How long have you been on the Ketogenic Diet?
I started keto on January 13th, 2015
Can you share tips on how to start a blog?
Check out this post for how to start your own blog.
How do you figure out your keto macros?
I use the Keto Calculator
Do you count net carbs?
Yes. 20g net. (Net carbs is the total carbs in an item minus fiber/ sugar alcohols)
Where can I buy your book, Simply Keto?
Costco
Do you exercise?
I did not exercise at all my first 24 weeks. I felt like I needed to get in a groove with my diet before I made too many changes. This worked great for me because in the past I would do too many things and once and fail. I currently enjoy being more active, like hiking and going for a walk, but I don’t spent hours in the gym.
What are your favorite recipes?
Tuscan Keto Chicken and Twice Baked Cauliflower Casserole
Check out my new cookbook, Simply Keto
Do you have “cheat” meals?
My first year being ketogenic I didn’t allow any cheat meals. Once I had time to learn about nutrition, and work on my relationship with food I decided to allow non low-carb meals on special occasions/traveling. I don’t recommend introducing “cheat meals” weekly, or early on in your journey.
What other diets have you tried?
You name it, I’ve tried it. South Beach Diet, Atkins, Weight Watchers, B-12 Shots with diet pills, 21 Day Fix, Slimfast, Jucing….The list goes on.
What are the first two weeks like?
The first two weeks I felt tired and hungry. I realized that I wasn’t actually hungry as much as I was detoxing and craving sugar. Sugar is 8 times more addictive that cocaine, so your body literally goes through a withdraw. As long as you stay on top of your electrolytes and stay hydrated it will pass and then you feel better than ever! I now have so much more energy and mental clarity.
Do you have carbs in your house?
Yes. I have a seven year old and I’ve learned to deal with having carbs around. I figure that in life they will always be around, so I had to learn how to deal with it at some point. If everyone in your home is eating low carb then of course it’s always a safer bet to keep carbs out of the house.
Does your family eat keto?
My husband and I both eat keto. Our daughter eats healthy, but is not keto.
How did you find out about keto?
Do you consider keto a lifestyle change or a diet?
This is an easy one, it’s definitely a lifestyle change. If you go back to your old ways, the weight will come right back on. I will never eat a high carb diet again.
Do you use or recommend any supplements?
The only supplements I recommend are for electrolytes and a daily vitamin. I personally don’t feel that ketone supplements are needed if your goal is weight loss.
Where else can I follow you?
46 Comments
Amarilis Alejandro
July 13, 2015 at 4:12 pmI just cried watching your week #12 video update………you are so Inspiring.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! <3
Suzanne
July 16, 2015 at 12:42 amThank you so much! Weight loss is so emotional! Thank you for your support!!!
Amanda
July 14, 2016 at 3:28 amHi Iam confused on how to get my macros?
Suzanne
July 15, 2016 at 2:44 pmCheck out my post called “Getting Started”
Chris
October 26, 2016 at 12:59 amHi Suzanne, I Just started my journey with keto about a week ago. I haven’t started tracking my macros because I read somewhere it makes it a littler easier to come off of sugar and carbs. Anyway, I am trying to figure out my macros/calories/% using the website you recommended. But I am confused at the part where I can choose the different percentages. I am probably overthinking this but I want to do it right from the beginning. I want to be able to put in my stats and be told what macros and what calories to eat. Maybe I am having some brain fog… haaaalp me.
Suzanne
October 30, 2016 at 5:08 pmGlad you figured it out! You’re going to do great!
Britzen
July 20, 2015 at 2:03 amHi! I’m so glad found your videos, I’m close in numbers to you (Started at 284 @5’9″, down 16 since Mid-June). I was wondering if the macros you posted in the FAQ are for your current weight, or is that what you started with as well?Thanks for your inspirational blog!
Suzanne
July 27, 2015 at 5:24 amNo, I change my macros every 25-30lbs. I did increase my deficit after the first few weeks when my appetite went way down and have been pretty close to my current macros for awhile. Thank you for your support! : )
Britzen
July 27, 2015 at 1:49 pmThanks for the reply! Since my appetite had decreased, I amended my macros after reading your FAQ and i’m down another 5 lbs! Thanks again, Keep posting!!!!!!
Suzanne
July 27, 2015 at 9:49 pmThat is SO awesome!!! I’m so proud of you! Please keep me posted on how you’re doing!
Jodie
July 25, 2015 at 3:18 pmI am very inspired by you. I recently began the keto diet and it’s nice to see a real person giving information about this. Your success is inspiring. Keep posting videos. I am just finishing week one and hoping to loose at least 2 pounds. I have 80 pounds to loose and it’s awesome to know that this way of eating really works.
