I have been working a modified Keto diet for about 2 months now and I have learned a lot! I’m going to share some of what I have learned.

Carbs are an addictive habit like any other. Keto seems to be easier to quit them because I can eat as much meats, vegetables, cheese…. Protein as I want. So combating cravings is much easier.

If you are craving carbs, treat yourself… But do it smart. If you really NEED some carbs, eat them in a window of time when you will be active to burn them up quickly. This recent realization has helped me immensely!

Don’t weigh yourself all the time. Make a schedule for weighing and stick to it. The more you worry and try to adapt to these tiny snap shots… the more you will fail. These things take time.

Try to keep your carbs from 20-50 grams per day. Your body will need more carbs in the beginning and less as you continue to “work the program”.

Try to stay active. The biggest issue for me is that laying around watching TV leads to carb cravings! LOL Shocking, huh?

Stay hydrated! If you can’t answer what color your urine is, you’re not monitoring your hydration carefully enough! The goal here is clear pee!

Coconut oil is your friend! Coconut oil contains fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Unlike most fats, MCTs are very quickley absorbed and taken directly to the liver, so they can be used immediately for energy or converted into ketones. I have MCT oil that I add to my black coffee every morning.

When you are first starting out your body is going to react adversely to your new diet. Your body is used to digesting carbs that are super easy and fast… Now it has to work harder and longer. Having digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea are common side effects in the beginning. You NEED more fiber and protein than before. You can actually burn calories by digesting proteins as the body has to work harder to process them. Apparently, we are lazy inside too LOL.

In the beginning I found it easier to concentrate of what to eat instead of what not to eat. Here’s my list:

• Fish & seafood (YUM)
• Vegetables
• Cheese
• Meat
• Nuts & seeds
• Shirataki noodles (because it will take some time to learn to cook meals without starches)
• Low or no carb snacks (this is a must)

In 2 months or so I am down 9 pounds. I the first few weeks I lost 6 pounds and then regained it… I almost gave up. Glad I didn’t. I am losing now an average of 2 pounds a week. I know this number with go up and down, plateau and be generally unreliable. I’m just glad that I feel better and my pants fit better!