Influence and Impact

(Carolyn aka stokies) #1

So as a lot of you may know, I have been to myself about this journey. However a little while ago, I made a social media post when I hit 100 pounds lost. People reached out asking about my journey and I did share with those who asked. Some of my close friends started and it’s been insane seeing those who have made changes because they saw my progress. So humbling.

However, the biggest shock for me was when my brother asked more about it - and shared here about that too. He’s now 3 months in and lost 25 pounds. So proud of him!

I just had to share. He’s my older brother and he’s always been the one I looked up to. He hasn’t dealt well with our parents’ passing and the fact we are even talking is huge for us. He would tend to shut down or always talk to our mom. But now we are maintaining contact, in part for accountability, but also as a point of connection as we grow through this tough time in our respective lives.

You never know who notices your journey… Keep Keto-ing on! :love_letter:

(Susan) #2

That is really fantastic, Carolyn =). I hope that this relationship will continue with your brother as well, that is lovely.

You are certainly an encouragement and inspiration to many of us here on the forum, and it is wonderful to see that you are a positive influence to so many others as well.

You are an amazing Keto woman =).

(Stephanie DeBorde) #3

WOW :open_mouth:Congratulations :+1:t2::pray:t3::heart: If I may ask what is your secret? I’ve been trying this Keto diet for a couple months now and haven’t lost much if any. I’ve been pretty strict with what I eat, how much and carbs. I won’t eat any breads, pasta, etc. Usually I’ll eat celery with Natural Peanut Butter or Almond Butter sprinkled with Stevia. Please, Please… :pray:t3: let me know your secret. :two_hearts:

#4

Stokies, this is beautiful. Truly inspiring.

My mum is denying her diabetes and embracing her food addictions. My dad died 6 years ago with Alzheimer’s. It was a tough thing to witness.

My older brother started running more, he wants to outrun dementia and a bad diet. It’s hard to catch him. My little brother went vegetarian and under the influence of a vegan girl he would like to be his girlfriend, is heading that way. We sometimes battle at the stove top. I went keto and it hasn’t been perfect, smooth, nor easy. But it’s my path. They watched me with hospital visits shaking their heads at my ‘madness’. But we all responded and despite disparate investigation pathways, we are probably closer.

(Carolyn aka stokies) #5

I had to let go of expectations and beating myself up, to be honest. That and accepting it took me a long time to mess my body up, so it will take a long time to repair it. That I think alleviated a lot of background noise and stress, which in turn helped my chemical balance of adrenaline and cortisol. I also really focused on getting the best sleep I could. When I short-changed my sleep (which can happen as a crisis clinician) my progress stalled or rebounded a bit.

Also accepting that the scale is only one measure of progress as well - I relied more on clothes fitting better etc.

I also really came to appreciate the balance between fasting and feasting. Under-eating when it is time to eat ALSO causes slowdowns. Finding your balance is key - so don’t be afraid to experiment. If it doesn’t work, fasting can always help us get back on track.

Hope that is somewhat helpful.

(Carolyn aka stokies) #6

You are always so awesome! Thank you for your continuous support :heart_decoration: