BEFORE
- Age: 53
- Weight: 111kg
- Energy: average
- Mental health: covered up shame, isolation
- Date: Feb 2018
Chapter 17.
Keto Diet Results
In order to fully understand the transforming power keto has on people’s lives, we have formed a case study from randomly selected people who have participated in the keto lifestyle. The case study participants are both men and women who have been chosen at random from various keto diets, lifestyles, groups, supplement choices, age brackets and duration on the keto lifestyle. These results are not guarantees; however, they are case studies to help you explore if keto might be the right lifestyle for the symptoms you are experiencing or the lifestyle you want to pursue.
Karla Hollings
BEFORE
- Age: 28
- Weight: 86kg
- Waist: Size 18
- Energy: low
- Mental health: below average
- Date: 18 June 2018
AFTER
- Age: 29
- Weight: 66kg
- Waist: size 10
- Kg lost: 17.8kg
- Cm lost: 4 sizes
- Energy: high
- Mental
- health: fantastic
- Duration: 12 Months
What changes have you experienced with your health since you started with keto?
Health-wise my sleeping patterns have definitely improved. I am no longer out of breath doing normal day things. My acne has cleared up immensely.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
My body has definitely changed. I have a lot more energy, I am stronger and have noticeable weight loss in all areas. I was never able to drop weight after countless diets and lifestyle changes until I found keto.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
Since starting keto I do have more clarity and focus. I would have bad mood swings, which have significantly dropped (partner loves this btw). I am finding I don’t feel as anxious as I used to. I have a thirst for life that I never had beforehand.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
After being on keto for a few months, I joined the gym and go almost every day – it’s amazing. My social life has taken off as I am a lot more confident. I am no longer worried about my self-image or fearful of what people will think of me due to my size.
Cathy Tilley
BEFORE
- Age: 52
- Weight: 90kg
- Energy: sluggish
- Mental health: prone to anxiety
- Date: late Jan 2019
AFTER
- Age: 53
- Weight: 78kg
- Kg lost: 12kg
- Energy: lasting all day
- Mental health: no anxiety
- Duration: 4 months
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
Increased stamina – I can work all day long and just get tired at bedtime, not midday. Addiction to food/sweets is gone – I have no need to look for sugars to keep me going during the day, no afternoon slump.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
Hormonal issues resolved, I sleep like a log, no bloating or puffiness. No more big fat tummy and my digestive issues are resolved, as I actually feel hungry again after no hunger for a year.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
No more foggy mind – it’s sharp and clear thinking for me now.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
I am waking up in the morning much easier – I am quicker to engage with the day rather than it waiting for me to catch up. My self-confidence has returned – I have had to buy new clothes and wearing the clothes I want to wear and thought I could never wear.
I thought my body, life and symptoms were a normal part of being middle age and I had settled with it, but now living my best life – I can’t believe it. I feel healthy. I look 10 years younger. Skin glowing. Bags gone from under my eyes. No reservation about going out. Proud of myself!
Keto has changed my life! My husband can’t keep his hands off me!!
Jenny Hudson
AFTER
- Age: 54
- Weight: 77.5kg
- Kg lost: 33.5kg
- Energy: high – running, dancing & jumping
- Mental health: full of life & going out
- Duration: 16 Months
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
I was told by my doctor that I have a high level “fatty liver” and that it was at a level where I wouldn’t be able to reverse. I also had a sluggish thyroid and my sugar levels were high/borderline diabetic.
So once I started a year ago on his keto program, I consistently lost 4 kilos a month and never plateaued ever and each month would see my GP for a weigh in and check up. My thyroid is now at a healthy level, my sugar levels are back to normal range, and no longer borderline diabetic. But the best news was that I not only improved my liver, but I have completely reversed it to now a healthy functioning liver; a result that even my doctor didn’t think was possible.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
I belong to a modern active church and I am one of the vocalists. I have experienced that I have a lot more range in my vocals due to being able to breathe better, and I have so much more energy on stage being able to jump and dance and move around more whilst still being able to breathe well while singing so energy levels have increased to much higher levels.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
I am no longer ashamed of how I look or self-conscious of myself and I want to go out and be around people more. I am not married but now so ready to find hopefully my life partner, as I feel so much more confident of who I am, and I can honestly say without sounding full of myself that I really like who I am and feel good about myself. Friends have noticed I’m a happier person, full of life and always laughing and smiling, and so I think feeling healthy on the inside also is being healthy mentally and it works from the inside out.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
I’m always out and busy now; so much so I have had to buy a diary to book in all that I want to do in life and fitting in friends and family with social life. So overall life is a healthy, joyful life now and I am still on the Lean for Life keto eating as for me it has become my eating lifestyle, not just a program for a little while to lose weight. It has become my everyday eating lifestyle and I know with it I will never look back.
Charli Ledwidge-Parcel
BEFORE
- Age: 30
- Weight: 124kg
- Waist: size 24
- Date: June 2017
AFTER
- Age: 32 (almost)
- Weight: 94kg
- Waist: size 14
- Kg lost: 30kg
- Cm lost: 5 dress sizes
- Duration: 24 months
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
I had endometriosis which is now non-symptomatic. My periods are lighter and shorter with little to no pain! I always had severe bloating, which I never have now. My skin is completely different: it’s clear and spot free!
