On February 1st, I will be exactly one year into my Keto way of life. In that time, I have lost 83 lbs. although that is something to celebrate by itself, I also accomplished other things. I was a type 2 diabetic when I started this journey and now have completely been able to give up my Metformin as well as my twice daily insulin shots.
I have also gone off my blood pressure meds as well as my statins and antidepressant. I have gone from absolutely no energy to days filled with everything BUT a nap! My concentration levels have increased and I am happier and less easily stressed than ever before. And I might add, I did all this while turning 60.
It is never too late to take control of your life and health, and there is no way I am ever abandoning my Keto way of life. Just so grateful!
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
Let’s face it, beginning any diet or woe can be completely overwhelming. So the first tactic I used was to simplify. I began my Keto journey by simply cutting out bread, sugar, and potatoes. I paid no attention to calories or macros. I paid no attention to Intermittent fasting. I ate until I was full. After 2 weeks of success, I was able to start fine-tuning my eating.
The second tactic I employed was the MyFitnessPal app. I used it religiously, and, after a year, still do. It keeps me aware and accountable.
2. What is the most impactful change you’ve made to your diet and why do you feel it’s been the most important?
I discovered during this journey that my body is highly sensitive to carbs. It doesn’t take much to send my blood sugar numbers soaring. Therefore, I have kept my carb count below 20 grams every single day. I feel really good at that level and don’t find it difficult to maintain.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
Going back to question #1, I would tell any newbie to simplify what you are eating as much as possible in the beginning. And also to look no further than the day ahead of you. Especially in the beginning, a successful day gives you so much more confidence in achieving success the following day.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
How do I even begin to explain how wonderful I feel and how grateful I am? Having done this during my 60th year and to be off all my meds is a miracle. I have so much energy and my mood is always positive and upbeat. I generally sleep so well at night and feel fully engaged during the day. I am grateful for you, Craig, and others out there that have done the research and lived the life and put it out there for all of us to see and learn from. I took full advantage of all of it!
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
After a year, the only challenge I feel in my day to day eating is still getting in enough water every day. I still constantly have to remind myself to drink my water. It just hasn’t come naturally to me yet!
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
Since the Keto woe has become so popular lately, it was very easy for me to find support when I needed it. As I mentioned before, Craig and all the others who put their knowledge and support out there were invaluable. I found it easy to find answers to my questions and so many wonderful recipes to keep me interested and motivated. I also have a supportive family and doctor.
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
Now that I have reached my goal, I have had to play around with my calories and my macros a little bit to keep me at that sweet spot. Therefore, I still use MyFitnessPal app to this day to help me see where those numbers are. I also continue to check my blood sugars twice a day. It is really a great way for me to know if the carbs I am eating are affecting me adversely.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
How do I pick one go-to ruled.me recipe? I was inspired by so many! I suppose I would have to say the Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Popper Casserole. I love a casserole because you can eat on it for many days and you can’t beat a creamy chicken dish with a kick!
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
Seriously, and I hope this doesn’t disappoint, I would not really have done anything differently. Everything I did brought me to this point. I started slowly, had the Keto flu and survived, researched info, fine-tuned, took every day as an opportunity to be successful and thoroughly enjoyed watching those numbers on the scale go down while feeling my health soar!
Craig, I just want to add that I had blood drawn at my doctor’s office every three months to check all my numbers, as my doc wasn’t officially sold on Keto. Let’s just say I have made a believer out of her. Also, I always have healthy proteins and fats in my fridge at all times. Being prepared for your meals and snacks is so important. I also use Butcher box now for my proteins and feel good about going that route. This has been an amazing journey for me. As I said earlier, so grateful. Thanks for listening…
