What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make on Keto?

Any time you start a new diet, there is a learning curve where it takes some time getting 
used to it, and the keto diet is no different. There tend to be some common mistakes 
people make when they first start keto, but by knowing about them know, you can be 
sure to avoid them.

Not Tracking Everything

The first thing you need to do when you are on the ketogenic diet is track absolutely 
everything you consume. A common mistake people make is assuming they know their 
carb amounts since they are eating a lot of low-carb foods, but are still going over those 
20 net carbs a day. The only way to know for sure is to track your macros. This also 
helps you keep an eye on other macros like your protein, fat, sugar, and fiber. Don’t 
forget to also add in seasonings, oils, and flavorings as those sometimes contain carbs 
as well.

Failing to Add in Enough Veggies

While some people can do the keto diet without any vegetables, it is not recommended. 
You need your veggies for vitamins and minerals, particularly for fiber and reducing your 
overall protein levels. Veggies help to keep you full and can combat some of your 
cravings. Try to have at least one serving of vegetable a day, but preferably with each 
meal.

Constantly Checking Your Ketones

When you are on the keto diet, you are trying to get into ketosis. This is what allows you 
to lose weight as your body begins burning fat for fuel. Many people need to know they 
are in ketosis so they will use strips and other monitoring devices to check their 
ketones. There are many reasons your ketone levels might be off on certain days, so 
the stress it produces is really not worth it. Just stick to your 20 net carbs a day, focus 
on healthy eating with the right macros, and you should be just fine with staying in 
ketosis.

Eating Too Much of Something

With any diet you are on, balance is key. Even on the ketogenic diet, you can have too 
much of a good thing. Focus on portion sizes and balance out your meals and snacks 
so that you are not constantly eating just one type of food all the time. There is a 
possibility you are eating too much of one fat, too much dairy, too much cheese. Try to 
mix up your meals and snacks, focusing on the overall nutrients as well as those net 
carbs.

Failing to Prep and Plan

Another common mistake people make is not planning ahead. Keto is one of those diet 
plans where you really need to keep track of everything you eat. This makes it hard to 
just grab something without knowing how many net carbs it contains. It is best that you 
plan all of your meals and snacks ahead of time, and prep as much as you can so you 
aren’t grabbing for a high-carb convenience food just because you’re not sure what to 
eat.

