A man from Texas has shared his incredible weight loss journey that saw him shed over 200 pounds in less than a year without any exercise, medication or surgery. He credits his success to a simple change in his diet and mindset.
Joshua Smith, 38, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in 2022. He weighed 430 pounds and was struggling with his health and self-esteem. He told Newsweek that he felt “hopeless” and “depressed” about his situation.
He decided to make a drastic change in his life and started following a low-carb, high-fat diet called the ketogenic diet. This diet involves eating foods that are rich in fat and protein, such as meat, cheese, eggs, nuts and avocados, and avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, fruits and sweets.
Smith said that he did not count calories or follow any strict meal plan. He simply ate when he was hungry and stopped when he was full. He also drank plenty of water and avoided soda, juice and alcohol. He said that he did not exercise at all during his weight loss journey, as he wanted to focus on his diet first.
He said that he noticed a difference in his weight and health within the first month of starting the keto diet. He said that he lost about 30 pounds in the first month and felt more energetic and less hungry. He also said that his blood sugar and blood pressure levels improved significantly.
He continued to follow the keto diet for 11 months and managed to lose a total of 210 pounds, reaching his current weight of 220 pounds. He said that he feels “amazing” and “proud” of his achievement. He also said that he no longer needs medication for his diabetes and high blood pressure.
The Benefits and Risks of the Keto Diet
The keto diet is a popular weight loss method that has been shown to have several benefits for people with obesity, diabetes, epilepsy and other conditions. It works by forcing the body to use fat as its main source of energy instead of glucose, which is derived from carbohydrates. This process is called ketosis and it can help reduce appetite, lower blood sugar and insulin levels, and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
However, the keto diet also has some potential risks and side effects, especially for people with certain medical conditions or who follow it for a long time. Some of the common side effects include keto flu, which is a temporary state of fatigue, headache, nausea and irritability that occurs when the body adapts to ketosis. Other side effects include bad breath, constipation, muscle cramps, kidney stones, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and increased risk of bone fractures.
The keto diet is also not suitable for people with liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or rare metabolic disorders. It may also interact with some medications, such as blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, and diabetes drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before starting the keto diet and to monitor one’s health regularly while on it.
The Importance of Mindset and Motivation
Smith said that the key to his weight loss success was not only the keto diet, but also his mindset and motivation. He said that he had to overcome his emotional eating habits and learn to love himself. He said that he used positive affirmations, meditation, and prayer to cope with his stress and negative thoughts. He also said that he had a strong support system from his family, friends, and online community.
He said that his main motivation for losing weight was to improve his health and quality of life. He said that he wanted to live longer and be able to do things that he could not do before, such as traveling, hiking, and playing with his nieces and nephews. He also said that he wanted to inspire others who are struggling with their weight and health.
He said that his advice for anyone who wants to lose weight is to find a diet that works for them and to stick to it. He also said that they should not give up or get discouraged by setbacks, but rather learn from them and keep going. He said that they should celebrate their progress and achievements, no matter how small or big. He said that they should also love themselves and be proud of who they are.
He said that he plans to continue following the keto diet and to start exercising soon. He said that he hopes to lose another 20 pounds and to build some muscle. He said that he is happy with his new appearance and confident in his abilities. He said that he is grateful for his weight loss journey and the positive changes it has brought to his life.