“Buying a little black dress to celebrate”

Kim had dieted since she was 14, but even though she lost weight — plenty of times — she always gained it back and more.

She found Diet Doctor in a Google search in August 2018, spending two months reading everything about keto, intermittent fasting and low-carb, high-fat eating before she finally decided to start the diet in October 2018. And she has had success at last.

Kim’s story

I’m 62, a retired registered nurse who lives in Endicott, New York. I’ve been married 36 years to a carbavore who loves to cook. I’ve got two grown children and three grandchildren.

I have yo-yo dieted since the age of 14 and my weight has been well over 250 lbs (113 kg) most of my adult life. I have lost hundreds of pounds only to gain them back and more each time. My self esteem generally was high with each loss and low with each gain.

In 2015, my esteem hit an all-time low at 293 lbs (134 kg). I was scheduled for a gastric sleeve surgery in April 2016, but my insurance denied me. I was depressed and eating my way up again. I lost some weight with WW (Weight Watchers) in 2017 but then regained it.

I am so glad I discovered Diet Doctor and started this way of eating last October. I was 263 lbs (119 kg), pre-diabetic, on medications for cholesterol, GERD, allergies, and hypothyroid. I have now lost 59 pounds (27 kg) and feel great.

My philosophy when I started was KISS (Keep it simple….) and no GPS (no grains, potatoes, or sugar). I avoid all sugar to keep my sugar dragon in hibernation as I know I’m a confirmed sugar addict.

But I am still a work in progress.

This past year, I have had my carb slips and falls. I have had carb creep (mostly wine and nuts). I plateaued for 3 months. And I still battle with overeating and not recognizing my hunger cues.

Here’s what I’ve tried: no dairy, no nuts, no wine, no pork rinds, strict keto-level carbs, moderate level carbs, less protein, more protein, more fat, less fat, no keto treats. I’ve had times where I tracked everything and then when I’ve tracked nothing.

I’m still learning what is best for me, trialing, adjusting, living and enjoying my life. But my energy is great and my head is clear.

While I’m not one to plan meals far in advance, I do have a plan. I always have staple foods in my home: eggs, bacon, cheese, butter, leafy greens, cucumbers, celery, heavy cream, cream cheese, coffee, tea, coconut oil, olive oil, olives, beef sticks, salami, walnuts, pecans, 90% dark chocolate. I have keto food on hand when traveling.

My husband and I make meals as we go (one of the joys of retirement.) We’ve recently made keto chicken parmesan and cauliflower margarita pizza.

Most meals are simple. A protein and a veggie, cooked with fat or added fat. I do use Diet Doctor recipes. My favorite is Keto Reuben Skillet! I occasionally make keto bread, and rarely make seed crackers, fat bombs, keto cookies/cheesecake.

I frequently make bone broth from the chicken, pork, beef and shrimp that we cook. I keep the bones in the freezer until I have a bagful. I’ve found bone broth to be magic when I’m sick.

My favorite snacks, when I eat them, are pork rinds, butter, cheese, beef sticks, olives and nuts. My favorite restaurant meal is a bunless bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg on top. I usually eat two meals a day and fast 16-18 hours. I occasionally do longer fasts. I always “close my kitchen” after dinner to prevent evening snacks.

And here’s my great results: I’m off my GERD, cholesterol, and allergy medications. My doctor is supporting my journey and recently, on her suggestion, I got a blood ketone/glucose monitor to see if I can budge from A1C down below 5.7.

My current weight is 205 pounds (93 kg) and I dream of entering “Onederland” which is sooo close now. My goal weight is 180 lbs (82 kg) for my 5’7″ (170 cm) frame. When I started the diet, my number one reason to do it was to lose weight and feel healthy. After losing a bunch, I realize now it is much more about aging well, being active and having a long healthy life so that I can watch my grandkids grow up.

And since I’ve lost 59 pounds (27 kg) so far, I’ve decided to go buy a little black dress to celebrate my one-year anniversary!

Comment

Great work, Kim! Thanks for sharing your story with us. Your path shows how keto doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Sometimes we need to experiment within keto to find the right “version” that fits with our lifestyle, our tastes and our cravings. Keep up the great work!
Best,
/ Dr. Bret Scher, MD

 

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