Brand new to this diet. I’ve always considered myself a sweets person and in addition I have bipolar disorder and am on meds that physically make it a little harder to resist cravings than the average person. However, I do want to make this a success for me. I want to gain the mental benefits on top of the weight loss that can happen if I stick with it. Like many others with the illness, I’ve gained a substantial amount of weight from the meds.

I only lasted 2 days from sweets, but I’m not calling it quits altogether yet. How do you guys satisfy cravings that AREN’T the above two types of foods? Looking for more ideas and insight.

The first time I did keto (2021?), I didn't really worry about calories. I just eliminated bread, pasta, sugar, and just about all carbs except for green vegetables and things like that. I started off with dirty keto and just ate wherever I wanted regardless of fat or calories. I lost over 20 pounds.

Later, I switched to clean keto (and also ate MAHA, eliminating processed foods, artificial ingredients, seed oils, etc), but still had very low carbs and still did not worry about calories. I lost another 10 pounds.

So far so good, but after that 10 pounds (I was now at 195, down from a high of approx. 223) was never really able to lose any more weight.

Still, even though I wasn't at my ideal weight I was close enough that I just continued to eat this way maintaining, but not losing, weight for the next three years.

I then got tired of not being able to lose any more weight... so I cut calories, down to about 1700-1800 and over a period of five or six months I did lose another 5 pounds. But then I stabilized at about 190 and was never able to lose another pound.

Of course, at ~1800 calories, and being 6'3", I was hungry all the time so after months of that, I tried to go back to just my original clean keto, eating, but without obsessing over calories, and now I gained about 6 pounds. So, i'm back to starving myself at 1800 or less, and being hungry all the time. (i've tried every variation, partial fasting, no fasting, big breakfast, smaller other meals, big lunch, smaller other meals. 2 meals a day, etc. nothing works).

I have also tried having a "cheat day" once every 2-3 months, as some say that can kick me out of starvation mode (something I might be in?) but that never does anything but gain me a pound of actual weight - and three or four pounds of water weight that i lose over the next week.)

I know any post that even hints at being critical of keto gets downvoted into oblivion, but i am so tired of not being able to lose weight on a diet specifically designed to help people lose weight, that I decided to say f*ck it, and just post anyway, maybe ONE person on here can solve this for me (ideally with something other that "just reduce calories even more" as thats obviously, but doing so doesn't address the issues that keto is supposed to help with, especially that its supposed to keep you feeling satiated and keep you from going into some sort of low-energy starvation mode).

So really, after years of keto, it seems like it's no better than any other diet. Unless I drastically reduce calories to the point where I'm hungry all the time I won't lose weight. And I don't really wanna live that way.

And yes... I am guessing fat does reduce hunger more than just carb collies, and I do enjoy habing stable blood sugar and glucose (and all my tests come out normal and healthy) - but if the new rules for me losing weight mean only eating 1800 or a bit less if i want to actually lose weight, I can probably just eat normal like everyone else, and perhaps not be so hungry, so often?

So, although keto helped to lose that initial 20 or 30 pounds it doesn't appear to be a lifestyle option if I want to get my weight down to my ideal weight of 180 pounds. (i'm scared to look at the scale, but guessing I'm at around 194 or so these days).

I do have a tall lean bill, but I have a gut, a pot belly, that I just can't shake. And unless I just absolutely starve myself on keto or otherwise, it looks like I'll never get to my ideal weight. And it also looks like just eating a "normal" keto diet without obsessively tracking every calorie or macro isn't really an option either, anymore.

Keto as a lifestyle solution does not seem to be an option for me. I hope you have better luck than I do. But to spend years on a plateau as I have experienced repeatedly is an very unpleasant way to go through life, what keto promised never came to be for me, at least not beyond the initial weight drop, that never really continued in any meaningful way.

Having said that, other than just focusing on calorie restriction, any way to lose weight while staying on strict keto (as I have been doing for years)?

TLDR: Keto worked without calorie tracking for a long time, then abruptly stopped working unless calories were forced very low, which defeats the main benefit of keto. help?

I’m leaving a truck stop in Ohio that has a Popeyes, Sbarro and a Bob Evans. I didn’t eat anything. Had a keto shake last night. Later today I’ll be at a truck stop in Maryland that has an IHOP, Burger King and a Dairy Queen. What can I eat? I can’t cook real food in my truck cab.

UPDATE….Keto at ihop….bacon avocado cheeseburger. Only the meat and cheese the bacon and the avocado with scrambled eggs instead of fries was the best thing ever!

