Restarting and venting

(Tania M) #1

I started keto January first (I had decided in early December 2017 that I wanted to try keto, but wanted to wait until after the holidays).

I dove in head first and found it so easy to get into. I subscribed to the Diet Dr website, listened to your podcast (and few others that I soon needed to ditch - I’m picky about podcasts). I made chia pudding and and low carb fudge from the Diet Dr website. I eventually started intermittent fasting (anywhere from 16/8 to OMAD). After 3 months I lost 30lbs, and at least 1 clothing size.

Then the carbs started creeping back in, starting with friday night pizza, then the odd gummy bear, a couple doritos. I continued the IF, but was sneaking too much junk. Sadly this went on for SIX months, I continued to get comments on my weight lost although during this 6 month period I no long lost weight, but gained back less than 5lbs (water weight).

The last few weeks I have felt like total crap, and back on afternoon shifts this week all I want to do is sleep. So now I am jumping back in. Today I tried the gummy bear recipe, and made some chocolate peanut butter chia pudding. I need to get the late night snacking under control.

In my house are myself, my husband, our two children (8 and 10) and my parents. My parents have their own space, but we share a kitchen. No one else in the house will do this with me, my mom is convinced you need to eat potatoes or bread to stay feeling full. Although they respect my way of eating, it is still difficult when you need to accommodate other people.

My father had a heart attack 8 yrs ago and is now relatively sedentary and overweight. My husband carries a little extra weight in the middle, and his cardiologist tried to put him on statins (he’s not taking them). I wish I could at least get them to go paleo.

I know I can stick with it for a while, I joined a weight loss challenge at work and there is money on the line. So for the next 12 weeks I’ve got this. I just wish I could maintain it while living with these people.

(Candy Lind) #2

THIS. Snacking/grazing causes excess insulin release, which you need to avoid. This is one of MY biggest obstacles. It’s not easy, but when you just do full meals and don’t snack in between, you get far better results. Kick even keto-friendly gummies to the curb except for special occasions; you’ll lose the cravings in due time. KCKO!

This is for YOU. To put it bluntly, screw them!

#3

Everyone is different but I find that if I have anything sweet or snacky it gives me cravings…even if it fits in my carb macros/is keto friendly. I have to use the cold turkey approach.

I wish you the best!

(Running from stupidity) #4

Man, I’ve gone through a few in the last few months. As a journo, I’m really all for the democratisation of speech - after all, bringing peoples voices to prominence is what we’ve done for a long time - but it does mean there’s a HUGE amount of crap out there.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #5

For the cravings, a pinch of salt and a glass of water can help. If you do snack, at least make it a keto snack!

(Tania M) #6

I’ve made the ketoade and drink it every day, that is helping. I know it will take a couple weeks to get past the snacky feelings, so I need the keto ones there to help me through.

The chia pudding came in handy the other night. :smiley: every little bit helps

(Laurie) #7

What is it about living with them that makes it hard? I used to live with a person who enjoyed meat-and-potatoes dinners, and he ate what I ate plus potatoes or bread. So that was pretty easy.

Now my boyfriend and I eat separately most of the time. Sometimes I’ll share my food with him, but mostly he wants food that I won’t eat. I gained at least 30 pounds in a year of cooking for and eating with him, so no more.

I understand that it can be hard if people in your household aren’t eating a meat-based diet, i.e., if they’re used to pasta and casseroles all the time, pancakes for breakfast, and so on. But I’m wondering about your specific reason for finding this difficult. Is it temptation, or needing to cook separate meals, or . . . ?

(Tania M) #8

It’s mostly my mom who likes to buy candy and cookies for the kids. There is always something there and I tend to snack on it. I am weak and struggle with not eating what is in the house. I won’t buy it. But if its there, I eat it.

(Running from stupidity) #9

“Mum, I’m desperately trying to repair and look after my health with this new way of eating. You buying these things is very kind, but it’s making my life impossible. So if you could stop, please, that would be great.”

If that doesn’t work, crank it up to “if you really loved me” levels.

(Danielle) #10

I’ve been lucky - I have a very supportive family. I live on my own, but whenever we’re together for meals, they always do their best to make sure to prepare something I can eat!

I would suggest keeping it simple. Some kind of grilled meat with salad is fine as a keto meal, just let everyone add their condiments and dressings separately. Have a taco night - pretty much everything that goes in a taco is keto friendly, except the taco itself. Make a lasagna using zucchini slices instead of noodles. “Breakfast for dinner” is always fun - bacon, sausage, and egg are all things you can enjoy.

Usually it’s only one or two ingredients that bump up the carbs in a typically healthy meal. Cut them out, or put them on the side so the non-keto eaters can still have them.

Is it tough to resist? Sure, sometimes. But fill your plate with things you CAN eat, and go from there. Once you’re feeling fuller, the cravings will subside.