Kristin Canning

Queer and lesbian couples can get past that biological hurdle with one of two options: insemination with donor sperm or reciprocal IVF, a method in which one womans eggs (fertilized by donor sperm) are transferred into the other partners uterus to carry. Visiting a fertility clinic is one way for queer women to get the ball rolling on one of those options; but it doesn't necessarily mean they're concerned about being able to conceive.

Despite having different needs when it comes to fertility care, they're often treated just like the straight women in the clinic. Research bears this out: Current guidelines recommend that male-female couples with no known fertility problems pursue medical interventions only after failure to conceive for one year (or six months, in the case of women over 35).

There are no such guidelines for lesbian and queer women, which means theyre often advised to undergo hormonal testing, take fertility-boosting medication, or pursue IVF without any indication that they would have trouble getting pregnant with donor sperm, per <a href="https://www.fertstertdialog.com/users/16110-fertility-and-sterility/posts/16826-clinical-responses-to-infertility-in-lesbians-and-queer-women" id="21d1fa2a-63e7-3215-aac9-63676b377331"> a study from the journal Fertility and Sterility </a> . The research was led by Roth, a PhD and <a href="https://www.geneseo.edu/philosophy/roth" id="5fc079bd-6d76-3341-a549-984a22362982"> assistant professor of philosophy and womens studies </a> at State University of New York College at Geneseo; she wanted to investigate this issue after she had experienced it herself.

For queer women, a fertility clinic is often a first stop for questions about insemination, but it can result in aggressive timelines and invasive treatments, she says. Roth was recommended fertility testing and hormonal drugs to boost her chances of conceiving with donor sperm. Wary of the side effects of the drugs, she declined the treatment, deciding instead to try insemination at home without the use of hormones. She got pregnant with twins in her first month of trying.

While there are no quantitative studies on queer fertility to base guidelines on (most research on conception rates neglects to include people's sexual orientation), there can be valid reasons doctors recommend fertility treatments earlier for queer women. The thing is, donor sperm isnt cheap$800 to $900 a popso some fertility pros point out that its in a queer womans best interest to make sure off the bat she isnt dealing with any fertility roadblocks that might make pregnancy difficult, says Cynthia Murdock, MD, physician and fertility specialist in reproductive medicine at <a href="https://www.rmact.com/" id="ce9bc922-1ce5-36a9-af14-aef74c3f5654"> Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut </a> .

When advising queer women, Dr. Murdock, who is also a reproductive endocrinologist at <a href="https://www.gayparentstobe.com/" id="c011b8e0-7299-33d5-aa40-5fd6a91e7cb2"> Gay Parents To Be </a> family planning, always suggests initial fertility testing (which <a href="https://www.advancedfertility.com/fertility-treatment-costs.htm" id="5abf6c1e-7b0c-3150-a78c-96511ca63bcb"> can run $550 to $1,300 </a> ) as well as an ovulation-stimulating injection and in-office insemination (that procedure alone <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments/what-iui#:~:text=The%20cost%20of%20IUI%20varies,%24300%2D%241%2C000%20without%20insurance." id="c99d7955-e9ff-3fef-a15c-af1203d163be"> can cost $300 to $1,000 </a> on average), though none of that is technically necessary to try to get pregnant. Patients can also track their ovulation and inseminate themselves at home with the aforementioned pricy donor sperm free of charge, she notes.

But this ambiguity around the best way to offer fertility care to queer womenand the added costs that can come with itaren't the only issue they face inside clinics, says Roth. "Even in seemingly queer-friendly parts of the country, outright or subtle discrimination in these spaces is an issue," she says. Heteronormative intake forms, misgendering, lack of knowledge about LGBTQ needs and identity erasure from health care providers throughout the process is common, according to <a href="https://www.whijournal.com/article/S1049-3867(17)30599-6/fulltext" id="3e8b4058-7335-33ae-a68e-5c4ce43b7690"> research from the journal Women's Health Issues </a> . That may be why 46 percent of LBGTQ people dont feel comfortable talking to a health care provider about their fertility, per <a href="https://modernfertility.com/lgbtq-fertility-survey-2019/" id="4b418999-9be6-3770-a7f8-a7629f98969e"> a survey from Modern Fertility </a> .

On top of that, queer women often have to jump through hoops with their insurance providers to get any kind of fertility care covered, since queer needs aren't explicitly outlined in many plans. This all adds up to a pregnancy experience full of needless financial and emotional setbacks.

Take it from these four women: Whether theyve had children or are still on the path to parenthood, they want the world to know what its like to try to have a baby as part of the queer community. While their stories are different, they share a common hope: that in the future, medical resource providers, fertility practitioners, and researchers studying fertility do better by them by choosing to be inclusive of their experiences and needs.

Weve really struggled with: Do we want to do things \'the right way\' in a clinic, which is massively expensive, or do as much as we can at home for less?

I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a mom. I always had a baby doll with me when I was little; my family even called me "the baby whisperer." Now Im married to the most amazing woman, and though we've been ready to start a family for a while, the process has taken a lot longer than we anticipated. We hoped to be pregnant last yearwe planned on doing insemination and me carryingbut it hasnt happened because of all the constant roadblocks weve faced.

First, I discovered that getting proper (or any) insurance coverage for fertility care is a nightmare when youre queer. My insurance ended up offering some fertility care coverage, but I had to be medically infertile to qualify. The insurance companys definition of medically infertile? Having had consensual unprotected sex for 12 months with someone of the opposite sex, without pregnancy. Theres zero acknowledgment of queer people and their needs within that framework. When we realized we wouldn't be able to get coverage from our employee benefits, we tried to purchase our own fertility coverage. Dead end again. Fertility insurance is not available to individuals, only employers.

It felt like everywhere we turned, someone was asking us to spend more time and money on testing and medication before we could even try to get pregnant.

After hours on the phone with insurance companies and fertility clinics, my wife and I decided to visit a clinic and just pay cash for an initial consultation and to have some questions answered. Our home state is rather conservative, so we went out of state to visit what seemed to be a gay-friendly fertility clinic. The clinic was great, but we left with a laundry list of recommended tests, blood work, and procedures to complete before they would even consider doing insemination, which was going to blow our savings before even trying to conceive.

It felt like everywhere we turned, someone was asking us to spend more time and money on testing and medication before we could even try to get pregnant, adding months to our desired due date. I was so frustrated that I started asking other queer people about at-home testing that mimicked the checklist the fertility clinic had given us, but for a much lower cost (i.e., at-home genetic testing and insemination kits).

Throughout this whole process, weve really struggled with this question: Do we want to do things the right way in a clinic, with the guidance of a doctor, and all the recommended testing and medicationsor do what makes the most sense for our family financially and emotionally, which is doing as much as possible at home and using a known sperm donor to save money? Were torn between working with the clinic and paying for their help and just trying this at home, because time and money are not on our side. It's something I dont think people who need help trying to conceive should have to decide between.

At this time, we've completed STD, fertility, and genetic tests at home and have passed physical exams. We are going to use a known donor to leave us with enough money to try insemination at our fertility clinic. The lack of diversity and options at the sperm banks ultimately led us down this route. Since we are not spending $800 per vial of sperm, we can use that $800 to cover most of the insemination procedures, which are $875 per try. Once our legal paperwork with our sperm donor is drafted up and signed, we'll be ready to start inseminations in July, assuming our clinic accepts all of our at-home tests and doesnt require that we do even more work. Our fingers are crossed.

Courtney Yazzie, 29, Utah

Having to wait six months to get access to your sperm has very real consequences, especially when youre already up against a biological clock.

My wife and I met when I was 34, got married when I was 37, and started trying for kids almost immediately. We planned on me conceiving and carrying first, since I was older than her. I didnt feel comfortable using a sperm bank. I want my child to be able to know their biological parent if they choose. Theres also not a ton of diversity in donors, and we wanted someone who shared my wife's heritage (Chinese). So we asked her cousin to be our sperm donor.

Were on the east coast and hes on the other side of the country, so there were some logistical hurdles. I flew out to him a few times to try to get pregnant. Basically, he would go into one room and fill a cup with semen. I would take it and go into another room and use a medicine syringe to do self-insemination. Id lie on my back for a bit, and that was it. Unfortunately, those inseminations didnt end up getting me pregnant.

Why should I have to prove I\'m in a relationship with someone to have a bank store his sperm for me and give me access to it?

At the same time, we were trying to have his sperm frozen and stored at a local bank so that I could try any time without flying to see him, and so that we could potentially use it for siblings. Thats where we ran into major problems.

When someone donates sperm, the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/tissue-tissue-products/donor-eligibility-final-rule-and-guidance-questions-and-answers" id="0bbdb519-6f14-38d8-a3c0-b64cd3d692dc"> FDA requires a six-month quarantine of it </a> , so the bank can run STI tests and ensure its safe. My wifes cousin was technically donating his sperm for us but we had already talked to him about testing, felt comfortable with his status, and Id already had his sperm inside me multiple times, so per the FDA, he was a "directed donor," not an anonymous donor, and didnt need the six-month quarantine.

But at some fertility clinics we tried to work with, they refused to let us waive the quarantine. Some sperm banks asked that we pay thousands of dollars for STI and genetic testing in order to freeze it, even when I explained our situation and clarified that our donor had already done those things. We were able to get his sperm frozen without additional testing by having him say it was for his personal use (for example, with his own partner), and he gave the bank permission for us to order it. But when we wanted to transfer it to our name, we were told it was going to cost hundreds of dollars just to change the name on the account.

This is not how straight couples who want to freeze sperm are treated. Why should I have to prove I'm in a relationship with someone to have a bank store his sperm and give me access to it?

These delays have very real consequences, especially when youre already up against a biological clock. Im 39 now, and though I had no reason to think Id have trouble getting pregnant when we started, I wasnt able to after eight cycles of trying with our donors sperm. We couldnt wait any longer, so now were doing reciprocal IVF using my wifes eggs. That means her eggs have been fertilizedwith a different known donor's spermand Ill carry our baby. We did our egg retrieval right before everything shut down because of the pandemic, and were now doing embryo transfers in hopes of a successful pregnancy.

Elizabeth Barry*, 39, New York

Our two pregnancies were emotional roller coasters that took us from all-time highs to all-time lows .

My wife and I both wanted to play a biological role in our childrens creation, so we decided to use reciprocal IVF to conceive. That meant she would carry my egg so we could both be a part of the process.

Our first round of IVF was exhilarating. We were so excited during the entire process. The day we received all our shots in the mail was like Christmas morning. We couldnt wait to get started. I mapped out who would be getting what shot on what day and if we were supposed to do it in the morning or evening. In the beginning, it was mostly me who had to get all the shots, since they prepared my body for egg retrieval. Meanwhile, we started looking for a sperm donor online. We tried to find someone who resembled my wife, Katie, as much as possible, and who also had similar interests to her.

As excited as we'd been about the IVF process, it didn't pan out the way we imagined it at all. Our first round of egg retrieval failednone of the eggs survived. We tried again, and we were lucky enough to have two embryos transferred to Katie. But in the first trimester, she miscarried one of the embryos. The experience was terrifying. Though one of the embryos survived, we spent the whole pregnancy worried wed lose it. We didnt have the option of just trying again endlessly since we only had a few IVF embryos left. We worried about every little thing. We didnt want to buy anything for the baby because we werent sure we would have one.

We were emotionally, financially, and physically drained trying to start our family.

But as Katies pregnancy progressed, we started to feel little moments of joy. I remember feeling our baby kick for the first time. I wanted to cry. I couldnt believe a little baby was inside therea baby we both created with the help of science. It was an amazing feeling.

When our daughter Kennedy was born, I just couldnt believe she was ours and she was actually here. I was overwhelmed with relief. I was no longer thinking about the pain from fertility procedures and needles, the mental pain I felt when our first round of IVF failed, or all the money we had spent on the process. We had our family now and our dream had become a reality.

After two years, we were ready to try for a second child. We were using a frozen embryo from the same batch as Kennedy, which seemed to be an easier process than going through egg retrieval and fertilizing eggs again.

After transfer day, Katie and I waited anxiously for the results. The phone rang and our nurse delivered great news: We were pregnant! But when Katie went in for another test, the hormones that signal a successful implantation were low, which our doctor told us meant she would most likely miscarry or have an ectopic pregnancy. We were told to watch Katies body carefully because if it was ectopic and untreated, it could result in damage to her reproductive system. We were terrified and heartbroken all over again.

Waiting for a miscarriage was terrible. We spent each day wondering when it would happen. We had a hard time talking about it because it just made us cry. Katie called me one morning and said she was bleeding, and we scheduled an ultrasound to see what was happening. It seemed impossible, but the ultrasound showed that our baby was still in there, still alive. Our doctor told us that we should still be cautious but that the baby was the size it should be. This one was a fighter, he said. Indeed, she was. Charlotte was born a year ago, and were lucky to have two healthy little girls.

