Here’s the deal, Keto takes commitment and unlearning old habits… or Keto will not work for you (or has not worked for you).
This is why I started this keto community. I have faced every Keto challenge. I have yo-yo’d, I have given up and restarted, I have believed keto untruths, I have struggled to accept what portion sizes really are, I have failed to count my macro’s properly, I have stalled, and most of all…
Through everything … I have succeeded (and you can too!)
All of the information I give you, including the weekly meal plans, is totally free. Why? Because I want you to succeed on your health journey too!
With all of that being said, it is much easier to say it’s not working and give up than it is to keep trying. But, you are here because you want to keep trying, so I hope you get all of the information you are looking for in these blogs!
So, there are many reasons why …
Keto is NOT Working for You
… or let me rephrase this, there are many reasons why the scale is not moving:
You are consuming too many calories.
Yes, keto may focus on high fat, low carb living. And although it is not necessarily calorie restrictive, you can absolutely consume too many calories because to lose weight you must be in a calorie deficit. As with every weight loss program or change of lifestyle, try writing down everything you eat, along with portion sizes.
Be honest with yourself about how much you are eating, because something as simple as a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter instead of an actual tablespoon of butter can add up when you have developed an altered sense of portions. Scales, measuring spoons and cups, and honesty will make a world of difference over time!
You have an undiagnosed medical issue.
If I have learned nothing else, it’s that Keto has forced me to pay extra attention to my overall health. Although I don’t have a medical condition that has caused me to retain or gain weight, I have discovered some conditions that have upset my digestive system and even caused me to lose weight. Things like ovarian cysts, PCOS, fibroids, hypothyroidism, and depression can stall weight loss. If you are not losing weight, but know you are following guidelines, please visit your doctor.
Alternatively, if you are suddenly losing weight faster than you think you should be, a check up can reassure you that you are on the right track.
If Keto has not worked for you at all, I do recommend consulting with a physician.
You have unrealistic keto weight loss expectations.
Losing a pound a week should be the gold standard. Some may lose more, particularly if starting your journey at a higher weight, than others. Losing weight too fast should never be the goal, it should be more along the lines of losing and maintaining a healthy weight over time.
You are not counting all of your macros.
You should stay between 20-25g of net carbs in order to get into and maintain ketosis. This obviously varies amongst individuals so there may be a little bit of trial and error in the beginning of your keto journey. Once you find that sweet spot you’ll be losing weight slowly but consistently.
Counting macros can feel like an extra hard trigonometry class though, so finding an app that makes sense to you will be your saving grace! If Keto has not worked for you, and you need help setting Macros — check owed my step by step video HERE.
You aren’t fasting.
Years ago, I would never have considered a fast of any kind. I had this preconceived notion of fasting being a form of starvation, but now that I know better, intermittent fasting has become a staple in the Hightower household. Fasting has nothing to do with starvation, we literally fast when we sleep.
We already go 10-16 hrs without food at night, and this, friends, is intermittent fasting. I prefer to do 16/8 or 14/10, but starting with something that is doable for your lifestyle is the best way to begin. Fasting allows your digestive system to rest and rejuvenate itself, it helps to regulate your blood sugar, lowers insulin levels and promotes fat burning. I also only recommend it 3-4 times a week.
The goal is to be your healthiest self.
If you needed to find a way to prolong the life of a pet or a loved one, you would go through any lengths to do so, am I right?
Well, give yourself the same attention! There are many reasons why keto has not worked for you…. So far. Don’t let it be because a lack of interest, because you have all the free information you will ever need in my ucanketo group!
Please leave a comment, and make sure you follow me on Fabook, IG and Tiktok, and enjoy the “ber” months!
Amy XO
p.s. Make sure you’ve downloaded my Keto Guide to help YOU get started (or restart) on your Keto Journey
p.p.s Have you seen my September Top 10 list yet? Click here
Thank you so much for this blog. I have been successful on keto before, but I fell off the wagon hard. This post was an eye-opener for me. I need to start over and get back on track!
Thank you for this blog. It’s amazing how quickly we can go from totally motivated to “I’m a failure.” I seem to forget the lifetime it took to get into this mess, focus less on consistency, and jump to “I give up.”
