New Year, Keep Going

It's a new year and I am ready to move into a new phase with my weight loss journey. I have been at this for almost 2 years and I have learned a lot.

During my first year (2018), I was 100% committed, never cheated, ever. I weighed, measured and tracked everything I ate and I did not work out all that much, AND I lost 85 pounds. In 2019 (year 2 on keto), I dialed back the effort. I ate keto the majority of the time about 90% but I didn't track or measure my food and I ate non-keto on vacations, holiday, birthdays, etc. What this showed me was that I can maintain my weight loss, even when I cheat a few times a year, as long as I return a low carb eating lifestyle the majority of the time. In year 2, I also incorporated running and regular workouts; which really helped with improved body composition.

During the the last month of 2019, I only followed about 50% of the time. This was an active choice, a break from Keto that I thought I wanted. I do have some regrets, like now needing to re-lose 15 pounds! Yep, I gained 15 pounds in 1 month. And it could have been so much worse if I hadn't worked out 5 days a week! What did I learn from this 'break'?? Well first, I learned that I definitely have an unhealthy relationship with carbs and Keto helps me keep that in check. Second, I learned that I do not feel well - physically or mentally - when I am fueling up on carbs. I felt bloated and fat, unhealthy. So, my suggestion to myself...it's okay to cheat on A meal, but not repeatedly, for a month.

I designated today, January 2, 2020, as my keto re-boot. I am re-starting on Keto like I did the very first time I started Keto on January 31, 2018. I fasted for 18 hours and then weighed, measured and tracked all my food. That is my recipe for success.

I am aiming to lose a total of 100 pounds. I now have 30 pounds to go (I was down to 15 before my little holiday bender!!). Let's just see how quick this can happen this time around!! Two years ago, it took 3 months.

My macros are as follows:

1300 daily calories

25 grams NET Carbs

80 grams of Fat

116 grams of Protein

I track all of this on the "My Fitness Pal" app.

I am also committing to do a daily food-related video. It could be cooking, or meal prepping, shopping, or dining.

2020 will be my 3rd year on Keto and I plan on making this my best year ever.