Life before keto: 

Chrystal mentions that health issues are what propelled her to change her eating habits. “I was taking four prescription medications for my health problems, and nothing was working,” Chrystal remembers. “I was at my breaking point.” 

After being diagnosed with nervous system and metabolic conditions, Chrystal did some research, and eating a whole food diet came up as a way to combat these issues. Her friend, Patricia, told Chrystal about Dr. Berg’s videos in April 2018, and everything started making sense. “There was an undeniable logic to it,” says Chrystal. 

She saw time and time again her friends trying countless fad diets where they’d lose weight but feel miserable. Eventually, they’d gain that lost weight back anyway, but when she noticed her friend Patricia feeling great while shedding the weight doing Keto, Chrystal took notice. 

Health improvements: 

Chrystal didn’t switch to keto to lose weight, but the pounds seemed to melt off anyway. Since May 2018, Chrystal has lost 33 pounds, and gone from a size 22 to a size 16/18 after only a few months of living the keto lifestyle.  

Her heartburn and dark spots on her skin have improved. “My blood sugar levels are excellent as well!” Chrystal exclaims. She’s also relished in being able to walk more easily, loves feeling more energized, and the compliments from friends and family don’t hurt either. 

Challenges: 

But it hasn’t been the easiest road. Chrystal has been using food as emotional support for over 25 years, and as a survivor of childhood trauma, she explains how giving up emotional eating was like losing a close friend. “I have been working with a psychologist while on this journey and have started to embrace my weight loss as part of my healing,” says Chrystal. “Instead of feeling panicked about losing dress sizes and weight, I am now starting to feel proud of myself.” 

Having to buy a new wardrobe as her waistline shrinks has been a bit of a challenge for Chrystal too, and her husband jokes that she should just be renting her new clothes as she’s sure to drop even more weight with the help of Dr. Berg’s tips. 

Chrystal found her main sources of support in her friend Patricia and in Dr. Berg and his social media channels. Dr. Berg helped Chrystal pay less attention to the scale and to really understand her conditions. “As a diabetic, you know a lot about how high sugar levels affect you, but not high fat-storing hormone levels,” says Chrystal. “Dr. Berg really helped me understand a lot.” 

“I really wish I had started sooner,” says Chrystal. She urges people who are interested in keto to start now and quit waiting to begin their health journey. Chrystal has first-hand experience letting pharmaceuticals dictate her life, and now she’s taking responsibility and seeing results. “Overall, I think the best part is really feeling like I am taking care of myself and giving my body the best chance of a healthy future,” Chrystal says. 

A note from Chrystal: “Thank you, thank you, Dr. Berg, for all you have done and continue to do for all of us, you have made such a difference in so many people’s lives, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. I look forward to sending you another update in a few months. God bless you.” 

Favorite way to exercise:  

Chrystal loves to walk. Instead of having coffee or lunch with friends, she invites them for walks. She saves some money that way, too! 

Favorite keto recipe:  

Dr. Berg’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. Chrystal has 4 kids and 5 grandkids, so making something they all love that isn’t bad for them is a win-win. 

 Additional photos: