We all know fad dieting does not work. Planning to change what you eat for a month or two to lose a few pounds is an exercise in insanity. Inevitably, when you return to a Standard American Diet (SAD) laden with sugars and copious amounts processed carbs, you will gain the weight back. You have to permanently change your diet by making a conscious effort to eat foods that promote health and well being 90% of the time. Yes, I know that this easier said than done (but really, isn’t everything?), and you may be thinking, “I’ve heard and tried this before, but sticking to it is hard!” Well, one way to ensure that a healthy way of eating becomes a lifestyle, is by adopting one that’s easy to follow and that you enjoy from day to day. Severe calorie restriction, one-food diets, and low-carb/low-fat diets leave you feeling deprived and hungry. They are not sustainable.
The ketogenic diet, although low carb, promotes eating moderate amounts of protein and healthy fats which leave you feeling full. “Because of its satiating effects and the resulting decrease in hunger, the ketogenic diet can be easier to incorporate into a more permanent lifestyle change.” (Wilson & Lowery, 74)
Below are some strategies I use that keep me on track while eating a ketogenic diet. They may also work for you.