How Keto and IF changed by health

My name is Nancy, I just turned 58 and I live in RI, the smallest state in the US! I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in my early 40’s. Over time my A1c kept creeping up and the amount of meds I was taking to try to control my diabetes and cholesterol kept increasing.

By the time I was 56, I was taking 5 different medications, and still, my A1c was rising so my doctor wanted to put me on insulin. I really did not want to become dependent on insulin and was searching for a healthier alternative. At that time my work offered me a program called Virta, which basically was a medically supervised keto plan aimed at reversing diabetes. I thought, “what do I have to lose”, and I tried it. This was one of the best decisions of my life! Within just a few months I was able to reduce my A1c from 7.8 to 5.7, and significantly lower my triglycerides and cholesterol. In less than a year I eliminated all but one medicine as well as lowered the dose of that one remaining med. After about a year and a half of following my new keto way of life, my fasting glucose was a little higher than I wanted it to be and I was having trouble figuring out how to lower it.

Then I discovered intermittent fasting and started following a 16-8 plan. My fastings came right back in line, and now I follow both keto and IF. Just about that time, I discovered Dr. Berg’s podcasts, and really like the simple yet thorough explanations he gives. I love listening to all the information he offers which helps me take control of my own health rather than relying upon a bunch of prescription medications that don’t really fix the problem.

Some things I do to keep my routine going are food prepping and making egg cups ahead of time for my workday breakfasts. When dining I look at menus online in advance to try to decide what I can have. Sometimes it’s appetizers and salad instead of a meal. If I’m going to a party where I’m unsure of what types of food will be available, I either eat ahead of time or bring a dish to share that I know works for me. It helps that my husband follows the same way of eating, I love th way I look and feel now and will never go back to my my old eating habits.