Health Coach | Speaker | Writer | Welcome to my digital diary! I'm here to help you blend life & fitness to find your health & happy! Thank you for being part of my family & allowing me to add value to your journey!
Y’all, the diet and fitness industry is keeping you unfit. There I said it.
Many of them promise 6 pack abs in a pill or quick fix. They profit on your weakness, poor health, and most of all, your ignorance.
I too was told by medical professions and “gurus” all I needed to do to lose weight and improve my gut issues were eat less calories, eat more fiber, more fruits and vegetables, and drink more water. All of which I did, gaining more weight, worse constipation, and exacerbated gut symptoms.
It’s CLEARLY not a one-size-fits-all or easy answer like eat less.
If you knew what truly matters when it comes to health and transformation, you wouldn’t fall for all the BS.
There are certain foundational principles that will help you get incredibly fit.
I made big mistakes in my fitness journey juggling digestive problems, disordered eating, & fueling like an athlete for performance. I remember starving myself after workouts because I thought I’d “undo” all my hard work. I thought I’d be “toned” & have better energy but what I actually got was “skinny fat,” weak, & bloated. What does it take to optimize workouts? 1. Adequate food quantity & proper meal timing for your workouts 2. The RIGHT food (what you can digest & absorb efficiently mentally & physically) 3. Appropriate stimulus (WEIGHTS & cardio) 4. Consistency (not perfection) 5. Recovery (SLEEP & rest days) Liquids & low volume, easy to digest foods will be your best friend when it comes to IBS & IBD & eating closer to workout times.
An endurance athlete? You train for high-level competition. You log a lot of high intensity miles each week. For you, carb or fat & calorie needs are likely higher.
Training as a bodybuilder? You lift weights with serious muscle growth in mind. Your protein & calorie needs are likely higher.
Getting ready for a fitness competition? You’re trying to drop to a single-digit body fat %. For you, carbs or fats would be lower depending on the individual & protein would be higher.
My body has been all shapes and sizes! They required different diets and different macros.
Basic Generalizations:
Carbs & Fats are your fuel sources. If you eat carbs, they’re more appropriate for the Crossfits, Cyclebar, Orange Theory, Shred415, F45, etc. We burn a ton of carbs doing high intensity activity for long periods of time. You can also fuel with fat if you’re fat adapted, I do.
Eat 90-120 min prior to exercise, minimize added fats or fiber around workouts for digestive ease. 2:1 ratio carbs to protein for traditional dieters. Ex: 50g carbs, 25g protein
5am’ers training fasted, just eat a delicious carb (traditional) or fat-filled (keto or carnivore) dinner the night before.
I’d be happy to guide you in the right direction, link here to coaching options!
Hailing from Fishers, Indiana, Katie is an aficionado of health, mindset, human connection, & entrepreneurship. Writer, speaker, doer of many things, she grew up on her family’s beef cattle & crop farm where agriculture was her first love. She is a Purdue University graduate well known for her storytelling of life lessons & personal transformation through her own relationships, Crohn’s Disease, disordered eating, CrossFit, & adapting a carnivore diet lifestyle. Katie also has over 16 years experience as a Registered Radiologic Technologist, Nutritionist, & Sales Consultant. You can catch her via Instagram @lil_bit_of_fit & blog, Lilbitoffit.com
Why high fat carnivore & keto aren’t working for you???
I personally am an advocate of a higher protein, low carb, moderate fat approach a meat based diet.
I find most women especially, including myself, lose more body, maintain more muscle, & aesthetically attain the “toned” physique they’re looking for.
As always, everyone is different so go your own way & take what you need.
Our ultimate goal should be longevity & metabolic flexibility. Which means you’re able to utilize different energy sources (fats & carbs) efficiently without putting on excess body fat & maintaining metabolic & hormonal health.
For me, I find I feel & look my best with macro ratios anywhere around around: 0-10% Carb 40-50% Protein 50-60% Fat
I’m fully meat based adapted. I’m active enough I am able to efficiently utilize higher carbs on occasion & higher fat when I need them.
The important factor: you don’t want to eat high carb and high fat together. That is when your body is more apt to store body fat which is why people either choose a low fat, high carb approach or they choose a high fat, low-carb approach.
Protein for most stays consistent.
