Virta at 62: My Weight, Prediabetes, Health & Wellness

I received a flyer in the mail about the Virta program. I had never heard of it before.

I knew where my spouse works, this program is offered not only to him, but to his family and eligible dependents too.

So I thought, why not? I have been wanting to get back into a healthy lifestyle anyway.

This post will follow my progress over the next 30 days. After that, I will start a new series sharing weekly updates on how things are going.

I actually started the New Year off pretty good. My church normally does a 21-day consecration which includes fasting.

So I did a bit of the Daniel Fast. Then on some days I tried fasting 12 to 14 hours.

I was already thinking about better health, lowering my blood sugar, and getting my metabolic health together.

Then that flyer showed up.

After I got it, I went online to visit Virta Health and signed up.

First, I had to be approved. The company needed to determine if I was the right candidate for the Virta program.

I had an interview with a health coach, and she went over the medications I was taking, my blood pressure, and my overall health history.

They were able to get what they needed from my medical provider.

I liked that this wasn’t just some random diet.

There is a physician-led care team involved. Nurse practitioners, health coaches, and continuous remote care. The patient gets medical supervision. That made me feel safe.

After I was approved, another coach called me to tell me more about the program.

She explained how this is a nutrition-first approach that focuses on nutritional ketosis.

The goal is to improve metabolic health, lower blood sugar levels, and address insulin resistance, which is often the root cause behind metabolic disease and the management of type 2 diabetes.

I was excited that I was in and ready to begin my health journey.

Virta provides many resources to help on this journey.

I received a digital scale, a booklet with recipes, sterile lancets, glucose and ketone strips, alcohol pads, and magnesium.

I also received an electrolyte drink mix, but I was told by my doctor on the program not to use it right now because of my blood pressure.

I really appreciate that this program adapts to my medical condition and my treatment plan. It is not one size fits all.

You also get access to the Virta app and desktop app where you can track progress, log blood sugar levels, body weight, and message your one-on-one health coach.

There is even a private online support community with other Virta members. I like that I am not alone in this.

Now let me be honest.

I waited for my items to come and continued to eat as I normally would. And a few days before my official start date, I admit… I had my last shing ding.

We went to a soul food restaurant on Valentine’s Day and boy did we have a feast.

Greens with turkey in it. Mac and cheese. Potato salad. Catfish. Fries. A po boy sandwich. And to top it off, a pound cake.

Yep. It was good!

But I am saying goodbye to that lifestyle.

I am 62. I am not getting any younger. I was already told by my doctor that I am prediabetic.

That means insulin resistance is already in the picture. That means I am on the verge of yet another disease.

My body is basically saying, PLEASE WAKE UP. Is the pound cake worth diabetes medication?

Is it worth insulin use? Is it worth sitting in waiting rooms adding more prescriptions to the list?

One thing I do like about this low carb lifestyle and the Virta treatment is that I can still enjoy some of those foods.

I can have fish, just grilled instead of fried. I can have my collard greens with turkey. Yum yum.

But the high carbs that spike blood sugar levels have to go.

The goal is stable blood sugar and sustainable weight loss, not just quick fixes.

This program is research-backed treatment. It has been studied in clinical trials, even open label studies with control groups.

It follows a diabetes care model that focuses on nutrition therapy rather than just piling on more diabetes-specific medications or GLP-1 medications.

The focus is medication reduction when possible, under medical supervision.

So my packet finally came. All my wonderful items that are going to help me on this journey.

My set day was Monday, the weekend after the feast. I set everything up.

I already had some low carb foods in the house. I read through the plan documents, and started learning the educational tools inside the app.

This is a new lifestyle for me.

I want better health. I want to lower my blood sugar. I want to improve my metabolic health.

I want to see if I can reverse type 2 risk before it fully develops.

I want to see if this guided nutrition program can truly help me become that so-called fat-burning machine instead of constantly running on sugar.

This is just the beginning.

I am sharing this in real time.

Not as a doctor. Not as someone in a clinical trial.

Just as a 62 year old woman who wants healthier futures and is ready to do the work, step of the way.

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Day 1: A Body Shock – 217 Pounds

I didn’t think the first day was going to be hard, but it was.

Not so much the low carbs, but how my body reacted.

It was like, “Whoa… what are you doing? Where is my energy food?”

Breakfast

• 2 eggs
• 2 sausage
• Greens with bits of turkey (leftover from the weekend dinner)
• 2 cups water
• Coffee with 2 teaspoons cream and pure Stevia

I didn’t have much energy throughout the day.

In addition to the 2 cups of water, I kept drinking water all day long.

I’m aiming for 64 oz daily. If I drink coffee, I add 2 extra cups of water.

By the way, I bought a water dispenser with a fruit diffuser.

And let me tell you… I was going to the bathroom like crazy. I felt like I was prepping for a colonoscopy.

Lunch (Around 4 PM)

• Palm-size piece of chicken
• Large platter of lettuce with a little dressing
• 2 cups water

Evening

• Chicory “coffee” with cream and Stevia
• 2 cups water

Not only did I feel drained, I couldn’t focus on computer work.

By 8 PM, I welcomed sleep. I also did 20 minutes on my spin bike that morning.

Big mistake. My body needed rest, not a workout.

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Day 2: 213.4 lbs | Ketones 0.2

I was happy to see the weight drop. I’m sure a lot of it was water because I peed a LOT on Day 1.

Today, though… bathroom trips continued. Not diarrhea, just loose stools.

My stomach hurt a little, and I do have IBS history, so I took medication to calm it down.

Still low energy. Still not focusing well.

Breakfast

• Brussels sprouts
• 2 eggs cooked in olive oil
• 1 piece cheese
• Coffee with cream and Stevia

Snack (Around 2 PM)

• 0 carb tortilla
• 2 tablespoons hummus
• Olives

Taking ketones measurements was a mess. I had to prick myself about 5 times. Hardly any blood.

I was frustrated.

Going back to the box for more strips. Not organized at all.

Finally got it.

0.2 ketones.

Translation? Nope. Not in ketosis yet. But hey… it’s only Day 2.

Then the blood pressure drama.

My readings were sky high at home.

Doctor said come in.

Turns out… my BP cuff was too small.

False readings.

Whew.

She did adjust my meds slightly because it was a little elevated.

Busy day. New eating. Doctor visit. Bathroom marathons.

I went to bed early again.

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Day 3: 209.8 lbs | Ketones 0.1

Surprise… I woke up with more energy.

I was actually hungry. Since I skipped dinner the night before, I ate it for breakfast.

