Written by Thomas Quinlan
My journey to understanding my health began several years ago. It started when I began to question what I was told my mainstream (allopathic) medicine, especially as it applied to the administration of drugs.
I began to read more articles and books on the topic of general health, the more I realized the importance of proper nutrition. About two years ago I was introduced to the “Keto-genic” (“KG”) lifestyle. While I initially went “on and off” the lifestyle, I decided to become more disciplined.
In addition to nutrition, I began scheduled exercises that included high intensity weight lifting (anaerobic) as well as high-intensity cycling (aerobic). It also included more dedicated stretch movement in the form of long walks and continued mountain climbing.
While I am still in the process monitoring the changes I’ve experienced over the last several months, there has been a dramatic weight loss of nearly 35 pounds, and most of the loss occurred around my abdomen area. My blood pressure has dropped to 110 over 55, and my triglycerides have dropped as well.
Of interest to me was that when I began to get disciplined about my eating habits, my goal was not to lose weight, but to simply feel better. I did not notice the weight loss until I had lost 5 pounds, but became very interested in monitoring my weight once I found I continued to steadily lose a pound or so every week.
My weight at the time I started monitoring my nutrition (several months ago) was 214. A few weeks ago, I reached 180 pounds, a weight I had not seen for nearly 35 years. My waist dropped from 38″ down to 35.5″. Most of my pants to not stay up without a belt, and even then do not fit well.
My health over the last two years has been notably without any incidents. It’s been nearly 5 years since I have experienced cold or flu symptoms.
I have suffered some injuries from improperly working out (too much weight), but my weightlifting program the past several months has focused on rehabbing (lighter weights, more reps).
I also started intermittently fasting, confining my meals between 11 am and 2-3 pm, thus effectively fasting 20 hours between meals and never eating after 6 pm, ensuring at least 4-6 hours of no food intake before bed.
I have continued to stay off any kind of drugs, including OTC painkillers. I have been using heat/cold therapy and laser therapy to address my shoulder issues. I have now also restarted up my early morning walks, with the goal of getting up to 4 miles. Weather permitting, I’ll resume my climbing activities on a weekly basis.
Another lifestyle change I made was that I have minimized my sitting throughout the day. Now I sit only when I drive, or if I meditate, otherwise I eat and even watch TV/movies standing.
My most recent research has led me to consider making some small changes in my dietary regime. I am now considering the following modifications:
- Going on to a low lectin diet.
- Carb cycle twice a week versus once a week.
- Cut down on protein, especially red meat and focus more on fish and seafood.
- Complete a 5-day water/lemon juice fast every quarter.
I shall continue to monitor key blood markers over the next few months. I am due for my annual physical this week (January 8th).
Recent important books I’ve read that were valuable resources:
- Fat for Fuel, by Dr. Joseph Mercola
- The Anti-Estrogenic Diet, by Ori Hofmekler
- The KetoDiet Cookbook by Martina Slajerova
- The Ketogenic Kitchen by Domini Kemp and Patricia Daly
- The Longevity Diet, by Valter Longo, PhD