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After many months of low-carb cycling I decided to say goodbye to keto for good, and keep embracing this new balance that allows me to enjoy everything in moderation, within my daily calorie limits, while staying true to my macro goals.
I started keto in 2020 and I was so obsessed with it that I opened THIS BLOG.
Keto allowed me to lose 20 kilos, find a new love for me and my fitness journey, and freed me from constant hunger pangs.
However, between 2023 and 2024, I found myself struggling with the rigidities of keto.
I was stuck at the same weight for months, with low gym performance and no visible muscle growth.
Keto Yes, Keto Nope
2024 turned into a rollercoaster.
In March, I tried a low-carb approach but without a clear plan, it yielded no results.
I returned to keto in May, but by August, I felt something was missing.
So, I decided to try Carb cycling, hoping a shift might finally shake things up.
Lessons Learned
In my first attempt at leaving keto, I’d simply added carbs on top of my high-fat meals—without tracking calories or macros. Unsurprisingly, this backfired.
High fats + carbs + no tracking = chaos.
A New Approach
In August, I committed to a balanced lifestyle for real. I upgraded to the pro version of MyFitnessPal, set a clear daily calorie target, and defined my macros at 50-30-20 (carbs-fat-protein).
I wasn’t looking for quick, dramatic results—just a sense of well-being and consistency.
I expected to gain weight initially while adjusting to carbs again, but tracking every meal and macros revealed a pleasant surprise: I started losing weight in a steady, satisfying way.
Benefits
Weight Loss: I’ve lost a bit more than 2 kilos in the first month – and now I am losing slow and steady.
I am feeling energetic and fueled! After years of keto, I honestly can’t believe I can enjoy ALL THIS food, reintroducing carbs without gaining weight.
Gym Gains: My energy at the gym has multiplied. I’m lifting more than I did while on keto, hitting new PRs, and getting more reps, even with my upper body, which has always been my weakness.
I feel more defined and I can finally notice some new gains.
Consistent Energy Levels: My energy levels are great, honestly. I feel so much better throughout the day. I don’t need keto to feel energetic.
No More Hunger Pangs: The thing I feared most was the hunger pangs—the main reason I started keto in the first place. I only felt them twice at the beginning of carb cycling, but once I got to know my body and the food I needed daily, hunger hasn’t been an issue.
Progress Pics
Progress may be slower, but it’s steady—especially with a few extra treats along the way!
On the left: July 2024, still fully dedicated to keto.
On the right: October 2024, three months into my balanced approach.
It’s not a sprint, it’s a Marathon
Months into this balanced approach, my progress has been slow but steady, and I’m seeing real, lasting changes. Some days, I eat with discipline; on others, I indulge a bit.
But the pressure to “cheat” is gone because I know I can enjoy anything in moderation. I don’t feel bloated, I have no hunger pangs, and tracking is actually enjoyable—it shows me that a well-balanced life offers more than restriction ever could.
And surprisingly, I feel more defined now than I ever was on keto.
Life has truly changed, and I couldn’t be happier.
Keep you posted!
Ciao!
All my updates and daily life on Instagram.
Hi, I’m Simona! After experiencing the restrictions of keto, I’m now enjoying a balanced diet that brings freedom and happiness to my eating habits.
You find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and sometimes on Facebook.
I also write a lot of keto recipes on my Italian blog keto-with-simona.
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