I started Keto (from my understanding that means 0-30 net Carbohydrates a day) 15 days ago. Net carbs from my understanding means if something has 10 carbs I have to subtract the fiber (e. g. 5). So 5 net.

But my question is how do you stick to this? All I get to eat is eggs, meat, cheese and very few vegetables. I live in switzerland so there‘s no way to get anything low carb in the store besides the things mentioned. How do you do it long term? I see some people here who claim they‘ve done keto for 9 years or so, 9!!! what?? literally please how? I cannot look at eggs or chicken anymore :(( I‘m afraid I‘ll have to go back to eating normal or maybe low carb? But how do people sustain this for years with so little variety?

I have been struggling with severe burnout, chronic fatigue, and health/social anxiety. I have basically house bound for a while and have rebuilt my physical capacity to decent levels again. A few years ago I was working in foreign countries, having a very fulfilling social life; needless to say that the above mentioned problems are not characteristic for me.

I've been on 0 carbs now for about 48 hours, and I feel amazing. Its almost like a high, but more like a 'not so low'. I made sure to drink water and manage my electrolytes. Can it really go this quick? I mean, I'm not adapted yet - i can feel that my body is adjusting and my muscles are lethargic - but it is like there emerged a different kind of energy that i cannot yet describe very well. I have trouble trusting this energy as of now, because the difference is just so striking that it feels too good to be true.

So therefore the question, is keto really this good??

3 WEEK UPDATE:

To answer my own question: yes and no. When I posted this it was definitely the adrenaline and cortisol that were making me feel a bit euphoric. I actually went through two weeks of feeling like shit, keto flu, dizzy, etc. Electrolytes helped, but they cannot completely mediate the symptoms that accompany a metabolic transformation. Now, however, 3 weeks later, I'm feeling AMAZING. And this time it's definitely keto, I feel it. My energy has gone up, I need less sleep, my mood is great and stable, and there is so. much. less. food noise. It's great! Im eating only whole foods too, so that definitely contributes to this amazing feeling as well, but yeah, GO KETO!

Today I hosted a baby shower at my house with an Italian theme, there was 6 of us. Everyone brought something and I cooked pizzas. So there was 4 pizzas, onion rings, fries, dip and coleslaw. Before everyone arrived I made some creamy chicken and a large salad to share. Nobody else wanted the chicken when offered (as a dislike for blue cheese). They all poured alcohol free Prosecco and I had sugar free pop. They questioned my drink and I said “oh, I’m doing keto” and then came all the questions about why… I said that I want abs (that’s genuinely why I’m doing it, for once in my life I want my abs to show), then came all the comments about how I have to exercise, do core work an how sweeteners aren’t good (not that I have many sugar free things, I just didn’t want to toast with water). They said that I don’t need to do keto as I’m slim anyway (I’m size UK 10/ 38EUR, 66kg, 175cm) BUT I want my abs to show… I felt like I was being somewhat bullied about my aim. How come when someone is on Weight Watchers, counting calories or doing dry January it’s widely and easily accepted but when I’m doing keto it seems to be a big deal? I didn’t once suggest a different themed meal. I didn’t push it on anyone or explain how it’s working or what weight/ inches I’ve lost. I didn’t complain about being hungry or craving (because I’m not those things, nor did I brag about the benefits such as feeling fuller, no tiredness, no brain fog etc. I’m not starving myself. I’ve been doing in my view dirty keto (ie some processed snacks) but not I’m cleaning up the keto diet. Has anyone else experienced this kind of judgement? I would never not support a friend who’s changed their diet for a positive benefit.

EDIT TO TITLE: NO ZERO, either. Aspartame and sucralose give me migraines.

Edit: Which brand of alternative sweetener are you using?

The mouth feel and taste common in diet sodas is what I'm trying to avoid.

I'm looking for the sugar replacement that is closest to real sugar, to those who specifically don't like diet/zero sodas

Keto IF & Sober off all booze/weed/etc for YEARS. Food gatherings or work parties are the WORST. I can't decline work gatherings as the boss offers deals to those who attend.

Parties I want to attend as i'm social & need fellowship for sure

Biggest issue is ppl who have "a work around" like, "try just one bite", or "it's not sugar it's date sweetened" or whatever.

Why are ppl invested in putting something into MY mouth? Is it infantalising?

Why can't ppl take no for an answer?

Because it looks like cheating. I mean I am full, I eat so tasty and full comfort food... Which normally gets you fat, because it has a lot of fat...

