For years, I struggled with fatigue, weight fluctuations, digestive problems and acne. Even after sleeping ten hours, I could wake up exhausted. I wanted to feel better, but I didn't know where to start.
Looking back today, in my forties, my life feels very different. Keto and intermittent fasting became a turning point in my own journey. This is the story of how I got here.
Quick Summary
- I spent years dealing with PCOS, fatigue, acne and digestive difficulties.
- My search for answers led me to look more closely at food and my daily habits.
- I started keto in 2016 and later made intermittent fasting part of my routine.
- Today, my experience shapes the way I support other women over 40.
My Early Struggles With Sugar and PCOS
As far back as I can remember, I craved sugar. Peanut butter and jam by the spoonful, candy bars and summer McFlurrys were part of my life. At the time, I didn't make much of the way I felt afterward.
My periods had been irregular since they began. A physician diagnosed me with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) about twenty years ago. The condition is now also called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). I still use PCOS when talking about that chapter of my life because that was the name I knew when I was diagnosed.
I also had severe cystic acne throughout my teens and early adulthood. Some cysts were painful enough to require cortisone injections. I tried creams, medications and Accutane, but my skin remained a source of frustration for years.
Living With Fatigue and Weight Fluctuations
In my twenties, I often felt much older than I was. I slept for long hours and still needed an afternoon nap. My family doctor referred me to a sleep clinic, where a specialist recommended a CPAP machine.
It improved my sleep pattern. I no longer needed to sleep as long or take daytime naps, but I still didn't feel energetic.
At the same time, my weight kept moving up and down by about fifteen pounds. I had three sizes of pants in my closet. I would restrict calories, lose weight and eventually gain it back. That cycle went on for more than a decade.
At 35, I began going to the gym regularly. Exercise helped a little with my sleep, energy and mood, but I was still looking for answers.
Digestive Problems and Recurring Infections
I also dealt with recurring sinus and lung infections. Some years, I had two or three infections and needed antibiotics.
During those years, digestion became another struggle: bloating, constipation, food intolerances and discomfort after meals. Eventually, I reached a point where I couldn't keep ignoring it.
I worked with a naturopathic doctor who focused on nutritional biochemistry. With guidance, I eliminated certain foods and slowly reintroduced them over several months. My digestion became more comfortable, and I began paying much closer attention to how I felt after eating.
For me, that was the first real breakthrough.
Discovering Keto and Intermittent Fasting
Around that time, my husband introduced me to The Thinsulin Program by Charles Nguyen. It sparked my curiosity about insulin and nutrition, and I kept reading. Eventually, I discovered Dr. Berg's Healthy Keto approach and intermittent fasting.
I started keto in 2016. Within the first two weeks, I noticed more energy and better sleep. During the first ten weeks, I lost an average of about one pound per week.
What stood out to me wasn't just the number on the scale. I felt that I had found a way of eating I could actually live with. My husband saw the changes in me and decided to join me.
Intermittent fasting later became another part of my routine.
The Changes I Noticed
Over time, my weight became steadier. My digestion improved, my energy felt more consistent, and I stopped having the recurring sinus and lung infections that had been part of my life.
I also made changes to my medications and acne treatment with healthcare-professional supervision. My treatment changes, including those involving CPAP and birth control, were followed by the professionals involved in my care.
When I stopped taking birth-control pills, I wanted to see how my natural cycle would settle. During the same period, I tried seed cycling. My cycles eventually became regular for the first time in my life.
For someone who had spent years feeling uncomfortable and exhausted, these changes meant a lot. I felt more at home in my body.
What My Lifestyle Looks Like Today
Today, my routine includes healthy keto eating, intermittent fasting, strength training, Pilates, movement, stress management and sleep. It has evolved over the years, and I continue to adjust it to my life.
My goal isn't perfection. I want habits I can enjoy and maintain.
In my forties, I feel stronger and more energetic than I did in my twenties. That experience is what led me to become a certified keto and intermittent fasting coach through Dr. Berg's method.
I remember how frustrating it was to keep trying and still not feel well. It's one of the reasons I care so much about supporting other women over 40.
A Few Questions About My Journey
I started in 2016. My routine has continued to evolve since then.
More energy and better sleep stood out during the first two weeks. During the first ten weeks, I lost about one pound per week on average.
Yes. Strength training and Pilates are parts of my routine, along with everyday movement.
My own experience made me want to support other women who feel stuck and would appreciate guidance, structure and encouragement.
Let's Talk About Your Journey
If my story feels familiar, I'd love to hear yours. A free discovery call is a chance to talk about your goals, your everyday challenges and the support you're looking for.
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