Living Life, Keto-Style – #KindaKeto

10 Aug 2018 144 Comments

by Ritu in Health, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , , ,

I was so good a while back.

I followed the Slimming World weight loss programme and I lost nearly 2 stone.

A photo shoot with my family had scared me into realising I needed to lose weight.

032A9298-2

Sure, it was a lovely photo, but that rounded face, that chin… no, that wasn’t the Ritu I expected to see in the mirror!

Coupled with my mother gently telling me that I should get things under control now, as it only gets harder when you get older… That was all I needed to get myself into gear.

Over just under a year, I controlled my eating and tried to add a bit of extra physical activity into my life, over and above the rushing around at school on a daily basis, and I lost all the weight I wanted to.

I was 9st 3lb for the first time in a LONG WHILE!

I could have carried on as I was. The diet was very easy to follow. I wasn’t missing out on anything. If anything that was too low a weight, so I decided that if I hovered between 9st 7lb and 10st that would be fine…

But those snacks. Those sweet treats. Those savoury bites…

They called.

And often instead of just one, or a little, I was having two (or even three!😱)

I crept up to 10st and beyond…

It was with total horror that I stepped on my scales the other day and I had hit 11th again!

I needed to do something, but paying for the pleasure of Slimming World didn’t appeal. I knew how to eat their way, but I wasn’t feeling it…

I started browsing Pinterest and found several recipes that mentioned the Keto Diet.

Researching it, I thought it sounded like something pretty tough, but good in the long term, because of the health benefits.

What is the Keto Diet?

The-Keto-Diet-Explained

From OurPaleoLife.com

Confused? I was, a tad, so I carried on reading up about it in various places.

The health benefits swung it for me though.

And it was also good at stabilizing Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which I suffer from. The healthy heart effect was important as there is a strong history of heart disease in Pops’ side of the family. Diabetes was another trigger point, as both my parents have mild diabetes, developed in their later years. Mood stabilising, and energy levels increasing? Yes, please!

But there are things you have to adhere to…

The food ratios…

Image result for keto ratio info

From Keto Connect

Great. Now I would have to start reading labels better than before.. but guess what, there’s an infographic for everything!

The things you can eat… The things you can’t eat…

Ketogenic Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid | Posted by NewHowToLoseBellyFat.com

From Nutrition Advance

No bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, or SWEET STUFF!!!!!!

Then I read about this…

Great… so I would suffer from flu and all sorts of stuff that could be rather unpleasant, including bad breath! I remember this being a big issue on Atkins, which was more a no carbs, all protein and fat version of this diet.

Do I do it?

Well, I could only try.

So I jumped on the Keto bandwagon, only I feel the need to tweak things to an extent, so I’m logging my food journey on Instagram, with the hashtag #kindaketo.

I’ve managed a meal out at Pizza Express and made a few Keto-friendly meals. It’s only been 2 days, but I have definitely felt some benefits, in that I haven’t snacked. And I do indeed feel full for longer!

I miss the amount of fruit I usually eat, but not the naughty things so much.

I discovered that fresh mint leaves and hot water makes an excellent warming drink.

I can still make pancakes, but with coconut flour instead!

And I shall experiment today, attempting to make Cloud Bread, or Oopsie Bread which is gluten-free, and extremely low carb!

Try baking these delicious bread rolls with just 4 ingredients. This cloud bread recipe is quick to bake, easy to make and tastes great!

From Pinterest

Could I do this long term?

I’m not sure, but I can only try it out.

I think if this diet can help me kick my snacking and sugar addiction then it will be the best thing for me. After a few weeks, I will chill out and see if I can keep my diet generally better.

I’ll let you know if it works!

A great website full of info and recipes is the Diet Doctor, full of great, free advice!

144 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Holistic Wayfarer
    Dec 15, 2018 @ 06:26:21

    You look great to me. Hope it’s a wonderful holiday season.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. ladylowcarb71
    Nov 06, 2018 @ 09:07:19

    Just started my journey and I’m loving it. My husband is fully in but my two teenage daughters, not so much 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. delightfullyketo
    Oct 15, 2018 @ 03:11:19

    I fell off the wagon about a month or so ago after I had surgery and it’s been impossible to get back on! I wish you the best and we are in this together! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Oct 15, 2018 @ 07:17:32

      Oh I tried… but I have to admit, it was okay in the summer holidays when I had more time to prep food etc, but back to school and as mum and teacher, I can’t do it!!! WE are off the horse together too! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. Trackback: Living Life, Keto-Style – #KindaKeto — But I Smile Anyway… – SEO

  5. thereluctantpoet
    Sep 01, 2018 @ 01:31:26

    Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  6. thereluctantpoet
    Aug 31, 2018 @ 14:21:59

    Really great post, Ritu!!! You are wrong about your photo – you look great in it and it really shows your inner beauty shining through. Keto diet sounds interesting. The only caution I’ve heard about it is that you have to be careful with it because it can impact your kidneys – haven’t heard what you are supposed to watch for? Probably increased water intake.

    I’ve benefited from my wife following the South Beach Diet. She has kept me on a modified version of her own making and I’m on the verge of breaking through losses I haven’t seen in almost a decade, yipee! It’s low carb diet too.

    Ok, you need to tell us Yanks what the heck the weight of a “Stone” is??? Ha!!!
    Great share, My Dear!!!
    xoxoxo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  7. RS
    Aug 24, 2018 @ 06:47:15

    Great post!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. Trackback: Living Life, Keto-Style – #KindaKeto — But I Smile Anyway… – Ketofornia

  9. alittlecountryinacitygirl
    Aug 18, 2018 @ 12:03:53

    I have been keto for a year an a half. We recently made a huge move and I have been home all summer, NOT KETO. Let me say that I feel like crap everyday. I have been kinda keto but snacking and my body does not like me any longer. My 100% keto started back up yesterday, determined to keep at it again.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  10. ketoboom4life
    Aug 17, 2018 @ 21:05:12

    I highly recommend watching “The Magic Pill” on Netflix. I eat keto as well and LOVE it! I also drink pure therapeutic ketones which is a game-changer for me. So glad you are taking your step to better! That is wonderful! #KetoBoom4Life

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  11. Trackback: Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You! | Pain Pals

  12. Jennie
    Aug 13, 2018 @ 01:18:06

    Bravo to you, Ritu! It’s amazing how that weight sneaks on. I need to loose 10 pounds. You are inspiring me!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  13. hotmessmemoir
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 23:53:17

    What about alcohol? I didn’t see (and forgive me if I missed it) any ruling on alcohol. I just need to get a really good flu for like 2 weeks to lose the weight. That would be ideal.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. Trudy
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 19:59:37

    I don’t think that I can live without potatoes, I’ll just have to work out more because potatoes are life. What happened to you hula hoop workout?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  15. tessdenoya
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 17:35:01

    I have two family members who are following Keto, and it’s been very successful for them.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  16. rachaelstray
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 17:14:50

    I will be following your pictures on Instagram to see how you’re getting on then. I thought you were doing something different when I saw the cloud bread photos!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. Lisa Orchard
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 15:28:01

    I’ve been on a mission to lose some weight, too. I’ve thought about trying the keto diet, but since I’ve been losing weight by watching what I eat and increasing my running, I’ve decided to wait and see if I can reach my goals without it. 🙂 You’ll have to let me know how it goes!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. Adele Marie
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 15:23:39

    Way to go, really interested in seeing how you get on. Good luck. xxx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  19. arv!
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 14:37:41

    Somehow, I have never trusted in the concept of a diet. Not overeating and going overboard is how it works for me. I ensure that I live an active life. The problem with dieting is that you can’t sustain it on regular basis. what do you think?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 11, 2018 @ 15:12:25

      I totally get what you say Arv, however sometimes it is good to do something to kickstart a healthier lifestyle.
      When I did Slimming World, I did great, but I could still eat all sorts of items which had many hidden sugars and carbs in them.
      This diet will help me to flush my system, and also hopefully, if I can stick with it for a few weeks, help me kick my addiction to sugar and snacking so much! Then, maybe I can introduce different foods back, and not feel the danger of eating too much bad stuff!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. susielindau
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 14:32:32

    You go Girl!!!!
    If I go on a diet, I gain weight. Lol!
    If you hit a wall, try the My Fitness Pal app. My kids, and son’s girlfriend use it. The app is amazing for making sure you eat a balanced diet for your activity level. You get to set the goals. My son’s girlfriend lost over 15 pounds. My daughter lost 4 in a week and kept it off. I have a sneaking suspicion I don’t eat enough protein and plan to give it a whirl!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 11, 2018 @ 15:09:46

      I’ve used My Fitness Pal plenty in the past and have started it up again for this venture into changing my diet, as you have to try and be so careful with the carbs/fats/protein ratios!
      Thanks for the encouragement Susie!

      Like

      Reply

  21. Lorna
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 12:28:49

    LUCK! Although, you don’t need it. And this has nothing to do with anything, but when I clicked, I didn’t know this was your post. I miss your avatar in the thumbnail.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  22. Image Earth Travel
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 12:25:38

    I’ll be very interested in your results as I’ve read so much about Keto lately that I’m not sure if it’s another fad.Gotta give up a lot of my faves though on Keto. 😦

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  23. You Can Always Start Now
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 12:18:24

    yes to weight being hard to take off when we age. Looking forward to following your journey.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  24. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 09:40:49

    Reblogged this on M J Mallon Author and commented:

    The keto diet via Ritu. Perhaps one to try?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  25. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 09:39:48

    I need to lose some tummy fat but difficult to follow this when working full-time. So easy to grab a sandwich! Good luck with it Ritu.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  26. Anna
    Aug 11, 2018 @ 03:58:00

    I hope you will find it worth the effort. I tried to cut the carbohydrates food and I think it works very well. I didn’t have any weight to loss, but it felt like weight loss anyway. I felt better even though I didn’t feel bad before. So I will keep eating less carbs and more of other things. It works fine for me. Good look on your journey. They say it takes at least two weeks to get used to new habits so don’t give up before that!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  27. willowdot21
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 21:39:35

    Good luck Sis 💜💜💜💜

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  28. OIKOS™-Redaktion
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 20:15:21

    Very good information, Ritu! Thank you! Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  29. Charli Mills
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 19:17:43

    Excellent information, Ritu! I just learned about the keto diet from Keto Man, as you know. So, I appreciate learning more. When he told me about snacking on cream over blueberries and getting “steak bacon” from the butcher, I was really interested!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  30. Erika Kind
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 18:48:29

    I wonder how it is working for you. I never heard of it but it sounds interesting. I can imagine that you are more receptive for some illness because of the adjustment the body has to go through. But that can only be temporary. You just mustn’t give up too early… like with everything. Looking forward to your reports, sis!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  31. josypheen
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:37:18

    p.s. I found quite a few good you tube shows for how to make yummy keto lunches. I’ll try to remember to send you links when I get home.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  32. josypheen
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:36:11

    Good luck Ritu!!

    I did give this a go (not a fan of how tired I felt to start with…damn that keto flu!!) I don’t think I could do it long term, but I found it useful as a guide for a lower-carb diet. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:45:17

      Thanks Josy!
      I am going to try it for a short while. I hope things go smooth. I have tried to listen to the advice regarding how to combat the flu… day 3 and so far so good!
      I’ll switch back to normal, with less processed carbs etc once I feel happy!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  33. foodzesty
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:26:54

    Good for you and Good Luck Ritu!!! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  34. Osyth
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:12:21

    The thing is this. You know you CAN do it because you did it before and that is a huge part of the battle won. Whatever diet you follow it will be hard and it will not be a magic solution forever. But if you can find a formula that gets you to where you want to be (and for me low carb is the long and short of it) then when and it is always when not if for all the reasons that make life worth living and all the reasons that make life stressful, in other words – I’m the warty old voice of experience, believe me. When you get to where you want to be and when you have a little gain you can simply reach for that formula. Bon courage with your kinda keto – my bet is that it will work a treat and when it has you can relax a little and reach back to it when you need a little maintenance. X

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:16:14

      Thank you so much! I do hope I can do it. I am trying very hard, and hope I can at least lose this sugar addiction I have at least, and a few lbs with it! ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      • Osyth
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:29:58

        As a reformed sugar addict I know how hard it is. But you can, Ritu, you can … try to see the sugar in the same way as a filthy cigarette and tell people you are concerned about onset diabetes following a health scare. That stops them from trying to offer sweet treats. To this day (and it’s been about 15 years for me) my youngest daughter (now aged 23) reminds people that mummy can’t eat sugar, not won’t. And the bonus is that all my daughters are sugar free too. Ish. It’s all ish, by the way. Because life is not worth living if we aren’t allowed any treats at all ….. 💕

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:35:55

        I only wish my kids were the same… they are still young (ish) and weaning them off sweet treats is tough!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Osyth
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 20:10:07

