After experiencing the highs and lows of the keto diet, I have shifted my focus toward counting macros to help me lose weight, while fostering a healthier relationship with food.
My initial venture into the keto diet yielded impressive results. In just 14 months, I shed 130 pounds, all while indulging in bacon and other high-fat foods. It seemed like a sustainable path to weight loss at the time. But the restrictive nature of keto soon took its toll. It was not long before I realized that it was not the right approach for me in the long run. My cholesterol spiked, food fatigue set in, and I found myself gaining weight again after abandoning the diet.
Now, I am counting macronutrients—tracking the grams of protein, carbs, and fats I consume with each meal. This approach enables me to focus on consuming enough protein to maintain muscle mass while maintaining a caloric deficit for gradual weight loss.
It’s been a few months since I adopted this new method, and already I feel more balanced, less preoccupied with food, and generally happier with my eating habits. The goal now is not just weight loss, but a deeper understanding of how food affects my body and mind.
Breaking Free from Diet Morality
My previous experiences with keto were not without their drawbacks. While it helped me lose weight quickly, it also exacerbated disordered eating by attaching moral value to the foods I consumed. If I indulged in a few French fries during a dinner with my partner, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, as though I had failed.
This time, I am focusing on moderation and truly embracing balance. I no longer want to view food as inherently “good” or “bad.” Instead, I am learning to appreciate how different foods make me feel, rather than simply how they affect my appearance.
Prioritizing Feel-Good Foods Over Fast Results
Though weight loss remains a consideration, it is no longer my sole focus. Unlike when I started keto, I now have a strong foundation of fitness that supports my overall goals. Eating is no longer just about restriction; it’s about fueling my body for strength, endurance, and health.
The shift in mindset has been liberating. I find myself reaching for foods that make me feel energized and satisfied, not just those that fit within a particular dietary framework. The focus has moved from food as a means to an end, to food as a way to nurture and sustain my well-being.
Shifting Away from Processed Foods
One of the side effects of following keto for me was a reliance on processed foods. To compensate for the limited variety in my diet, I often turned to heavily processed foods like bacon, sausage, and keto-friendly protein bars, which were high in fat but low in nutritional value. Not only did this negatively affect my health—particularly my cholesterol levels—but it also left me craving indulgent, high-calorie foods that didn’t truly satisfy me.
Now, as I count macros, my meals are centered around lean proteins and plant-based foods like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, beans, and squash. If I crave a cookie, I eat a regular one. I still indulge in bacon or sausage occasionally, but they no longer hold the same significance in my diet. I’m learning to enjoy the simple pleasure of real, unprocessed food without guilt.
Embracing Patience and Sustainability
The rapid weight loss I experienced on keto was gratifying, but the aftermath proved just how unsustainable that pace was for me. I regained much of the weight after stopping the diet, and this time, I’m determined to do it differently. While it may take longer to lose the pounds, I’m committed to making lasting changes.
Counting macros is no longer a temporary fix but a long-term lifestyle change. My goal is not a quick transformation but a sustainable path to feeling stronger, healthier, and more at peace with my relationship to food. This time, it’s about more than just the weight—it’s about building a healthier future.
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