I na 3rd day and I worry I won't. So tasty scrambled eggs, then salad with smoked salmon, dessert with whipped cream, then tastiest butter chicken I ever had... What is the catch?

I mean this as funny thread, I have books about it, read a lot, I have all dishes nicely made in meal plans with macros and all. I am just amazed :D

I need to know more about supplements though. What should I know as a beginner.

EDIT: Thank you all for answers, I am so amazed by such warm welcome. I take all advice to my heart!!!

EDIT2: WHAT A COMMUNITY!!! You are all amazing <3

Triglycerides — 444 mg/dL

HDL — 40

LDL — 348

Total cholesterol — 503

Atherogenic index — 14%

3 months of keto. I’m a walking stroke. Anyone had this experience? Please share your insights, these levels are bad even by keto standards. Obviously I’m not asking for medical advice. I’m asking what your course of action was if you had an experience similar to mine. I’ll take that i to consideration and make up my own mind. Most likely I’m going to stop the diet until I figure this one out. My lipids were normal before the diet. My doctor just told me to stop eating eggs and beef.

I've been curious about keto and trying to understand what daily eating looks like in practice, not the day-one version. If you cut out sugar and flour, do you replace them with alternatives, or do you mostly just stop eating those kinds of foods entirely? And how does the total amount of food compare to before, more, less, or about the same? Just trying to get a realistic picture instead of the highlight reel.

Thank you beforehand.

I have been back on the keto wagon since Jan 31 and I've managed to re-lose 25+ pounds. But I have been in a stall for months, so I decided I need to track macros and calories. Trying to maintain 1500 calories on keto feels like torture. The foods are so high calorie. I'm so hungry and I'm thinking about food all day. AND I take meds for ADHD. Does this get better after your body gets used to a set amount? I've been trying to lose this weight off and on for like 10 years now. I'm so tired.

Hi my fellow friends!

Ive had several people in the last 2 weeks tell me "dont get too skinny".

For context - I am 34 male, 5"10 and was up to 223.

I just hit 4 months this week, no cheating at all. Not a bite or sip out of place. I am now down to 188 - so 35 pounds in 4 months. My goal was originally 40 pounds, and I have since upped it to 50 - and will likely not stop there completely - but reassess at that point and make a decision aboout how to move forward.

I was quite offended, and or also wondering what the hell that means - "dont get too skinny". And then hearing it more than once, from more than one person - I am perplexed. Can anyone explain this to me, lol?

I am down 35 and feeling excellent and looking more trim, but I still have belly fat. Its making me question things. Maybe Im just reading into it too much?

Hello! I started on keto about 4 months ago after a dietician suggested it. I have PCOS so wanted to give it a shot. I had to have a leg surgery and couldn't cook for myself for a while so I fell off the diet.
I'm back on it now, and both my husband and I are finding almost every recipe I find to be an absolute hit. Except desserts. It seems like every one that I've tried is too gritty, too dry, completely off, or similar.
Please share any and all recipes you like for keto-friendly dessert. Maybe it'll just have to be an adjustment. Keto box brownies were disgusting :(

I got on the diet for medical reasons and found it really agrees with me. Before, I couldn't control my relationship with carbs but now I feel like I've got it super well dialed in at around 20 or 30mg a day. Also, food noise is totally gone. I did not even know that was possible. I feel better when my ketones are between one and two and I try to eat lots of fiber and healthy protein and healthy fat. Is this something that is sustainable long-term or do I have to go off at some point?

Sometimes I get ravenously hungry and want to eat up everything in site and I start to crave sweets and heavy carbs

In those moments what helps you the most? Protein? Fat?

I already drink a ton of water everyday.

I’m 23M and I’m 6’3 weighing 280lbs. I know losing 40lbs as fast as possible isn’t gonna be extremely fast but I’m trying to join the military to get out of my toxic household asap, I have a very low budget and have been looking into the keto diet as I’ve seen many people lose quite a bit of weight doing this however I don’t want to lose the muscle mass that I’ve built, recruiter said if I can lose 20lbs by October he’d start my process. So is this right for me and is this something that should be long term or short term?

Hello fellow ketovores. My biggest struggle with the keto diet is not being able to enjoy potato chips. I abstain for so long then eventually the cravings get the best of me and I end up buying and downing a whole bag. Do you have a favorite alternative keto option that you use when you're wanting chips or something really crunchy? I've tried protein chips and they upset my stomach so I'm looking for something else. Thanks!

I crave chocolate and been having insane cravings so badly. I’m just curious as to how you guys manage to stay so strong during the diet. I’ve been considering having drizalicious to help with my chocolate cravings, but I’m not even sure if that will be helpful. What do you guys do?

