From Chronic Pain to Lifeguard: My 165-lb Keto Journey

Life before keto:

About two and a half years ago, when I was 57, I didn’t believe I would live until 60. I was almost 300 pounds and a metabolic mess.
A couple of years earlier, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and bone spurs in my right foot and ankle. The pain became excruciating. Every step I took was unbearable, so I walked less and gained more weight.

My blood pressure was high even while on meds, and my asthma was out of control. I was under immense stress in my life. I cried daily.

I’m a caregiver to my older brother and husband, who are both disabled. I was responsible for doing and taking care of our little place and animals — and I couldn’t walk. The feeling of fear and sadness was overwhelming. Knowing that if something happened to me, everything we knew and lived would be lost. I had to figure it out! Being self-employed with no medical insurance, the recommended cortisone shots every 3 months in my foot were not an option.

Discovering keto:

I knew that losing weight would probably help, but I couldn’t exercise.

Then the lockdowns came, and I was watching more YouTube videos. I happened to stumble upon an interview, and I immediately started eating LCHF (low-carb, high-fat) keto and learned how to fast.

Health improvements:

Now, I’m a healthy 135 lbs and maintaining well with my keto and fasting lifestyle.

• I’m off my blood pressure meds
• My osteoarthritis pain and asthma are gone
• I work as a lifeguard at our local pools at the community recreation center

Other details:

In January, I was asked to start a group to help others learn what I did to turn my health around. We call it: “Life in the FAST Lane” It’s an encouragement circle / book club / support group where we help each other reach our health and fitness goals. We have a great group of dedicated members. We also have a private Facebook page where members can invite friends to follow along with us.

We currently have 51 members and growing.? We all know and love Dr. Berg, as I share his informative videos on our page often. Paying it forward is my mission now.? I’m so thankful.

Thanks for the opportunity to share it with you.

– Jessica J., Wisconsin