here!
Quite easily to assume it's a scam if you have had your fingers burnt by other diet experts. Takes a big leap of faith to do this diet and to still remain a sociable host and guest with friends.
Also 150lbs is impressive, but I don't even weigh that amount at 147lbs or 10 stone 7lbs. Please could we have some examples of keto success that do not imply we are all obese, just 8lbs overweight! Wonder how people just shift eight pounds to a stone in weight? Always far harder on any diet! Thanks.
I had maybe 10 lbs to lose, after gaining from eating lots of “gluten free” snacks and menopause. I lost 12 lbs without trying really.Just got off the sugars and grains, eating a lot of grass fed meats, cheeses, good greens and using the recipes from KETO sites to keep it all interesting. My swelling and arthritis like aches are all gone, my sore feet are fine now. Lower back and back issues are all gone. Headaches, migraines gone. Sensitive teeth- are now fine. CRAVINGS for sugar are gone.
I was struggling at 134lbs, 5’5” to get down to where I wanted to be. Now at 120-123 . This is 3 years into this way of eating. Nobody thought I needed to lose weight but I hated that menopausal tummy . I am down a full size from an American 8 to a size 4-6. The only problem is that my cholesterol has gone from bad to worse according to my doctor. I refuse statins. I am not eating strict KETO, but more LCHF and around 50-75 g carbs a day. Some intermittent fasting. I still use stevia sweetener , but slowly getting off of it.
Ian made a good point. I've had two doctors only look at overall cholesterol (234) and start pushing statins without noting my other health markers: HDL - 86, Triglycerides - 113, and LDL 129. Minimal risk for heart disease.
Antonietta, thank you so much for sharing your story. You look fantastic and obviously feel great! Also, how fab you're incorporating Keto meals at your restaurants. Thanks for the inspiration!
I think there may be some mistakes in your numbers. Please read it carefully and see if there are some areas where your numbers may be incorrect. There is no way you can weigh 180 pounds and be wearing a size 8. At least that is not possible in USA sizing. Perhaps you are using a Nother system.
Debbie, I can understand why you would feel cynical about keto. I sure did in the beginning. I assure you it works. Like anything important, you need to be consistent, honest with yourself willing to give it a red hot go. There are a lot of fads out there - as much as mainstream medicos would have us believe keto is one as well- they’re just plain wrong. Give it a chance. I’m willing to bet a year from now, you’ll be telling another skeptic of your success. Good luck. X
It's hard to believe all these people because I myself have tried lots of diet plans and wasted lots of money and just gave up what if keto is another scam
I have been doing resistance training since starting the keto woe. Typically I agree in the past I have probably worn a size 14 @ 180 lbs. Now I do wear a size 8 @ 180 lbs. It is crazy but muscle just takes up less space.
Quite easily to assume it's a scam if you have had your fingers burnt by other diet experts. Takes a big leap of faith to do this diet and to still remain a sociable host and guest with friends.
Also 150lbs is impressive, but I don't even weigh that amount at 147lbs or 10 stone 7lbs. Please could we have some examples of keto success that do not imply we are all obese, just 8lbs overweight! Wonder how people just shift eight pounds to a stone in weight? Always far harder on any diet! Thanks.
Dear Antonietta. I guess you are in the USA as your sizing for clothes is a lot different than ours are here in Canada. I've been on and off the LCHF diet since 2016 and have lost close to 50 lbs. It has depended on my husband, circumstances of getting separated and financial problems that I have not been steady on the diet. However at 190 lbs (5' 2") the size I wore was XL, 1X or 2X. Also at 175 lbs the size here was 16 to 18. At 165 lbs size 14 to 16. At 150 the size was 12 to 14. I'm at 140 lbs and size is 12. So I can't see how you say size 8 for your weight. I'm a petite size 12. Maybe you are very tall and 140 is slim for you? Just wondered how tall you are.
Mary
Good morning Mary I am 5'5, yes the sizing here is slightly different. I will post my measurements if that may help later.
Hope you have a great day ,)
Amazing Stephanie. I know when I get down to 120-125 lbs I should be about size 8 here in Canada. We have a lot of plus sizes in the stores here as a lot of women are fairly big now. To me 5' 5" is not tall here. Most of the young people in their 20's and 30's are around 5'8" to 6' or more. Probably drank the milk with growth hormones added. LOL. Ladies have a good day and keep up the good work losing weight.
Such a wonderful success story. I am four months in so I appreciate the continued stories of those who have been maintaining KETO for several years, this gives me continued motivation. I am amazed daily at how much better I feel from loosing the first 33 lbs. I have another 70 to go and am confident that this lifestyle along with fasting is a permanent life for me! My husband is also (slowly) adjusting what he eats because he sees how happy and healthy I am. Off all allergy meds, off anxiety meds and feeling great! I too wish I had leaned years ago about this!
I am so very grateful to Dr. Andreas and Dr. Fung, and all the contributors to this site.
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Hi Debbie! All of our information is available for free. There is no need to purchase anything. We have a completely free two week challenge if you would like to check it out.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/get-started
Best of luck
janet
I should point out the numbers at the beginning of your letter are off. "I was 321 (146 kilos) when I began my journey to a healthier life. From 236 to 236 pounds (107-146 kilos) I had tried..." I think at the end you meant to write "From 321 to 236 pounds (146 - 107 kilos)..."
Regardless, what a great story! And now at 180 pounds, you say you're wearing a size 8? That just goes to show how different we all are. I'm 5'6", and at 180, I'm just starting to fit into size 12. You must be taller than I am, or shaped differently. KUDOS on a fantastic achievement!!! Ever think of opening a restaurant in Maine? We'd love to have your energy here!
Also 150lbs is impressive, but I don't even weigh that amount at 147lbs or 10 stone 7lbs. Please could we have some examples of keto success that do not imply we are all obese, just 8lbs overweight! Wonder how people just shift eight pounds to a stone in weight? Always far harder on any diet! Thanks.
I was struggling at 134lbs, 5’5” to get down to where I wanted to be. Now at 120-123 . This is 3 years into this way of eating. Nobody thought I needed to lose weight but I hated that menopausal tummy . I am down a full size from an American 8 to a size 4-6. The only problem is that my cholesterol has gone from bad to worse according to my doctor. I refuse statins. I am not eating strict KETO, but more LCHF and around 50-75 g carbs a day. Some intermittent fasting. I still use stevia sweetener , but slowly getting off of it.
I am located in Syracuse, NY if you are ever in the area stop in and say hello.
If you go to our main success stories page, we have a section of success stories from people with <20lbs to lose.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/success-stories/up-to-20-pounds
Mary
Hope you have a great day ,)
I can see Antonietta wearing a 8.
I am so very grateful to Dr. Andreas and Dr. Fung, and all the contributors to this site.