One Year Keto anniversary

These pictures were taken a year apart. You can't see exactly the changes we've made, but I feel like we look healthier as a whole. We've both lost 40+ pounds and we are starting year two of the healthiest year yet, today!

As I was trying to figure out what topic I wanted to write about this week, I was struggling. I have a few in the works but none of them are quite ready. And then I realized something. Today is my one year Keto anniversary! Perfect timing is just what I thought...

In the last year, I have learned a lot about myself and how a consistent source of good nutrition has changed my life pretty dramatically. I have become more aware of my biggest struggles concerning nutrition, some of my favorite benefits, a new cooking style, and so much more. I even feel like I've noticed a difference in my mental health as a result of making progress towards better physical health. I am going to share a few of those with you today as I step over the threshold of a year in the Ketogenic way of life.

Now, I have to say right away that this year has certainly not been a year of perfection. It has been a year of PROGRESS. I have learned many lessons, and have so many more to learn. I have done the yo-yo weight loss as I fall off the wagon and get back on again. But overall, I have lost 40+ lbs in the last year. This is significant and I am excited about those results, even if it's not quite where I wanted to be by this date. The amazing thing is, I don't have to stop. I get to keep going. I still have time to make more progress. Because that's really what I am, a constant work in progress.

Biggest Struggle:

Giving into my old habits and cravings, even though I know it will be hard on my body and progress. As much as I have experienced firsthand all of the amazing benefits of eating keto, I still have a hard time with feeling left out when other people around me are enjoying food that I used to love, that I don't eat anymore. I still walk by the bakery section at the grocery store and have to put significant effort into walking away from those fresh donuts. Some days are worse than others. 9 times out of ten, I can say no. But that 10th time...I find myself reaching for the donut. The key to helping me stick with it is reminding myself how great I currently feel and how bad those foods will most likely make me feel. Trust me, I have experience. Lots.

Favorite Benefits?

More energy, no naps, fewer cravings the more strict I am, connecting with others who are turning to the Keto lifestyle. I love not having to eat every couple of hours because I'm on the glucose roller coaster and can literally go several hours without even thinking about food if I'm keeping myself busy. Even though there are so many benefits to staying strictly Keto or pretty low carb, I do fall off every once in a while. I find that Keto is the only diet that I've really been able to cheat, and the very next day get back to it. I think my body recognizes how well it feels when eating Keto, that it craves getting back to it. It takes a couple of hard days, but then you're back and ready to stick it out again. I love that. A lot of people talk about having a "mental clarity" on Keto. I don't know if I can claim to have that, because...mom-life. But I know for a fact that I experience a serious "brain fog" when I am off the plan and not eating low carb anymore, and it is miserable. Kind of makes me wonder if that's how I functioned pre-keto? yikes.

Favorite way to Cook:

I enjoy making recipes that I can make multiples at a time. I like to batch cook so I never get less than 2 or 3 meal every time I cook a meal. This fall, my intention is to write a post on how I freezer cook. But for now, I just try to keep cooking simple. I cook a meat with a veggie and a fat. Super easy and a great way to grill through the summer. As the seasons change, I add in some soups and casseroles that I like to use the oven for. But simplicity is so freeing! If it's not simple, I would at the very least recommend doubling the recipe and freeze one. At least you can get twice the benefit from basically the same amount of dishes and clean up.

Is this a long term change? How do I plan to continue in the future?

Yes. Every time I experience a moment, or several, of weakness and go off the plan I feel terrible. The stomach ache, headache and body aches should be enough to keep me on the straight and narrow, but I still like to try the old foods every so often. I feel so much better doing Keto, I can't imagine trying to go back to the carbs like I used to eat them. When I reach a point when I feel like I want to maintain, I may add more carbs. But for now, I am committed to the Keto lifestyle and am super pleased with that.

What do I wish everyone who isn’t Keto knew?

What I wish people knew about this lifestyle is how simple it really is once your mindset about nutrition has shifted. It's a crazy idea that fat and red meats are good for you, but it is an idea that I am really enjoying learning more about. If you are considering a lifestyle change to lose some weight, lower inflammation, and just to plain feel better, I would highly encourage you to try Keto with no cheating for at least 30 days. I'm willing to bet that you would see significant weight loss in the first week, notice fewer aches, pains and headaches by week two, and just really notice that you have more energy by the time you hit day 30. Don't wait until you know every possible outcome or issue you may run into before starting. Jump in with both feet and find someone to walk along beside you to help you do it well! You can do it! And it is so WORTH THE EFFORT!