One of the most important things before you start Keto or any health journey for that matter, is to figure out your why. For years, and I really mean years, I have struggled to maintain the diets, lifestyle changes, and habits that I wanted. I’ve found that in large part, my past failures with regards to my health and wellness were because I had no clear goal or reason behind why I was embarking on that journey. AND! If I did have a goal, it was either too long term, to broad, or just too general. So, before you start, here’s a quick list of things that have helped me stick to my plan:

1. Why do I want to change my lifestyle?
   • My example: I want my psoriasis and inflammation to improve, and I want to do it in a natural and healthy pace.
2. What specifically do I want to be able to accomplish?
   • My example: I want to find ways to eat healthier and to keep track of foods that worsen or improve my conditions and my well being.
3. What does this new lifestyle look like?
   • My example:
   • Choosing foods that are anti-inflammatory or that fit with Keto/Low-carb, more vegetables and natural foods and less highly processed food or junk food.
   • Eat at least 2-3 meals a day with half of the plate being vitamin rich veggies
   • Maintain 30g or less of net carbs a day
4. Have I done my research on this new lifestyle, and does this change fit my health and dietary needs?
   • If you haven’t done your research, please, please, take a moment to look into your anticipated lifestyle change. You don’t want to find that it will conflict with current issues, medications, or treatment. Starting a lifestyle change only to find that it is not suitable for your health is more detrimental than just taking the time to do your research in the first place.
   • As you research, keep in mind the changes that you will have to make in order to stick with it. If you find that it is too overwhelming, then take a step back and ease your way into it. Sometimes you have to take things a step at a time, and it is better to go slow and forward than nowhere at all.

Please speak to your doctor or primary care physician if you are unsure about how your diet/lifestyle change will affect your health!