Karalene finds freedom from pain with the Mayo Clinic Diet

A wake-up call and new beginning

Karalene Aday’s decision to join the Mayo Clinic Diet came after a straightforward conversation with her doctor in April 2024. Her labs showed high cholesterol and signs of prediabetes, plus she was already taking blood-pressure medication. Rather than a scare, Karalene took it as motivation to reclaim her strength and move more freely through life. “The Mayo Clinic Diet is a healthy weight-loss tool that works,” she says. Over the past 15 months, her decision has translated into lasting change.

Finding a plan that works

When she began, Karalene weighed 258 pounds. Today she has lost 80 pounds and is working toward a goal of 175. She started on the Keto plan but switched to the Simple plan for its ease and variety. In June she transitioned to the High-Protein plan to help preserve muscle as she gets older. Karalene mostly follows a freestyle approach while keeping a close eye on macros and calories. “I do Freestyle almost 100% but follow the macros/calories and track everything that goes into my mouth,” she says.

Tools that make the difference

What made the Mayo Clinic Diet click for Karalene was the balance of education, practical tools, and variety. She used the program’s books, videos, webinars, and cookbook to learn what worked for her. Most important were the tracking tools. “The tracking tools are priceless and keep me on plan and accountable,” she explains. Consistent tracking turned daily choices into small, manageable habits and kept her moving forward even when life got busy.

Health gains that matter most

Karalene’s success shows up most clearly in her off-scale victories. As of June, she is off all medications, including blood-pressure medicine, and she is no longer prediabetic. She’s down five clothing sizes and notices simple improvements every day. Walking through an airport no longer leaves her winded, and climbing stairs is no longer a struggle. She finds everyday life easier and more joyful!
One of the most powerful improvements has been in pain and mobility. Karalene has a herniated disk in her lower back that once caused intense daily pain and prompted surgical recommendations. Since losing weight, she reports the pain is about 95 percent improved and that surgery is no longer needed. For Karalene, that freedom from pain means more independence and more time doing the things she enjoys.

A community of encouragement

The Mayo Clinic Diet community has been a steady source of practical support. Karalene is active in the Members Facebook group and values the shared recipes, troubleshooting tips, and encouragement. “The community is a wealth of support and information,” she says. When she faces a tough day, other members offer ideas and empathy, and she pays that forward by cheering others on.

What Karalene wants others to know

Her advice to others is clear, simple, and grounded in experience. “The weight did not appear overnight, and it will not come off overnight. Slow and steady allows your mind and body to adjust while also incorporating new healthy habits,” she says. For Karalene, the Mayo Clinic Diet was not a quick fix but a practical, sustainable path to better health.
With improved labs, less pain, and more energy, Karalene is living proof that practical nutrition, careful tracking, and community support can lead to lasting, life-changing results.

Inspired by Karalene? Learn more about the Mayo Clinic Diet and how balanced meal plans, tracking tools, and a supportive community can help you achieve real health improvements and sustainable weight loss.