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Name:
Jim Z.
Weight Loss:
25 lbs.
Approach:
Keto
Improved:
Improved allergies, breathing, and acid reflux
Life before keto:
While he was never obese, Jim Zwahlen always found himself 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg) overweight. Throughout his adult life, even after attempting various diets and exercise plans, he found he would lose weight with some success–45 pounds (20 kg) in 2005, for example, but success slipped away, and despite everything, he found himself on three different medications for pre-diabetes and other health issues.
“I had a corporate, high-stress job, and ate poorly. I would stress-eat chips and other junk food,” said Zwahlen. He tried the Atkins diet in the 1990s but stopped because of health concerns.
It was road-biking combined with a low-fat diet that contributed to Zwahlen’s 2005 weight loss, but the carb loading he did to prepare for biking also contributed to his pre-diabetic condition. “Oh, the irony of losing 45 pounds, becoming aerobically fit, and becoming a pre-diabetic!” he said.
Discovering keto:
It was May 2018 when Zwahlen’s wife heard about keto from a friend and urged him to give it a try. Since then, he has heavily researched keto, fat-storing hormones, and the effects of a high-fat diet on blood lipids. His research led him to Dr. Berg’s videos.
“We have several couples in our neighborhood who are eating keto, and we share recipes, meals, and stories,” Zwahlen said. “Also, I have found a couple of great keto communities online, including Dr. Berg’s, which helps fine-tune the nutrition and address concerns.”
Health improvements:
While his main reason for starting keto was to get into better health, Zwahlen admits that he was also concerned about appearance. “I am just under 6 feet and have a very small frame, so I don’t carry excess weight well (all in my stomach),” he explained. “I started the keto lifestyle and began dropping about 1.5 pounds per week. I now have lost 25 pounds (11 kg) and consider myself at near my ideal weight of 153 pounds (69 kg).”
Beyond losing weight and improving his appearance since eating keto, Zwahlen has improved his health immensely. He can move better, his sinus and allergy issues are better, and he breathes much easier.“My wife reports that my snoring is no more!” he said. “Even when I was thin years ago, she said I still snored. Now I’m so quiet, she says she has to check to see if I’m still breathing!”
Additionally, his acid reflux has improved, his gut feels better, and his mood is more stable now that he’s off the sugar rollercoaster. He says he’s no longer a slave to food. “I am committed to this lifestyle and would gladly make any changes to improve my health.”
Favorite ways to exercise:
Zwahlen enjoys spinning class and road biking.
Favorite keto Recipes:
Bacon, chicken parmesan, and mini keto cheesecakes with berries and whipped cream.
