Keto Kickstart Program Success Story: Meet Joanna!
Joanna joined our most recent 4-week keto kickstart program and we can say that a new keto friendship is born! It was great to have her on the program and meeting her in real life for one of her consultations. We could see that she made a lot of progress throughout the program and for both parties that was extremely rewarding! Since these 4 weeks were a success to both, we decided to share her story to help you decide whether the program might be the right for you as well.
Joanna and her why
Could you tell us a bit more about yourself, and what your daily life looks like?
Hi, I am Joanna! I am a mum of two small girls and an avid learner, so I am currently studying at home to further my career after leaving a corporation (to spend more time with my kids) and becoming a professional photographer.
Why Keto and when did you first come across Keto?
I only came across keto when I deep-dove into the low-carb lifestyle and started discovering new recipes that showed macros. My adventure with low-carb living begun many years ago when I saw the Atkins book in my friend's house and got really amazed with the possibilities and potential advantages of ditching the carbs and consuming more fats. I started reading into detrimental effects of (sugary) carbs on our bodies and overall well-being and the health benefits of living low-carb. The thought of going keto myself felt very distant at the time, but as I carried on with trying out new keto recipes and noticed how simple, delicious and satisfying they are, I thought, "why not?!". I do not have any serious conditions that I need to deal with, I am an overall healthy individual and even with my diagnosed PCOS I do not suffer much from it, but thought that there was perhaps a way to improve my hormonal imbalance. Another reason to start keto was to just see how I could improve my own knowledge on the subject and ensure that my closest family benefits from that knowledge, too.
Before the Keto Kickstart Program
What prompted you to join the Myndfuel Keto Kickstart Program?
I met Lotte on Instagram and what really appealed to me was that she is a Registered Dietitian that actually practices the ketogenic lifestyle herself and therefore has first-hand experience in that matter. There aren't many dietitians out there that condone keto and are able to apply it to their patients' needs in terms of health improvements or lifestyle changes. Despite knowing quite a bit about the LCHF and keto lifestyles, I didn't feel motivated enough to start "on my own", but with Myndfuel's help I was prepared to give it a try and haven't regretted it for a split second.
Did you set any goals before starting the Keto Kickstart Program? If yes, which goals?
My main goal was to become more consistent in my eating patterns. I've got a really sweet tooth and sometimes I just couldn't say "no" to that piece of cake. With Myndfuel's help, I wanted someone to be looking over my shoulder and keep an eye on my progress. I also wanted to just gain more practical knowledge and first-hand experience and learn some tips & tricks on how to stay keto while dining out or while on vacation.
What were you health / eating habits before starting the Keto Kickstart Program?
I mainly ate low-carb before starting keto, with some cheat days (weeks?) here and there, which appears to have made my transition to keto quite smooth.
Why did you choose Mynfuel's Keto Kickstart Program over others?
Myndfuel's Keto Kickstart Program is the first program of this type that I came across in the Netherlands. Having casually spoken to some other dietitians I noticed their disbelief in how keto can fix or improve many diet-related conditions or diseases, so having met Lotte, I realised such an offering is still quite unique and was really happy that such a product (Keto Kickstart Program) already exists here.
During the Keto Kickstart Program
What were your initial impressions of the Keto Kickstart Program?
I had very positive impressions from the very beginning of the program. All the materials are pre-recorded, of course, but in case of any questions, Lotte was always at the ready to answer them. I liked the fact that I could always talk to her and the program was tailored to my own needs.
What challenges did you face during the program and how did you overcome them?
My main challenge was to try and stay within the macros. I hadn't realised how difficult it would be! When I looked at the meal planner and all the macros, I realised that I had to start planning my entire day up front and came to the conclusion that I'm rather disorganised and too spontaneous with my meals and that needed to change. To sum it up: 1) Macros, oh the macros: while others seem to find it difficult to eat enough fat while on keto, I did not have an issue with that; my problem was that I always ended up eating too much protein and really needed to cut down on that. 2) Planning is key. You really need to know what you're going to have for dinner on any given day, in order to be able to eat breakfast/lunch that would compliment it instead of just use up half of your daily macros (or just skip one or both and have a really filling dinner!).
What are your favourite keto foods and recipes from the program?
I am in love with the carbonara! It has become a staple at my house! I have also fallen in love with butter paneer (or anything with paneer really), which I often treat my guests to. It is so authentic and delicious, you can fool anyone by telling them it is not keto!
What are your top 3 highlights about the Keto Kickstart Program?
A beginning of a new keto friendship!
Getting into ketosis on my 3rd day
Becoming more consistent and knowledgeable in general
After the Keto Kickstart Program
How do you feel about the goals that you set after completing the program?
I think my goals were achievable from the very start and I think I have reached them all.
How did the Keto Kickstart Program change your life and your perspective on healthy eating?
The program has further improved my knowledge and enhanced my will to live a healthy life. I have realised that anything can be achieved if there is will and enough motivation. In my case, I am planning to remain keto as going back to a carb-filled diet doesn't sound like a lot of fun anymore.
How could Myndfuel have supported you in continuing your keto journey after the program?
The keto community is still quite small so I find it very important to stick together and support each other. It would be really helpful for me to get to know more people within that community, so regular meet-ups and/or workshops would be a great way for me to achieve that.
What would you tell people who are interested in starting keto but don't know how to do it?
I would tell them to look into Myndfuel's offering ;-)
Thank you so much Joanna for joining our program and becoming part of our community!
Other amazing keto success stories
More people have experienced many health benefits after joining one of our programs or doing keto, go to personal keto stories to read them all!