How to Be Respectful 💕

Shared by DeniseM

I recently came across a post in the Community that raised a concern I've seen expressed by many users over my 5 and a half years on Virta. The issue is how to handle or show respect to family members who are not following the ketogenic diet. I understand that this is a sensitive topic since everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

But this breaks my heart because I hear of those on Virta without supportive spouses or other family members. We absolutely need all the help and support we can get, and I just urge you not to be afraid to request it.

Before I started Virta, I had a serious discussion with my family and just said I have given and given and given to all of you for decades. It’s “Me” time now and whatever I ask you to do I need for you to please do it because I am fighting for my life now and need to make this life-changing treatment work!

There are varying degrees of willpower, but even now I find it VERY difficult to cook carby things. I think it is extremely difficult to set yourself up for success if you’re worried about providing carbs for your family that you can’t have! I did low carb with my son for most of his life, until he started driving and I lost control of him! Ha! Children will thrive on protein, veggies, and fruit! There are keto treats for them to have. They don’t need the foods that can probably make them sick eventually anyway, so I would just urge you to be careful being the one providing a lot of carby foods for them. I tell my family if they want carbs, they need to take care of that themselves and keep them out of my sight! I don’t think I’m too preachy, but if I see them eating VERY unhealthy things, sometimes I will say there’s a better way to eat something like that, that will be healthier and not harm you. I love them all and want them to be as healthy as possible.

So I work very hard to prepare keto foods I think they will like, that won’t cause them to feel deprived, and this helps me because I do not have to cook two separate meals or even be around carbs. I think the main thing to keep in mind is this is a major lifestyle change and you can’t keep one foot in the carby world and one foot in Virta world and succeed.

I’m just trying to say that you deserve and need support and don’t be afraid to ask for it! The best way to be respectful is to show the needed respect for your family’s health. Lead by example and stand firm in your belief in the power of food to change your lives for the better!

Wishing you Health and Happiness,

Denise♥️