On July 16, 2018, I weighed 220 pounds and consistently felt like crap. My energy levels were low, and my body fat was well above 35 percent. And whenever I decided to stuff my face, meals would often consist of incredibly greasy burgers and fries with a side order of creamy ranch dressing. I would wash it all down with my choice of tasty beer.

After consuming fast food meals, my left shoulder would typically go numb and pain within my chest would be incredibly sharp. So much so that I would have to sit and rest in order to catch my breath as if I just ran a long-distance marathon.

It was time for a change. That’s when I decided to journey through the world of Keto, lose 25 pounds (and counting!), and start to live rather than survive.

For those who might not know, according to Woman’s Health, the Ketogenic Diet is a high fat, low carb diet which includes “60-75 percent fat, 15-30 percent protein, and 5-10 percent carbs.” Consuming said macros would, typically within 3-4 days, based on personal experience, place your body into a state of ketosis which allows your body to burn fat as a source of energy rather than carbohydrates.

And if you thought the Ketogenic Diet was some new fad created by celebrities and top-notch health-geeks you’d be wrong, as, according to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, the diet started in the 1920s in order to treat epilepsy.

As crazy as this may sound, things like burgers (grass fed of course), bacon, steak, pork, and chicken are all deemed acceptable on the Ketogenic Diet. Remember, this diet requires a large amount of fat to burn fat, so you can still enjoy greasy food – just as long as it’s not processed and cooked in coconut oil.

I absolutely, 100 percent, love the ketogenic diet. It’s changed my life. It’s who I am. I feel like a complete and total badass now. And it has transformed me into a more healthy individual. It’s definitely a lifestyle change but the transition was easy. I can still have burgers; just no bread. Pizza is definitely in my life, but now it’s made from almond flour and cream cheese.

If you’re interested in finding your personal set of macros for the ketogenic diet sites like tasteaholics, which I use, will set you up. And apps like MyFitnessPal is an incredible tool that allows you to scan food, create meal plans, and tracks your nutritional intake.

Losing weight can be daunting, that’s for sure, but it’s a piece of cake (yum!) on the Ketogenic Diet.