Keto Diet - Should I try it?

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Replies

  • L1zardQueen
    L1zardQueen Posts: 8,753 Member
    psuLemon wrote: »
    Everyone’s advice here has been incredibly informative and helpful. Thank you so much!
    While I was toying with the idea of keto partly because of all of the health benefits I’ve heard of, if I’m honest I was ultimately looking for a fast way to lose weight. I realize that’s ridiculous.
    After reading everything here and spending more time researching online, I don’t think I could maintain a keto diet in the long run. I genuinely enjoy carbs. I think I’ll just moderate my intake rather than cut them out completely. And I find that proteins are what actually keep me full, so I’ll incorporate more proteins into my diet.

    Again, thank you all for being so incredibly helpful. Feel free to add me!
    Keep up the healthy lifestyles!

    Out curiosity, what health benefits do Keto provide for those without metabolic issues? Weight loss and exercise are the bigger drivers of health. Keto only provides additional health benefits if it helps you lose weight; which is just like every diet.

    As I said, I only know what I’ve read here and the research I’ve done online. I’ve read articles that are both pro and con on the issue and both state that those on a keto diet have experienced a higher increase in energy and sport performance as well as a clearer mind when compared to other diets. Again, this is all based on what I’ve read, not personal experience.

    It sounds to good to be true, huh. Yep, that is what they want you to believe.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    psuLemon wrote: »
    Everyone’s advice here has been incredibly informative and helpful. Thank you so much!
    While I was toying with the idea of keto partly because of all of the health benefits I’ve heard of, if I’m honest I was ultimately looking for a fast way to lose weight. I realize that’s ridiculous.
    After reading everything here and spending more time researching online, I don’t think I could maintain a keto diet in the long run. I genuinely enjoy carbs. I think I’ll just moderate my intake rather than cut them out completely. And I find that proteins are what actually keep me full, so I’ll incorporate more proteins into my diet.

    Again, thank you all for being so incredibly helpful. Feel free to add me!
    Keep up the healthy lifestyles!

    Out curiosity, what health benefits do Keto provide for those without metabolic issues? Weight loss and exercise are the bigger drivers of health. Keto only provides additional health benefits if it helps you lose weight; which is just like every diet.

    As I said, I only know what I’ve read here and the research I’ve done online. I’ve read articles that are both pro and con on the issue and both state that those on a keto diet have experienced a higher increase in energy and sport performance as well as a clearer mind when compared to other diets. Again, this is all based on what I’ve read, not personal experience.

    Honestly, none of that is true. Not all experience increased energy. Sports performance is largely worse based on the research and a clearer mind seems to be very subjective. Some say they experience it. Some don't.

    I would recommend studies and meta analyses instead of articles. Those writing article typically have some kind of bias and are trying to sell something. Studies aren't perfect either but are at least a better jump off point. Meta analyses are the synthesis of multiple studies and the most credible sources.

    Keto can be effective if that is your preferred way to eat and it is sustainable for you. But there is no research in over 2000 studies that indicate it has any metabolic advantage for fat loss. It performs the same as any other diet that restricts calories, as others have said.
  • Silentpadna
    Silentpadna Posts: 1,306 Member
    half_moon wrote: »
    I liked being on keto but gained 10 pounds on it. I was in ketosis for three months, according to blood tests. Measure your food carefully.

    My doctor made me get off of keto for health reasons... it wasn’t for me, but it works for some people. A year later and I’m still in keto recovery mode, but my boyfriend stayed on it and enjoys it. It’s not for everybody so I would just suggest to take it slow and listen to your body and understand that drastic diets can mess with your health and have long term effects. So measure carefully and pay attention to how your body responds. That’d be my advice.

    Part of why this is a good post is that it illustrates that ketosis in and of itself doesn't guarantee weight loss. You still have to have a calorie deficit.
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    edited April 2018
    I don't think your brain will fuel on ketones (and then only partly) unless you are literally starving for a prolonged period.

    When you're eating keto, you're taking in protein, and gluconeogenesis is happening.

    Even if you're starving, your body is going to break down your own muscles and some gluconeogenesis is going to happen.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    edited April 2018
    no

    Would you mind telling my why? I'm genuinely looking for information and would like to hear the reasons from both sides. Thanks!

