Susan Leishman's Story

Weight loss has been a wild rollercoaster for Susan Leishman over the last 51 years. Beginning at age 19 with her first go at a low-carb diet, the ups and downs have seemed to be never-ending.

At one point, Leishman weighed 225 pounds (102 kg) and started having some serious health issues. “All within a few months’ time, [I had] a ruptured disc, a spinal fusion, a craniotomy for a brain abscess, followed by two deep vein thrombosis,” she said. “All this made me take a better look at what I was doing to my health, with a few more ups and down in weight.”

Due to her efforts Leishman’s weight settled at 147 pounds (67 kg) but after a bout of laziness she found that the pounds were headed upward again. She was approaching age 70 and feeling more aches and pains.

That’s when she heard about keto. She began to research. During her online search, she came across Dr. Berg’s videos and most of her support has been among online groups like his. “It helps to know others are going through the same journey and it’s so encouraging to read the success stories,” she said.

Finding the magic of ketosis—no hunger or cravings—was the best part of this journey for Leishman. Through Dr. Berg, she learned to listen to her body, avoid rushing the process, and eat whole, natural foods as much as possible.

“I feel more energetic, with less knee, hip, and foot problems,” she said. “I like to stay active and I know that any extra weight just makes that harder as the years go by.”

In only three months, Leishman reached her goal weight of 125 pounds (57 kg), losing 22 pounds (10 kg) and she has been maintaining this weight loss with keto and intermittent fasting. She wouldn’t change a thing about that short journey. “Don’t compare yourself to others,” she urges. “We are all so unique. Just give your body time to heal.”

Favorite Way to Exercise: When the weather is warm, Leishman likes taking her dog for long walks. In the winter, she uses a small indoor trampoline to work out.

Favorite Keto Recipe: “I call this Keto Porridge,” says Leishman.

Combine in a pint-sized mason jar:  2 Tbsp chia seeds, 3 Tbsp hemp seeds, 2 Tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbsp chopped pecans, ¾ cup water, a few drops liquid stevia and ¼ tsp vanilla extract. Shake and allow to set in refrigerator overnight. In the morning shake well and heat 1.5 minutes in microwave or on stove top.

You can vary the recipe by adding a scoop of collagen powder or unsweetened coconut, or by using other nuts, maple extract or flax seed. You can also replace the cream and water with any nut milk like almond or coconut. “For me,” she says, “it is the perfect replacement for oatmeal and a real comfort food.”