Have you ever felt trapped by your own body and medically in need of weight loss? Nine weeks ago, that was me. Tipping the scales at a whopping 120kg, with a BMI of 37 (using the NHS BMI calculator), every step was a painful reminder of the inflammation that had taken over my joints. From my knees to my fingers, arthritis had me in its cruel grip. Doctors had gotten me to a point where my only (last) choice was to start a lifelong medication that would compromise my immune system. But I wasn’t about to let medications dictate my life. I knew there had to be a more natural way to reclaim my health.
Carbs – The Culprit
A deep dive into my diet revealed the ugly truth. Carbohydrates, in all their sugary glory, had become my closest and most comforting of friends. Bread, pastries, rice, and all those sneaky snacks had silently contributed to my inflammation. The realization hit hard: it was time for us to break up and go our separate ways. I took it one step further and declared war on carbs. I had been using them for the feel-good comfort, like an addict for so long. But as we are all discovering excessive carbs, especially refined ones ( see our article on the dangers of refined foods), lead to blood sugar spikes, promote inflammation and a host of other health issues. I wasn’t having it anymore.
A Meaty Makeover for Weight Loss
The journey to a low-carb life was no walk in the park. The initial week was a battle against terrible cravings, but I was armed with determination. Swapping carbs for proteins, my plate saw a meaty makeover. From beef to bacon, my diet underwent a transformation, and so did I. Protein not only kept me full but also aided in muscle repair and growth, giving me the strength to push through my workouts. After the first week I had managed to eliminate all carbs, and went on an only meat carnivore diet. Check out our article on the Carnivore Diet. After about a month I began to introduce low carb vegetables and the occasional fruit like watermelon, just for the taste and freshness to break the texture of meat. I must admit, chewing steak and meats can become really tiresome.
Weight Loss Victories Beyond the Scale
Eight weeks in and I’m 8 kg lighter, the scales are proof of my progress. But the real triumph? The freedom from inflammation. Exercises that once seemed impossible are now my daily challenges. For the last few years I have been unable to do squats and lunges because of my knee inflammation, and my leg strength and overall stability have suffered from it. Now I am able to do these exercises and I am feeling like a man released from the prison of immobility. I am now focussing on leg exercises more as well as daily walking, and I hope to progress to light jogging soon. The weight loss has ignited a passion for fitness, creating a cycle of positivity and progress. Every pound shed felt like breaking free from the chains that once held me back.
Ketosis: The Game Changer
I must emphasise that this wasn’t easy and I am also nowhere near my end goal, but the results have encouraged me and reassured me that I am on the correct path. Changing a diet that has had such a grip on you is immensely difficult. The initial energy dips, the fatigue, headaches and irritability were really tough, but discipline and perseverance paid off. Sticking to my carnivore diet and using meal prepping meant that I would quickly achieve ketosis, and my body would become a fat-burning machine. In ketosis, the body switches its primary energy source from carbs to fats, leading to efficient weight loss and increased energy levels.
I used key sticks to measure the ketones in my urine to monitor whether or not i was in ketosis ( especially when I reintroduced carbs). My next goal? Hitting 108kg, a number I haven’t seen in years and then a march to 102kg. And with my current pace, I reckon I’m set to smash that target.
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Your Health, Your Choice
To anyone feeling ensnared by their choices, here’s my message: Change is within reach. It starts with a decision and thrives on consistent action. Your health is an investment, not an expense. Remember, it’s not about quick fixes but sustainable changes that lead to a lifetime of well-being.