Our last two pregnancies were emotional roller coasters that took us from all-time highs to all-time lows. We were emotionally, financially, and physically drained trying to start our family. Even though it cost us tens of thousands of dollars to make Kennedy and Charlotte, were starting the process of having a third baby. We know we need to be more cautious throughout the whole thing and not let ourselves get caught up in the excitement of receiving pregnancy news when that time comes. So much can change so quickly. But having our two girls has made every moment of the crazy, stressful process so, so worth it.

Christina Bailey, 30, California

On almost every visit to the fertility clinic, I had to come out again.

After my wife had our first child, I was tagged in to carry our second. We went to a fertility specialist for help monitoring the timing of my cycles and to have in-office inseminations with donor sperm. The questions I was asked throughout the process, like, So you are able to ovulate on your own? and, What ovulation-stimulating medications are you on? made it feel like I had already failed at something. My labs were all normal, I was in my mid-30s. I wasnt infertileI was just a queer woman navigating a system that was not designed with me in mind.

This was further evidenced when half of the time it was assumed that I was straight, and the other half it was assumed that I had only ever been partnered with women. Had anyone asked me or looked at my history, they would have found out I am bisexual. The diagnosis I needed in order to receive insurance coverage was male infertility. Having the lack of a cis-male partner become my medical diagnosis only punctuated my feelings of otherness.

It was disappointing that on almost every visit, I had to come out again. I was told things like, Dont have sex for the next 48 hours since it can reduce sperm count, or, You can try on your own on other fertile days." Providers often asked me who my wife was (or it was assumed she was a friend), and gave me pregnancy tests just to make sure I wasnt already pregnant, multiple times.

I tried to make light of these harmful assumptions with little jokes like, Im married to a woman, so me being pregnant is pretty impossible, or at leasthard to explain, and, My wife and I keep trying but its just not happening for us! They werent well received. Its emotionally draining during an already stressful experience to have to constantly explain yourself and clarify your identity.

After 11 cycles of insemination, I got pregnant via IVF and gave birth to our second child. But there was so much that could have made the process better. My relationship and identity should have been recognized and acknowledged at the clinic, especially one in San Francisco thats frequented by queer people. I dont want to be told I should or shouldnt be on medications or undergoing procedures based on timelines from studies of straight couples who were already dealing with infertility. I could have been spared a lot of time, money, discomfort, and tears with queer-informed care. There are plenty of LGBTQ+ people who are trying to use assisted reproduction to conceive. Data and recommendations based on our experiences need to exist so we can get proper care.

Allegra Hirschman, 39, California

<h1> This article is part of Womens Health 2020 Pride Month Coverage. Click for more. </h1>

4 Queer Women Open Up About Trying To Have A Baby

When Amanda Roth first walked into a fertility clinic in 2011, her situation wasn't exactly like that of the many other patients in the waiting room. She hadn't been trying to conceive with a male partner for some time; as someone with a female partner, she simply didn't have sperm at home.

'This Isn't How Straight Couples Are Treated'

Ive been self-conscious of my body hair for as long as I can remember. Im not sure exactly what triggered it, but I can recall tons of times when my fear of hair was reinforced: As guys in my class made fun of anyone whose eyebrows were even remotely approaching each other, when I was one of the only girls in the gym locker room with pubic hair and everyone stared, when I watched my older sister try Nair for the first time and heard her shriek in the shower that it was melting her skin off.

I understood that body hair was bad, and getting rid of itno matter how painful and annoyingwas absolutely necessary.

Still, as diligent as I was with my hair removal, I felt like there was always stubble showing somewhere on my body. In high school, Id balance my head on my hand at my desk or at the lunch table, strategically covering my mouth so no one could see my way-before-five-oclock shadow.

As I got older, I was much less concerned with my leg, armpit and pubic hair. I still shaved, but I wasnt embarrassed if I got a little stubbly. Everyone knew that all women grew hair in those places. It didnt feel like a secret. But the hair everywhere else was still mortifying to me. I used to get so frustrated when partners would try to join me in the shower when I actually needed to shave. I couldnt let them see that I had a whole maintenance routine for my stomach and nipples and FACE!

The thing is, my body hair never bothered me. I was just terrified that other people would judge me.

And so I convinced myself that I liked the feeling of being totally clean-shaven, too. I ran track in college, and on Friday nights before meets, Id practice my same middle school dance ritual, ridding my body of any hair that might show in our bikini-like uniforms. When I returned from the shower, Id announce jokingly to my boyfriend that I was a naked mole rat. I felt sexiest and most at ease around him in a totally hairless state. Looking back, I really dont think he cared one way or another, but my discomfort with body hair made me assume he did.

When I moved from Iowa to New York City after college, I started seeing more and more women with visible body hair IRL, in art, ad campaigns, and on social media. I think thats why, over the last few years, Ive gotten much more comfortable with my own. Ive wanted to grow mine out for some time, almost as an experiment to see how I felt about it, but as a single person, Ive always been too afraid of what new partners might think.

Then the <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/coronavirus/" id="263679a3-23c4-3f32-a7c4-f10e98923646"> pandemic </a> happened. At first, I stopped shaving becausewhat was the point?! I wasnt seeing anyone, and I had always done it for others anyway. Plus, keeping up with an involved grooming routine in the middle of a worldwide crisis felt exhausting and trivial. This felt like my chance to just let my body hair do its thing.

And, unsurprisingly, its been a fucking awesome experience. My showers are quick and simple, and the skin on my legs, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a21525641/best-bikini-trimmer-shaver/" id="cfbd3372-3b3d-3f3b-ab9c-a70ac3c4d7a9"> bikini line </a> , and upper lip, which used to get really bad razor burn and irritation, has never felt better. Yes, at first my hair was spiky and a little itchy, but it only took about two weeks to get past that. I havent shaved since the beginning of March, and my hair is fairly soft at this point. I occasionally trim my bikini line with scissors because the length and volume can get a little uncomfortable, but I havent touched a razor in months. Ive become attached to my hair, and I feel healthy and proud when I notice it, sort of like when you see your nails getting longer.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I didnt really have to think about other people seeing my body hair. I was staying inside most of the time, and if I went out, it was cold enough for leggings and long-sleeved shirts, and wearing a mask concealed my mustache. But as its gotten warmer and Ive transitioned to shorts and tank tops, theres been no hiding my body hair. I dont mind strangers seeing it, but rocking it around people Im attracted to was tricky at first.

