Times are hard, but being on a Keto diet doesn’t have to be that way! From the Coronavirus pandemic to everyone finding solitude at home, a lot of people, myself included, have found comfort cooking at home. I won’t lie, in the beginning of the pandemic; I ate whatever was in my kitchen. But after gaining 15 pounds, which is unhealthy for my liver and considered overweight for my height, I knew I had to do something about it. I had to think quickly and Keto was for me!

Now, how can you manage the keto lifestyle on a budget? The key isn’t spending unnecessary money and it’s all about thinking smart and spending wisely. So how do you do it? It’s really easy! Honestly, we’ve been training for this all of our lives. The first step is planning. That’s right, I said it! Planning your meals, what you want to eat, and when you want to eat it.

The second step is doing your homework; you have to put in the work to get results. I can’t make any excuses I don’t have time, now that I am stuck home. It’s important to set aside time to research the keto recipes that you would enjoy. If you don’t do the research, you will do the time when it comes to shedding that unwanted weight! I love that I can find simple, easy recipes online. Now, imagine the days when we had to go to the library or a bookstore to get cookbooks. Well, times have changed and the fun begins with exploring the Internet. So as you are snuggled on your couch, pull out your phone or laptop and start finding the recipes you cannot want to try!

Invest in a notebook or organizer to store your favorite recipes. I found a really cheap blank recipe book and organizer online. I enjoy writing down my keto recipes in my book; it’s so easy and environmentally friendly than printing it out on paper. Writing it down helps me remember the ingredients for each meal. You can also use your phone if that works better. The goal is planning out what you want and making it easier to navigate!

Next, make a list of your keto ingredients that you will be using for the week. If your meal prepping, it makes life so much easier if you list all the things you would need to grab from the grocery store.

That’s when your organizer comes in handy. I store it all in one place where I can grab it and go. What would life be without a little organization? Chaos and we don’t need that in our lives! The goal is to make life as simple as possible.

When I used to go on my keto grocery shopping adventures, I would grab anything that was related to keto. Literally, everything! I ended up picking up things I didn’t need and wasted a lot of money. What? Yes, that’s right! Stop right there! Let’s not forget, we are looking to save money here, not break our bank accounts. And the keto lifestyle really isn’t expensive; all you have to do is budget yourself!

The next step is saving with coupons. I have an app on my phone that tells me the best deals of the week at my local grocery store that way I know I am getting more for the dollar. I also electronically save the coupons that I need before going to the grocery store. What’s more annoying than holding up a line looking for coupons on items in your basket.

Let’s talk about veggies baby! I love cooking my keto meals with fresh vegetables. Over the summer, I planted veggies in small pots in my home. I would pick them daily and cook it. I would cut and freeze the ones that I am not using and save them for later. You can always get your vegetables from anywhere. But I highly recommend freezing them so it won’t go bad in the fridge. Plus, it’s easy to have them pre-cut and ready for you when you’re cooking.

The final step is routine! Let’s start creating a keto routine for you. The key to any success is consistency. When you write down your short-term and long-term goals, you can cross them off as you go and be proud of your accomplishments. I do that with my Shrewd Food snacks! When I hit a goal, I treat myself with it. Key, don’t be hard on yourself, have fun as you go along with your new lifestyle change.

When you’re a keto beginner, you want to start slow and transition your body. Remember our body is used to the norm; we’ve trained it over the years and when you change your eating habits, it can either be welcoming or a sudden shock. Rome wasn’t built in a day and success takes time and work. You will get to your goals, one step at a time. Now the question is, what are your goals, and what are you looking to achieve? Jot them down. Be fearless and get your keto on!

Bio:

My name is Melissa Kalloo (@melissa_kalloo). I am a content creator and TV Host. I love cooking, baking and finding new healthy things to snack on during my Netflix and chill. I love working out and spending time with my brother who has a disability. That’s why it’s really important for me to find healthy food and snacks that are clean and enjoyable for both of us – like Shrewd Food!