switching off keto?

knightreader

weight has always fluctuated and been here for about 6 years, prob more. been doing keto since september and while I am not sure how much i've lost, i have gone from needing a new belt bc it was too small to needing a new belt b/c its too big. i'm debating switching from keto to simply counting calories again. i feel my keto weight loss is largely in part due to eating less and can recognize some of my bad habits that allowed my weight to increase after an initial 80 pound loss when i first started here where i just counted calories. I'm not terribly unhappy on keto, but not sure how much longer it is sustainable for me. I guess i'm looking for advice from people who lost some weight on keto, then went back to calorie counting. Anything helps. Thanks.

Panini911

it generally isn't a question of keto OR calorie counting. Keto is just one way of eating, people gain, maintain and lose on it.

to lose weight you need to eat at a calorie deficit. which for most people will mean some calorie counting (a few may be lucky enough where they don't "need it" but i don't think there are many of those).

If this way of eating (keto) keeps you happy, healthy and satiated, you can still eat keto and calorie count to ensure you eat at a calorie deficit. If this way of eating isn't one you can see doing for life then just do calorie counting with a way of eating that works for you for life.

nvmomketo

I lost weight on keto and then tried to increase carbs to low carb levels. I started regaining my weight. For me, carbs increase my appetite and cravings and makes weight management difficult. I also appear to be able to eat more on keto - my calories out somehow increases a small amount so I can consume a bit more calories.

Keto makes it so that I can eat according to appetite and I tend to lose weight easily. Carbs equates with hunger for me. If you are like me and more carbs equals more hunger and cravings, you may find it difficult to manage your weight if you increase carbs. Others do perfectly fine. I suppose all you can do is try it and see how it goes, or choose not to try it. It's up to you.

lorrpb

You could count the actual calories youre currently consuming on keto (follow your keto plan but weigh everything too), then compare the results with the calories MFP gives for your stats, then make a plan from there.

Maxxitt

Log all your food for a week without changing anything, so you see where you are at calorie-wise. Then begin to modify your diet until it's sustainable, staying within a calorie deficit. Increasing carbohydrates will probably mean some scale gain but that's the water your body needs to process carbs, not fat.

liv2Thrive1976

Try whole 30. Sometimes Keto is just not enough food.

Silentpadna

knightreader wrote: »

weight has always fluctuated and been here for about 6 years, prob more. been doing keto since september and while I am not sure how much i've lost, i have gone from needing a new belt bc it was too small to needing a new belt b/c its too big. i'm debating switching from keto to simply counting calories again. i feel my keto weight loss is largely in part due to eating less and can recognize some of my bad habits that allowed my weight to increase after an initial 80 pound loss when i first started here where i just counted calories. I'm not terribly unhappy on keto, but not sure how much longer it is sustainable for me. I guess i'm looking for advice from people who lost some weight on keto, then went back to calorie counting. Anything helps. Thanks.

Some good suggestions previous to this.

One thing you should expect if you do switch off of keto is an initial whoosh (coming in) - from the refilling of you glycogen stores. This will make your weight - not your body fat - increase. This is not a bad thing. It's just a thing. It's similar to the initial whoosh (coming off) that you most likely had when you started keto.

Because going into keto results in your body releasing glycogen stores (i.e. fluid or water loss). Just be aware of that and you'll be fine.

Then just make sure you are tracking and your calorie intake is where you want it to be.

knightreader

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate everyone's thoughtful advice.

jlynnm70

I lost and kept 17# off on keto last spring....my problem with it was that it was too restrictive (sorry I like wine and chocolate!) ....BUT that in mind I did keep the weight off for almost a year now which is more than I've done in a LONG time. I did jump about 2# when I went off (not counted in the 17) which is likely water from going off keto. This time....I'm doing my own version - lower carb, higher fat/proteins within my calorie range....that way I can still have the other stuff...I just have to allow for it....ie If I'm gonna have that glass of wine or piece of chocolate - then I try to eat little to no carbs all day and am good in evening. So far seems ok - need a little more time to see how it plays out - only been at it a week....LOL