From 115 to 53 kg: My Weight-Loss Story and the Creation of DIKETO
My name is Svetlana, and I am the founder of the DIKETO nutrition system.
My weight-loss journey began long before the course existed. Behind it were childhood insecurities, severe restrictions, repeated weight regain, pregnancy, physical pain, and years spent searching for a system that could work in real life.
I lost 62 kg, going from 115 to 53 kg. However, the greatest result was not a new body. It was a new relationship with food, movement, and myself.
Childhood and My First Struggles with Weight
I grew up in a family where food was connected more to culture, emotions, and habits than to knowledge about health.
I had been prone to gaining weight since childhood. At school, people described me as “chubby” or “plump.” Sometimes these comments were presented as jokes or came from good intentions, but they left me feeling ashamed and insecure.
At the time, I knew nothing about calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, or the reasons behind intense hunger. Everything I knew could be reduced to two rules:
eat less and you will lose weight;
do not eat after six o’clock.
I tried both.
Starvation and the Yo-Yo Effect
At first, severe restrictions produced results. The number on the scales decreased, and I thought I was finally succeeding.
After a few days, however, I became tired and irritable and started thinking constantly about food. Eventually, I would give in, eat much more than before, feel guilty, and begin restricting myself again.
This created a cycle that continued for years:
I lost 5 kg and regained 8;
I lost 8 kg and regained 15;
every temporary result ended with even greater weight gain.
Today, I understand that extreme hunger, strict rules, and constant fear of food cannot be maintained for long. I did not need another diet. I needed knowledge and a clear system.
Adult Life and Eating to Cope with Exhaustion
After finishing school, I managed to lose some weight, but once again, the result was based on restrictions.
Then came university, marriage, family meals, and an intense workload. During the day, I sometimes forgot to eat. In the evening, I tried to make up for everything I had missed.
Dinner became my way of relaxing. After a difficult day, warm food gave me a sense of calm, safety, and reward.
Even when I was completely exhausted, thinking about what I would eat that evening gave me a feeling of euphoria. Sometimes it seemed like the only pleasure I had left.
Pregnancy and My Highest Weight
During pregnancy, the situation became completely unmanageable.
My appetite increased, exhaustion pushed me toward quick, high-calorie foods, and the expression “you need to eat for two” seemed to justify almost every choice.
My weight reached 115–117 kg.
I experienced:
constant pain in my knees, back, and joints;
swollen legs;
chronic fatigue;
difficulty breathing;
difficulty walking and climbing stairs;
disrupted sleep and episodes of sleep apnea.
After giving birth, my weight decreased by only 5–6 kg. Almost all the weight I had gained remained.
How My Weight Affected My Life
Shopping for clothes became painful. I chose what could hide my body rather than what I truly liked.
I lacked energy and concentration. I avoided photographs, mirrors, meetings, and social events. Much of my day was occupied by thoughts about food and the need to lose weight.
I postponed my life until I became slimmer:
“Once I lose weight, I will start dressing beautifully, traveling, taking photographs, and enjoying life.”
But that moment kept moving further away.
Why My Previous Attempts Failed
I tried almost everything:
starvation;
single-food diets;
“detox” programs;
pills promising quick results;
strict elimination of entire food groups;
highly restrictive protein and low-carb diets.
The result was always the same: temporary weight loss, exhaustion, giving up, and regaining the weight.
The most difficult part was not physical but psychological. The constant thought that I “had to lose weight” took away my happiness and intensified my guilt.
The First Real Hope
Despite all my failed attempts, I still had hope.
I dreamed of living without pain, walking freely, wearing beautiful clothes, looking in the mirror without shame, and becoming a healthier example for my child.
I realized that I needed to understand how my body worked instead of simply forcing myself to eat less.
I needed a system for life, not punishment through food.
The Trip That Became a Turning Point
One day, a friend suggested that I visit a health retreat. I agreed almost spontaneously, expecting nothing more than a few days of rest.
Before leaving, I spent a long time searching for suitable clothes and could barely find anything that fit.
That day, I told myself, “I never want to experience this feeling again.”
At the retreat, my routine changed: regular meals, controlled portions, gentle activity, and walks outdoors.
Within a few weeks, I lost approximately 4 kg without painful hunger. It was the first time I felt that genuine change might be possible.
My First Conscious Weight-Loss Stage
After returning home, I began reducing my portions.
The method was imperfect, but my weight decreased. I went from 115 to 85 kg.
The price was high: constant hunger, fatigue, and irritability. I still did not understand how to balance protein, fat, and carbohydrates. I simply ate less.
I was losing weight, but I did not enjoy the process.
Discovering Keto
Later, I discovered an American website about keto eating. The idea of almost completely eliminating carbohydrates seemed like a possible solution to hunger.
I removed bread, pasta, rice, and sweet fruit. My meals consisted mainly of meat, fish, eggs, cheese, green vegetables, and oils.
My weight began to decrease again. After several weeks, however, I developed intense cravings for sweets and familiar carbohydrate-rich foods. Eventually, the strict restrictions led to overeating.
This taught me an important lesson: a radical approach may produce quick results, but it can be difficult to maintain in everyday life.
A Period of Experimentation
I began studying nutrition and observing how my body responded.
I tried:
intermittent fasting;
vegetarian and vegan eating;
eliminating dairy products;
different low-carb approaches;
protein-based diets;
various meal schedules.
Each experience gave me another part of the answer. I observed my appetite, sleep, energy, concentration, and overall well-being.
Gradually, I reached an important conclusion: extreme methods are difficult to sustain. When you tell yourself “never,” the body and mind will eventually resist.
