Kinda-Keto Meal Plan
Ever tried the Keto diet and fail so hard?
like, every three weeks you'd give it a go...
and just fail harder every time?
Yah, I think that's because it's not meant to be anything more that an occasional thing you do.
Hear me out on this one, it's actually not going to take long...
1. Eliminating an entire food group
Hear Ye Hear Ye: I am NOT an official Scientist. YET.
But isn't cutting out an entire food group for an unknown, extended period of time, kinda risky? Like, in the grand-scheme-of-life-this-hasnt-been-studied-or-proven-successful-LONGTERM scary?
When I think of long term health and wellness, what that looks like and how I wish to sustain that goal, I personally don't want to restrict entire food groups. Specific food products, sure, but I don't know about cutting out a grain that (evolutionary-speaking) we've been living off for over 10,000 years. Some studies (hello Nat Geo) give a generous 100,000 years of consuming the starch.
I don't really want to f*** with that kind of stat. #justsayin
2. Mental Health Struggles
Is the constant mental anguish of trying not to cheat good for our mental well-being?
This is one I never EVER considered until witnessing it over and over again in a KETO group that kicked me out. Sure, I posted a compassionate suggestion that maybe all these really sad, depressed people that were posting they feel like garbage for falling off the wagon CONTINUOUSLY needed to give themselves grace. Before the post got taken down, of the 100,000+ members that were in there, I had more positive, thankful and kind responses from members saying they 'needed to hear that' which got me thinking.
Is the demands of a rigid diet worth the (potential) depression and self-loathing that accompanies an unavoidable cheat day?
After working with some clients that joined in the 15 Day Kickstarter, listening to their struggles, goals and past attempts, I knew this blog had to be written. If only for the support of one person that may read this and realize: You are NOT a failure. Lifestyle changes and diets have to be REALISTIC, SUSTAINABLE, and HEALTHY.
BONUS:
Podcast episode on this very topic!
3. Long-Term Effects
BTW isn't a Ketogenic diet recommended for intermittent use? As in, not continuous?
Going back to the ol' "this germ has been around for ages" point I made up top, I also don't see a lot of long-term studies supporting this diet for anything more than 5, 10 years max.
Some health problems I would imagine we'll see is an even higher increase in Type 2 Diabetes, as blood sugar levels are hard to regulate without the use of carbs. Not impossible, but for the average 'dieter' out there...you know what I'm sayin? And perhaps Type 3 Diabetes too, still lots to learn there. And then add everything we've learned in the last thirty years about high fat diets being associated with heart disease, obesity and cancer and you can call this girl out.
These are just a few questions I have with the Ketogenic Diet as a forever lifestyle kinda thing. My goal is for you to feel well, balance and perhaps heal any gut trauma you may have from an extreme elimination diet.
But if you are just here to hit-it-and-quit-it, be sure to at least take a peak at this thoughtfully curated Kinda-Keto Meal Plan below.
it will give you great results both short and longterm and won't leave you crying in the corner with the keto flu.
Ya, you're going to want to check that out, because it's a real thing.
I would love to hear your views below on something you maybe never considered before reading this.
Until next time,
xoxo
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I featured these alongside skillet hash browns for breakfast, but these baked eggs are great for brunch, and this version is no exception. But with a salad of leafy greens, it’s also hearty and satisfying enough to double as dinner.
for recipe, click here.
Kick your mornings into gear with these power packed muffins! With just four main ingredients, these Sweet Potato Banana Bites are gluten-free, easy to make and they make a great snack for both kids and adults!
you will need: ripe bananas, sweet potato mash, eggs & nut butter.
For recipe Click Here
These are my absolute favourite gluten free waffle. We make a huge batch on the weekends so we can pop them in the toaster throughout the week for easy weekday mornings. Another great way for you to save time too!
you will need: rice flour, tapioca flour, or blend featuring those flours.
for recipe click here.
½ banana
½ cup chopped kale
½ cup blueberries - fresh or frozen
1 scoop protein powder
1 tablespoon flax seed meal
½ teaspoon cinnamon
two handfuls ice or more to taste
This right here is the breakfast of champions. Chaulked full of protein and healthy fats, this is one of my favourite ways to start my day and I beg you to give this one a go! Corn tortilla wraps are as easy to find and wheat and are an easy way to avoid the wheat. Be sure to click through and give this one a whirl! Kid Approved!
