Healthy eating isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s also about how you think, talk to yourself, and care for your body along the way.
That’s why we’re exploring how a self-love mindset can make low-carb approaches like keto– and even carnivore- not only more sustainable, but more joyful.
To ground it in real-life practice, we turned to Julie May, founder of the Ridiculous Women Society. Julie combined a compassionate mindset with low-carb eating in her own health journey, losing 100 pounds and, more importantly, reclaiming her energy and mental clarity at age 49.
“I didn’t start keto to chase a smaller body. I started because my brain was on fire.oI needed clarity, peace, and joy. The weight loss followed.”
Her story is a reminder: when you treat yourself with respect, the results go far beyond the scale.
What “Self-Love Keto” Really Means
Keto is usually explained in numbers- carbs, macros, grams of fat. But for many women, the real difference comes from shifting why they choose those foods.
Self-love keto means fueling your body because you care about it- not punishing it for how it looks.
In practice, self-love keto looks like:
- Planning nourishing meals. A bunless cheeseburger with avocado or steak with herb butter is satisfying, not seeing it as “I CAN’T have a bun because they’re bad.”
- Noticing food’s effect on your mood. Energy and calm matter as much as macros.
- Allowing imperfection. One slice of birthday cake doesn’t erase progress.
- Checking in kindly. Asking, “What does my body need right now?” instead of, “Why did I mess up again?”
As Julie explains:
“When I finally stopped beating myself up for every slip, I could actually stay consistent.”
Keto in 90 Seconds: Basics & Beginner Options
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate-protein approach that shifts the body into ketosis. In ketosis, your body primarily uses fat for fuel instead of carbs.
Meals typically include: meats, fish, eggs, butter, oils, cheese, and low-carb vegetables. Grains, sugars, and starchy vegetables are minimized.
For beginners, lazy keto is a gentler start. Instead of tracking every macro, you simply focus on cutting obvious carbs (bread, pasta, sweets) and building meals around protein and fat.
Safety Note
Low-carb diets can cause temporary side effects during the transition (often called “keto flu”). Before making major dietary changes, especially if you have a health condition, check with your physician.
Julie’s Self-Love Keto Toolkit: Mindset That Sticks
Julie’s success wasn’t about strict tracking. It was about building a keto mindset that made consistency possible.
Here are her top practices:
- Positive self-talk. Swapping “I blew it” for, “What does my body need next?”
- Celebrate non-scale victories. More energy, calmer moods, or pain-free stairs.
- Planned keto treats. Crème brûlée, browned butter bites, or Greek yogurt bowls with berries and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Boundaries at the table. Saying, “That doesn’t work for me,” instead of apologizing.
“I learned to treat myself like someone I love. That’s what made it stick.”
This toolkit helped her avoid emotional eating and keep progress steady.
Carnivore Diet for Women: A Careful Option
Some women find keto flexible enough. Others- like Julie- benefit from the carnivore diet, a nearly zero-carb pattern that focuses on animal products.
Carnivore staples include: steak, eggs, fish, and sometimes dairy. By eliminating plant-based carbs completely, it can reduce cravings and simplify choices.
Julie explains:
“Carnivore gave me a clear head when nothing else worked. My anxiety eased, my energy came back, and for the first time in years, I felt like myself.”
If You Explore Carnivore
- Stay hydrated and consider electrolytes.
- Monitor digestion and fiber needs.
- Work with a healthcare provider.
The carnivore diet for women can be helpful in some cases, but it should always be approached mindfully.
Keto & Menopause: Tips for Women 40+
Hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause can make weight loss feel harder. Insulin resistance, cravings, hot flashes, and unpredictable energy are common.
Julie, now 49 years old, experienced these shifts firsthand. For her, keto/carnivore wasn’t just about weight management – it was about regaining steadier moods, better energy, and clearer thinking during a season when her body felt unpredictable.
Keto during menopause can help by stabilizing blood sugar and reducing appetite swings. But patience and self-compassion are key.
Practical tweaks for women 40+:
- Prioritize protein. Eggs, meat, and fish help maintain muscle and satiety.
- Pair with strength training. Supports metabolism and mood stability.
- Expect slower changes. Focus on steady habits, not quick fixes.
As Julie puts it:
“When my hormones shifted, keto gave me a steady ground to stand on. It wasn’t perfect, but it helped me feel like myself again.”
Julie’s 4 Favorite Self-Love Keto Meals
Julie kept her meals simple, satisfying, and easy to repeat. Here are four of her favorites, written in a quick-recipe format you can skim and use right away.
Recipe Quick Guide
Bacon & Egg Muffin Cups – Portable and Prep-Friendly
• 6 eggs, 6 bacon strips, shredded cheese (optional)
• Line muffin tin with bacon, crack in eggs, sprinkle cheese
• Bake at 375°F for 15- 20 minutes until set
• Store in fridge; reheat for fast breakfasts
Pork Carnitas Bowl – Quick and Flavorful
• 2 lbs. pork shoulder, 1 Tbsp. sugar-free rib rub, 1 Tbsp. Splenda brown sugar, 1 cup broth
• Rub pork, place in Instant Pot with broth
• Cook on high pressure 60 mins; natural release, shred
• Serve in a bowl with lettuce, cheese, avocado, sour cream
Greek Yogurt Bowl with Berries & Dark Chocolate Ganache – A Planned Treat
• ¾ cup Fage 5% Greek yogurt, ¼ cup berries
• Ganache: 2 Tbsp. Lily’s sugar-free dark chocolate chips + 2 Tbsp. heavy cream (microwave 30s, stir)
• Top yogurt with berries, drizzle ganache
Keto Crème Brûlée – Proof Dessert Can Fit
• 2 cups cream, 4 egg yolks, ⅓ cup allulose, 1 tsp vanilla
• Whisk yolks + allulose; heat cream, whisk in slowly; add vanilla
• Pour into ramekins in water bath, bake at 325°F for 30- 35 mins
• Chill 2 hrs, top with allulose, torch to caramelize
Troubleshooting Keto with Self-Love
Healthy eating isn’t about perfection. A self-love approach helps you bounce back from challenges.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
- Travel: Bring portable proteins like jerky or boiled eggs.
- Social settings: Offer to bring a dish you enjoy.
- Off-plan days: Skip the shame spiral. One meal won’t erase progress.
This mindset is key to avoiding emotional eating and diet burnout.
FAQ: Self-Love Keto Basics
FAQ
Is keto safe for me?
It depends on your health history. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting.
Do I need to track forever?
Not necessarily. Many begin with lazy keto, cutting carbs broadly, then adjust later.
What if I get hungry between meals?
It’s okay to snack. Choose protein- or fat-based options like cheese, nuts, or egg muffins.
Conclusion: Keto Mindset Over Keto Math
Julie’s journey shows that lasting change doesn’t come from stricter rules. It comes from self-trust.
“The greatest shift wasn’t my body- it was finally trusting myself.”
Whether you try keto, experiment with carnivore, or simply cut back on sugar, do it from a place of care. That’s how eating well becomes sustainable.
Are you ready to try one self-love keto step this week?
About the Contributor
This article features insights from Julie May, founder of the Ridiculous Women Society– a global community and rebellion against invisibility; helping women pair self-love with sustainable health. Follow Julie on Instagram @ridiculouslyyou or join her free group for recipes, mindset tools, and encouragement www.facebook.com/groups/ridiculouslyyou/.