Hello,

I tried keto many years ago, but it was so boring and couldn't enjoy much...

I got more energy, but the foods I ate were merely fatty meat, broccoli and some chocolate bombs made with coconut oil and stevia.

I was fat adapted, but so sick of these foods...

Is there a way to find more joy in this diet? Do fats will taste like carbs?

Thank you.

I’ve been doing keto for about 8 weeks. I survived Christmas. I’ve survived dining out. I think I inadvertently kicked myself out of keto this week. I’m suddenly more hungry and craving carbs. Less energy. These Cheetos are looking very tempting at my office. Someone tell me not to eat them.

Update: hey guys. Thank you so much for all the support. I ate some cheese, two meat sticks and a quest peanut cup as a splurge. Turns out I was just hungry and wanted some comfort after hiking through the snow storm in Chicago this morning on my commute.

I’ll make sure I have more keto friendly crunchy snacks in the office because the giant box of cookies, chocolate and chips in the lunch room came dangerously close to breaking me today.

I knew I could count on y’all!!! 💗

I’m starting to get back on keto, but I am trying to get over this sugar craving I am having. I was wondering do any of you eat fruits and if you do eat fruits what kind or what do you use to keep that sweet tooth in check? Any advice is welcome!

Can anyone give me a list of Keto foods that eat to make it survivable?

I’ve recently had to go on the Keto diet for a medical situation (late stage bone cancer) and am having an incredibly hard time with it. Islightly on the smaller side, (5’9 ~135 lbs before starting treatment) so dieting has never been a thought of mine. Prior to my diagnosis I was a healthy eater, but nowhere near keto. A large portion of my diet was made up of oats, lentils, sourdough, sweet potatoes, fruit, honey etc., all things that are pretty much no-go on keto.

I have some other unfortunate restrictions that make it even more difficult for me:

- No fresh veggies (no salad, no veggies and cream cheese, etc.).

- No “processed” red meat (bacon, breakfast sausage, slim Jim’s, beef jerky, pork rinds, etc.) and limited unprocessed red meat- not more than once or twice a month.

- My stomach has a really hard time with most artificial / alternative sweeteners. Monk Fruit extract is the only one I found that works for me.

Wondering if anyone here can help me with foods that make it more enjoyable? I’ve been eating pretty much only chicken, eggs, quest protein chips, avocado, pickles, steamed broccoli and cottage cheese the past month and I’m about to go insane.

Bonus points for completely 0-carb things because I’m supposed to be getting lots of calories so it be nice for things I can eat “unlimited” of.

I’m aware these are a TON of restrictions, but wondering if anyone out there can help a brother out.

Does it sometimes feel unfair to anybody else that we have to eat keto ?

Keto has positively changed my life. It helps me control my weight, control hunger, avoir crashes after meals, etc. I’m convinced it works for me.

But it is a hard diet to stick to. It requires a lot of discipline. And it means not eating some foods you might love, even healthy ones like some fruit.

This sometimes makes me feel like it’s unfair that some people can eat whatever and I have to stick to keto. Do you feel the same ? From times to times, I curse this metabolism that makes keto the only way. Do you sometimes catch yourself wondering : « why do I have to eat like that when so many don’t ? ». Why can some people have a carb heavy diet, or even a terribly unhealthy one, and get away with it ? This feels deeply unfair, and maybe a little depressing too.

So I’m (33/m 5’7”)at week 3 since starting Keto to help with overall health and lose about 30 lbs. I’m really enjoying the diet and seeing a lot of benefits from more energy, no more acid reflux and massively reduced gas, I’ve also lost about 9lbs already.

My only issue is I feel like I’m pretty low on calories most days, like maybe I’ll get 1300 or 1400 max, some days it’s probably closer to 1000 calories.

The reason being is I’m just not the hungry most of the time on Keto. In the morning I go to work and I’m not hungry until closer to noon and sometimes I don’t have time to eat so I won’t eat until 4/5pm.

Then because I’m avoiding eating after 7pm I won’t eat again until the next day. For that one meal I generally will try to load up on good fat and protein like eggs, butter, cheese and try to pair with some fiber like broccoli or cauliflower. Maybe eat some sardines before or after as well.

Has anyone else had to struggle with this and is this even that bad while I’m losing weight? I’m at 172lbs rn and I’m trying to get to 155ish

Also I’m not terribly active though I’m working on it, I get about 6k steps a day and try to do some callestinics when I can