“You have literally saved my life”

Before and after
Here’s an impressive life transformation story, from Gareth Hicks:
The Email
Hej Andreas!
Thanks for such an inspirational site! I was informed by my doctor at the end of 2012 that I needed to make some significant changes to my life – as I was nearly 44 lbs (20kg) overweight – and had a very poor fasting lipid profile. This coupled with high blood pressure (routinely 160/120) and little exercise, I was classified as a 15% daily risk of heart attack – and was racing towards CVD. As someone with a history of family heart disease, I knew I needed to do something different! As of tomorrow, 19th Feb, I will have been living a Low Carb High Fat lifestyle for one year. I have lost (and easily kept off) 35 lbs (16 kg) so far – by living on real food – with lots of fats added to make it extra tasty.
I have completely removed pasta, most bread (I occasionally use unleavened bread with curry), have almost completely removed sugar – and live on a diet that is mostly curry, cauli-rice and fresh vegetables washed down with a glass of extra dry cava. I have inspired lots of people in the UK to adopt a lchf lifestyle, based on you – and your website – and am currently helping about 20 people on a one-to-one basis, as well as several others via Facebook.
I’m a follower on twitter and Facebook – as well as the original DietDoctor.com website – and have created my own interpretation based on what I have learned from you – @curryandcava, www.curryandcava.com (still being developed) and on Facebook – curryandcava.com ;) Many people in the UK are desperate for this type of information – so please keep it coming – and I will keep sharing it !! Please also feel free to have a look at the pages and feedback anything you’d like to highlight!
I have done extensive research into blood chemistry, diet and exercise as part of my reading from your site – and enclose four pictures – for you to see the difference. Sadly, it didn’t cross my mind to do a ‘before’ photo – as I honestly didn’t expect such amazing results in such a short space of time so I have added three photos from around the time I started. It took about 6 weeks for my body to switch to using fat as the primary energy source, but once it had done so, I lost 2 lbs (1 kg) every week for the next few months before plateauing at just over 168 lbs (76 kg). I now can fluctuate between 164 lbs (74 kg) – through to 170 lbs (77 kg) – over the course of a month. I feel well, energised all the time – despite normally only eating twice per day, I’m much happier – and feel much better – than any time in the last 20 years.
My overall stats to date include a notable reduction in Total Cholesterol down from 267 mg/dl (6.9 mmol/l) down to 162 mg/dl (4.2 mmol/l) – and an improvement in triglycerides from 478 mg/dl (5.4 mmol/l) down to 97 mg/dl (1.1 mmol/l)
My weight is down from 200 lbs (91 kg) to 166 lbs (75 kg).
My blood pressure down from 160/120 (for the last 5 years!) to 120/80 (consistently for the last 6 months).
My doctor was sceptical at the start – and having seen the results first hand – has asked me to send them the link. My heart attack ‘risk’ has dropped from 15% to under 3% – and I will be continuing to find ways to refine my health by adding some additional exercise.
Thank you so much; I would never had undertaken so much research – nor done so well – if it had not been for your site! You have literally saved my life – and I’m very grateful!!
Very best wishes,
Gareth Hicks
Congratulations, Gareth! Well done.
Check out Gareth Hicks’ resources here: CurryandCava.com / CurryandCava on Facebook
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interesting speak to congress today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHqx3-mfHAY
Do you perceive the same effect from 100% low-processed chocolate or cacao beans, which have fairly strong (for me) theobromine effect. Theobromine is an alkaloid related to caffeine, so chocolate might have a similar effect on ketosis.
I have lost two stones and 6" all round. Last May was 10st, am now 8st. Cholesterol last Feb was 7.2 and very high. Have enjoyed fantastic health and found low carb life changing and easy.
Have just returned from doctors surgery to request duplicate blood tests to see how results have changed. Told him the weight I had lost and how fabulous I was now feeling all due to low carb ketogenic diet, and he had no interest whatsoever! Blood tests in two weeks, should be interesting...
I think this fuzz about caffeine is a american thing.. we got visitors frome USA and they only drank caffeindepletetd coffe.. its for a swede to inhale oxygen free air!
And on top of that.. I read that if one drink enough coffe one dont get diabetes that easy?
But ofcourse.. noboby need caffein.. and its probably more about if one like it or not.
I don't drink caffeinated drinks as they hyper-stimulate me, make me feel off and I can't sleep at night. My mother, on the other hand, wears out a coffee maker every six months.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/8/2047.full
I say.. ditch the carbs instead!
But there are different outcomes in different experiments!
"Caffeine and blood sugar levels
Caffeine has been shown to impair insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, indicating that coffee may see higher blood glucose levels.
However, a regular high caffeine intake has been linked with improved insulin sensitivity. [20]
Benefits of coffee
Coffee has been shown to offer the following health benefits:
Lowering risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Lower risk of developing cancers
Reduction of cardiovascular disease
Reduction of strokes!
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/coffee-and-diabetes.html