Can a low-carb keto diet help ease depression - in addition to helping you lose weight? Here's Kara's story:
The email
Hi,
My name is Kara, I just wanted to send in my success story to you and your team and to say thank you, as this diet really saved me in so many ways.
Over the past year, I gained over 30 lbs (14 kg), and my depression I had been battling for over 14 years was increasingly getting worse.
In April of 2017 I found myself at my heaviest; I was 167 lbs (76 kg) at 5'4 (163 cm) and only 26 years old. I had hit a wall.
I started what I thought was healthier eating (cutting out sweets and potatoes) and started working out 2-3 times a week, where I would walk/jog 4 km (2 miles)! After a month I found I had only lost 3 lbs (1 kg), and I had to discontinue working out due to recurring shin splints (frustrating to say the least). I felt so defeated and decided to go see my doctor where she recommended me trying the LCHF diet [ keto] and gave me this website.
At first I was a little skeptical from all the butter and meats in the diet, and my fiancé and I joked that we would at least try the two-week challenge, if we just gained more weight at least we did it eating well!
The crazy part was that after two weeks I had lost 7 lbs (3 kg)... more than double of what I had lost in the last MONTH. We noticed immediately how our food cravings diminished to nothing, and that the food portions were getting smaller and also so much more filling. Not only did the results show physically, but mentally for me as well.
I had discontinued my anti-depressants in April as a trial and was having some rough patches, but after a few days on the new diet I was smiling every morning and just feeling like a new person. As of September 3, 2017 I have lost a total of 23 lbs (10 kg) and 7 inches (18 cm) from my body.
I feel so energetic now and can cope much easier with my mood difficulties, something I never thought possible.
This diet saved me in so many ways, I feel so energetic now and can cope much easier with my mood difficulties, something I never thought possible. Not to sugar coat, but my acne has practically cleared as well! Thank you, LCHF diet !!!!The before photos are when I started on June 18th 2017 at 167 lbs (76 kg):
- Waist: 35" (89 cm)
- Bust: 39" (99 cm)
- Hips: 43" (109 cm)
The after photos are of September 3rd 2017 (less than 3 months) and am currently at 144 lbs (65 kg):
- Waist: 30.5" (77 cm)
- Bust: 38.5″ (98 cm)
- Hips: 41" (104 cm)
I do not mind in the least if you publish this with name and all, I have already boasted about this diet and posted pictures on Facebook, the more people know about this diet the better!
Kara
Comments
So happy to hear that you're feeling so much better on the diet and that you have a stabler mood Kara. I have the same experience! :-)
Get started
Do you want to try what Kara has done? Sign up for our free 2-week keto low-carb challenge!
Alternatively, use our free keto low-carb guide, or for maximum simplicity try out our new low-carb meal planner service - it's free to use for a month.
PS
Do you have a success story you want to share on this blog? Send it (photos appreciated) to andreas@dietdoctor.com, and please let me know if it's OK to publish your photo and name or if you'd rather remain anonymous.
It would also be greatly appreciated if you shared what you eat in a typical day, whether you fast etc.
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