Today I want to share with you, how your body shape can look from different  angles and poses! We often see what we believe are picture perfect photos on social media or magazines, then we take it as what we want to look like.

Today I want to share my transition from "Strict Keto"  to "Flexible Keto".

I will be approaching my 4th year of keto way of eating in September. From the beginning I was very strict (No sweeteners, no legumes, no treats and all the obvious non-keto food etc plus monitor my daily carb under 20g with very high fat on my daily meals) because my health was in a very bad shape.

After visiting a health professional he recommended me to try out Paleo/Keto. 2 months later my health improved significantly and I finally feel more human! I had energy without relying on caffeine and did not fall sick every week (yup I used to be sick every week)

My first year of keto life, I was very cautious with everything I ate. Eating out was a rare option because we all know how much hidden sugar and carbs could be in the food. Fast forward to today, I am still very mindful of ingredients. I keep my net carb under 50g a day most of the time, on special occasions I will allow myself to go over more but not out of control.

I have decided to share my keto life with you because, while you are focusing how you look physically (I understand many of you are trying to lose weight by choosing keto way of eating) but what about your mental health? Do you feel restricted? Do you feel stress after you had some not so keto food? Yes being in ketosis could assist you in burning fats, but at the end of the day you need to be on a calorie deficit to lose weight. Personally I have strict no's to some food because I know my body won't like them. However everyone's is different. You need to find a keto way of eating that will benefit you both physically and mentally.

Whatever diet/way of eating you choose, if it works better when you slightly amend your plan/food, go ahead, as long as it works for you! While you are watching what you eat, also remember to stay active. It is a package deal in which you will get the best results when you do both. I rarely say keto is a diet because I don't see it that way. I truly enjoy the food and for me the word "Diet" usually stands for a temporary solution and I have been on it for almost 4 years and still enjoying it. If someone around you wants to start a healthy lifestyle, dropped all the bad habits and nourish your body with good food, then be there to support them, not picking them apart and make them feel unmotivated.

I have put two photos as a comparison- One is when I was very strict (3 years ago) to flexible Keto which I have been on for a year (photo was taken by 3 months ago). Yes I can see I maybe slightly bigger but my head space is definitely feeling more enjoyable and relax. I am turning 42 in a few months. I have decided to being nice to myself, still nourish my body with good food majority of the time to keep the body functioning but also allow myself to be a little naughty here and there🤪🤪😝😝

In the past years, we have seen more and more versions of "Keto Way Of Eating".

To be clear, there isn't a right or wrong version. As long as it helps and achieves what your goal is and not upsetting your body, then it is what you should stick to.

For myself and Keto Direct, we base it on the original version of Keto way of eating. We minimize/eliminate the intake of certain food groups that may cause inflammation.
We avoid- Grains, legumes, sugar, fruits(Except berries) and starch. We focus on whole foods, protein, good fats and vegetables. This version of Keto way of eating you can find from many reliable sources.

However, since everyone's body and goals are different, more different versions of "Keto way of eating" has become a controversial topic.

I personally do not represent any particular way of Keto eating, I will support all types of healthy eating ways. As long as your body likes it, your mind likes it, you are achieving your goals, then why need to care what version?

For myself, since my body is very sensitive to certain foods (I have PCOS and a sensitive stomach), therefore I am much stricter with my list of food . But, this doesn't mean I won't enjoy some potatoes,an apple, a slice of bread here and there. I follow Keto 80% of the time, so if I eat an apple occasionally is not going kill me. Don't make your Keto life feel like you are restricting yourself, that is not the aim.

In saying this, if I have a high sugar piece of cake then I can get very sick. Because my body is not used to it anymore. Once your body is used to have certain food as fuel, any other type of food you eat your body will usually react to them (Making you feel uncomfortable/unwell).

At the end of the day, find the right version of "Keto way of eating" depends on you. My aim is not about staying in ketosis, but to fuel my body with good food, which includes good fat, whole foods, low carb, plenty of vegetables for good health. Happy Ketoing! Be kind and supportive to one another❤

**All statements are opinion only, please consult your health professionals before starting any type of diets. **