Breakfast

• 3 oz chicken
• Salad with avocado and olives (1 tablespoon dressing)
• Brussels sprouts
• 4 glasses water

Still some loose stools but not as much. No drained feeling.

I also got better at taking my blood. First prick worked.

Level 3 on the device gives me enough blood. It’s not painful. It just feels like a quick pinch.

Snack

• 0 carb tortilla
• 1 tablespoon hummus
• A few olives
• Cheese

Dinner

• Chicken breast
• Salad with avocado
• Hot sauce on chicken

Water throughout the day, including mineral water.

I could focus again. Did computer work. Didn’t feel sluggish. Still went to bed early though.

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Day 4: 210.3 lbs | Ketones 0.5 | Glucose 88

I was a little bummed about the small weight bump, but I know weight fluctuates. That’s normal.

What I don’t love? Weighing every single morning. But I get why. If I track everything, I have data. I can adjust.

And guess what?

0.5 ketones.

That means I officially entered nutritional ketosis.

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What Is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a natural metabolic state where your body switches from burning carbohydrates for fuel to burning fat for fuel.

Normally, your body runs on glucose, which comes from carbs.

When carbs are reduced low enough, your stored glucose runs out. Then your liver starts producing ketones from fat. Those ketones become your new energy source.

This is important because:

• It helps lower blood sugar levels
• It improves insulin resistance
• It encourages your body to become more efficient at burning fat
• It can support stable blood sugar
• It may help with sustainable weight loss

Basically, your body becomes more of a fat-burning machine instead of constantly chasing sugar spikes.

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Day 4 Meals

Breakfast

• 0 carb tortilla
• 1 tablespoon hummus
• 3 turkey bacon
• Coffee with cream and Stevia

Lunch

• 2 eggs
• Brussels sprouts
• Water

Dinner

• Stir fry with chicken and mixed frozen veggies
• Avocado
• Water and Perrier

Each day I feel better. The drained feeling is gone. I feel like myself again.

Next week I plan to try more recipes. This week was just about starting with what I had.

And honestly? That’s enough for Week One.

Movement Is My Choice, not a Requirement

I plan to exercise mainly because I like how it makes me feel. It’s not a requirement on this plan, but for me, movement helps mentally and physically.

I have a spin bike at home, and I actually enjoy using it.

What makes it even more fun is my virtual headset. It offers 3D videos, so it feels like I’m riding in different places around the world.

It really helps take my mind off the workout. If you want more information about my experience with that, click here.

For now, I’m taking baby steps. My goal this week is to use the spin bike for 15 minutes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

As my body adjusts and my energy continues to improve, I’ll increase the time. No rushing. Just consistency.

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How the Virta App Is Working for Me

The app has so many neat features.

One of my favorite things is that I can weigh myself, take my ketones, and check my glucose, and the information goes right to my care team.

I like that I don’t have to track everything separately. Now, I did have a few tech issues. Sometimes the devices don’t connect, so I manually enter the numbers. It’s not a big deal.

Each new week shows my averages and gives me an overview of how I did.

I really enjoy seeing the weight chart trending downward. There is something motivating about visually seeing progress.

They also offer tech support for the app. I haven’t taken the time to use it yet, but it’s nice to know it’s there.

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Tracking My Plate and Planning Meals

Another feature I really like is being able to take a picture of my plate.

The app estimates my carb intake from the photo. If it gets something wrong, there’s an edit feature.

For example, it once logged peanut butter when I actually had almond butter. I was able to correct it easily.

There is also a chef who prepares Virta-friendly meals inside the app. I can use the app to create meal plans for one day, two days, a week, or longer.

I think this is going to help me stay on track long term.

For me, this journey is not just about losing weight and getting healthy. It’s about creating a new lifestyle.

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Do I Miss the High Carbs?

Honestly, not really.

There are a few things I miss, and I need to take the time to see if they are acceptable on Virta or not.

One of my favorite drinks is Sparkling Ice. I know it has artificial sweetener in it, so I need to check and maybe ask through the app.

Since I’m just starting, I wanted to keep my food choices very basic and simple.

One surprising thing is that my appetite is changing. I’m not craving the foods I used to crave.

Bread is one of my favorites, but I’ve replaced it with low carb tortillas. The Virta chart showing common foods and smart replacements has been very helpful.

This week, I’m excited to start trying new meals. I’m ready to move beyond basic and bring in more variety.

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What I’m Learning So Far

I’m learning that this journey is more mental than anything.

It’s not just about carbs or ketones or watching the scale. It’s about discipline. It’s about slowing down. It’s about asking myself, “Is this choice helping my future self?”

I’m also learning that my body adapts faster than I thought it would.

The first couple of days were rough. I was tired. My stomach was adjusting.

I questioned myself. But now I feel more like me again. My energy is improving. My cravings are changing. That tells me something good is happening.

Another thing I’m learning is that structure helps me. Having the app, tracking my numbers, seeing my chart, planning meals — it gives me direction. I’m not just guessing. I’m not just hoping this works. I’m following a plan.

Most of all, I’m realizing this is not a temporary diet. This is a new lifestyle.

And at 62, that matters. I don’t want quick fixes. I want sustainable weight loss. I want stable blood sugar. I want better health long term.

This is just the beginning, but I feel hopeful.

Day 5: 209.4 lbs | 0.4 Ketones | 119 Glucose

I mentioned earlier that my blood pressure meds were changed, and everything seemed fine.

But I decided to call my insurance company because I didn’t understand why I had to come off a medication that worked perfectly for me.

To my surprise, they said I could go back on it. I notified my doctor because I didn’t want to add something new if I didn’t have to.

She called in my old medication, so now I’m just waiting for it to be ready.

Because of that, I decided to wait until next week to restart my workouts.

I also ordered a new blood pressure cuff from Amazon since mine was too small. I’ll let you know how that works. If you’re interested, I’ll leave the link.

Overall, I felt good. I got computer work done and did a lot of housework. I feel more alert and have much more energy now.

Meals

Breakfast

• Eggs
• 3 slices turkey bacon
• Avocado
• Brussels sprouts and carrots
• Water
• Perrier
• Coffee (the usual way I make it)

Lunch/Dinner

• Mixed vegetables with chicken
• Salad with avocado
• Water

I couldn’t finish my meal. I just got full. I’m learning to listen to my body. If I’m full, why keep eating?

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Day 6: 208.3 lbs. Ketones 0.1, Glu: 101

Another good day. I mostly relaxed.

I stayed in bed for much of the day, worked on a few side hustles on my computer, showered, cooked dinner, did a little cleaning, and then went back to relaxing.

I got an email from the new church I am attending about a new membership class from 1:30 to 4 pm on Sunday. They will be serving lunch.

