Success Story:

Kristen's Keto Journey

Kristen has been on the Keto train for over a year now, has lost over 100 pounds, and is just 1 pound away from her goal weight! Her Instagram feed is full of her favorite Keto products, fasting motivation, and some major transformation goals! Be sure to follow her journey at @kristenp2119

I was always a relatively health conscious person. I attempted to buy what was marketed as “healthy” at the store and always aimed for the lower calorie meals when eating out. I even tried going vegetarian for a few months with zero success. My problem was unhealthy carbs and sugar. I didn’t care that my daily Starbucks drinks were full of carbs and sugar. And I had a pastry to go along with it! I was overeating healthy and unhealthy food. I was snacking constantly and not drinking water at all. I literally just had no awareness of what I was doing to my body. 

My final straw was when I went to see my primary practitioner for a checkup. I stepped on the scale and was embarrassed. At that time, my mother had been diagnosed with multiple illnesses and I told myself I needed to get healthy. I had been unhappy with how I looked, and more importantly how I felt, for a long time. I wanted to be the best version of myself so I could be the best mother to my three daughters and the best wife. I started strict keto February 11, 2019.

I chose keto because my husband actually suggested we both start the diet. He fell off the wagon, but I decided to keep going. I jumped into the diet and didn’t look back. I didn’t ease into it — instead I got rid of everything that wasn’t good for me. I downloaded the Carb Manager app and a fasting app. I told everyone what I was doing, and I finally put myself first. I no longer made exceptions for myself. I decided to start meal planning, tracking my food, and weighing myself. 

Keto is so easy for me because I can still eat the food I love, and I also love how I feel without sugar and unhealthy carbs in my body. It is not a complicated diet, contrary to what others think. I don’t get confused and my choices are not overwhelming. I eat a protein and a green vegetable — it’s that simple. If I have a craving, there are tons of companies out there that offer keto-friendly options, which is why I love KetoKrate. 

KetoKrate is absolutely a lifesaver. It’s like Christmas every month! I don’t live in a big city with a lot of options, and I also live a very busy lifestyle with three kids and a husband, so having a stash of keto goodies that I can grab and go is so helpful. Magic Spoon cereal is one of my most recent favorite snacks I discovered. I always loved a big bowl of cereal before keto, so now being able to have a bowl without indulging in sugar or carbs makes me happy. Smartcakes and Know Brainer Foods marshmallows are some of my other favorites!

My day to day now includes intermittent fasting. I aim for 20 hours a day, but I have started listening to my body more and listening to what it wants. I believe our bodies tell us what we need. I also do an extended fast each month. I am still strict keto with zero cheats. I allow myself keto treats as long as they fit into my macros. I still track my food because I feel that it keeps me accountable and organized. Carbs and calories both add up quickly, and I feel like a train wreck if I don’t know exactly what I’m putting into my body each day.

I'm motivated by my children, as I am a mom to three young girls. They are full of energy, and before living a ketogenic lifestyle, I had zero energy. I remember my first month or so of keto, I was at the park with my kids, and I texted my husband how amazing I felt because I could go down the slides and chase the girls.  I no longer sit on the couch, and I don’t make excuses as to why I can’t play with my kids. Seeing my accomplishments and progress also keeps me motivated. It gives me the strength to know I can accomplish more goals.

I plan to live a ketogenic lifestyle going forward. I have no issues with the keto lifestyle and have never felt better in my entire life. I hope to inspire my husband to hop back on the keto train. I enjoy inspiring those who are wanting to live a ketogenic lifestyle.

To someone starting out on keto, I would tell them to stand up for themselves and don’t budge because people give them a hard time. Also, I wish I had taken more progressive pictures even though I didn't like the way I looked at my starting weight. Finally, I would suggest downloading an app to track macros and to follow people on Instagram for helpful information, recipes, and keto-friendly food finds. I am very thankful to the keto community. I have found the majority of my support online and have made lifelong friends through this journey. 

Follow Kristen at @kristenp2119 on Instagram!

If you want to share your success and inspire others, email us at Emily@KetoKrate.com