Ive been going on FaceTime and socially-distanced outdoor dates with a guy Ive been seeing since right before the lockdown in New York City. One Saturday, we rode our bikes to Coney Island. I was wearing leggings, but when we took our shoes and socks off to stick our feet in the sand, I realized my leg hairs were still visible around my ankles. I instantly tried to pull my leggings down to cover them. I doubt he even noticed, but I still felt self-conscious. I was hyper-aware of how obvious my mustache would be in the bright light of the sun when we put our masks down to sip drinks.

But I got through the date, exposed hair and all, and nothing catastrophic happened. I could tell he liked me. It didnt really matter if I was hairy.

On our next date, we went running together. I wore a tank and while we were stretching, I knew he could see my armpit hair. Again, he was unbothered. Didnt say anything. Didnt really react in any way. I realized that, just like with almost any physical attribute, that other people would take my lead as to how to respond to it. If I didnt act like it was a big deal, no one else would. And frankly, if someone cant accept my stache, pits, or hairy legs, then theyre not the right person for me.

Now, I no longer reflexively cover my body hair. Sometimes, I still feel a ping of self-consciousness when men I know see it, but it feels a bit like exposure therapy. The more I allow people to see it, and dont get much of a reaction from them, the more comfortable I feel with it. At times, I like showing it off. And the longer Ive had it, the more I love it. I like how it feels when it blows in the breeze. I like how its a sort of dating filter for people who are easily grossed-out by the reality of human bodies, or think its only socially acceptable for men to have visible body hair. I like what it says about me: That Im comfortable with my body exactly how it naturally exists. Im proud of how something I used to be so deeply ashamed and embarrassed of has become something I celebrate. It made me realize I can shift my perspective on any aspect of myself that I dont automatically love.

Im proud of how something I used to be so deeply ashamed and embarrassed of has become something I celebrate.

I dont know if all of that means Ill never, ever shave again. One day, I might want to revisit the naked mole rat life. Maybe Ill want to be smooth for a special occasion. But right now, I have no interest in using my energy to get rid of my body hair. I like it just how it is. And honestly, Im so tired of being ashamed of my body in any way. Growing out my hair has been one way to fight back against those feelings. And I hope it shows other people who've felt bad about their hair that it's really no big deal. This little experiment has shown me how freeing it is to limit your beauty and grooming practices to things that you actually enjoy that are for you and you alone. Turns out that without outside pressure, my beauty routine is incredibly minimalist.

Its strange that it took a pandemic to finally make me realize that obsessing over my secret hairiness being exposed wasnt adding any happiness to my life. But its been one small, positive thing to come out of all this. Amidst everything going on, seeing that my hair hasnt stopped growing reminds me that I havent stopped growing either. Theres a satisfaction in seeing it get longer. Even though it seems like my life has been frozen at the start of March, my little hairs serve as a reminder of the very real passage of time. I know its only hair, but letting it just exist makes me feel free.

What It's Like To Grow Out Your Body Hair

Before every middle school dance, I used to perform a whole (now, seemingly ridiculous) full body hair removal ritual. Id shave my big toes, legs, pubic hair, and armpits, and swipe my razor over the rogue hairs below my belly button, in the center of my chest, and around my nipples. Id pluck my eyebrows and any random sprouts on my chin, and then, as I carefully applied Victorias Secret Pure Seduction lotion all over my hairless body, Id let a creamy <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/...

'I Gave Up All Hair Removal During Quarantine And I Don’t Think I’m Ever Going Back'

He loudly exclaimed, "excuse me!" and nudged us to the side so he could key in, and I was mortified. Alas, now that I'm 28 and devoid of shame, I'm typically pretty audacious when it comes to PDA. Frankly, being outside is sometimes more "private" than my teeny-tiny apartment with a roommate. So I've adjusted to the reality of the public make-out, be it in the street, stoop, or vestibule, as neighbors enter and exit.

<h1> But ending a date with a long kiss on my stoop seems light years away right now, with novel coronavirus having changed nearly everything about day-to-day life. </h1>

A few weeks ago, when cases started to pop up in the U.S. and talk of potential city lockdowns began, it was quickly reflected on <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a19966283/dating-app-tips/" id="3113db98-a516-30bb-af50-93b3a73dea7f"> dating apps </a> . People's bios started to include lines like will you be my quarantine? and looking for someone to quarantine and chill. (*Eyes roll to back of head.*) My typical cadence of chatting for a few days and then agreeing to meet up for drinks was quickly thrown out the window. For a while, it was unclear if and how people were even allowed to meet. (Obviously, we all know that <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a31481769/social-distancing-coronavirus/" id="584398fd-a8a5-382c-a3d9-d857d2b7f3f3"> social distancing </a> is the safe and responsible move now. RIP sex.)

I thought about whether this should be a time to just put dating on hold. But as a single person who got a lot of social interaction from meeting new people, that wasn't the easiest thing for me to do. And truthfully, the idea of just waiting indefinitely to interact with people in a romantic way again was really anxiety-inducing, because I wanted a partner and didn't want to put my dating life on pause.

When it started to become clear how much novel coronavirus was going to impact my life, I had to come to terms with the fact that I wouldn't have someone to shack up with and lean on for support throughout this time. But that didn't mean I had to stop looking for an eventual S.O. and couldn't enjoy dating. I just needed to approach it differently.

So in an effort to not be completely isolated and lonely, I've continued to try to navigate the apps, chat with people, and even go on dates in a safe and responsible way. Its been a journey, to say the least.

<h1> Novel coronavirus has forced me to be very creative when it comes to meeting people, like showing up on a bike with a backpack full of beers. </h1>

At the beginning of March, I was in the midst of chatting with a few new people on Hinge. Before shit really hit the fan and self-isolation was in full effect, I agreed to meet up for a first date with one of my matches.

In order to be extra cautious, we decided to have drinks outside in a park, and neither of us would take public transportation to get there. I rode my bike; he took a Revel. We both packed backpacks full of Pacificos and sliced limes in Tupperware. We (sadly) abstained from <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a29813633/kiss-on-first-date/" id="95b7c235-2b18-36b3-aa0d-9cd25aabc0ec"> kissing </a> . It was oddly one of the least physically but most emotionally intimate dates Id been on.

Because I knew I'd be riding my bike there and wed be sitting outside in the cold, I wore an outfit Id probably never wear on a first datetennis shoes, jeans, a sweatshirt, and a baseball cap with one long side braid (to keep the helmet hair at bay). I sent my date a text before I headed out the door: Ill be the one who looks like a bike messenger.

