If you had told me years ago that changing the way I eat would transform my life, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. At the time, I was trapped in a cycle of chronic illness, pain, and frustration, with no real solutions in sight. But today, I can say with absolute certainty that one decision—to embrace the LCHF lifestyle—changed everything.

The Beginning of My Struggles

In my mid-20s, I was diagnosed with Erythema Multiforme, a rare and painful skin condition. My body felt like it was at war with itself—my skin would break out, my mouth filled with ulcers, and my stomach felt like it was on fire.

On top of that, I suffered from crippling migraines that lasted for days, forcing me to retreat into dark rooms, unable to function. The inflammation in my gut was unbearable—at times, it was so painful that simply walking felt like an impossible task.

Doctor after doctor, specialist after specialist, I tried every treatment available. Medications, creams, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs—nothing worked. It felt like my body was breaking down, and no one had any real answers.

Then, someone suggested something that no doctor had ever told me before—changing my diet.

The Low-Carb Experiment

A homeopath recommended that I try the low-carb, High Fat (LCHF) diet, also known as Banting. I was desperate enough to try anything, so I committed to it, not knowing what to expect.

The changes didn’t happen overnight, but over time, something incredible began to unfold.

• The painful ulcers in my mouth disappeared.
• My skin healed, smoother, and clearer than it had been in years.
• The migraines stopped, and for the first time in as long as I could remember, I wasn’t living in fear of the next attack.
• The inflammation in my stomach faded, and I could walk freely without that unbearable pain.

I finally felt free.

For two years, I followed the lifestyle strictly. I wasn’t just surviving—I was thriving. But then, everything changed.

Losing My Way

Despite all the good that LCHF had done for me, I was struggling with an eating disorder. My weight had dropped significantly, and I started hearing the same message from those around me:

“You’ve lost too much weight.”
“You’re healed now—you should start eating normally again.”

I was vulnerable, and I believed them.

So, I slowly reintroduced the foods I had once avoided—grains, sugars, processed foods—telling myself that it was okay, that I was “normal” now.

It didn’t take long before my body reminded me why I had changed my diet in the first place.

The inflammation came back, worse than ever.
The ulcers returned, making every meal a painful experience.
I found myself dependent on medication again—painkillers, mouthwashes, digestive aids—just to get through the day.

I had ignored everything my body had taught me. I knew I needed to get back on track, but I felt lost. I had the puzzle pieces, but I didn’t know how to put them together again.

Finding My Way Back with EBSA

That’s when I found Eat Better South Africa (EBSA).

I knew about Banting, but EBSA was different—it didn’t just tell me what to eat, it helped me understand why this way of eating worked.

For the first time, I wasn’t just following a diet—I was learning the science behind it.

I realized that the foods I had thought were “healthy” were harming me. I finally understood how insulin resistance, inflammation, and processed foods were affecting my body at a deeper level.

This time, I wasn’t just hoping for change—I had the knowledge to make lasting decisions for my health.

• As the weeks went by, I could feel the shift happening once again:
  The pain in my stomach faded.
  The ulcers became less frequent.
  I no longer needed medication to get through the day.

I had come full circle. But this time, I wasn’t going to let go.

A New Beginning—For Me and My Family

Perhaps the most beautiful part of this journey is that it hasn’t just changed my life—it’s influencing my family, too.

My husband, who has Type 2 Diabetes, has been watching my transformation. He’s seen the difference in my health, and for the first time, he’s considering making the switch with me.

We’ve even started discussing the idea of bringing our children into this way of eating, ensuring that they grow up with the knowledge and habits that will protect their health for years to come.

A Grateful Heart

If I could describe my experience with EBSA in one word, I would be grateful.

Grateful for the knowledge.
Grateful for the healing.
Grateful for the second chance.

This journey has taught me that health is not about temporary fixes—it’s about lifelong understanding and commitment. And now, with this knowledge, I know that I will never go back.

To anyone wondering if this lifestyle is worth it—I promise you, it is.

Thank you, Eat Better South Africa and The Noakes Foundation. Thank you for giving me back my health, my freedom, and the power to make the best choices for myself and my family.

I will never stop recommending this lifestyle—because I am living proof that it works. ❤️

Testimonial shared by Katherine Faure.