How Michelle finally found a diet she could stick to

Michelle had been trying to lose weight for two decades but had never found anything that would stick. She started noticing people sharing their weight-loss stories on social media by using a keto diet. Michelle was intrigued and decided to give it a go. This is her story:

I’m Michelle, a 46-year woman from NJ. I have struggled with my weight since my 20’s. Like many of us, I have tried countless diets and failed miserably. I was always left feeling hungry and VERY deprived.

I kept gaining and losing the same 10 lbs (4 kg) without really seeing results to keep me motivated. So I would just give up. I was overweight, lacked confidence and had poor self-esteem. I started to dislike going out to social events because I felt self-conscious of my weight gain. I didn’t like getting dressed in the morning for work because all my clothes were extremely tight but I refused to buy a bigger size. I finally decided in September 2018 that I needed to try losing weight again.

Then I started to see success stories and amazing transformations from keto on Facebook and Instagram. People were dropping weight in short periods of time. So I did some research on keto. There were no phases to follow, products to buy, you just eat the approved foods, stay under your carb limit and lose the weight. I was accustomed to eating low carb, next to no fat and very bland tasting food. No wonder why I could not stick to it. With keto, I found that food can be delicious and satisfying without sacrificing your weight loss goals. I have lost 32 lbs (15 kg) since starting (9/23/18) the keto way of eating and I feel more energetic, confident and motivated than ever! I had to buy smaller clothes which was the best feeling and a great sense of accomplishment.

My biggest challenge on keto was breaking the carbohydrates cycle of eating. I was used to eating carbs all day long for 40+ plus years. I didn’t think it was possible to reduce my carbs to 20 net carbs a day to follow keto. I really struggled in the beginning with horrible cravings. But I started intermittent fasting (IF) and this helped me immensely with carb cravings and controlling my hunger. IF has many other health benefits, I am glad I have incorporated it into my healthier lifestyle.

One thing I wish I knew when I started was to take daily supplements for essential electrolytes: sodium, potassium, and magnesium. I didn’t realize that with a low-carb diet your body is depleted of these because of increased water excretion and decreased water retention. I thought it was only necessary when you started to avoid dreaded ‘keto flu’ but I have come to learn you need to replenish these on a daily basis through foods rich in sodium, potassium and magnesium or take supplements.

I’m excited to share my story as keto has been amazing for me.

Thank you.

Michelle’s Instagram: lowcarbsonthedaily

Comment

Congratulations Michelle! And if anybody is interested or feel the need for it, here is our guide to electrolyte supplementation on a keto diet.

/ Andreas Eenfeldt, MD

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