Maybe you have done some research on the Ketogenic Diet, and you think this might be a solution for you. If you are anything like me, you are asking yourself, "what do I do now?"
That is a loaded question and not an easy one to answer.
I remember feeling overwhelmed with having to buy this or that tool or new substitute item. I won't tell you what to get but instead offer some suggestions that will help answer those questions that will suit your life and your situation best.
Do you have a thing or ritual you don't want to give up?
I start my day with one cup of coffee. I enjoy the taste and ritual of it. The problem for me, is that I like it with sugar and half & half. I get bored easily in general and with food. I like to flavor my coffee in a variety of ways. I realized the first thing I need to do is find a Keto way to have my coffee.
The first thing was to switch my half & half for heavy whipping cream. Done.
Next, I need to find a sweetener that I could tolerate. I like sugar. I have never been hooked on soda (diet or regular) so I have never liked artificial sweeteners.
Here is what the Keto world will tell you to use:
Stevia
Erythritol
Monk Fruit
Swerve
The Keto world will tell you to avoid the artificial sweeteners you are most likely already familiar with. For me, personally, this is a process. I use different sweeteners for different things. I still use splenda in my coffee. There is no easy answer. You will have to try things and see what works for you. I started with my coffee. I purchased sugar free syrups and use them to sweeten and flavor my coffee.
This is the one I tried first. It is sweetened with Splenda. I tried these because they are the ones available to me. I live in a rural area and this was the only brand available at my grocery store. I have tried the vanilla, caramel, raspberry, and hazelnut. My least favorite is the raspberry.
I have just placed an order from Amazon for these:
Another brand but made with the same sweetener. I figure since only drink one cup a day, I am doing it. If you drink more you may find it prevents you from staying in ketosis. Every body is different. This journey is about seeing what works for you and what doesn't. You are the only one who can answer those questions. So coffee was a big deal for me. It may not be for you.
Figure out what is a priority and work toward a Keto solution.
After the coffee issue was resolved I had to find food to have on hand that I could grab quickly.
Eggs!
I adore eggs. I love fried eggs, boiled eggs, deviled eggs, egg salad, scrambled eggs...
This is my go-to food.
I get my eggs fresh from my friend who has a lot of chickens. I boil some and keep them on hand for a quick meal. When I am out of them or I am on the go, the grocery store now carries boiled eggs in a 2 pack or 6 pack. That makes it easy to keep keto anywhere.
You may not love eggs like I do, so you will have to...
find a quick go-to item to have on hand that will keep you keto
...but also work with those times when you need something quick.
Lastly, find a few meals you like and try to keep those items in stock in your home. This has been a challenge for me and one I am still working on a few years down the line. I think because I get bored, and I am preparing 2 meals (one for me and one for the rest of the family) this is particularly challenging. You may not have the same circumstances.
My family loves casseroles. Most of which are carb ladened. I am still trying to find a way to bring my family's love of carby casseroles and my ketogenic life together harmoniously. sigh.
If you are just starting out.. or trying again... be sure to make a plan!
Figure out what is a priority and work toward a Keto solution.
Find a quick go-to item to have on hand that will keep you Keto.
Find a few meals you like and try to keep those items in stock in your home.
RECIPES
I shared with you what I do for coffee. As for eggs and recipes I don't have any really, but can suggest the following:
Fried eggs (in grass fed butter) with bacon
Deviled eggs with mayo, dill pickle, and a wee bit of mustard
a slice of hard salami wrapped around a boiled egg (a favorite)!
and I want to share a favorite Keto recipe:
I love Carl Franklin's recipes (of 2 Keto Dudes). I tend to use his recipes rather that Richard's (the other Keto Dude) because he is in the states and I usually am familiar with his recipes and they are easier for my family. No offense to Richard.
This one I tried a few weeks ago. My kids were all home and fully prepared to make something else after trying my keto pizza. We had a bad cauliflower crust pizza disaster a few years ago and since then the kids have been reluctant to get on board any Keto pizza... until Carl's fathead pizza.
Not only did they eat it, they asked for more!
You can find CARL'S RECIPE HERE
See you next week,
Your Keto Sis'
Joan
What is a Ketogenic Diet? A keto or ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet, which turns the body into a fat-burning machine. Fat is fuel, protein is moderate (just enough to maintain lean muscle mass), and carbs are kept to less than 20 grams a day (from above ground veggies that are low on the glycemic index)
This blog will document my journey through a transition to a Ketogenic lifestyle. I plan to address specific topics each week, answer a common question, and post a recipe I have tried and use.
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