I never thought I would be writing about this topic, but here I am—sharing my keto journey with the world. Looking back, I can honestly say that keto didn’t just change my waistline; it transformed my entire life. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re curious about keto or looking for that extra nudge to get started. Hopefully, my story will give you insight, inspiration, and a few valuable lessons along the way.
Everything Stopped Working:
Like many other people, I wasn’t always aware of how my diet affected my overall well-being. I used to think that as long as I looked good, I was healthy. This is a mindset I believe many people share. And if you feel the same way, I invite you to read on—you might find your own story in mine.
By the time I was around 27 years old, everything that used to work for me suddenly stopped. Back in the day, whenever I wanted to lose weight, I would simply do intermittent fasting. But here’s the catch: I didn’t care about what I ate when I broke my fast. My meals were celebrations—a reward for going hours without eating. What did I eat, you ask? Fast food, porridge, pizza, and fried dishes were regulars on my plate. Coming from Indonesia, I had a special love for fried foods like bakwan goreng (deep-fried fritters made of flour and vegetables), fried chicken, and of course, everything accompanied by a mountain of white rice. To top it all off, dessert was non-negotiable.
At first, I didn’t think much of it. I had done this before, and it had worked in the past. But this time, not only did I fail to lose weight, I actually gained more. I was confused. Why wasn’t intermittent fasting working anymore? I thought I was doing everything “correctly.”
Desperate for answers, I decided to swap my fried favorites for something healthier. I tried oatmeal, replaced my white rice with a salad loaded with potatoes, macaronies, and creamy dressing, and continued indulging in sweet desserts. I expected results, but once again, my weight didn’t change at all and my body shape remained the same.
I couldn’t understand it. This approach had worked perfectly in my early 20s, so what was different now? I began to blame my genetics. Maybe it was my ancestors’ fault. Maybe I was cursed with “bad genes.” I was 27 years old but looked and felt like a 40-year-old man. I was tired, sluggish, and carrying a belly that seemed to grow larger with every meal.
To make matters worse, I was constantly hungry and sleepy. Even a simple walk felt like a chore. I couldn’t figure out why one pan of pizza, weighing less than a kilogram, translated to over 2 kg of weight gain on my body. I worried constantly—how was I supposed to find a date when I looked like this? I didn’t think any girl would want to date someone with Santa’s belly, even if I didn’t have his white hair yet. I was trapped in this loop for over a year, and with each passing day, my frustration grew.
Until one evening, during the early days of YouTube when it was filled with wild conspiracy theories and hidden gems, I stumbled upon a video by Dr. Berg. He was explaining keto and insulin resistance, and it felt like someone had just handed me the missing piece of the puzzle. For the first time, I realized that my constant hunger, weight gain, and fatigue weren’t random—they were symptoms of a deeper issue. And just like that, my journey to better health began.
Everything Started Making Sense:
Upon discovering Dr. Berg’s videos on YouTube, I couldn’t help but binge-watch his content, though I was initially skeptical. Could something as simple as managing insulin levels be the answer to my struggles? His explanations were fascinating and thought-provoking. For example, he explained how eating fat doesn’t make you fat—it’s excess sugar that leads to weight gain. He also challenged the popular belief that counting calories was the key to weight loss. Instead, he emphasized the importance of managing insulin levels. What intrigued me most was Dr. Berg’s approach: it made sense because it prioritized getting healthy first, with weight loss as a natural byproduct. The idea of using fat as a primary fuel source—without constantly battling hunger—was exactly what I needed.
At that point, I had nothing to lose. I was already fat, lazy, and struggling with low self-esteem. Part of me remained skeptical—what if this was just another gimmick or internet myth? But I figured the only thing I risked was wasting time on yet another rabbit hole. If it didn’t work, I could simply chalk it up as another online scam. Fortunately, it turned out to be the best investment of time I ever made.
During this discovery phase, everything I had been struggling with finally started to make sense. One of the first things I realized was that my “healthy” meals weren’t so healthy after all. For example, when I replaced white rice with a salad, that salad often included starchy vegetables, croutons, and sugary dressings. This combination spiked my blood sugar levels—essentially making it no better than junk food disguised as a cold meal.