    First off keto isn't fast weight loss. Sure low carb gives you an extra boost in water weight loss the first week or two (google low carb flu). This is WATER weight loss, glycogen stores to be exact.

    Second ANY (real) fast weight loss method is not going to be as healthy moderate paced weight loss.

    All weight loss comes from calorie deficit. Keto has you eliminating one macro almost completely.....that's going to result in calorie restriction, the same as counting calories. Large deficits (fast weight loss) make it harder for your body to support existing lean muscle mass. Fast weight loss doesn't help you reduce body fat % by as much as you could have.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    rezart wrote: »
    It should be noted that all the endurance athletes who are supposedly keto carb up for and during events.
    Not sure from top of my head, but there are athletes who have competed while on ketogenic state, and I am talking ultra marathon runners as well, not just a 1 hour cross-fit session, which can be hard as hell on its won. One major issue with competing on ketogenic state is dehydration, as carbs retain water, and if there no carbs to retain water, dehydration is a possibility. Also, Ben Greenfield has tested this and Dr.Pompa him self tried it in real life scenario while going on a 3 hour bike ride (not casual) and did great, while the others were consuming simple sugars. So, there are fat adopted athletes who do not need coke or various gels to power through an event. However, one must understand, not all of us are physiologically gifted as these athletes, and do not exercise 4, 5 hours a day 5 days per week for 10 years. So, I am not saying I can run a marathon on keto diet, but I am sure I could train my body to do so, without losing time or bonking mid race.

    This had come up before and no one has ever identified an elite endurance athlete who competes while exclusively doing keto. If you know of some, please list them. Most carb load before competition eg. Chris Froome.
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    rezart wrote: »
    It should be noted that all the endurance athletes who are supposedly keto carb up for and during events.
    Not sure from top of my head, but there are athletes who have competed while on ketogenic state, and I am talking ultra marathon runners as well, not just a 1 hour cross-fit session, which can be hard as hell on its won. One major issue with competing on ketogenic state is dehydration, as carbs retain water, and if there no carbs to retain water, dehydration is a possibility. Also, Ben Greenfield has tested this and Dr.Pompa him self tried it in real life scenario while going on a 3 hour bike ride (not casual) and did great, while the others were consuming simple sugars. So, there are fat adopted athletes who do not need coke or various gels to power through an event. However, one must understand, not all of us are physiologically gifted as these athletes, and do not exercise 4, 5 hours a day 5 days per week for 10 years. So, I am not saying I can run a marathon on keto diet, but I am sure I could train my body to do so, without losing time or bonking mid race.

    A three hour ride is not an endurance event.

    Greenfield uses gels during events, just like I said keto athletes do:

    https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/the-kona-diaries-day-6-official-nutrition-racing-pacing-strategy-for-ironman-hawaii-and-how-to-deal-with-the-pain-cave/
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    HI, I'm 5'1" just looking to lose 18lbs. I just started counting my calories and am toying with the idea of keto. I would be in dire need of support and recipes as pasta and potatoes are staples in my house. I'm curious about how quickly the weight comes off and how healthy that would be. If anyone has any info or just wants to chat and motivate eachother let me know!

    No. Just reduce calories by 250 or so and eat what you like. That will be most sustainable and not require support.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    rezart wrote: »
    It should be noted that all the endurance athletes who are supposedly keto carb up for and during events.
    Not sure from top of my head, but there are athletes who have competed while on ketogenic state, and I am talking ultra marathon runners as well, not just a 1 hour cross-fit session, which can be hard as hell on its won. One major issue with competing on ketogenic state is dehydration, as carbs retain water, and if there no carbs to retain water, dehydration is a possibility. Also, Ben Greenfield has tested this and Dr.Pompa him self tried it in real life scenario while going on a 3 hour bike ride (not casual) and did great, while the others were consuming simple sugars. So, there are fat adopted athletes who do not need coke or various gels to power through an event. However, one must understand, not all of us are physiologically gifted as these athletes, and do not exercise 4, 5 hours a day 5 days per week for 10 years. So, I am not saying I can run a marathon on keto diet, but I am sure I could train my body to do so, without losing time or bonking mid race.

