A Low Insulin Lifestyle Testimonial: Lillie

What inspired you to start the Low Insulin Lifestyle?

I found Dr. Chappell on Instagram in January 2022, and honestly, I was skeptical. I had success losing weight in the past after having a stroke five to six years prior, but I always gained it back. My highest weight was 235lbs at 4’11. I lost weight on the HCG diet and keto…twice. The first time, I lost 100 pounds, but I gained it all back (and then some). The second time, I lost 80 pounds, but the weight came right back again. I was looking for something sustainable, but what Dr. Chappell was teaching seemed too good to be true.

No calorie counting? No carb tracking? Eating as much as I wanted as long as I stuck to a list of foods? It sounded impossible. But 4’11 and close to 190 pounds, I knew I needed to make a change. I had already suffered a stroke at a young age, and my heart health wasn’t great. I figured I had nothing to lose by giving this a try.

What symptoms or challenges were you experiencing before starting?

I had struggled with my weight for years, but beyond that, I had joint pain—especially in my arms. Looking back, it was probably nerve damage from years of being unhealthy. My highest weight was 235 pounds on my small frame, and I felt it in every part of my body.

What was your initial experience like during the first few days or weeks of starting the Low Insulin Lifestyle?

I noticed a difference almost immediately. My joint pain and nerve pain improved, I felt better overall, and I couldn’t believe how quickly the weight was coming off, even without counting anything, without restricting myself, and without exercising.

When did you start to notice changes in how you felt or improvements in your symptoms?

It was almost immediate. My pain started to ease up, and I could feel my body responding in a way that never happened before. The weight loss was steady and seemed effortless, and for the first time, I wasn’t obsessed with food or worried about gaining everything back.

Did you face any challenges while starting or maintaining the Low Insulin Lifestyle? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?

Honestly, I haven’t struggled much because this lifestyle is so easy to stick to. During the holidays, I might gain four or five pounds, but I go right back to eating normally, and it’s gone within a month. When I go on vacation, I enjoy myself, and when I come home, I get right back on plan. The weight gain is so small and temporary that it doesn’t even register in my clothes or on the scale for more than a week.

I don’t feel deprived, I don’t feel like I’m “on a diet,” and I don’t feel the anxiety I used to have about weight gain. I know what works for my body now, and that has changed everything.

What results or successes have you achieved since starting the Low Insulin Lifestyle?

In six months, I went from 190 to 137 pounds, and now, as of March 2025 (2 years later), I have kept every single pound off. I’m a size 8, I wear a medium, and I feel amazing.

I’ve lost more weight than my friends taking Ozempic or other medications, and my weight loss looks completely different. Mine seems more like all fat loss, even though I’m not exercising.

Even more importantly, my heart health has completely turned around. I recently went to my doctor to have my labs drawn, and he told me my heart is very healthy. He even took me off my medications, despite the fact that I had a stroke less than ten years ago.

Are there any specific milestones or achievements you’re most proud of?

Keeping the weight off, hands down. I’ve lost weight before, but I always gained it back. This is the first time in my life that I truly feel like I have control.

And the fact that my doctor took me off my heart meds? That’s something I never expected. I feel good, I look good, and I gave away all my old clothes because I know I’m never going back.

What tips or advice would you give to someone who is just starting the Low Insulin Lifestyle?

Give it a chance. I was skeptical too, but this has been the easiest, most natural way of eating I’ve ever followed. It’s sustainable, and it works.

What does a typical day look like for you on the Low Insulin Lifestyle?

I keep things pretty simple. I eat eggs and fruit for breakfast, protein, veggies, and fruit for lunch, and protein and veggies for dinner. I don’t like wine, so occasionally, I’ll have a vodka with soda water and lime…even though I know that’s not technically on Dr. Chappell’s plan, but it hasn’t affected me negatively.

I eat until I’m satisfied, and I don’t stress over tracking. I keep it simple, and I know what works for me. I still need to prioritize exercise because that’s something I haven’t focused on yet, but I know that when I want to lose those last 5-10 pounds, I’ll probably just need to start incorporating some walking.

Would you like to share anything else about your experience?

This has changed my life. I’ve told so many people about Dr. Chappell’s book, and it’s changed their lives too. I only wish I had found this sooner. I’m so thankful she gave me the tools I desperately needed.