What brought you to begin Keto?
The idea was recommended for me by a friend of mine at the time I decided I was required to take drastic action to fix something about my deteriorating type-II diabetes. He recommended a few web-based “influencers” and a handful of websites. I began my study.
I looked up the research that demonstrated how effective reduction can help in the fight against insulin resistance. And since my primary goal was combating the ever-growing threat of diabetes for my wellbeing, I began with that. Starting by cutting down my intake of carbs to 50 net-carbs per day while growing my “good” fat intake as well as making my own meals I was able survive without suffering from an attack of ketoflu. Additionally, I noticed that I didn’t feel feeling hungry throughout the day. This was the beauty of keto!
Which was your most difficult element of keto? And how did you conquer it?
As an avid carb-eater eating freshly baked bread was by far the most difficult thing I had to complete. At one point, I was an baker in an eatery, and was occupied for the entire day except baking breads, rolls and other pastries. . . And then, squirting and testing them (for quality control as well. )
As with all carb addicts beginning “recovery” I experienced moments of lapses, like when I was in the kitchen when I saw my daughter’s trail mix. In a moment of deliberation I grabbed a handful and, as I was making my way to my mouth I realized what I did! When I opened my mouth the trail mix ended up in the garbage.
The research continued and I discovered bread alternatives, such as almond flour “chaffles” as well as pork rind panko, as well as the vast array of food I could consume. I was just beginning to realize that I had to stay “in the present” while at home.
Most significant changes to your daily routine?
About 15 months ago I took 60 units insulin long-acting daily, 1000mg of metformin two times a day, and three other medicines to manage my Type II Diabetes. All of them are gone since I no longer require these medications.
14 months ago the A1c of my blood was 11.2 and, even though I was in the “six months cycle” of seeing my endocrinologist I was given 60 units of insulin long-acting daily, and Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to gain more accurate keeping track of my sugar level.
Six months after being placed on the CGM and was then removed as my A1c for October 2021 was 6.2. A high-fat low carb diet had drastically altered the way I ate and my body changed by becoming more insulin-sensitive.
My A1c for January 2022 was 5.1 with a recording manual Glucose monitor several times per day, I informed my doctor my blood sugar levels never over 100 throughout the day, not even after eating. My A1c for April 2022 was back with 5.2. This was the time when I told the doctor that I had reduced the daily dose of insulin to just 20 units in the afternoon and evening, my levels of glucose dropped to the 50 mg/dL range. Working with my doctor, together , we concluded that the insulin dosage was no longer necessary.
From an outward appearance point of view I’ve changed to size 58 jeans to 5-XL shirts , to sizes 42 and 2XL clothes. mostly from thrift stores. My wife soon realized that the sizes of my clothes were shifting at such a rapid rate that we were unable to purchase new clothes every few months! So I purchased an entire new wardrobe!
