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Quick stats
Name:
Michael C.
Starting Weight:
233 lbs.
Current Weight:
188 lbs.
Weight Loss:
45 lbs. (20 kg)
Approach:
Keto
Duration:
3 months
Improved:
Increased energy, improved sleep, and descreased pain
Life before keto:
Michael Chauca was the type of person who loved carbs, sweets, and sodas and never ate his vegetables. His background is Peruvian; he asserts that Peruvian food is the best of all.
At his annual checkup in June 2019, his blood test results showed that he was pre-diabetic. He weighed 233 pounds (106 kg) and his A1C levels were close to being too high, so his doctor recommended exercise and eating better.
“Keep in mind, I have done most diet fads that have come and gone,” said Michael, “from shakes to juicing, but as always, once I stopped, my weight would just skyrocket again. So of course, I said to myself, ‘I will start on my diet tomorrow,’ and it didn’t happen.”
A month after his checkup, he became sick with a stomach virus following a trip. He realized he was tired of feeling the aches and pains of carrying too much weight. He decided to start his keto journey in August in an attempt to lessen his pain.
Starting keto:
Michael has known Dr. Berg for over 15 years; he is best friends with a woman named Roxana, who works on Dr. Berg’s team. With Dr. Berg’s informational videos and support from Roxana, who is also now his Keto Coach, Michael has seen incredible success so far.
“One thing that stuck out to me from Dr. Berg’s videos was keeping it simple,” he said. “When starting with the meal plans, keep it simple and don’t overthink it. In time, you will develop a meal plan that is best for you.”
Michael mentioned that the hardest part of any diet he tried was staying disciplined. He would even have nightmares about eating carbs or sugar! “There is always a setback, or ‘cheating’ phase,” he said. “Going from eating all the processed foods, sugar, carbs, fruits, and sodas, it was difficult.
“But with keto, I was seeing the results, not just in the pounds I was losing, but also in inches.”
“There was a quote I read somewhere, and it stuck with me: ‘Losing weight is a mental challenge, not a physical one. If you take control of your mind and body, the weight loss will follow.'” Despite some struggles, Michael said the best part of this keto journey is that he hasn’t cheated or given up.
“I have been so disciplined that I pat myself on the back. I receive compliments and a relook from friends and family that I haven’t seen since my journey,” he said. “It’s great, because I also get to share what I have been doing and encourage others as well.”
Health improvements:
In only three months, Michael has lost 45 pounds (20 kg). His doctor was amazed at his weight loss and happy about his updated blood test.
“I feel and look like a new person,” he said. “So much more energy, better sleep, no more aches and pains. And self-love; I love myself more than before.”
Advice for someone starting keto:
To someone reading his story, Michael shared this message: “Love yourself. You have so much life to live, so why not start with you?”
“Have fun with it, too. Since I’ve started, I have been baking, cooking, and looking to encourage anyone struggling with their journey.”
Favorite ways to exercise:
Michael enjoys walking, hiking, and weight training.
Favorite keto recipes:
“Since I have a sweet tooth, I like baking keto chocolate chip cookies, keto brownies, and keto cakes,” said Michael.
