I began trying to seriously lose weight in 2015. It has been 10 years, and in all that time, I’ve only lost 33 pounds. My starting weight was 269 pounds. Apparently, my ideal weight is between 118-148 pounds. IMPOSSIBLE! I still think it’s impossible, but my mind is changing slowly. I don’t ever foresee being that small, but I think I can get really close. I think I would look somewhat sick at 130 pounds.
In 2015, started with the keto diet. It was the first time I began to understand how food affects our bodies. Before, all I knew was “calories in, calories out.” That was not working for me. Keto taught me about the effects carbohydrates have on blood sugar. It also taught me about how eating lower-carb veggies, protein, and fat could move me towards using my body fat for fuel.
In 2019, I discovered intermittent fasting. I learned more about blood glucose, insulin’s function in the body. But no matter what knowledge I assimilated, it was useless unless it is put to use. That takes a little bit of discipline. However, having the knowledge is a huge help once I decide to go forward.
The keto diet worked for me for a while. I don’t remember how long. I do know that I regained all but 11 pounds (258 lb.) by the time I heard about the Carnivore diet in January 2024. During 2024, up until around the end of September, things were going okay on Carnivore. I had lost about 20 pounds. I was down to 238.
As I’ve said, I got off the diet sometime in October last year, and didn’t get back to it until about a month ago. Actually, I’m remembering that it was around July 14 (3 weeks). It just feels like a month. My new starting weight was 249. I currently weigh 236 pounds,13 down.
I have realized some things in the last year, and especially the last 3 weeks. This is not easy. It is going to take time. It is not going to be a quick, miraculous weight loss. I’m having to fight for this every minute of every day.
In the past, with the keto diet and intermittent fasting, I never knew for sure if I was in ketosis, which is the goal of the two systems. Back then, I wasn’t aware of the ketone monitors that measured ketones in the blood. I was only familiar with the urine strips, which never gave me the result I desired. However, I probably was in ketosis. Since I was not sure, it was easy to decide it wasn’t working and give up.
Now that I have a blood ketone monitor, I know for sure that I am in ketosis. It also serves as a great encouragement. It’s something I can say I’ve achieved. Also, if I’m in ketosis, my body has “fat adapted” and is readily using fat for fuel. I have been feeling very good about this. Being in ketosis has bolstered my resolve to stay on track because my body finally seems to be doing what I want, at least right now. I am looking forward to more progress and success.
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