I plan to watch church from home, and eat before leaving.

Meals

Breakfast

• Low carb tortilla
• 2 eggs scrambled in butter
• 2 turkey bacon
• 1 tablespoon taco sauce
• Avocado
• Cheese
• A small amount of berries (less than 1/2 cup)
• Water

Snack

• Low carb tortilla
• Almond butter
• Chicory coffee

Dinner

• Leftover salad with avocado and dressing
• Mixed vegetables with chicken
• Water
• Chicory coffee

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What Is Chicory Coffee?

Chicory coffee is made from roasted chicory root.

It has a deep, rich flavor similar to coffee but contains no caffeine unless blended with coffee.

Chicory is more than just a coffee substitute.

It comes from the roasted root of the chicory plant and naturally contains inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber.

Inulin feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which can support better digestion and overall gut health.

Some people find that chicory helps with regular bowel movements and may even reduce bloating over time.

Because it’s naturally caffeine free, it can be a great option if you’re trying to cut back on coffee while still enjoying a rich, roasted flavor.

Chicory has also been studied for its potential to help support stable blood sugar levels, which makes it especially appealing for anyone focusing on metabolic health.

It’s not a magic fix, but it can be a gentle, gut-friendly addition to a healthier lifestyle.

I drink it with cream and stevia. I love the taste. If you’re interested, I have a link for the one I use. Here is a video showing how I make it.

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Day 7: 208.7 lbs | 0.5 Ketones | 92 Glucose

I relaxed in bed, watched church online, then went to the membership class.

Lunch was set up beautifully: sandwiches, cookies, chips, and salad. Normally I would have loved that spread.

I grabbed water.

Someone suggested I just take the meat out of the sandwich. But I didn’t want processed meat, and I had already eaten before leaving home. So, I was fine.

That felt like a small victory.

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Day 8: 206.7 lbs | 0.4 Ketones | 115 Glucose

I didn’t feel like cooking much this day. There was leftover turkey, and I gave it to my husband. I realized I need to shop and plan better.

Meals

Breakfast

• 2 eggs
• 2 sausages
• 1 slice cheese
• 1/4 avocado
• Water

Snack

• Tortilla
• Almond butter
• Water throughout the day
• Chicory coffee later

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Day 9: 206.7 lbs | 0.4 Ketones

I was disappointed.

I really wanted to stay solidly in ketosis.

I didn’t eat much the day before because I didn’t feel like cooking. I woke up hungry around 6 am and checked my ketones before eating. Still 0.4.

I shouldn’t obsess over numbers, but it’s hard not to.

My coach told me not to worry. Ketones fluctuate. She was glad I was feeling good and regaining energy. That shows my body is adapting.

I also realized I may not have been choosing the best foods. Some labels are deceiving. For example, I was eating tortillas because they showed zero net carbs.

But I read this:

When trying to enter nutritional ketosis, you must lower glucose enough so your body switches to burning fat. If you only focus on net carbs and ignore quality, you can accidentally eat processed keto foods. Simple whole foods work best in the beginning.

That made me rethink the tortillas.

So I decided to focus on Virta’s sample 7 day meal plan. It lists breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks with measured portions. If I don’t like a meat, I can substitute it.

I made a shopping list and plan to prep ahead so I don’t skip meals just because I don’t feel like cooking.

Exercise

I got back on my spin bike for 35 to 40 minutes.

Meals

Breakfast

• 3 turkey bacon
• 1 scrambled egg in butter

Snack

• Low carb tortilla
• 2 tablespoons almond butter

Dinner

• Hamburger with cheese (probably too much cheese)
• Salad with dressing

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Day 10: 206.3 lbs | 0.7 Ketones | 89 Glucose

Shopping day.

I walked a lot. My daughter and I organized all the food. I planned to meal prep but wasn’t feeling it by the time I got home.

I skipped my workout. I figured I had been active enough.

I’m still having loose stools. Not severe, but often right after eating. I’m also still urinating frequently.

I was blown away by my ketones at 0.7. That made me feel encouraged. My weight is still trending down.

Meals

Breakfast

• 1 hamburger patty
• 1 oz cheese
• Plain lettuce

Snack

• Turkey stick (0 sugar)

Dinner

• Stir fry bell peppers and onions (about 1 cup)
• Scrambled eggs
• Piece of goat cheese

I had caffeinated coffee twice today.

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Infused Waters

I made two fruit-infused waters:

Container 1

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Rosemary sprig
• Half water, half Perrier

It had a light fruit flavor with that carbonated kick. Delicious.

Container 2

• Lemons
• Limes
• Water

Always refreshing.

Day 11: 205.9 lbs

Did Not Check Ketones or Glucose

Today was a busy one.

I do video reviews, so I spent a good amount of time learning a new product I’m working with.

On top of that, I planned to cook several dishes and do some food prep. I’m also cooking for my family, but thankfully, for the most part, we can eat the same meals.

I am the one that just have to skip the high carbs.

It is fun trying out new dishes for them. It’s a better way of eating so it can’t hurt them.

Cooking Experiments

I made turkey wings.

Then I tried a new low carb dish using cauliflower. I shredded it as fine as possible, added seasonings, onions, eggs, and almond flour. I shaped it into patties and pan fried them in olive oil.

Well… that didn’t go so great.

They kept breaking apart. I’m not sure what I did wrong.

They tasted okay, but my husband said they needed more seasoning.

I ended up making them smaller and even rolling some into balls before cooking. Not perfect, but edible.

The next cauliflower dish turned out much better.

I cooked the cauliflower until tender, then added cheese, spinach, unsweetened almond milk, heavy cream, and seasoning. I baked it for about 10 to 15 minutes.

That one tasted good. I used it as a replacement for potatoes.

I did sample while cooking, but I tried not to overdo it. I ended up skipping lunch because of all the tasting.

Dinner

• One turkey wing piece
• Cauliflower cheese dish
• Salad

Workout

I also worked out, following a spin video on YouTube for about 25 minutes.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted. I went to bed early and didn’t check my ketones.

Overall, my energy was up today.

Cooking isn’t something I naturally enjoy, but it was fun trying something new.

Of course, the kitchen was a mess afterward, so I spent plenty of time cleaning too.

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Day 12: 206.3 lbs | 0.4 Ketones | 106 Glucose

Okay… I went up a pound.

I don’t like seeing that. I want the numbers to always go down. When the scale goes up, my mind immediately starts analyzing everything.

Did I eat too much?
Did I sample too much while cooking?
Was it the cheese?

But today was different.

I left the house early to do some deal shopping and was gone for hours.

