Nearly a year ago, Elisabeth put her type 2 diabetes into remission by committing to a whole-food, minimally processed, low-sugar diet. She has since lost 15 pounds, trimmed three inches from her waist, and maintained normal blood sugar levels for ten months.
Now, she’s taking her health further by working out three times a week at the gym. But none of that would have happened, she realizes, if she hadn’t first changed her way of eating.
“When I was diagnosed in April 2024, I felt so exhausted and ill that I feared I had cancer. Exercise was unthinkable. Once I brought my blood sugar down and achieved remission, I felt so much better—I wanted to move!”
She hopes her experience encourages others who feel too tired or sick to imagine getting well. “Just start with eating in a way that gets your blood sugar down. The rest will follow.”
Strength Over Scale Weight
Last month, Elisabeth underwent a DEXA scan revealing a body fat percentage of 41%. Her goal is to bring it below 35% by focusing on muscle gain.
In February, she joined a rec center gym with a friend. Her routine includes:
20 minutes on a recumbent bike for cardio and knee support.
30 minutes on weight machines, following a trainer-designed regimen.
10 minutes of stretching and mat work for flexibility and injury prevention.
She already feels stronger and notices a difference in her body composition. Her favorite machine? The adductor and abductor for her inner and outer thighs. “I love that machine! It’s my favorite.”
Movement Begets More Movement
Strength training has significantly boosted Elisabeth’s daily activity levels. She finds herself stretching more, doing yoga at home, and moving throughout the day. Her workout partner jokingly calls her proof of Newton’s Law of Inertia: “A body at rest stays at rest; a body in motion stays in motion.”
Though the scale hasn’t changed much, she isn’t concerned. “Muscle weighs more than fat, and my body is reshaping.” Her continuous glucose monitor confirms her metabolic health is improving, with steady blood sugar readings now between 4.8 mmol/L and 5.2 mmol/L — a very impressive result from a healing body.
“It took me 20 years to gain this weight—it will take time to burn it off.”
She hopes her next DEXA scan in May will show more muscle and less fat, regardless of what the scale says.
The Power of a Gym Buddy
One of the best parts of her new routine? Having a gym buddy. Working out with a friend makes the sessions more enjoyable and helps both stay accountable.
Elisabeth plans to stick with her three-times-a-week routine for at least four months — maybe for the rest of her life! “I haven’t felt this strong and healthy in years. Why would I stop?”
Her story highlights the power of sustainable lifestyle changes. Through mindful nutrition, movement, and a commitment to well-being, she’s proving that thriving in remission is life-changing.
Join the Journey
Next month, Elisabeth will celebrate her one-year anniversary. Her story will be added to other inspiring remission stories on this site.
We are looking for new individuals to be coached and followed in this blog as they embark on remission. If interested, contact us at info@therapeuticnutrition.org.
Comments