Basic rule thumb: the more active you are the more you should be able to utilize more calories, which would include higher carb if you choose to incorporate them.
The less active & sedentary you are, the less carbohydrates. You may also do better on low to moderate protein approach & a higher fat.
Hailing from Fishers, Indiana, Katie is an aficionado of health, mindset, human connection, & entrepreneurship. Writer, speaker, doer of many things, she grew up on her family’s beef cattle & crop farm where agriculture was her first love. She is a Purdue University graduate well known for her storytelling of life lessons & personal transformation through her own relationships, Crohn’s Disease, disordered eating, CrossFit, & adapting a carnivore diet lifestyle. Katie also has over 16 years experience as a Registered Radiologic Technologist, Nutritionist, & Sales Consultant. You can catch her via Instagram @lil_bit_of_fit & blog, Lilbitoffit.com
When I started my fitness journey my goal was to lose as much weight as possible on the scale. I had no idea what body recomposition meant. Got down to 105lbs by basically starving myself & doing cardio all the time. I’ve been all shapes & sizes & learned immensely throughout my journey by making mistakes. Know that the body you desire may take years to build & develop, mine has taken nearly a decade. I was shocked at a check up for insurance 10+ years ago when they told me my body fat was 25% at 105lbs. Huge wake up call! I was #skinnyfat (Photo left) I went carnivore 3 years ago, took a higher fat approach at 1st, gained weight (15lbs) my body fat was higher at almost ~26%. I switched to a higher protein/moderate fat approach & that is truly when my body changed to the lean physique you see today. (Photo right) You can make your diet cyclical. You don’t have to follow a higher protein approach or low carb forever, just make sure however you’re eating aligns with your body goal. People freak out & think just because they’re not in high levels of ketosis they’re not gonna be able to lose body fat. I was never in a high level of ketosis & I still managed to lose 20lbs. Took an inbody scan & my body fat is around 16% which I realize is pretty low for a female. (I’m being transparent not asking for criticism)
This is the lowest my body fat has ever been, the most food I’ve crushed, & the best I’ve felt. No matter what diet camp you belong to, if you’re gonna crush 2 habits a day please make them be SLEEP & eating enough protein Swipe for tips & #carnivorediet FAQ’s that helped me lose weight.
I hope these help you however you need! I also have a 354 page Meat & Macros guide. Link here to get yours!
It was hard enough worrying about fitting in with the popular sorority girls in college. Special dietary needs and digestive issues piled on added physical, emotional, and mental weight. My body image and food issues started at the age of eight, and exacerbated as I got older — food fear, disordered eating, orthorexia, gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight gain, and bloating… just to name a few.
Decades later, I finally received a diagnosis.
Crohn’s Disease can occur in people of any age. By simple definition, Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
In the years that I have been managing this disease, I have been able to find health, happiness and wellness, even living with Crohn’s. What I’ve discovered is that it’s all about boundaries and vocalizing specific needs that would have solved a lot of suffering over the years had I shared them sooner.
Have you ever stopped to think about how 90% of your relationships are arguing over picking out a place to eat then ending up smashing pizza or Mexican & sayin the word “babe?”
Don’t lie. Y’all know it’s true. 😂🤚
Now embracing my Crohn’s & Carnivore lifestyle, I realize sticking to my boundaries, non negotiables, & OWNING my special needs would’ve solved much suffering in my lifetime.
Dating & relationships are challenging enough, let alone the added stress if you struggle with any kind of special health & digestive needs.
It’s like the Bumble Prompt: “We’ll get along if…”
— literally have put “You aren’t vegan. 🥩“ there before.
(No diet dogma here, but let’s be real 😆)
I hardly think we’re gonna have a great relationship as you sit there with your kale salad glaring at me like I’m a degenerate as I’m devouring burger patties. 🥗🍔
Ok, ok, joking aside, here are my top pieces of advice for successfully navigating dating and being social while living with Crohn’s. These tips are also helpful to those living with other special digestive needs and diets.
1.) Be honest and upfront about your needs.
Not only do you deserve the freedom to be yourself, others deserve to know who you truly are. Everyone deserves to know the real you and you deserve a real relationship. You do not want to jeopardize your health and eat or drink something that will trigger issues just because you are embarrassed to be yourself. Use it as an opportunity to educate. Embrace your uniqueness, most people don’t know what they don’t know. Education drives compliance and acceptance.
