That Fat Boy Slims – The Ketogenic Diet – My Thoughts After Nearly Four Weeks
It seems like just the other week that I embarked on this journey of self improvement. It’s almost four weeks ago now and I can’t imagine living my life any other way now. I am still no expert and I am learning things as I am going along but I figured I would recap some of the major changes, observations and other thoughts over the whole process.
I didn’t realise how many carbs I consumed. I also didn’t realise how much sugar I consumed. Starting keto has been a real eye-opener but, not only that, I have opened my mind to new things. The brain fog I attributed to my anti-depressants has lifted – whether it was the meds or the impact of carbs and sugar on my brain (or possibly both) – I don’t know but my mind feels liberated. I’m getting back into reading and taking an avid interest in things. I’m spending a lot of my free time researching keto and other health related articles as well as hinting for recipes and meal ideas. I’ve said it before but I fucking hate cooking. I’ve never found it enjoyable nor therapeutic but lately I have found myself not only helping my wife but cooking on my own. It does have an element of stress but I have actually enjoyed it. Especially when the food tastes great.
Not only am I more active in the kitchen, I am exercising more and don’t sit down anywhere near as much as I do when I am at home. I do enough sitting in work! I have found my mood to generally be hugely improved upon me before the meds and during. My sense of humour has returned. I’m also doing more with my kids and actually enjoy spending time with them. I know that sounds bad – it’s a known side effect of anti-depressants in that some people would dread coming home and seeing their children. Not because they didn’t love them but because they hated how they felt inside and it felt more toxic being around them than it would be to shy away. The sheer volume of things that these meds can do is mind-boggling and I am so relieved to be off them. This video sheds some more light on that.
I’ve been watching a lot of documentaries too, including Dr Berg as above. I’ve come to realise a huge regret in my life – I wish I had known about this lifestyle sooner. I feel so great about myself that I can’t help but praise the benefits of this lifestyle change – after about two weeks I had done what my anti-depressants couldn’t do in over a year. I’ve lost 20lbs since starting keto and, although the weight loss has slowed down dramatically, I still feel good. I feel all the better for the fact I’m able to get into clothes that I couldn’t previously. A lot of awesome t-shirts from ShirtPunch, Nerd Block and so on – a lot of wasted awesomeness!
On my journey, I have had a number of friends and colleagues take a genuine interest and have started reducing their carb intake and some re looking into going full keto. I’ve said it before but when I talk about keto, I feel like a snake oil salesman in the Wild West trying to tout this miracle elixir. I have nothing to gain by promoting this lifestyle. My blog is free, I’m not selling anything and all I can do is share my story in the hope it inspires others to better themselves too.
In just two weeks I was able to turn myself into a much more productive person. My mind is clearer, my body feels like a vintage machine that’s being brought back in to circulation and I actually feel happy. A few weeks ago I’d often wish I just ceased to exist. Now, I have a new zest for life. I can’t say I’m cured as there is no cure for depression but my mental health has been the best it’s ever been. I’ve felt a little stressed over the last couple of days because of the kids stropping and being naughty but it’s nothing compared to how stressed out I’d get weeks ago. Anxiety has dies down and I haven’t had a disdain for going out the house or felt too self conscious in public. Considering I’m pretty harsh on myself, to praise these changes is a testament to how good and powerful this lifestyle change is.
I said in a previous post about a noticeable change online – the amount of times I’ve promised to post more regularly and then never did was incredible. I’ve gone from that to posting daily for twenty-six days thus far. Yes, there are times where I think I can’t be assed but I get it done. It’s important to me that I keep this journal as a means of accountability. So, while I may do people’s heads in by posting food pics and what-not, it’s something I need to do to keep the drive going.
While I refer to it as the Ketogenic Diet, it’s a lot more than that. I’ve gone from thinking “I can’t have x” to “I don’t want x“. That’s a big thing I’ve noticed with people on diets – they say they can’t have this, that and the other. Indicating that, if they could get away with it, they would have it. A lifestyle change shouldn’t be a chore. While it takes some adjusting, the end should always justify the means because if it doesn’t, then why are you doing it? Instead of thinking what I can’t have, I look at what I know isn’t keto and see if there is a keto version or a way of keto-ising it myself.
Unlike other diets, there are no ‘cheat’ or ‘treat days’. As I said, this isn’t a diet. It’s life. I don’t see the point and I won’t put my body through the torture of having a ‘cheat day’ by gorging on sugar and carbs just to make myself ill by getting back on keto. It’s counter productive and it damages your metabolism. So, no sugar for me and minimal carbs please.
I initially thought this lifestyle change would be expensive (especially with the two of us doing it) but in reality, it’s not. Yes some of the stuff adds up but the majority are jars and tins of stuff that last for ages so the day-to-day is the above-ground veg, meat, cheese and eggs. My plan is to have the whole family keto, but as I’ve posted before, I am researching how to do it so the kids get the right balance and can also incorporate this in their packed lunches to a degree that the school don’t reprimand us for giving them unhealthy lunches (fuck you, Jamie Oliver).
In the meantime, educate before you masticate and check out “Magic Pill” on Netflix as well as “That Sugar Film“, “Fed Up” and more.
As I said, it’s a continuous learning process but it’s enjoyable. And, after all, who doesn’t want to have a diet that allows you to eat kebabs, burgers, cheese and all the other stuff Slimming World and Weight Watchers would shun you for?
I previously used Muscle Food and their amazing deals on meat hampers. I stopped because their meat is low in fat but if you’re not following keto but want to eat great quality meat, grab yourself a great deal and head over here.
Additional supplements such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil etc. we get from Holland & Barrett.
Follow me over at thatfatboyslims on Instagram!
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—The Trying Scotsman has a ‘Don’t Be A Dick’ policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—
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