Starting my Keto Journey

When I first started reading about the Ketogenic diet I was SO skeptical.  After all, this is completely different than what we are taught by most mainstream doctors, dietitians and nutrionionists.

RESEARCH is key here.  The Ketogenic Diet is not a "fad diet."  I'm sure I've said this before but the Ketogenic Diet was developed in the 1920s.  The science behind this way of eating is sound and continues to prove a viable option for people looking to improve their health.

Me and the fake cow having a little fun volunteering at harvest day for a local school

The benefit for me was that I tried a similar program back in 2009 and I successfully lost 50 pounds.  I managed to keep most of the fat off and build muscle.  I went back to eating garbage food here and there so I started to yo-yo a few years ago.  What really sent me over the top was when my husband had emergency surgery in December of 2016.  He had to have his gallbladder removed after having trouble with stones for almost 20 years.  The doctor recommended "diet" was low-fat or no-fat foods.

Have you ever read the labels on low-fat foods?  It's usually FULL of sugar!  Between December 2016 and April 2017 I gained almost 20 pounds by eating low-fat foods.

THAT is an eye opener!  My pants no longer fit.  My t-shirts were snug and showed bulges here and there.

Weight aside, I have had migraines off and on for 25 years (I'm only 34).  My chiropractor is awesome and keeps them down to a minimum as long as I do my homework and get adjusted once a month (more if necessary).  I used to get migraines weekly but now it's only 4 or 5 times a year.  I also get regular headaches frequently.  By frequently I mean almost daily.  I have seen a doctor, had MRIs and CAT scans and there is nothing wrong with my brain.  The headaches stem from trauma to my cervical spine.

So why did I start eating Keto?  If this way of eating was developed for patients with Epilepsy and it helps diabetics, surely it might make a difference for me.  I started reading the neurological side effects of the Ketogenic diet.  If this way of eating can reduce inflammation, possible calm down my headaches and battle the bulge, I'M IN!

Below you will find some of the studies that I found

Ketogenic Diet and the Brain

Ketogenic Diet prevents Seizures by enhancing Brain Activity Production, Increasing Neuron Stability

Dr. David Ludwig clears up Carbohydrate Confusion

A Diet to Protect the Brain

Your Brain on Ketones

KETOGENIC DIETS AND PAIN 


Well, that's all for now.  Before I get into what I'm eating and how I am progressing, I wanted to share a bit more about what Keto IS and what it is NOT.  After sharing a few posts on my personal facebook page, it is CLEAR that there is so much misinformation out there.  I've been cooking and prepping meals so I'll have a bunch of Keto-Friendly recipes to share. 

DISCLAIMER:

I am not a doctor or healthcare provider and I am not offering medical advice.  If you have health-related concerns, please seek medical attention.