Suzanne
July 27, 2015 at 5:25 amThank you! You can totally do this, and I hope you’ll keep me updated on how you’re doing! : )
Elaine
August 11, 2015 at 11:23 pmHello Suzanne from the UK,
I’m really enjoying keeping up with your weight loss experience. I don’t normally ‘follow’ internet people, but I really like your approach. I’ve lost eight pounds and am enjoying eating again for the first time in about twenty years because I don’t feel so depressed and wrong for eating the food i love. Joyous.
Very pleased for your success.
Suzanne
August 22, 2015 at 1:00 amThank you so much! Congratulations on your weight loss!
Jodie
August 21, 2015 at 1:42 amHi Suzanne, I stumbled across your YouTube whilst researching keto. Your story is inspirational and you present very clearly.
One question I have is whether you monitor being ‘in ketosis’? I have just started keto and use keto sticks to tell me if I am actually in a keto state. Do you monitor this or just keep to minimal carbs?
Looking forward to following your progressing story and shrinking waistline!
Jodie
Suzanne
August 22, 2015 at 1:04 amThank you so much. I don’t monitor, but if you wanted to I would recommend checking your blood ketones and not urine. I just keep my carbs below 20g.
lil
October 16, 2015 at 10:02 pmhow many times were you eating per day?
Suzanne
October 17, 2015 at 2:41 pmGenerally 3 times a day.
Sirena
November 24, 2015 at 1:16 amSo inspirational! I’ve heard those who lose weight the Keto way don’t have much loose skin when they lose weight. Is that the case with you? You look healthy and fit!
Alenka
January 9, 2016 at 4:15 pmHi Suzanne
I have been following your blog and posts for a few weeks now. I have been overweight since I was 14 years old, and it has brought me a lot of suffering. I tried many things and I have over the years ocassionally succeeded to lose weight. But it never stays and since I have been dygnosed with hypoothyroidsm last year, I gained 10 more kilos. I am lost and think there is no hope for me, but I will start with Keto however, inspired by your posts.
Suzanne
January 11, 2016 at 10:34 pmEmail me if you need any help! Trust me, you can do this!!!
Laura
January 22, 2016 at 12:18 amHi there – stumbled upon your Instagram and now want to start a keto diet. Done a lot of research – here is where I’m stuck. Are there pre planned meals to keep within the macros or do I need to do the math for a solid month on everything I’m making. I feel so out of control being as if for the last 3 weeks I’ve been on what I thought his diet was, just eating lots of protein and fats where it fit in and haven’t lost anything.
Do you happen to sell meal plans? A breakfast, lunch and dinner per week plan?
Thanks and congrats! You look fab!
Suzanne
January 22, 2016 at 6:09 amSend me an email and I can give you some tips. [email protected] Remember keto is a moderate protein, high fat, low carb, so you may be taking in too much protein. I don’t sell meal plans, but I’ll be happy to help you figure things out for free. 🙂
Jackie
February 3, 2016 at 6:30 pmHow do you keep on top of your electrolytes so you don’t get dehydrated besides drinking water?
Crystal
February 5, 2016 at 12:06 amHi Suzanne,
How many lbs on average were you losing in a week/month? I checked out the Keto Calculator you recommended, and with the macros, it said I would lose 2.8 a month. A loss is a loss, but that does seem a little low?
Suzanne
February 7, 2016 at 12:21 amAverage was 1.9lbs a week…the keto calculator just shows you a minimum.
Diane
February 14, 2016 at 8:43 pmWhat supplements do you take?
Suzanne
April 12, 2016 at 6:14 amJust a daily vitamin and electrolyte supplements
V
April 4, 2016 at 3:27 amHi Suzanne,
If I am currently on a Keto lifestyle but for some days when I have dinner with my parents and it is impossible to eat 100% Keto, will I pile back the weight lost? How do I still have some ‘flexibility’ within this Keto lifestyle?
Thanks!
Suzanne
April 12, 2016 at 6:02 amI think its always possible to eat keto if you plan ahead. That being said each person will have to decide when or if they want to allow non low carb foods. I think it mostly comes down to willpower and self control. If you find that that one meal causes you to go way off track than avoid it.
V
April 20, 2016 at 8:06 amHi Suzanne,
Thank you for the advise!
<3 from Sunny Singapore 🙂
Stella
April 15, 2016 at 12:12 amYou are an inspiration not only for all the hard work you’ve done on yourself but also for being a humble, genuine and sweet human being. Much love and respect to you hun! Wishing you a successful future in all your endeavors.
