Ketosis - an Experiment (treat edition)

You'd think that keeping total carbs below 50 grams would completely nix the idea of treats. But where there's a will, there's a way! For the most part, I do shy away from sugar based as well as artificial sweeteners. But I've come to realize that a little can go a long way and that having a bit of a treat to look forward to does have a positive psychological benefit. I mostly use Stevia to satisfy the sweet taste, but will also sometimes add a very small quantity of maple syrup, honey, or even regular sugar to things to give them a more authentic taste, without adding significant carbs (under 5g per serving does not bother me or spike cravings).

I should also mention that I've decided to stay mostly dairy free (except butter and ghee). As exciting as it was to think about eating cheese and heavy cream again, I realized that I'm better off without it and don't really miss it right now. I still deal with seasonal allergies which is a sign that my gut is still not completely healed. I suspect my inconsistency with dairy may be playing a part.

So far, I've come up with several treats that I've been enjoying all the while staying comfortably in ketosis. The first is this amazing recipe for Caramelized Coconut Chips from Melissa Joulwan. It is incredibly simple, fast, and more delicious than it has any right to be. Seriously, folks. I am addicted. It has the slightly crunchy appeal of popcorn with the additional saving grace of being super filling. I make it by the half cup and that is perfect for satisfying the snack monster without derailing my experiment. Win-win!

Second up is a crustless key lime pie recipe that I made in tiny 4oz jars subbing a dropperful of stevia for the honey. The dominant tart taste from the freshly squeezed key limes really made this turn out great even with only using the stevia.

My next attempt was chocolate mouse. I did use a tablespoon of maple syrup in edition to a few drops of stevia, to give it a more decadent taste. Keeping the portion small kept the amount of actual sugar eaten per sitting quite negligible. I made half the recipe linked above, and split it into 3 little jars. Using the top layer of cream from regular full fat coconut milk really makes this taste rich and the portion size turned out to be just right. I love how real, healthy fat like that in coconut, is so satisfying and self limiting. It's truly impossible for me to eat too much - a few bites and I've had enough. It's amazing! Another plus is that it really did take less than 5 minutes.

Another good one that hits the chocolate spot is the fat bomb. I'm still perfecting this one - I keep forgetting to add a bit of salt since I use unsalted ghee instead of the salted butter called for. I think that will round out the flavor. I am really looking forward to my new chocolate powder, cocoa butter, and vanilla I ordered. I am imagining all sorts of yumminess I can create with those! If I'm going to be this low carb, some quality ingredients DO make a big difference.

Last but not least, I made some homemade jello using Great Lakes Gelatin and brewed herbal tea, sweetened with a little stevia. Since the ingredients are all carb free and almost calorie free no less, I made these in larger jars. I made two each of orange and apple flavored teas. I'm always looking to get more gelatin in for joint health and gut healing, so this is a big win for me.

My first week of intentionally eating a ketogenic diet has been much easier and less stressful then I would have imagined. I think the transition was helped by the fact that I was really only going from a low carb (75-150 grams per day) diet to a very low carb diet (under 50 grams). Not being completely dependent on sugar to begin with made a big difference. However, as small a change as this may seem, I think it's a critical one for me. Keeping carbs at this level has completely evened out and stabilized my appetite as well as gotten rid of the intrusive cravings. Though by no means an "easy" lifestyle, it does feel sustainable for no other reason than it keeps food more in its rightful place instead of dominating my thoughts and life to a large extent as in the past. I am still the foodie I've always been, loving to cook, try new things, and share my creations with others. But I'm starting to feel more focused about it now that I feel like I'm running the show instead of my cravings.

Guest Post on Paleo Parents!

I am so excited to report that my Paleo Parents guest post has gone live today. So, if you’re visiting after reading about me over there, welcome! You’ll notice that I have some tabs across the top, including one that chronicles my journey to Paleo as well as ones that point to many of the books and other products I’ve found most helpful with this lifestyle. I also teach yoga locally in small groups and privately, so there’s a tab about that. Feel free to use the email noted on the Contact Me tab, if you have a question or comment (nice things only, please!) Otherwise, feel free to check out my site and keep in mind that I’ve changed my stance on things more times than I can count – I’m always learning and evolving. Thanks for reading!

