Last week, I announced to my husband on Monday morning that I was going to start our keto diet again. I was almost back to the weight that prompted me to start Keto last August, just shy by two pounds. I again felt unhealthy and blah. To look at me, you might not think I am overweight, and maybe I’m not according to BMI charts for my age, sex, height, and weight. But, I’m heavier than I want to be and that’s enough.
Last year I last 12 pounds, going from 137 t0 125 in just over four months. We got through fall birthday season, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s all with a downward trajectory in my weight. But, it was also lockdown season without a lot, if any socializing or food gorging or drinking. We try not to be excessive in any of those arenas but once in a while a good gathering will force my hand to the food and drink, instead of listening to my head.
The most important thing my husband and I learned last year while on a Keto Diet, as we logged our food in the Adkins.com app was that we were both overeating. Serving sizes are a lot smaller than you’d imagine – especially when it comes to chips, fruit, or cookies. Even protein portions need to be kept in line with a smaller size. Carbohydrates are a no-no and I love my snacks, so no snacking or grazing was acceptable on the keto diet. For example, my unsweetened almond milk latte was, and has become again, my morning snack, consisting of 30 calories in the cup of almond milk and a shot and a half of espresso made with my non-electric AeroPress appliance. The days of a handful of cookies mid-morning are gone.
We are headed out West in October to visit some of our beautiful National Parks. I do not want to be carrying more weight than I have to on this trip. Thus, my announcement last Monday about returning to Keto and an increased exercise regime and walking habit with some new people and new scenery.
Right away, in two days, I lost just over two pounds! Wow! This is just what watching what I ate and drank during my waking hours! I was psyched! I started perusing recipes again. There were some recipes I found while using a Keto Diet I did not like. I was attempting to find new side-dishes.
One very delicious recipe I found was for Oven Roasted Broccoli. With only a handful of common ingredients and a hot over, you have a delicious and healthy side dish. We had it three nights in a row last week! My husband declared it the most delicious broccoli he’s ever had (and that’s saying something because he’s not a broccoli fan in general).
Close to the weekend, we learned that our middle son and his girlfriend were going to join us at our cabin. We were excited. It would be so nice to spend time together. But, eating?! I am not one to impose my health habits on others, nor draw attention to what my habits might be. When my husband and I were on the Keto Diet last year, only our youngest son was home and it was not really an issue to let him eat rice while we avoided it. But, starting again was so much easier just knowing I only had to worry about myself (and my husband, if he chose to join in).
At the cabin, we ate cautiously but aside from again eating roasted broccoli and an altered breakfast for myself consisting of raw nuts and a 1/3 cup of blueberries, our meals were fairly normal. I even ate popcorn and a piece of coffee cake for a treat (snack) for myself.
And, you know what? This morning, at home, when I stepped on our scale, I weighed exactly what I weighed Friday morning! No, I did not loose any more weight. But, for the week, I lost two pounds. I’m happy with that. So, I’m going to stay the course and eat what I would call a modified Keto Diet. But, most of all, I am going to watch my portions and record my food intake on the Adkin’s site (if they get it up and working after their recent “improvements” last week).
Stay Healthy, Everyone!
The Apples in My Orchard 
Roasted broccoli has become a FAVORITE of mine! How has it not been in my life before now? And…weight. It’s such a tough journey, isn’t it? I’m more than what I know is best for me, but I’ve also worked hard on the messaging I give myself when I look in the mirror. For the first time in my life, I see “strong” before I see “fat,” and that is a HUGE win. Now I can focus on the healthy habits that will spur me along. Best of luck to you in your journey, as well!
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We love the roasted broccoli. As far as the weight thing goes, as a person who spent much of her young life underweight, I am starting to understand what people go through who think they are too heavy. But, I also think you are right, the messages we send ourselves are extremely important. Even though I’m a little heavier than I want to be, I am also less anxious, less tightly wound, and happier than I’ve ever been. It’s a good trade off!
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