Keto,...Part 2

 

I posted about our Keto journey in November...and almost immediately it all went to pot! There were a few holiday celebrations where I couldn't pass up the season treats like pumpkin pie and potatoes and gravy, to name a few. Then Mom was sick, and I was lucky just to find anything to eat on the run, none of it on plan! Then Mom passed away, and I ate all the delicious food that people brought to us. By that time we were running wild by eating anything and everything that sounded good! So we've basically been off the plan for two months, eating like there is no tomorrow...and just like I used to eat.

Well now we are in Arizona. We agreed that we needed to get back with the program so we boxed ourselves in and have refused to pack along anything that was not Keto friendly. And with all the lockdowns in this area and the mask mandate in place, we don't plan to venture into any place for shopping until we are desperate. So we are stuck on Keto whether we want to or not. And we want to until we get a craving, then we don't want to. But for now we are stuck!

I reported in my earlier Keto post several benefits of the plan, mainly my increased energy levels. I had also lost a few pounds, like about 15--a small amount compared to what I need to lose but at least a move in the right direction. After not being on the plan for so long, and ignoring the scales because I didn't want to see what they said, I finally weighed in before we left for Arizona late last week. I had gained less than 2 pounds! And that was nothing short of a miracle considering the extent to which I had strayed from the plan! 

So here's my theory on why that is: The Keto plan is noted for it's healing properties and the tendency to make your system run at an optimal level. So after being on plan for a full 3 months, I theorize that the diet had healed my metabolism to the point that indiscriminate eating didn't cause me to pack the weight back on. The times I have spent weeks to lose a few pounds only to gain it all back in a weekend are many. And yet nearly 2 months of indulgence resulted in a 2 lb. gain? Something definitely changed. Of course, this can't be a license to indulge because this crazy indulgence is what put me in the shape I'm in so I know I can easily get back there if I let my guard down.

I have read and heard anecdotal reports of people being healed of cancer through the Keto plan. I am not reporting that as a guarantee, but I figure it sure can't hurt to avoid those carbs in hope that I will be spared an eventual diagnosis of cancer. And it's been proven to improve, if not heal, type 2 diabetes...Mike's problem. I would encourage you to check it out and see if you might benefit from the Ketogenic Diet. And we all know that leaving behind the sugar will settle down that sweet tooth that dogs us!

This has taken a lot of time and research to get to this point. Through the journey I have spent countless hours scouring Pinterest for Keto recipes and cooking up those creations. Many, though not all, have given us some really good options. We have also altered our eating schedule giving us only two meals and making a lot less time in the kitchen.

So here is our eating schedule: First thing in the morning we brew up Keto coffee. This is a mug of coffee, your choice as long as it has no carbs involved. Mike drinks Black Rifle Coffee, which is strong enough to eat the end off the spoon! I drink a milder French Vanilla coffee. Then, when the coffee is brewed, I add a few ounces of heavy whipping cream, butter, sweetener, vanilla and a scoop of MCT oil powder (purchased from Amazon). This will hold us until noon.

At noon we tend to eat either breakfast or dinner. One of our favorite menus is bacon and cheese omelets. The omelets can be whatever suits you. Sometimes we add peppers and onions, but always put cheese in the middle. I keep cheese grated in the refrigerator, but not the boughten grated cheese--I grate my own using a food processor and stored in a Tupperware FridgeSmart, which you can purchase from my daughter. Sometimes we eat sausage or ham rather than bacon. With just a breakfast meat and eggs, your variations are endless. Or we eat a dinner which is either grilled or baked meat with veggies or one of the many Keto casseroles that I've found recipes for.

Supper tends to be something simple like soup or salami and cheese or a Keto sandwich.

I recently purchased a mini waffle iron to make "chaffles". If you look this up on Google or Pinterest, you will be overwhelmed with the variations. A chaffle is a small waffle made with Keto ingredients and featuring cheese. We have been making sandwich "bread" with it. Yesterday we made chaffles using eggs, almond flour, and cheese then filled them with sausage, cheese and eggs to make an "egg-sausage muffin". It was a very generous serving and we honestly could have made one and split it because we couldn't finish a whole one...but we gave it a try. We also made some a couple days ago and added crumbleburger meat on top which made a totally delicious meal.

Another trick we use is potato substitutes. We were raised on meat and taters, and I absolutely love potatoes! In casseroles cauliflower can be substituted for potatoes. For straight eating, radishes will take the place of potatoes with very little noticeable difference in taste. I have added them to a roast or cut them up and fried them. I know, it sounds less than delicious, but believe me, it is very good. And you feel like it's such a satisfying meal.

Keto isn't necessarily for everyone, but if you feel like you could benefit from a low-carb, high-fat diet, I'd suggest Keto. The internet is a great help, especially since it's all the rage right now.  And remember, many food are just naturally Keto compliant...check it out online, or feel free to message me through text or messenger if I can be of any encouragement. 

And now I think I will go fix up a batch of Keto churros! I'll let you know how they are.