How Maria finally found her sustainable diet

After years of yo-yo dieting and some real health issues, Maria made her usual New Year’s resolution — get her weight under control. But this time she found a different approach; a client of hers brought her a book about keto and intermittent fasting. She figured she had nothing to lose so she gave it a shot:

I would like to share my story. If I can help one person with my story, that is reason enough, because I was inspired by so many. Here it goes:

My name is Maria and in January 2016, like every other January, I threw my hands up in the air and asked what diet am I going to try this year to get this weight under control? As a hairstylist, the stress on my body was becoming a huge problem. A lifetime yo-yo dieter, with no lasting results, I was less than hopeful that I would be successful.

I guess someone was listening because within a few days a client of mine brought me in a copy of The Obesity Code by Jason Fung. Well, what can I say, as I flipped those pages, I saw myself in so many of them.

At 56, I was at my heaviest, 300 pounds (136 kilos), lethargic, depressed, pre-diabetic and all around feeling unhealthy. So I thought what do I have to lose? I’m going to try keto and intermittent fasting. So I researched the diet which led me to Diet Doctor and Maria Emmerich. I watched every video on youtube and everything I listened to made so much sense to me. I am insulin resistant, it was as clear as day.

So on January 16, 2016, to keep myself accountable I made myself an Instagram account. From there, I found a community of like-minded people with the same struggles as me. There I found the support to continue on this journey.

As a former chef, cooking and using butter, eating meats, fish and nutrient vegetables were not going to be a problem, my problem is always bread. With my Portuguese roots, bread was a staple at every dinner table. Carbs where going to be the test. But I was determined because all I read made so much sense to me.

So, it has now been two years, I am down 120 pounds (54 kilos), feeling amazing, no longer pre-diabetic, all my health numbers are the best they have been in the last 15 years, I work out six times a week for an hour, so to say that I am grateful would be an understatement. Like my Instagram name says I am code keto for life. I can not imagine going back to high-carb life again.

My biggest challenge is keeping my portions on track (yes at 58 I have to stay within my calories, years of wrecking my metabolism, but day by day I feel that too will heal). Let’s face it, I love food, but now it doesn’t have to hurt me. Through the process, I have found what works best for my body, because everyone will have their own approach to keto.

From the bottom of my heart, a big thank you Diet Doctor and Doctor Fung for all those Youtube videos, all the information you share with the world. I feel amazing. Through my success, I have mentored a few people on keto life and they are now seeing great results also and that’s the best reward when you can give back.

And a big huge thank you to my Instagram ketotribe, you are a big part of my success, your support has meant the world to me.

Maria’s Instagram: realfoodliving

Comment

Congratulations, Maria! It sounds like you found just the right path for your health!

/ Andreas Eenfeldt, MD

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Do you have a success story you want to share on this blog? Send your information, plus before and after photos, to success@dietdoctor.com. It would also be greatly appreciated if you shared what you eat in a typical day, whether you fast etc. More information: