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Before you start a keto diet read my tips. But first, read my easy guide on a ketogenic diet. Is not too long I promise.
Here, I’ve collected the best tips to follow prior to starting. These tips actually, can be followed no matter which diet you are about to follow. Let’s dive in.
Speak with your doctor about the diet you want to follow
You may want to speak with your family doctor first, to see if you have some conditions that are incompatible with a keto lifestyle. Makes sure that your doctor knows enough about keto: there is still a lot of disinformation out there.
Write a grocery list with the things you will need for your first days
You need to plan what to eat, and if you read my guide you won’t have many doubts. Get inspiration from my grocery list and plan your first shopping. My list is always updated.
Clean your kitchen shelves from all the temptations
Chocolates, candies, ice cream, bread, tortillas, spaghetti and so on: you don’t need them.
If you think you are stronger than your cravings you can keep some items, such as pasta packages, and cookies for the times you will welcome guests.
If you live in a family and the other members won’t follow the diet, you have to be strong. Surround yourself with good motivational tricks (before-after pics, keep in the closet one size smaller pair of jeans, think of the face of your friends next summer).
Always keep in mind your goal.
Download a macro tracker app
The best way to make sure you are eating ketogenic is by tracking the macros. Read why and how i track my macros. I use Keto App but FatSecret is also a valid app. You can track the food, get the macro chart, the calories count for every meal and for the day.
Buy a lunch box
If you don’t have a lunch box, this is the moment. Sooner or later you will have to pack your meal for work or for any other occasion. Watch this reel for some inspiration!
Inform your friends about your diet
Don’t be ashamed to communicate to your friends your decision. This is important to make them conscious that you will refuse their next batch of muffins or a glass of beer. Telling them that you are on a special lifestyle, from now on, will push them to make more decisions to embrace your decision.
For example, when long time ago I tried the Dukan diet, and my friends bought some extra eggs for the days I was visiting her house. Friends are assets and they can boost our motivation.
Decide a way to burn extra calories with some exercise
Movement is important to burn some extra fat and accelerate weight loss. If you don’t want to join a gym or a sports club, Youtube is full of workout channels! Just digit the type of workout you desire and you will find a lot of gratis videos.
The idea of a workout is too much? Start, even with the goal to do only 15 minutes. 15 minutes is better than 0 minutes.
Consider investing in a device that tracks the steps you walked, calories burned, and km. Tracking our physical activity is crucial. I used it it for years now, a Fitbit.
Buy a food kitchen scale
Especially in the beginning tracking the food and the amount is important.
I had never weight my food before keto and I was surprised to discover the real weight of the food! If you want to follow a diet to lose weight, the size of the portion matters.
Buy some supplements
A low-carb lifestyle brings our body to lose important minerals and vitamins. Read in my post which supplements make our journey easier.
Know the keto flu
The keto flu is a sequence of symptoms we can experience at the beginning of the keto journey. These symptoms show us that the body is fighting against the new low-carb lifestyle, which is working.
Know your enemy to be prepared to fight it!
Take measurements
One of the best tips I can give you is before you start a keto diet or any diet, take measurements of yourself. If you really commit, in 1-2 months you will see big differences. But believe me, the valley of disappointment is always behind the corner.
Some days you will feel bloated, feel ugly and fat. Don’t let the emotions talk. It is fundamental to have something to keep your motivation high and material proof that you are making big progress.
Don’t check only the number on the scale. Take and write down your cm and check them every month. My favorite way to track the progress is the photos. Photos cannot lie.
Build your hydration routine
Being hydrated it’s fundamental for your health overall. It also supports weight-loss and the aging! So try to drink at least 2-3 liters per day. If you think it’s difficult, it’s not! read my tricks to drink more water effortlessly and build your own routine.
Don’t be a keto Taliban
Be focused and keep your motivation high. If one day you go over your calorie or you cheat, tomorrow is another day.
We are not looking for perfection every day but we are taking small steps to perfect ourselves.
The keto diet, whether you do it for weight loss or for lifestyle, is not a run to win: it’s a marathon where the important thing is to be present and work to achieve the best version of ourselves.
Know some ready meals
knowing easy and fast meals are a huge help to prevent you from cheating. Check my Instagram, you can find a lot of inspiration in my stories and highlights!
I hope my tips will be useful not only before you start a keto diet but even after. Don’t lose motivation, listen to your body, and remember that consistency is the key.
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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