I didn’t eat or drink anything while I was out. When I returned home, I checked my weight and readings, making sure I had light clothing on.

Still, I went up.

I tend to analyze everything when that scale moves up. But I know weight can fluctuate for many reasons.

I also read that ketones may be better checked in the evening. I thought that since I hadn’t eaten in the morning, my ketones would be higher. Apparently not.

Let me encourage myself here.

I just started working out again. That could be muscle or water retention. I didn’t weigh right when I woke up, which can also affect the number. Weight fluctuates. That’s normal.

My goal this month was to be out of the 200s. I’m happy that I’m close. I may not hit that goal this month, but next month? I believe I can.

When the Scale Goes Up: What I’m Reminding Myself

When the scale goes up, my first reaction is frustration. I want to see progress. I want confirmation that what I’m doing is working.

But I have to remind myself of a few things.

Weight fluctuates. It can change because of water retention, sodium, hormones, new exercise, muscle repair, or even the time of day.

One pound does not mean failure. It does not mean I went backward. It does not erase the progress I’ve already made.

I also have to remember how I feel.

My energy is better.
My cravings are different.
I’m more aware of what I’m eating.
I’m moving my body again.

That matters more than a number.

Another reminder: I just started working out again. When you begin exercising, your body can hold onto water while your muscles repair and adjust.

That temporary increase on the scale does not mean fat gain.

And finally, this is not a race.

I am 62 years old. I am not chasing a quick fix. I am building better habits. Sustainable weight loss takes patience.

So instead of obsessing over the daily number, I am choosing to look at the trend. The overall direction is still down.

And that is progress.

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Day 13: 206.1 lbs | 0.2 Ketones | 96 Glucose

Saturday was mostly a rest day. I stayed in bed for much of the day but was on my computer catching up on things.

We had a lot of leftovers. My family didn’t really care for the cauliflower dish I made.

Honestly, I’m thinking it may have been too much cheese. I do wonder if that was affecting my weight loss as well.

This coming week, I plan to stick closely to the 7 day sample plan until I feel more confident about what works for me.

My weight seems to have slowed down a bit, but I’m happy to report that by the end of the week I worked out on my spin bike twice.

That’s progress.

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Day 14: Sunday | 206.3 lbs | 1.5 Ketones | 79 Glucose

Church day for me.

I normally don’t eat before early service. Later in the day, I had:

• 2 eggs
• Goat cheese
• 1 sausage
• 1 slice Canadian bacon
• Spinach mixed with onions

Much later, I had a snack, which has become my norm:

• A slice of sharp cheddar
• Turkey jerky

I was surprised to see my ketones jump to 1.5. That really encouraged me.

I even did a video showing how I take my blood readings. You can watch that here.

I’m looking forward to this new week. It’s going to be busy. I have a lot of running around to do.

The challenge for me is that when I’m out all day, I don’t like to eat much. My busiest days are Monday through Wednesday, then things slow down.

So far, I’m still feeling good. I do want to increase my exercise a little more.

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Day 15: Monday | 207 lbs | 0.5 Ketones

Not sure how the scale went up again. I know I shouldn’t focus so much on it, but sometimes it’s hard not to. I barely ate much the day before.

Oh well.

I left the house early to run errands and then had a follow up appointment with my doctor about my blood pressure.

She decided I should take the full pill instead of half. My reading was 150/83, still too high. I

have another appointment in two weeks so she can monitor my kidneys while adjusting the medication.

I’m really hoping this diet not only helps me lose weight but also keeps my numbers down.

My new blood pressure cuff came today, and it works perfectly. It came with five attachments and one fit my CVS machine. Now I can get accurate readings at home.

The one I originally purchased is no longer available. This one is very similar, and it has 8 connections.

It was a long day. I was tired from running around. I made lasagna for my family. I can’t eat it, but it was quick and easy for them.

Breakfast was the usual:

• 2 eggs
• Canadian bacon
• Sharp cheddar

Later I had:

• Cheese
• Turkey jerky
• Extra caffeinated coffee (I didn’t sleep well the night before)

And yes, I’m still drinking my water consistently.

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Day 16: Tuesday | 204.5 lbs

Yes!

I was so glad to see that drop. I know weight can fluctuate because of water retention and many other factors, but this was a happy moment for me.

I left home early again on a mission to do some deal shopping.

My husband wanted Valentine’s Day candy to give away. A store I shop at had it marked down to one cent. Yes, one cent.

So I went to the store that had plenty left.

Having candy in the house does not faze me. I’m not tempted, and honestly, on this plan I don’t crave sugar the way I used to. Plus, it’s all going to him anyway.

I also found some penny beauty products, which made me happy. If you want to know more about penny shopping, click here.

This time I was prepared. I brought turkey jerky and sharp cheddar with me so I wouldn’t get hungry while I was out.

After a few hours, I came home and made breakfast. And yes… the same old thing. Eggs, bacon, and goat cheese.

I admit I still haven’t fully followed the sample menu yet. When I shopped, I did write down foods from the plan, so I’m planning to start implementing those today.

For now, because I’ve been so busy, I’ve kept things simple.

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Day 17: 205 lbs | Glucose 103 | Ketones 0.5

This was my final day of running around and leaving the house early.

I had to go across town to attend a focus group. It was actually a lot of fun. I met some very interesting people and everyone seemed to vibe well together. Time went by fast.

The only challenge was how early I had to leave.

The location was about 45 minutes away, but I left two hours earlier because traffic during commute time can be very heavy here.

After the meeting, I had two turkey jerky sticks and a Perrier on the way home. About an hour later, when I got home, I made lunch for my husband and me.

Lunch

• 3 oz turkey burger
• Sautéed bell peppers and onions
• 1 slice of cheese

I drank some water but not as much as usual because I knew I had to go back out around 6:30.

By about 5 pm I had a snack so I wouldn’t get hungry later.

Snack

• Turkey jerky
• A slice of cheese

When I got home that night, I was more than ready for bed.

It had been a busy week and I was grateful that the next few days I could stay home and slow down a bit.

I didn’t take my ketone reading until I got home that evening. By that time I hadn’t eaten for about three hours, and I was still in ketosis.

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Day 18: Feeling Worn Out

I didn’t get out of bed until after 10 am. I was extremely tired and just wanted to rest.

To be honest, I didn’t have the energy to work out. I know I need to exercise, but my body was just exhausted.

On top of that, my house looks like a wreck. There’s a lot of decluttering I need to do. Cleaning. Laundry. The usual things that pile up when you’ve been busy all week.

My body just aches. You know how you feel when you’ve had the flu and everything hurts? Even climbing the stairs made my legs sore.

