With so many articles and studies across the internet around the low carb, keto lifestyle, it can feel overwhelming for those thinking of making the transition to the clean eating lifestyle.
I know first-hand how daunting it can be which is why as someone who has been through it, I am on a mission to make it as simple and easily accessible as possible for everybody.
So, what are the need-to-know things before beginning your low carb, keto journey?
My first, and most important, tip is to not become obsessed with the scales. When we change our diet, it can be easy to slip into a habit of weighing ourselves every week or even every day to see if we can notice any change.
Try and break this habit before you even begin as it’ll give you the best chance of success.
The transition to a low-carb, keto way of eating should be seen as a lifestyle change. It is not a restrictive diet and results don’t happen overnight.
Not only this, the benefits of this lifestyle are not only weight-focused, but they are also internal physical changes including improved gut health, better sleeping habits and positive mental health changes too. It’s equally, if not more, important to celebrate all the non-scale victories on your journey.
Secondly, I always advise everybody thinking of beginning the low carb, keto journey to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks initially.
These initial 12 weeks are so important and give your body the best chance of getting into optimal fat-burning condition. After this time, you can make the decision on how you continue eating, whether this be staying ‘keto’ or moving more into a low-carb lifestyle.
You may experience constipation initially but remember, this is just your body adjusting to the new way of eating. Apple cider vinegar in the morning and some chai or flaxseeds in a smoothie or Greek yogurt will help to get things moving again.
Remember, this isn’t a ‘diet’. If you are hungry, eat and when you feel full, just stop. It’s equally important to not starve yourself as it is to not overeat.
The first couple of weeks may not feel easy (the best things never do) but trust me, the benefits on a physical and mental level are so worth it.
Try and plan your meals ahead and ensure you have a stocked fridge and cupboard to help avoid temptation.
One of my favourite meals is spaghetti Bolognese and this can be easily adapted for a low carb, keto alternative:
Ingredients:
450g of ground beef.
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon erythritol
1 fresh bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 slices bacon
1 medium sized onion
½ organic chicken bouillon cube
120ml water
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
60ml of heavy cream
1 clove garlic finely chopped
2 packs of either Bare Naked Noodles or Palmini Angel Hair Pasta.
Basil to Garnish
Method:
- Start by finely chopping your onion. Heat up a saucepan on medium heat and add olive oil along with your chopped onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add your ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, make sure that you break your ground beef into crumble while it’s cooking.
- Once your beef has browned (after five minutes of cooking), add your tomato paste, erythritol, bay leaf, half chicken bouillon cube, water, paprika, salt and garlic. Stir and let your sauce cook for 7-8 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Add your heavy cream and lower the heat to low. Let your sauce gently simmer for 20 minutes or until it reduces to the consistency you like (I personally like my sauce a little thicker than most).
- Drain your Bare Naked noodles from water and microwave for 4 minutes. Serve with your bolognese sauce, Basil to garnish and a little drizzle of olive oil.
- The most important step…Enjoy!
To find out more please do head over to Heylo – https://weareheylo.com/