"Haha I promise not to judge," he responded. "That's actually totally my fetish. I sometimes Task Rabbit a messenger to my door, open it, look them up and down, and then just say, 'thank you.'" Points for that text, which actually made me LOL.

As I rode over the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn, I got weird anxiety about crashing my bike in front of him as I rolled up, like somehow I would expose myself as a not-legit cyclist. Or, on the other hand, that I would look deeply nerdy in my helmet. But it was actually refreshing to toss out the expectation to be sexy and just show up looking like my typical athletic self (also, he said he liked my outfit!).

It was fun to be outside where we could hear each other and enjoy the views of the city, instead of cramped in a loud, tiny bar. We agreed to avoid talking about COVID-19 for as long as possible, and sharing a non-panic-inducing conversation with someone for the first time in days helped me to relax. It also felt like wed teamed up to make something that had felt a little daunting actually happen. We had to get creative to pull the date off and, if nothing else, the outing would be memorable.

Over the next few days, though, the situation in the city escalated. So, my date and I decided to keep things digital for the time being.

<h1> Instead of just texting until we could see each other in person again (neither of us knew when that would be), we planned a FaceTime date. </h1>

I was working from home, which meant I hadnt exactly been practicing my full get-ready-for-the-day routine, or following a regular schedule. Knowing I had a date later in the day helped to give me a little more structure (I wanted to be able to sign off and focus my attention on the conversation, so I hustled with my work), and motivated me to clean up and do something with my hair, which I hadn't taken out of a bun and actually brushed in days.

Still, because it was FaceTime from my bedroom, it felt silly to be dressed up in any way. I didnt do my makeup, and I ended up wearing leggings and a tank top. Again, this made things feel more intimate, familiar, and relaxed.

When we got on the video call, it took a few moments to get our phones propped up in a way that didnt make us look like we had five chins and still allowed us to hear each other clearly. He was sitting at a desk; my room isn't big enough for one, so I sat on my bed and opened my laptop to set my phone against the screen. We both hadnt been on a FaceTime date outside of long-term relationships, so it felt a little strange at first to be doing this with someone so soon.

\"It felt a bit like chatting with my crush online in middle school.\"

But after clinking our respective drinks and giving each other MTV-Cribz-style tours of our rooms, we settled into conversation...and it didnt feel weird at all. We talked about what we had been doing to pass the extra time in quarantine (he'd been learning how to edit videos, I'd been experimenting with recipes), what it was like growing up in our respective home states (him: California, me: Iowa), what inspired the tattoo on his wrist, the history behind the art in our rooms (his from a neighbor who was getting rid of all her pieces from Japan, mine from a painting collection called Bedtime Stories, by Alex Dooley, who I discovered at a gallery in college).

We also shared our craziest NYC apartment-hunting and landlord horror stories (like the time I lived in an ostensibly abandoned building in Hell's Kitchen owned by THE worst landlord in the city). After attending so many Zoom calls and Google Hangouts for work and with friends over the last week, having a virtual date feltright?

I was thankful for the company and the chance to get out of my own head for a few hours, even if I never left my bed. It felt a bit like chatting with my crush online in middle school. I dont miss "dating" at 13, but theres a sort of nostalgic feeling to that kind of interaction. I also don't think I've ever stared at someone's mouth so intently during a date in my life...I truly cannot wait to be able to kiss another person again.

Hanging up wasn't as awkward as I'd anticipatedour conversation came to a natural lull after a few hours and around 11:30, we were both sleepy and tipsy, so we decided to call it a night and sign off.

<h1> So far, dating during the new coronavirus has shown me that I can (and should!) break my swipe-text-drinks-repeat dating routine. </h1>

Subscribing to those expectations makes meeting people boring. And sure, trying to date without being able to *physically* connect has been challenging (when self-isolation lifts, single New Yorkers are gonna gocrazy). But its also forced me to be more open-minded and recognize that there are so many different ways to build a connection with someone.

While a lot of people on the apps have gone silent, plenty are still willing to chat and do a video call as a first datethough I haven't had time to make another one happen yet. I respect my matches' commitment to meeting people (flexibility and effort are sexy!) and staying safe at the same time. I think the new coronavirus is weeding out the people who only want to meet to hook up (no judgment, but thats not really what Im looking for).

This new dating game has also stripped away a lot of the expectations I put on myself for the first few dates with someone new. Theres so much going on in the world (a lot of sad, terrifying things, to be honest), and its made any feelings about how Im dressed or how I look feel extremely trivial. That, plus the fact that anything physical is off the table, has taken a lot of pressure off these dates and really made the focus about just connecting and being there for one another.

None of us know when this new way of living will be over, and the uncertainty is really scary, but has also reframed dating for me: It's not about any kind of end-game (be that a hook-up or a new relationship status) right now. It's just about sharing an experience, enjoying time with someone, truly going with the flow and seeing where that takes me.

Trust me, I miss the physical aspects of dating (the <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/g19907545/wild-weird-sex-dreams/" id="556704c0-ba8b-3ef8-a746-75ff21470f37"> sex dreams </a> have gotten weird, people), and not being able to explore them makes it hard to know if someone is really a good match or not. And, yeah, I worry that I might not be able to keep up these pen-pal kind of relationships long enough to actually meet anyone I'm talking to in the flesh. But right now, learning how to connect from a distance is eye opening. It's making me more appreciative of good conversationand exactly how that can scratch an intellectual itch, fill me up emotionally and make me feel less alone when in-person interactions are few and far between.

'Here's What It's Like To Date During Coronavirus'

The first time I was single in New York City, I was paralyzingly shy about kissing new partners in public while strangers walked by. During one particularly horrifying incident (which I now consider a rite of passage of sorts here), a date went in for a first kiss as we said our goodbyes on my apartment stoop, right as my neighbor walked up to the entrance.

'Dating During Novel Coronavirus Has Made Me A Way More Creative And Open-Minded Dater'

Sounds wonderful, right? Well, a new version of keto aimed at upping all of these perks has keto fanatics buzzing, but some health and nutrition pros say it may be even more unsustainable than the keto diet you already know. The new version is called Speed Keto, and dietitians aren't exactly recommending it if you're looking to lose weight or start eating healthier.

Still, if you're curious about the eating plan and its origin, here's what you need to know.

