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Yes I am back on keto! As you know, for 3 months I quit keto – and I thought it was for good.
All was good, I was enjoying my carbs, until I realised I missed keto.
Why I am back on Keto
During my break, I enjoyed a lighter approach to eating. However, I found myself missing the clear structure and satisfaction of Keto.
After a brief, enthusiastic phase, carbs were no longer serving me well.
- I wasn’t particularly hungrier, but I often woke up in the middle of the night feeling starved.
- Carbs weren’t effectively supporting my fitness goals, and I struggled lifting extra weights as I had wished.
- Also, I missed the comfort zone that keto gave me. On keto, I know exactly what I can and cannot eat. During the break, I felt confused and unsure about foods and portions.
Eating keto feels very natural to me, and one day I just decided: I will be back on keto again.
Recap of My Keto Break
Overall, I am glad I had a break from keto, because now I am more enthusiastic than ever. I also believe that leaving ketosis from time to time is a good thing to not let our body get used to the lifestyle.
How I introduced carbs
I decided to introduce carbs slowly, to not shock my body after years of keto.
I introduced small portions, 50 grams per meal, mostly at lunch, sometimes for breakfast and rarely in the evening.
I keto meal prepped and added carbs, between 1 and 3 small portions of carbs per day.
Which Carbs I was eating
My focus was still on high-protein foods. But I bought also a few products that were in my banned list for 3 years.
The carbs I introduced the most were: rice, legumes, and rice crackers.
Occasionally, also foods like bananas, pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cereals.
I allowed myself a free meal per week – sometimes more than one per week. I had pizza, fries, burgers, real ice-cream, and fried Dutch food. Yes, this break was good to satisfy my sweet & savoury tooth.
Pros of reintroducing carbs
- My mood was happier, but only at the beginning: it lasted for one week.
- I cheated less than in my last stages on keto, but then started to go overboard again.
- If I ate junk food, I didn’t feel as guilty as I did while on keto.
- If I ate junk food, I didn’t gain weight as I did while on keto.
- I felt the weight loss was happening, slowly, but surely.
Cons of reintroducing carbs
- I was consuming more sugar because I didn’t have prohibited foods.
- Weight loss was slower.
- I felt bloated after every meal with carbs.
- I often woke up starving around 3 a.m.
- Carbs didn’t help me reach my fitness goals as I thought.
- I was still battling the demons of keto, checking carb labels, seeking keto foods, and craving fats.
Conclusions
I am glad I had the courage to step out of keto and then return. This break was necessary to pause and reflect on where my needs lay. It was also great to allow myself a few free meals, and enjoy again all the food that usually I cannot have while on keto.
Balance remains at the top of my priority list.
Whenever I feel the need for a break, I won’t hesitate—nor feel guilty—to indulge in carbs, like my beloved Aperol Spritz on a sunny day.
If you feel stuck on keto or any diet, consider taking a break as well. After this break, I feel myself stronger and more motivated.
Feel free to ask me questions below in the comment or 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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