Keto and intermittent fasting: ‘I am completely blown away by the changes’
, medical review by Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, MD
in Acne, Intermittent fasting, Liver disease, Metabolic syndrome, Migraine, PCOS / Fertility, PCOS stories, Sleeping disorders, Success stories 
Before and after
Christine has completely transformed her health in only one year with a keto diet and intermittent fasting. Here she shares all the benefits and what it has been like ditching carbs:
Dear Dr. Eenfeldt,
I never in a million years thought that I would share my story, but after a very emotional weekend looking at this year-old picture, and lots of encouragement, I am sending it along.
The picture I am sending is one year apart – from a very unhealthy, metabolically sick 49-year old transformed to a healthy, energetic 50-year old. I am completely blown away by the changes.
In October 2016, I had been on a “quitting sugar” journey for a few months and had successfully given up the white, sweet stuff. Desserts, cookies, and packaged foods were no longer part of my diet but was resulting in a very slow weight loss. I started this journey to lose weight, and to reverse metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, insulin resistance, and if I was very lucky, sleep apnea.
I was complaining about the slow loss to a friend and she asked me if I was familiar with the work of Dr. Fung. I had never heard of him or of the LCHF/keto way of eating. On that day, January 13, 2017, I came home and scoured the internet for info. The first source of information was your wonderful website. I spent ALL weekend on your website just soaking it all in. I truly appreciate all the educational videos and the testimonials. January 13, 2017 was the last day I ate potatoes, bread, and pasta. Those were the final high-carb foods that I kicked to the curb – and as a result, I had excellent results with weight loss. Because I had already quit sugar, there was little difficulty or withdrawal – I’m pretty sure I entered a ketosis state within a week of ditching those high-starchy carbs.
Nine months on the LCHF/Keto and intermittent fasting journey, I have dropped over 80 lbs (36 kg) and am so very close to a healthy weight. I have also lost: daily headaches, monthly migraines, cystic acne, ovarian cysts, lethargic afternoons and evenings, joint pain, inflammation, and best of all sleep apnea – I no longer have to use a CPAP machine (confirmed with another sleep test that my obstructive sleep apnea is gone!). I have gained: a renewed joy for life, more energy than I know what to do with, a new appreciation for real food and cooking, shopping in regular size shops, improved self-esteem that has allowed me to be willing to put myself out there in ways I never dreamed of, and a sincere passion to share this way of life with anyone who asks me!Turning 50 has been the best thing that has ever happened to me because it really lit a fire in caring for my personal health. My biggest challenge was letting go of potato chips – but repeating a question to myself as to what those (and other carby foods) would do to my insulin response, I was able to break that addiction and have no desire for those foods that obviously make me sick.
My biggest regret is not knowing about this way of life earlier, but I truly believe God’s hand was in this journey with me every step of the way – making it easy to adopt this new lifestyle to stick with it 100%. I am so very grateful for real food and your website – it has truly given me the gift of LIFE to enjoy with my family and friends for many years to come. Here’s to the next 50 years! God bless you and your work!
Sincerely,
Christine
Comments
We’re so glad that we’ve been able to help you on your way to better health, Christine! You look radiant :-)
Christine’s webpage
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Intermittent fasting for beginners
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You not only look now so much healthier but also 10-15 years younger compared to the old photo.
We recommend to avoid any sweeteners at least on daily basis. But occasionally use should not be a problem if you don't get cravings for more sweet stuff when using it.
So I decided to change. With the problems with my intestines the first choice I made was to cut out gluten and sugar. I also started drinking aloe everyday, I put a tablespoon of coconut oil into my coffee everyday, drink half my body weight in ounces of water a day, I only eat from 2 p.m. To 10 pm, I eat a lot of vegetables fruits and as much protein as I can get but I also allow myself to have natural sugar sometimes. I have realized over the last 12 months that for me it's not about eliminating anything other than the stuff I'm allergic to like gluten, but as a rule I think it's about balance. My mother-in-law who has her Masters in nursing, has taught everything to do with Healthcare, she is a certified aromatherapist and has ample amount of knowledge about the human body and how it works. I followed what she told me and I did it exactly the way she said and I will do it for the rest of my life.
With all of this going on in August I was diagnosed with an empty sella that gave me incredibly bad migraines. If I had not changed my life style that probably would have pushed me over the edge. After visiting with my neurologist two days ago they told me because of changing my view on life and deciding to take care of myself I'm saving myself from dying.
Food for me is no different than any other addiction. Just like any other addiction it's hard to quit. It's worse than heroin or Coke and it does just about the same amount of damage. You can go into a store and it's available everywhere. For me it wasn't an easy choice, do I want to live or do I want to die and I made the choice to live.
Congratulations on your weight loss?
The Lord led me to this website in May of 2016. I was looking for a way to help my husband's T2 diabetes and this was a "diet" I had never tried. We finally began the LCHF in August of 2016. By January of 2017 he had reversed his T2 diabetes, was completely off medication, and had lost more inches than weight. I had dropped 50lbs and was feeling amazing. Then, he passed away suddenly in a motor vehicle accident in February of 2017. Since he left I have struggled with fasting and this diet. He is the love of my life, I have absolutely no desire to move on, & I have been trying to hide in my 'comfortable" fat world. I gained back almost every pound with weight currently at 343lbs. I have tried several times to restart but it's time to get back on track! I am ready for this lifestyle change. For me this will not be about "looking good" it will be about feeling great again, getting rid if the pre-diabetes, and all those joint aches and pains. Last time I didn't add fasting to the plan before, it has been something I just try to do in my Christian walk. Like is said I've struggled with it lately, but I pray those days are over.
Pray that you have a blessed day, in Jesus Name!
Christine
You can check out our top weight loss tips here, and staying on plan can be key to long term success!
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
Sorry, I do not get notifications of messages on this post. I hope you have found a rhythm with your keto lifestyle now. It does take some adjusting, and this website is loaded with tips and guidance. It's my go-to site and it's where I refer everyone that asks me for help.
When you find yourself "falling off the wagon", I suggest two things: 1) reach for bacon if you must eat, and 2) evaluate if you are truly hungry - if not, find something to keep yourself busy (like cleaning out a junk drawer). If you are hungry - refer to #1!
Always keep in mind, this is a JOURNEY and it takes time. Find the JOY!
Christine