Basically, Speed Keto is a combination of the traditional keto diet (made up of 60 to 70 percent fat, 15 to 30 percent protein, and 5 to 10 percent carbs) and <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a30212268/fasting-benefits/" id="2c75e5a8-87b7-3bc1-ac91-0ce588a449fb"> intermittent fasting </a> (IF), which involves alternating between various periods of fasting and eating. One of the most common styles of IF is the <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a21729470/16-8-diet/" id="9adc5f59-0b91-3084-a02a-b73fc25eaf64"> 16:8 method </a> , in which you fast for 16 hours and can eat during the 8-hour period that follows.

When it comes to Speed Keto, the goal is to get the dieter down to one meal per day, which also has to fit into the keto guidelines of being high-fat and low-carb. The goal of eating less carbs is to get the body into a state of ketosis, which is when your body burns fat, instead of carbohydrate stores, for fuel, which can lead to weight loss.

Speed Keto, which you can buy as a <a href="https://www.speedketo.com/join" id="14b18fdc-c363-3703-a4b0-6a4fce3caeb9"> digital program </a> , was created by Harlan Kilstein, an expert coach and motivator with a doctor of education degree, according to his website. Per the site, Speed Keto is meant to simplify the dieting process and help people get past weight-loss plateaus that might occur after eating a traditional keto diet for a few weeks.

<h1> Can Speed Keto help me lose weight? </h1>

"I think keto and 'Speed Keto' diets will result in weight loss," says Hillary Cecere, registered dietitian at <a href="https://eatcleanbro.com/" id="2756803f-5178-3986-ad4d-ddd399a7a64a"> Eat Clean Bro </a> . "Any time food is restricted and a calorie deficit occurs, so will weight loss, and when your eating window is smaller, you are more likely to consume less calories."

That being said, Cecere doesn't support the diet as a healthy way of eating. "This diet is unsustainable. Once it's no longer being utilized, weight gain will happen," Cecere says. "I also think it eliminates a lot of <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g19961434/vitamins-and-nutrients-for-women/" id="470806d0-8bbf-33bd-ad94-e77138b680ef"> nutrient-dense foods </a> . This diet is not for health or longevityit's only for quick weight loss."

In order to maintain weight loss, it's crucial that the diet you follow is something you can sustain long-term, notes Cecere. And if eating keto in general isn't your cup of tea, that's totally fine, too. "You don't need to be in ketosis to lose weight," she says. "Weight loss is determined by calorie deficitthere are plenty of other healthy, sustainable ways to lose weight if that's something you're interested in."

It's also worth noting that combining keto and intermittent fasting isn't exactly new. Many people have been following a diet that combines the two because eating mostly fats and proteins does fill you up and make it easier to fast between meals. The difference here is that Speed Keto recommends a specific IF schedule and one meal a day.

"Combining a super restrictive diet with long periods of non-eating is not good," Scott Keatley, RD, of <a href="http://keatleymnt.com/" id="f97443c2-ed9f-3042-ad58-ea7a28e57554"> Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy </a> , <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="5847b167-fc07-34f7-a431-793020b95fdb"> previously told </a> <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="b9fa52d2-e17d-3014-a820-13cfa2f7ccad"> WH </a> . The body will cannibalize its own muscle for energy if intake from food is too low but the body does not differentiate between something like a calf muscle or a heart muscle. Keatley added that all your important organs are made of smooth muscle, "and going on a diet like this may harm something like your bladder or lungs just as much as provide fat loss."

It's also worth noting that following a regular keto diet can already have some <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="5de5e632-c68c-3119-a05d-e1888c3f9db5"> not-so-pleasant side effects </a> . At the end of the day, whether you want to follow a keto eating plan is up to you, but experts generally warn against pairing keto with an extreme intermittent fasting schedule in the way that the Speed Keto diet does, experts caution. Whatever you choose diet-wise, it's always wise to talk to a dietitian or trusted MD before you drastically overhaul your eating plan.

The bottom line: Speed Keto may not be a sustainable option when it comes to weight loss.

What Is Speed Keto—And Can It Help Me Lose Weight?

If you know anything about the <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="8008f788-2050-3669-aa9f-3144a77780dc"> keto diet </a> , you understand that the eating style is preeettyyy restrictive, and not the easiest to stick with long-term. Still, fans of the high-fat, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a30488012/keto-low-carb-diet-and-intermittent-fasting-weight-loss-story/" id="1a9d9d0b-b399-3614-a8b1-f42972cf4567"> low-carb ...

What Is Speed Keto? Everything To Know About The Buzzy Keto-Plus-Intermittent Fasting Plan

I was recoiling at the sight of the cold speculum she was wielding, and my reaction wasn't specific to this appointment. I had been seeing her for years for my annual pelvic exams, STD testing, and birth control prescription when I lived in Iowa, and we did this song and dance during every visit. My aversion to the speculum was so strong that she suspected I was dealing with some <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19917042/painful-sex/" id="4ed6ae3e-e47f-3b0b-a7ce-5a05b046a91b"> sexual dysfunction </a> or former trauma.

Sex isnt painful for me, actually, I said. Im sorry, this just makes me really anxious. She asked me to slide toward her once more, open my legs wider, and loosen my pelvic muscles. The more relaxed you are, the easier this will be, she encouraged me. It felt impossible.

'What It's Like To Have Pelvic Exam Anxiety'

She slid the speculum in and cranked it open wider so she could examine my <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19977125/cervix-pictures/" id="c52417d4-0992-358e-afae-48e82d137eab"> cervix </a> . I gripped the table hard, digging my fingers into the padding as I felt myself getting light-headed.

I tried to concentrate on anything elsea dot on the foam-tiled ceiling...anything. I tried taking deep breaths but nothing would keep my thighs from bracing and abs from clenching.

As she scraped around inside me with various swabs, I could feel the blood rushing out of my head. I felt like someone was accessing a part of me deep inside that should never be touched. She was only in there a few minutes, but it felt likes ages.

Just as I thought I might lose consciousness, I heard, Okay, all done.

My doctor mercifully slid the speculum out of me. She still had to feel my ovaries from the inside with her gloved fingers, but that portion of a pelvic exam never bothered me. It wasnt exactly comfortable, but it felt human and familiar enough.

It was the speculum that terrified me and felt downright painful. Shuffling into the bathroom in my paper gown post-exam to wipe off the lube and put my clothes back on also just seemed dehumanizing; I knew Id feel somewhat violated and uneasy for the next few days. The only solace I had was the fact that I probably wouldnt have to come back for another year.

<h1> Im not sure why I have this phobia of pelvic examinations, but Ive always been this way. </h1>

My first visit to the gyno at 13 to get birth control pills for my period and start HPV vaccinations was hard, and they were an anxiety-filled struggle for years, even more so when I started getting pelvic exams a few years later (more on how I've helped deal below). Ive never been uncomfortable being exposed to a doctor, but for some reason, I have a deep fear of foreign, non-human objects being placed inside me.

