For me, the most remarkable thing about keto (as far as a 'diet' goes) is that I don't think about eating 24/7. Other times I was on calorie restriction, it seems that it was so much mental work.

With keto, I can still eat so many things that I would be eating anyway, but not feel guilty because I love butter on my veggies, or heavy cream in my coffee.

I'm not in a big hurry to lose weight for the most part as I started because I wanted to be healthier. Too much of the diabeeetus in my family & I don't want any part of that.

I took some pics back in June & I'm waiting until I get to 15lbs lost to update them.

Using this really helps to keep track

http://cavemanketo.com/configuring-mfp/

Ditto exactly what MermaidTX said. Also as Kiramaniac states do your research and think about what we are doing! We're eating wholesome foods, mainly natural, tasty and satisfying whilst slowly getting our bodies to optimum weight. Some of us ( well me anyway) have really struggled keeping portion control and addictive eating under control, this way seems to work. That said I can fully understand hulahoopmamas experience, energy levels can drop initially and with a young family it can be really difficult. Perhaps finding a sweet spot slowly increasing carbs until energy levels are at the required level would work in that situation. When I think about all the artificial rubbish I have eaten in the past this can only be an improvement. Because we are adding visible fat it may seem counterproductive to what the "experts" tell us but think about the hidden fat in the food we previously ate, certainly in my case there was just as much, I just wasn't aware of it. Good luck in your endeavour.

I definitely have felt discouraged at times. When I'm in ketosis, I feel great and I'm really not tempted by SAD. But, once I go off keto, I have struggled to fully recommit. I know that keto is healthy for me -- and personally, it's more than weight loss benefits. I've suffered with depression and anxiety for a long time, and keto (especially eating lots of healthy fats) has made such a difference.

But even knowing that, I've still struggled to get back into it.

One thing that really is a challenge for me is social events. I absolutely can modify wherever I am to stay in ketosis, but our country is built around high carb. I live in Boulder, Colorado, so I'm surrounded by healthy people. Even though a lot of people I know do paleo, primal, or another form of generally clean eating, no one gets keto (I actually have to point out to the primal people that Mark Sisson *does* recommend keto and discuss it on his blog). Anyway, it can get a little exhausting asking for a burger on salad instead of a bun, eggs benedict without the English muffin, eggs with avocado instead of hashbrowns. Don't get me wrong -- I think I've kind of mastered eating out regularly and sticking with keto. But it takes some planning and energy.

I'm doing a fat fast to help as a reset button. And I LOVE keto foods! If you haven't already, I would get Dana Carpenter's fat fast cookbook for some ideas and a plan of sorts to help you get back into keto.

I also recommend spending time on MFP. Every time I drift away from MFP, I start to feel alone in the nutrition world and I start to forget all the wonderful reasons I eat this way. Being on MFP and virtually surrounded by knowledgable ketoers can really help with your own sanity and dedication.

I don't have any problems with energy at the moment, I feel fantastic whereas I used to feel crappy on high protein. I'm also under the care of a Naturopath who is closely monitoring my thyroid keeping it at the optimum level for weight loss which is 1.5, I was at 3.1. It had only been three days, today is my 4th and the scale is already moving in the right direction.

My doctor and I have already come to the conclusion that Keto has to be a lifestyle for me because my body just can't process the carbs correctly. I have honestly tried everything, I've hired some of the most elite nutrition consultants in the bodybuilding industry and with some of them I only gained weight.

This has to work, it's my only hope!!!

Hold the phone! Your doctor concluded? I want your doctor!!!! Please!

P.S. I think you're doing great!

I was discouraged all the time... at least once a month!! (probably more : - ) ........definitely more?? IDK. A lot.

But I did not quit. Keto is a lifestyle. It is the right lifestyle for me - not everyone but definitely for me. Sounds like you have tried everything else and that this is the best for you as well. That being said, it won't all be easy. The first couple of weeks are the hardest. Your body has to learn to live off of fat and not carbs and that is an adjustment. I felt better after about 2 weeks. After a month I was flying high and had so much energy I could hardly contain myself.

Try to give yourself at least a full month (hopefully much longer) before treating yourself to anything non-keto. The biggest downfall is cheating. I think we all get tempted to cheat and have a treat. Nothing wrong with that as long as you fit it in your macros or work it off in the gym. Don't beat yourself up. Take it one day at a time.

On keto my skin is better, my mood is better, I slept better, I never had cravings, I had plenty of energy to exercise, etc. It has made me feel so much better overall. I know you will feel better too if you will just stick with it.

Stay on top of your water. You need more with keto. Drink at least 12 cups a day. I am a creature of habit and tend to eat the same things over and over but when I was craving something I had to learn to seek out a keto friendly recipe for it. It takes time and sometimes a couple tries but it is well worth it. Don't suffer, eat what you love and if you need to, keep adding new keto recipes to keep yourself satisfied.

I can't wait to watch you be successful at this!