I’ve tried the ketogenic diet in 2018 so this wasn't something new to me. While I did finish the one-week challenge, I struggled the whole time because I craved sweets. The Keto Diet involves eating high-fat and low-carb foods to effectively burn body fat. This means I have to stay away from sugar, rice, desserts, and bread—aka the staples in my daily diet, LOL! My habits and health mindset have changed since then so I believed that this 21-day keto challenge will be a different story.
They say that it takes 21 days for one’s mind and body to learn a habit. I’m pretty bad when it comes to adding new activities to my daily routine, so I figured doing the keto diet during this period will help. Check out what happened below.
The 21-Day Keto Diet Challenge
Based on my current weight and height (and goal weight), Ketos of Manila introduced a 1,200-calorie diet plan. Each delivery included breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack. You'll also get three sugar-free, keto-friendly cookies and three drip coffee packs every week. I got to munch on them on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
I also started a workout program from the Nike Training Club App, which was synced to my menstrual cycle. The program consisted of bodyweight and mobility workouts. Something that was *bearable* for my sedentary lifestyle.
Ketos Of Manila 21-Day Challenge Review
Week 1
The meals were so tasty, especially the Korean dishes. I was so tempted to eat them with rice, NGL. But halfway through the meal. I was already feeling full. I was pleasantly surprised that my tummy loved it.
I got choco butternut cookies for week 1 which got me so psyched. I love them! It wasn’t like I was on a diet at all.
The cool observation: I did not feel sluggish at all. I suspected I was always bloated before going on keto because of all the dairy and sugar I would consume.
Week 2
I really enjoyed the variety of Asian meals I would get. I also loved that I could still enjoy pasta dishes with actual noodles, not some veggie strips pretending to be pasta! Ketos of Manila used shitake noodles, which reminded me of sotanghon.
The cool observation: I wasn't tempted to eat sweets. My family got pastries during this week and my self-control was amazing! I didn't feel deprived at all because I still ate yummy treats that were keto-friendly.
Week 3
This was the week when I found the meals filling—that it was hard for me to finish them! Who knew that you could get a hearty meal without rice. Surprisingly, I didn't miss rice, bread, or cake at all because Ketos of Manila had keto versions of these.
The cool observation: I have this favorite pair of wide-leg pants that I bought in 2020 because I couldn't fit into my pre-pandemic jeans. I put them on and I was pleasantly surprised that they were loose! I shopped for a new pair that day 'cos I was scared to have a wardrobe malfunction. I bought from the same brand to verify if I did size down, and I did!
The bottom line
I've always believed in lifestyle changes rather than following trendy diets. I believe I succeeded in this challenge because of my mindset: I wanted to fuel my body with good food to keep it healthy. It was my way of giving back to my body for keeping me alive during a pandemic. Of course, I wouldn't deny that I wanted to at least fit into my pre-pandemic jeans. Going a pants size down is already a big achievement considering I only did the keto challenge in 21 days!
(Update: I also found out that I lost two kilograms after doing the 21-day keto challenge!)
This challenge taught me that I could still enjoy healthy food without sacrificing flavor. And that some dishes, I really didn't need rice. Veggies like sayote and carrots can be good substitutes! The chocolate bars I bought before going keto are still in the fridge, untouched. Who is she, right?
Will I do this challenge again? I'm actually eyeing to turn it into a lifestyle. I realized that I can live without sugar and processed carbs (while living a little, ofc!). I'm thankful I gave the keto diet challenge a try!
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