I’m going to share some of my best tips for getting back into ketosis and strategies to reduce overwhelm when starting a new lifestyle change.
A few weeks ago, I asked you a question: “What stage of keto are you currently in?”
13% replied, “I have just started.”
15% replied, “I want to, but haven’t tried the ketogenic diet yet.”
32% replied, “I’m currently in ketosis right now.”
And 40% replied, “I tried it, but it was a struggle…”
Those responses surprised me, so I looked deeper into why many people find keto challenging.
“I tried Keto, but it was a struggle…”
Social media often highlights dramatic keto success stories — from weight loss and body recomposition to improved cognition and metabolic benefits. But real life is messier, and many people still struggle to maintain ketosis.
We’re bombarded with around 5,000 ads every day. Many of those ads promote high-sugar, highly palatable foods and are timed to hit us when willpower is low — what I call the “Cursed Hour,” the time when cravings are strongest.
Beginning keto by completely purging carbs from the house and relying on endless amounts of bacon, butter and cheese can backfire. You might feel deprived, especially in social situations when everyone else reaches for chips or dessert.
There are a few problems with that scenario:
- The ketogenic diet doesn’t have to be only bacon, butter and cheese.
- It often looks like the same recipes you already know, just adapted — and relearning how to cook without carbs can feel overwhelming.
- Cravings are often tied to emotion: fatigue, stress, boredom or sadness make carbs feel like a quick fix.
No wonder eliminating carbs feels so difficult — carbs are deeply woven into our culture and daily routines.
Practical tricks to help
Try this mental exercise: think of a food or drink you genuinely dislike. Maybe it’s coffee, oysters, or cilantro. Hold that in your mind.
Now flip that reaction the next time someone invites you for a high-carb treat. Replace “Do you want to go for ice cream?” with “Do you want to go for oysters?”
Your response becomes simple and confident: “No thanks, I don’t eat oysters.”
By mentally swapping the tempting food with something you dislike, you give yourself a clean, short answer that avoids lengthy explanations. This reframing can help you decline carbs without feeling awkward or defensive.
It won’t work every time, but it’s a useful tool to lower friction in social situations.
Another important mindset shift
Within parts of the keto community there’s a tendency to gatekeep — implying that unless you buy the most expensive grass-fed butter or the fanciest specialty products, you’re not doing keto “right.” That attitude is unhelpful and discouraging.
Instead of trying to meet an unrealistic standard, start from where you are and take one small step at a time.
Small steps that make a big difference
Progress can look like reducing from three sodas a day to two, or cutting fast food from five times a week to three. If a full, immediate overhaul feels overwhelming, focus on manageable changes.
Ask yourself: How can I make this week easy?
Many clients start by committing to keto-friendly breakfasts just three days a week. Once that becomes routine, they add lunches three days a week. Gradual, consistent changes build sustainable habits. Speed isn’t as important as sticking with the process — consistency wins.
Ready To Join The 5 Day Carb Cleanse?
If carb cravings are your main roadblock, consider trying the 5 Day Carb Cleanse. It’s designed to get you back into ketosis quickly and teach practical strategies to handle common cravings. The program is short, focused, and intended to give you the confidence to stay carb-free in challenging moments.
- You’ll learn the three secret rules to a no-fail keto approach.
- You’ll discover the CURSED HOUR — the time of day you’re most likely to crave carbs and how to manage it.
- You’ll hear expert tips to avoid common beginner mistakes when starting keto.
Enrollment is open for a limited time, so if this sounds like what you need, consider signing up soon.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend. I’ll continue to share practical advice on overcoming carb cravings and getting back into ketosis in a realistic, sustainable way.