Last month, I wrote about my experience trying the Ketogenic Diet—a high fat, low carb approach to eating that is designed to get your body using fat instead of carbohydrates for energy—and was surprised by just how many of you were interested in it. I’m clearly not the only one looking for ways to cut sugar and shift my eating habits—and, okay, lose a few pounds.
My experience with going Keto, if only for a month, was a really positive one: I felt like I had more energy eating that way, and a bit clearer focus. I felt satisfied and full after small meals. And I lost some of those pounds that seem to keep creeping on with every year. Other than skipping dessert, the foods one is supposed to eat/avoid are a pretty good fit for my preferences.
So why did I stop? First it was the holidays, then this party or that. Soon we were in Italy, where—save for some heavy burrata consumption—I basically adhered to an anti-Keto diet. But I have a big birthday approaching, and I’d like to use it as motivation to kickstart another month (at least) of Keto.
As I write this, I’m finishing up a last slice of Hudson’s birthday cake; Aron is at the grocery store, shopping for this week’s dinners. We’re once again going to be combing through the recipes in Maria Emmerich’s books (so far, we’ve been using her 30 Day menus). I’m grateful that he wants to do it again, too.
And yet…
I’m nervous that I won’t be able to fully commit. Barbecues, fruit pies, slushy cocktails… there’s a lot of good summertime stuff to turn down, and I can’t say that willpower is my biggest strength. I would definitely have been one of the kids who ate the marshmallow. Plus, as I mentioned before, I don’t like drawing attention to myself for this.
For those of you who have specific diets to follow, whether it’s Keto or something else, what are your tips and tricks for sticking to a plan? How do you handle it in social situations?
P.S. I’ll keep you posted on any favorite recipes I discover. Do you have any to share with me? Here’s a solid, go-to Keto chili recipe that I’ve been enjoying ever since I first gave the diet a try. Plus, two more recipes that fit the bill: Grilled Salmon with Basil, Avocado, and Tomatoes (just lose the watermelon), and a crustless quiche-like dish to make using any seasonal greens and some tarragon.
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