I really thought that my keto goals would be easy to achieve, but that didn’t happen. All the years of being thin with great metabolism convinced me that if I was strict, I would lose weight very quickly.
I had actually done quite a bit of reading about low carb, keto and intermittent fasting. And I experimented with each for years. I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t working for me.
I just figured low carb/keto wasn’t the right plan for me, so I would quit after a few weeks of the scale not moving. Of course, I kept gaining weight, so then I’d try again, determined to be even more diligent each time.
That roller coaster ride had to come to an end.
Eventually, I discovered the main reason why I hadn’t been successful in the past.
Turns out I am extremely insulin resistant. The ever-growing belly should have been a dead giveaway.
I did an extensive amount of research, mostly re-reading and paying close attention the works of Dr. Robert Atkins and Dr. Jason Fung. So now I’m trying a combination of nutrient-rich Keto, Intermittent Fasting (which, for me, includes OMAD (one meal a day), ADF (alternate day fasting) and extended intermittent fasting).
I’ve learned that for stubborn cases of insulin resistance, it’s important to mix things up a bit, to keep the body guessing.
I also had to accept that I had never given low carb nearly enough time to work. That it can take weeks, even months, for some of us to lose any weight at all. Had I been more patient, it’s likely that I would not have gotten to this level of insulin resistance.
So I have decided that I need to be patient – not my strong suit. Keto/IF or bust. With the exception of a few special occasion and holidays, I’m all in. For a full year, if that’s what it takes.
I have developed a few strategies for sticking to the plan that are working for me.
Dining Out
I aim for lunch out rather than dinner whenever possible. I do this, in part, because I think of dinner out as an occasion. I don’t want to have to pay for a full meal and not be able to eat most of it.
The plan that works for me is to eat something I like that is both inexpensive and doesn’t leave me feeling deprived.
A loaded salad (Cobb, for example) is a good option:
- you don’t have to pay extra to substitute a salad for high carb sides
- plenty of creamy dressing, eggs, bacon, cheese – satisfying and filling
- it’s a break from the monotony of bunless burgers
The truth of the matter is that I eat so much better – luxuriously, even – at home. I cook what I want and I treat myself to the “good” eggs ($5-6+ for pastured)!
Holidays/Special Occasions
I’ll ask about the menu in advance. From there, I’ll know what I can and can’t eat. I may decide to eat beforehand and just have meat and a salad. After checking with the host, I may bring something along. Or I’ll decide in advance if I’m going to allow myself a taste of this or that.
Entertaining
When you’re the host, you can take control of the meal. You can likely sneak in a full keto menu without most people (meat-eaters, anyway) knowing the difference. Hot wings, deviled eggs, salads, low carb vegetables and creamy dips.
My Keto Goals
Fat loss
I will not be tied to the numbers on the scale. Plus, once I incorporate muscle building, I expect the number on the scale to adjust accordingly. I want the belly fat gone. It’s that dangerous visceral fat that can’t be squished into body shapers.
Normal blood sugar
My aim is total reversal of pre-diabetes. I’m tired of this dance that I can’t win. When A1C numbers are around 5.5 (and my stomach is flat) for about a year, I’ll consider this keto journey to be successful.
Insulin sensitivity
My ultimate goal is to achieve normal insulin sensitivity. At that point, I should be able to enjoy carbs from time to time, including “real” bread and pasta, without problems.
Role Model
While I’m not thrilled at how long long this journey will be, I’m happy to provide encouragement to others. Particularly post-menopausal women; I want to become one of the top keto success stories over 50. While I expect to eat low(er) carb for the rest of my life, I plan to eventually transition from a strict keto diet. I will continue with intermittent fasting, gradually reducing the length and frequency.
Keto Bestest
I’m finally in it for the long haul. In these pages, I share my keto journey progress. It’s all here – ups and downs, hit and misses.
Start here to see what I eat and how I do from week to week.
Thank you so much! Your post was very inspirational to me and I appreciate the effort you put in. I’m about to start my candida reversal journey and wanted more motivation