I started keto in May 2018, weighing in at 276 lbs at 5’10”. I researched this WOE for a while before deciding to give it a shot. I figured just like any other “diet” it might work short term, but that was about it. This keto WOE has literally changed my life for the better, both physically and mentally.
I set my goal at 165 lbs, and within about 10 months and many stalls and plateaus, I hit my goal and have continued to maintain it. In the process of my new lifestyle, I have helped several people change to the keto lifestyle and love seeing their hard work and results.
1. What tactics did you employ to help you get to your goal? What did you find helped you get to your goals best?
The tactics that I employed when I first started looking into the ketogenic lifestyle are as follows:
First, I researched online for a few months prior to jumping on board. I utilized Google and Instagram mainly. I would follow other people and groups on Instagram and gather as much info and knowledge as I could. I used the Ruled.me keto calculator to figure out my macros and continued to use it throughout my weight loss journey. I also tried to keep my new WOE very simple. This lifestyle is a huge change. If I am constantly chasing alternative or substitute foods, then I am never going to have full success. Alternatives and substitutes can be added later, in my opinion. You have to wean yourself off the things that were a vice in your old lifestyle.
What helped me reach my goals was truly following my macros and not going off plan. Yes, was it a struggle? Absolutely. But you have to be focused on the results, weight loss and better health overall.
2. What is the most impactful change you’ve made to your diet and why do you feel it’s been the most important?
The most impactful change I’ve made to my diet is being completely aware of what I put into my body. How I feel it and how it makes me feel. Just because it is considered keto doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what your body needs or wants.
3. What is the best single piece of advice you can give to someone that is just starting out?
The most important piece of advice I can give to someone starting out is, keep your menu simple. Yes, believe me, it’s fun to try new recipes and that will come in time. You have to get a handle on adapting to this WOE. Also, don’t focus so much on the scale. Yes, we are human and we get that gratification from the number dropping, but it’s more complex than that. Have I hit stalls? Of course, it’s natural. You have to push through them and stay focused on your goal. It will happen!
Also, always stay on top of your electrolytes. As you move along through your journey you will notice when they are off. It might just be a headache or slight aches or pain. A slight dip in electrolytes can make or break your day. So stay on top of this, very important.
4. How do you feel your life is now that you’re at your goal?
How do I feel my life is now? Well, my life was always great, but I feel like I have a new lease on life. My health is 100% better. My lab work is damn near perfect. I feel like the weight loss is a bonus to improved overall health. I have more energy, better sleep, mental clarity. My self esteem and confidence have also been boosted. Before, I would never want my picture taken. I was always the photographer, but now I love being in photos!
5. What do you consider the biggest change in your day-to-day life?
The biggest change in my day to day life is waking up feeling GREAT! I used to dread getting out of bed. Now I’m ready to seize the day!
6. What did you do to find support throughout your journey?
At the beginning of my journey, I was my own support. As a society we start diets all the time. For most they never work, so to get the overall support you need you have to be your own cheering squad. Now, once others started noticing the weight loss and health impact, support from others poured in. As I stated before, also joining groups and watching and following other people’s journeys was the mental support I needed to stay on track.
7. What do you currently do to manage your day-to-day diet?
What I do to maintain my WOE on a day to day basis: I use an app called Lose It to track my caloric intake and macros. Even though I have met my weight loss goal and continued to maintain it, I am still well aware of the food I am eating. It is very easy to slide off track. I also practice intermittent fasting. I find utilizing this in my day to day life also helps me stay on track.
8. What is your favorite keto recipe from www.ruled.me that’s become a staple?
My favorite recipe on Ruled.me would have to be the Keto Bacon Burger Bombs. So easy to make and delicious. When I make these I don’t feel deprived of things from my past. I recommend these to everybody, keto or not, because they are so versatile.
9. If there is one thing that you could do differently during your journey, what would it be and why?
If there was one thing I would have done differently during my weight loss journey, it would have been to take more progress pics. I believe this would have helped me to see the success in my weight loss along with seeing the number on the scale. When you lose such a large amount of weight in a fairly short time, it’s hard to wrap your head around what you’re seeing in the mirror on a daily basis. I understand I feel better, my clothes keep getting smaller as does the number on the scale. I just think it would have been of great value to take more pics along the way to help see that.
My final thoughts are this: the ketogenic lifestyle is a game changer. I feel it will improve your overall health, and in the process your appearance. With a little research and motivation anyone can win at this. Take it from a former unmotivated, unhealthy, chubby girl. If I can change my life with a little research and the drive to succeed, anyone can. I believe in the lifestyle so much that I try to help anyone I can get started and stay on track. I love seeing the success they’re having on a daily basis. Many have come off their medications for Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, amongst other things, along with weight loss.
