While that sentence has been in existence for centuries, probably in many various forms, the place I’ve heard it most often in the context of the Keto diet is from Brian Williamson on his Ketovangelist podcast. But, the phrase has special meaning to me, in the Keto context, and I wanted to bring that message here to the new learners today.
Many of you are just starting out on your journeys to better health, and many of you have chosen the Keto way of eating as one tool in the big tool chest that you can use to get there. Some people have to use medications like Metformin and Insulin injections, some people can cook with more than a microwave or a frying pan like me, some lift weights while others ride bicycles, and others can understand the science while others can’t. We’re all starting and continuing our journeys to wellness from different locations, and most of us have different goals. And, the tool box can be so confusing; especially from the standpoint of someone new or learning.
When new people ask questions, please have patience with them. Yes, it can be frustrating watching new people ask the same questions over and over again, but they are sending you a message. The message is simple. You are not communicating using an effective medium or technique that allows them to learn the answer. Yes, I understand some are lazy and don’t want to find out for themselves, but many of those will end up dropping by the wayside anyway. But, for the people that really want too learn, you need to get better at presenting the message.
I’m by no means a stupid person, although I play one sometimes, and I still remember the month of confusion I went through just trying to get the answer to a simple question like “should we count Total or Net Carbs”. I was criticized for asking such a stupid question and harassed because I did simple things like eat butter, or drink bullet proof coffee. But, people simply didn’t know me or my story.
You see, I never give up. I can’t afford that luxury. I work long hours, even to this day, and I have to keep things simple. Since I work strange hours, I don’t expect my wife too cook for me, and my only specialty in the kitchen is making a mess, so I’m forced to keep things simple. At the time I was learning two years ago, I was criticized for not eating enough protein, eating too much fat, and not eating enough vegetables. So, I finally gave up on that Facebook group, and moved along. I eventually found Butter Bob Briggs, and embraced his message of simplicity.
When I began my Keto journey, I basically ate fried eggs in butter for every meal that I prepared for myself. If I happened to eat with the family, I ate what I felt was Keto that was provided at the table. My wife didn’t fear fat (good thing because she married me and ate it, and carried it around on my body), so I could find Keto things in most of my family meals. If I ever was hungry between meals, I ate a slice of cheddar cheese with a slice of butter on it. Later on, I started drinking Bullet Proof Tea once I figured out how I could make it. That was it. I kept it simple. I didn’t stess out about which foods had carbs and which ones didn’t. I didn’t have time in my stressed out life for that kind of stress.
I’m reminded of this simplicity today, because of two messages I received yesterday. One was from the great Bob Briggs, one of the most humble men that I know. And, the other was from a random stranger. Bob Briggs was kind enough to comment on my “Fasting” post, when I implied that fasting could be simplified into two steps: 1) Eat, 2) Stop Eating. He really enjoyed the post.
The other series of messages from the other poster were not so kind. As part of an experiment (I do that a lot), I’ll be eating 49 straight days of Eggs, Butter and Cheese in the exact same quantities each and every day. I’m doing this intentionally because I’m providing data regarding Blood Lipids, DEXA scans, Exercise, and Food to my friend Dave Feldman and his ongoing interest in the area of Cholesterol. However, with this particular poster, I was accused first of not eating any protein and that I was going to lose all my lean body mass. I explained that eggs are a complete source of protein, and that because of my previous experimentation, I’m very aware of my protein requirements (low) as compared to other individuals. However, they never the less persisted, and made a confusing mess for anyone that was trying to understand.
You see, you have to dance with the girl that brung ya. When Dave told me that he wanted me to be as consistent as possible, he probably had no idea how consistent I can be. I literally ate nothing but ham for a month at a time in my past. I’ve eaten nothing but butter, eggs and roaches for a month at a time. I’ve eaten nothing but peanut butter for at least a month at a time. I KNOW how to be consistent and be boring.
So, when he made his pitch, I chose eggs, butter and cheese because I know how to make it, it won’t cause me or my wife stress, and I don’t have to think about it.
I even took a practice run this morning, just to be sure I could prepare it when I’m ready to go.
So, the message is simple. For the new person, keep it simple in the beginning. You don’t have to understand every tool in the tool box in the beginning. Just find a couple of tools that you recognize, and use them. Repeat until you’re comfortable with them and then add a few new tools if you want. For the experienced person, give the new people a break. It’s a confusing world out there, although the new forum tools help, and they have to learn their way around the new path. If you have to keep repeating your message, it’s probably not a problem with them, you may want to clarify your message.
And, for those of you that are worried that I’ll be losing my hairs, or body parts, because I’m not getting enough proteins, or I’m eating too much fat, try to remember that we’re not all idiots. I’ll be monitoring all my physical signs closely. I’ll be getting complete blood work panels twice a week. I’ll be getting DEXA scans every two weeks so I’ll get a handle on my Lean Body Mass. And, if I feel terrible, I’ll stop. I’m more cautious than most people know, and I’d rather live to fight another day or learn a new way.
But most of all, be well. All of you. I mean that. We may not agree on anything or everything. But, I always learn more having discussions with people I don’t agree with, than people that I do. Be well. Learn Well.