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
Much more energy. My body has completely changed shape. I actually have a waist for the first time in my adult life. My face is not puffy at all, and I don’t look pregnant anymore!
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
My relationship with food has completely changed. Before I was an emotional eater and would eat my feelings which resulted in massive binges of carb loaded, terrible food choices! Now I see food as fuel and only eat when I’m hungry (which is a LOT less often), rather than out of boredom. I feel clearer and less hazy since keto! Since my husband and I changed to a keto lifestyle, we argue hardly ever!! Definitely never imagined that as a side effect, but it’s definitely something we have both noticed!!
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
I go to the gym and do a physio programme most days. I find being proactive is something that comes much more easily now rather than procrastinating, which is something I used to do a lot!!
Niboddhri Christie
BEFORE
- Age: 43
- Weight: 75kg
- Energy: low
- Mental health: not great
- Date: 30 March 2018
AFTER
- Age: 43
- Weight: 56kg
- Kg lost: 17kg
- Energy: high
- Mental health: good
- Duration: 4 months
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
I grew up as a national level cross-country skier and accomplished ultra-marathon runner, then lost my health, now to have it return better than it has ever been. I am stronger, lighter and healthier than I have ever been in my life.
Before starting keto I had stomach muscle issues due to pregnancy, lower-back and right hip were constantly sore. I also had digestive problems since I was a child which resulted in severe bloating. I was also hyperglycaemic and carb addicted. I would eat a large block of chocolate and then some, on a regular basis. Now all gone … including the need for chocolate.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
Even as a young athlete, I struggled to transcend the classic pear shape and was always a few kilos heavier than was ideal. Through keto my body shape completely changed. I have become lean in the hips, thighs and butt and my upper-body became very lean. I went from a size 12-14 (post-baby) to a comfortable 6-8. Whilst I don’t place value on size for size’s sake, as an athlete my new lean, light and fat-adapted body has meant I can sustain a large volume of running training again.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
Since becoming fat-adapted my mental clarity and focus have dramatically improved. I have made many changes in my life because of it – including changing jobs, going back to study at university and becoming a more creative person. My focus during training is improved and my ability to get ‘in the zone’ has dramatically increased.
I think the nutritional strategy of ketosis has a lot to offer the mental health space, but I think it’s important to acknowledge that problems don’t just melt away with the fat – you have to do some work. The work gets easier but you still have to do it.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
This has led to the achievement of a long-coveted personal best of 101kms in a 12-hour race. I also ran 40kms in 4 hours during a training run with relative ease, and I am about to do a 24hr run. I can sustain a regular program of up to 120kms a week of running without needing long recovery periods in between runs and this has been accomplished without sustaining injuries.
I don’t have time to socialise more, but when I do, I enjoy it way more than I ever have. I have more confidence, poise and energy and my communication is more meaningful and engaged.
Niboddhri Christie
BEFORE
- Age: 37
- Weight: 67kg
- Waist: 98cm
- Energy: tied and sluggish
- Mental health: occasional anxiety
- Date: 25 Feb 2019
AFTER
- Age: 37
- Weight: 58kg
- Waist: 92cm
- Kg lost: 9kg
- Cm lost: 6cm
- Energy: so much more
- Mental health: peace of mind
- Duration: 4 weeks
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
I can feel that my hormones are a lot more balanced and health is under control.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
I have lots more energy to do things. I was able to reach my original weight from 3 years ago and I have lost weight in my thighs and stomach, which usually don’t change when I lose weight.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
I feel more motivated, my mind is clearer and I am less anxious.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
My eating habits have drastically improved and food seems not to be in control of my life anymore. I am surprised that I don’t need to eat what I thought. I have lots more energy and now am wanting to be out doing things more and my social group has changed based on associating with others who have achieved similar results.
Sam Baker
BEFORE
- Age: 47
- Weight: 105kg
- Waist: 119cm
- Energy: low energy
- Mental health: anxiety and depression
- Date: June 2018
AFTER
- Age: 47
- Weight: 75kg
- Waist: 81cm
- Kg lost: 30kg
- Cm lost: 38cm
- Energy: high
- Mental health: no anxiety or depression
- Duration: 11 months
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
Since starting keto I have an abundance of energy and no longer want to nap. I have lost a lot of weight and the body fat came off my stomach that would never budge
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
I have lots more energy to do things. I was able to reach my original weight from 3 years ago and I have lost weight in my thighs and stomach, which usually don’t change when I lose weight.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
I used to live in ‘mum fog’ and couldn’t focus on ANYTHING. Learning new things was more difficult than it had ever been. I had no mental clarity or focus. I now run my own business successfully, I train every day, do podcasts and learn all the time. I have laser focus and a true thirst for knowledge, now this new me is unlocked.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
I no longer hide in my home, obese, sad and with no drive. I have a passion and drive for my life, my family, my business and want to get out and be a part of the world. I exercise and love it. I enjoy living and no longer hide away.
