KetoChick's Journey - Weekly Updates

accountability

(Nello) #1

I accidentally went Keto four years ago. To combat candida, my natural-path doctor told me to avoid eating anything over a glycemic index of 30. I only ate meat, fat, and vegetables and I lost 60 pounds in 5 months (I also worked out for 3 hours on most days). I went from a size 14 to a size 6 and even better, my yeast-issues disappeared.

I started to eat carbs again and realized that I needed to stay gluten free because the gluten caused inflammation and made me feel terrible (joint pain, swollen fingers, swollen face, I felt hungover for a day or two). As I ate more carbs, my weight started to creep up. Gradually, I packed away my smaller clothes then bought new bigger clothes. It didn’t bother me until I went to the doctor last week. The scale said 201. Holy moly! I’m no longer in ONE-derland. In fact, I’ve gained 50 pounds in the last 3 years. I went from a size 6 to barely fitting into size 16 pants.

I want to feel fit again. I want to be able to go on long hikes without needing to stop to catch my breath, I want to fit into my smaller clothes again, go on long bike rides, and to gain my strength back in general.

It is time for me to cut my carbs again and work out regularly. Dropping carbs makes me feel way better and I know I’ll be successful if I keep track of this experience. I don’t have a scale as of now so I’m going to use my pants size to keep track of my weight loss on this forum.

Over the last week, I’ve found myself looking online for various keto-related things such as, losing water weight, sleeping less, bad breath, and looking to find other people’s experiences from the first week of keto. My hope by having this thread is to keep myself accountable, help others just starting out know what to expect, and to get advice from the keto black-belts with helpful hints or words of encouragement.

Week 1:

  • I can tell I have dropped a lot of water weight because I’m going to the bathroom more often.
  • On day 3, the bad breath and dry mouth started. I feel thirsty all the time. I think this is a sign that I’m in ketosis. I hope this bad breath phase doesn’t last long.
  • By day 7, my size 16 jeans fit without the front of it rolling down my belly.
  • For the first time in my life, I took some before photos of myself. I want to give it 4 or 6 weeks before I take progress pictures.
  • I went to the gym 4 days this week and played street hockey with my husband 2 days this week. It feels good to be active again.
  • Having some issues with water retention - my engagement ring feels tight but that could be the weight I’ve gained this past year.

That’s it for now. I’ll post again after week 2.


(Jill F.) #2

Welcome @KetoChick! Glad you are back on the keto way of life, intentionally this time! It has been a game changer for me, I have gone from a very tight size 14 to a 6 in 3 months.
I enjoy this way of eating, yes I miss some things like chips and pasta, but I do not miss feeling tired, having sleep issues, no energy, or cravings and a never ending appetite!
Stick around there is a ton to learn on here and the support is awesome!


(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #3

Welcome Nello. I look forward to following your journey!


(Nello) #4

I’m on day 9. So far, so good.

I’m experimenting more in the kitchen. Yesterday, I made collagen protein bars and they turned out well.

When I sleep, I’ve been getting super hot. Does this happen to anyone else?

I’ve worked out 8 or the last 9 days and I’m starting to feel stronger. Yesterday, I had an amazing workout. I used the spinning bike for 40 mins and realized I can use my gym’s wifi to stream videos from Amazon Prime on my phone. I did a 20 minute Pilates video in the stretching area. The video’s focus was hips and legs yet all of the muscles in my back are sore today.

My goal is to go next week on my way home from work. At the end of the day, I’m typically exhausted. When I get home, I make dinner, eat, and go to sleep early. Tomorrow, my plan is to pack some snacks to eat during my after school meetings (I’m a teacher), make dinner using the crock pot, and go straight to the gym after work.

Thanks for all of the support!


(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #5

Good job hitting the gym but are you giving yourself any recovery time in between? It’s important.

I actually got LESS hot once I quit the carbs so my night sweats (especially pre dawn) ended. I’ve only had one or two nights in the past 5 months. Might be due to working out in the evenings.


(Nello) #6

Good point on making sure to rest. Once I get into habit of working out (especially during the work week), I’ll be sure to take a few days off to rest.


(Nello) #7

It has been about a month of Keto. I fell off the wagon for two days, the combination of dried mango in the cupboard and hormonal cravings led me astray. I felt swollen and hungover the next day but it took me 2 days to get back on track. I need strategies for dealing with hormonal cravings and should keep some Keto treats in the house for around that time. I like Lily’s chocolate but don’t have any other ideas… what easy Keto treats do you like?

What has been working well for me lately is drinking coffee blended with fat for breakfast and then taking leftovers (protein and veggies) for lunch. Then I make dinner when I get home. I’ve been drinking red wine with dinner on most nights. I’m sure I will lose weight faster if I give it up.

My size 14 pants are fitting now. Whoo hoo!


(Jody) #8

I’ve been adding heavy whipping cream to my coffee on the ‘hard’ days.

When I’m having a rough day, I turn to fat… bacon, olives, macadamias, dark chocolate. I know other women turn to protein or carbs. You have to experiment and see what works for you, there is no wrong answer.