I also realized a few things I probably need to improve.

First, I need to remember to take my magnesium. With a low carb lifestyle like this, you really have to stay on top of things.

Second, I haven’t been eating enough vegetables. For breakfast especially, I usually skip them.

Today I’m making lamb with string beans, so I plan to eat those for breakfast and lunch over the next few days.

Another thing is water. I hate using public bathrooms, so when I’m out running errands

I tend not to drink enough. That means the last few days I probably haven’t been hydrated like I should be.

So feeling awful today might simply be because I haven’t been doing everything quite right.

The good news is I know what to fix.

For the next few days I’m going to:

• Drink more water
• Eat more vegetables
• Take my magnesium
• Slow down and rest

I’m also excited to see my weight starting to drop again.

I had planned to take my time and go through the sample meal plan so I could change up my breakfasts and snacks, but this week was so busy that I never got around to it.

Right now my biggest goal is simple.

Get my energy back.

What I’m Learning About Low Carb Energy

One thing I’m beginning to understand on this journey is that low carb eating isn’t just about removing bread, sugar, and pasta.

Your body is going through a big adjustment.

When carbs are reduced, the body starts switching from burning sugar for energy to burning fat.

That process is called nutritional ketosis.

During this change, the body also releases more water and electrolytes.

That means things like sodium, potassium, and magnesium become very important.

If those get too low, people can feel tired, weak, dizzy, or even get muscle aches. Many people call this the “keto flu,” but most of the time it simply means the body needs more fluids and minerals.

Looking back at my past few days, I can see a few things I probably need to improve:

• I haven’t been drinking as much water when I’m out running errands
• I haven’t been eating enough vegetables
• I forgot to take my magnesium
• I’ve been very busy and not getting enough rest

So instead of assuming something is wrong, I’m looking at it as a learning moment.

For the next few days my focus will be simple:

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat more vegetables
• Take my magnesium regularly
• Get good rest

This journey isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning what works for my body.

And honestly, I’m still encouraged. My weight is moving in the right direction, my appetite has changed, and most days my energy has been good.

Now it’s just about fine tuning things.

Approaching a Big Milestone

This past weekend marked Days 19 through 22 of my Virta journey, and I’m starting to see some real progress.

My weight has dropped to just to 201 pounds, which means I’m getting very close to leaving the 200s behind.

That alone feels like a huge accomplishment.

I also noticed something important this week. After adding more vegetables, drinking more water, and taking my magnesium regularly, my body started feeling much better.

Sometimes it’s the small adjustments that make the biggest difference.

The weekend was also very productive. I spent time decluttering parts of the house that had been bothering me for a while, especially the laundry room and bathroom.

There is something about organizing and clearing space that makes you feel lighter mentally too.

Even with a busy weekend of cleaning, church, and running around, I stayed focused on eating low carb and paying attention to my numbers.

I also managed to get in some time on my spin bike and start doing floor exercises again.

Below is a look at how the last few days went, including what I ate, how I felt, and what I learned along the way.

Day 19: Weight 203 | Ketones 1.1 | Glucose 95

Since I started eating more vegetables, drinking more water, and taking my magnesium regularly, I have been feeling much better.

This weekend I started working on some decluttering. It felt good to finally tackle the laundry room.

I found storage containers to put a lot of things in, which made the space look neat and organized. I plan to finish it on Saturday.

I also did 22 minutes on my spin bike and started doing some floor exercises.

Meals

Breakfast:
Turkey burger, cheese, and string beans

Lunch:
Lamb, goat cheese, and string beans

Later in the early evening:
Chicory coffee with pure stevia and 2 teaspoons of cream

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Day 20 (Saturday): Weight 202.3

Today was a busy day. I decided to do a lot of cleaning in the bathroom, finish the laundry room, and wash, dry, and put away lots of clothes, towels, and sheets.

I was on my feet most of the day, so it felt like a workout.

We still had leftovers, so I didn’t cook.

Meals

Turkey jerky, cheese, and string beans

Later I had leftover lamb, cheese, and string beans.

I felt great and had my coffee as well.

I didn’t mention it earlier, but I am still drinking my water. I use a large container, and if I drink half of it, that equals about 64 ounces.

I also drink lemon water from my dispenser throughout the day.

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Day 21 (Sunday): Weight 202.3 | Ketones 1.7 | Glucose 82

When I go to church, I usually get up late, so I don’t have time to eat beforehand.

After church, I was really craving some good old soul food. There’s a place we heard about that serves really well seasoned soul food, so on the way home I stopped there.

I ordered grilled catfish with a side of cabbage and greens. I also ordered two additional large containers of greens so I can eat them during the week.

The meal came with rice and cornbread, which I gave to my husband to go with his food.

They give you a lot of food, so I ate about 3 to 3.5 ounces of fish with cabbage and mostly greens.

The greens had meat in them, though I’m not sure if it was turkey. It was delicious.

Later in the evening I got hungry again, so I had turkey jerky with cheese and chicory coffee.

Day 22: Weight 201.2 Monday

I felt great over the weekend. I accomplished a lot, and it feels so good to declutter.

I still have more to do, but it feels like a good start.

My goal this week is to continue working out on my bike, keep doing my floor exercises, and stay low carb.

I am now just about one pound away from being out of the 200s, and I am really proud of that. I can’t believe how much I have already lost.

I’m also less than 10 days away from completing my first 30 days.

Thirty days is not the end, of course. As I mentioned earlier, I plan to start a new post where I will update my progress weekly.

Today I am a bit sore. I have some back issues, so my back is hurting a little. I went shopping and did quite a bit of heavy lifting, so when I got home I put my heating pad on and rested.

Earlier in the day I did manage to get on my spin bike for 20 minutes and then did about 10 minutes of abdominal work. My favorite workouts right now are from The Fabulous 50 lady on YouTube.

I had a lot of leftovers, so breakfast and lunch were pretty much the same.

Breakfast and Lunch:
Grilled catfish, greens, and cheese in the morning along with my regular coffee.

Dinner:
Almost the same, except I only had a little fish left, so I added a piece of lamb with greens and cabbage.

I also had my coffee and, of course, drank water throughout the day. I am getting close to 64 ounces of water today.

I have also been recording my journey on YouTube and will be sharing a link. Please click here.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.

Day 23: Weight 201 | Ketones 0.2 | Glucose 87

Day 23 was an interesting day for me. I started wanting some of the things I can’t have, like chips or something crunchy.

I also purchased a healthy organic peanut butter that contains no sugar, and according to the app it’s okay for the plan.

The problem is that I don’t really have anything within the plan to put it on just yet.

