Category: Tell Us Your Stories

Thank You, Joanna! My Journey to Health and Happiness

This post is dedicated to my daughter, Joanna, who has been my greatest inspiration. It was she who told me about the low-carb and keto diet, and her words, “Mom, do something for yourself while there’s still time. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” changed my life.

When writing about real stories, I couldn’t help but start with my own. My story isn’t extraordinary – many of you will likely see yourselves in it. Perhaps it will inspire you to make changes in your lifestyle and start living a healthy, long, and happy life.

Today, I can proudly say: I am healthy and happy. But the road to this point wasn’t easy. Throughout my life, I tried many diets – each promising to be the “best.” I worked out tirelessly at the gym because that’s what I was told: “If you don’t exercise enough, you need to burn more calories, eat less, and push yourself harder.” It was exhausting, and the results never lasted. Every diet ended with the dreaded yo-yo effect, and my weight kept increasing.

I reached a point where even climbing stairs was painful. I had to pull myself up using the handrail because my joints couldn’t handle the strain. Routine blood tests revealed alarming results: my liver function markers were doubled, triglycerides were at the upper limit, glucose levels were borderline high, and my uric acid was above normal. My doctor warned that if my results didn’t improve within a year, I would need to start taking medication for metabolic syndrome.

I was terrified. Diabetes ran in my family – my grandfather lost his vision and had a leg amputated due to diabetic complications. I didn’t want the same fate.

I started searching for knowledge and stumbled upon information about low-carb and keto diets. At first, I was skeptical and scared. Eating full-fat foods? Cooking with lard or clarified butter instead of vegetable oils? It went against everything I had been taught. But I decided to give it a try – I had nothing to lose except my health problems.

I changed my diet for one month, full of doubts. I began eating eggs, full-fat dairy, and meats. To my surprise, after just one month, my blood test results improved significantly. Heartburn, liver pain, and bleeding gums disappeared. My triglycerides dropped, my HDL cholesterol improved, and my weight started to decrease. I felt 20 years younger, and my mind was sharper than ever.

Gradually, I learned how to adapt my favorite dishes to fit the keto lifestyle. Instead of white flour, I used almond and coconut flour. Instead of sugar, I used erythritol. I replaced bread with homemade keto rolls, and I said goodbye to potatoes, pasta, and other high-carb foods. Was it easy? No. I was addicted to sugar, and my morning coffee without a sweet treat felt impossible. But I pushed through, one step at a time.

Today, at 60 years old, I am healthy, full of energy, and thriving. I’m studying, working, and enjoying life. I no longer need medication, and my body thanks me every day. Most importantly, I have lost 30 kilograms. I feel lighter, not just physically but emotionally, and I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken to reclaim my health.

If you think you’re young and have plenty of time, you’re mistaken. Yes, you have time to take care of yourself if you’re not ill yet, but you don’t have time to waste on poor eating habits or supporting industries that don’t care about your health.

Contrary to what it may seem, this post isn’t just for older adults—it’s also for younger people. Wake up before it’s too late. Take control of your health now, while you still can.

If my story can help even one person, it was worth sharing.

Thank you, Joanna, for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.