I’ve been Ketogenic for almost 3 years now, I can’t imagine a better way of life! When I hit my highest weight was probably one of the toughest realizations for me because I never really focused on how much weight I had gained. I was going to be a bridesmaid in my best friend’s wedding and between when I first tried on my dress and a week before the wedding, I gained so much weight that my dress almost didn’t fit anymore.
My mother in law told me about Keto and after losing 10lbs in water weight and being able to fit into my bridesmaid dress in time for the wedding, I was convinced this was the best thing for me. I used to be addicted to sugar, big time. I was wishy-washy with my eating habits over the years and then decided to get serious about it. As of today I’ve lost almost 60lbs and am in the best shape of my life.
I also am hypoglycemic and rarely ever have issues anymore! I feel better with how I look now than when I lost weight the first time by working out a ton but still eating unhealthy and carb-loaded foods. I credit the Ketogenic lifestyle I now have with being so much healthier and for giving my life back to me! I’m never quitting this way of eating, it’s the best thing ever!
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
When I first started Keto, I was not very motivated because I had been eating the wrong things my whole life. I had to really push myself to be motivated to lose weight and to eat right. One thing that has really been helping me is to keep a year calendar where I can see it. And marking off each day that I eat properly and don’t eat anything that isn’t Keto.
Also, I found that looking back at photos of me when I was heavier was also a great motivation to remind myself that I never want to look or feel that way again!
2. What is the most impactful change you’ve made to your diet and why do you feel it’s been the most important?
Taking out sugar was definitely the most impactful change for me. I was addicted to sugar and many of my family members are the same way. Once I gave up sugar, I felt better than I had in years, mentally, physically, in every possible way. It makes me extremely happy to be able to easily turn down sugary items that I would have eaten in excess before because I know that I’m doing the right thing for myself.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
Keep track of what you’re eating and read labels! Keeping track of everything I’ve been eating has really helped me to keep myself (usually) below 20g net carbs and to know how much sugar I’m intaking. I always look at labels now, it’s not even a second thought for me. If you want to look and feel better, making food at home with simple ingredients is the best and easiest way to know what’s going into your body.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
It’s pretty great for me! I feel 10x more confident this time than when I was this weight before but still eating junk food. I like my body and my eating habits way more now and I’m going to keep going!
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
One of my biggest challenges is not giving into eating anything with gluten, high carbs, or sugar. My family eats the opposite of me, so I have to maintain strong willpower to not give in to eating like them. That’s a struggle for me considering I used to be an avid junk food eater.
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
I found plenty of Pinterest recipes and articles to keep me learning about my lifestyle, and also became part of a couple of Facebook groups so I could remind myself that everyone is going through different things, are at different stages, and that are also like me in ways. I started a second Instagram specifically for me to follow other Ketogenic people and to post things about my journey to keep myself motivated.
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
Currently, I keep a pretty simple routine. Recently I’ve been intermittent fasting, which has helped me to not eat over my calorie/ net carb count, I’ve been able to not binge as well as keep full for longer. I usually have eggs and bacon for breakfast, and protein and broccoli/ cauliflower for lunch and dinner though.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
The Spicy Jalapeño Popper recipe is a staple in our house, it’s great when I have cravings for something spicy and salty, and my family love them too!
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
I would have taken it more seriously from the beginning because I would have been happier. I love where I’m at now, but I had ups and downs. There are times I ate plenty I should not have because it made me feel awful mentally and physically, so I wish that I had had the willpower and motivation to go full out and eat healthy all the time.
