In the Beginning

 How to start your journey to better health.

 Where to start? This is an important question because the start will impact the whole journey. I think any journey must begin with a purpose. If I decide to travel to a sunny Florida beach and hang out there for a week there must have been a reason for going. I wouldn’t go just because. It would cost money, time, and effort to plan and to carry out such a trip. But if I decide that I need a break and relaxing for a week on a beach will fill that need, then I am motivated and willing to do what is necessary.

 If you start your dietary journey with specific purposes and desired outcomes, you’ll find greater strength to stay the course. You won’t be tempted to turn around and head back home after driving halfway to the beach so to speak. So, what is the reason for doing this? Maybe you want to lose some weight. Maybe you want to improve your health. Maybe you would like to bend down and tie your own shoes. Maybe you’re diabetic and would like to not be diabetic. Maybe you would like to make it through one day without a migraine. Whatever the reason, you just need to state it, even write it down and post it in a prominent place.

 I had more than one reason for my journey. I wanted to lose some weight, about 50lbs. I wanted to lose 6 inches around my waist. I wanted the aches and pains in my back, my shoulders, and knees to go away. I wanted to play Ultimate Frisbee with my children and grandchildren when they came and not make excuses after ten minutes that I must be getting too old for this.

 So, I jumped off. I determined that I would do this 100%, no cheats. I cut carbs to 20 per day. I ate meals as usual for the first two weeks. After two weeks I cut one meal a day out and limited my eating window to 6 hours. The other 18 hours I only allowed water. I kept that up for about six months. After about eight weeks I started fasting for 24-36 hours every two weeks and did that consistently. After 16 weeks I started fasting at least 24 hours every week and threw in a 48-72 hour fast every couple of weeks. By the time I reached six months I had reached my goal.

 A thing about the fasting. I know the idea hits you like an F-bomb but believe me it’s not what you think. Fasting actually gets easier because your metabolism changes from an insulin-based system to ketosis. Your body starts using fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. So, you just aren’t hungry.

 Honestly, when I started this, I didn’t have much confidence that it would work. I had tried many times to stop the relentless march of inflammation that was building on me with no success. Besides this “Keto diet” looked crazy. Everything that I had ever known about diet was disregarded and even demonized by this diet. But what the heck, I thought, what do I have to lose. Weight, I hoped.

 But it worked. Not only did I lose the weight and inches, but the pain in my shoulders and back were reduced notably. I was seeing my chiropractor at least once a month and sometimes several times a month just to be able to function. Sometimes I nearly crawled into his office in pain. I've only seen him once since I started this program and it’s been over two years now. I feel great. I walk three miles every day and run and sprint and, well, you get the idea.

 I believe this dietary plan is more than just a diet. I’ve experienced other changes as well. I’m more alert, more energetic. I sleep well and no more than six hours a day.

 I’ve also experienced spiritual changes. I’m more in touch with my feelings, my thoughts, and impressions. I feel more in turned to God. I’m happier and more optimistic. I feel more love for my fellow man and a great desire to serve. In fact, this blog was born out of just that. I want to share my journey with you in the hope that you also will find a much higher quality of life.

 Check out the links for more information about Ketosis and Insulin Resistance.