Keto, or low carb in general has always worked well for me. I've had 20-30 lb cuts in 1-3 months with this diet. The difficult part for me is just making that my lifestyle and eating that way most of the time. I think soon I will have to though, my metabolism is definitely slowing down some.

Yes, BJJ is hard on your body. When I first began, I was so naturally athletic, that I could get by with that, but now, as I get older, I have to rely on technique, which is really what I should have from the beginning. At least now I am in a position where I do not have a choice as much.

Now, I am really trying a lot harder to take care of my body like I should have been doing all along.

When I'm off vacation, I will probably start on low carb for 2 weeks, and ease into full keto going into October 28th. If I can cut down to 169, or if I'm super successful, 159, then I may compete. If I cannot hit 169, I may not compete again, there are usually too many much larger men at 189, guys who cut from 220 or 230. It's rough on my body trying to keep up with guys that big, even when they cut.

I really cannot believe how much smaller you were. I think most women look better when they are not too skinny. I think the trend is starting to move away from the skinny model-ish look thankfully. Most women can't maintain that look in a healthy manner.