Women In Low Carb Series: Michelle Hall

Women in Low Carb: A Journey of Transformation and Inspiration

On our quarterly blog, we celebrate the incredible stories of women in the low-carb community who have transformed their lives through metabolic health and carbohydrate restriction. This month, we're thrilled to share the journey of Michele Hall, often recognized for her involvement in organizing events like the Low Carb Cruise. Michelle is known for her dedication to promoting metabolic health and carbohydrate restriction. As an active participant in the low-carb movement, Michelle contributes to the education and camaraderie within the community, helping others to achieve their health goals through low-carb lifestyles.  

Personal Journey and Impact

We asked Michelle, "How has your life been impacted by metabolic health or carbohydrate restriction?" Her response was nothing short of inspiring:

"Oh my gosh, it has improved exponentially. I reversed insulin resistance/pre-diabetes, my triglycerides were almost 400 (down to 105 at last check), chronic pain, eliminated PCOS symptoms, fatty liver, brain fog, depression, anxiety (just being a miserable human being, really). I’m 47 years old and have a more regular, non-painful cycle than I have in my life, not experiencing any perimenopause symptoms."

Michelle’s journey into the low-carb space began from a place of deep personal pain and a desire for change. "I hated who I had become. I lost my dad 9 months before I made the decision to change and was not in a good place, physically or mentally. I did not love myself, which, of course, caused marital issues because I didn’t understand how my husband could love me either."

Discovery and Commitment

Like many of us, Michelle had tried various diets throughout her life but found lasting success with low carb/keto, albeit after multiple attempts. "I had done various diets essentially my entire life, but low carb/keto was finally what helped me…however that took 3 times over 2 years to stick."

The decision to adopt a low-carb lifestyle came from a pressing need to improve her health. "I needed to improve my health. I knew that if I didn’t, I was going to die sooner rather than later." And stick to it she did, for the past four years.

Starting with "dirty keto" using packaged items from stores to transition away from the Standard American Diet, she eventually refined her approach. Today, Michelle describes herself as a "self-proclaimed ketovore" who is mostly animal-based but still enjoys certain sweeteners, heavy cream in her coffee, and the occasional vegetable or homemade keto treat.

Challenges and Triumphs

Initially, tightening her diet helped accelerate weight loss, but now she eats for optimal well-being. "I had to tighten it up at the beginning to make weight loss happen 'faster,' but now I eat the way I do because it makes me feel the best. I can have half of a sweet potato every now and then (depending on my cycle) without feeling like garbage."

The low-carb lifestyle has brought numerous benefits, including the freedom to travel and dine out without worry. However, social acceptance came slowly. "We were made to feel like freaks at family parties in the beginning because they indulge in all the things while we abstain. But once they saw how much better we felt and looked, they stopped making comments."

Career and Community

Michelle’s transformation also sparked a new career as a health coach, driven by a passion to help others overcome food-related struggles. "It gave me the confidence and determination to become a health coach to help others overcome strongholds and underlying issues with food, just as I did!"

The support Michelle and her husband have for eachother is an integral part of her journey. They used to enable each other’s unhealthy habits, raised to believe that food would help solve their emotional struggles. Breaking that cycle has been liberating, "once we say 'no' and move past the emotional reactions, it is incredibly freeing." 

Advice and Insights

To those new and skeptical about the low-carb lifestyle, Michelle’s advice is clear: "Try it. Actually put your mind to it and give it a good shot for at least 30 days. You have nothing to lose by making proactive steps to heal your body and your mind." Emphasizing the need for patience and persistence in the journey towards better health, Michelle said, "Desire for immediate results and instant gratification are going to have to take a backseat."

When asked about her favorite low-carb hack Michelle believes in mindset resets! "I love mindset resets, because that is so much of the battle." On her coffee table, you'll find books like "The Power of One More" by Ed Mylett, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, and “Why We Get Sick” by Ben Bikman among others.

Future Goals and Accomplishments

Looking ahead, her personal goals include becoming stronger with age, conquering challenging hikes near her home in Arizona, and making sure to be a super active grandma “who does all of the things and has all the fun with grandbabies!”. Professionally, she aims to expand her coaching practice to help others reach their health goals.

Her proudest accomplishment? "Being a survivor and a thriver! Overcoming the things from my childhood which led me down a destructive path and allowing myself to let go, so I can move forward."

Final Thoughts

I met Michelle on the Low Carb Cruise this past May and wanted to share her story with our community. Michelle first heard about the Low Carb Cruise through a presentation by Ben Bikman in 2022 and joined the cruise in 2023. Immediately after, she was approached to join the committee, an honor she cherishes.

Her message to everyone: "If I can do it, ANYONE can. I had so many deep-rooted issues with regards to my self-worth and value, I never thought I could be a happy and successful, let alone inspirational person."

As we showcase the incredible women in our community, we hope their stories inspire you to embrace your own journey with confidence and determination. Remember, you are not alone—there is a supportive and thriving low-carb community here to walk with you every step of the way.