Stepping Off the Wagon

In one of the concluding chapters of The Case for Keto, author Gary Taubes relays some insights from people who've been on the ketogenic diet.

One person said something like this: "With keto, if I fall off the wagon, at least now I know that there is a wagon and how to get back on it."

I thought that was a good statement as far as it went: it's important to know that a low-carb, ketogenic diet works.

But instead of "falling off the wagon" Lisa and I think it's better to view it as "stepping off the wagon."

"Falling off" implies a lack of control or an accident. And while that can happen (and we need to give ourselves grace if and when it does), we prefer to be intentional in planning those times when we're going to go off the low-carb wagon.

"Stepping off" is a decision, and it's OK to do on occasion.

Like a birthday, or an anniversary, or a holiday gathering.

So if you decide those are occasions when you want to step off, you shouldn't feel guilt about it.

In fact, intentionally stepping off sometimes may reduce temptations to fall off other times.

Just be sure to get back on the wagon as soon as you can.

You may want to extend your fasting window a bit to compensate.

Or if you're planning to step off, you may do the extra fasting before your excursion. That's even better, because you can enjoy it knowing you've already paid the price.

But you also may find some recipes for treats that are extremely enjoyable, even while they let you stay firmly on board the keto wagon. We publish a new recipe every Monday in the Cuisine HELP series, and these are some of our favorites that have been taste-tested by HELPcare Clinic staff and patients.

To continue the analogy, if you're interested in a roadmap for the wagon train, request your free copy of HELP: the Health, Energy & Longevity Plan. Get support and companionship from others on the journey by joining our free community and participating in the discussions, and take advantage of our free eLearning courses.

And if you'd like to get personalized guidance from experienced trail hands who've been down the road ahead of you, get a HELPcare Coach. It's $49/month, but included at no extra charge with your HELPcare Clinic membership.

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Lee Aase

Lee Aase is the founder of HELPcare LLC, which provides comprehensive membership, marketing and management services for provider-owned HELPcare Clinics, as well as metabolic health education and coaching for people interested in restoring health and reversing disease through lifestyle changes. Lee and his wife Lisa live in Austin, MN and have six married children and 18 grandchildren.