Photo story
Name: Mike Woodside
Weight Lost: 52 lbs (24 kg)
Keto Start Date: March 4, 2019
When Mike dressed up as Spider-Man for his son’s sixth birthday party, he had a moment of harsh clarity. At 5’3” and 192 pounds, the costume didn’t fit quite like he’d hoped.
“I knew after seeing what I looked like that if I was that heavy, I must have been putting my body through a lot of stress by not giving it the nutrition it needed,” he said.
“I knew that if I ate properly and gave my body the fuel it craved, it would do what was necessary.”
Daily Life Became a Struggle
Even simple activities like tying his shoes, mowing the lawn, or playing with his son left Mike winded. His clothes kept getting tighter until he reached a size 36 waist and XL shirts.
“I knew I was going down a bad path,” he admitted.
Discovering Keto — Together
Mike’s wife took the lead by researching the keto diet and decided it was worth trying. On March 4, 2019, the couple officially began their keto journey — together.
“My wife watched every single YouTube video Dr. Berg put on,” said Mike.
“He’s really where we got most of our understanding and research. I’m so thankful for him because he breaks down the science behind keto in a way that’s easy to understand. Anytime anyone asks about keto, the first thing I say is, ‘Watch Dr. Berg.’”
With his wife also on board, Mike had daily support. They exchanged ideas, motivated each other, and even inspired Mike’s parents to join them. Now, all four family members follow keto and encourage one another along the way.
Why This Time Was Different
Before Dr. Berg, Mike tried various diets without ever understanding how or why they might work.
“I used to diet just because I heard something might work,” he explained.
“Dr. Berg taught me to understand why keto works — what my body craves and needs. It wasn’t just, ‘Hey, carbs are bad’ or ‘Buy my product.’ It was real education.”
The Challenges — and Wins
The hardest part of Mike’s new lifestyle? Saying no to donuts and beer.
“Everyone has their thing, and donuts were mine,” he said.
“Every other Saturday, I still take my son for donuts — we call it ‘Donut Day.’ It’s our thing. Even though it’s tough, it strengthens my discipline.”
But the rewards have been massive. Mike no longer snores. He doesn’t need naps during his lunch breaks. He’s full of energy and confidence.
“I used to snore at least an hour a night. My sleep app now shows zero snoring since starting keto,” he said.
“I haven’t needed a nap in over eight months.”
It’s Not a Diet — It’s a Lifestyle
In just eight months, Mike lost 52 pounds and completely changed how he lives.
“We feel the best we’ve ever felt,” he said. “We’re skinnier and healthier than we were in high school. A lot of co-workers, friends, and family say I’m inspiring them to make better choices. If I can help someone live a better life, I’m all for it.”
Mike’s Keto Favorites
Favorite Exercise:
“I’ve started doing CrossFit,” said Mike.
“I get into debates there because most people rely on carbs. They don’t understand how I can do the workouts on keto — it just fuels me to prove them wrong.”
Favorite Keto Recipes:
Dirty Keto: Flying Dutchman with grilled onions and mustard-fried, from In-N-Out
Clean Keto: Two eggs over medium, two slices of bacon, two sausage links, an avocado, and a cup of kale cooked in bacon grease
Mike’s story is a testament to the power of understanding your body, committing to real change, and having a support system. If you need inspiration to start your keto journey, let Mike’s transformation be your motivation.
