This post was sponsored by Nature Made® as a part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central all opinions are my own.
As most of you know by now I have been living the keto lifestyle since last year. I have learned a lot about myself and my body over the past 11 months. I have never started a diet that turned out to be a lifestyle. Sure, you always hear everyone talking about making a healthy diet your lifestyle, but when most people subscribe to an eating plan that is extremely different they usually give up or succeed and then go back to their old habits. That hasn’t been the case for me, or many of the people I know that have started living this way.
Today I want to share a little insight I’ve had since I turned my diet upside down. Over the past 11 months I have learned quite a few things.
It Helps To Get Everyone Involved:
There are a few things I have added to my ketogenic lifestyle that have helped me get even healthier this year, but I think the best thing that has come from these lifestyle changes are the changes I have seen in my own family. My entire household now avoids carbs and sugar, and even my parents have jumped aboard the crazy train of health!
My ultimate goal has always been to help others, even before I help myself (though I don’t know that the two can exist apart from each other) and that is what I have done. It’s a wonderful thing to change your own life, but when you start helping others change theirs, I don’t think there is a better feeling in the world! I also started a separate blog to help strangers from around the world learn more about keto and to share recipes with them. Every part of this change has been so rewarding.
Your Need For Water Is Not A Myth:
I know you’ve heard it your entire life, but you have to start taking water more seriously. This is one of my biggest struggles, but I have to start buckling down and making water as important to me as diet and exercise. I mean think about it. You’ll die without water before you die without food, that has to mean something right?!
You Don’t Have To Be A Slave To Your Lifestyle:
I know this is hard for some keto’ers to hear, but the truth is every once in a while you have to break away from what is healthy and indulge a little. There are times to indulge and times to steer clear. I didn’t treat myself to anything over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I didn’t “cheat” once. BUT I did cheat when I went on my anniversary date with my husband. Why? Because he wanted me to. He wanted me to let loose and enjoy things I wouldn’t normally eat. So I did it. I am in a place where I can eat carbs and sugar (in small amounts) and not fall off the wagon. The main reason is because I know that this lifestyle is what is best for my body. Other reasons include things like: everything tastes ridiculously sweet, I don’t care to gain weight, I hate feeling bloated, and it’s just not worth it to change my lifestyle. I just don’t love food more than I love my life and health. If you’re not in that place, then please don’t do what I do. Do what works best for you and your family.
Vitamins Are A Gift From Above:
I ingest more vitamins now than I ever did before. Even the best of diets have room for improvement and because I sometimes skip out on the veggies and natural sunlight (yes, I am a vampire) I think vitamins have really helped improve my quality of life. As with food, I am very picky about the vitamins I put in my body. I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach and I don’t like vitamins that make me feel sick.
I am currently supplementing with Nature Made vitamin D (because winter hates me) and vitamin B12. I have found that during the winter it really helps to up my vitamin D levels because I see absolutely no sun. I also love B12 because it supports my metabolism and energy production. Everyone has different needs so make sure you research what types of vitamins will help meet your needs and help you reach your health goals.
I shop at Walmart at least once a week so keeping vitamins for myself and my family stocked is easy to do. You’ve probably seen the commercials but in case you don’t know Nature Made is the #1 Pharmacist recommended supplement brand in 9 categories**. That’s pretty awesome in my opinion and that’s why Nature Made is the brand I trust.
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