What I Learned in 6 Months of Keto

I’m still giddy with joy as I write this post. Six months just flew by and I woke up lighter, not just physically but in spirits as well. It’s a beautiful thing, this intuitive connection I’ve developed with my body. It didn’t happen overnight, but it came with nuggets of wisdom that I’d like to share with you.

Patience is a Virtue

Not everyone will have the same progress in Keto. We all start out differently, from our start weight, body fat percentage, physical activity, medical history, up to our commitment and discipline. Some people lose a lot the first month then stall. Some lose a little at first, then see NSVs by month two. You won’t see that if you don’t stick around long enough. Weight loss is not a race. It’s a journey.

Nothing is Constant

There will be months when the weight will just fall off, and it will feel like you’re winning in life. Then there are days when progress halts and it leaves you with a lot of doubt. Don’t worry. Stalls happen. If anything, it’s the best time to assess what you’re doing right or wrong. Sometimes, the scale won’t move but NSVs are everywhere. So don’t lose hope. Analyze and adjust.

Celebrate Non Scale Victories

Obsessing isn’t healthy. Regular scales can’t tell fat and muscles apart. So try not to stress too much on numbers and focus on the bigger picture. My favorite NSV so far is fitting into size 13-14 yo. at H&M. I’m at my lowest weight since college. I can now fit into UK Size 8-10 blouses and none of my old clothes fit anymore. I can even wrap my towel around my body! People send me messages online telling me that I’ve lost a ton of weight. Celebrate those victories. Savor them.

There’s More Than One Way to Skin a Fish

There’s also more than one approach to Keto. When I started out, I was hardcore SKD, but along the way, I eased up and explored Lazy Keto, Dirty Keto, Keto + IF and Keto Egg Fasting. I learned a lot about my body because of these experiments and compared how my body reacts to different approaches. It’s about finding a balance that works and feels most natural.

It’s Not Just About Keto

If we’re going to be technical about it, anything can be Keto-friendly if you can manage to stay under 20g net carbs, but that doesn’t mean I should eat it with full gusto. I learned to eat in moderation and consideration. I still follow the Standard Keto Diet but I’ve modified my approach to address my PCOS condition, not just weight loss. So aside for sugar and carbs, I also limit the use of soy derivatives and hydrogenated oils.

My Body, My Rules

I am open to learning more about my body, but I will not tolerate negativity from people. I am not obliged to explain what I eat and why I eat this way. I don’t have the time to pacify negatrons, I’m too busy losing weight. I did my research and I am a grown-ass adult who understands how her body works.

Keto Works

It’s a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. It was the only thing that worked for me. I didn’t just lose I lost weight, I also gained a lot of self-discipline and self-respect along the way. Keto works, if you work with it.

Let Your Progress Speak for Itself

If people ask me how I lost weight, I tell them. But I also know that Keto is not for everyone, so I don’t force people to like Keto. I don’t post my story to convert people to Keto, I post because Keto makes me happy and I love sharing what I’ve learned.

So what’s in store for Pinay Keto? Well, more posts. More learnings! I’m so inspired to learn more about my body and Keto. I also want to explore working out and weight lifting because I want to see what I can achieve with this healthier body. Here’s to the next chapter!