As the single mother of a newborn, Melissa faced immense pressure that severely impacted her health. Living in the Bronx, N.Y., she had to opt for a lower-paying job with flexible hours to care for her daughter, Ashley. Most of Melissa’s earnings were spent on providing healthy meals for Ashley, while she resorted to eating $1.25 fried chicken for herself.
“I was stressed, and I think I was going through a bit of postpartum depression without realizing it,” she said. “While Ashley slept, I would find myself crying and stress-eating chocolate pudding and drinking Pepsi. I chose foods that were comforting, despite knowing they were unhealthy.”
Her weight continued to climb, and by the time Ashley turned five, Melissa weighed 290 lbs., had developed high blood pressure, and was pre-diabetic. It was Ashley’s concern that spurred her into action. “She’d see me struggling after eating and say, ‘I need you to be healthy, I’m really worried about you. Please eat healthy.’ I realized then that my health directly affected her well-being.”
Motivated by her daughter’s words, Melissa turned her life around by adopting the keto diet, focusing on high-fat, low-carb foods that helped her body burn fat more effectively. Alongside her dietary changes, Melissa embraced weightlifting, which together with the keto diet, enabled her to lose 155 lbs. She managed to balance her five-days-a-week workout regimen with her responsibilities as an online teacher, Ph.D. student, and homeschooling Ashley.
“Ashley and Keto saved my life,” Melissa said, crediting her daughter with inspiring her successful health transformation.
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Keto success stories on our site come directly from our readers and customers. The information about the keto diet and any nutritional advice on this blog is not intended for medical intervention, advice, or diagnosis. If you’re considering a new diet, supplement, or lifestyle modification, consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional first. Results from following any diet or lifestyle protocol can differ from person to person.
