‘It really changed my life for the better’

Digby man drops 31 pounds on keto diet

Kathleen Mooney and Carina Mazier of Simply for Life, presented an information session about the keto diet, on March 6 in Digby. Kathleen Mooney and Carina Mazier of Simply for Life showcase several healthy snacks and recipes allowed on the ketogenic diet.

Terry Small found out in November he had a tear in his stomach muscle. The diagnosis ended up changing his life.

His surgeon recommended losing weight because there was no way to repair the tear.

The Digby man was sick of feeling tired and not having energy, so he decided to start the ketogenic diet.

“It really changed my life for the better,” he said.

A ketogenic diet involves eating low carbohydrates, moderate protein and high fats.

The body begins breaking down stored fat for energy instead of running off glucose like it usually does.

“If you follow the steps, you’re going to lose the weight,” says Small.

Now, after 13 weeks on the diet, he’s lost 31 pounds and is feeling great.

“I can’t believe how much I lost while still eating so much,” he said.

Small is encouraging others to follow his footsteps and start the ketogenic diet as well.

“I tell people what I’ve (eaten) and how much I lost without exercising and they can’t believe it. It’s really all about what you eat.”

Small was skeptical about the foods he Terry Small at his 25-pound weigh-in with Simply for Life, on the Ketogenic diet. He’s now lost 31 pounds. would be allowed to have but once getting started, he found out he could still eat all the foods he loves, like steak and hamburger.

The ketogenic diet allows you to eat three meals a day, and a few snacks.

“It’s a very strict diet, but as long as you stick to it, it’ll work,” said Kathleen Mooney, the Yarmouth francize owner of Simply for Life.

SFL offers a program where a registered dietitian helps participants navigate the diet.

They hosted an information session in Digby on March 6, at the Vanessa Pulley Fitness Centre, to inform attendees of the benefits from the ketogenic diet.

The ketogenic diet is recommended for health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, seizures and neurological disorders. Before starting a new diet, however, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Unlike most ‘trendy diets,’ the ketogenic diet doesn’t involve taking medication or buying pre-packaged food.

“It’s a whole food diet. They go to the grocery store and buy their own food.

It’s a learning experience. When you’re buying prepackaged weigh loss foods, you’re really not learning anything,” said Mooney.

Carina Mazier is a registered dietitian for SFL. She’s always happy to see clients meeting their goals.

“They’re no longer tired and sluggish, they suddenly have more energy to do what they want. It’s a great feeling to know you helped them reach that point in their life.”