Thank you for the encouraging letters. I actually started the Keto process on 5-22-2017. But lost this information site and also how to plan fasts. So kind of did my own thing. I stopped all sweet drinks, including sweet tea; all breads, pastas, (actually all grains), no foods with starch such as potatoes and sweet corn, all fruits except berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries), cherry tomatoes, lemon and lime (sparingly). My diet consists of eggs, red meat (tri-tip, prime rib, high grade prime cut steak all grilled with no seasoning except sea salt, garlic and occasionally rosemary). The beef is non-antibiotic range fed; chicken, pork chops and steaks also grilled and Tuna Fish. I might correct that prime rib is often oven prepared. I have a CuisinArt indoor grill which has been very helpful in starting this program. My fresh vegetables consists of broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, a few green pea pods, lettuce, every color of bell peppers there are, and carrots (1/2 of a medium size) every 3 days. I have added to the meat an Italian dried salami with 1 gr of carbs (0 sugar, 0 Fiber). Dairy right now consists only of cheddar cheese. I do include eggs with lunch and dinner. I drink green and or black tea with lemon, coffee black (unable to drink any other way), water and water + crystal lite. I have nuts to snack on, but try and only do that sparingly. I do use a store bought dressing Litehouse Homestyle Ranch which shows 2 gr of Carb, 0 Fiber and 1 gr sugar. I use Organic Balsamic Vinegar on my salads.
I can tell from reading other posts that I am not eating enough fats, but after having low fats pounded into your head for 40+ years it is very hard to change the mind set. The morning I started I weighed in at 218. Weight check at clinic on 8-24 was 198.8. For me that is a huge drop and almost too fast of a drop. But this week no loss and in fact 1/2 pound gain. At this point not too worried as I know weight fluctuates with water, etc. Also taking a steroid daily tends to mess with loss on a consistent basis.
In reading many articles, I could find no information on fasting. I have been doing the following; often go without breakfast (actually prefer to), also skip lunch with no hunger issues. Then will eat evening meal of meat, veggies and cheese. I have on several occasions gone 24 to 36 hours without eating. Have to admit pretty weak at end of 36 hour fast. But need to know if this is the proper way?
Also how do I know if I am in Ketosis? I am not diabetic, not even close. So no testing equipment for blood sugars. Should I have my Doctor run a test to see, or is there something I can do at home?
Sorry this is so long, but wanted to let you know what I had been doing as far as diet was concerned. I will honestly confess I hate to cook. My late husband did all of the cooking, which has left me sort of out of sync!! So my meals are simple, quick and easy to prepare. Interestingly, I have not tired of the choices. Any and all advice will be greatfully appreciated. Rip it apart if you need to. Just want this to be a successful endeavor!!
Have a great day!
Diana/shortperson
