Do Ketogenic Diets Work?

The ketogenic diet, or more commonly referred to as the keto diet, has been gaining momentum in recent years with active agers and weight loss aspirants alike.  Many books from medical experts such as Dr. Jason Fung and Dr. Daniel Pompa have demonstrated that the keto diet focuses on using fat as an energy source instead of carbohydrates. When active agers adopt a keto lifestyle, their bodies produce ketones which helps them to feel energetic throughout the day without needing to snack excessively. Additionally, this type of diet is highly effective for weight loss due to its higher levels of satiety - meaning active agers are much less likely to cave into sugary cravings from processed foods. The founders behind this lifestyle continue to make waves in media advocating for its merits over traditional methods of obtaining one's daily nutrition.

Intermittent fasting is employed in conjunction with the ketogenic diet and has been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years, and for good reason - the health benefits can be immense. Studies have found it to be an effective way to lose weight while keeping active agers active, energetic, and healthy. In addition to aiding with weight loss, intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation, cholesterol levels, and hunger cravings, as well as improve brain function and longevity. It has also been found to improve energy levels and metabolic health. Despite these impressive anecdotal health benefits of intermittent fasting, we look forward to the increasing research being done to scientifically prove that the benefits are real. For anyone looking for an effective way to lead a healthier lifestyle, intermittent fasting might be worth considering - but make sure you speak with your doctor first about any potential risks!

As many of our clients know, LeAnna and I have experimented with probably every nutrition plan known to man in the 16 years our business has been open.  We truly understand that one size does not fit all, and LeAnna incorporates the knowledge she has attained over the years to help our nutrition clients find the best ways to achieve and maintain weight loss, along with optimizing energy levels for a healthy mind and body.  We are both now in our 4th year of maintaining a Ketogenic nutrition lifestyle, and we can testify that it has been very successful in our lives.  The two most impressive details of this plan have been a lack of cravings and increased energy all day long.  We have also been able to maintain our weight within a 5 lb range, and it is the first time we have been able to consistently do that. I can remember nodding off in the afternoon in front of my laptop every day after eating a carbohydrate heavy lunch.  Although I didn’t relish the thought of giving up bread and many complex carbohydrates, the proof was in the pudding after a few months of experimenting with intermittent fasting and eating a low carb diet!

Although I would like to say I never deviate from this lifestyle, I cannot lie to the people who read this blog!  There have been many occasions where I have succumbed to some of the foods that I enjoyed before going Keto, but I have quickly come back to Keto due to the return of cravings, and frankly not feeling well for days after indulging.  Although I am joyous in the small amount of time I am eating the high carb foods, I pay dearly for days with digestive issues, cravings, and low energy.  If you would like to try this nutrition plan, feel free to give us a call, and LeAnna will provide a free 15-minute consultation for anyone who would like to consider improving their health through nutrition modification!