Thank you so much for this information and blog. I feel a lot of times when we think keto isn’t working for us, but really, we aren’t working for keto. I feel like this at times too and it’s information like this that snaps me back into reality and helps me understand what I’m doing that is tripping me up.
Yes I to have lost 48 pounds but had hip surgery and fell off had even another surgery my shoulder but getting back on thanks
I fell off the keto wagon and using stress as an excuse to keep acting cookies!! Need to get my mind right and your honest to-the-point blog is a great motivation to find an app and make a plan to restart and then just do it!
Thank you. I needed this!
Thanks.Amy for all.you do.
When I lost my job (right before the pandemic) I went in a spiral. I’d been keto for 18 months and had lost 45 pounds. But while I sat home l felt sorry for myself and ate as consolation and out of boredom. Still at keto foods but didn’t track and waaaaay over-ate my macros/calories. I’m now working again with a great company and have refocused my priorities toward my health. Back to tracking but also limiting dairy as I feel so much better without it. Thank you for the reminders to be better to ourselves because we can’t be better for others if we don’t start at home.
I needed this today! The portion control is the hardest. With myself and my husband doing this , ( he has about 100 lbs) to lose and trying to portion for him and myself has been the hardest part . Better portions from here on out ! Again Thank you Amy! Your awesome.
I love you, your encouragement, your guidance and all that you do! Thank you! I always need to hear what you tell us! You always seem to know just what we need to hear. ❤️
Great encouragement
Thanks Amy needed a reminder on some things!
Thanks Amy, great and useful info.
I love your info. I see all my shortcomings in your advice.
I write down what I eat. And do the math. I’m pretty good at being honest about portions. But I’ve been stuck for a couple months. I think I need to get a food scale. Reading this I answered my own question. Gonna go out and get one. Thanks love this group the best.
What are the best- understandable apps.
Thank you Amy, about once a month I go back and read all off your blogs again, it’s keeps every thing fresh in my mind. It keeps me on track.
Thank you for all the great info.
Thanks for this Amy, I especially like the idea of only fasting 3 or 4 days a week. That’s so doable!
Amy, I needed this today. I know that I need a great app for macros because being dyslexic it is super hard for me. So today I’m looking in earnest. I already fast 16/8. I also need to prep better. Thank you for this today. You got me back on the wagon.
Always great information.
Thank you so very much!! This will help me stay positive on my journey! 🙂
Excellent!
Have followed you for two years!! I have lost 35 lbs. I am at the goal weight I needed to be at. Have stayed Keto and love reading all your blogs and all the success stories. Thanks for all you do!!
Thank you so much Amy for the encouragement. I have been struggling for some time now. I try fasting everyday and that is hard your 3 to 4 times a week seems so much more doable. Keep up the good work and God Bless.
Amy, Thank you for everything that you do!! I sincerely appreciate all of your Keto “wisdom”!!!!!
Thank you Amy for your encouragement. You are the best!
Good information thanks
Thanks for the inspiration
Amy, this is great information, I have been following you and the Keto life style for over 3 years now and I have had a great amount of success losing over 120 pounds , and have maintained that over a year now. Thank you for all you do!!
Thanks for this. I have not been good about following keto and have gained back most of the weight I had lost. Time to get back on track
Thank you so much! This really helped!
I’m still trying! Tracking macros/ calories…. Definitely not easy…but I paid for a subscription to MFP and it is VERY helpful!
Thank you Amy for the useful info!
Hi Amy & Team, Starting back again… i got lazy and gained 20 pounds back with working from home etc… so it is time to get serious. The link for the macro video did not work for me here in the blog page. Thank You for all you do. I lost 85 lbs and would like to drop another 30 to 35. Have a Great Day, Weekend, Go Cards and Woo Pig!
ps, Originally from Mountain Home, Now in Fayetteville!
Thanks Amy. I dropped 30 pounds two years ago, and let 10 creep back. I’ve added exercise in February and have only lost 2 pounds, so. I’m starting again. Thanks for the info. Need to lose those last 25 pounds!
I needed this today just restarted keto. It reminded me of things i forgot.
