What Day 1 on Keto Really Looks Like (and How to Make It Count)

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This isn’t a joke. Day 1 on keto looks different from ANY other day on the program.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Start as you mean to go”? A friend of ours uses it in everything she does: teaching, business, eating, living.

Start as you mean to go

Day 1 sets the tone for the rest of your keto journey. What you did to prepare for it has more to do with mindset than with what you bought at the store.

So before you worry about recipes, figure out your goals and your motivation. Why exactly are you interested in keto? Is it because you’ve seen a lot of people lose weight?

Yeah, that’s a HUGE reason to start. It’s a great reason.

But what happens when you hit your goal? Do you go back to eating the way you ate before Day 1? Do you go back to weighing what you weighed before Day 1? Or do you have a plan in place?

Start as you mean to go.

What Day 1 feels like

Day 1 has a feel you won’t get again for the rest of your journey, even if you go off keto and come back to it.

This day is full of possibility and the unknown. It’s full of motivation, determination, and belief that you can do this. There really aren’t cravings yet, or any major temptations, because your well of determination is full and you haven’t hit “hangry.”

Enjoy today. Take advantage of it. Smile as you turn down the pancakes and reach for a fat bomb or your coffee. Really let yourself enjoy this day, because after this, the challenges begin.

You’ll wake up on Day 1 remembering that you have a plan and a goal. You’ll go into every meal with something in mind. You’ve prepped, and there are no struggles. Today, it’s easy. You’ll never have another day quite like it.

My Day 1 tips

• Write down your “why.” Not just a number on the scale: how you want to feel, and what you’ll do once you get there.
• Plan today’s meals before you’re hungry. Decide breakfast, lunch and dinner ahead of time.
• Take a picture. I’m so jealous you get to have Day 1. It’s a day I’ll never get to see again. Keep that photo as part of your motivation.
• Know what’s coming. The next few days can bring headaches and tiredness while your body adjusts. Salt, water and enough fat help a lot.

Frequently asked questions

What should I eat on day 1 of keto?

Keep it simple: eggs and bacon for breakfast, a salad with chicken or a burger patty for lunch, and meat with a low-carb veggie and butter for dinner. Plan all three meals before you get hungry.

Will I feel bad on the first day of keto?

Usually not. Day 1 is often the easiest day because motivation is high and cravings haven’t started. Headaches or tiredness, sometimes called “keto flu,” tend to show up a few days in. Extra salt, water and fat help.

Do I need to buy special keto foods to start?

No. Meat, eggs, butter, cheese and low-carb vegetables are enough to start. Mindset and a plan matter more than a cart full of specialty products.

How long until I’m in ketosis?

For many people it takes a few days of eating very low carb. Everyone is different, so focus on staying consistent rather than testing every day.

Your next step

• 8 things to track from the start
• The ultimate keto grocery list
• Curious about carnivore instead? Get my free 7-day carnivore meal plan.

Go you. Your goals are calling!

I’m a mom sharing what worked for me, not a doctor. Please talk with your doctor before changing how you eat, especially if you take medication or have a health condition.