2.) Eat beforehand, bring your own food, and check the menu prior to your event.
This eliminates food issues completely. Social functions and dates do not need to be centered around food or cocktails. They should be centered around connection. By preparing ahead of time, you alleviate the stress of the unknown. Determine your nonnegotiables. They can be things like choosing to have a cocktail over a meal or choosing to savor a special meal from your favorite restaurant over your typical meal prep. I have literally brought @Zevia as a mixer or eaten an hour or two before dates/social functions.
Luckily with Carnivore, most places have a meat option. Custom order your food with specifics like grilled over fried, no oil, seasoning, sauces, or creams. Request an earlier time if later meals trigger gut symptoms and works better for your schedule.
My go to‘s when ordering out:
Burger patties
Grilled chicken
Chicken wings (naked, no seasoning)
Grilled salmon, fish, scallops, shrimp
Chopped steak, steaks
Fajita meat only when eating Mexican (ask for them to be cooked in no oil, seasonings, and no veggies)
3.) Request to have your cocktails crafted to your specific needs.
Most restaurants will cater to your food needs, don’t forget about cocktails, too. Read the ingredients in cocktails. Set drink limits. I have a two-three drink rule and personally avoid any calorically dense beverages with an abundance of sugar, carbs, or gluten. Remember that no one wants to be the girl or guy sitting on the corner trying to find your dignity down the street the next day. That look is not cute on anyone.
4.) Be an unapologetic question-asker and boundary-setter.
If you don’t ask questions, you’ll never know. Simple as that.
Boundaries are paramount. I struggled setting and standing by my boundaries when I was younger. I felt I was apologizing for everything whether I needed to apologize or not.
I had a professor tell me one time, “Never apologize for something you purposely set out to do with good intentions or a minor mistake simply because you’re human. If you go through life always apologizing, people will take you a lot less seriously, and so will you.”
Healthy boundaries are there to protect you. Don’t apologize for special needs, non-negotiables, and protecting your energy. Maybe you require more alone time or maybe you don’t feel like going out. Own your boundaries or people will continue to step over the line.
5.) Be a realistic relentless optimist.
Accept the facts but choose to always look for the silver linings.
Thoughts become things. Most would prefer to be around people who radiate joy and positivity.
I have a letter board in my kitchen that reads, “Stay close to the people who feel like sunshine.” I choose to be one of those people and bring the sunshine more than the rain.
Remember, just because you have special needs or a chronic illness does not mean you have to dull your sparkle!
You can save and share this post with Infographics on IG HERE
Hoosier farm girl & Purdue University grad, Katie is a multifaceted girlboss! She’s a nutritionist, radiologic technologist, personal coach, executive assistant, motivational speaker & writer, & brand growth consultant working with individuals, businesses, organizations, & executives. She specializes in gut health, sports nutrition, disordered eating, social branding, human connection, and how to optimize life to attract health, wealth, & happiness. Katie welcomes all preferences & skill levels with a no diet dogma or one size-size-fits-all approach to health, wellness, fitness, & nutrition. After decades of struggling with her own health issues from Crohn’s, obesity, disordered eating, infertility, hormonal imbalances, & being a competitive athlete, she is passionate about helping others find self love, achieve their goals, & create sustainable success habits for an EXTRAordinary life!
“I forgot to eat.” Something you will never hear this girl say now. Years ago, I wore my ability to restrict food like a badge. Result: constantly being cold, loss of appetite, & zero energy. There were days I had to pull over to catch a quick nap because I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Workouts I thought I was gonna pass out. Blood pressure super low, like 80/58 low. I remember the doctor saying do you feel lightheaded a lot? I had a DM from a woman this week & she made the statement she was never hungry & didn’t understand how eating more macros would help. So I put it this way…
Dying animals have no appetite & don’t eat. Thriving animals fight for their food. Which one do you wanna be?
Katie Kelly/ Coach K / @lil_bit_of_fit 🙂
A decrease in hunger after living in a calorie deficit for too long is our body shutting down to survive. This is why females eating below their BMR or at a low body fat don’t have a period. Your body is preserving energy to live. This is commonly why you’re constipated. Digestion slows. This is why you’re cold, no energy. Your hormones & systems down regulate to compensate.