Its hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that its a non-issue for many women. (I envy them!) But for me, the thought of a speculum going inside me makes me incredibly tense, which in turn, makes the process even more deeply uncomfortable than it would be under normal circumstances.

Turns out, Im not just a massive baby: Gyno anxiety is a real thing. I encounter it almost every day in my practiceits incredibly common," says <a href="https://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/profile/katharine-white/" id="364b5e4e-628b-362c-a79c-29ca7e1f2807"> Kate White </a> , MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University and WH advisory board member.

"I think it's one of biggest reasons women dont go to the gynecologist," she adds. There are several reasons people may feel anxious about the appointment, she says, whether it's about the physical exam itself, feeling exposed, hearing negative test results, or feeling judged for their sex life or sexual health.

The thing is, you cant just stop going to the gyno, even if you absolutely despise it, like me. And my fear of not getting checked for <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a30138328/cervical-cancer-facts-quiz/" id="d153aa4c-e6ba-32e5-a55a-a22c19b9f5fc"> cervical cancer </a> or STDs is greater than my fear of the speculum, so I diligently visit every year.

<h1> My gyno anxiety has gotten better with time, which I credit to finding the right ob-gyn for me. </h1>

When I moved to New York City in 2014 after attending college back home in Iowa, I was tasked with finding a new gyno. I took my time reading reviews, asking friends for referrals, and considering different options that worked with my new jobs insurance.

My former gyno was a local doctor near my hometown who my mom knew, and occasionally I would visit gynos at urgent care when I was at school a few hours away. It wasn't that they were bad, but there wasn't really any reason I was seeing them other than convenience.

I ended up picking my current gyno based on a review that mentioned how quick she wasbasically the single-most important thing to me during a pelvic exam. Shes indeed speedy, as well as gentle, sweet, non-judgmental about my <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a23133075/signs-of-anxiety-disorder/" id="a41f8f70-e035-31e3-a6bf-5a86390eb614"> anxiety </a> , and does a good job of distracting me during the examination.

Her demeanor helps to calm me down. Even the color palette of her officebright green and whitemakes me feel happy and doesn't register as a cold, sterile doctor's office.

Ive also grown less ashamed of my feelings around pelvic exams and am open about what I need.

Before, I used to feel like I was being a pain if I had any complaints about the exam. I thought there was something wrong with me, and I certainly didnt feel empowered to speak up about my fear without profusely apologizing first.

I've become more confident in communicating my needs throughout appointments so my doc can help me out. I think that fortitude came with maturity, talking with other friends who have revealed they also dread gyno visits, and working as a health reporter. I've realized that I have every right to speak up and request the care I need.

Now, I explicitly ask for the things I know will help me through the exam. I schedule them in the early morning so I have as little time as possible after waking up to build up anxiety about it. I ask the nurse for the smallest speculum they have availableand if it's in another exam room, I request that they go get it.

Also, while some people find comfort in hearing exactly what their doctor is doing during each step of the exam, I know that I dont want to see or hear about anything thats happening down there (other than an "almost done!").

Thinking about it in detail just makes me more nervous. Ive told my current gyno this, so when shes examining me she tells me about her most recent vacation. Im not put on the spot with questions about my life, but I have something to focus my attention on.

<h1> These are just some of the tricks that help put me at ease, but there\'s plenty more you can try. </h1>

For example, if you'd like more control during the exam, ask if you can sit up at a 45-degree angle, Dr. White says. "This doesn't impact the exam and allows you to see what your doctor is doing. You can also ask to place the speculum yourself." I had no idea this was an option!

When it comes to test results, ask for how you'd like to receive them, says Dr. White. "Often you can review them in a digital patient portal, or you can ask to discuss them over the phone or in person at a planned time. That way, you can have a friend there to support you if you'd like." Above all, remember that you're not being a burden by asking for care in a specific way, she says.

Despite getting more comfortable with my gyno, I still dont look forward to scheduling my yearly visit, and I have never once un-reluctantly scooted down on the table.

But my anxiety about pelvic exams is leaps and bounds better than before. I wish I would have realized sooner that the nervousness I experience isn't uncommon, and that seeking out a different doctor because of it is totally okay. During those appointments, I'm worthy of not only good medical care, but emotional support, too.

my gynecologist asked as I scooted back on the pelvic exam table, the crinkly white paper bunching up under my bare butt.

'My Gyno Anxiety Was So Bad, I Used To Nearly Pass Out During Pelvic Exams'

That's where solid keto cookbooks come in, and the new one from the editors of Women's Health is specifically aimed at making cooking keto as easyand deliciousas possible. Keto Made Simple has tons of options to help even the pickiest eaters, and beginner cooks, follow the keto diet, and enjoy every minute of it.

The cookbook: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Health-Keto-Made-Simple/dp/B07Z75YQWK/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=womens+health+keto+made+simple&amp;qid=1572462669&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1" id="03bc9279-d4de-3e49-aedb-7cbef4674ef9"> Women's Health Keto Made Simple </a> (Hearst Specials)

The authors: This book is curated by the editors of Women's Health, who write about the benefits of the keto diet daily, and work with keto nutritionists and recipe developers to provide readers with the most up-to-date keto research, meal planning tips and tasty recipe ideas.

What you'll get: The book includes more than 70 nutritionist-approved recipes of all kinds, including keto breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks. If you're totally new to keto, this is the book for you; it answers all your questions about what the keto diet is, how it works, and the best foods to eat.

Lemony Brussels Spout Salad

'Keto Made Simple' Cookbook Makes Keto So...Easy

<ul><li> 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice </li><li> 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil </li><li> 1/2 tsp Kosher salt </li><li> 1/4 tsp ground black pepper </li><li> 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and very thinly sliced </li><li> 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped </li><li> 1/2 cup packed, grated ricotta salata or Pecorino Romano cheese </li><li> 1/2 cup smoked almonds, chopped </li></ul>

<ul><li> In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper; add Brussels sprouts and toss until well coated. Let stand at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours. </li><li> When ready to serve, add romaine, ricotta salata, and almonds to the bowl with Brussels sprouts; toss to combine. </li></ul>

Per serving: 145 calories, 5 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates, 12 g fat (2 g saturated), 292 mg sodium, 3 g fiber

The keto diet has been massively popular in the last few years, and for good reason: It's the go-to diet of celebs like <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a22000172/halle-berry-keto-diet/" id="f868631f-f247-3065-a063-025bc409218b"> Halle Berry </a> , <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a23361246/savannah-guthrie-keto-diet/" id="f154c9de-402a-3ab6-a119-e26a9daf062a"> Savannah Guthrie </a> , and <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a22529684/...

