One Year on Keto, What Has Changed?

A year ago in August I began to follow the Keto diet. So, a year later, what has changed? Probably more importantly I ask myself, what have I learned?

After a year of making changes in my food choices and increasing my exercise, I can say that I feel much better than I did last year in August.

Today, my blood pressure is not perfect but it is lower. My body is less puffy and bloated, which I only realized when the “stuffed potato” feeling was gone!

I no longer have any heartburn and I sleep much better during the night. Even my hot flashes are fewer.

Am I skinny? No. Have I lost weight? Yes. I don’t have a scale so I am not sure how much I’ve lost, but it’s not a whole lot. I’d guess around ten pounds.

An important aspect of this lifestyle is that my outlook and attitude is calmer and more peaceful.

I do not miss eating bread, but every now and then I have a piece of homemade bread toasted with almond butter as a treat. I bake my own bread, and slice and freeze it for just such an occasion.

Which brings me to my new realization: I may not be a total Keto follower. I stray over to the Paleo way of life sometimes (although they don’t eat bread either).

I believe in eating fruit more than Keto allows for. I also agree that natural sugars such as honey and maple syrup – the real kind from the tree – can have beneficial minerals and nutrients. And I still eat the occasional carrots, potato, and sweet potato.

On the other hand, Paleo followers do not eat dairy at all. I do like cheese and yogurt occasionally. I don’t load up on cheese as many Keto Recipes will advise, and that was a mistake I made in the beginning, but I do enjoy some dairy – full fat yogurt, sharp cheddar cheese.

In general, I believe that a wide variety of food is necessary for overall health and well-being. I can still remain in ketosis for the most part, but some days I do go over the suggested carb limit. I DO NOT count carbs. I’m trying to eat to help my kidneys, by eating kidney friendly, and that is my number one goal.

Read Paleo vs. Keto: What’s the Difference?

Fasting, or IF (Intermittent Fasting)

From the first time I learned about intermittent fasting and it’s good effects on the body, I was onboard. All I have to do is …. nothing… do not eat. I can truthfully say that this has been the easiest part of my dietary and lifestyle changes.

I do sometimes get hungry while I fast each morning. Usually by noontime I am ready to eat! But it’s not unbearable, and when I think about the good it is doing, I am encouraged to wait the few hours it takes to finish my fast.

I still have not done a longer fast, but it’s on my list to accomplish.

Exercise

As far as exercise goes, I still struggle with getting regular heart-pumping exercise.

I went on a trip to New Hampshire where I began walking almost every day. What a beautiful place to walk! When I got back home to Florida I kept walking and was regularly walking every morning, even when the humidity soared in June and July. I got out early and sweated my way through my 1.3 mile journey.

Then, in August – just two weeks ago – I hurt my neck. I was in such pain for days that I gave up any thoughts of walking or moving fast. That threw me off my exercise cycle and now I have to get back on.

As someone older, I bounce back slowly. I know this. I will get back to it and I will keep my blood pressure down and my weight off. I’ve seen good results from following my Keto / Paleo diet plan and I am healthier because of it.

Here’s to another year of finding health in eating good, natural foods.

Thanks to Pixabay for the images on this page.