Thanks for stopping by and catching up, friends! I have been feeling super busy as of late, but the good kind - where you have a good rhythm going and your to-do list is in check. That's rare-ish for me, so it's a marvelous feeling! I'm basking in it - and this new 40+ weather we're having in Chicago! Today, I walked outside WITHOUT A COAT - for the first time in months! I didn't need to protest myself from...well, the air. :)
But I digress. I'm here to talk about frosting! Yes, for BREAKFAST! You read that right.
I just started a new diet (but really, let's call it a lifestyle because I dislike the work "diet") called the Keto diet. Some of you might be familiar with this - for those who aren't, it's similar to South Beach, Paleo, or Atkins in a few ways. It's a low-carb, high-fat diet that focuses on kicking your body into ketosis in high gear! Ketosis is a natural process that your body does normally - it's basically the method by which your body burns macronutrients for energy.
Macronutrients - or "macros" - consist of carbs, proteins, and fats. Carbs are the easiest to break down and the most likely to cause spikes in your blood sugar because of the way they convert to glucose. The body will burn glucose first before it burns protein or fat, because carbs are...well...kind of easy. ;) Proteins are less likely to give it up, and fats are definitely not giving it up if carbs are at the party. The long and short of it is this: if you don't intake carbs, your body will look to protein and fat to burn and fuel your body. Fat burn = good! Your liver will turn fats into fatty acids and ketones. Fatty acids feed your brain. Ketones become waste. Ps - if you check out that link I just posted, you'll see that the Keto diet is used to help patients with EPILEPSY avoid seizures - seriously good for the brain!!!
I need to find a way to get lots of MCT oils into my diet - a Keto diet is usually about 5% carbs, 20-25% protein, and 70-75% fat. I *know*, right??? The great thing about this diet is that I don't really feel like I'm depriving myself, and I am certainly not hungry. I can't even come close to hitting my 1600 calorie-mark daily because I am so FULL! And, as you may know, coconut oil is a fantastic commonplace source of MCT oils. (Oh, MCT = Medium Chain Triglycerides, for the curious.)
OK - So, new diet, you get the basics.
There's a super delicious and sweet/salty treat I've found works really well for me! It's called Keto Frosting, and it's all I eat it for breakfast. Jealous yet? I also get to eat bacon, eggs, cheese, steak with real butter, cheeseburgers, and so many other delicious things that you would normally give up on a "diet". Yeah. Now you're jealous.
Don't be jealous! Join me!!!
Keto Frosting
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil (cold-pressed organic is best)
1 heaping Tbsp natural peanut butter (no added sugar)
1/2 to 1 full packet Stevia in the Raw (I personally use 1/2 packet)
Pinch of sea salt
Here's how I prepare it:
Measure out coconut oil into a small glass bowl. Microwave 12-ish seconds until soft and beginning to melt.
Add peanut butter, Stevia, and sea salt. Mix well.
Cover bowl and refrigerate.
I make this the night before - it's quick and simple, and SO TASTY!!!
Calories: 485 (again, this is *all* I eat for breakfast!)
Carbs: 3.8 g
Proteins: 4.4 g
Fats: 52 g
Possible variations include: adding cocoa powder, using a bit of cream cheese and vanilla extract instead of peanut butter, adding almond meal and sugar-free syrup flavors, or using different nut butters. Mix it up to find what works for you!
*Note: I do *not* make a commission from the products sold at the links - I just think it's helpful for those to see what I actually us in my own kitchen. I use a lot of the same products I've researched and found work well for many other Keto-lovers, so they are Keto-approved if you'd like to try!
I started Keto after doing tons of research on diets compatible with PCOS and Metformin - since that's what I've got and that's how I'm treating it! (Ps - thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!) I've been on it less than a whole week and I have already lost TWO POUNDS!!! I know, right?!?!? Fat in = fat out, baby! I'm so excited to see the changes that is is *already* making in my health overall (not just my weight)!
Have you ever tried Keto? If so, I'd love to connect and learn from your experience!
Nom nom for now,
Amanda
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