Jenny Lost 103 Pounds and Reversed Years of Health Issues with Keto and Intermittent Fasting

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

I’ve never been a thin or athletic teen or adult. I went straight to being obese in middle school. I have been obese my entire teen and adult life. I am currently 41 years old and will be 42 in July. I’m working on turning back the clock! 

What did your diet look like prior to adopting keto? 

I was a diet soda addict for many years and would drink 64 oz. of Diet Coke EVERY morning along with my breakfast from McDonald’s, before work at 8:00 a.m., just to be able to wake up. 

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

I started keto and intermittent fasting (IF) this past year. I started IF with a 16:8 for a few weeks, then moved to the 18:6 for a few weeks, then onto the 20:4. I currently will do a 20:4 with a couple of days of OMAD. In the process, I have done weekly weigh-ins as well as taken measurements every two weeks to track my progress. 

I LOVE my salads and vegetables! My favorite is roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. I also love Mexican food, and now we will split fajitas with my husband, and we put the meat and veggies on a tossed salad. No beans, rice, or tortillas. It has been a great alternative! I haven’t had any soda or fast food since August 3rd of last year and do not miss it at all! 

I am a teacher and have 2 young boys who are also very active. We are always on the go! Now, instead of living out of paper bags or trays at fast food restaurants, I will pack us salads and healthy keto-friendly foods. My boys love salads now! 

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

I have so much more time and energy now. I WANT to be more physically active! I’m currently jogging one mile a day without having to stop or walk, and am working on bringing my time down. I’ve also joined Taekwondo, something I thought I would NEVER do! I’ve never been athletic. I tried when I was younger, but associated physical activity with torture. I am reprogramming my thinking with this, and now look forward to being physically active.  

How has your health improved since you started keto?   

I’ve noticed changes in my skin. It is clearing up and appears more vibrant. I used to have to take 10 mg of melatonin to fall asleep. I don’t anymore. I’m sleeping much better.  

I didn’t have a monthly cycle for 6 years. 3 weeks after starting IF and keto, my cycle has been regular every month since! I’ve had a past of thyroid and hormonal issues as well, and all of that has improved as well. 

Since starting keto and IF, my triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure are excellent! The doctor said that I couldn’t have better numbers than what I currently have and said I don’t need to see him for another year. 

I have really used Dr. Berg’s quote of “we need to get healthy to lose weight,” not the other way around, which has really resonated with me over this journey. My starting weight in Sept. 2017 was 327 lbs. I was a tight women’s size 24-26. I am now in June 2018, 224 lbs. 103 pounds down! I have about 65 more pounds to lose, but I am enjoying the journey. 

Any other details you want to share? 

I wish I had known about IF and keto years ago! I’ve done EVERY diet there is out there! I couldn’t sustain results long-term. I have been able to sustain this and plan to do IF and Keto for the rest of my life! 

Results presented are not typical. Individual results will vary.