Kehinde lost 60 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Kehinde lost 60 pounds. The traumatic loss of both her twin sister and her mother caused her to get serious about her health. She transformed with the help of Keto, alternate-day fasting, and God’s grace. She is Nigerian-American, and she figured out how to “Ketofy” West African dishes to fit her new lifestyle. 

I am Nigerian-American, and I have struggled with a bad relationship with food for many years. As an emotional eater, food has always been my comfort. In 2013, I began my battle to lose weight through quick fad diets. However, I learned those weren’t sustainable because I would quickly lose weight only to regain it all back (plus more). My battle with my weight truly felt like a rollercoaster. Nothing seemed to help me keep the weight off because I wasn’t committed enough.

Things changed for me drastically after I lost both my twin sister and my mother to terminal illnesses. Losing them is the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced. However, their traumatic losses awakened me to take my health seriously. 

In 2016, I learned about the Ketogenic diet and gave it a shot, but I wasn’t consistent with it. After nearly approaching 200 pounds, I restarted Keto in 2019. That was the beginning of a total transformation for me. 

Being an African who loves her jollof rice and fufu, Keto wasn’t initially easy. I began to teach myself how to Ketofy and simplify African staple recipes that I know and love. Upholding my African roots through our authentic foods has always been of utmost importance to me. Now, there’s nearly no West African dish I won’t attempt to simplify and ketofy. 

I committed to losing weight for good, but above weight loss, I was driven to improve my quality of life. Keto, along with alternate-day fasting (an accelerated form of intermittent fasting), helped me lose over 60 pounds in 6 months. I also invested in a personal trainer to push my body even further because I was terrified about navigating the gym. 

It has been over a year and a half, and I am proud to report that I went from 180+ pounds to 120 pounds. I am maintaining my weight loss successfully, and Keto, fasting, and God’s grace have been my source. Weight loss maintenance is a great accomplishment for me. Although weight loss is difficult, maintenance is extremely tough. 

The spirits of my twin sister and mother are my greatest motivation in living an illness-free life. Regardless of your background, I want everyone to know that a healthy body is for everybody. The most essential thing that will help you attain your goals and sustain your health is developing a strong reason WHY for yourself.

In terms of Keto, what is your daily goal for grams of carbs?

Because I am now at my maintenance weight, I no longer actively track macros. Tracking everything is exhausting, and I don’t have the energy for that. Thankfully, I cook most of my meals myself and can control what goes into my food. All of my meals are low carb, and I don’t surpass 50g of carbs each day. However, while I was actively losing weight, my carb intake was much lower, between 15-20 net carbs. 

What does your workout routine consist of?

My workout routine consists of calisthenics and HIIT workouts at least 3-4 times a week. I also do kickboxing once in a while and take 30 minute walks daily. You don’t need a gym to work out. Sometimes, I go up and down the stairs at home for a few rounds and keep it that simple. 

What is your height?

I am 5’4″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is never to outsource my health to anyone. I must prioritize and advocate for my health. Nobody understands my body better than I do. My health remains at the forefront of everything I do. 

I have also learned of the importance nutrition has on weight loss and how our body functions. Weight loss has little to do with how much we eat. It’s about WHAT we eat (nutrition) and WHEN we eat (fasting). What we eat can either aid our metabolism and hormones or inhibit them from functioning effectively. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?

If you wish to not only lose weight but keep the weight off, you must first prioritize your mental health. Mental and physiological health are interconnected. If one is neglected, it’ll take a toll on the other. Weight loss can be mentally consuming, so ensure that you prioritize both to attain comprehensive optimal health. I’m rooting for all of you!

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