All Day I Dream About Food, Carolyn - Interview

Keto community consists of more or less devoted individuals using somewhat different approaches, possessing different beliefs, and having all sorts of experience on their keto journeys that usually vary among individuals (to a certain degree at least). Whether you're a keto beginner or an experienced keto-er, there's a high chance that every now and then you need to turn to a fellow ketonian for advice.

My Sweet Keto has decided not to seek for advice but to ask some of the most influential keto/low-carb web-content creators about their low-carb lifestyle and experience.

This is No.3 in the series of keto interviews. We're featuring Carolyn, the evil mastermind behind All Day I Dream About Food who you probably already know. If not, you should! And here's your chance.

Please introduce yourself shortly. How long have you been doing keto or low carb? How did you come across this way of eating in the first place?

I am Carolyn, the evil mastermind behind All Day I Dream About Food and the best-selling author of The Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen. I've been low carb for almost 8 years now, and "lazy keto" for the past few years. I had gestational diabetes with my third child and it didn't really resolve after she was born. I was pre-diabetic, despite being slender and fit. So after a lot of research and soul-searching, I felt that going low carb was the best option to preserve my health. And now I wouldn't change that for the world.

What kind of results have you observed from eating keto?

I never really had weight to lose so I don't have any amazing before and after photos. But the most important result is that my blood sugar is controlled entirely with diet and exercise. I have that physical proof on my glucometer that lets me know that I am doing a good job. I dropped my carbs rather slowly so I never had any major averse effects - I felt some weakness at first but no real keto flu. But one great bonus is that I seem to build muscle really easily when I lift weights.

Have there been any setbacks or challenges in your keto journey?

I haven't had any major setbacks but I do find the lack of options when eating out and traveling quite frustrating. I prep ahead as best I can, I look at menus online and I try to make the best choices available to me. Sometimes that means eating a LOT of bacon. I think my whole book tour was bacon and eggs in airport and hotel restaurants! I also travel with a bag of my own keto snacks. Still, it's tough at times when you're hungry and your options are limited.

Is there something you’ve been missing in the keto way of eating?

Not anymore. I used to crave old favourites and now I no longer do. For most sweets and such, I can make a really good low carb alternative. And bread and pizza really don't interest me much anymore. I find the keto food options much more appealing and I can eat bacon with abandon. What's not to love?

Can you share your favorite keto recipe with us?

People ask me this a lot but it's a tough one, I love so many of my recipes. But the ones I use the most are the ones that my whole family loves. That way I know I can make them something they will eat. This Mexican Cauliflower Rice is pretty popular in my house.

If you're looking for something a little sweeter, the Butter Pecan Cookies from my cookbook are hugely popular with everyone who tries them.

You are one of the most known keto bloggers and influencer. Are you a full-time blogger? What was your job before blogging?

My blog is a full time job. Actually it takes up way more of my time than a full time job, but that's besides the point. I have time management issues and I've just hired two assistants to help me out and keep me organized! Before I started All Day I Dream About Food, I was an academic advisor at Boston University. And before that, I was completing my Master's in human evolution.

What other sites, blogs, facebook pages, facebook groups, etc., do you go to for information and inspiration?

I tend to steer clear of reading other low carb food blogs, so that I don't accidentally copy anyone else's recipe ideas. I actually draw most of my inspiration from conventional food bloggers, where I see things that are high carb that I want to make over to a low carb version. I am part of a lot of Facebook groups, though, and I get great keto information and inspiration from those. Some can be pretty hardcore, so I stick with the ones that are relaxed and welcoming. I love Keto Talk Discussion, run by Jimmy Moore. Keto Adaptation is great as well. And I run my own, which is very welcoming and non-judgemental, called All Day I Dream About Low Carb.

What are your plans for the future?

World Domination. I am only partially kidding - I've always said I am planning to take over the world and make it sugar-free. But for now I will stick with writing the blog and working on my upcoming cookbooks. That's really part of the world domination plan, because if you make the food so good no one can resist, then they are happy to come over to the dark (keto) side.

Thank you Carolyn. My Sweet Keto wishes you all the best in your future work!

Don't miss our next interview with another keto blogger.