A New Normal | How the Ketogenic Way of Eating Has Changed My Life

A New Normal

This is a somewhat difficult post to write, but my husband keeps saying that it will be good for me. I understand that I do need accountability and I want to share my new journey with others in the hopes that I can provide some motivation or give someone else a place to start.

Truth: I was uncomfortable in my skin.

Truth: I had high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, headaches, and a 70% blockage in my arteries.

This journey of mine started on July 2, 2018, and as of today, I have lost 23 pounds and an unknown amount of inches. I’ve gone from wearing a size 16 jean to a size 10. I’ve gone from wearing an XL shirt to a Medium.

I have my annual physical exam coming up in the next few months and I cannot wait to see where my numbers are at and if/when I’ll be able to reduce and/or stop taking some of my daily medicines. Not only will it be a huge relief to finally be rid of some of these medical issues, but think of the money I’ll save by not taking some of the meds (with doctor approval, of course).

What is this journey?

I’ve cut out all sugar, processed carbs, wheat, flour, and gluten. I went cold turkey on July 2nd – full force low carb (20 net carbs and under daily) and high fat, also known as the ketogenic way of eating. I was the one with the cup of coffee that was almost white because there was so much creamer in there, including tons of sugar and sweeteners. After drinking my coffee with just a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream for a couple of weeks, I’ve finally moved on to just an 8-ounce cup of black coffee or 12-ounce black coffee, unsweetened with ice. That’s when I even want a cup. It’s not something that I’m addicted to any longer and there’s no doubt that I was addicted to 3 cups of creamer with coffee a day.

I know, for me, that this is a lifestyle. This is not a diet. I’ve read the books on this way of eating and I’ve watched The Magic Pill on Netflix and I know that I’ll never go back to any other way of eating. Honestly, I’m cooking every day or every couple of days and eating fresh meats and veggies. The rest of my family still eats bread/pasta/some processed foods, but we are working everyone else toward the lower carbs and more fresh foods right now.

Counting Macros in the Ketogenic Way of Eating

I use the Carb Manager application on my phone to track everything I eat so that I can make sure that I’m within my daily macros, but I’ve also learned that I need to read every label before buying something. There are hidden sugars in so many foods and not all sugar alternatives are the same. That was a big shocker.

Ketogenic Recipes I’ve Tried and Enjoyed

Taco Spaghetti Squash

Almond Milk Chia Seed Pudding

Fathead Pizza Dough with Coconut Flour

I try to keep it simple throughout the day. Breakfast is usually 2 scrambled eggs with one-ounce cheddar cheese and 2 slices of bacon or egg salad with 2 slices of bacon. Some days I’ll add a half of avocado with breakfast.

Lunch can be leftovers from the dinner the night before or lunch meat and cream cheese wrapped pickles. Dinner is a meat with green beans, cauliflower, or fresh salad. Another option for dinner is a large salad with meats, cheeses, and hard-boiled eggs.

I drink 8-10 glasses of water, 12 ounces of Powerade Zero, and a coffee per day. Some days I add an herbal tea if I want.

If I want a snack it is usually green olives, dill pickles, or a cheese stick. Everyone is different but with this, as my basic menu, I know that I always have something on hand to eat.

Changes I’ve Seen

In addition to all the weight and inches, I feel better overall since starting this way of eating, my thoughts are clearer and I accomplish more during my day. I have more energy and for me, that is a huge benefit I’ve found by using keto. As always, it is a personal choice and something that works for me. Everyone is different so you do you.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. I am a writer and I am sharing my personal ketogenic journey. Please consult your doctor before beginning any change of diet.