I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life, but I was my biggest (over 200lbs) after having my three amazing boys (singleton and twins). I started Keto for a few months to get ready for a wedding last year and I felt amazing. I had lost 20lbs, but my old eating habits came back. Along with my old eating habits, the depression came back too.
I finally dug myself out of the hole I was in and started keto back up for the New Year. I crushed my goals, ran a handful of 5ks, competed in a tough mountain challenge, lost 50lbs, but most of all proved to myself I could accomplish what I set my mind to.
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
Throughout my Keto journey, I’ve been able to use a few tactics to help me stay on track. Some of those tactics have been joining Keto groups on FB and IG. Seeing other people’s progress, recipes and motivation have helped to keep me going. I enjoy looking up new recipes and switching my meals up.
My Fitbit helped me to make sure I got my steps/movement in. I also have friends with Fitbits and we have friendly competitions to see who moved the most during the week. Ruled.Me has a macro calculator that’s very helpful with making sure you stick to you macros. And lastly, taking pics and measurements is extremely helpful in meeting your goals.
2. What is the most impactful change you’ve made to your diet and why do you feel it’s been the most important?
Cutting sugar has helped me to most. I used to binge on all the sweets! I had no self control when it came to cookies, brownies, any chocolate! Since cutting sugar and finding sugar substitutes such as monkfruit sweetener, I no longer have those intense cravings.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
My best advice for someone who is just starting is to do your research. Learn what Keto is, learn what macros are, join different groups or Keto accounts such as Ruled.Me and see what’s working for everyone. Find a bunch of recipes, make weekly menus and grocery lists. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
I’m currently still working on my goal, but I’m no longer depressed. I have energy, motivation, I’m happy and I have love for myself. It’s a great feeling to be able to play with my 3 kids and not be exhausted or out of breath. I can actually play soccer and basketball with them! I’ve also been able to accomplish some personal goals such as competing in 5K’s and a Tough Mountain Challenge!! Things I NEVER thought I’d do.
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
The biggest change in my day-to-day life is my mindset. I’ve proven to myself that I can do this and it works! I’m aware of what I’m putting in my body and actually caring about what goes in. I know I feel like crap when I don’t eat well. It’s true when they say you can’t out exercise a bad diet.
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
I’ve been lucky to receive support from family, friends, and the Keto community on social media. Friends saw my progress and joined in their own journeys, including my husband. He’s lost over 50lbs too!
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
I manage my day-to-day “diet” by making my weekly shopping lists/menu, but keeping it simple. When you start to need a million things for recipes, it can make you not want to make them. Using Ruled.Me’s macro calculator and an app to keep track of what I eat so I can know I’m sticking within my macros. Also having the mindset that this is a lifestyle change and not a diet will help you stick to it in the long run.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
Oh man, my Pinterest is filled with Ruled.Me recipes. Some of my favorites are Creamy Spinach Alfredo Zucchini Rolls, Bacon Breakfast Bagel and Keto Chocolate Mug Cake.
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
If I could do something different, I would’ve taken measurements in the very beginning. I only took pictures, which I’m thankful for.
