So you've cheated on Keto...or you're thinking about it.
While cheat days are something I don't recommend, I can understand the reasons why people choose to do them.
There are family birthday parties, romantic anniversary getaways, Caribbean cruises...I get it, but if you're someone who wrestles with that urge to cheat and that's something you want to change...read on, hopefully these tips will be helpful for you.
You may not feel a "carb hangover" after cheating on Keto, and if you don't, you're one of the lucky ones. Binge eating carbs, especially after being on Keto for a while, can be bad news for everything from your mental clarity to your digestive system.
Even still, cheating only prolongs your progress. So let's get to the bottom of this.
Disclaimer: I am not a Registered Dietitian, certified fitness instructor, doctor, or health professional. My blog posts are my thoughts, experiences, and successes and may not be recommended for all people. Please consult a doctor or trained professional for specific weight, health, fitness, or mental health counseling.
Don't freak out
The saying goes: Keep Calm and Keto On. It's an important expression because there are a lot of things that can happen, intentionally and on accident, that can make you feel like a failure.
You are not a failure. And you don't have to give up just because you slipped up.
Tomorrow is another day. Drink lots of water, get right back on track, maybe even try a fast. It's going to be okay.
Here's a post I wrote with tips to get you going on keto. These tips can also get you refreshed and refocused.
But we still want to get to the root of the issue.
Figure out what's making you want to cheat
Is it the smell of bread? Do you binge on pizza delivery every time you drink? Or does the chocolate cake just look so good?
You may have to separate yourself from certain vulnerable situations, find replacement foods, or graduate to the next level of will power.
Need help sticking to this way of eating?
Remember your Keto why
Why are you eating a ketogenic diet?
Is it to lose weight?
Are you finally ready to take control of your life and actually be able to run around with your kids?
Do you want greater mental focus and more energy?
No matter what your reason is...
Write it Down!
Write it somewhere you'll see it often, and every time you even think about going back to the old, carby way...remind yourself of why you're doing this. What's in it for you? What's in it for your family? What is your ultimate goal?
To me, this is what Keto is all about:
Change your relationship with food
When I learned about the Keto diet, it turned everything I thought I knew about food and nutrition completely on its head. I thought my body NEEDED a bunch of carbs to function.
I used to run on the treadmill just so I could eat half a pizza later. Come on, I know you've done that too.
Keto has completely changed my relationship food and shifted my thinking from living to eat to eating to live.
It's even a little annoying sometimes, to be honest, when I go to the grocery store and only see food in terms of carbs, protein and fat...but even still I'm so glad I have the knowledge, and know the truth.
If you allow Keto to change your relationship with food, soak up all the knowledge you can, and regularly practice habits like reading nutrition labels, checking the ingredients of your food BEFORE you buy it, and tracking your macros, I think you'll be amazed at how less likely you are to cheat on Keto, and how much your life will change.
For more reading on keto cheating, check out my recent post: 5 Ways to Cheat On Keto!