Some Perspective

I spontaneously broke out into tears reading My Half Life by Jennette (Pastaqueen). She is going through a horrendous time due to a headache that she’s had nonstop of almost a full YEAR. After losing half her body weight and learning to live a more healthy lifestyle, she has been saddled with this chronic mystery condition that has derailed not only her weight control journey but her life:

“I'll have to learn to do the best I can with what is left of my life. But at least there was a year there, when I was working out and eating well and I was healthy, when I felt really good and the world was full of so many possibilities. I was happy then and it was nice. I'm glad I had that year.”

That was the part that set me off. Life can be like that – just when everything seems to be going well, something comes out of left field that changes everything. That’s why it’s so important to focus on what is right and wonderful in the moment. For me, that means appreciating how happy I truly am. Sure, I have a weight problem and it’s going to take a lot of energy and focus to work on it but that isn’t the whole of my life. It is thankfully something that IS within my control so I just have to love myself enough to take the necessary steps.

Career: Your Identity or Just a Job?

Two really thought provoking posts caught my eye today. Both focused on the role career plays in our lives. One Frugal Girl talked about staying in a job that doesn’t necessarily excite her but provides the stability and flexibility she needs due to her health concerns. Flexo at Consumer Commentary brought up how one’s career can be wrapped up in personal identity. When he was a music teacher, that made much more sense to him because both music and leadership are such a huge part of how he views himself. But now that he has switched careers, that isn’t really the case anymore.

I related a great deal to both points of view. I love where I work but not necessarily for a true passion for “what I do”. I appreciate the work atmosphere, the benefits, my understanding boss. And the nap room can’t be beat.

Like Flexo, I used to teach and there is definitely something about being able to assert, “I am a teacher”. Although it gets you jack in the finance department, it has a certain prestige to it. I felt like a worthwhile contributor to society. Right now, my job title doesn’t have the same ring to it. I like that I work for a non-profit but it’s still not the same.

But does my identity really have to be so intertwined in what I do? Who I am as a person doesn’t have to be expressed by what I do to earn my keep. I like that my job gives me the time and energy to express myself outside of working hours. When I used to come home from school, I would be so drained that doing anything other than pure recovery and then prep to start it all over again was pretty much out of the question. I’d take door #2 any day.

Hot or Just Not?

Crabby over at Cranky Fitness posted about looking cool versus like an idiot while exercising. There is the smug factor, of which I am quite aware, particularly when you’re marathon training. There’s nothing like thinking, “Hey, I ran 20 miles already and the rest of the world has barely woken up yet.” THAT can be a powerful feeling. And like Dina mentioned on Sat, getting out to run gives you a legit excuse to wear spandex in public. You’ve EARNED it.

But I can look like a disheveled mess huffing and puffing out in my often mismatched gear. I also have the fun propensity to sprout wings on either side of my head as a result of my curly hair having a sick sense of humor. And the running hat only exacerbates this. The beet red face is also the epitome of HAWT.

Is it worth it? Does the smug-factor outweigh any the self-conscious feelings? For me, I think it’s a break-even. Even though I feel less than bodacious when I’m out there sweating, I DO tend to feel terrific after my shower. I feel all toned up and good about myself. So in the end, it’s worth it for me – I feel better so it’s worth a little embarrassment.

P.S… Note to self: get some cute running clothes so you feel cute even when huffing and puffing. Problem solved! (If only that would solve the wings…)

What I’m Reading plus MAC-N-CHEESE!

Here’s just a little sampling of some of the amazing info I’ve come across in my travels through the blogosphere today. Happy reading!

Check out these awesome pics of people reading Dietgirl's book all over the world. Come on Ducks, whoever has a copy of it now should snap a pic for sure and send it in!

Nora Dunn over at Wise Bread gets the captain obvious award for her compilation of travel resources that can be used as alternatives to buying guidebooks. LOVED this. It was a total "should've had a V8" moment. Why pay for info that's already out there for FREE???

Monica at Smarter Fitter Blog had a great post today all about how resistance exercises can be better not only for positive changes in body composition but for overall weight loss in general. I better get movin’ in that department, I guess.

I am drooling just thinking about the recipe posted on Cheap Healthy Good for Alton Brown’s Lightened Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese. Not only do I adore all things Alton, but Mac-n-Cheese must be one of the most glorious foods EVER. I think I might just have to stop at Safeway on the way home for some stray ingredients. I’m pretty much losing my mind just thinking about it.