Name: Johanna
Age: 35
Location: Finland, Europe
In April 2022, I discovered Dr. Berg on YouTube. One of his videos, “6 Things That Make You Look Younger,” introduced the concept that keto and intermittent fasting together might be the only effective way to diet. That statement grabbed my attention. I had tried both approaches separately in the past, but neither had produced real results.
My Turning Point
By May 2022, after a year of struggling with unexplained weight gain, I decided to follow Dr. Berg’s advice and combine keto with intermittent fasting. I had always weighed around 70–75 kg (155–165 lbs) since middle school, and after my pregnancy in 2014, I returned to the same weight. At 175 cm tall (about 5’8”), I thought I was doing everything right: avoiding junk food, eating healthy, even going to the gym. Still, my belly fat and love handles wouldn’t budge. Bread especially made me feel bloated.
But just over a year ago, my weight started rising rapidly—I gained 20 kg (about 45 lbs) in six months, hitting 90 kg (200 lbs). Along with the weight gain came severe water retention in my feet and hair loss. I hadn’t changed my eating or activity habits, so doctors were puzzled. Bloodwork didn’t reveal much—except for extremely low ferritin levels—and the only advice I got was that I might be consuming too many calories for my activity level.
Even after restricting my diet, I couldn’t lose the weight. That’s when Dr. Berg’s guidance made all the difference.
The Transformation
Once I started following his method, the results came fast. Within the first week, I felt significantly lighter. As the weeks turned into months, I continued to lose weight without feeling hungry or deprived.
I binge-watched Dr. Berg’s videos and implemented everything I learned. My daily meals became consistent and satisfying:
- A large salad with feta cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and apple cider vinegar
- Sauerkraut or kimchi
- Fatty meat or eggs for protein
- Nuts, occasional avocados or berries with homemade kefir
- Cod liver oil, homemade kombucha, and xylitol gum as a treat
I didn’t need to force myself to drink 8 glasses of water a day. I simply listened to my body.
The Immediate Changes
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite and cravings
- Improved mood
- Clearer skin
- Feeling in sync with my body again
Even though I wasn’t on any medications or diagnosed with health conditions, I started feeling healthier overall. Summer helped—I ate fresh herbs and veggies from my garden, biked to work, and soaked up sunlight—but keto and fasting were the cornerstone of my progress.
Overcoming Challenges
I did hit a plateau after the initial 10 kg (20 lb) loss. For about a month, the scale barely moved. I also noticed my food cravings and water retention returned during strawberry season—most likely from eating too many berries. To reset, I completed a five-day prolonged fast, and it worked perfectly.
Confession: I weighed myself almost every day, even though I knew I shouldn’t. Seeing minor weight fluctuations did affect my mood. And eating out was tricky—even small deviations could knock me out of ketosis. If you’re serious about results, it’s not worth it.
The Results
By October 5th, after an 18-day prolonged fast, I reached my goal weight of 65 kg (143 lbs). I had lost around 50 pounds in just five months.
My Three Tips for Beginners:
- Eat for health, not taste.
Prioritize nutrients. Your taste buds will adapt, and you’ll grow to love healthy food. - Don’t get distracted by other sources.
Stick with one plan—Dr. Berg’s. Type what you need into YouTube, like “Dr. Berg fatigue” or “Dr. Berg plateau,” and you’ll find guidance. - Avoid loophole thinking.
No cheat days, no “keto-friendly” junk, no half-measures. Go all-in. Take it seriously. This is your health we’re talking about.
If something isn’t working, cut more carbs, eliminate processed foods, and increase fasting. Don’t skip prolonged fasts—they can be as effective as a month of standard keto/IF.
“One week of fasting might do the same as one month of keto and intermittent fasting combined.”
The before photos were taken at my lowest point in summer 2021, right after I gained over 30 pounds rapidly. Today, I feel empowered, confident, and in control of my health.