How My System Developed
I combined the elements that genuinely helped me:
a moderate calorie deficit instead of starvation;
a source of protein in main meals;
enough fat for flavor and satiety;
carbohydrates in moderate amounts instead of completely eliminating them;
a clear meal structure without fanaticism;
movement adapted to the individual;
understanding the reasons behind emotional eating.
For the first time, I did not feel punished. I felt in control and understood the reason behind each decision.
I did not need a perfect diet. I needed a system I could follow at home, at work, while traveling, in restaurants, and during celebrations.
The Principles That Became the Foundation of DIKETO
Protein helps maintain muscle mass and makes meals more satisfying.
Fat does not need to be completely eliminated. It should be chosen consciously and considered as part of overall calorie intake.
Carbohydrates can be included. Their amount, quality, and place within the overall eating pattern matter.
Portions should be moderate, while meals should remain sufficient and comfortable.
Movement should support the body rather than punish it for food.
It is important to understand not only what you eat but also why you feel the urge to eat.
From Disliking Exercise to Enjoying Movement
At first, I hated the thought of working out.
“I would rather stop eating than go to the gym.”
As my weight decreased, my energy returned. I started with small steps:
daily walks;
taking the stairs instead of the elevator;
short workouts at home.
Gradually, physical activity stopped feeling like an obligation. It became a way of caring for myself.
How I Learned Not to Give Up
There were many difficult moments. To keep moving forward, I developed several rules:
do not think about years—focus on today;
after going off plan, return to your usual eating pattern at the next meal;
track not only weight but also measurements, well-being, and emotions;
keep the reason you started close to you;
have at least one supportive person beside you.
One mistake does not destroy your result. Deciding to give up completely does.
The Result: 62 kg Lost
I went from 115 to 53 kg.
It did not happen overnight. There were active periods of weight loss, pauses, and maintenance stages.
I cannot give a universal timeframe because my journey was not linear. My body and mind needed time to adapt.
What matters is not only how quickly you lose weight, but whether you can maintain the result.
How My Life Changed
Weight loss changed far more than my reflection in the mirror.
My energy and desire to move returned. Shopping for clothes became enjoyable. I began traveling, dancing, going to the beach, and accepting invitations I would previously have refused.
Based on my personal experience, my well-being improved significantly:
my glucose levels returned to a normal range;
my joints stopped hurting;
my sleep improved;
breathing became easier;
the constant feeling of physical heaviness disappeared.
I gained freedom, confidence, energy, and the right to live in the present instead of waiting for the perfect moment.
How the Idea for DIKETO Was Born
After stabilizing my weight, a friend asked me to help her organize her meals.
I began explaining which foods to choose and how to combine them. She replied:
“I don’t have time to study all of this. Why don’t you create a program where the structure is already prepared?”
That was how the idea for DIKETO was born.
The first group included approximately 20 participants. Their results demonstrated how much people needed clear menus, knowledge, and support rather than another list of restrictions.
I did not want to create a short-term challenge. My goal was to build a system that helped people change their eating habits and retain their new skills.
Why It Is Called DIKETO
The DIKETO name reflects the development of the method.
Some of its early principles were inspired by keto eating, but the system gradually became far more flexible and better adapted to real life.
DIKETO is not a strict keto diet. It does not require completely eliminating carbohydrates or dividing foods into “allowed” and “forbidden” categories.
The system is based on a moderate calorie deficit, balanced meals, clear portions, variety, and conscious choices.
What DIKETO Programs Include
Depending on the chosen program, participants may receive:
a prepared menu for each day;
shopping lists;
a library of more than 200 recipes;
step-by-step nutrition lessons;
product substitution guidance;
explanations of common mistakes;
lessons on eating psychology;
support from coaches in the program formats where it is included.
The main goal is not merely to provide a menu but to teach people how to organize their nutrition independently in different situations.
What Makes DIKETO Different
In a world filled with contradictory diets, DIKETO offers a clear structure:
a balance between knowledge and real life;
familiar and affordable ingredients;
no severe restrictions;
education for more conscious choices;
the ability to include favorite foods;
support in the program formats where it is provided.
For participants, DIKETO becomes more than a temporary menu. It creates a new relationship with food.
DIKETO Today
More than 10,000 people have completed DIKETO programs.
Behind every number are genuine stories, tears, happiness, and restored confidence. One participant lost 71 kg, but every result matters to me—not only the number of kilograms lost.
I motivate people, but every day they return that motivation to me.
Today, I work alongside a team of coaches and administrators. I have learned to trust, delegate, and lead not only through words but through personal example.
How I Maintain My Result
Today, I do not have lists of completely forbidden foods.
I understand my body, notice hunger and fullness, and make conscious decisions.
I exercise three times a week—not as punishment or to “burn off” food, but for energy and well-being.
Several simple habits help me:
preparing meals in advance;
drinking enough water;
returning to my normal routine after a more flexible meal;
regular movement;
avoiding guilt.
My Mission
My goal is to give people a clear and realistic tool for changing their eating habits, improving their well-being, and regaining confidence.
I want every woman to remember:
you do not need to wait for the perfect moment;
meaningful change requires patience;
the journey matters as much as the result;
caring for yourself is not selfish;
a happy family needs a woman who does not forget about herself.
Strength does not mean perfection. Strength means continuing even when the journey becomes difficult.
Conclusion
Going from 115 to 53 kg was more than a physical transformation.
It was a process of rebuilding myself from within—with mistakes, tears, hope, and the courage to begin again.
Today, through DIKETO, I offer others what I once lacked: a clear system, knowledge, support, and the opportunity to change their eating habits without constantly fighting themselves.
DIKETO is more than a way to lose weight. It is an opportunity to return to yourself and learn to live with respect, ease, and self-love.
