Today we’d love to share with you another success story from Chanell Daniocek. Chanell lost over 99 pounds lost and balanced her hormones thanks to keto.
If you’re new to the ketogenic lifestyle, check our beginner’s guide here and meal plan here to learn more.
If you have a success story to share with our readers like these, please get in touch and let us know about it.
Without further ado, here’s Chanell’s story:
Please tell us your story:
In December 2015, at an all-time heavy weight of 272 pounds, I found myself incredibly sick. I was suffering from abdominal pain and constant stomach problems.
A few months prior, I had lost my Dad to cancer after years of fighting other chronic illnesses. I missed another day of work due to stomach troubles and had begun researching my symptoms in relation to PCOS, an endocrine disorder causing hormonal imbalance.
My research snowballed and by the end of the day, I had found keto. I immediately cut carbs to keto levels and remained to cheat-free for 13 months. I lost 57 pounds in my first year. By April of 2017, I was at 99 pounds lost, balanced my hormones, and gained a life I had never known. I was the smallest I had been since I was 13!
How has your life changed since going keto?
Not only have I lost 90 pounds, I’ve gained a life! I’m able to go to amusement parks and not worry about if I can fit on the rides or not. I feel comfortable enough to wear a dress and not worry about who is looking at me or what they think.
What did you personally do in your first 10 days of keto?
I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning! I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, and that’s okay, at least I had started! I kept my carbs as low as I could and ate a lot of eggs.
Do you count and track macros strictly? I did for the first year. This past year I haven’t consistently and it shows. So, I’m back to strict macro counting.
Do you exercise?
If yes, what’s your workout routine like? I didn’t for a long time, but have incorporated cardio and strength training 2-3 days a week.
What is your WHY?
I know I need to stick with keto for my health even if I don’t lose another ounce. Keeping my insulin low has to be a priority since I have a family history of diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
What are your favorite ingredients to prepare keto meals?
CHEESE! I seriously love cheese… maybe a little too much. I also like to use chicken breasts, ground beef, spinach, mushrooms, and of course, bacon!
What are your favorite keto meals/recipes?
Firecracker chicken is one of my favorite keto dishes. I also like to make a creamy garlic Tuscan chicken.
Is there any book or resources that you would recommend to our readers?
The Ketogenic Bible by Jacob Wilson and Ryan Lowery is a great resource.
Finally, What advice would you give someone who is just starting out on keto?
Eat all the fat you want! In the beginning, it’s hard enough to fight the carb cravings without restricting calories and fat. After a week or two, your appetite will naturally decrease and calorie restriction will happen effortlessly. You want to eat a sufficient amount of protein, limit your carbs, and eat fat to satiate you. Do your own research and decide what works for you. There are as many ways to keto as there are roads to Rome.
