In life, there are times when we strive to improve. This starts early on. But self-improvement isn't the motivating factor for children when they radiate over their colorful stickers, filling the kindergarten charts, indicating good behaviors. They work on those things to make their parents and teachers proud. But as we grow up, we still want to get results for our efforts. The process evolves. We set goals, make lists, chart progress, analyze results, and utilize tools for bettering ourselves, whether for work, relationships, health, or losing weight. (That last one is perhaps the category common to almost everyone at one time or another.)

Just as a child may grow discouraged if their pasteboard is covered edge to edge, top to bottom with Sponge Bob, Ariel, Spiderman, Hello Kitty Dori stickers, and their adults don't praise them—or, worse, don't bother to attend parents' night—the child may figure, "why bother?" So, too, can us grown-up types throw up our hands in surrender if our efforts to achieve whatever outcome we're shooting for eludes us. Giving up, of course, won't make it better. But it's a typical response. While we often counsel those around us to "stick with it," "You've made a great start," "Victory doesn't mean never stumbling, but in getting back up," and other ubiquitous meme-worthy sayings, we can tend to ignore words of encouragement towards ourselves.

When it comes to food choices, it seems even easier to bale on a protocol, even when we know—we know—it works and is better for us. And unlike other goals we might set for ourselves in life, we want weight loss to happen now. Like, right now. As in, alright, it's been fifteen minutes since I started laying off the carbs, and nothing has changed!

We don't expect to save enough money for a downpayment on a house by next Friday. Potty-training our kids doesn't happen as soon as we explain to the little darlings that it's enough already with the diapers. Relationships don't get and remain happy merely by assuming they will. (Well, maybe some people expect that. Reality can really bite, right?)

No, we realize that almost every endeavor takes time and persistent, consistent effort. So, why do we start at something like the ketogenic diet, lose a few pounds over some length of time, but become frustrated because we feel it's not enough, fast enough? We measure success only by numbers on a scale. I've written before about the tyranny of the scale and how we should declare our independence from it. Yes, the scale is a tool that can help inform our decision-making, but weight is not the most important measure of improvement. If we hope or expect to lose twenty pounds in two months—and that kind of thing only happens on the cover of magazines at the checkout line at grocery stores—and lose six, we might ask ourselves, "why bother? This isn't working as fast as I want. Pass the pretzels!" Now, that is just illogical, isn't it? "I've only lost some weight so far, so I'll go back to eating the food that made me fat in the first place. That'll fix things. Yes, that's the ticket!"

Not.

We lose sight of all else because the glare of the numbers on the scale, and our unrealistic expectations, tinged with impatience, blind us. Firstly, losing six pounds in two months is great! There were years—years, I tell you—when I hoped to lose six pounds. In a year. "Please, dear Universe, let me lose at least five pounds this year." Secondly, would we say we only gained 6 pounds in two months? No! We'd open a vein out of despair. Thirdly, we need to determine our "why bother" reason. Because the scale shouldn't be it.

Why bother? Because we don't want to become that person who takes a palmful of pills every day; we're tired of needing a mid-afternoon nap; we're exhausted from mood fluctuations and depression; because we don't want to turn family into care-givers merely because we didn't want to stop eating cake; because we'd like to feel attractive again; because we've done the "fat friend" thing to death; because we don't want to die.

There are so many answers to 'why bother' that have zero to do with a number on the scale. And reverting to eating food that got us in trouble is obviously not the solution. We need to get a grip, grab our resolve, and keep doing what we know works. We know it works. Six-year-olds may be excused for having a tantrum when frustrated. We shouldn't be.

If I can do this, you can do this. I promise.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor, researcher, or Ph.D., but instead, I’ve been fortunate to have had the time and resources to research the ketogenic diet, also known as LCHF (low carb/high fat). The information I share is based solely on my understanding of that research. We are all responsible for our own choices, including what we put in our mouths, and there’s no substitute for each of us checking things out ourselves. And I’m not a medical professional in any way. Go Keto With Casey is not a medical site. “Duh,” you might say. But best to make it clear to all. I welcome questions, comments, and even civil criticism. I’m still learning. So, if you have something to add, go for it. Links in this post and all others may direct you to affiliate links, where I will receive a small amount of the purchase price of any items you buy through those links. Thanks!