Hello @Clublu and welcome to the forums!
I too am fairly new, going into week 6. I thought I’d share a few observations I’ve made so far (these observations are certainly not mine alone … I’ve since read them time and again). OK … from a guy who loses slowly …
I had very few things change the first month after I started keto. .I took careful pre-keto measurements and the measuring tape hasn’t changed. I was obsessively tracking carbs and my macros. I felt entitled to the results others were seeing. Those results didn’t come (at first). My first 4 weeks I lost zero pounds. I counted twice to be sure! I checked my blood ketones with a keto/glucose blood monitor. The ketones were disappointing.
I’m slowly starting to see changes keto is making.My appetite has gone down - I don’t eat breakfast beyond my keto coffee … which is a BIG change for me. I saw a 3 pound weight loss last Friday (end of week 5) … my first recorded weight loss (I have less to lose than some people). I have also seen my fasting glucose levels drop to normal ranges.
Keto is hard conceptually for some people because there are few hard and fast rules (Think of the “The Code” in Pirates of the Caribbean … it’s more like guidelines) . Much of it is self discovery … finding out what works for you and how your body reacts.
Anyway … I made a post similar to yours after 4 weeks. From a few key responses and my own experience since then, I’ve learned everyone reacts differently to this. Keto has so many potential benefits that go beyond weight loss. As I started taking stock of what all was happening I saw progress … just not the obvious kind. Blood glucose drop was a biggie.
My inspiration has been knowing I’m doing something positive for myself that may very well address health issues down the road (blood sugar/diabetes issues, my hdl is chronically low, etc.) medical science hasn’t given me many good options that are documented to genuinely help my long term health. From what I’ve seen/read/reasoned … it’s a long haul commitment where the individual keto’er (if thats not a word, it should be) is continually learning and adjusting.
Fortunately, you’ve stumbled upon what appears to be a very good support group. You’ll find all kinds of approaches to keto out there. I’m sure there are a number of fine support groups. This one recognizes everyone is different and what worked for one individual may not work for the next (that’s not an attitude that is common across all keto support groups). people will share what worked for them without demanding you do the exact same thing.
My only other three pieces of advice would be to track what you’re eating if you’re not already doing so. I use a keto tracker on my phone that is very useful. It can be done many ways. Carbs are sneaky things. They’re in places you may not expect. To some people … (I’m one of those) calories eventually Do matter.
keep it simple at first. There is so much information and tips and tricks out there that your head will explode.
Lastly … read the posts in the various threads. Lots of good information. The 2ketodudes podcat is also very informative.
I know many folks have been doing it long enough where they no longer track. For us newer folks, I think it’s valuable to know that we’re consuming what we think we are. Weighing my portions was life changing. Reading labels probably more so - 13 grams of carbs in 1 cup of skim milk … who’da thunk it?
Anyway … from one newb to another I wish you well and look forward to reading of your experiences and things you have learned.
