Hello fellow Steemians,
I just wanted to take a moment and write a post about the transition in energy intake I have made to my diet.
A bit about me - (this will give some perspective to my youth and the needed changes in my adulthood)
Youth - When younger, from my late teens to my early mid 20's (20-25) I was able to eat whatever whenever and how much of it I wanted (that includes a lot or a little amount of food per day, key not to keep in mind also was more active). I could eat and drink anything, and still wake up slim and 6 pack still visible. In my youth Carbohydrates were the only source of energy; Potato Chips, Cola, Candies, and Fast Foods. Quick easily accessible and always ready to eat just open the item, and start munching or drinking. Being a gamer, I would look for quick fixes to my hunger so I could hop back on the console and start gaming again. The ease of Carbohydrates as a source of energy was too easy!
Present - I am 35 years old 6'0" and have an average build consisting of a Skinny-Fat body structure. This the worst of both worlds, not having a slim athletic body like I used to in my youth, and the opposite side of the spectrum I am also chubby around my waist. Currently work in the IT field, daily gaming streamer, and soon hopefully a fulltime content creator (I sit at the desk for most of my work).
In retrospect, because it was easy then it has become super difficult to obtain the same physical aesthetics as I had in my youth. It’s not that Carbs are not easily accessible, in fact as the years went on more and more products came out as quick sources of energy. Adult lifestyle leaves me with little time and energy to be as active as I once was. Carbs were a part of my daily source of energy in my youth. But without the same metabolism I had in my youth I am turning the unused Carbs into fat around my body.
So, I started to kick up the activates and try to be more consistent in the gym, but still could not see fat disappear, instead I was getting bulkier and stronger but still not aesthetically pleasing (age 26-30). They key thing I noticed that was not there from the consistent working out and eating, I was still feeling lethargic and lazy minded (constantly trying to find a reason not to do something).
Coming into my 30’s, I was told about the Keto Diet. I was first unsure and found it honestly silly that the diet revolved around consuming more fat and protein rather than carbs and protein. The thought that the excessive carbs in my diet were the cause of me being fat didn’t make sense to me, just as much as eating more fats could help reduce body fat in general. So, I dabbled in some high fat foods for a bit and noticed that with enough of it consistently consumed my body was once again shredding itself down.
The struggles I had with Keto Diet, was preparing and making the meals. Carbs had molded my mentality, my mental fortitude if you will, to look for instant gratification sources of energy. It was more so I was not mentally prepared to put in the time and work in the kitchen to make my own meals. Carbs over the years I truly feel made me mentally lazy compared to my friends who eat a clean diet (this is a personal reflection, comment below if you see a similar trend in your life).
So, the plan!
I have started to cook at home and because I am currently unemployed eating out is not a possibility and buying quick fixes is not sufficient for the long days. I decided to spend the last $20 I had to spare one food and got some keto friendly ingredients.
1. Eggs $1.69-$2.50 (got to have eggs good fats and proteins)
2. Box of Spinach $5 (veggies are a good source of energy that gets used slowly)
3. Ground Turkey $8-10 (need good lean protein)
4. Hummus - $2-$5 (not keto friendly but you need some carbs in your diet, so we are still good plus it mixes well with yogurt to make salad dressing)
5. Apple Cider Vinegar - $4 (great for cutting belly fat if taken consistently, great on salads and in salad dressing
6. Whole Milk Greek Yogurt $2 (good source of fats, and a good base to make salad dressing out of)
7. Heavy Whipping Cream $3.50-$4(good source of fats, and really the only thing I use in my coffee, also use in my salad dressing to make it a bit more liquid to be more of a dressing rather than a thick sauce)
8. Grab some coffee $varies depending on taste (after being a cola junkie for most of my life I needed to get off the sugars and find a tasty refreshment that could still give me a spike in my energy but without the sugar crash)
9. Unsalted Butter $2-$5 (wow I never thought this would be a good addition to my coffee, but it’s the best source of quick energy in your coffee without having the coffee crash)
10. Cheese $varies depending on choice (cheese is a great source of good fats, and its tasty lol)
Meal Prep - 
10mins prep So start the coffee now!
1. Making the salad dressing; Hummus, Yogurt, and Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Warming up Turkey Meatballs - I made the meatballs simply by thawing out some ground turkey, putting it in a pan added seasoning and mashed it all up and made meatballs to warm up for the next couple days. Seasoned with Cajun seasoning, black peppercorn, and salt.
3. Eggs - I like my eggs scrambled and cooked in some unsalted butter.
 
4. Prepare the plate - Grab a handful of spinach and add dressing, turkey meatballs, eggs, and a slice of cheese to top it off. ( oh and i added some BBQ sauce to help with the meatballs)
5. Lastly preparing a cup of Bullet Proof Coffee - I LOVE THIS AS A SOURCE OF GOOD ENERGY IN THE MORNING!
Not only are you awake but you are aware, ever get that feel from coffee that you are awake but your mind isnt going as fast as your body might be from a cup of coffee? Try this next time, and compare the difference!
Add some butter and heavy whipping cream to your cup of coffee (add honey for flavor).
I do not want this to be a blog about Keto Diet, as I am not an expert or a physician of any sort, just simple sharing my experience and maybe it can hep you. So, please share your own stories and changes you made to your lifestyle!
Key Things to Note -
1. Spending some time now on prepping food that is good for source of energy, saves me time in the long run (not
cause I am not taking time to prep, but I am taking fewer breaks as the source of energy is that much more
potent).
2. Eating meals at home is cheaper and saves me money every time I take the time to cook myself a meal (not because I am not spending money at fast food places, but because I am having to spend less money on sources of energy that don't last as long; Cola, Chips, Candies etc.
I am still a work of art in production I am just sharpening my tools!
Thank you all!
@FindingCash