Harihead Crashes Ketosis

[Harihead]

This challenge will build on my previous one. In the last challenge, my goal was to stabilize my emotional and physical state. Check!

Now, we get down to business. 

 

Under a doctor's supervision, I'm going to start a 2-3 month keto-adaptive boot camp. I have already ordered the blood-testing kit and keto strips. I wanted to start last week, but the doc has some extra steps he wants me to take before I go full bore. He was worried I didn't have sufficient ketones built up to withstand the initial diet. I take my first blood test Tues-Weds when the kit arrives, and I also have bloodwork that's coming back. 

 

This challenge will coincide with the "full bore" phase, starting May 28. I will be evaluating and tweaking my diet as I go based on the ketone results strips. 

 

Life Goal: 

Return to the weight and fitness I had when I worked from home, instead of in someone else's office. 

 

4 Week Challenge Goal:

Complete month 1 of the keto-adaptive boot camp. 

 

Diet: 

Category 1 food list, no coffee, alcohol, proscribed carbs of any kind. This is super strict. 

A = <=1 fails/week, CON +3, CHA +2

B = <=3 fails/week, CON +2, CHA +1

C = <=5 fails/week, CON +1, CHA +1

 

Exercise: 

I want to focus on building stamina and vitality, so focus on 5+ "vigorous" exercises and 4+ yoga exercises per week.  

A = 9+/week, DEX +3, STR +1

B = 6-8/week, DEX +2, STR +1

C = 3-5/week, DEX +1

 

Refresh:

Continue work into mental health-- books and talk therapist if I can corral one. 

A = 4+/week, WIS +3

B = 3/week, WIS +2

C = 1-2/week, WIS +1

 

Fiction:

Life goal, this. I'm up for one new story a week, which includes a major revision. That will clear the decks for the novel. 

A = 4+/week STA +3

B = 3/week STA +2

C = 1-2/week STA +1

[Evicious]

I'm glad you're under a doctor's care for this challenge. A lot of people don't fully understand keto, and damage their health through the process. It's encouraging to see someone who takes the risks seriously, and is taking precautions accordingly.

[Harihead]

Thanks, Evicious! I didn't intend to start keto -- it evolved out of the discussions we had regarding my symptoms and diet plan. It really feels like the right way to go, and I'm eager to get started! But I can't really being until my discussion, scheduled for Tuesday next week. So I'm still in prep mode, but "accidentally"-

stopped drinking coffee and alcohol

stopped eating all junk

 

The question is how many starchy foods I can still eat (like rice or certain veggies) because he wants me to enter keto slowly. My kit arrived tonight! I look forward to reading the 4 separate user guides (yikes) and taking my first reading.

[Virago]

Good luck!! Interested to hear how it goes

[Harihead]

Pre-challenge update:

My initial ketone reading Weds. this week was 0.5. 

All alcohol still stopped, but enjoyed a last delicious cup of decaf this morning.

Lost 11 pounds in the last month-- I'm pretty sure that's a record. 

 

The Category 1 phase starts tomorrow. I will get more instructions from the dr. on Tuesday. 

This is what I'll be eating until my ketones are consistently over 1.0:

 

Greens: Alfalfa sprouts, arugula, bok choy, cabbage, chard, cilantro, lettuce, radicchio, radishes, sauerkraut, spinach, watercress 

Fats: Avocado, butter/ghee, flax, olives, Oils: coconut, flaxseed, olive, sesame 

Condiments: Horseradish, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, wasabi 

Protein: Any good fish, turkey, lamb, game, bison, ostrich, low CHO powders   (Avoid 2+ weeks- allergy testing: Chicken, Beef, eggs & shellfish) 
Spices: Sea salt, pepper, fresh herbs and spices (garlic, cumin, dill, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, turmeric)

Sweeteners: Cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla 

Beverages: Water, Herbal teas, full-fat coconut in can

 

Regarding exercise, the pool opens today. I hope to do my usual morning swim most days unless prevented by bad weather, out of town, etc. We're getting a rainstorm today so plan to head down about 9 AM when it's a bit warmer. Swimming will count toward vigorous exercise only if it's 30+ minutes. (I normally do 20 minutes before work.)

[Harihead]

THE CHALLENGE IS ON!

I'm reading my ketosis guidebook that will help me through "boot camp". Phase 1 takes ~8 weeks, but it's measured by ketones, so I'll see if I enter Ph 2 sooner. 

I'm needing to adjust all of my lifestyle during this 2-3 month period, which includes: 

 

Diet: 

Category 1 + supplements, periodic fasting, boosting emunctories 

 

Exercise: 

Blend endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance - moderate aerobic level, no HIIT at this time. Great choices are swimming, walking/hiking, biking, and yoga. 

 

Rejuvenate:

Follow daily rhythms: Rise at 7, exercise AM or 2-4 PM, start relaxation ~8 PM. This will be challenging with work/life commitments. 

 

[Nianne]

How's it going so far? Have you been consistent in your daily rhythms? How about the diet and exercise?

 

I also want to hear more about the writing. You're writing short stories in preparation for a novel?

[Harihead]

On 6/3/2017 at 4:03 PM, Nianne said:

You're writing short stories in preparation for a novel?

I'm mostly writing short stories at the moment, because it's easier to fit into a working day. I've written several novels, but have only 3 as commercial properties. The others were for "fun". 

 

Short answer: 

I'm delaying this challenge to a later time. I was doing great with diet and exercise, and then... appendicitis. Doctor said no restrictive diet while healing from surgery.

 

And, the appendicitis turned up another problem, where I'll have to have more surgery in about 3 weeks. So, with all the surgeries, healing, etc. I've got to focus on that. 

 

Bummer for many reasons. The boot camp was working. I'll just have to recommence at some later time. 

Best wishes to all of you who still have normal lives.

Cheers.

[Vibrantella]

Sorry to hear about your surgeries - I hope you get better soon.

 

When you come back to a keto diet, feel free to chat (I've been strict LC for over a couple of years now, with long periods of keto, works well for me).