Re: How was the transition the first couple of weeks

Great question! The first day was fine, day 2-4 were hellish, feeling nauseous, tired, overall flu-ish, but with help from chicken bone broth I made it through! After day 4 it all seemed to click, and now a month in my body is doing very well using fat for fuel instead of carbs! I have had a few cheat days, and it hasn't taken me out of ketosis (I choose decent cheat meals, no huge bowl of pasta yet!). The first two or three weeks the scale didn't budge but low and behold dedication pays off! It has been very rewarding and motivating to see. I used to over eat due to stress and emotions, and I feel like I have much more control over what I consume and therefore how I live my life! Don't get too down on yourself, congrats on quitting smoking!! I gained 25 lbs too and with this keto I hope to lose 35-40. I think it is totally attainable! My sister did Whole30 and absolutely loved seeing how gluten and dairy affected her inflammation. I use the Carb Manager app for my macro tracking and it works amazing! Join a keto group on facebook and let them inspire you and answer any questions you may have I honestly haven't hit the gym once this whole month, and now that my body is used to the food I'm eating, I will be in the gym again! Excited to see what it looks like when I do both together. Even walking while on keto helps increase circulation and releasing fat from storage

Re: Pic

I will get right on this. I have some selfies but I feel like a whole photoshoot is needed now. Hehe.

Quitting pop, sugar and gluten will really help a lot! You don't need to do an extreme diet as long as you are conscious of what you are eating Sounds like you're on the right track, congrats on losing 20 lbs that is awesome!! I try to hit a gallon of water a day, and I hate pop/juice/etc. since sugar tastes funny to me now! It makes it easier

The higher your metabolic rate, the more calories your body will use.  Exercise increases metabolic rate. Thus exercise helps lose fat.  Some types of exercise like resistance training helps maintain and even increase muscle mass.  And muscle uses more calories than fat.  

Yes yes and yes you guys are spot on!