The Beginning
Beginning My Keto Journey
I started my keto journey after discovering inspiring stories from keto influencers online with the help of my dad. Their experiences motivated me to take the first step into this low-carbohydrate lifestyle. I began with simple foods like meat and eggs, focusing on limiting my carb intake to stay in ketosis. At first, it was challenging to adjust, but I was curious to see how this diet could impact my energy levels and overall health.
But what exactly is ketosis? Ketosis is a metabolic state where your body burns fat for energy instead of carbs. Normally, your body uses glucose (from carbs) as its main energy source. However, when you eat very few carbs—usually less than 20 grams per day—your body switches to burning fat. This process produces molecules called ketones, which become your new fuel source. I made an illustration on the right.
What I learned
As I progressed, I noticed significant changes in my body. My energy levels improved, and I felt more focused during school and sports practices. This experience sparked a deeper interest in understanding the science behind nutrition and how diets like keto can influence health outcomes.
Along the way, I also learned how important it is to balance fats, proteins, and carbs to stay in ketosis. I even started experimenting with adding more salt and fatty meats like lamb and beef to support my body’s needs.
Keeping it Sustainable
One of the biggest challenges of keto for me was keeping it sustainable. At times, eating mostly meat and eggs felt repetitive and boring. But instead of giving up, I got creative!
These small changes made a huge difference in helping me stick to the diet without feeling deprived.That said, I don’t follow the diet all the time—especially during vacations or special occasions when it’s harder to avoid carbs. During these breaks, I allow myself more flexibility while still trying to make mindful choices. On the right, is a recent photo of me vacationing with my family at Disney World, indulging in desserts. 😂
Transitioning to a Balanced Low-Carb Diet
After following strict keto for several months, I decided to transition to a more moderate low-carb diet. This means I still limit carbs but allow myself more variety in what I eat. For example, I now enjoy fruits like berries or the occasional sweet potato while still avoiding processed sugars and refined carbs. This approach feels more balanced for my lifestyle as a student-athlete—it gives me the energy I need while still supporting my health goals.
