Elizabeth Reclaimed Her Health with Keto After Years of Autoimmune Struggles 

Did you have any problems with your weight or health before going on keto? 

When I was younger, I had a fast metabolism, I could eat anything and never put on body fat. Then, when I was 37, I had a hysterectomy. Two years later I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and had an underactive thyroid, so I had to take medication.  

When I hit my 40’s and started menopause early, my dress size started slowly creeping up. I have always been into fitness, going to the gym 5 days a week, though I ate pretty healthily; however, I went from size 8 up to a size 14 to 16. My joints started aching due to my autoimmune disease. Then, last year, I was told I was pre-diabetic. I had almost conceded that this is my life, I will just keep increasing in dress sizes, feel tired all of the time, live with a constant aching body, end up with type 2 diabetes, and a large pillbox as I age.  

How did you discover keto? 

Then 3 and a half months ago, one of Dr. Berg’s videos came into my YouTube feed. This was totally unexpected, as I had never heard of Dr. Berg. I watched the video and then subscribed to his channel and just binge-watched his channel. I couldn’t believe he was talking about my health issues, and that healthy keto and intermittent fasting (IF) could help.  

How does an average day of eating/fasting look for you on keto? 

I started keto straight away, my husband came on the journey with me, he has his own weight loss story and is super fit now. When I first started keto, I was already used to not eating a lot of carbs, so I didn’t struggle too much with the transition. Dr. Berg recommends doing healthy keto and intermittent fasting together, so I started by cutting out my snacks and just having my 3 meals a day. I always thought breakfast was the most important meal of the day, 2 weeks into keto, I felt ready to cut breakfast out and only eat two meals a day, so I fasted for 18 hours. My two meals were healthy keto. 

Following Dr. Berg’s videos really helped me to understand what to eat. Then, around 2 months into starting keto and IF, I was ready to go to one meal a day (OMAD) because I’m just not hungry and one healthy keto meal is all I need. I  drink plenty of water, have a coffee when I wake up, no milk but with MCT oil, that way I don’t break my fast. When I first started keto, I did have a bit of an upset tummy, but I followed Dr. Berg’s advice, and my tummy settled. It didn’t take long at all. Fortunately, I haven’t struggled with not eating junk food because I love the food I eat on Keto.  

Does exercise play a role in your success on keto? If so, how? 

I exercise 5 days a week. I do short 15 to 20-minute intense exercise sessions each day, and I love bike riding 5 to 6 days a week. I like to exercise while I am fasting.  

How has your health improved since you started keto?   

Keto and IF have completely changed my life. In 3 and a half months, I have gone from 73 kgs (161 lbs.) to 61 kgs (134 lbs.). I have dropped dress sizes from a size 14 -16 down to size 10. I went thrift shopping to buy a new wardrobe when I hit size 10. 

 I still can’t believe my transformation. My body hardly aches now, I am not tired when I first wake up and through the day anymore. I have so much energy and feel great.  

I am looking forward to my next blood test to see if I’m not pre-diabetic anymore. I am 50 in 6 months and feel fantastic and am determined to grow older feeling fit and healthy, thanks to my new lifestyle with Keto and IF.