In the first couple months, I used anything I could to get by. I couldn't fathom introducing things into my diet like hemp seeds and coconut oil. Now, I've ditched more of the sweets, and am focusing on overall health, so for me, I think it's completely an individual choice AND each person is an evolution.

I've tried a ton of recipes, and some things i keep coming back to. So for me, I say, all of the above. As you identified, needing flavors and variety etc. is a stumbling block for you. My advice for that is to google the word "keto" before ANY recipe you've ever tried or wanted to try. "Keto pizza" "Keto pot roast" "Keto pork chops" "keto casserole" and the possibilities go on forever. "keto ice cream" "keto cheesecake" "keto cookies."

You will find literally DOZENS of recipes to sample. Under the main stickied post at the top of this forum, there are user recommended recipe pages. I tend to google and run across the same 10-15 sites. When I find a recipe I like, I sign up for a newsletter. So don't think there is something you can't make. Everyone here will brainstorm with you to fill in the gaps of your favorite things.

Make backup plans for your backup plans. Stock and tote (in your purse or wherever) LC friendly snacks. Make a list of acceptable "out" options (we have a few threads here that have covered that). Make a list of acceptable "convenience store foods" so you'll know the better options.

Try adding things in and taking things out. Personally, I wouldn't go for an "angle." I would try everything, see what your taste buds like, what your body likes, what your spouse likes. The best part about low carbing is that it is hands down the most easily customizable plan ever. Don't like coconut, have a dozen more options. Allergic to dairy - dairy free stuff. Can do nuts? Want it Vegetarian or Pescatarian style? You can do it. Wanna have meatless Mondays? It's all possible.

The main reasons I see folks fail are: they make it harder than it has to be, they try to do it in an extreme way, they box themselves into limited options, they try to make it match all their former addictions, they don't focus on the mental side of food cravings/addictions/compulsions, they don't study the science, they don't get enough electrolytes in the beginning, they don't take breaks from exercise/slow it down while adjusting, and they over-sweeten things trying to get that "sweet high" one has on a traditional diet.

If you have to include processed foods in a pinch, do it. It's better to include some less savory additives that to jump off plan for inconvenience. Figure out your weaknesses, foods you aren't willing to give up, foods you never want to eat again. Don't be afraid to get wacky and experiment. Some of the greatest recipes out there were created by accident....

I started eating this way in May when my SO's doctor told him he must lose weight and recommended Atkins. I set my goal to ~ 100 grams while the man was starting at 20. This gave me a lot of leeway, most of the time I am well under 100, between 40-70, and the times I feel like I goofed up I am not that far over 100. Usually the goof ups are when I go to Mom's for dinner, so I will occasionally sample some potatoes or rice or pasta, just in much smaller quantities than I used to eat. I feel GREAT, and have lost 18 pounds without being hungry, without it feeling like a diet, without feeling deprived. The man has lost 55 pounds. He struggles more with cravings for carbs & sweets than I do, but he realizes that this is healthier and it certainly has been effective.

The first month or so was hardest as we were figuring out what to eat and getting bored. But we started looking up recipes and trying different things, as Knit suggests.

For me, I didn't really pick a particular style, I just set the carb goal and went from there, but with a lot of latitude. I don't beat myself up if I go over or eat something that is higher carb, I just consistently tried being under that goal and the results started following. I find that it really is quite flexible and not restricting.

I think you know yourself best. If you need some conveniences of packaged foods and can stick to 100g or less with those conveniences and be successful enough for that to also keep you putting in the effort, then I say do that. But there's also no rule that says you have to follow anyone's rules here. If you want to go Paleo, but you know you need some packaged conveniences say twice a week... Then by all means do that. Just don't go chatting about it on some Paleo boards...
There's nothing wrong with taking bits of pieces of different low carb methods that interest you and forming your own way. It's entirely likely that you will rework your plan as you go anyway.
For me, I have an issue with cravings that always seems to creep up if I allow carbs to visit the 30's range for long or eat overly sweetened things. We each have our weaknesses and strengths and I thinks long term success depends solely on learning how you need to do things to keep on track, to keep your sanity and see the results you are looking for. Experimenting and giving full effort to whatever you decide is what will reveal those secrets and you can make adjustments as needed.

Deena_Bean wrote: »

Thank you guys, so much for chiming in. It's kind of hard to bounce ideas around if you don't know anyone IRL that does it! I think for now I'm just going to do whatever it takes for me to stay under 100 (with a goal of avoiding processed things unless I'm hard up for something specific). I'm sort of struggling balancing right now - the calories, carbs, protein, fat and sugar. I feel like I'm juggling and I keep dropping one or two balls every day. It's annoying, but I am guessing it's not uncommon when you're trying to get the feel for it all.

Focus on those carbs and sugars first. That needs to be the main adaption. Those should be hard limits.

Your protein should be a flexible range with a hard lower limit (that can have flux as long as you hit your average in a week to 10 days' time) to maintain your current muscle mass.

Fat should be to satiety.

While you are focused on adapting to your new program, calories are less of a concern. You need extra calories for your body to convert your "engine" to better metabolic flexibility anyway. While you're getting your carbs locked down, maybe switch to your maintenance calorie expectation as your upper limit until you get the other things locked down.

Focus on one thing first and get it locked in. Once that habit is well and truly locked, move on to the next one.

I forgot to mention that to keep my cravings away, I stopped eating any sugar or sweetners. I do eat fruit for a natural sweetness.

Deena_Bean wrote: »

What's the ideal sugar range again? I thought I read it somewhere, but now I can't even find it. I am at 40g/ day now (but not being a good little sugar bug and staying under that) - but if it's not right I might as well fix it up and make that my next victim. This week I'm trying to focus on staying under 100g of carbs, so next week I'll add in the sugar to the mix I think. I only went over carb limit one day by 10 or so grams, not bad IMO. Just have to keep my focus locked in You peeps are the best

Dragon - that's a handy chart. I'm sad to hear the whole thing is bye-bye now I'd like to have it as a reference (even if I meander into the yellow/red zone from time to time...seems like a great guide).

Typically you want as little sugar as possible and only from vegetable or dairy sources. No actual refined sugars

Ok I read everyone's post after I posted mine and I'm not shocked to see we are all pretty the same on keeping sweetness out of our diet for the craving aspect. I think I average 7g a day if that only what is in veggies, no way am I putting that crystal light drink flavor back in my drinks after that first time of wanting to eat anything sweet!!!! Hahaha.

I have a few processed to go foods I eat a few times per week. Mainly it is cheese, bacon, sausages and pepperonis, prepared burger (beef,fish, chicken) patties, and pork rinds with an asiago artichoke cheese dip - mmmm.

I also was having some xylitol sweetened chocolate chips but the amont was increasing, and my carbs and calories were creeping up. They had to go even though my sugars rarely went above 10g per day. Like others have said, I need to keep my carbs low (below 30g) or I get hungrier.

Oops, I also use a protein whey powder in my coffee.

... Hmm, I use more processed foods than I thought I did. LOL

Dragon wolf / deena_bean - was this what you wanted?