Dani's KETO Korner

Sometimes obedience to growth starts with one uncomfortable “yes.”
Taking that first step and saying, “It’s time to make a change,” may be the hardest choice you ever make — but you can do it.
The power to believe in yourself, over and over again every single day, isn’t just determination… it’s love.
Today marks 9 years since I made the decision to truly honor and care for my ONE body — the only one I’ve been given. What started as a choice has become a promise I keep to myself every single day.
Deciding to be all in isn’t easy… but it is absolutely possible. Living a ketogenic lifestyle doesn’t feel like I’m on a diet — it’s simply the healthy way I choose to fuel my body every day.
Fueling my body was only half of it. Moving my body was the key ingredient. It’s not just physical fuel — it’s mental health fuel too.
What I didn’t know 9 years ago was that my mid-40s would bring a whole new wave of changes. Aging is real, and learning how to navigate and adjust to those changes is a process. But I can’t imagine aging into the body I was in 9 years ago.
I wake up grateful every morning for this healthier version of me.
As I move into year 10, I’m aware that I’m mentally, emotionally, and physically healthier. But this year, I’ve intentionally focused on strengthening my spiritual health too. I thank God every day for His grace and guidance. I’ve been navigated into some very challenging situations.
I have never felt “hard” like I have this year. And yet, I continue to see incredible outcomes and blessings — not just in my life, but in the lives of those around me — when I choose to pray through the hard.
My family has never been closer, and I’m so grateful for my husband, who has been patient and kind through this HARD year.
If you’re struggling to take that first step toward your health, take the leap. If you don’t know where to start — reach out to me. We should all get back to lifting each other up.
You are capable. You are worthy. And it is never too late to begin. 🤍

This month marks eight years living a keto lifestyle. The challenges from last year seemed to spill over to this year making it another year of up hill and growth. I'm making it a point to pause to reflect on my strengths.
Last March my family found ourselves at the church my daughter attends youth group. This quickly transformed our family. Being healthy physically...and now mentally-emotionly- and spiritually has taught me to be more patient and embrace change, challenges, and celebrations!
Trying to prioritize yourself and health while tackling increased life stressors is like running against the impossible. I'm determined to never go back to my old ways. Exercise and prayer have been my outlets.
As I approach nearly a decade of this lifestyle it has really become quite natural. I am grateful for the support all these years of my family to embrace this lifestyle but I am also grateful for what this lifestyle has brought me.
I get to be a Mom that always shows up, a better companion in my marriage, and also lead by example in my professional career.
Cheers to another year!!

Forgot to share this from 2-13-2024

Today marks seven years since I started my keto journey.
This past year, I faced probably one of my most difficult years with so many challenges from every realm of my life.
Many days, I felt defeated trying to find solutions to a plethora of disasters. Taunted with discouragement, I knew I needed help from someone or something bigger than myself. So, I started to pray.
My challenges weren't instantly taken care of, but slowly, I started to feel like my life was manageable again. The light at the end of the tunnel continued to shine, and the light has become brighter with each day.
I have been open and public with my health journey, and I know that doing this it makes me vulnerable to opinions.
While I dealt with my stressors, I stayed on plan with nutrition and consistent in my exercise routine. I believe this saved me on all levels of my mental health. But the stress still took a toll on me, regardless.
I started to get these comments, such as, you look so skinny, you need to get that b***y back, or oh, you're not gonna lose any more weight are you?
What people didn't know was that for the first time in my life, I physically felt my strongest. Why is it that nobody wants to say, damn girl, you got big or help to motivate you when you're off plan. NOBODY was worried when I was 341 lbs and slowly dying? Or at least not verbal about it.

I just recently realized that the past 9 yrs I have been able to be that voice for so many others when nobody else was or they couldn't be for themselves. I am grateful I am in a career that I have been given this ability.
All being said. I have incredible friends and a super supportive family. But, I also have my faith, and this has been my foundation this year.
I can say I am actually excited for what this year's challenges hold for me. I feel STRONG, stronger than I ever have!

"So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You"
~Phil Whickham

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Keto tacos!!! Thank you Sam!!!! Jalepenos in Roseland!!!

Few keto meals while on vacation

My coworker and I made keto onion rings!!!! Cheese, bacon, and of course onion...simple and amazing!!

Today marks 6 years since I started my keto journey!

Obesity is chronicic disease. I repeat this to myself often. Though I know this is true ..the voice you are going to FAIL again softly mutters in the background.

Those who have been on a weight loss journey surely can agree that the losing part can be so exciting, but that maintaining or regaining part is frightening.

The past 6 years have been nothing short of mixed emotions of excitement, fear, and tears, but mostly PROUD. There truly is NO miracle fix. There are tools, but then you have to choose what and how to use them. My most successful tool hands down are my PEOPLE!!!!
Family, work crew, and friends. I call these my cheerleaders. The routine accountability is so important for long-term success... Did I just say that...can I consider myself a LONG TERM Success 🙌 ?
I am asked frequently... how do you do it?
To be honest... since I know I live with the disease, I don't have much wiggle room for error. Basically, I don't get to cheat on myself.

1) I am still 100% Keto. I check every now and again, and I am still in a state of ketosis (I use my keto mojo meter).
2) I log my food every darn day in my fitness pal (this includes every lick- bite- tatse).
3) I meal plan and prep weekly. I make lists before I grocery shop.
4) I work out 6 days a week. (I use my Peloton tread and bike also incorporating other workouts like shadowboxing and strength) My husband just got me going on his X3 bar...results to come 💪
5) I also use other fun tools such as my lumen device to check my state of metabolism and a Bio Impedence analysis to check my body fat %.

I am so grateful and blessed for this healthy body and life I am living♡

Keto Mothers Day Brunch!
Egg cups: Canadian ham as the cup, filled with cheese, Scallions, cracked egg, basil and season to taste.
Blueberry French Toast casserole(credit to my co worker Randi for this amazing treat)
I used carb smart bread to sub and this was like bread pudding!!