Now, I am sure you have seen all the hype about the Keto diet on Facebook, Instagram, or well, even magazines. For so long I put off starting because I thought it was just another fad diet that didn’t really work. While I was pregnant with my second, my doctor brought it up to me as she had been on it so it really got me thinking. I went on to research it for all together a year! Yes, a whole year of procrastination and searching until I woke up one day and randomly decided I was going to take the leap.
The Keto diet is a high fat, moderate protein, and low carb diet. It forces your body to burn stored up fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. Crazy right? It was first brought to light in 1920 by doctors trying to help children with epilepsy. But there are many health benefits and as someone who has multiple chronic illnesses, have seen just how amazing it is!
I started Keto on December 29th. I had given birth to baby number 2 in October, had just had my second c-section in less than two years, and was in a horrible eating cycle. By February, I had dropped nearly 25 pounds and had lost tons of inches. I am now 6 months in, 2 1/2 sizes down, and only 10 pounds away from the first big goal I made and over 60 pounds lost! That’s two average weight 3 year olds! I have struggled with my weight since I can remember, especially with having Hashimotos and PCOS along with years of steroids from my Lupus and Crohns. This is the first diet I have ever been able to stick with and actually see results.
The last two pictures on the left is the day I started Keto. The first photo on the left was taken a few months before. I was miserable, I felt ugly, I ate horrible foods constantly, and kept saying “oh I’ll start tomorrow”. On the right I am 6 months in, feeling better than ever before, I’m happy and motivated, and more confident than I have been in years! Keto has truly changed my life.
It’s more than a diet, it’s a new life, a new chance, and a new beginning at being healthy.
My Top 5 Tips:
1. DRINK WATER. Drink at least half your body weight in water. Your body will thank you and it will help you get into Ketosis faster.
2. Track those macros! I use MyFitnessPal but there are many different apps or just good old notes to help you track!
3. Get active! No I don’t mean you have to hit the gym all the time but get up moving! Even walking 2-3 miles 4 times a week is so good for you and you will be shocked on the changes it will make to your body and overall health.
4. Don’t be afraid to eat Keto while out and about or around family and friends. Need something quick on the road? Grab a burger, loose the bun and dressing, and add mayo or mustard.
5. STOP MAKING EXCUSES. The only thing that stands between you and being healthier are excuses. I hear all the time “I love carbs to much” or “that’s to expensive”. I’m hear to tell you that YOU are worth it! Our grocery bill has actually gone down from not shopping constantly for treats or eating out. I love carbs, but I have learned how to substitute my favorites. Want spaghetti? Have zucchini noodles. Want a sandwhich? Make Keto friendly bread. Want a treat? Substitute your flour and sugar for Keto friendly ingredients! It’s easier than you think. Trust me, you’ll thank your self in 6 months!
Below are my 5 top EASY recipes. All recipes will vary with carbs depending on ingredients and brands you use. They are Keto friendly, egg free, and budget friendly.
Keto BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients: Almond flour, mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken, sugar free bbq sauce(we use Hough’s Sugar Free sauce found at Walmart), basil, and onion powder
Crust: Put together 3/4 cup almond flour and 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Bring to a heat and mix until blended into dough. Roll out on to pan.
Toppings:Spread BBQ on dough along with mozzarella cheese on top. Spread diced, grilled chicken and seasoning Cook on 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes 
Pizza Burger with Spaghetti Zoodles
Cook burger thoroughly then add low sugar pasta sauce. Simmer 3 minutes and top with mozzarella cheese. Cook zucchini noodles as desired with butter. Top with low sugar pasta sauce and top with Parmesan cheese.
Greek Grilled Chicken
I made this out of whim so still trying to perfect. I found a low sugar Greek dressing and let 3 chicken breasts marinate overnight. I then cut them up and used the remaining sauce in a pan on medium heat until done. Topped with cheese and served with a vegetable of choice.
Chicken Pesto Calzone
Crust was the same as the pizza above! I rolled it out and inside laid pesto sauce that I found at Walmart. It is healthier to make your own but I was in a rush. I added chicken breast, cheese, basil, and a tiny bit of onions as they are my husbands favorite. Cooked on 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Keto Lemon Fluff (Lazy Keto)
I used two packs of Sugar Free Lemon pudding for this one but can be done completely from scratch if you want. I prepared one lemon pudding pack with 2 cups of Great Value unsweetened almond milk(0 net carbs). Once it thickened a tiny bit(about 2 minutes), I added the second pack along with 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Blend together until thick and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Memories With The Mulkeys 