What was/is your experience with the Ketogenic diet?
NaeJayKay
Posts: 14 Member
Hey hey MFPals.
I'm interested in the Keto diet and would really like to see what people who have tried it or ARE trying it, have to say.
I've read that with a calorie deficit, no matter what diet you choose, you'll lose weight. I want to try the Keto diet because I was diagnosed with PCOS and it's supposedly a good diet for insulin resistance (my blood sugar without treatment is excellent, but I'm told I am insulin resistant anyway - *shrugs*).
Knowledge, advice/tips, even personal opinions (gasp!) are appreciated.
I'm interested in the Keto diet and would really like to see what people who have tried it or ARE trying it, have to say.
I've read that with a calorie deficit, no matter what diet you choose, you'll lose weight. I want to try the Keto diet because I was diagnosed with PCOS and it's supposedly a good diet for insulin resistance (my blood sugar without treatment is excellent, but I'm told I am insulin resistant anyway - *shrugs*).
Knowledge, advice/tips, even personal opinions (gasp!) are appreciated.
3
Replies
-
I've lost weight calorie counting and i've lost weight calorie counting eating keto. Either way, it was my calorie balance that was the reason I lost the weight - but I do find keto more filling, satisfying and better for my recomp/muscle building goals.
I don't have any 'reason' to do Keto, I just enjoy the food and how it makes me feel. It's worth a try, but personally I would recommend a beginner do plain calorie counting first to learn the basics, and then try keto, as it requires a lot of attention to macro ratios, micronutrients etc.8 -
Hi there! I’m not exactly doing keto, but my program is close! It’s a medical weight loss clinic under doctor supervision, and it calls for a major calorie deficit and also eating mostly protein with some healthy fats (no carbs and no sugar). It’s worked really well for my fiancé and me. He’s lost 55 lbs in 7 weeks, and I’ve lost 30!
More importantly, I have PCOS and only had 5 periods in the past 4 years when we started the program. I couldn’t tolerate metformin at all, and I was feeling helpless. But since starting the program, I’ve had my period twice— 27 days apart! I personally don’t think I would have been able to do keto without my man doing it with me, and also weekly check-ins with the clinic. I’ve definitely struggled through it, but it’s been absolutely worth it!8 -
If you have a sweet tooth then forget it lol. As stated above Keto is tough, maybe the toughest of all diets?
You have read right - good old fashioned calorie counting is king. Also look up IIFYM for a flexible approach (complete opposite to what you asked for but good to get a broad idea of whats out there).
In the end though you have nothing to lose but time (and potential weight) so give keto a crack if you're set on it, it could be a learning experience. I've done a few diets centred around low carb but just couldn't sustain it in the long term (too limiting, sweet tooth, need nerves of steel, etc). Enjoy!7 -
chestinator wrote: »If you have a sweet tooth then forget it lol. As stated above Keto is tough, maybe the toughest of all diets?
You have read right - good old fashioned calorie counting is king. Also look up IIFYM for a flexible approach (complete opposite to what you asked for but good to get a broad idea of whats out there).
In the end though you have nothing to lose but time (and potential weight) so give keto a crack if you're set on it, it could be a learning experience. I've done a few diets centred around low carb but just couldn't sustain it in the long term (too limiting, sweet tooth, need nerves of steel, etc). Enjoy!
I don't have a problem giving up sweets, sweets don't really tempt me. My problem is salt and spices - yes, I love all things potato dearly (probably why I'm in this mess haha).
Thank you for your advice!
6 -
Hi there! I’m not exactly doing keto, but my program is close! It’s a medical weight loss clinic under doctor supervision, and it calls for a major calorie deficit and also eating mostly protein with some healthy fats (no carbs and no sugar). It’s worked really well for my fiancé and me. He’s lost 55 lbs in 7 weeks, and I’ve lost 30!
More importantly, I have PCOS and only had 5 periods in the past 4 years when we started the program. I couldn’t tolerate metformin at all, and I was feeling helpless. But since starting the program, I’ve had my period twice— 27 days apart! I personally don’t think I would have been able to do keto without my man doing it with me, and also weekly check-ins with the clinic. I’ve definitely struggled through it, but it’s been absolutely worth it!
If you're okay with it, add me. I'd love to chat!0 -
I did Keto for about 6 months. I lost a good bit of weight. But, I'm sure it was from my intake being accounted for accurately. But, I did feel good after the initial "Keto Flu" period. Like I had no ups or downs the way I do with a lot of carbs. Since then I've adjusted to a more sustainable diet, still with a lower amount of carbs, but carbs nonetheless.
As Chestinator mentioned, if you have a sweettooth, you're going to have to get creative with your foods. I had many recipes for low-carb sweets.3 -
I've lost weight calorie counting and i've lost weight calorie counting eating keto. Either way, it was my calorie balance that was the reason I lost the weight - but I do find keto more filling, satisfying and better for my recomp/muscle building goals.
I don't have any 'reason' to do Keto, I just enjoy the food and how it makes me feel. It's worth a try, but personally I would recommend a beginner do plain calorie counting first to learn the basics, and then try keto, as it requires a lot of attention to macro ratios, micronutrients etc.
Yeah, I've heard that Keto keeps you feeling full. That might be a good enough reason to try it! 2 -
I've lost weight calorie counting and i've lost weight calorie counting eating keto. Either way, it was my calorie balance that was the reason I lost the weight - but I do find keto more filling, satisfying and better for my recomp/muscle building goals.
I don't have any 'reason' to do Keto, I just enjoy the food and how it makes me feel. It's worth a try, but personally I would recommend a beginner do plain calorie counting first to learn the basics, and then try keto, as it requires a lot of attention to macro ratios, micronutrients etc.
Yeah, I've heard that Keto keeps you feeling full. That might be a good enough reason to try it!