Jess Morris
BEFORE
- Age: 52
- Weight: 64kg
- Energy: 2/5
- Mental health: 3/5
- Date: Feb 2019
AFTER
- Age: 52
- Weight: 56kg
- Kg lost: 8kg
- Energy: 5/5
- Mental health: 5+/5
- Duration: 6 weeks
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
The health changes that come with moving into my 50s as a female have now been reversed – never thought it was possible.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
I was able to lose the weight I couldn’t before. I lost more than I initially thought possible and it kept coming off.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
I feel more confident in myself knowing I have achieved my goal weight and my mind is so much clearer.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
I am feeling like I have so much more energy, and the confidence of the new me comes with a new lifestyle.
Doug wilson
BEFORE
- Age: 37
- Weight: 80kg
- Waist: 92cm
- Energy: sluggish and tired
- Mental health: brain fog
-
Date: 25 Feb 2019
AFTER
- Age: 37
- Weight: 71kg
- Waist: 87cm
- Kg lost: 9kg
- Cm lost: 5cm
- Energy: high
- Mental health: clear minded
- Duration: 4 weeks
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
Instantly felt a million dollars – the energy and focus I needed to fulfil my physically and mentally demanding job came surprisingly quick.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
I noticed a drop of around 5kgs in 10 days, which looked and felt like more, due to the diet taking away inflammation and fluid retention. This was so encouraging and was what I needed to stay focused.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
Mental clarity was incomparable and my stress levels were extremely stable. It was like I got a new mind, not just a body. Cravings, hunger, attachment to food, brain fog and stress all went out the window.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
I feel much more at peace now in my body, which has really impacted my body, and I feel like if I ever do blow out again with a mid-life crisis, I can come back to centre quite quickly.
David Morris
BEFORE
- Age: 59
- Weight: 107kg
- Energy: low and inconsistent
- Mental health: low
- Date: Feb 2019
AFTER
Age: 59
Weight: 87kg
Kg lost: 20kg
Cm lost: 5cm
Energy: high and consistent
Mental health: great
Duration: 8 weeks
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
Before starting keto I had onset arthritis with fingers deforming, aches all over body. I was waking up in the middle of the night and had loss of strength to open food jars, etc., due to it. Now my arthritis has gone and I have no more pain in my joints. My blood pressure is now normal and less fluctuating.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
Functionality wise, my body has completely changed – it’s like I have stepped into a new body. Plus I am now wearing nicer fitting clothes and feeling more comfortable in them.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
Functionality wise, my body has completely changed – it’s like I have stepped into a new body. Plus I am now wearing nicer fitting clothes and feeling more comfortable in them.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
I would get breathless even walking up a slight incline. I would also feel a heavy weight on my lungs and chest when being active and sleeping. I am now able to walk vigorously up hills, despite no regular exercise, just the keto diet and my sleep is so much better.
I have also done this with my wife and our relationship has gotten so much closer. It was great beforehand; however, having something that we have done together has been great.
David Morris
BEFORE
- Age: 28
- Weight: 84kg
- Waist: 91cm
- Energy: Lazy and sluggish
- Mental health: brain fog
- Date: 25 Feb 2019
AFTER
- Age: 37
- Weight: 71kg
- Waist: 87cm
- Kg lost: 9kg
- Cm lost: 5cm
- Energy: high
- Mental health: clear minded
- Duration: 4 weeks
What changes have you experienced with your HEALTH since you started with keto?
I haven’t had any medical check-ups before or after, so can’t say for sure, sorry. However, if I was to gauge my health on improved feelings, I would say it’s a complete 180-degree turn on my health.
What changes have you experienced with your BODY since you started with keto?
Mental clarity was incomparable and my stress levels were extremely stable. It was like I got a new mind, not just a body. Cravings, hunger, attachment to food, brain fog and stress all went out the window.
What changes have you experienced with your MIND since you started with keto?
Functionality wise, my body has completely changed – it’s like I have stepped into a new body. Plus I am now wearing nicer fitting clothes and feeling more comfortable in them.
What changes have you experienced in your LIFESTYLE since you started
The keto diet has changed my relationship with food. I now see food as nourishment to my body and use it to maximise my performance and well-being instead of it being a comfort and distraction. I used to feel like I had to take a nap when I got home from work but now I don’t. I can hang out with friends and family, play with my nephew and work out instead.
PS. I have always been a big boy. Ever since my mother passed away when I was six years old, I have turned to food for comfort and distraction. When I reached my teenage years, I also turned to alcohol and I was living a very unhealthy lifestyle. I must have peaked at around 110 kg (I am 168 cm tall). When I was around 16 years old I started to play more sports; volleyball in particular, and I was training a couple of days a week. After a couple of years, we advanced to elite level and I was training 4-5 days a week, but I was still eating unhealthy and way too much. So even though I was losing some weight, I stagnated and was unable to lose the remaining 16 kgs. After just 14 weeks on the keto diet, I finally reached my goal! 🙂
It has been life-changing for me!
Meet the Keto Guide Authors
