Day 11: The Power of Support – I’m Not Alone in This

Today I want to give a little love to something that has been crucial in my keto journey: support. Honestly, making lifestyle changes is hard enough, but trying to do it in isolation is even harder. I’m so grateful that I haven’t had to go it alone – and I truly believe having a support system has kept me on track on the tough days.

First, there’s my family. My husband has been amazing: he’s eating the dinners I cook without complaining that there’s no rice or bread on the table, and he even joined me on a couple of evening walks. Knowing he’s in my corner and proud of me makes me want to keep pushing. And my dear dad (who gave me Dr. Cate’s book) calls or texts every few days just to ask how I’m doing. He doesn’t pressure me or anything, just reminds me that he believes in me. That little accountability – someone who cares about my progress – is so motivating. I don't want to report back that I gave up; I want to share wins!

Then, there’s the “sisterhood” aspect. I’ve connected with a couple of other women who have PCOS through Reddit and Instagram. We share tips, recipes, and frankly, we vent sometimes. It’s incredibly validating to talk to others who get it. They know what it’s like to battle cravings or feel insecure about symptoms or get dismissive comments from doctors. We celebrate each other’s victories and we encourage each other when things aren’t going great. Even though we’re scattered all over the world, I feel like I have a team of cheerleaders who understand me.

I’ve also looped in a close friend on what I’m doing. She doesn’t have PCOS, but she’s super health-conscious and just a generally supportive person. We meet for tea instead of high-calorie coffee drinks now, and she’ll ask me how things are going with genuine interest. Having friends who respect my choices (like not pushing wine or dessert on me when I’m not wanting it) makes social situations so much easier to navigate.

The takeaway for me is that support comes in many forms – it could be family, friends, or even virtual buddies – and it all counts. On days where I feel discouraged or lazy, knowing that others care about my journey can be the gentle nudge I need to stay consistent. It also makes the journey more fun! Sharing recipes with my online group or walking with my husband turns these changes into bonding activities rather than chores.

If anyone out there is struggling, I’d say: don’t keep it a secret. Let your trusted folks know what you’re trying to do. More often than not, they’ll be happy to help or at least not sabotage you. And if you don’t have in-person support, consider joining an online community. I used to lurk silently on PCOS forums; now I actually talk to people, and it’s game-changing.

At the end of the day, I know I have to do the work – no one can eat healthy or exercise for me. But having a support system feels like wind at my back, making the whole process smoother. I’m not alone in this, and that’s a wonderful feeling.