Amy thank you for this blog today I struggle with thinking I need to loose weight faster Rather than slow and steady wins the race.
I have lost the weight before but it seems I can’t get back. Everyday is a new day for me. My issue is water which i have a restriction of 50-60oz per day. I retain my water so everyday it’s a yo-yo for me. Yet I maintain a better eating style.
Thank you for the motivation.
Very encouraging…on and off for almost 3 years…back on for the last 2 months…very encouraged to stick with it this time… feeling great! Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for this. Years ago I lost 60 pounds on Atkins. The last couple years I have been on and off keto and Don’t lose. I know its things I am doing wrong. When I see something you post it inspires me to try harder
I love your blogs. So informative. Thank you!
You My Friend are AMAZING Thank u for all u do
Helpful information! Thank you for all your help. My problem is counting macros for each meal. It gives me anxiety & late night snacking. I do so well during the day but not at nights. I know I have to become more discipline.
WOW Amy, This Blog was so on point…for me! Truly eye opening and very informative. Love it!!❤️ Thank you!
Excellent info. Getting back on track!!!
Thank you for always being so inspirational to everyone. All your information has been extremely helpful. Your amazing Amy!
Thanks Amy! It seems these days everyone thinks they are a Keto expert. This blog was great because it really gave you the “true” information. Thanks for all you do for the group. 😊😊
Thank you for all you do for all of us.
I know this works, but for some reason I’ve been struggling. Time to revisit old patterns and start tracking and measuring. Thank you for your shared wisdom and understanding the ups and downs.
Hi Amy,
Before the pandemic hit us I was doing great on Keto and had lost 30 libs. I was looking and feeling great. I work for a school department and we got very busy buying covid supplies, masks, sanitizers, sneeze screens, etc. When I got home at night I was so tired I did not feel like cooking therefore, I ate takeout a lot, things I never would have eaten before. I gained back 12 lbs. and now I am having trouble getting back into it. Your motivation and encouragement are always so helpful. I am determined to lose the 12lbs that I regained and another 30 to get to my goal weight. I know I can do and I will. Thank you.
Good information to get on track !!
Hi Amy, My biggest concern/challenge is sever constipation. I have tried calm, extra salt water. This is keeping me from continuing with keto.
This October will be three years Keto. We retired and built a house and I just haven’t been consistent. I’m up 5 to 6 lbs and just need to get focused back on Keto. Thank you for all you do.
I have lost over 70 lbs.. still got 40 more to go and I’ve been stalled over a year.. need encouragement to stay on track..
Thank you for all the tips, tricks and hacks!!
You are so awesome, thank you for all you do Amy, I’ve gone from 232
To 167 with my goal being 160. But some days I struggle. Some days I want chocolate a lot of it. Seems like lately I’m fighting to stay committed.
Your words always make me feel like I can keep going. Love always ❤️🙏
Dear Amy,
Your information is just what I needed to hear. I had several recent losses and fell off the Leto train. My aches and pains are back plus lots of weight. It’s been so hard to get my keto focus back. I’m feeling inspired. Thank you!
Thank you yes great stuff .
I’m trying to lose weight keto style. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you, this is what I needed.
Amy, you are awesome at knowing just what I need to hear at just the right time. I am slowly getting back on track to losing the 42 lbs I gained back from 169 lost. before covid and retirement. You my dear friend have a fan for life💯❤️
I just need to do a restart after having surgery. I’m still healing so soon I will be back on the horse….
Thank you for all the education and advice you provide on keto!
Thanks for this informative post! Tracking my food has been my downfall. This has challenged me to be more committed to tracking my food. I have been doing intermittent fasting. Thank you for all this great support! ❤❤❤
Amy, It’s like you read my mind in your blogs. I have been struggling but will never give in.
Definitely need the restart refresher. I know this way of life works but I just stay motivated. Making the commitment to start again today and STICK with it. Thanks for all the tips especially tracking macros. I love the carb manager app. Thanks Amy.
Thank you for the reminders 😊
Thank you!! I need to track my macros more.
I’m getting back on track thanks to you and your Facebook community.
Thanks Amy… you are such an inspiration!