Planned time off keto advice

(Kelsey ) #1

I’ve been keto since January 2018 - starting weight 169, down to 135lbs now. I’ve been doing really well and feel that this IS a new way of life for me, however, the next few weekends I have big events and would really love to indulge.

Last night and today I have been off keto (this was planned well in advance - so not an impulse cheat, but a CHOICE.) The next two weekends will be the same. My question is - is it worth it to go back to keto during the week? This would be Monday-Wednesday this week and Monday-Thursday next. This may or may not be enough time to get back into ketosis, but wouldn’t be for long.

Would it be beneficial to try to get back into ketosis for such a short period of time, or should i just eat sensibly? Any impact/thoughts on keto flu? It’s not been terriblenin the past, just mostly racing heart/anxious/leg cramps for a couple of days.

Thank you!

Kelsey

(Nanci O'Connell) #2

I think you should definitely go back on keto during the week! It’s not just about getting into ketosis but not eating the carbs and that telling your body to store fat. Why add 5 more days of that? Also, if you have been fat burning since January I’m going to guess that your body will jump right back to fat burning during the week.

(Alec) #3

Kelsey
How did you feel during and after eating the carbs? If you felt ok, then I would say you are probably quite flexible metabolically. In which case, do what you like, you won’t be starting again after your keto holiday. You don’t lose fat adaptation in 3 weeks.

However, if the carbs made you feel off, I would try to stay as keto as possible even during your weekends.

When I go “loose keto” I simply avoid the obvious carbs (bread, rice, pasta, potatoes etc), but I will indulge in any/all veg, sauces (I LOVE sauces!!), and other marginal carbs. But I will really enjoy cream, and butter, and do my best to fill up on lovely fat. But I don’t stress. If I go over on carbs, who cares, I will keto tomorrow.

Keep calm and party on!
Cheers
Alec

#4

Unless you’re fixing a health condition, why let diet dictate you life? Just eat whole foods and leave junk foods as an occasional treat.

Our body does not recognize a “keto diet”. It is either in ketosis or not (more precisely, a continuum). An eb and flow is normal. Our ancestors had periods of feasting and famine. Imagine yourself on a fertile crescent during the stone age, it’s summertime, life is easy, and food is readily abundant. Enjoy! Winter is coming.

(Dawn) #5

I think the operative word here is “planned”. If you have a solid plan and you know to stay away from triggers that may cause more significant lapses, then you should be good. Also, make sure you don’t stress about the weight that you may see on the scale. Carbs and water go hand in hand. I think the others above mentioned indulging and eating more of a lose keto on the weekends but try to remain strict keto during the week days and around your special events. My small piece of advice would be this: Keto or no keto, stay away from any of the foods that don’t make you feel good. For me, pasta and bread are truly an allergy. Bad things happen when my body tries to process those foods, so I have to avoid them as much as possible.

Other small piece of advice, make sure you are honest with yourself about what keto means to you and how committed you are. If can be tough to get back on after a long time away, so if you are going to indulge, make sure you stick to your timeline for getting back on track after your events are over. You’ve totally got this and we will all be here for you as you work through your plan

(Kelsey ) #6

Thank you so much everyone! I appreciate the non judgmental feedback :slight_smile: I plan to stay keto in between events to keep myself on track, and enjoy my events guilt free!

(Joe) #7

This is the most reasonable approach I think for me. I can’t “keto” forever but I can recognize what is most healthy for me and do that as often as reasonable. I’ve only.come along to this realization recently after I’ve plateued a little bit and indulged slightly without any problems. For the otherwise healthy non diabetic person we need to understand that this is about health AND happiness. I can’t agree that one can never have candy or potatos. I had ice cream cake last weekend and I enjoyed it immensely. I fasted the next day and returned to nor eating refined foods. No weight gain or keto flu or anything.

Its kind of like learning a new skill. You really need to focus on the details early on but once you master it the WOE become just eating and Not bot a diet.

I don’t think I’ll ever pour a bowl of cereal again but I will have ice cream or a heavy beer once and a while.