How to Stay Consistent Without Feeling Restricted

Consistency beats intensity. It is better to be 80% perfect for a year than 100% perfect for two weeks. The key to consistency is removing the feeling of "deprivation."

1. Hack Your Favorite Foods

Don't say goodbye to pizza; say hello to Fathead Pizza (almond flour cheese dough). Don't mourn pasta; embrace Zoodles. We live in a golden age of low-carb alternatives. Use them!

2. Meal Prep

You only make bad decisions when you are hungry and have no plan. If you have a fridge full of cooked chicken and hard-boiled eggs, you will eat them. Make the right choice the easy choice.

3. Focus on What You CAN Eat

Instead of "I can't have bread," think "I can have steak with garlic butter." Low-carb food is decadent. Focus on the luxury of the diet.

4. Allow "Planned" Indulgences

If it's your birthday, have a small slice of cake. Enjoy it. Then, immediately go back to low-carb the next meal. Do not let one meal turn into a "cheat week."