I scanned several zero net carb breads, but the app gave me a warning that those are not foods I should be eating.

So I plan to talk to my coach to see what might work. I know celery would be fine, but I really wanted some type of bread option.

There is something called egg wraps. They look like tortillas but are made from eggs. Now it’s just a matter of finding a store that sells them.

The Virta Magic Conch Effect

Using the Virta food search sometimes reminds me of that SpongeBob episode with the magic conch shell. You know the one where Squidward keeps asking the shell questions and it just keeps answering… “No.”

That’s exactly how it feels when I type certain foods into the Virta search.

I’ll look up something that seems perfectly healthy in my mind and think, surely this will be fine. Then the app basically gives me the same answer the conch shell gave Squidward.

No.

“Can I eat this sprouted bread?”
No.

“What about this healthy snack?”
No.

“Surely this one is okay…”
No.

Meanwhile I’m sitting there looking at my phone like Squidward staring at that shell wondering what in the world I can eat.

So now every time the Virta search shuts down one of my hopeful food ideas, I can almost hear SpongeBob in the background saying, “All hail the magic conch!”

At this point I just laugh and move on to something the app actually approves. 😄

One thing that is approved is egg wraps.

I ordered a pack from Walmart to try. It comes with 10 wraps for about $9.

Yes, that’s expensive, and I also had to pay for shipping. I haven’t been able to find them in my local stores yet, but I’ll keep looking.

I’ve read good reviews, and it seems like they would be a great way to make sandwiches or even use with my natural peanut butter.

Egg wraps are one of those foods that people on low carb or ketogenic plans get excited about because they solve a big problem.

Most of us miss things like bread, tortillas, and sandwich wraps. Egg wraps give you a way to make those same meals without the carbs.

What Egg Wraps Are

Egg wraps are thin, flexible wraps made mostly from eggs or egg whites.

They look a lot like a tortilla but they are made without flour, grains, or starch.

Because of that they fit very well into low carb eating plans like the one used with Virta.

Most store bought versions are made from a short ingredient list such as:

• Egg whites or whole eggs
• Xanthan gum or similar binder
• Salt and simple seasonings
• Sometimes a little cauliflower or cheese depending on the brand

That is why they are so low in carbohydrates.

Why They Work Well on a Low Carb Plan

Egg wraps are popular with people following keto or Virta style eating because they help keep carbs very low while still feeling like a real meal.

Typical nutrition for one wrap is usually around:

• 0 to 2 grams of carbs
• 5 to 11 grams of protein
• Very little sugar
• Gluten free

That makes them a great replacement for tortillas that normally have 20 to 30 grams of carbs.

For someone tracking ketones and glucose like you are, foods like this help keep blood sugar more stable while still giving you something satisfying to eat.

Benefits of Egg Wraps

There are several reasons people like them.

Low in carbohydrates
They help keep you in ketosis or maintain steady blood sugar.

Higher in protein
Because they are egg based, they give you protein which helps you stay full longer.

Gluten free
People avoiding wheat or gluten can use them easily.

Very versatile
You can use them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Quick meals
You can make a wrap in just a few minutes.

Ways People Use Egg Wraps

This is where they become really helpful because they replace so many carb heavy foods.

You can use them for:

Breakfast burritos with eggs, cheese, and sausage
Turkey and cheese wraps
Chicken salad wraps
Taco wraps
Tuna salad wraps
Mini pizzas
Low carb quesadillas

Some people even cut them into strips and use them like noodles in soups.

I’m learning that many foods can still be enjoyed, but sometimes you just have to know what to substitute them with.

For that crunchy snack I was craving, I had pork rinds. They were actually pretty good with a bubbly Perrier.

I didn’t really feel in the mood to do much today, so I didn’t. I didn’t have to cook either because we still had leftovers.

I do have salmon to cook soon, though.

My daughter got Chinese food last night, so I asked her to bring me pepper steak with peppers and onions. I plan to eat some of that for breakfast.

Meals

Breakfast:
Piece of lamb, greens, cheese, coffee

Lunch:
Lamb, greens with hot sauce, 5 olives, cheese, Perrier

Snack:
19 pork rinds with watermelon Perrier

No exercise for me today. I focused more on online work and product reviews. There’s really no excuse for skipping a workout, I just didn’t feel like it today.

Every day on this plan teaches me something new. Now on to Day 24.

Day 25 Thursday
Weight: 201

Today was a bit of a struggle day for me. I feel like I am making a lot of sacrifices by eating low carbs, so naturally I expect the scale to keep going down. I was in ketosis last night, and when I got home I was hungry. I decided not to eat anything extra.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not suffering.

Being on this plan for 25 days has actually been pretty easy.

The biggest challenge for some people will probably be not being able to eat high carb foods.

My body is not really craving them, but I do miss certain textures. I love bread, so that is one thing I definitely miss.

Sometimes when I get bored or frustrated while trying to finish a task, I miss being able to grab a quick snack like a piece of candy.

I thought sugar free options might work, but they really do not. I know that eventually I will be able to introduce more options once I reach a certain point in the program. They call it flex carbs.

On the Virta program, flex carbs are basically a small number of extra carbs that can be added back into your diet once your body is responding well.

That means your blood sugar is stable, weight is moving in the right direction, and you are staying in ketosis.

Think of them as optional carbs that give you a little flexibility while still staying low carb.

Here is the simple way to understand it.

Your base carbs

Most people on Virta start with very low carbs, usually around 30 grams of total carbs per day to get into nutritional ketosis.

Those carbs usually come from foods like

leafy vegetables
broccoli and cauliflower
small amounts of nuts or seeds

This helps your body switch from burning sugar to burning fat.

What flex carbs are

Flex carbs are extra carbs you can add if your body can handle them.

Your Virta coach may allow them when

blood glucose is stable
ketones look good
weight is still moving down

They are usually small additions of healthy carbs such as

extra vegetables
berries
a few nuts
yogurt or dairy
occasionally a small serving of beans

The idea is to test your personal carb tolerance while staying metabolically healthy.

Why they call them flex carbs

They are called flex carbs because they are flexible. Some people can add a little more carbs without problems, while others cannot.

For example, a day might look like this

Base carbs: 30 grams
Flex carbs: 5 to 10 grams

Total possible: 35 to 40 grams depending on how your body responds.

If blood sugar goes up or ketones drop too much, the flex carbs are usually removed again.

Another important thing many Virta users notice is that the program focuses on total carbs, not net carbs. They encourage eating real foods instead of processed low carb products that claim very low net carbs.

So flex carbs usually come from whole foods rather than keto breads or packaged bars.

