To me, starting the Keto Diet was like going into a maze… I clearly remember one shopping trip where I stood in the grocery store staring at a block of cheese, seriously wondering if that was now my new snack. If you are anything like me, “low carb” or “high fat” can feel scary at first. However, with a couple of easy changes, it does NOT have to be that overwhelming! I promise that it will not only be doable, but very enjoyable! I’m going to start at the beginning, and break it down in the simplest way possible no fluff, just the real deal and realistic action steps.
What Is the Actual Keto Diet?
One might fancy calling the term Keto Diet, originated from the word Ketogenic Diet, which means it is meant to be a low carb, high fat diet that pushes the body into a state called ketosis. While in this state, fat is burned for fuel rather than carbs. Ossify could be: No more bread baskets; instead, give room to avocados! But really, it is not about starving yourself; it is about making the right choices.
So, think of it this way: Whereas your body used to run on sugar bursts and busts, it can now be this steady fat burner. All that matters is consistency, not perfection.
Start From Basics: What You Can Eat
People need to know that being on a keto diet does not equal having to eat bacon every day for the first and last meals of the day. While it saves bacon, Keto offers lots of other foods.
Here is your starter pack:
- Good fats: avocado, olive olive, ghee, and coconut oil
- Proteins includes: fish, eggs, poultry, and meat
- Low carb vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and zucchini
- Snacks: cheese, nuts, keto fat bombs
These foods have less than 20 and 50 grams of carbs daily, so read labels and keep track of what you eat; Carb Manager is a good app for this.
My First week on Keto: The Sharp Reality
Let’s face it, the first couple of days starting the Keto Diet can really be sore. It’s normal to feel tired or cranky or to get hit with the infamous “keto flu”. By day 3 the headache was enormous for me and I’d questioned my decisions. Fortunately, by day 5, my energy came back up, my mind was much clearer, and holy cow, I noticed I wasn’t starving all the time!
Pro tip: stay hydrated, heat the electrolytes (and yes, salt is your friend here), and of course, sleep enough.
Some Mistakes to Avoid
Keto is easy at its essence, but beginners often make the following mistakes:
Insufficient fat: your body requires fat to maintain satiety and provide energy. So don’t fear the fat, just enjoy it in moderation.
Too much protein: Keto is not high protein. Excessive consumption can disrupt ketosis.
No fiber: Make sure you add fiber from non starchy veggies, squashes, spinach, and kale for smooth digestion.
No meal prep: If you don’t prepare meals, you might slide into old habits of eating carb heavy foods.
Taking just a little time to make a meal plan can be the difference between “unsure” and “flow.”
Keto Simplified:
The Keto Diet may be simple or more difficult than you think. Start with simple. Whole Foods. Celebrate the baby steps. And most importantly, listen to your body. You do not need to be culminating fair, steady. And before you know it, you will have adapted your lifestyle and Keto won’t just be a diet anymore, but a lifestyle you enjoy.