Exploring Clean Keto for Weight Loss: My 8-Week Plan

Hey, Welcome! 👋 I wanted to share my thoughts and plans for the next couple of months, and I’d love your input and support! If you’re new here, please check out my previous blog posts as I restart my weight loss journey. My first blog post gives an introduction to my goals and what I plan to post here! My second blog post goes further into my personal journey with weight loss, the ups and downs, the triumphs and failures.

Why I’m Considering Keto Again

I’ve been doing a lot of research about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) lately, and I’ve discovered some interesting connections between PCOS symptoms and the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet. This study journal article, Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Reproductive Hormones in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome discusses and states “Significant weight loss was unanimously observed in all included studies”. With a conclusion of “short-term ketogenic diet potentially improved hormonal imbalances commonly associated with PCOS.” Read the full journal article if you’d like further information!

My Previous Keto Success

Before diving into my new plan, I want to share some history. From 2016 to 2017, I successfully lost 60 pounds following a keto diet!

This experience gives me confidence in the potential of this approach. However, this time, I’m aiming for a more refined, cleaner version of keto than I previously did. Previously, I consumed a lot of “keto-friendly” foods that weren’t necessarily healthy for me from a nutrition standpoint, but they helped me lose weight and at the time I was content with that. Now, I’m approaching this with a different mindset. I want to consume natural, whole foods high in nutrients.

So, for this 8-week period I’ll be avoiding additives, preservatives, gluten, anything I feel like may contribute to inflammation in my body. My staples will be grass-fed beef, free range chicken and eggs, fish (tuna and salmon occasionally, I’m not much of a seafood girl!), organic vegetables, and lower-sugar fruits. Beverages will be water, herbal teas, sparkling water, and the occasional “mocktail” (we’re doing Sober October! more on that in a future post!)

Even at my smallest keto weight, I still wanted to continue losing and work on toning up. Instead, life happened, and over the next three to four years, I slowly gained it all back. I fell into old habits, consumed empty calories, and lost my way and quite honestly, lost myself in the process. I’m so ready to get back to the 2017 girl who went proudly by “keto.hustle” on IG. (I changed my name last week to olivenbasil to reflect my new journey!)

My Clean Keto Approach

Here’s what I’m thinking for this round:

1. Duration: October 1st to Thanksgiving (about 8 weeks)
2. Focus: Nutrient-dense, whole foods
3. Protein Sources: Grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, organic eggs
4. Fats: Avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds
5. Carbs: Lots of low-carb veggies, especially leafy greens
6. Avoid: Processed “keto” products, artificial sweeteners, excessive dairy

My Goals

• Observe any changes in my PCOS symptoms
• Increase my energy levels
• Improve mental clarity
• And of course, support my overall weight loss journey
• Aim to replicate (or even improve upon) my previous success, but with a cleaner approach

Why I’m Sharing This

1. Accountability: Sharing my plan with you all helps keep me accountable.
2. Support: Your encouragement means the world to me!
3. Discussion: I’d love to hear your experiences or thoughts on keto.
4. Learning Together: As I navigate this, I’ll share what I learn along the way.
5. Inspiration: If keto worked for me before, it might work for you too!

Questions for You

• Has anyone else had success with keto, either for weight loss or managing PCOS symptoms?
• What are your favorite nutrient-dense, low-carb recipes?
• For those who’ve done keto before, how did you maintain your results long-term?

This is a personal experiment based on my research, symptoms, and my past experience.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have specific health concerns.

I’m so excited about this new phase of my journey and can’t wait to share my progress with you all! Let’s keep thriving together! 💪🥑🥦

#CleanKeto #PCOSAwareness #WellnessJourney #KetoSuccess #StartingOver #NewBeginning #KetoGenic #KetoWeightLoss #LowCarb #PCOS

Sources

Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 7, Issue 10, October 2023, https://academic.oup.com/jes/article/7/10/bvad112/7259972