Since I mentioned earlier that the Virta food search sometimes feels like the SpongeBob Magic Conch Shell constantly saying “No,” flex carbs are kind of like the moment when the shell finally changes its answer.

Instead of the usual “No,” it is more like the conch pausing for a second and saying, “Okay… maybe a little.”

Flex carbs are the small amount of extra carbs that can be added once your body is doing well with blood sugar and ketosis.

It does not mean you can suddenly eat anything you want, but it does give a little breathing room once things are moving in the right direction.

What I did today that helped my mood

Today I decided to get back on my bike. I may need to take working out day by day. I know I made other workout goals, but I might have to adjust things as I go.

I had not worked out at all this week until today but getting on the spin bike felt really good.

I plan to ride again on Friday. Over the weekend I want to focus on floor exercises. It is only about ten minutes, but it targets my legs and my abdomen.

When I think back to when I lost weight before, exercise was a big part of it.

I did not weigh myself every day back then, but staying active really helped my mood.

I also focused on getting things done around the house today. Staying busy helped keep my mind off food.

What I need to start doing

I need to start getting on the message boards. Facebook has a Virta group, and I should connect with others to see how they are doing.

I joined but have not really spent time there yet. Virta also has a message board inside their app that I need to check.

I am not alone in this journey, so it is time to stop acting like I am. I also have coaches who can help when I feel stuck.

More reflecting

This is a learning process for me. I heard a woman on the radio today say something that really stuck with me.

She said that when losing weight, the most important thing is figuring out what works for your body. If you lose weight and are successful but then gain it all back, you wasted your time.

I want to learn how my body responds to the foods I eat and continue putting the right things into it. I have no plans of gaining this weight back again.

One thing I am learning during this journey is that weight loss is not just about the food.

It is also about patience, mindset, and learning how your body responds over time.

Some days the scale moves and some days it does not. But every day that I stick with the plan is still progress.

Twenty-five days ago I made the decision to start, and today I am still here doing the work. That counts for something.

Day 26: Weight 199.9 Ketones 0.9 | Glucose 90

Well, I finally broke away from the 200s.

At first, I thought, well, it’s still very close to 200, but still… I made it. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, and I can say I reached a milestone for this month.

I am still in the middle of the month, and my goal was to be out of the 200s.

Now I feel even more encouraged to keep spinning on my bike and doing other forms of exercise.

I am still feeling great, with the exception of a few aches and pains that I normally get as I get older. But I’m very glad that this plan seems to be working for me.

One thing I feared as I got older was having a slower metabolism.

As people get older, metabolism naturally slows down, which is why many notice that it becomes easier to gain weight or harder to lose it even when eating the same way as before.

One major reason is the gradual loss of muscle mass.

After about age 30, the body slowly begins losing muscle over time, and muscle burns more calories than fat even while resting.

When muscle decreases and body fat increases, the body simply burns fewer calories throughout the day, a process sometimes referred to as age related muscle loss.

Hormone changes also play a role, especially for women during menopause when estrogen levels drop.

This shift can cause the body to store more fat, particularly around the midsection, and it makes it harder for the body to burn calories as efficiently.

Another factor is reduced physical activity. As people age, they may move less due to busy schedules, joint discomfort, injuries, or lifestyle changes, and fewer daily movements mean fewer calories burned.

Inside the body, tiny structures in the cells called mitochondria, which help convert food into energy, also become a bit less efficient over time.

On top of that, the body’s resting metabolic rate, the calories burned just to keep the body functioning through breathing, circulation, and organ activity, tends to decline slightly as lean body mass decreases and organs require a little less energy than before.

Some things that help keep metabolism stronger:

• strength training to maintain muscle
• staying physically active
• eating enough protein
• good sleep
• managing stress

The ideas about metabolism slowing with age actually line up pretty closely with how the Virta Health program approaches weight loss and metabolic health.

The Virta plan is built around a low carbohydrate, nutritional ketosis approach, and the goal is to improve how the body uses energy rather than just cutting calories.

Here is how the metabolism explanation compares with what the Virta program focuses on.

Muscle mass and metabolism

Loss of muscle slows metabolism because muscle burns more calories than fat.

Virta encourages people to keep protein intake at a healthy level so the body maintains muscle while losing fat.

That is why many people on the program are told to eat adequate protein rather than drastically cutting food.

Preserving muscle helps keep metabolism from slowing as much.

Hormones and insulin

One of the biggest differences with the Virta approach is the focus on insulin.

When people eat a lot of carbohydrates, insulin rises to manage blood sugar.

Over time some people develop insulin resistance, which makes it easier to store fat and harder to burn it.

The Virta plan lowers carbohydrate intake, so insulin levels stay lower, helping the body shift toward burning stored fat for energy.

Energy source shift

Instead of relying mostly on glucose from carbs, the Virta plan aims to put the body into nutritional ketosis.

In ketosis, the body uses fat and ketones as fuel. Many people report that once they reach this stage, hunger decreases and energy becomes more stable, which makes it easier to stick with the plan.

Appetite control

Another thing Virta tries to improve is appetite regulation.

Because protein and fat tend to be more filling, many participants feel satisfied without constantly thinking about food.

This helps reduce snacking and overeating, which can slow weight loss when metabolism is already lower with age.

Blood sugar and metabolic health

The program is also known for helping people manage or even reverse conditions like Type 2 Diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

When blood sugar swings are reduced, the body often becomes better at using stored fat for energy.

Lifestyle factors still matter

Even though Virta focuses heavily on nutrition, the same metabolism helpers still apply.

Exercise, sleep, stress management, and maintaining muscle all support the process.

So in simple terms, the metabolism explanation talks about why the body burns fewer calories with age, while the Virta plan focuses on changing how the body fuels itself so fat burning becomes easier even when metabolism has slowed.

This is why I am focusing on incorporating workouts into my routine.

One of my goals is to get more toned. I also want to have more energy, and when I am eventually able to add more types of carbs back into my diet, this should help me maintain my weight.

I also started getting involved in the chats online. It’s nice to see others and how they are doing.

It’s also a great place to see what others are eating and to read success stories from people who have reached their goals.

Meals

Breakfast:
2 eggs, 2 slices of turkey bacon, melted cheese, eggs cooked in butter

Lunch/Dinner:
Salmon, sautéed green bell peppers, onions, and snow peas (all leftovers from a restaurant)

Snack:
One serving of pork rinds

Exercise

I did the spin bike for 45 minutes. I am loving the virtual reality feature and being able to feel like I am riding in another state.

This time I was in New Jersey riding the streets and checking out different stores.

