Anyone else a bit scared??
It seems likely that our lives will never be the same again. When we look back, there are lots of events in history that have shaped our futures for centuries to come. Inventions that have changed the very fabric of society. Historic events that still influence our lives today. Sometimes it was key inventions like the wheel, the aeroplane or the computer. Other times it was longer events like the industrial revolution, the world wars or more topically, the covid pandemic. One things for certain, some things leave our lives, and our planet, changed forever. Even long after they have gone.
I often wonder if the people living through those moments in history really recognised their significance. Did the Wright brothers have even the smallest inkling that their work would lead to machines that carried millions of people worldwide? That their invention would change the shape of wars? That their creation would revolutionise world trade, allowing ordinary people to buy items from the other side of the world as easily as popping to the local supermarket? We will never know for sure, but there can be little doubt of the impact their invention had.
Today, right at this moment, feels like one of those moments in history. With half of the population vaccinated, a full year after the UK locked-down, we are beginning to ease restrictions once again. Starting tomorrow, we can meet in small groups, albeit outdoors, and in a couple of weeks our favourite retail stores will open their doors once more. The road out is to be taken carefully and is far from certain, but it feels like we are starting to turn a corner. The impact will live on in so many ways, though. Many offices, including the one I would typically work from, show little appetite for inviting people back. Non-essential retail is set to re-open, but we've all become Amazon Prime junkies, relying on inappropriately hidden myHermes parcels, rather than battling the queues at out-of-town retail parks. We've become a Zoom attending, online shopping, Netflix addicted bunch. All of this said, while it feels like home-working and Parcelfarce deliveries are here to stay, I think most people are more than ready for face-to-face socialising to return.
Isn't this a keto blog, not a history lesson?
Okay, okay, I do have a flare for the dramatic (apparently it's where my daughter gets it from) but the point I'm making is simple; just work with me.
Today, My Fitness Pal informed me I had logged on for 175 days. That's near-as-makes-no-difference half a year. This in turn got me reflecting on exactly what a half-year it has been. For me, I've been at home much more, which has allowed me to make big changes in my life. I've been keto longer than the MPF notification suggests, but that doesn't change the fact that lockdown has given me control that I simply didn't have before. No weekdays in hotels, boozy work events. No scratching around for somewhere to get lunch, no calorie counting and ingredient checking. For some, the call of the fridge has been stronger in lockdown. For me, it gave me the means to make changes I would have found much harder in an 'open world'. But nothing is forever...
All Change
My long winded point is simple. Temptation is returning.
However easy eating keto has been for me in recent months, it's all change. In my experience, human beings tend to do change by kicking, screaming, moaning a lot, then solving the problem with alcohol and a good nosh up. Add into the mix that socialising is back, that pubs are re-opening and the promise of some summer sun and you have a pretty lethal combination. As I sit here now, I can hear the gentle hiss that a fizzy, chilled, brewed beverage makes. I can taste it, washing down conversation in sun-drenched beer gardens. But it cannot come to pass.
My Plan
I've decided to make a plan. To sit down and agree some rules with myself in order to be prepared. I've worked hard to be 5st lighter, to have increased energy levels, to be sharper and fitter. I'm not about to give all that up. Equally, what use is living to be a centurion if you've spent all of it miserable and restricted. I must find a balance. With this in mind, my 5 rules are simple:
1. Beer is out, no excuses. I shall be having alcohol though, as and when I feel like it. There might be weeks where I drink several bottles of dry white, or level a full bottle of scotch (what's new), but there will be weeks where I don't touch a drop. I won't be measuring this or putting myself under any pressure at all. I accept this may stall my weight loss, but I'm not in a hurry and I'm okay with the consequences, as long as it doesn't impact my overall keto approach.
2. I will not compromise on carbohydrates in food. If I'm having a BBQ, I'll make provisions for it. If I am eating out, I'll plan in advance. If I'm staying away, I'll have a plan too. If that means ringing ahead to restaurants, or being 'awkward' when ordering, I shall do so. This is big for me, as I often take the path of least resistance and don't like ordering my own thing in restaurants.
3. I will not lie to myself. Pretending that those BBQ-sauce-soaked ribs are keto serves nobody. Pretending that curry probably doesn't have any hidden sugar is no good. Keto is a permanent change and I shall be fully committed to it as a way of life. I will be as honest as I can be with my meal choices.
4. I will never let my diet choices impact my socialising decisions. Another big one for me. I have to integrate Keto into my 'normal' life. Opting out of the curry house, or railroading the social group into Miller & Carter is not the right thing to do. I will find ways to make good choices without making sacrifice.
5. When I am being good, I will be good. I won't drink 'for the sake of it'. I will make extra efforts to eat healthy keto meals when I'm at home and I commit to making the absolute best choices wherever I can. Lots of low carb vegetables, water and limit my processed foods. This will offset the high alcohol and burger days and ensure 'balance' in my life.
It may seem like some rules on a blog can't change anything. But identifying my potential pressure points and making a commitment to myself is powerful for me. Like Instagram, it makes me accountable. Putting my commitment in a public forum gives me a sense that I can't back down. Plus blogging seems to keep me honest. Clear my thoughts.
I hope to be here in another 175 days, talking about all the challenges I've overcome and celebrating a year free of sugar.
Are you prepared for the coming weeks and months? Will you be sticking to the keto way of eating or having the odd day off? If it's the latter, will it be planned? I'd love to hear how everyone will be tackling the future.
Good luck!!!
@ketokingkarl
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