4th Anniversary of 'Reversing Insulin Resistance', by Roxana Soetebeer MHP PHC
Celebrating the 4th Anniversary of 'Reversing Insulin Resistance'
Four years ago today, creating a Facebook group was just an idea, a small hope to bring together like-minded people. Today, as we celebrate its fourth anniversary, it's incredible to see how much we've achieved, how far we've come, and how deeply connected we've grown as a community. What started as a few members with shared interests has blossomed into something far bigger—a vibrant, supportive family. None of this could have been possible without the help of my fellow admins, especially Joy, who helped me get the group off the ground. To all the admins who tirelessly volunteer their time to manage disputes and keep this group a safe space, I owe you my deepest gratitude.
I was a little more than a year into my own journey of reversing insulin resistance. At that point, I had already lost a significant amount of weight and reversed several health conditions, including NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), Type 2 diabetes, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and CKD (chronic kidney disease) stage 3a.
Before keto, I faced a bleak future. Traditional dietary guidelines had failed me, leading to worsening health and hopelessness. In October 2019, I discovered the ketogenic way of eating, which became a turning point in my life. Inspired by experts like Dr. Stephen Phinney and Dr. Ken Berry, I began to see remarkable improvements in my health. This transformation ignited a passion within me to "spread the word" and help others facing similar struggles. When I asked Dr. Ken Berry how to repay him, his answer was simple: “Spread the word.” And that's exactly what I set out to do.
When this group began, it was about creating a space where people could come together to share thoughts, personal n=1 experiences, and ideas. A place where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. Over the years, that vision has become a reality. We've created a community built on mutual respect, understanding, and, most importantly, a shared passion for what brought us here in the first place.
I remember the early days vividly—the first handful of posts, the initial introductions, the excitement of seeing new members join. I took screenshots for every 100 members, then for every 1,000 members. Some of you have been here since the beginning, while others joined more recently—but each of you has played a vital role in shaping this space into what it is today.
Looking back over the past four years, it's hard not to feel proud of everything we've accomplished as a group. Here are just a few highlights:
- A Growing Community: From a small group of a few dozen members (mostly my Facebook friends), we've grown into a thriving space with 21,693 members. Every new member adds something unique, and together, we've built an incredible tapestry of experiences and perspectives.
- Engaging Discussions: The heart of this group has always been the conversations we have. Whether we're discussing the proper human diet or sharing personal stories about struggling with food addiction, the depth and authenticity of our interactions are truly remarkable.
- Milestones and Events: Over the years, we've celebrated milestones and branched out to YouTube Lives. One standout moment for me was interviewing Dr. Ken Berry, who had a pivotal role in my own journey to reclaim my health. Another unforgettable moment was my interview with Dr. Anthony Chaffee, whose insights have further enriched our understanding of optimal nutrition. And guess what? Both Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. Anthony Chaffee joined our group too.
- Supporting Each Other: Beyond the discussions and posts, this group has become a source of support for so many. Whether someone needs advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear, there's always someone here ready to help. That's the kind of community spirit that makes this group so special.
- Educational Content: We've published numerous blogs, guides, and resources aimed at educating our members about insulin resistance, proper nutrition, and metabolic health. Our content has enabled members to make informed decisions about their health.
- Coaching and Mentorship: I've had the privilege of earning certifications as a Metabolic Health Practitioner, Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) Keto Advisor, and Primal Health Coach. This has enabled me to offer personalized coaching and mentorship, guiding others on their path to better health.
Beyond the physical transformations, the most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to inspire others and give them the tools to make informed decisions.
One of the most touching moments was receiving messages from members who, after following our guidance, have successfully reversed their insulin resistance and improved their health. Knowing that our work has made a tangible difference in people's lives is the greatest reward I could ask for.
It's not just about what we've achieved as a group; it's also about how being part of this community has impacted our individual lives. For many of us, this group has been a source of inspiration, a place to learn and grow. It's where we've discovered new perspectives, found motivation, and even formed lifelong friendships.
Personally, I've learned so much from all of you. Your stories, your insights, your openness—they've been a constant reminder of the power of connection. This group isn't just a page on the internet; it's a home for all of us, a place where we can be ourselves without judgment.
As we celebrate this 4th anniversary, I am filled with excitement for the future. Our plan is to keep expanding our content and continue building our community. Our mission remains steadfast: to provide hope, support, and evidence-based guidance to those seeking to reverse insulin resistance and reclaim their health.
None of this would be possible without you—the members. Your contributions, your engagement, your willingness to share and connect—it's what makes this group special. To the admins who have volunteered their time to ensure this group remains a safe and welcoming space, I am endlessly grateful.
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for being part of this journey, for making this space what it is, and for continuing to show up every day with kindness and positivity.
As we celebrate this anniversary, let's take a moment to reflect on everything we've built together. Let's also look ahead with excitement, knowing that the best is yet to come. Here's to many more years of connection, growth, and shared experiences.
Happy anniversary to all of us. Let's keep building, growing, and thriving—together.
Written by Roxana Soetebeer, MHP, PHC
Published December 28th, 2024
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