Hello Friends!!!
The very first thing I want to talk about is my Keto journey.
The day I got serious about my eating habits, was the day after Christmas. If you are like me, you indulged in every meal at every house. Christmas parties, homemade goodies from my students. It was EVERYWHERE.
I woke up on December 26, 2018 and decided that I felt like pure crap. I didn’t like feeling this way. I was tired, sluggish, irritable, hungry all of the time, and craving all of the sweets. I felt foggy headed and slept all of the time. That very day, I made a choice. I knew that it was time. I had already done many late nights worth of research on the Ketogenic diet. I had even tried it on and off before but never stuck with it long enough to accomplish anything.
I have been been eating a ketogenic diet ever since. Have I stayed 100% Keto everyday? Nope. I’ve had to learn to give myself grace. But I always picked myself up and kept right along.
I wanted to share some personal benefits that I have experienced on this journey so far. I hope that this will help you get a better understanding of the way of life and what it can do for you, because my friend, it has changed my LIFE.
#1: Improved energy- Because my body is no longer being fueled by sugar, glucose, or carbs, it is using clean energy from the ketones or stored body fat. And you better believe that my body has plenty of that! I hardly ever need to nap. Most days I feel like I need to go running.... but I am not a runner. So, I just power walk and if no one is looking, I will try to run.... for a few seconds. Lol
#2: Mental Health: I have anxiety. I have obsessive thoughts. I struggle daily. But lately, if I could bottle up the joy and happiness that is being emitted from my brain.... I’d be rich! I FEEL so good!!!
Less anxiousness can be a game changer! I feel less stressed (or able to handle the stress) and that makes all the world of a difference in quality of life.
#3: Less hunger/appetite control: You know the drill. You wake up hungry and eat a big breakfast because it’s the most important meal of the day. Then, lunchtime comes. Duh, you eat a big lunch and go back to work. When you go back to work, you feel tired and just want a nap. (That’s because of your blood sugar). We eat or drink something sweet to get us through the afternoon. By the time you get home and are tired and hungry again. So, you eat dinner and probably have something sweet a few hours afterwards to satisfy that sweet tooth. You may even snack again right before bed or as you are on the couch watching tv or scrolling your phone. We’ve all been there. .....
Let me tell you that Keto takes away the hunger. I have to remind myself to eat most days. I get lost in the day and realize........ Hey, you probably should give your body some food! Talk about breaking a bondage!
#4:Hormone balancing: I won’t go into too much detail but EVERY female has hormones that are out of whack. I suffer from many symptoms but the most being excruciatingly painful and heavy periods. Acne is another symptom. Now that I’ve cut out all of the garbage that caused inflammation, I’ve seen a drastic improvement. I am happy to report that my last period did not require ANY meds. There was no pain! I barely even knew it was happening. My mood swings weren’t wild like normal either. (And for that, my husband and students are thankful!) It can only get better from here.
#5 (Last but not least) Weight loss!!!- I have struggled with my weight since being a young kid. I was overweight and unhealthy. That also lowered my self-esteem. As I got older and was able to make better decisions for myself, I started eating healthier. The weight never would budge, which resulted in me giving up so many times. I just got used to it. I realized that was just how it was going to be for the rest of my life. ..... Now, I down 27.5 pounds. I went from a size XL/L to a size M. My pant size went from 14s and 16s to 12s. I have never had this kind of success with my weight. People have actually told me that I am getting “skinny”. Even though I don’t believe it in my own mind, that is crazy!
Obviously I am not an expert, but I wanted to share the benefits that I have personally seen on this journey. And the good thing is.... I have not reached my destination. This is a lifestyle that I don’t ever want to part with because it has changed my life.
What benefits could you add the the list?
If you have any questions about Keto or how to get started, don’t hesitate to ask!
