Life before keto:  

Like most success stories, Bridget’s is as impressive as the potential for failure that she had to overcome. Childhood trauma, depression, and a period of living on antidepressants had driven her weight up to 428 pounds by the time she was 16 and made adolescence an even more difficult time for her than it usually is. Her weight fluctuated from there, dropping to 220 pounds after she went off the medication, but her emotional eating habits remained.  

She sought help from every diet imaginable, ricocheting from veganism to paleo to counting calories, and nothing seemed to work. She gained weight after meeting her husband and getting married. She broke her radius at work, making it difficult to cook at home. She was diagnosed with a thyroid condition and suffered a concussion from a car accident. Life just wasn’t taking it easy on Bridget at all.  

In February 2017, Bridget was at 355 pounds, depressed and stressed. She knew she needed to change something. She knew she eventually wanted children, and this became her biggest motivation for figuring out what was happening with her body. Her youngest sister, Lauren, suggested Keto because it had helped her lose 70 pounds, and after doing some research, Bridget found Dr. Berg.  

After starting keto:  

Since starting keto and intermittent fasting, Bridget has lost over 140 pounds in eight months. As a massage therapist, her job is quite physical, but with keto, she’snever low on energy and says she feels amazing. “At 355 pounds, even doing simple things becomes difficult,” said Bridget. “Now I feel free, can shop off the rack, and I’m not self-conscious about how I look. I’m happy all the time!”  

Challenges:  

Overcoming emotional eating was Bridget’s greatest challenge. She felt herself mentally detoxing as she began to detoxify her diet. Trauma from her past would bubble to the surface, but instead of stifling the emotions with food, she was forced to deal with the issues. The good news: dealing with the trauma was exactly what she needed to move forward.  

“Losing weight is a choice,” Bridget explained. “Every time I had something traumatic come up, I had to choose not to go back to my old habits.”  

Dr. Berg’s tips were indispensable to Bridget, especially as someone with her condition. She eats one meal a day as per his advice and includes tons of vegetables. Using apple cider vinegar has supported her heartburn and liver pain.   

“I tell all my massage clients about Dr. Berg’s videos,” says Bridget. “This is a lifestyle I plan to pass on to my future children. It’s the best way to eat, and I wish I found it sooner!”  

Favorite ways to exercise:   

Bridget enjoys strength training three days a week and sprints on the treadmill. 

Favorite keto recipe:   

Ham Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Chowder.