So my boyfriend started the keto diet about five weeks ago, and he has already lost 17 pounds! I couldn’t be more proud of him. Initially, I thought he may struggle at first, eventually start losing weight and then that would be it. But so far, the keto diet has completely changed how we both view food. And I’m super excited!

For those who don’t know, a keto diet (known fully as the ketogenic diet) is defined as a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. It’s often used to treat difficult-to-control epilepsy in children. Technically, my boyfriend and I aren’t worried so much about the high-fat part. However, he completely removed carbs from his diet, and I cut down on carbs significantly.

Quick story time: I took my mom out for Mother’s Day this month, and at the restaurant, I ordered a chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy and mac and cheese. (This was my cheat day, so don’t judge me.) But the strangest thing happened to me. I took one bite of my mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, and I immediately started feeling nauseous! I had to sip on some water and breathe deeply just to get back to feeling OK. Even my mom was worried for me! It was then that I noticed my body is completely changing for the better, and I wanted to share this with my readers.

I started the keto diet by association.

Naturally, since my boyfriend lives with me, I started the keto diet, as well. I wasn’t trying to, but I couldn’t help it. Every time he cooked, he would only cook meats and vegetables, and I didn’t have it in me to cook a starch after dinner was already prepared. So I had what he was having, and the rest was history!

I lost weight, too!

Yes, I’ve lost 18 pounds so far in just a few weeks, and I am AMAZED that I can say that! You guys have no idea how long I’ve been trying to shed just a few pounds and now I’m at 18? I’m definitely going to keep this diet thing going.

Carbs don’t taste or digest the same way anymore.

Just like I mentioned in my story time above, my body does not handle carbs the way it used to. I could eat carbs anytime and be just fine. Now foods that are too starchy (like mashed potatoes and gravy or pastas with strong tastes) make me gag.

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We eat to live, not live to eat.

This was an underlying goal that we’ve had for such a long time. I know my boyfriend struggled with a slight food addiction, and I definitely did, as well. I had an unhealthy emotional connection to eating, and I couldn’t break it! Now that we’ve limited our portions and started getting out the house more, it’s so easy to eat when it’s necessary instead of just when we’re bored.

My appetite is much smaller now.

This is still so weird to me. I could normally devour a main course and two sides (probably even more!). Now, I’m only eating about a third of my normal portions, and it feels great! I was a bit worried at first, wondering if my body was going through some unpleasant changes. But no. My body just knows how to eat like a normal person now haha.

I’m more energetic and productive.

I love this! I haven’t felt this alert in a while! Both my boyfriend and I have the willpower to get out and participate in more activities in the city! We are incredibly enthusiastic about what the future holds if we continue on this path.

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The most important part to note is that we do have cheat days. In no way are we professional dieters, and we are not trying to kill ourselves by withholding food. We’re striving to make the keto diet a lifestyle.

I’m so appreciative of my boyfriend for trying out this diet. I would have never changed my life for the better if it wasn’t for him. This diet really works! I’ll be sure to keep you all updated on my journey! Have you tried any new diets lately? How have they worked for you? Leave your experiences in the comment section below!