Those who have been in our practice for long enough know that we love testing and trying new health concepts. Last month’s experiment has been the Ketogenic diet . The Keto diet (as it’s often called) is the most talked about diet plan in many health circles of recent time.

Now before you roll your eyes thinking “here we go, yet another fad diet,” I encourage you to be open-minded. Those that struggle with their weight or even those who just want to improve their health a little may find something in this.

So what is the Ketogenic diet? The Ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet, designed to induce the body into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a natural state that occurs when the body is low on glucose and requires the breakdown of fats in the liver, thus producing ketones. Ketones are essentially a source of energy so you can still survive when food sources are low.

Ketosis can be induced through fasting, or by consuming very little carbohydrates, requiring the body to use fats as its primary fuel source. You essentially do this by breaking your food macros into 70% fat, 25% protein and 5% carbs. That’s a lot of fat by the way!

I’m sure many of you will read this and think it sounds like a sure fire way to get really fat. Well there is considerable evidence that shows the complete opposite. Weight loss however is just the tip of the ice berg. There is some impressive evidence on the treatment of cancer, diabetes, inflammatory disorders and neurological function to name just a few.

What really interested me were the reports on improvements in energy and cognitive function and the idea that you could train your body to start using fats as it energy source as opposed to sugar. I had found myself increasingly addicted to carbs and sugar. This was resulting in up’s and down’s in weight but more notably was varied energy levels. I was finding myself often very tired and unfocused.

Through all of February I followed this diet to letter. These were the results;

• The initial two days were a struggle. I felt more tired and foggy in the mind. Even a little irritated. This is what is referred to as the Keto flu. Your body is using up all its glucose stores and as they dip your energy gets very low.

• By the third day I started to feel much better. Energy lifted and mood improved.

• Within a week there was an improvement in my energy levels but probably more notable was the consistency of my energy. No dips and drops. Just even all the time.

• I was very rarely really hungry. As I was not restricting calories (just carbs) I found myself content and full most of the time. In fact I was eating less calories than usual.

• My mood levels were more consistent.

• My brain fog resolved and has since stayed that way.Bulletproof Coffee

• I lost approx 4kg.

• I had a significant improvement in my flexibility. Getting into deep squats was much easier.

• Better recovery from CrossFit training.

• My endurance and strength at CrossFit subtly improved.

• My explosive power at CrossFit subtly decreased.

Whilst I am now convinced that this is a healthier way to eat it does come with some problems. By far the most annoying is how restricting it is. I essentially had a no sugar, no carb and no alcohol month. That has an impact on your social life I can tell you! Thus incorporating it into normal life is my next challenge.

If this has inspired you to look further into the Ketogenic diet I highly recommend it. There are several websites and books that will give you all the info you need. I found www.ruledme.com was a good start point for those that want to start ASAP.

If you feel it’s interesting but all a bit much I encourage you to make one change, bulletproof coffee. Bulletproof coffee is essentially grass fed butter, coconut oil and black coffee blended together (it’s actually a brand of coffee designed to be made this way). Having this each morning has helped considerably as it gives you energy that lasts all day. Try it and see.

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Schedule your first appointment with our expert ABC™ Chiropractors and get back to doing what you love