Suzanne
April 26, 2016 at 5:27 pmThank you so much!
Nicole
April 22, 2016 at 7:26 pmHi there! I originally saw your posts on IG thanks to your loaded mashed cauliflower and have gained an interest in possibly trying this diet. I want as much information about it prior to starting and was wondering if there was a book or cookbook that you used when you first started to learn about the principles behind it, etc.?
Thank you!
Suzanne
April 26, 2016 at 5:26 pmHey! Check out my keto essentials page, there are books that I recommend on there. Also check out Reddit Keto FAQS, lots of great free info there!
Bree
June 2, 2016 at 5:51 amHi!
I’m a little confused on the best way to track the amount of protein vs fat vs carb I’m eating. I’ve used the keto-calc and I have my daily grams but I was wondering what’s the best way to log foods while also planning meals ahead of time. I feel like I’m not getting into keto because I’m not aware of my protein vs fat even if I’m not having carbs.
Any advice?
Xoxox
Bree
Suzanne
June 2, 2016 at 8:04 pmI used MyFitnessPal to track my macros : )
Dee
July 11, 2016 at 6:02 pmHi Suzanne,
I’m so excited about following the keto lifestyle. I’ve been at it for almost a month now and have lost about 16 lbs. Should I be losing weight faster than about 2 lbs a week? I keep up with my macros on MFP, but the weight isn’t really falling off. Any suggestions or advice is GREATLY appreciated!!!!
Suzanne
July 15, 2016 at 2:48 pm2 lbs a week is fantastic, just keep up livable changes and try not to obsess over the scale. Focus on how you’re feeling and the rest will fall into place!
Lori William
March 5, 2017 at 10:09 pmHi Suzanne,
I just started following you on Instagram. I’ve been trying Keto since New Year. Was going well, lost 8 pounds quick, we went on a two week vacation which set me back but last few weeks have been slow then creeping up. Please provide me the keto-calculator link and I think I’m not eating enough fat and food in general as I’m not doing breakfast as I’ve been trying different methodologies (Suzanne Summers, Keto, Atkins etc…) but keto with low carbs and protein/fat. Any suggestions, advice to get me focused and back on track – I want a ‘lifestyle’ to keep me at a healthy weight which is really ~8 pounds less. Considering a 21-day Fix but looking for some guidance.
Suzanne
May 31, 2017 at 11:51 pmThe link for the keto calculator is in my getting started post! I recommend getting involved with the keto community, via Instagram or Facebook!
Melissa Green
July 31, 2016 at 6:28 pmI found your page today, of all days. Today us my weekly weigh in and I was up 0.6 lbs. I have been following a ketogenic diet for 3 weeks now and I have lost about 2.5 lbs total. I committed to 3 weeks and I would check my progress. (I have lost 45 lbs on a low-ish carb, but not keto, since 2/2016)
Today, I was quitting. After averaging 2-4 lbs per week to less than 1 lb a week, I was discouraged. But, after finding your blog through Instagram, I have realized that I had my macros wrong! I was eating way too much fat and calories and not enough protein.
I am hoping this will finally be the key I have been missing. I’m glad to ‘meet’ you and I look forward to catching up on your journey. I hope to find as much success as you have. 🙂
Leila
August 17, 2016 at 6:05 pmHallo susa
Nicole Colonna
January 10, 2020 at 3:49 pmI remember the exact date I started my keto journey as well! April 27th, 2019. My journey started out as a 2 month challenge. I was 165 lbs and my goal was to lose weight by my 30th birthday on June 27th. When I reached my goal and lost 20 lbs, it was then I decided this was the healthy lifestyle I wanted to live from now on. Thank you for all the inspiration, guidance, tips and easy recipes!
Nancy Ayers
January 17, 2022 at 6:56 pmHi Suzanne, I’m a 57 year old widow of 6 years. I had gastric bypass 12 years ago and lost 100 pounds (i was almost 300 pounds before surgery), and maintained my weight pretty consistently, not skinny but comfortable, for many years until recently. I haven’t really changed my eating, maybe the gain is because i quit smoking, i’m older, i have bad arthritis which has limited my activity. I know from history counting calories doesn’t work for me, but ditching sugar/carbs really has been the key when I needed to dump pounds. my question is, how critical is it to calculate macros, count grams of carbs/protein/fat… can’t i just ditch the bread/potatoes/rice/pasta, go meat/veg/fat? does it have to be so complicated?
Suzanne
January 24, 2022 at 12:16 pmHi Nancy, if you want to keep things simple you can just track your carb intake. Generally most people count net carbs and limit to 20-30g net carbs per day.