Bianca Bencosme's Story

At first, keto seemed “too good to be true” for Bianca Bencosme. Desperate for a change, she took to Google and found Dr. Berg.

As a mother of three young girls with a husband recently diagnosed with a pituitary gland tumor, Bencosme had reached a state where facing anxiety was an everyday battle. To make it worse, she felt uncomfortable with herself. “The more I ate the worse I felt,” she said. “But I ate more and more each day. Then when I reached 212 [pounds] (96 kg) I said ‘no more!’”

While doing research, she started cutting out sugary drinks. She spent two months learning about macros, ketosis, and what she should and shouldn’t be eating. “Getting to know my body was important for this journey,” she said.

The biggest hurdle for Bencosme was overcoming cravings, especially when it was that time of the month. “I wanted to eat sweets,” she said. “Fat bombs and heavy whipping cream with berries were my best friend during these times.” But still, she said she wouldn’t change anything about her journey.

Supported by her husband and daughters, she didn’t want to quit with keto. “I was tired of feeling like a quitter,” she said. “Feeling my body transform was like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.”

Using Dr. Berg’s tips to be patient and stay consistent, she took things one day at a time. Since starting keto, she’s lost 54 pounds (24 kg) without exercise. “My energy levels are [through] the roof and my mind is clear,” Bencosme said. “I can walk for long distances and not feel tired, I can drive without feeling like my seatbelt is suffocating me, and I feel so pretty wearing colors and tight clothes.”

“Don’t ever give up!” she advises. “Keto isn’t just a diet, it’s a way of living. Our bodies matter, our happiness depends on us only. If you fall, pick yourself up because falling is okay, but staying in  the ground isn’t.”

Favorite Keto Recipe: Fried cabbage with bacon