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's on the plate. Keto has been transformative not just for my weight loss but for my outlook on health, resilience, patience, and purpose. Today, I want to share a few key lessons I've gathered along the way—lessons that might just resonate with you, wherever you are on your own journey.
We Are All The Same — Yet All Not The Same
In health and wellness, there's an amusing contradiction: we're all humans with the same basic biology, yet the way our bodies respond to food, stress, exercise, and even emotions can differ wildly. 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 nature of sugar—the details of the journey are deeply personal.
Accepting this individuality is empowering. It frees us from the trap of comparing our progress to others and allows us to focus on what works best for our unique needs.
Avoid The Keto Police — Don't Be Them, Don't Listen To Them
Ah, the keto police! If you haven't met them yet, consider 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 hard work or that eating bacon that isn't grass-fed and 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 enforce your personal choices on others.
For more of my thoughts on the keto police (and a healthy dose of sarcasm), check out this blog: https://www.reversing-insulin-resistance.com/blogsnew/blog20220108rRoxanaKetoPolice.html
Finding Motivation
Motivation is deeply personal. For some, it's weight loss; for others, it's reclaiming health or breaking free from processed food and sugar addiction. Knowing your “why” is critical. It keeps you going when the road gets tough (and it will).
For me, this mantra has been a lifesaver: nothing tastes as good as healthy feels. It's a simple truth that has helped me stay on track when temptation strikes.
If you're exploring your own motivation, I wrote about it here: https://www.reversing-insulin-resistance.com/blogsnew/blog20210807RoxanaWhatMotivatesUs.html
There's Always More To Learn
Just when I think I've got keto figured out, something new comes along. Whether it's fresh research, a new food experiment, or simply adjusting my approach based on life changes, I've realized this journey is anything but static.
Keto isn't a destination—it's a winding road with plenty of detours, surprises, and learning moments along the way. Staying curious is key.
Striving To Be Better
Keto isn't about chasing perfection. It's about thriving—becoming the best version of yourself, one step at a time. Thriving means focusing on progress, feeling healthier, stronger, and more capable every day.
I've learned to celebrate the small victories that remind me I'm moving forward. Thriving isn't about reaching a final goal; it's about committing to growth and showing up for yourself, day after day.
Practice Makes Progress
Keto, like anything in life, takes practice. From learning to read labels to tuning in to my body's signals, every step has been a process of trial and error. Mistakes weren't failures—they were opportunities to grow and fine-tune my approach.
The goal isn't perfection; it's progress. Each small effort builds on the last, and together they create lasting change.
Patience, Or Vitamin P
Patience truly is a vitamin—an essential nutrient on this journey. Results don't happen overnight. Healing takes time. While quick fixes are tempting, patience is where real growth happens.
I like to think of setbacks as stumble stones that can become stepping stones if I approach them with the right mindset. Every detour has taught me something valuable about moving forward smarter and stronger.
Grace — Give Yourself Plenty Of It
One of the most important lessons I've learned is to give myself grace. There are days when progress feels slow, or I make choices that don't align with my goals. That's okay. Grace reminds us that we're only human and that growth is a messy, imperfect process.
Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Teach, Don't Preach
When sharing my keto journey, I've learned that leading by example resonates far more than preaching. Offering tools and insights lets others explore and make their own decisions.
It's hard to see someone struggling with obesity or chronic pain and not jump in with what I know could help. But I've found that the best way to help is by offering support when they're ready, not when I think they should be.
Be An Example
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 way to reclaim your health.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been hearing that I inspire others. It's not about bragging; it's about showing what's possible when you commit to real, sustainable change.
Stay Curious, Don't Be Dogmatic
One of the biggest pitfalls I see is people becoming dogmatic about keto—or any lifestyle. Staying curious has kept me grounded. When new information challenges my beliefs, I don't dismiss it outright. I explore, question, and remain open to learning.
Dogma shuts doors. Curiosity opens them. Progress comes from being willing to adapt and grow.
Listen To Your Body, Not Just The Scale
True health is about feeling good, not just hitting a number on the scale. Non-scale victories like better energy, improved sleep, and fewer cravings are worth celebrating.
The scale is a tool, but it doesn't tell the whole story. By tuning in to how I feel, I've learned to focus on the bigger picture of health.
New Purpose
One of the greatest rewards of this journey has been helping others. Speaking at Low Carb for Better Health 2024 in Tennessee and a keto retreat in Austria about sugar addiction has been a privilege. Co-hosting the Kick Sugar Summit 2024 has connected me with incredible people in this community.
Soon, I'll begin my Primal Master Coach program, equipping me to help even more people reclaim their health and find their own path to healing.
Final Thoughts
These five years on keto have been about so much more than food. They've taught me patience, resilience, and the value of ongoing growth. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and improve.
Wherever you are on your journey, I hope these lessons resonate with you. Let's keep striving for better—together, one step at a time.
Written by Roxana Soetebeer, MHP, PHC
Published October 26th, 2024
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