High-fat, low-carb Keto Diet helps woman drop 86 pounds

A couple years ago, Crystal Pullen's doctor told her she didn't have diabetes — yet — but after after watching her father struggle with his weight, she decided she needed to make a change.

Pullen said her father, who died in 2015, struggled with weight and diabetes, and her doctor told her it was only a matter of time until her own weight and family history caught up to her. So, she committed to getting healthier.

Pullen's big change was her diet. Now, she eats all the fats she wants but avoids most carbohydrates on a plan called the Keto Diet, which is short for Ketogenic Diet and includes things like chocolate cake and blueberry muffins, made with no-calorie sweeteners and almond or coconut flour and sausage balls.

She said the diet has helped her keep the weight off.

"It's been more than two-and-a-half years now," Pullen said "I've lost 86 pounds and maintained (the weight loss)."

Preparing the low-carb meals takes planning, though, so Pullen stocks up. Her garage freezer is packed full of food, which she prepared in advance.

"Within a couple of hours on a weekend, you can start stockpiling quality, real foods," Pullen said.

Sticking with the diet takes work, but Pullen said skipping the bread and sweets is worth it.

"Those are not options for me," Pullen said. "I love my children, I love my husband more than I love bread."

Pullen said her doctor is thrilled with her blood work numbers on the keto diet, which restricts eaters to just 20 grams of carbs a day—about the same as a half-cup of rice.