This is actually what keeps me on the bike longer. Nothing strenuous, just regular pedaling like I would do if I were riding a bike outside.

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Seeing 199 on the scale felt like a real victory. After spending so long in the 200s, finally crossing that line was a moment worth celebrating.

Day 27 Weight 199.2 Ketones 0.2 Glucose 112

Still losing. Every ounce counts!

One thing I forgot to mention is vitamins.

I am now on the hunt for new ones because I can no longer take my current ones.

You see, I didn’t mind taking vitamins when they were sweet.

It was almost like eating candy. Although gummy vitamins taste great, they are usually filled with sugar, which does not fit well with a low carb plan.

Gummy vitamins are one of those things that sound healthy, but on a low carb or ketosis plan like Virta, they can quietly work against what you’re trying to do.

The main issue is sugar

Most gummy vitamins are made almost the same way gummy candy is made. To give them that soft, chewy texture and sweet taste, companies usually add:

• sugar
• glucose syrup
• corn syrup
• tapioca syrup
• or other forms of sugar

Even though the amount per serving may seem small, those sugars are still carbohydrates that can raise insulin and blood glucose.

When you are trying to stay in nutritional ketosis, even a small amount of added sugar can interfere with the process.

They can affect ketosis

The Virta program focuses on keeping carbohydrates very low so the body shifts from burning glucose to burning fat and ketones for energy.

If you take gummy vitamins that contain sugar every day, those carbs can:

• raise blood sugar slightly
• increase insulin
• potentially make it harder to stay in ketosis

For someone closely tracking glucose and ketones, those little carbs can add up.

They are often less concentrated

Another issue is that gummy vitamins usually contain lower amounts of nutrients compared to capsules or tablets.

Manufacturers have to limit the amount of vitamins they include because too much can affect the texture or taste of the gummies.

So you may end up getting more sugar but fewer vitamins.

They can affect teeth and appetite

Because gummy vitamins are sweet and sticky, they can also:

• stick to teeth and contribute to cavities
• trigger cravings for sweet foods
• make it easier to start wanting more sugary snacks

That is something many people on low carb plans try to avoid, especially early on when the body is adjusting.

What works better on a low carb plan

Most low carb or ketogenic programs recommend non gummy supplements, such as:

• capsules
• tablets
• powders
• liquid vitamins

These usually contain no sugar and almost no carbohydrates, so they do not interfere with ketosis.

The simple way to think about it

That’s why many programs like Virta recommend skipping gummy vitamins and choosing capsules instead.

My egg wraps came in the mail today.

The package comes with 10 wraps. They are a bit on the expensive side for only ten.

I paid about $9 including shipping. I do like the taste. They have a faint sweet flavor, are covered in poppy seeds, and they separate easily.

For the first time I spread some of my natural peanut butter on one.

The strips are large but I am just showing a small sample of it in the picture.

It was easy to spread and roll up. These wraps will probably go great with meats.

The texture reminds me of a very thin tortilla.

Unfortunately, I do not think I will be buying more unless I can find them in a local store because of the price.

Still, they do help with fighting the bread craving.

Here is my YouTube short on using it here.

I still plan to try making my own version of egg wraps. I have seen two versions online. One uses cottage cheese and oat flour, and the other uses cottage cheese and eggs.

I enjoy relaxing on Saturdays when I am not working at the flea market. I plan to go back soon because I really enjoy selling items and being around other people.

I did not do the floor workout like I planned. No real excuse. I just did not feel like it. For me it works best to exercise early in the day. If it gets too late, the motivation just is not there.

Day 28 Sunday Weight 199.7 Ketones: 0.4 /Glucose 88

Wow, I cannot believe I only have two more days until day 30.

I gained a little bit, but I am still in the 199 range. A lot will be going on this week because I am planning a short trip.

The new challenge will be figuring out how to eat at restaurants. My plan is to keep things simple with meat, vegetables, and water.

Today is another relaxing day. I am spending a lot of time uploading videos.

I usually eat less on Sundays. I leave early in the morning and do not take time to eat. By the time I get home, I usually have dinner and maybe a small snack.

Today I had leftover stir fry vegetables and turkey sausage.

For a snack I had one of the thin egg wraps with two tablespoons of peanut butter. That tasted really good.

I would like to at least get one floor workout in this weekend. Other than that I am just relaxing.

My goal this week is to work out Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

I am glad I am getting close to my 30 day mark so I can see my progress. It is not over, but I have come a long way.

Day 29 Weight 199.9 Ketones 0.5 Glucose 90

So here is the dilemma. Every time I seem to introduce a new food, like the egg wraps, my weight shifts.

My ketones start to drop and I do not seem to lose as much weight. So today I am going back to basics.

I need to talk to my coach about this, and I plan to reach out this week. It is a bit frustrating because I do not want to lose weight only to feel like I cannot add certain foods back into my diet later, like fruit or small changes within the plan.

I also plan to ask about this on the message board and will share what I learn.

I know this is a learning process with some trial and error.

I also know many people have had success with this program.

I am willing to eat this way, but I would like to be able to include foods that fit the plan and that I enjoy, like natural peanut butter and the egg wraps without my weight spiking.

I am hopeful that adding more workouts will help support my progress as well. I may just need to be a little more patient.

What I Ate Today

Breakfast: 3 slices of turkey bacon, 2 eggs cooked in butter, and 1 slice of cheese.

Dinner: 2 small homemade turkey burgers with 1 slice of melted cheese, and a salad with 1 tablespoon of blue cheese dressing.

Day 30 Weight 198.6

Yay! I finally made it to Day 30.

Just 30 days ago I weighed 217 and was not feeling good at all. Today I have broken out of the 200s during this 30-day span, and I am feeling pretty good.

I am back into my workouts and getting used to the Virta plan.

I am excited to see what will happen over the next few months.

My goal is to reach 160. Not only do I want to lose weight, but I also want my numbers to improve.

I feel like I may no longer be in the prediabetes range, but I want to see better cholesterol levels and improved blood pressure as well.

I realize there will be ups and downs on this plan.

I will feel happy when I lose and discouraged when I gain, but I am determined to keep going.

The biggest challenge for me will not be losing the weight, but what I do after I reach my goal.

I know I will need guidance on how to slowly add carbs back in while still staying within the plan.

Today I ate:

Breakfast: Eggs with turkey bacon and cheese

Lunch/Dinner: Mixed vegetables with sausage

Snack: Pork rinds and beef jerky

Exercise: 47 minutes on the spin bike

Floor work: 10-minute abdominal workout

This wraps up my day-by-day account of my first 30 days on the Virta program.

I do plan to continue sharing updates in future posts. Please bookmark my site to follow along.