My Weight Loss Journey through Intermittent Fasting and Ketogenic Eating

My Weightloss Journey through Intermittent Fasting and Ketogenic Eating

In July of 2020, my weight reached its highest point ever. At 5 ft. 9 in. I should not have weighed over 240 pounds, but that's where I topped off. In addition, my a1c rose to 7.8 and my doctor said I needed to lose weight fast or I would be in deep trouble. I was, at that time, on 7 prescription medicines for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and to protect my heart. I had done some reading about intermittent fasting and asked my doctor what he thought about it. He's pretty young and said he had read reports that IF was successful for many people, and suggested that I try it. At that point, I was going to see him every 3 months and have regular blood work done. So I signed up for an online course of 12 weeks of introductory intermittent fasting.

The first month was fasting 3 days a week, with no restrictions on non-fasting days. The second month was fasting 4 days a week, but not on weekends. The third month was five days a week, with no restrictions on weekends. I had found success with the program, but I was still not clear on what to eat during my non-fasting times. Low carb was clear, and protein, but I couldn't put it all together. I just knew that I was losing weight and that's all that mattered to me. At my next doctor's visit, I dropped from 224 pounds to 190. My BMI went from 32.1 down to 27.2 and my a1c dropped from 7.8 to 6.3. My doctor was amazed, and frankly so was I. But like a lot of people who succeed at weight loss, I got complacent. And that's when I stopped doing IF and just let myself go.

At my next doctor visit in December 2021, I gained a little over 10 pounds, and my a1c was back up to 7.0. I had dropped from 7 prescription medications down to 3. My doctor didn't seem too concerned about the a1c rise, saying that 7 si still considered controlled. That just wasn't good enough for me. I researched the ketogenic lifestyle and decided it was time to get serious again. I watched videos (thanks to Dr. Berg) and read several books, plotted and planned, and decided to continue the IF lifestyle and add keto to the plan. I was never hungry, and if I overloaded on carbs, I would extend the fast. I usually have at least one long fast a week, over 24 hours, up to about 42 hours. I am more active, walking 5 to 7 miles a day. I drink so much water I sometimes slosh around! But, it is working.

At my last doctor appointment in April 2022, my BMI was finally below 25, at 24.7, my a1c was down to 5.8, and at that point, my weight was 168 fully clothed. Since that time I have lost another 10 pounds, down to 158, and my BMI is now at 23.3%, the lowest it has ever been. I see my doctor in September when he promised to consider eliminating all the meds.

Don't let anyone tell you that intermittent fasting is unhealthy. Excess weight is unhealthy! Not exercising is unhealthy! Getting your own life and health in order is the best thing you can do for you, for your children, for your family, Go for it and see great results.