Click here for the full recipe from Jessie on Life as a Straweberry
This green smoothie is packed with digestion-enhancing and immune-boosting foods like pineapple, parsley, ginger, and avocado. Don't worry though; its sweet flavour makes it friendly for green smoothie newbies! If you are adverse to the spiciness of ginger, I recommend starting with half the amount and adding to taste from there. This smoothie also keeps well overnight. I will often make a double batch, save leftovers in a small mason jar in the fridge overnight, and enjoy it the next morning. I use this probiotic but any powdered form will do!
These overnight oats are the definition of breakfast made EASY and delicious. With rich amounts of fibre, protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fats, they will help you power through your morning routine without missing a beat.
Beth over at BON AIPPETIT comes up with some really unique, fun and fresh dishes and this one caught my eye. Anything to try and get my carnivores to eat more salad or squash, amiright #momsquad? Anyways, check out here site, follow her around and try her take on this fresh arugula goodness.
I love a good appy. And fish cakes are a reeeeeealllly hard thing for me to turn down. I fins them easy to whip up from last night's left overs, and carry really well in packed lunches. Make sure you serve alongside a bed of greens and some sort of sauce. Kids love to dip!
for recipe, click here.
These healthy lettuce wraps are so delish! I'm a sucker for anything with a chickpea and on my superhero vegan days, I make this without the tuna and sub the feta for some of these yummy vegan options.
for the recipe, click on over to Becky's Best Bites.
Nothing easier than a leftover-steak salad with seasonal fruit and veg! Check out this easy recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron. Do these up in jars for the week and your lunches are set!
Originally from Angela Liddon's Oh She Glows Everyday cookbook, Kate shares her version here and it is sure to please the hearty soup lovers in your family. I made it last week and posted it to my instagram and everyone went crazy. Try it out!
This is a delicious, creamy vegan Caesar salad that will wow any crowd! Everyone who’s tried it goes absolutely nuts over it, and it’s my most popular salad recipe on the blog. To take it over the top, I garnish the salad with a generous amount of crunchy Roasted Chickpea Croutons and a delectable Nut and Seed Parmesan Cheese for the ultimate vegan Caesar salad. The dressing recipe easily doubles for a larger group and it’ll keep in the fridge in a sealed container for a few days so you can make it in advance.
Click here or photo for full recipe
Oh you guys. This is my ULTIMATE lunch in the summertime, or any time really. It’s easy to throw together and you can customize it to tastes really easy. The flavour is courtesy of fresh ingredients and a powerhouse tahini almond butter dip. You CAN’T omit the dip. We’d have to stop being BFF’s if I hear you ever pulled that on this glorious dish.
Oooooo M GEEEE you will never EVER miss the beef after trying this version! Be sure to buy YOUNG Jackfruit in water, they ripe kind in syrup is totally NOT what you want here. I make my own BBQ sauce to go with this little dandy and no one even knows the difference.
Check out the recipe here, and thank me later alligator.
Such great flavour combinations that kids love! Crunchy, sweet, and sticky! I dare you find a kid that doesn't love something about this dinner. Adjust the spices to your family's tolerance, but be sure to cook with some, it's important for little pallets to start developing at a young age.
for recipe, click here.
One pan dishes are my fav for easy weeknight meals. Check out this simple chicken and vegetable dinner here, and leave a comment below what you thought!
nothing beats firing some simple ingredients into the slow cooker and heading out for the day only to return to a delicious smelling hosue and satisfying meal - ready for consumption. This one works for both steak or chicken breasts and are an easy way to stay on the taco cleanse :)
I had a really great recipe for this, and can't source it...so until then this recipe is second-best! I love to crush green chilies, raw ginger and garlic together in a pestle and mortar to really get the flavours going first. Serve with naan and your kids won't even know it's vegan!
For full recipe, click here
Here is a great way to use up the season's tomatoes and herbs. This roasted veg and fish is an easy weeknight meal you can't mess up!
Check out the recipe over here.
This recipe easily doubles to make you look super smart. Freeze half for another meal later and enjoy these with a light salad or made a little bigger for Greek Turkey Burgers. An easy weeknight meal.
Listen to host Karina Lanting discuss the two most popular lifestyle trends at the moment, keto vs. gluten free. In this episode you will hear about three key factors in why you should reconsider flirting with ketosis and how to best break up with that bad boyfriend, gluten, for good.