Women In Low Carb Series: Crystal Sikes

Crystal Sikes on Metabolic Health, Motherhood, and the Low-Carb Lifestyle

Crystal Sikes has spent over nine years dedicated to metabolic health and carbohydrate restriction. What began as a personal health quest has become a lifelong commitment, now shaping her role as a mom to a toddler and an expectant mother. We first learned about Crystal through her husband, Robert Sikes, founder of Keto Brick, whom we met at the 2022 Keto Symposium. As fellow young mothers, we started following her on Instagram, inspired by her low-carb lifestyle and eager to learn from her experience.

A Journey of Healing

“I started over nine years ago to help my stomach issues,” Crystal explains. “I had gastroparesis, slow transit colon, IBS, and GERD. I have since reversed all of those things and have a wonderful digestive system.”

Crystal’s initial decision to embrace keto was motivated by health concerns, but the results were so transformative that it became a permanent way of life. “I healed so many things and feel like a different person,” she says. “There is no other way I would imagine eating.”

Keto Through Motherhood and Pregnancy

Crystal’s commitment to keto has seamlessly carried through major life milestones, including motherhood and pregnancy. “I was keto the entirety of my pregnancy as well as two years of breastfeeding with my son and felt great,” she shares. “I have the energy to chase my 2.5-year-old while being pregnant with my second now. I love this lifestyle and don’t plan to change anything.”

For Crystal, motherhood has only strengthened her dedication to the low-carb lifestyle. “Knowing I am growing strong and healthy children reinforces my commitment,” she says. “I know I can best provide them with what they need, and what I need, through this way of eating.”

Early Challenges and Lessons Learned

Adopting a low-carb lifestyle wasn’t without its initial hurdles. “I struggled with just not having carbs, not having my typical sweets and stuff,” Crystal admits. “I don’t know many 23-year-olds that have a strict diet, but looking back now, it was all worth it.”

Those challenges, however, were temporary. “The struggles only lasted the first six months to a year. After that, it was easy and just my normal,” she reflects. “The longer you are keto, the better you will feel.”

Raising a Low-Carb Family

Crystal and her family have fully embraced the low-carb lifestyle. “My husband does mostly carnivore with our Keto Bricks, and my son and I both just eat keto,” she explains. Their meals typically consist of meat, vegetables, and healthy fats.

When it comes to parenting, Crystal notes that explaining their dietary choices can be a unique challenge. “Being around family and friends who are eating whatever, while we don’t eat those things, can be hard,” she says. “Explaining it to a 2-year-old can be challenging, but he does great and never complains.”

Crystal is mindful that her children will make their own choices as they grow, but she’s focused on giving them the best possible foundation. “My goal is to fuel their bodies well and give them the upper hand in health and nutrition,” she shares. “I don’t just feed them this way, I teach them why we do what we do so they can make informed decisions for themselves.”

Managing Energy and Cravings

When it comes to managing the energy demands of pregnancy and parenting, Crystal has found that a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet makes all the difference. “I don’t feel like I struggle with energy demands,” she says. “Right now, my favorite meal is riced cauliflower with chicken, all cooked in butter, with a little Primal Kitchen special sauce on top.”

Cravings are another aspect of pregnancy that she approaches with intention. “Eating carb-heavy foods just isn’t a choice for me. If I want something, I find a way to make it work within my lifestyle,” she explains. “Most cravings stem from nutritional deficiencies, so keeping a well-rounded diet helps. But if I want something specific, I make it so I can enjoy it guilt-free.”

A Lifestyle Built to Last

Nine years into her journey, Crystal’s dedication to metabolic health is unwavering. “Sure, anytime you do something out of the box people are going to judge you,” she acknowledges. “Nine years later, I do not care what they think. I am healthier than I’ve ever been, and so is my family.”

Nutrition and fitness have also become a strong bond between Crystal and her husband, Robert. “We’re different in a lot of ways, but our health goals keep us close,” she says. “It’s something we can easily support each other in. We may eat different meals when one of us is competing, but the other always supports. Since I usually do the cooking, I just adjust things as needed.”

Meal Prep and Family Support

Meal prepping plays a big role in making their lifestyle sustainable. “I do a lot of food prep while my son naps, and if I need extra time, Robert is more than happy to step in so I can focus in the kitchen,” she shares. “Sometimes it’s stressful, but involving my son makes it easier and keeps him happy too.”

For Crystal, teaching her children about nutrition goes beyond what’s on their plate. It’s about empowering them with knowledge. “We plan to be 100% honest with them,” she says. “I’ll explain things in a way that fits their age, but ultimately, I want them to understand what their bodies need to grow, stay healthy, and be strong. From there, they’ll be able to recognize and weed out the junk on their own.”

She also acknowledges that her kids will likely try foods outside of their usual diet at some point. “And that’s okay,” she says. “They’ll be able to feel the difference in their own bodies and make their own choices from there.”

A Legacy of Health and Strength

Looking back, Crystal sees the profound impact that a whole-food, low-carb lifestyle has had on her family. “One of my biggest moments was going back to the doctor and seeing how much damage I had reversed in my body,” she recalls. “And watching my son thrive, he’s been in the top percentiles for his age since birth. It’s incredible what proper nutrition can do.”

Motherhood has only strengthened her commitment. “Going through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and watching my child grow, it’s been the most rewarding experience. And now, I get to do it again with my second one.”

Her fierce dedication to health and fitness is reflected in her name, “Lady Savage.” “Robert started his business as ‘Keto Savage,’ and we loved it. When we got married, I embraced ‘Lady Savage’ to keep the theme going. It sounds fierce, determined, and badass—just how I want to live my life.”

Crystal’s journey is one of resilience, discipline, and leading by example. “Alongside being keto and a mom, I’ve competed in bodybuilding and won my class, and I’ve competed in powerlifting, setting state records in my federation,” she shares. “People will tell you that you can’t do something—but just prove them wrong with your actions.”

Crystal’s story is a testament to the power of dietary change, not just for personal health but for the well-being of an entire family. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how commitment to a healthier lifestyle can lead to long-term rewards.

“Only you know what is best for your body,” she says. And for Crystal, that knowledge has paved the way for a life full of health, energy, and purpose.

Follow Crystal's journey @the.lady.savage on instagram.

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