As I write this, we are heading into another weekend.
At almost the 2 week mark of the Keto Challenge, life often creeps back in and gets in the way.
We always start challenges like this full of determination and will choose dates that really work for our calendar, but it’s usually about now that gets harder than ever.
For example, this weekend I have a cafe lunch with friends, a dinner at a Chinese restaurant and then a new cocktail bar visit lined up.
Not exactly Keto friendly…
But after enough time eating the Keto way of life, you learn how to have a plan for these situations.
And a back up plan for when those things aren’t available.
This is why it is a way of life – you can fit Keto around your social plans. It is not a short term diet that you ‘pass or fail’.
Life is going to happen, and it’s up to you to make it fit around the challenges of your life.
So, I thought it would be worth sharing the 10 Lessons that I wish I knew before I started Keto.
There is SO much information out there now, but when I started there wasn’t much at all. A few key websites and that was it. Hopefully some of these tips help you!
This is a summary version of a more indepth article I wrote here. I encourage you to research any of these if you think they will help you.
1. Electrolytes
We’ve seen this in the facebook group a bit already, if you’re feeling exhausted, shaky, nauseous, chances are it’s electrolyte imbalance and easily fixed.
2. Keto Flu
Related to the above, Keto Flu can hit pretty hard if your electrolytes are you, or you are switching from a very carb heavy diet.
3. Workouts/exercise often suffers at the start
If you go to the gym regularly or work out in some capacity, your performance will usually drop. Don’t worry, it will come back – just ask the olympic athletes who eat a keto diet!
4. People aren’t as judgemental as you expect
While some people will have a snarky comment here or there, the rest of the population either don’t really care or think it’s interesting. We only remember the people who are negative, but the majority aren’t.
5. Fast results at the start, then they level out pretty quickly
At day 13 of this challenge, chances are you’ve had a quick drop at the start but now things will start to level off and weight loss takes a more level approach. This is normal and healthy.
6. Don’t trust the scales
Water weight, muscle gain, bloating etc etc can all affect what you weigh on the scales. They are not a good indicator of your health. Photos and measurements are the best way to track your progress.
7. Butter is delicious
Does anything more need to be said?
8. Some interesting toilet things can happen
I don’t want to put you off your breakfast, so you can read more about this if you want.
9. It gets easier
The start is tough, but that tough period only lasts for 5 – 7 days. If you want it bad enough, that 5 – 7 days is WORTH IT.
10. The Keto Community
When I first started, it was almost non-existent. There were a few small facebook groups and a
couple of small forums.
now, every second group on facebook seems like a Keto group! For better or worse, it’s becoming
more mainstream, and that means more support and more like minded people.
What do you wish you knew before starting Keto? Share on the facebook group or comment below.
Love
Rachel xxx
The Aussie Keto Queen
