The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can help you lose weight and improve your health. This means that you will be eating fewer carbs and more fat, which can be a challenge for some people. Going on the keto diet means making changes to your lifestyle and how you eat.
However, you must remember that this is not just some fad diet — this is a legitimate way of eating that can offer actual results. So, if you’re thinking of starting the keto diet, here are five key things you need to know to be successful:
1. Get in the Zone
The first step to successfully starting any diet is to get yourself into the right mindset. You need to be prepared to change your lifestyle and eating habits to see results. Always remember that a quitter will never see success.
However, if you’re ready and willing to commit to the keto diet, you’re already on the right track. Of course, if you’re going to subscribe to the keto diet, you need to know what it entails and clear it with your physician to be confident it’s the appropriate diet for you and your health goals.
Once you get the all-clear, the next step is to get into the zone. This means getting rid of all the unhealthy foods in your house and stocking up on keto-friendly foods. This way, you won’t be tempted to cheat on your diet, and you’ll have everything you need to make delicious and nutritious keto meals.
2. Watch What You Eat
Like most medical weight loss programs, what you eat on the keto diet is just as important as how much you eat. You’ll need to track your macros (fat, protein, and carbs) to make sure you’re staying within the dietary guidelines set forth by the keto diet.
An easy way to measure your macros is by using a food scale and food tracker app like MyFitnessPal. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the right amount of each macronutrient, and you can also see how your diet is affecting your weight loss.
You’ll also want to eat plenty of healthy fats, as they are an essential part of the keto diet. This means incorporating foods like avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish into your diet. And as for protein, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting enough of it to support your health goals, but not too much as it can kick you out of ketosis.
3. Drink Plenty of Fluids
You’ll need to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when you’re on the keto diet. This is because when you cut carbs, your body flushes out water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.
To avoid this, be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day, and you can also supplement with electrolytes. This is especially important if you’re working out while on the keto diet, as you’ll need to replace the electrolytes you lose through sweat.
4. Don’t Overdo It
When you first start the keto diet, it’s easy to be so excited about the results you’re seeing that you want to go all out and try to lose as much weight as possible as quickly as you can. However, this is a recipe for disaster.
Not only is it unhealthy to try to lose too much weight too quickly, but it’s also more likely that you’ll regain the weight if you do. So, it’s essential to take a more sustainable approach to weight loss on the keto diet and focus on losing 1-2 pounds per week.
5. Have Fun!
Last but not least, it’s essential to have fun with the keto diet. This doesn’t mean that you can cheat on your diet or go off-plan, but it does mean that you should find ways to enjoy the food you’re eating and the lifestyle you’re living.
For instance, if you have other friends on the keto diet, you could even throw a party where everyone brings their favorite keto-friendly dish. If you can get a final headcount before the day, you could gauge how much ham per person you’ll need to add to the charcuterie board. This way, you can stick to your diet and enjoy yourself simultaneously!
Key Takeaways
Starting the keto diet is no joke. It’s a commitment that takes time, effort, and dedication. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll be rewarded with excellent results. Remember the five keys to success: get in the zone, watch what you eat, drink plenty of fluids, don’t overdo it, and have fun!
By taking all these to heart, you’ll be on your way to a successful keto diet in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on a healthier and happier you today!