Low quality food, deficiencies Should you eat if you’re not hungry? Or when you’re not feeling hungry but know your body needs food, what should you do? Always eat when there is physiological/internal cue – in other words, when you either feel that hunger pang or become aware that your body is in need of nourishment. 2 guiding factors of what to eat & how much: 1. Inner Wisdom — how the body lets us know that we need food, or have had enough to eat. Growling stomach. 2. Outer Wisdom — knowing what your body needs even if it’s not exactly asking for it. Knowing you haven’t eaten in hrs. I hope this helps! Swipe for things I had to do to get a healthier happier leaner physique that may also help you!!
I remember the day I looked in the mirror & realized I’d been living a lie.
I’d been living in a figurative house my lies built.
Btw, I hate sharing my food.
Other things I don’t share are toothbrushes & wieners but those stories probly aren’t IG appropriate & sure to spark conversations that’ll go down the gutter rather quickly😂 Yes, I also need to put that on a T-shirt🤔
My success, I understand now, I owe to cultivating a routine & environment that serves me positively body, mind, & spirit.
I’m still hungry but in a much different way…
I love my life & am extremely grateful. It has fed my soul & stoked my hunger in more ways than one & got me thinkin…
I remember being hungry all the time. Even after a huge meal, I still wanted dessert.
I noticed my friends were able to eat smaller portions & be satisfied. I felt ashamed. I’d binge on massive portions of carbs, usually cookies, candy, brownies, donuts & ice cream.
Ice cream was easier to throw up. I could eat gallons & I’m embarrassed to even tell you how many gallons I’ve eaten at 1 sitting.
As I aged & became more self aware, a sense of amazement/awakening crept over me…
Was this bottomless hunger really all physical hunger? It couldn’t be.
Could I sit down at a meal & push away my plate, full & satisfied, without the urge to overeat?
I could, but only after I figured out that I wasn’t only hungry for food. I was hungry for purpose, enjoyment & satisfaction, & not just in my belly, but in my whole life.
Somewhere as a kid, between farm chores, playing with My Little Ponies & going on my 1st diet, I lost track of the idea that I was allowed to enjoy my body, my food, & just being me.
I had to learn the bigger lesson – that hunger isn’t simply about filling our bellies, but about something deeper: a hunger for purpose, connection, joy, & love.
From my own experience & awakening of learning to feel full, body & heart, I hope you find ways to satisfy your inner hunger.
Sharing my routine which has enabled me to have the body & life of my dreams.
Let this be a conversation starter with yourself. If you need help cultivating a routine, I’d be glad to listen! 🥰
It all starts with learning to love yourself & disassociating your worth with what you look like. I still have stretch marks, rolls, loose skin, & wrinkles.
My body has been all shapes and sizes! Transformation takes time!
I gained 10lbs when I started CrossFit at 31. I gained 15 when I started carnivore almost 3 yrs ago. Your body is meant to transform
For me, my body acceptance/neutrality started with mourning my own thinner self & my more “athletic” physique when I was training harder. You have to acknowledge & sit with these feelings 1st. Rest is absolutely necessary especially when it comes to healing. This was the toughest part of finally reaching my own body acceptance & realizing I was now in a different season of life.
I understand. It’s easy to find yourself romanticizing the times you’re physically at your lowest. Realize that physical low may also mean you’re at a mental low as well. My disordered body image, eating, & relationship with self exacerbated with the glorification of my weight loss. It fueled the fire to more disordered behaviors because you crave that validation.
It’s ok to feel all the feels & go thru the wheel of disgust. You have to get to sweet spot of self love regardless of your weight.
Some things I want you remember:
1.) It’s OK to have body goals & want to see what your body can do as long as it comes from a place of self love, not loathing. Make sure you’ve healed any imbalances, done your due diligence to eat enough food to function like a rock star & set yourself up for a successful body goal.
2.) Body positivity & acceptance doesn’t mean you use them as an excuse to eat & treat your body like a trash can. You are what you eat & we were meant to move. You are your habits.
3.) Abs don’t mean you’re healthy & having a few extra rolls don’t mean your unhealthy. We all look different. Chase health first. Choose the diet that works for you. Choose the workouts you love.
I lived the majority of my life misdiagnosed with IBS when I in fact had IBD Crohn’s.
Know the difference!
