More Than Just Weight
Two years ago I chose to experiment with my lifestyle. After an adult lifetime of following the USDA rules of the pyramid, I continued to decline in health and incline in weight. My blood panels continue to stay in the normal range, but inched their way toward disaster.
Early November 2020, I stopped eating my healthy breakfast of oatmeal with peanut butter and raisins. I even pushed my first meal of the day to noon; a 16/8 fast. I am a kinesthetic person, aware of my body, I noticed immediate changes, I simply felt better and didn’t feel deprived like I had while dieting. Within 2 weeks, I noticed the swelling in my legs decreased, the sock imprint wasn’t as noticeable. By the end of the 4 weeks, I realized this low-carb, intermittent fast was a sustainable lifestyle. By about 6 weeks, I had lost 10 lbs. and I was already feeling that I had control over my weight without restricting calories. I actually decreased the volume of food I ate because my new choices were fulfilling. A win for the wallet too!
Late January, early February 2021, my weight loss stalled, but I continued to feel good. I wanted to boost weight loss again so I added on to my experiment and increased saturated fats, starting with full fat yogurt. The outcome was phenomenal. Since I was doing a daily temperature check for work, I was able to track a gradual increase in my core temperature. I went from an average 97.6 to 98.6 degrees. I was stunned to say the least. And at that moment, the weight began to shed once again. I continued forward with eating more fats, specifically more animal fats.
Curious as to the effects of LCHF on the inside, I looked at my blood panel, most importantly my vitamin-D levels. Vitamin-D is ever so important to many body functions, namely immunity and heart health. While eating a low-fat diet to “protect my heart”, my vitamin-D level continued to plummet over the decades putting me more at risk for cardiovascular disease. To my prediction (and joy), vitamin-D increased, ever so slightly, but it was on the rise. What really scared me was the elevated cholesterol. Because of the standards set forth by western culture (FDA), total cholesterol should be under 200, mine measured well over 200. But, I was most excited about my A1c falling from 5.6 to a 5.4.
Fast forward to August 2021, 25 lbs lighter than I was the previous year, I joined the Nutrition Network and began the LCHF Advisor Training course. Each lesson paralleled what I was actually witnessing within my own body.
I didn’t crave sweets or starchy carbs
Meals kept me satisfied for most of the day (rather than a couple hours)
Exercise intensity improved without getting sick
Dental hygiene improved
Foot fungus gone
Toenail fungus under control and improving
Someone commented that my eyes are more clear
The official moment of truth came 1 year later, November 2021, with an annual physical. Everyone of my blood test numbers and vitals were improved from the previous year. My doctor was impressed, but worried about my new lifestyle. I assured her, this is the new healthy me.
What healthy changes do you want in addition to weight loss? How can I help?
