Queensland resident Kim Fletcher is a firm believer in the power of food and its something she uses every day to treat the inflammatory symptoms of her disease.
But the 39-year-old hasn’t always had such a positive relationship with her body; just three years ago, she revealed was headed toward being bedridden and obese.
Her struggle with anxiety and depression – conditions she’d suffered with for most of her adult life – had seen her develop unhealthy eating patterns.
Binge-eating, Kim confessed to FEMAIL, had become a major source of comfort.
Kim Fletcher said she’s always suffered from anxiety and depression and had turned to food as a source of comfort
A newly discovered sense of purpose has led Kim to creating an online support group
It took a shock diagnosis, she revealed, to turn her life around.
In 2014, Kim said she began trying to uncover why she was so overwhelmed with exhaustion.
She’d been rendered practically bedridden by her then undiagnosed illness and as a result her weight had crept up, tipping the scales at over 100 kilos.
‘It got to the point, she said emotionally, ‘where I couldn’t function in life.’
The 39-year-old said before she was diagnosed with autoimmune disease she was practically bedridden and unable to move
Kim’s new way of living has seen her shed 50 kilos in 15 months
After a barrage of blood tests, medical professionals revealed Kim had myositis – a chronic autoimmune disease which causes severe, and painful inflammation in the muscles.
Her health team recommended a course of chemotherapy to help treat her illness, along with a life-time of medication.
Instead she said she decided on a different course of action, and chose to investigate a more natural route to healing her sickness.
‘There were two ways I could take: either the chemo way, or the natural way.’
She revealed her journey to wellness began with visits to a naturopath where she said she was prescribed magnesium and other natural anti-inflammatories.
Kim said some way into her journey she’d chanced upon an article in a local newspaper explaining the benefits of a ketogenic diet.
By sticking to a keto-based diet, Kim has gone from a size 22 to a size 10
An avid reader, the Hervey Bay woman said she did as much research as she could on the subject before embracing a lifestyle change.
She started following a plan in May 2016, and some 15 months down the track credits the fat-burning diet for a 50 kilo weightloss.
Her life now, she said, couldn’t be more different.
Exercise has now become part of Kim’s daily routine, something she said is ‘massive because I wasn’t even able to walk to the mail box
‘I’ve gone from a size 22 to a size 10; I’ve been able to even start shopping for new clothes,’ she said.
‘It’s a long way from being bedridden and unable to leave the house.’
Even exercise – something Kim hasn’t been able to do for a long time – has now become part of her daily routine.
A 20 minute walk is now part of her daily plan, something she notes is ‘massive because I wasn’t even able to walk to the mail box.’
She credits the diet with putting her disease into remission as well as helping to stabilise her blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Kim (pictured right) has been able to embrace her new way of life and slowly make sustainable changes to her health
Her mum Angie Fletcher said she couldn’t be more proud of her daughter’s new-found health.
‘I’m amazed and as proud as any mum could be. It was heart-breaking to watch her weight balloon as she got sick.
‘I’m absolutely elated she’s achieved this goal.’
Kim’s belief in the healing power of food has prompted her to take her message to the world.
She’s created a Facebook group and an Instagram account and has around 4000 followers, and hopes to share her story with as many people as possible.
‘I can’t believe how good I feel, I haven’t been this weight for over 20 years.’