Why I Choose Keto

So what the heck is keto?

Let me explain.

The past few months, I have been studying the health benefits of a high fat, low carb diet, aka a Keto way of eating, something I never thought I would do. I have bashed low carb diets, for as long as I can remember. Well, I am the first to admit when I am wrong, and yes, I definitely believe I was wrong.

A friend of mine told me to read a blog (actually an ebook) called Keto-adapted. Since my mom was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos, this keto lifestyle fascinated me, as a potential recovery tool for auto-immune and other diseases. Then I was doing some research on the website of Ty Bollinger, producer of the 9 part documentary series “The Truth About Cancer” and “Quest for the Cure”, only to find out that he follows a ketogenic diet. This was huge validation for me! I went on to read/skim 3 more books and listen to multiple podcasts with research scientists and medical doctors, including Dom D’Agostino, Peter Attia, and Adam Nally.

With all my research, I found out that Keto athletes can last longer because while you can only store 1200-2000 calories if you are a glucose burner, keto burners can store over 50,000. Marathoners can run on nothing but water and don’t bonk.

So I am sold out! The hardest part is  cutting back on fruit and wine.  I have added more healthy fats like butter, MCT oil, avocado, coconut oil and olive oil. So far I love the lifestyle because so many foods that I once considered “fattening” are the foods I now get to enjoy without guilt. I am NEVER hungry, which is nice, and I don’t have to worry about eating 5 small meals a day, which can be a hassle at times.

You may be wondering what is Keto? In a nutshell, your body burns glucose for energy, this mostly comes from carbs. However, when you switch to a low carb, high fat, moderate protein diet, you limit glucose. In the absence of glucose, your liver converts fatty acids to ketones. and these are a source of energy. The goal is to flip the switch and become a fat/ketone burner instead of a carb/glucose burner.

It takes about a week to get into ketosis and a couple months, to become what is referred to as Keto Adapted. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Read a book on the topic so you become committed to the lifestyle.
2. Calculate your macros using a keto calculator.
3. Program My Fitness Pal to set up your macros.
4. Join some keto Facebook groups. I love Ketogenic Success and KetoGains.

Since this is my new way of eating, I will definitely be posting lots of recipes and tips I find along the way.

Would love to hear your experience if you life the ketogenic lifestyle.

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