The Keto (Ketogenic) Diet: A Story of Love and Pleasure
For a very long time, I have been interested in everything that happens in food and wellness. I had heard and read a lot of testimonials from people who said that eating keto had made them feel better. I kept that in mind, then thinking back, I realized that, in any case, pretty much all the food I eat (and like) is already "keto". So that's how I said to myself "let's go, I'll try this" and that's how I got here today.
The challenge people have with the keto diet ("diet" in the sense of a way of eating and not a diet) is that they have to have fun while eating. Often, people focus too much on what they are allowed to eat and forget to have fun. I enjoy choosing my foods and mixing flavors. That's why I'm happy to share my menus with you when I make them (it's a bit like my weekly BA each time); I think it can inspire many of you and help you stay "focused".
I also know that sometimes people don't have a choice about eating a certain way. For example, I always enjoy making gluten-free recipes because I know that there are people who can only eat that type of meal. The magic is that if I cook the recipe, well, everyone else at the table can also enjoy it, and I find that really fun. That's also why I like to share with you what I cook.
For me, following a diet is not a problem; I adopt the lifestyle quite easily whether it is "only" for a month or a year. On the contrary, I like to try different ways of eating because it allows me to know how much what I eat impacts my mental and physical health. I like to experiment with foods. For example, next month, I am tackling the paleo diet and I love dairy products so much that I almost hope my shoulder pain will still be there! 🙈 Indeed, many people say that milk can cause inflammation, so I am eager to draw my own conclusions.
Penelope was introduced to me by someone who had her as a coach. When Penelope and I first spoke, we immediately got along well. I asked her several questions and through her personal and professional experience (she is a naturopath), she was able to answer me right away. She is someone who knows a lot about keto diets and it shows. That's why I chose to invite her to my live ; I knew she would explain everything clearly and precisely.
In fact, before I shared my keto challenge menus with you, she got me on track. At first, my meals were often lacking fat, so I “ate” tablespoons of olive oil (yes, it may seem intense to some people, but hey… I’m dedicated 😉). She helped me not only reduce my sugar intake, but also increase my intake of good fats. The menus I’m offering you are now very well-balanced (and I spared you the olive oil “shooters” 😉). (I must even admit that I really liked Penelope’s reactions during the live when I told her about my new recipes. They seemed to inspire her to try new combinations. 😋)
Talking to an expert is always fun and informative. For example, if someone tells me that running is not a good way to work on my cardio, I will tell myself that it makes no sense and continue running. On the other hand, if someone like Penelope explains to me why it is not ideal to do when you eat keto, then I will listen and follow the advice. In fact, with the keto diet, the body needs rest to regenerate and lose weight, so it is better to take it easy with physical activities. You still need to move for 30 minutes every day, but walking is the most recommended activity.
In short, if there is one thing I would like people to remember from my journey and my live chat with Penelope, it is that you have to prioritize pleasure. When you are too extreme in this diet, that is when you give up and you do not see the results. You have to allow yourself a few "follies". If, for example, you want to treat yourself and eat grilled pineapple with Gâteau spices , you do it, but instead of eating 8 slices with 2 scoops of ice cream and drinking a large glass of milk, you will enjoy 1 nice big slice with very cold 35% whipping cream and drink a large glass of water or a glass of unsweetened chocolate almond milk... like that, you go a little outside the "rules", but you are happy and you do not exaggerate at all. By having fun, everyone is happy. Even your mind and your stomach. 😉
I hope I have inspired you to try new recipes and, if you participate in BBQ Québec's 3-week keto challenge, to continue your journey. Happy BBQing to all!
P.S. - Penelope will be with us again in March to discuss the Paleolithic diet; be there! 🔥
For a very long time, I have been interested in everything that happens in food and wellness. I had heard and read a lot of testimonials from people who said that eating keto had made them feel better. I kept that in mind, then thinking back, I realized that, in any case, pretty much all the food I eat (and like) is already "keto". So that's how I said to myself "let's go, I'll try this" and that's how I got here today.
The challenge people have with the keto diet ("diet" in the sense of a way of eating and not a diet) is that they have to have fun while eating. Often, people focus too much on what they are allowed to eat and forget to have fun. I enjoy choosing my foods and mixing flavors. That's why I'm happy to share my menus with you when I make them (it's a bit like my weekly BA each time); I think it can inspire many of you and help you stay "focused".
I also know that sometimes people don't have a choice about eating a certain way. For example, I always enjoy making gluten-free recipes because I know that there are people who can only eat that type of meal. The magic is that if I cook the recipe, well, everyone else at the table can also enjoy it, and I find that really fun. That's also why I like to share with you what I cook.
For me, following a diet is not a problem; I adopt the lifestyle quite easily whether it is "only" for a month or a year. On the contrary, I like to try different ways of eating because it allows me to know how much what I eat impacts my mental and physical health. I like to experiment with foods. For example, next month, I am tackling the paleo diet and I love dairy products so much that I almost hope my shoulder pain will still be there! 🙈 Indeed, many people say that milk can cause inflammation, so I am eager to draw my own conclusions.
Penelope was introduced to me by someone who had her as a coach. When Penelope and I first spoke, we immediately got along well. I asked her several questions and through her personal and professional experience (she is a naturopath), she was able to answer me right away. She is someone who knows a lot about keto diets and it shows. That's why I chose to invite her to my live ; I knew she would explain everything clearly and precisely.
In fact, before I shared my keto challenge menus with you, she got me on track. At first, my meals were often lacking fat, so I “ate” tablespoons of olive oil (yes, it may seem intense to some people, but hey… I’m dedicated 😉). She helped me not only reduce my sugar intake, but also increase my intake of good fats. The menus I’m offering you are now very well-balanced (and I spared you the olive oil “shooters” 😉). (I must even admit that I really liked Penelope’s reactions during the live when I told her about my new recipes. They seemed to inspire her to try new combinations. 😋)
Talking to an expert is always fun and informative. For example, if someone tells me that running is not a good way to work on my cardio, I will tell myself that it makes no sense and continue running. On the other hand, if someone like Penelope explains to me why it is not ideal to do when you eat keto, then I will listen and follow the advice. In fact, with the keto diet, the body needs rest to regenerate and lose weight, so it is better to take it easy with physical activities. You still need to move for 30 minutes every day, but walking is the most recommended activity.
In short, if there is one thing I would like people to remember from my journey and my live chat with Penelope, it is that you have to prioritize pleasure. When you are too extreme in this diet, that is when you give up and you do not see the results. You have to allow yourself a few "follies". If, for example, you want to treat yourself and eat grilled pineapple with Gâteau spices , you do it, but instead of eating 8 slices with 2 scoops of ice cream and drinking a large glass of milk, you will enjoy 1 nice big slice with very cold 35% whipping cream and drink a large glass of water or a glass of unsweetened chocolate almond milk... like that, you go a little outside the "rules", but you are happy and you do not exaggerate at all. By having fun, everyone is happy. Even your mind and your stomach. 😉
I hope I have inspired you to try new recipes and, if you participate in BBQ Québec's 3-week keto challenge, to continue your journey. Happy BBQing to all!
P.S. - Penelope will be with us again in March to discuss the Paleolithic diet; be there! 🔥