Keto Beyond the Plate — Lessons Learned, by Roxana Soetebeer MHP PHC
Keto Beyond the Plate — Lessons Learned
When I took my first hesitant steps on my keto journey, I never imagined just how much it would teach me beyond what ought to be on my plate. Keto has been transformative not just for my weight loss but for my outlook on health, resilience, patience, and purpose. As I reflect on this journey, I want to share the lessons I've learned—lessons that go far beyond food and might resonate with you, wherever you are on your own path.
There's a fascinating paradox when it comes to health and wellness. On one hand, we're all humans with the same basic biology. On the other hand, the way our bodies respond to food, stress, and even emotions can be vastly different. What works wonders for one person might barely move the needle for another. And that's okay. Keto has taught me that while some principles are universal—like the benefits of real food and the addictive and harmful nature of sugar—the details of the journey are deeply personal.
Learning to accept individuality has been empowering. It's freed me from the trap of comparing myself to others and allowed me to focus on what works best for my needs. We all have our own paths.
Ah, the keto police! If you haven't run into them yet, count yourself lucky. These are the folks who insist on strict, rigid rules—quick to tell you that one bite of a carrot will undo all your progress or that eating bacon that isn't pasture-raised makes you "not keto enough."
Here's the truth: keto isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. It's about finding what aligns with your goals and makes you feel your best. Don't let anyone else dictate your journey, and please, resist the urge to impose your rules on others. We're all figuring this out as we go.
I encountered the keto police early on. Read about it here
Motivation is personal. For some, it's weight loss; for others, it's about reclaiming health or breaking free from processed food addiction. Knowing your "why" is important. It becomes the foundation you can lean on when the road gets tough—and trust me, it will.
For me, the phrase "nothing tastes as good as healthy feels" has been my mantra. It's simple, but it's helped me resist temptation and stay focused on my goals. If you're searching for your own motivation, you might find my blog on the topic What Motivates Me helpful.
Just when I think I've got it all figured out, something new comes along. Whether it's a piece of research, a tweak to my routine, or something slowing my progress, keto has reminded me that I can always dig deeper. There's always more.
While I strive to do my best, keto isn't about chasing perfection. It's about thriving—becoming the best version of yourself, one step at a time. Thriving means celebrating progress, whether a big milestone or a small daily victory that reminds you you're moving forward. There's a unique joy in feeling accomplished—mastering a new habit, reaching a health goal, or simply sticking with it on a tough day. That sense of achievement is profoundly satisfying and reinforces the effort you’ve put into your journey.
Keto, like anything in life, takes practice. From learning to read labels to tuning in to my body's signals, most steps have been a process of trial and error.
The goal isn't perfection; it's progress. Each effort, no matter how small, brings you closer to where you want to be.
Patience truly is a vitamin—one I've had to take in large doses over the years because healing takes time. Despite knowing better, there were moments when I wanted quick results. But that's not how the real world works, nor is it how our bodies function. True healing takes time and patience.
Even setbacks have value. They've taught me how to move forward with more intent and less frustration. Stumble stones, as I like to call them, can become stepping stones with the right mindset.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is to give myself grace. There were days when I didn't make the best choices or felt like I was stuck. Instead of beating myself up, I've learned to be kind to myself. Like I said, this journey is about progress, not perfection.
Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend. You're not in a race; you're building a sustainable, healthier, and happier you.
When sharing my keto journey, I've found that others respond best when I lead by example rather than me trying to convert them. Teaching means offering tools, sharing insights, and letting others make their own decisions when they're ready.
I find it hard to see someone struggle and be in pain. But as much as I want to, it is not up to me to offer unsolicited advice. The best I can do is inspire by showing what's possible.
I aim to live as proof of what's possible. Sharing my story—including the challenges—has shown others that keto isn't just a diet; it's a lifestyle. It is how I reclaimed my health (for the most part).
If someone asked me what's my superpower, I'd respond, motivating and inspiring others. I find others trust authenticity, and when they see what's achievable, it gives them hope to try reclaiming their health.
One of the biggest traps I see is people becoming dogmatic about keto—or any lifestyle, for that matter. Staying curious has kept me open to learning and adapting. When new information challenges my beliefs, I try to approach it with an open mind rather than outright dismissing it. A very smart woman, Tracey McBeath, taught me about this.
True health is about feeling good, not just hitting a number on the scale. I've come to value non-scale victories like better energy, no longer needing insulin shots, and breaking free from sugar and processed food addiction. These are markers of real progress.
The scale is just one tool—it doesn't tell the whole story. By focusing on how I feel, I've learned to see the bigger picture of health.
One of the biggest rewards of this journey has been helping others. Whether it's speaking at Low Carb for Better Health in Tennessee, a keto retreat in Austria, or co-hosting the Kick Sugar Summit, I've found purpose in sharing what I've learned.
Soon, I'll begin my Primal Master Coach program, which will equip me to help even more people reclaim their health and happiness.
These five years on keto have shown me so much more than what to eat. They've taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of growth. I hope my lessons inspire you to keep striving for better—together, one step at a time.
Written by Roxana Soetebeer, MHP, PHC
Published November 9th, 2024
Social Media:
Facebook
X Roxana
X Joy
Coaching: Are you stuck on your weight loss journey? Check out our choaching programs. Book a free discovery call to find out if we are a good fit.
