When social media first took footing it was very easy to judge, especially coming from a conservative Indian culture. I remember being a part of the beginning stages of platforms like MySpace and Friendster.
Now, in my late 30s, I respect those who had put themselves out there from the very beginning. It takes time to learn who you are and what you stand for. It also takes time to learn to let go of the judgment.
In the beginning of our blog I was nervous to put myself out there. I was nervous about the judgement, to be more specific. What were followers going to say, you’re not fashionable? You’re not pretty? You don’t have the perfect life?!
Whatever my fears were, they have been conquered.
I’ve learned that being a part of any social media platform, you are often forced to read the good, the bad, and the ugly about yourself. I’ve learned you can’t satisfy everyone. Some people will love you, and some will hate you. When you fall somewhere in a space where YOU are comfortable, it no longer matters what anyone thinks about your journey.
Whatever journey it is you choose, I hope that you find peace in knowing it’s about YOU and no one else.
Social media has given an opportunity for non-multimillion dollar backed celebrity endorsed products to be promoted on a genuine platform.
If you are reading this, you likely follow @chicksandsalsablog, and for that we are thankful for your support and love in this journey that we call, our blog
This is by far the most requested post from me since I started doing ‘Keto Sprints’ over a year and a half ago. I am hoping that this will be the start of an ongoing share that I put together to help you achieve your weight loss goals as I have for the first time in ten years. See my initial results here.
Although I am not a vegetarian, I have been asked time and time again for a menu that will work for vegetarians. Although it was not easy, I have compiled these meal ideas for you.
Before we get into what you can eat, let’s talk about Keto.
What is the Keto Diet?
“Ketogenic” is a term for a low-carb diet (like the Atkins diet). The idea is for you to get more calories from protein and fat and less from carbohydrates. You cut back most on the carbs that are easy to digest, like sugar, soda, pastries, and white bread. So although it may feel odd at first to be eating so many fats, there is science behind this.
When you eat less than 50 grams of carbs a day, your body eventually runs out of fuel (blood sugar) it can use quickly. This typically takes 3 to 4 days. Then you’ll start to break down protein and fat for energy, which can make you lose weight. This is called ketosis. It’s important to note that the ketogenic diet is a short term diet that’s focuses on weight loss rather than the pursuit of health benefits.
You will love the burst of energy you feel when depriving your body of sugar. Carbs are addicting and without them you will feel the difference in your appetite as well as mood.
-Magic numbers: 35-50 g Carbs Daily, Protein 20% daily diet intake , Fats 75% daily diet intake, you need a LOT of fat in your diet when you eliminate carbs therefore cheese and avocados are now your best friends.
-Count NET CARBS (Carbs MINUS grams of Fiber for Net Carbs)
-You can actually eat anything on Keto (cookies/pizza etc.) just watch your numbers and when you are out of carbs, make a different choice. I definitely eat things like pizza from time to time, but I consider those numbers in my daily count. With pizza I sometimes just eat the cheese – its actually really satisfying not eating the WHOLE piece.
-Fats are your friend, eat butter/avocados/pistachios/almonds liberally.
-Limit fruit intake. Bananas have 12-15 carbs, grapes are approximately 1 carb each! Stick to berries in ¼ cup portions.
-Total Carbs per day should stay under 35-50 grams TOTAL, it is important to keep count, if you don’t know, google it. Here is an incredibly helpful link with carbs for ALL INDIAN foods.
Some of My Favorite Low Carb Finds
Delicious
4 Net Carbs
Available at Aldi
Found At Costco
So Good
What to Expect
If you are doing this right, after about day three you should not feel hungry. The combination of protein and fat in your diet should keep your satiated.
After Three Days: Check to see if you are in ketosis, I use these sticks.
After One Week: You should start seeing some weight loss.
After Two Weeks: You will see a difference in your body.
I hope you found this post to be helpful. The Keto Diet has changed my ability to manage my weight and my outlook on food completely. If you would like to see more meal options, drop me a comment and I will start working on a follow up.
A visit to the hairdresser for me is right behind a visit to the dentist. I have no patience for anything really except exploring new places and spending time in nature. The more I can do for myself and in my home, the better off I am! Getting a blowout in the comfort of my house is the best way I can save money and time each and every week. Thankfully there are really good at home options now.
For years (at least 8!) I have used the previous version of what is now the Conair Infiniti Pro. It has a rotating brush that dries at the same time. The idea was genius, but I had so much hair that it took a long to time to get through with it.
Hot Tools recently launched the release of their 24K Gold One Step Blowout Styler and this is truly the bom diggity! It has a very strong blower, a 24k gold technology barrel to
help with de-frizzing, and gets the job done…fast!
Scoop up this blowout styler for yourself or a loved one this holiday season!
I have shared before that I live in a small town. Living far from places I like to visit has turned me into quite the driver. Give me a destination and I am there!
I have really grown to cherish my time on the road, I love being alone with my thoughts and of course my music! When I travel, I always make sure to rent a car to get around. Some of my most memorable drives have been around Hawaii and most recently on my trip to the Grand Canyon.
Surprisingly the drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is less than 4 hours and the route goes straight through one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE cities of Sedona. I had good company (my kids) and good music to go along with the scenic views.
Check out our ride and some of the landscape in the video below.
Grand Canyon
At the Grand Canyon we signed up for a jeep tour with Grand Canyon Jeep Tours and Safaris. Although we enjoyed the tour, I recommend skipping the pricey jeep tours and heading straight for the Visitors Center where you can easily build an itinerary according to your time available and personal preferences. There are hikes and view points to accommodate all ages and interests. They also have a cute and FREE Junior Rangers program for the kids to keep them engaged! Two things to keep in mind when visiting the Grand Canyon: it’s COLD, you are between 7000 and 9000 feet high, bring layers, it was 41 degrees the day we went in October. Secondly be sure to catch the sunrises and sunsets, they are breathtaking. Whether you watch the canyon light up in the morning or turn down for the night, the overwhelming beauty that is the canyon is really captured at these hours.
Sedona
On our way back we stopped for a while in Sedona. This incredibly beautiful and unique city has had my heart since I first visited ten years ago. Something about its isolation, desert landscape, and tall red rocks just captivates me. Unlike in the Grand Canyon, in Sedona I HIGHLY recommend a jeep tour. Getting up and around these rock structures is not easy, but with the Pink Jeep tours its fun and scenic! We had lunch at the tasty Oaxaca Restaurant that has the most beautiful view in the city. Be sure to swing by the Fine Arts and Crafts Square where there are interesting boutiques and art galleries, live music, cafes, and more!
This drive was truly one for the books and with the beautiful Arizona sun on our side. We enjoyed every minute we spent on the road. Now, I am off to plan my next #RoadTrip.