    A three hour ride is not an endurance event.

    Greenfield uses gels during events, just like I said keto athletes do:

    https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/the-kona-diaries-day-6-official-nutrition-racing-pacing-strategy-for-ironman-hawaii-and-how-to-deal-with-the-pain-cave/

    greenfield also came in 230 overall - 58th in his age group at that Kona - solid performance, but not stellar (he completed in 9:36, the winner went 8:03)
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    saylabud wrote: »
    Read this thread because I'm going to try keto.reasons being non gmo, less preseratives, more natural diet. There are so many chemicals used on our gmo (gmo already horrible) crops "round up ready crops" causing cancer ,allergies, all kinds of diseases. People have problems with stuff like glyphasate poisoning and think it's a gluten allergy.. the list goes on and on.now add in all the preservatives..I know I can lose on a norm diet.I lost 40 lbs and kept off for 3 yrs and then messed up and gained back. But I just want to eat more natural, and our grains and most crops not organic are "not natural any more." And what's preserving our foods blows my mind. Just going to watch potassium and magnesium close ,and convert slow .keto even recomends away fr toxins added in milk and alot off other stuff. And setting body up to burn fat seems a good move. Obviously need some carbs esp when working out harder- be smart and way it out i think. We shouldn't have to change our diets so drastically but man has played god trying to make more- quicker , and has ruined natural carbs in many ways sadly!

    I have no problem avoiding GMOs, artificial preservatives (and colors and flavors) without needing keto.

    To avoid pesticides, I refer to the Clean 15/Dirty Dozen, buy from local farms, and grow my own produce. Planted some lettuce, kale, and peas seeds Saturday. Bought kale and swiss chard seedlings Sunday, can't wait for it to harden off so I can plant it!

    I only have two 4' x 8' garden beds here, but produce enough greens and herbs to get me through late spring to fall.

    Considering how few GMOs are actually on the market, pretty much everyone can easily avoid those (not that they're a danger to anyone's health). You're also unlikely avoiding pesticides unless you're absolutely certain the farmers you're buying from aren't using them. EWG's list is nonsense, as are they.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    edited April 2018
    mmapags wrote: »
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    rezart wrote: »
    It should be noted that all the endurance athletes who are supposedly keto carb up for and during events.
    Not sure from top of my head, but there are athletes who have competed while on ketogenic state, and I am talking ultra marathon runners as well, not just a 1 hour cross-fit session, which can be hard as hell on its won. One major issue with competing on ketogenic state is dehydration, as carbs retain water, and if there no carbs to retain water, dehydration is a possibility. Also, Ben Greenfield has tested this and Dr.Pompa him self tried it in real life scenario while going on a 3 hour bike ride (not casual) and did great, while the others were consuming simple sugars. So, there are fat adopted athletes who do not need coke or various gels to power through an event. However, one must understand, not all of us are physiologically gifted as these athletes, and do not exercise 4, 5 hours a day 5 days per week for 10 years. So, I am not saying I can run a marathon on keto diet, but I am sure I could train my body to do so, without losing time or bonking mid race.

    Quite a few keto athletes will consume their carbs while exercising. Many think that eating carbs while exercising is not a ketogenic diet, but those athletes are often ketogenic at all times because they have burned off their carbs. Eating carbs does not mean one is not ketogenic. KWIM? All keto'ers eat carbs. Some choose to eat them around exercise so it is burned off more quickly, but they are still ketogenic athletes.

    Are you saying top endurance athletes compete keto? That is what you seem to be implying. If so, please post the proof sources for your assertions.

    I'm not sure why you got "top endurance athletes compete keto" from me typing, "Quite a few keto athletes will consume their carbs while exercising." I am guessing that there are some keto top athletes out there, but I have no idea who they could be since I don't watch sports.

    ... and by athlete I meant someone who does sports like plays basketball, 10k races, mountain bikes etc. Just someone who does sports. Not specifically someone who is paid to play sports.

    I'm saying that someone who is ketogenic may eat carbs while exercising and still be ketogenic. I can't see why they wouldn't be just because they timed their carbs around exercise. Ketogains has good examples of this..