“I’m so much happier in myself and have so much more energy and motivation”

Before and after

Rachel Willis always ate fairly healthy foods. Still she gained a lot of weight. She felt tired, had chronic pain issues and was simply not enjoying life.

Then she stumbled on low-carb and her life took a major turn for the better, here’s what happened:

Rachel’s story

In 2007 I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I was on over a dozen tablets a day, including thyroid medications and beta blockers to control my excessively high heart rate. In 2009 my thyroid stopped responding to medications, so I had a thyroidectomy. I was told that it was normal to gain weight after the surgery, and I did.

I considered myself a fairly healthy eater. I grew up in a household where we were fed good wholesome foods and taught the importance of restricting junk food and eating healthy foods. When I moved out and got married, although some junk did creep in, we still ate plenty of healthy foods. In January 2015 I was at my heaviest, weighing 209 lbs (95 kilos) compared to 143 lbs (65 kilos) at my operation. I knew I needed to lose weight but I just couldn’t find the motivation. I still ate according to the current dietary guidelines; high carb, low fat, everything in moderation, etc.

In December 2015 I decided enough was enough. I weighed 199 lbs (90,5 kilos), I had lost some weight but I was sick of feeling fat, tired and sick. I had chronic pain throughout my joints and muscles. My body had an excessive pain response to even the smallest bumps. I wasn’t enjoying life like I should be. I was cranky and irritable. I didn’t have the energy to play with my 4-year-old daughter, which made me feel very guilty.

In my search for a healthier lifestyle, I stumbled across LCHF through a FB friend. I joined a few LCHF groups I found on FB including “Beginners LCHF/Banting – https://www.facebook.com/groups/lowcarb.banters/”, which I since have made my LCHF home! I read extensively and I watched a number of documentaries on the subject. I took the plunge and dove right into this new way of life early January 2016 and haven’t looked back since!

I’m now 167 lbs (76,5 kilos), 41 lbs (18.5 kilos) lighter. 30 lbs (14 kilos) of those were in the last 5 months following LCHF, with no additional exercise. I’ve gone from size 18 jeans to size 12/14. My tops have gone from size 16 to size 10. My chronic pain is next to gone, only getting the occasional flare up. My knees don’t ache (as they shouldn’t at 27!!), my skin is clearer and my wedding rings fit again! I’ve lost and found my pants a few times around my ankles whilst walking along! According to my husband I’m not as irritable and cranky as I was, although I am still sometimes the ‘meanest mum in the world’ according to my daughter! I’m so much happier in myself and have so much more energy and motivation.

I still have a little way to go to my goal weight (around 149 lbs/68 kilos), but even if I didn’t lose another pound, I wouldn’t change my new lifestyle for anything. I love what I eat, I love how it makes me feel, I love the new me. The weight loss is just a perk!
If you wish to start your LCHF/Banting Journey feel free to come visit a great support group here.

#BringBackTheFat

Comment

Congratulations on your success with the LCHF lifestyle, Rachel. Keep up the good work!

More

Low Carb/LCHF for Beginners

How to Lose Weight

Get Started on Low Carb – the 2 Week Challenge

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