Ulcerative colitis involves the inner lining of the colon, while Crohn’s disease involves all layers of the intestine & can occur in both the small intestine & colon. Mine is specifically is affected in the right lower quadrant (around where your appendix is located).
These disorders affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the area of the body where digestion takes place. Digestion affects every facet of your life including fat loss goals, performance goals, & just living every day life.
It can be paralyzing when you don’t know what to eat & are struggling with symptoms.
The diseases cause inflammation of the intestine & lead to ongoing symptoms/complications.
There is no known cause or cure for IBD, but fortunately there are many effective treatments to help control it, including diet & lifestyle. Carnivore saved my life.
If medications fail to control the symptoms of IBD, or if certain complications occur, surgery may be required.
There is no single diet or eating plan that will work for everyone with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Dietary recommendations with my clients are tailored for each individual, depending on what part of the intestines is affected, if they have IBS or IBD, specific body goals, lifestyle needs & preferences.
Swipe for all the cheat sheets on things that I learned, things that helped me improve symptoms, carnivore healing phases, symptoms, triggers, & supplements that were helpful! IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeeqJRiJLrv/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
I assure you there is light at the end of the tunnel!!
Sending you all the love & hugs & know that I understand I’ve been there too!
I prefer a variety of meat, simply giving my body what it’s craving. Don’t care if it’s grass fed or grain fed. I prefer grain fed as far as taste, simply season with salt due to my sensitivities & Crohn’s. Season to taste however you’d like. I sprinkle the salt AFTER it’s cooked.
LOOSELY break up meat into 4-5 sections or “bars” & place in airfryer basket
Airfry, 12 minutes, 380, though the preheat. Every airfryer will be different.
Sprinkle salt to taste
TIPS & FAQ
You MUST use an airfryer for the crispy texture. Baking will not give you the same product. It will be dryer and not as crispy.
Do not pack tightly into patties, again the crispy texture is created from NOT packing the meat tightly.
You can melt 1 tbsp of bacon grease or beef tallow & drizzle on top of cooked meat or put slices of bacon on top of meat pieces in air fryer before you air fry for extra flavor & fat.
You can use the fat in the bottom of the basket as a “dip” or “sauce” &/or for added flavor & fat.
You can season with your favorite seasonings & use your favorite sauces. Go your own way, you don’t have to do it the way that I do.
I’m fortunate enough to be med free loving with Crohn’s. I’m an advocate of being EDUCATED & FLEXIBLE, eating foods that are nourishing, suit YOUR lifestyle & needs.
I’m a coach that helps you find your “happy.” I understand how living with gut issues, being overweight, or simply having a poor relationship with yourself paralyzes you.
I’m not a coach that’s gonna give you a specific meal plan, sell you sh*t that doesn’t work, or put on a façade that me or my life is perfect. Perfect doesn’t help anybody, remember that.
I’m gonna share my story & let you decide how to put your puzzle pieces together as your guide.
Specific Products did significantly help me. I don’t have a gallbladder either, fyi. I created an entire supplement guide just for you!PDF LINK IN IG BIO! I’m happy to answer questions via comments or dm.
So fueling like an athlete with special digestive needs & why digestion matters.
Here are my top tips living with gut issues as a fitnessor just like you! Swipe!
Why do I eat a meat based diet? — I’m sensitive to lectins, oxalates, high histamine, high fodmap foods & phytates. I wondered for years why I felt like poo after eating nut butters, high amounts of veggies, fruits, fiber, sweet potatoes, breads, & any nuts & seeds. Basically my body hates anything but coffee, gf alcohol, eggs, & meat.
Why I choose a diet based on animal foods
Majority of my calories are from the most nutrient-dense bioavailable foods
I LOVE & thrive off meat with no digestion issues.
Minimal fiber, meaning everything is easy to digest.
Low to no sugar, or highly palatable processed carb based foods. These are my biggest triggers when it comes to binging or basically eating like an a$$hole
Natural fats & plenty of protein. I’m fuller longer, don’t have energy crashes.
My body is more recovered, less inflamed, I eat more food & stay leaner with no binging. My workouts feel great & I simply do what I love. I modify my “carnivore” diet to my preferences. There is room for leniency, you are in charge of your adventure. I hope this helps you find your happy! Go crush it, Team!