This New Keto Cookbook Will Make High-Fat, Low-Carb Meal Prep So Much Easier

Yep, you can totally eat <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="1d151c5f-c5b9-30e3-a90c-84b7b3fad50e"> keto </a> at fast-food staples like McDonalds. You just have to know how to order properly. The menu actually has a few items that are keto without any modifications. In addition, there are plenty of meals you can order with a few tweaks to fit a keto diet.

<h1> Before diving into the best McDonald's keto orders, heres a quick primer on what following the keto diet actually looks like. </h1>

Keto is short for ketogenic diet, and this eating plan is all about minimizing your carbs and upping your fats to get your body to use fat as a form of energy, Scott Keatley, RD, of <a href="http://keatleymnt.com/" id="f97443c2-ed9f-3042-ad58-ea7a28e57554"> Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy </a> , <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="5847b167-fc07-34f7-a431-793020b95fdb"> previously told </a> <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="b9fa52d2-e17d-3014-a820-13cfa2f7ccad"> WH </a> .

While everyone's body and needs are slightly different, that typically translates to the following daily macro percentages:

<ul><li> 60 to 75 percent of your calories from fat </li><li> 15 to 30 percent of your calories from protein </li><li> 5 to 10 percent of your calories from carbs </li></ul>

That usually means eating no more than 50 grams of carbs a day (some strict keto dieters even opt for just 20 grams a day). The state of using fat instead of carbs for fuel is known as ketosis. For many people, following a keto diet results in <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a20687519/keto-diet-before-and-after/" id="6038d8f0-3b93-3a71-a3b4-6f897f096fcf"> weight-loss success </a> . But its not without its pitfallscritics of the diet warn that its not sustainable, and theres also the whole <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a20967270/what-is-the-keto-flu/" id="94274fd9-1196-38f6-a780-bf3e8720122c"> keto flu </a> thing.

Still, if it works for you, power to ya. Heres exactly how to order at McDonalds to stay on track with your keto goals, straight from registered dietitian and WH advisor <a href="https://www.amandalemein.com/" id="4c1b01e1-b757-3443-ae8f-031329c8f80c"> Amanda Baker Lemein </a> .

<h1> 1. Bacon ranch grilled chicken salad </h1>

This is the healthiest option in my book, says Baker Lemein. The vegetable content provides added fibersomething many Americans, especially those on keto, are missingand lean protein from grilled chicken. Its low in saturated fat too."

Nutrition info: 8 g carbs, 13 g fat, and 39 g protein

Fine, the side salad at McDonald's certainly isn't a Big Mac. However, it's a valuable option for keto dieters.

I always recommend at least half your plate be filled with non-starchy veggies for lunch and dinnerketo or not. This will add nutrients and fiber to any meal with very few carbs for those following a keto diet, says Baker Lemein.

Nutrition info: 3 g carbs, 0 g fat, and 1 g protein

<h1> 3. Grilled chicken sandwich without the bun </h1>

This is very low in saturated fat but still has 33 grams of protein, so it will be filling, says Baker Lemein. I recommend pairing this with the side salad to increase volume though, as few people would be satisfied with only a chicken breast. Noted!

Nutrition info (sans bun): 1 g carbs, 2 g fat, and 33 g protein

<h1> 4. Egg McMuffin without the English muffin </h1>

This is the best keto breakfast option on the menu. The egg and Canadian bacon will provide plenty of protein, plus, Canadian bacon is lower in saturated fat than bacon or sausage, says Baker Lemein.

Nutrition info (without the muffin): 3 g carbs, 11 g fat, and 12 g protein

<h1> 5. Double cheeseburger without the bun </h1>

A hamburger will be lower in saturated fat than breakfast sandwiches, but not as filling. A burger definitely fits the bill for keto though, says Baker Lemein.

Nutrition info (sans bun): 4 g carbs, 20 g fat, and 20 g protein

<h1> 6. Bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, minus the biscuit </h1>

Without the bread on this breakfast sandwich, the bacon, egg, and cheese fits the bill for a keto morning meal. Plus, the eggs add important nutrients like choline and vitamin D, says Baker Lemein.

Nutrition info (no biscuit): 4 g carbs, 13 g fat, and 14 g protein

<h1> 7. Pico guacamole chicken sandwich without the bun </h1>

This sandwich is loaded with healthy fats from avocado and nutrients from tomatoes and onions in the pico de gallo.

Nutrition info (no bun): 9 g carbs, 18 g fat, and 34 g protein

<h1> 8. The "big breakfast" without the biscuit and hash browns </h1>

This classic breakfast totally qualifies as keto if you skip the biscuit and hash browns to lower the carb count (essentially making it a scrambled eggs and sausage meal).

Nutrition info (without the main carb items): 2 g carbs, 29 g fat, and 19 g protein

Yup, you can still eat a Big Mac when youre on the keto diet, though its definitely not the healthiest keto option on the menu. If you're looking for an indulgence that still falls in the keto range, this is it.

Nutrition info (no bun): 5 g carbs, 25 g fat, and 18 g protein

If youre on the keto train (like, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/g16641173/keto-diet-celebrities/" id="b2271161-c3f5-3041-aa2e-de131b50d5e7"> pretty much every celeb </a> ), you might be curious if theres a way you can follow the diet without cooking all your own food, all the time. The good news: Its totally possible, and not just at traditionally healthy restaurants.

How To Order Keto At McDonald's...Because Sometimes All You Need Is A Lil Fast Food

In case you're unfamiliar, intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of eating plan that calls for periods of eating and fasting (in which you can only consume water, coffee, and tea). During the time periods you can eat, you can generally eat what you like, which is why the plan works for a lot of people. It's simple, and you can tweak the schedule to fit your needs.

Intermittent fasting is officially the diet of the moment. Celebs like <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a22591029/jenna-jameson-intermittent-fasting-on-keto-diet/" id="e0808a91-ffa9-3d12-a75d-76150ce224ac"> Jenna Jameson </a> , <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a25012428/vanessa-hudgens-intermittent-fasting-workout-routine/" id="5b3f2b8a-d3c0-33de-a3e7-622791032190"> Vanessa Hudgens </a> , and <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a22641215/hal...

Kristin Canning

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