Yes, it's because it's a very high fat diet. Fats keep you feeling fuller longer.3 -
Merrysailor5 wrote: »I did Keto for about 6 months. I lost a good bit of weight. But, I'm sure it was from my intake being accounted for accurately. But, I did feel good after the initial "Keto Flu" period. Like I had no ups or downs the way I do with a lot of carbs. Since then I've adjusted to a more sustainable diet, still with a lower amount of carbs, but carbs nonetheless.
As Chestinator mentioned, if you have a sweettooth, you're going to have to get creative with your foods. I had many recipes for low-carb sweets.
I've heard other people say the same thing. Definitely makes me want to give it a try.0 -
I've lost weight calorie counting and i've lost weight calorie counting eating keto. Either way, it was my calorie balance that was the reason I lost the weight - but I do find keto more filling, satisfying and better for my recomp/muscle building goals.
I don't have any 'reason' to do Keto, I just enjoy the food and how it makes me feel. It's worth a try, but personally I would recommend a beginner do plain calorie counting first to learn the basics, and then try keto, as it requires a lot of attention to macro ratios, micronutrients etc.
Yeah, I've heard that Keto keeps you feeling full. That might be a good enough reason to try it!
Satiation is highly individual. Some people find more protein keeps them more satiated, some people fats and some people actually find carbs more filling. I kept trying to up my protein in an attempt to feel more satiated because that's what you always hear works, but it never worked. For me, fiber and fat are important for satiation. So you might be more satiated, but don't feel like that's something that must happen or you're doing it wrong.
Also, what's wrong with salt, spices and potatoes???10 -
I have been losing weight for 3 years and after a very long stall tried Keto. I have been on Keto for 4 months and love it. Sure its all about calorie reduction but for me I can finally fast, eat the foods I enjoy and finally have given up sugar.
I did have a sweet tooth, my problem was I could not do them in moderation so having to give them up worked for me.
For me this is a WOE I can do long term as I seldom get hungry.
7 -
I've lost weight both keto and not. I felt no benefits to eating that low carb, I had to restrict my fruit and vegetable intake drastically (which I think is stupid) and I didn't feel less hungry.
As someone who is training to try and grow muscle, I don't think eating low carb/keto is beneficial.9 -
I'm not doing keto, but my mom and brother are. Every time I'm like "hey let's eat this", they say "sorry we can't" I always forget they are doing it. Too restrictive in my opinion.
All about calories anyway, so I eat the foods I want in moderation. And still achieve the goals I set.
Good luck to you as well. I hope you choose something sustainable.11 -
I tried keto for about 4 months last year and couldn’t hack it. I was miserable. Even after getting over the initial keto flu, I never experienced any energy increase, in fact I was tired all the time. I was more full, but the high fat made me feel heavy all the time and nauseous pretty regularly. I went back to a more balanced diet with moderate carbs and my energy level is back to normal and I never have the heavy feeling anymore.
And yes, I’ve had people tell me I wasn’t doing keto right or never got into ketosis. I was extremely strict about it, it just simply was not for me.
I’m really only putting this out there as an example that keto doesn’t work for everyone. You should try it if you want to, and if it works for you, that’s awesome! I’ve known several people that absolutely love it both for weight loss and maintenance.9 -
I have not done keto, but these groups have a lot of information about low carb and keto diets:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1143-keto
Also, there is a group for women with PCOS, lots of info in there about experiences with dietary interventions and medications:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/3070-p-c-o-sis4 -
Any diet that restricts or bans an entire macronutrient is not healthy. Sure you can restrict carbs to help lose weight but cutting out fiber, fruits and vegetables seem ridiculous in the long run. The only reason I’ve heard keto actually work is for people with epilepsy as it helps reduce their seizures.10
-
Hello!
I have friends who have been successful with using keto. I also have friends that weren’t. I fall into the latter group. It wasn’t the right fit for me. I’d strongly advise following the above links and joining the Low Carber group. So many experienced folk to help guide you along the way.
Cheers!!2 -
Any diet that restricts or bans an entire macronutrient is not healthy. Sure you can restrict carbs to help lose weight but cutting out fiber, fruits and vegetables seem ridiculous in the long run. The only reason I’ve heard keto actually work is for people with epilepsy as it helps reduce their seizures.
Do you have a source that shows that a ketogenic diet is unhealthy? And people who restrict carbs do eat fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Many people count net carbs, which is the number of carbs after subtracting fiber. Vegetables seem to be the carb of choice for low carbers on this site.10 -
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketogenic-diet-is-the-ultimate-low-carb-diet-good-for-you-2017072712089
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452247/#!po=21.5596
As I said ok for a very particular subset of people under a doctor’s supervision but from what I read on here people are doing it because it’s the cool new fad diet that will be the magic pill while never learning how to actually eat a healthy sustainable diet for the long term. Also overtime the results even out overtime with traditional weight loss not making any better so why put yourself through such a restrictive diet to just get the same results but putting yourself at more risk of regaining the weight?7 -
I did keto for about a year. Losing weight was actually a lot easier because I found fat and protein filling and it curbed my hunger really well.
Ultimately, I found it too hard to stick to. I love bread, bagels, pizza, potatoes, desserts, etc. The substitute recipes just didn't cut it for me. Keto pizza is OKAY, but it doesn't hold a candle to regular pizza!
Now I just focus on calories and I enjoy small high-carb treats every day. I still try to focus on proteins, healthy fats, fresh veggies, etc. But I also allow myself to enjoy carbs every day.
If keto is too restrictive to you, there's no harm in trying a general low-carb approach instead. 7
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.4K Getting Started
- 259.7K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 387 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.2K MyFitnessPal Information
- 22 News and Announcements
- 897 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.2K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions