reading – HollyGall

About six weeks ago, my husband and I started cutting our carbs. We were pretty lax about the commitment, choosing to make dinners without bread, rice, pasta or tortillas. We have had a few taco nights with just 1-2 corn tortillas, but for the most part we stopped buying sugar and starch. We both eat lunch out pretty regularly and we’ve been looking for good low carb dining options. Doing well some days and not-so-well others.

One of the biggest helpers with this way of eating has been our investment in an instant pot. There are so many wonderful recipes and I am constantly amazed with how quick and easy it is without sacrificing flavor. It is one of the best purchases I have made for my kitchen. I usually make large portions so I can pack my lunch for work, it takes the temptation out of my midday meal.

At the same time I signed up as a Beach Body coach under my daughter. We have been doing daily workout videos with Beach Body On Demand. Most videos are 30 minutes. Let me tell you, 30 minutes is enough with these crazy trainers! We did 2.5 weeks of 21 Day Fix, then we joined a group and completed a 3 week program called Shift Shop and now we are working on a 7 day program called Shaun Week. They have all kicked our butts. Near the end of Shift Shop I tweaked my knee pretty badly and I’ve had to take it easy a few days. I’m sure once I get back full-force I’ll be so sore! Knowing it’s only half an hour makes it easier to start, though.

At the beginning of the Shift Shop program I took all of my measurements and my weight. I was disappointed to learn I had only lost 3 lbs. Then I retook my measurements and I had lost 17″! That’s crazy, right? In only three weeks? I was encouraged by those numbers. I’m still a long way from my goal, but I think this is working well so far.

I’ve been listening to the audio book called, Keto Clarity, it’s basically the Atkins diet we all love to hate. The thing is, you’re supposed to have high fat, moderate protein and low carb. According to the book, it should be about 20g of carbs per day, 70g of protein and about 140g of fat. It’s so hard for me to wrap my brain around high fat foods, especially with reduced protein. (Think: avocado, coconut oil, heavy whipping cream, butter, cheese, cream cheese.) This way of eating does not allow for cheating. If you eat high fat, then cheat and eat carbs and sugar you’ll gain – big time. Do we have the discipline to give up carbs and sugar cold turkey?! People who are active can have more protein than people who are not, but they recommend adjusting in small increments so you find your personal threshold. The goal is to get my body into Ketosis (burn fat instead of sugar for energy). I ordered some testers to see whether I’ve actually made the Keto conversion. They should arrive from Amazon today. It should be interesting.

I’m so lucky to have a husband and daughter who support me and will eat whatever I eat or whatever I cook. So many of my friends have to make 2 meals and resist eating their kids’ Mac N’ Cheese or whatever. I really only have to make good decisions for me and I still struggle. I’m sure it’s even harder for those moms with families who refuse to make the switch.

I’ve got a ways to go on this journey and I realize it’s a lifestyle, not some get-thin-quick scheme. I’m honestly afraid I will fail, but determined to do my best. If you’re interested follow along with me and I’ll post updates. If you’re on your own journey, I’d love to hear about it. If you’ve been doing this for a while, tell me your tips and tricks. XOXOX