        I’m sure you will find the perfect balance …. you strike me as a pretty damned good mummy

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 20:55:08

        Slowly, we’ll get there! 😍 Thank you xx

        Liked by 1 person

      • Osyth
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 21:27:33

        Xoxo

        Liked by 1 person

  35. pranabaxom
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 16:12:05

    Hope you succeed.
    Fighting a lifelong losing battle with weight, I have come to accept that it is much more desirable to live a healthy life than being on a constant diet plan. It’s much more important to control our mouth (what we eat) and our mind (stress).
    Hakuna matata.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  36. pensitivity101
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 13:19:53

    Good luck.
    Like you , some of my weight has gone back on. It started when I was 3 lbs from target and was told not to lose any more for the time being as my tattoos for radiotherapy weren’t lining up. Since then, I’ve put on a stone, but these past four/five months I have remained constant. OK Half a stone heavier than I’d like, but constant nonetheless. All those miles I’m walking don’t seem to be helping me lose weight, but at least they’re keeping it off. I mentioned it to my GP and he said it was a common thing to put it back on and to go back to class. Basically, I can’t afford to now, so I’m watching what I eat, keeping up with the fruit, veg and exercise, and keeping a food diary. Main concerns are currently Hubby who is experiencing serious dietary issues, so we’re trying to sort him out first.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 10, 2018 @ 13:22:36

      Oh no! Sorry that Hubby is experiencing issues… I hope things get sorted out soon for him.
      Yeah, it’s cost for me too at the moment. Too many more pressing things that need money spent on. I tried to follow the SW principles myself, but I think the fact that I wasn’t paying meant I was being too lax on other things. I ate well, but snacked too well, if you know what I mean!
      I’ve bought a few Keto style essentials for now, to see if I can shake the sugar cravings. So far so good…!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • pensitivity101
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 13:25:42

        I got the SW bible out too, and adding plenty of drinking water. I remember what my GP in Poole said though…….to forget dieting as our bodies have their natural weight, so once you find it and remain stable for at least six months, then is the time to start thinking about food habits and dieting. I’m getting there!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 13:27:20

        I think mine is around the 10 stone mark… but I do myself no favours with eating too many sweets, chocolates and crisps. And I am rather partial to a scone too! (Oooh! Must see if I can make Keto Scones! )

        Like

      • pensitivity101
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 13:30:36

        Haven’t had crisps for almost a year, sweets once a month (maybe) but ice-cream is the killer at the minute. Baking a sponge this afternoon to test a theory for Hubby. It’ll last us almost a week, so easily within syn allowance..

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 13:45:09

        I have found that I haven’t been craving too much for anything the last two days. Satisfying niggles with water or fresh peppermint tea has really helped too.
        Still looking for low carb scone recipes! Found a couple. I think I’ll be baking again.
        I made cloud bread today but I think I whisked the egg whites in a bowl with slight greasy residue in it. so they weren’t fluffy buns, but a flat large slice. I cut it into 6 pieces and used two to make a sandwich. It doesn’t taste of bread per se, but was very tasty!

        Liked by 1 person

      • pensitivity101
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 14:45:05

        Good stuff Ritu.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Aug 10, 2018 @ 15:06:40

        🙂

        Like

  37. robbiesinspiration
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 12:21:41

    I am sorry, Ritu, it is sooooo hard to stay on a healthy diet all the time. My sister also struggles. Lucky for me I don’t have a sweet tooth so can avoid many of the temptations others succumb to. Good luck with this new programme.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  38. Losing the Plot
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 11:59:42

    Good luck! I will be thrilled when I eventually hit 11st that will be positively waif like for me LOL!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  39. The V Pub
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 11:20:24

    Keto flu is real…and almost as mad as the dreaded ‘man flu’. A good substitute for rice is white cauliflower. I use it as a substitute and it works great.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 10, 2018 @ 11:24:40

      I’m fighting the flu with lots of water and stuff!
      I quite like caulirice… though I need to perfect using it as a base for crusts or bread!
      Made a cauli slice for a grilled cheese and it ended up a sloppy (but tasty) mess, more like cauliflowr cheese!!! (I didn’t squeeze excess liquid out! D’oh!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  40. Dorinda Duclos
    Aug 10, 2018 @ 11:17:32

    It’s amazing how quickly weight sneaks up on us. I wish you lots of luck! You got this ❤️

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

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