I also learned the importance of healthy fats. When I began incorporating pork, lard, butter, and fatty steaks into my meals, I saw a drastic change. Even when I ate half a kilo of pork, I lost weight—a stark contrast to the weight gain I experienced after a pan of pizza. Replacing starchy vegetables with leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables further amplified the positive effects. Not only did I feel lighter, but I also felt significantly healthier.
I realized that the sleepiness and low energy I experienced after meals weren’t normal—they were symptoms of insulin resistance. Although I never had a lab test confirm this, the improvements I saw after implementing what I learned were proof enough for me.
This was my turning point. I transitioned from my old, “regular” lifestyle to the ketogenic lifestyle. I had tried several diets before, but none of them addressed the root cause of my issues, which was insulin resistance. Most diets focused on calorie restriction, leaving me hungry and miserable. Keto, however, was different.
The Lies We Believe About Food:
I want to ask you—what would you feel if everything you believed in fell apart, even though those beliefs were widely accepted? Would you feel betrayed? Or maybe, like me, you’d feel a sense of wonder.
For years, I trusted the popular beliefs about food and weight loss. I thought losing weight was about willpower. I believe that eating fat makes you fat. And I accepted that calorie restriction was the only effective method to shed pounds. These ideas were so deeply rooted in my mind that I never questioned them—until I had no choice but to face the truth.
During my journey, I discovered that those beliefs weren’t just wrong—they were harmful. I realized that losing weight wasn’t about depriving myself or fighting cravings. It was about understanding how my body works. The biggest revelation? Our bodies aren’t driven solely by calories. Our body is a complex system of organs, driven by hormones that regulate everything from hunger to energy levels.
Once I understood this, everything changed. I stopped counting calories and started asking, “How will this food affect my hormones?” Some calories, like those from refined carbs, triggered weight gain. Others, like those from healthy fats, helped me feel full and energized. This shift in perspective became the foundation of my keto lifestyle.
That’s why I believe keto is so powerful—it helps regulate the body’s hormones and brings balance. By controlling insulin and other hormones, you don’t just lose weight—you improve your overall health.
And that’s why I stand by keto. It’s not just another diet for me. It’s a way to nourish my body the right way, without the lies that held me back for so long.
Breaking Free from Food Myths:
By now, I believe you understand my journey and the discoveries that shaped my decision to adopt keto as a lifestyle. The lessons I’ve learned weren’t just about losing weight—they were about transforming my mindset and body by breaking free from common food myths.
If you ever decide to try keto, here are some tips that I wish someone had shared with me when I started:
- Be Patient with Yourself: The first few weeks are the hardest, but it gets better. Your body needs time to adapt to using fat for fuel.
- Stay Hydrated and Balance Electrolytes: One of the main causes of keto flu is a loss of electrolytes. Drink enough water and make sure you’re getting enough sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Don’t Fear Healthy Fats: Fat is your friend on keto. Include healthy sources like avocado, olive oil, and fatty fish in your diet.
- Plan Your Meals: Having keto-friendly meals and snacks ready can help you avoid temptation and stay on track.
- Implement Fasting: When you want to lose weight, fasting can significantly enhance your progress. Start with intermittent fasting and gradually work your way up to prolonged fasting. Make sure you are fat-adapted before attempting longer fasts, as this will help you go longer without feeling hungry or fatigued.
- Focus on Getting Healthy, Not Just Losing Weight: Keto is more than a weight-loss diet. It’s a lifestyle that can improve your overall health.
Embracing the Change:
Starting keto was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It didn’t just help me lose weight; it gave me back my energy, confidence, and mental clarity. Most importantly, it helped me reclaim my health. If you’re on the fence about trying keto, I encourage you to take the leap. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—I made plenty. For example, I initially struggled with knowing which foods would best support my progress. But with persistence, I learned to adapt and find what worked for me, focusing on foods that supported both my energy and overall health.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. I hope my story inspires you to start your own journey and discover the incredible benefits that keto can offer.
If you’d like to dive deeper into my personal journey, visit The Journey. For practical advice and real talk, explore Real Talk. You can also read my article on how keto affects blood sugar in Are Keto Diets Good for Diabetics?.
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