As the commercial plays repeatedly throughout the day, I find myself quoting along:

“What good is having insurance if you get punished for using it? Newsflash: Nobody’s perfect!”

I’m far from perfect. So far that I can write a post about shortcomings and failures and know that those that struggle with the same, will understand and benefit in some small way. Usually my posts are more spiritual but today it’s physical to be sure.

I’ve been Keto-ing about six weeks…this time…Embarrassed to say that I was on it last year, in anticipation of my son’s wedding and I did lose some weight. One month of that I was even overseas and stuck with it the entire time! It can be done!

But nobody is perfect….and unfortunately, I fell off the wagon with two surgeries, steroids and inactivity the last six months I gained too much of it back pretty quickly. (insert sad and disappointed-in-myself face) But today, 4 1/2 months post op from my lumbar spinal fusion, I am finally feeling better, getting around without a cane or walker, even vacuuming and taking care of my own household again. Victory!

I decided to jump back into Keto full force knowing it is the ONLY thing that has worked for me in years. Obviously I am insulin resistant and diabetes would likely be in my future, thankfully my blood sugars are normal and I am not diabetic and do not want to be.

The first step with Keto is throwing out sugar. That included my Dr. Pepper and I cried since we have had an ongoing and sweet relationship for most of my life. Following the sugar, all breads,  flours and processed foods are out the door. We can be more specific if you need help but suffice it to say, the first week or two may be difficult, but after that, you will not even crave carbs! That is sugars main job: eat sweets, breads and junk and it leaves you wanting more and more. Take all of that out of your daily routine and all of a sudden you find yourself eating one meal a day just because you are not hungry!

And the weight will come off.

The one thing I missed last year, and the last six weeks, is something good for breakfast. Of course you may have bacon and eggs but I can only do that so many times so I began Intermittent Fasting basically because I didn’t want breakfast. (We can talk more about Intermittent Fasting in another post.) But I miss oatmeal just about more than anything (except Dr. Pepper!).

Low carb dieters are aware that cauliflower has become famous the last several years as a substitute for our favorite carbs; we make mashed potatoes out of them, pizza crusts, macaroni and cheese and all kinds of comfort foods that we cannot partake of on a strict, low carb diet. And surprisingly, if you do it right, you will be amazed at how the cauliflower smell and taste disappear and you will truly think you have died and gone to carb heaven.

But cauliflower oatmeal? Really? Yes, it really is good! The texture is perfect, the taste is delicious and it is super easy and flexible to suit even the most particular eater.

I hope you give it a try, let me know if you have questions about Keto, would like to see more posts and help for the diet or any success stories and suggestions YOU might have for others!

Keto on!

Cauliflower Oatmeal

1 cup frozen riced cauliflower

2/3 c. UNSWEETENED almond, coconut or cashew milk

2/3 cup water

2 eggs

1-2 Tablespoons of flax meal

At least two teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Salt

Stevia, monkfruit, erythritol sweetener of choice

First, take the bag of frozen riced cauliflower and put it in a strainer, run warm water over it to break it up. Squeeze as much of the water out as you can and then put it in a medium saucepan over medium to medium high heat. Add the water and milk and bring to a boil for about ten minutes, until almost all liquid is gone. I added a little more almond milk and then removed it from the heat and added the two eggs (slightly beaten beforehand) and stirred very well. Don’t worry, the eggs are cooking in the hot porridge and will disappear, leaving a great texture and oatmeal-like-thickness. Add the flax meal/seed at this point and stir well. Don’t forget the teaspoon of vanilla and a sprinkle of salt.

That’s it! Top it with whatever sounds good to you. Sometimes I just sprinkled sweetener over it and a little more unsweetened almond milk. So good. I have also added unsweetened coconut and walnuts or pecans and love it with a couple of blueberries or other berries. (Berries are your fruit of choice on Keto but all fruits are high in natural sugar so be careful!) You could even add unsweetened, sugar-free maple syrup!

I hope you enjoy the recipe and we welcome any suggestions. Be blessed!