3.5 Years on Keto - Going Strong

I figured I'd finally make a post after lurking for several years in this group.

My wife and I both started a keto diet 3.5 years ago. It's been such a wonderful endeavor. We have each lost 80lbs and continue to make, albeit slow, progress on our weight loss.

I started out at 310 3.5 years ago and am now down to 230 (6' tall). I used to have bad heart burn, post nasal drip, acid reflux, indigestion and gas, and would chew Rolaids and take Nexium. Fortunately, within 60 days all my heart burn, digestion issues disappeared.

With weight loss came financial stability. About 6 months into keto (after about 30lbs of weight loss) we started setting and hitting financial goals and within 2 years paid off all of our debt (except our mortgage) and saved 6-months worth of expenses while cash flowing house repairs, and a college degree.

It's been an incredible journey, and I think the question we were asked most is "How long do you plan on being on this diet?". Perhaps beacuse we never looked at it as a diet but as an alternative eating lifestyle we have been successful.

Sure, we still have some cravings here and there for certain things but there are just so many incredible alternatives here on reddit and throughout the internet for almost anything. Pizza cravings, no problem. Pasta cravings, no problem. Bread craving, no problem.

I'd say the biggest challenge was cooking most of our food and meals at home. We used to pretty much eat out three meals a day. I enjoyed cooking and would cook a big dinner on the weekends.

It was a really hard transition to go from standing in line at a restaurant to standing in the kitchen, but it's become another hobby and something I enjoy doing.

I'm not sure we'd have success without learning to cook at home. We still find it difficult sometimes while on vacation and traveling to find keto friendly options.

I'm not sure how I can help anyone, but I'd love to give back some if anyone has any questions or challenges of 3.5 years on keto!

Thanks a million for all the advice and recipes on here. It's literally been a life-saver I believe.