I’ve been eating low carb since the early 2000s to varying degrees. I haven’t always stuck with it. Here are my personal rules. I am a smart ass even to myself, yes. At any rate, perhaps others will find them useful? I add to my list periodically as part motivation/part reminding myself to stay humble and always work on my own perceptions of things.
- You’re going to mess up.
- No, seriously. So don’t beat yourself up.
- Don’t become so focused on numbers that you become a jerk on the internet, because you are a pedantic ninny.
- Know the numbers and biochemistry because 1) you’re a nerd and 2) it keeps you motivated.
- Don’t care about what people eat unless they shove it in your face.
- Try for at least 4 ounces of protein a meal, then fat to satiety. (Naturally this works out into a keto-y macro for me. YMMV)
- Vegetables are optional, if delicious, and seek them out.
- Optional vegetables do not include candy, Donna.
- Brownies are also not a vegetable.
- Don’t watch Torchwood instead of cooking dinner. Again. (Is Torchwood a vegetable? Probably not…)
- Limit processed foods because they often have fillers.
- Limit sauces in restaurants because they often have carbs.
- Include grass-fed organic foods when possible.
- Don’t be maudlin if you can’t afford virgin-massaged beef from Tibet; you’ll live. (Don’t castigate people for buying it if they can afford it, either, though.)
- Exercise is optional however enjoyable.
- Enjoy the process.
- Every meal can be an opportunity to explore and try new things.
- Remember food is for survival and not pleasure.
