When I started my weight loss journey, I was over 450 pounds. I tried everything—cutting calories, running more, skipping meals—but nothing seemed to stick. Then I found the ketogenic diet.
This isn’t a medical breakdown of keto—there are thousands of those already. This is my personal experience. What worked, what didn’t, and how it helped me go from 450 to under 325 lbs (and counting) while training for back-to-back 5Ks.
What Is Keto (In Simple Terms)?
Keto is a high-fat, low-carb way of eating. You’re basically flipping the script on how your body gets energy—ditching carbs and sugars so your body burns fat instead.
For me, it meant cutting out:
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Bread
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Pasta
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Rice
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Potatoes
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Most fruit
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Anything processed or sugary
And instead eating:
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Meat (steak, pork, chicken, bacon)
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Eggs
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Cheese
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Butter & oils
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Avocados
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Leafy greens
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Low-carb veggies (zucchini, cauliflower, etc.)
Why I Chose Keto
I needed something simple. I didn’t want to count every calorie or feel like I was starving. Keto helped me feel full, curb cravings, and drop serious weight in a way that felt sustainable.
The first week was rough—I had what’s called the “keto flu.” I was tired, irritable, and craved sugar like crazy. But after 5–6 days, my energy came back hard. My hunger disappeared, my brain fog lifted, and the scale started moving.
How I Stay on Track
Here’s what I do that works for me:
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One Meal a Day (OMAD): I fast all day and eat one big meal in the afternoon or evening.
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Keep it Simple: I repeat meals. Pork chops, taco bowls, eggs & sausage, keto chili—stuff I can make fast.
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Bulletproof Coffee: I drink coffee with MCT oil, collagen, stevia, and cinnamon—it helps suppress hunger and gives me a mental boost.
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Track Water Intake: I use a gallon jug marked with times to make sure I’m drinking enough every day (135 oz/day).
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Supplements: Electrolytes (Zipfizz, Mio), magnesium, and sometimes keto protein shakes mixed with unsweetened almond milk.
What Keto Did for Me
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Lost over 125 pounds (so far)
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Ran multiple 5Ks and am training for even more
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Gained control over my appetite for the first time in years
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Had better energy, focus, and sleep
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Built confidence I never had before
Keto didn’t just help me lose weight. It gave me structure, momentum, and a sense of purpose—especially when paired with consistent movement and running goals.
Real Talk: Downsides
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You’ll miss certain foods—especially at first.
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Social events can be tough. People don’t get it.
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You have to plan ahead or you’ll slip up.
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Fasting isn’t for everyone—ease into it if needed.
But for me? 100% worth it.
Final Advice to Beginners
If you’re just starting out, here’s what I recommend:
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Don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on eating meat, healthy fats, and low-carb veggies.
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Give it two solid weeks. You’ll feel better, I promise.
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Stay consistent. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be committed.
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Move your body. Even a walk counts. For me, 5Ks gave me something to train for—and it kept me motivated.
Need help getting started?
Check out our free [Keto Grocery List] and [Beginner Meal Plan] to make your first two weeks easy.
Or follow my journey on social for daily tips, check-ins, and meals.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up.
Welcome to the club.