Women’s Health
My name is Lynn S. Mizell (lynns.b_) and I’m 46 years old. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, and I work as a startup program administrator. After gaining post-baby weight and then going on the yo-yo diet, I decided to commit to my health and lose weight with the ketone diet and walks to lose weight.
I gained weight for the first time after my daughter was born in 2001. I was not fully committed to losing the baby’s weight, plus I love good food. Then, I would lose 5 to 12 pounds and then recover from overeating. It was a vicious cycle that I was stuck in for years.
In 2003, a co-worker introduced me to the Atkins diet. I lost 18 kilos following him and walking every day. But, two years later, I had foot surgery and I was out of work for two months. Unfortunately, I returned to my old eating habits and couldn’t walk for months. I recovered the 18 kilos and more.
In June 2018, I reached my maximum weight, 100 kilos, and that was evident.
I saw pictures of myself and realized that I didn’t look like myself. I decided to commit to actually losing weight (and keeping it off). I bought a scale, walking shoes and a large glass of Yeti. I started the next morning and just kept going.
I was interested in trying the ketone diet.
I decided that it would be a good option based on all the people I saw who had consistent results and the fact that it allows so many options for food choices. But it took me three attempts to really catch it.
Keto initially made me feel lethargic and moody. But in July 2018, I started again, but I was equipped with more knowledge and a better understanding of the science of diet. I also read that previous lethargy may have been the result of low electrolytes and dehydration.
To counter this, I started drinking a dose of pickle juice with my MCT oil once a day. I also implemented the use of ketone test strips. When I was in ketosis, I took the test every morning. For me, seeing that I was in ketosis was very motivating and was the fuel I needed to commit to another big day. Overall, for me, the best thing about keto is that I never feel limited or stuck to a routine when it comes to what I can eat.
Here’s what I normally eat in a day now.
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Breakfast: Boiled eggs, grated cheese and water
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Lunch: Roast chicken, salad and yogurt
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Snacks: Pepperoni, cheese and olives
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Dinner: Taco salad with southwestern dressing, sliced cucumber and tomato
I started walking immediately. For the first two weeks, I walked three kilometers, six days a week.
Then I increased the distance and averaged three to five miles a day for six days a week. I chose to walk because it was a way of striving for faster times and greater distances. In addition, when walking, my husband routinely joins me. Being able to enjoy that time with him while also burning calories is a win-win situation!
These two changes made the biggest difference in my weight loss results.
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I gave myself grace. The key for me has been to allow myself a little grace and space – grace to make mistakes and space for the number to increase a little without being compulsive. And space to enjoy the food and drinks I like without feeling guilty. For the first three months, I was extremely strict with my approach. However, I knew that if I wanted to keep this way of eating, I couldn’t be so strict.
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I implemented a cardiovascular training schedule. I always loved walking and I knew it was an activity I could do. My husband also bought me a commercial elliptical trainer so that, if we couldn’t leave the house, I could use the machine.
Overall, I lost 78 pounds in two years and months. I recovered a little for a period with the pandemic.
I maintained my weight loss until COVID-19. Being at home with my husband and daughter while working remotely, I found myself making snacks and baking cakes frequently and gained 3.5 pounds. But when I got back to committing to my goals, I lost 7 pounds again. It is not about perfection, but about progress.
Weight loss allowed me to resume a more active lifestyle, freed me from worrying about my health. The best advice I would give other women is that they make their health and happiness a priority. Schedule time to exercise and be aware of what you eat that makes you feel good and energized. If you are reading this and are ready to start, remember that the investment is worth it.
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