Keto Enters My Life

Years ago I did the original Atkins diet and I did lose 40 pounds. I remained on the "induction" plan for the entire time (under 20g carbs a day). So, I was essentially doing what is called lazy keto.

I have heard a lot about keto lately and started my research, and remembered the successes many years ago with Atkins. This time I studied the science behind eating low carb and learned so much about the importance of macros. I also learned I needed to look at this as a way of eating (WOE) and not a diet. To choose keto is to choose a new way of life (WOL).

I went into this only thinking about weight loss. I kinda knew if I dropped weight I'd probably improve blood pressure and maybe even my blood sugar. What I learned and read about other people's successes was mind blowing. I read about people completely reversing their type II diabetes and getting their blood pressure down. What I didn't even know what I didn't know was there were other benefits too. I had no idea that it could improve my cholesterol. I had no idea that I inflammation, but apparently I did as joint pain in my knees after hiking went away. Keto reduces inflammation not just in your joints but throughout the body. I kept reading about improved mental clarity. I wasn't sure what that meant at the time but once experiencing it it was understandable to me. I describe it as before at times I would have that "fuzzy" feeling like when you first wake up and once you had your coffee and had more energy. I feel that way all the time now...

So many people say things about how bad keto is for you. Many health professionals have not kept up with current research. I found so many recommendations are based on 1950s research. There are many health professionals, including doctors, that are current and are supportive of a ketogenic lifestyle. I watched many YouTube videos and learned so much. I also watched a documentary "The Magic Pill ". I do feel it's a little bit over the top, but most of the information and facts presented are on point. I definitely think anyone interested in this WOL should watch.

I learned about three different varieties of keto. Strict, Dirty and Lazy. In a nutshell, Strict is eating foods made with fresh meats and produce and has no sugar, sugar products or grain products in their diet. Dirty allows for processed food and even small amounts of the undesirable ingredients so long they don't push you out of range in your macros. Lazy is just keeping your carb count under 20g a day and not tracking anything else. The bad reputation comes from those that eat lots of meats and cheese and very little vegetables. People still need a good balance of item that they eat, while there are many things that can't be eaten there are many that are. Balance is key.

I chose to live my life between strict and dirty. I cook most days and incorporate as much fresh ingredients as I can, but I include some processed foods that may or may not be completely clean to make my meals more interesting and diverse. For example, I purchase zero net carb hamburger buns. I may enjoy my burger wrapped in lettuce, but I also enjoy it on a bun. Same meal but seems like a completely different one as well.

I have also learned that in the keto Facebook groups to which I belong, those that have chosen to live a strict keto lifestyle can be strong worded and even discouraging towards those of us that choose a different version of keto. When I post foods and meals on this site I will always try to specify if it is strict or dirty.