Fifty-two years ago, as a young second-grader, I was a towering figure compared to my classmates and even my teacher. Standing at 205 pounds and towering above the rest, I was acutely aware of my size and the discomfort it brought.
From that early age, my relationship with weight, food, and diets took center stage in my life. I embarked on a rollercoaster of weight loss programs, owning a weight loss company, and managing another. The quest to shed pounds became a constant struggle, with hunger as my perpetual companion.
The Battle with Weight and Diets
My journey through weight loss programs was a tale of both success and disappointment. The pounds would melt away only to creep back, proving the temporary nature of these diets. The cycle of deprivation, followed by weight gain, was a relentless pattern.
Amidst this battle, I learned a critical lesson: extremely low-calorie diets could harm my metabolism. Driven by a desire to lose weight, I was inadvertently causing damage to the very mechanism responsible for managing it.
Taking a Break from Dieting
Fed up with the relentless cycle of weight loss and gain, I decided to take a long break from dieting. It was a pledge to myself: I would never go on a diet again. I shifted my focus towards mindful eating and making healthier choices, but I wasn’t tracking my progress. I didn’t weigh myself; I simply aimed to eat well and nourish my body.
The Unexpected Twist: COVID and Blood Sugar
A couple of years back, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. With vaccines on the horizon, I decided to get vaccinated, like millions of others. But then, something unexpected happened. My blood sugar levels, which had been under control, suddenly spiked to 16.4, compared to around 7 just a few months prior.
This rapid surge in blood sugar levels sent shockwaves through my system. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t seem to regain control. I was teetering on the edge of needing medication to manage my blood sugar, something I was determined to avoid.
The Quest for Blood Sugar Control
As someone who had been working on my inner energy for some time, I realized that my inner journey alone was not sufficient to tackle this issue. I needed to explore new avenues to regain control over my health. And that’s when I embarked on a journey of research.
To my astonishment, I discovered that blood sugar levels could be regulated through dietary choices. This revelation ignited a fresh determination in me to regain control over my health, without resorting to medication.
The Transformation with Whole Foods
The path ahead was clear – I needed to focus on what I ate, without the burden of counting calories or measuring portions. I delved into a ketogenic lifestyle, a diet known for its potential to regulate blood sugar levels and promote overall health.
Understanding the Role of Whole Carbs
I realized that in the past, I had made a crucial error in my dietary approach. Rather than tracking net carbs, I counted whole carbs. This shift in perspective was a game-changer. It emphasized the importance of consuming whole, unprocessed foods that nourished my body while promoting stable blood sugar levels.
Collaborating with a Ketogenic Doctor
In my pursuit of understanding the ketogenic diet and ensuring that my health was on the right track, I collaborated with a ketogenic doctor in Edmonton. The insights and guidance from this partnership were invaluable. My blood work results were astonishing, showing remarkable positive changes that reflected the transformation within me.
The Unexpected Results
I began this journey with a fair share of skepticism. I had tried many diets before, and they all ended in disappointment. This time, however, something remarkable occurred. The very first change I noticed was that I was no longer plagued by constant hunger. It was a novel and liberating sensation.
My blood sugar levels began to slowly, but steadily, move in the right direction. The most astonishing realization was that I was losing weight without feeling deprived. I wasn’t counting calories or constantly monitoring my food intake.
A Journey of Tracking Progress
Despite my initial skepticism, I remained committed to my journey. I had learned from past experiences that success often takes time to manifest. So, I focused on tracking my progress through measurements and continuous monitoring of my blood sugar levels. The inches and blood sugar numbers were my guiding lights.
The Results Are In
Two months into the journey, I felt it was time to confront the scale. The numbers were undeniably positive – I had lost weight. It was a stark contrast to my previous experiences with diets that had led to weight gain.
This time, I was losing weight without enduring the constant pangs of hunger and without meticulously counting calories. The focus was on whole foods and tracking my progress through measurements and blood sugar levels.
Rediscovering My Journey
As I saw the remarkable changes occurring in my body and my health, I realized the importance of sharing this journey with others. The skepticism that had initially clouded my perception was now replaced by enthusiasm and a desire to guide and support those seeking the same transformation.
I may not have retained records of my previous weight loss attempts, but I’m making sure to capture this journey. It’s a testament to the transformative power of a whole foods lifestyle. With the lessons learned from my 52-year journey, I’m excited to help others achieve their health and wellness goals.
This journey has been one of skepticism, confusion, and a relentless search for the truth. I’m grateful that I persevered, and I look forward to inspiring and guiding others to embark on their own journeys of well-being.
Join me in exploring the profound potential of a lifestyle that revolves around whole foods. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
Diana Beanblossom
Balance Inner Energy
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Hi, I read your article with interest because my daughter suffers from obesity (i think), which may seem a strange thing to say because she is large framed and so can carry extra weight, but she is self conscious about it and so i will share your article with her and see if she can draw some good advice from your own learning about how to lose weight over many years, thank you for sharing your knowledge on the subject.
Hi Alan:
Thank you for reading the article and considering it for your daughter. It’s important to remember that each person’s journey is unique, and self-confidence is a crucial part of it. I’m here to offer guidance and support if she ever has questions or needs advice. Feel free to reach out anytime. Wishing her the best on her path to well-being! 🌟💕
Congratulations Diana, you look amazing and are very inspiring. I am very happy for you!
Thanks my beautiful friend!