*Disclaimer: results may vary.

Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz surrounding the Ketogenic diet and it’s piqued your interest.

If so, you are not alone!

Over the last year this approach to nutrition has gained a significant amount of momentum among those in the health and wellness industry. While many have strong opinions on the matter, my goal here is to provide you with an honest opinion of the ketogenic diet, while highlighting both the pros and cons of this lifestyle.

As someone committed to helping my clients live the healthiest, happiest version of their lives, I do my best to stay up to date on all of the cutting-edge strategies and research coming out of the industry. I have taken all of that into account as I have formulated my opinion on the subject, and want to give you a super simple overview of the good and the bad when it comes to keto living.  

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

A ketogenic diet is a low-carb/high-fat/moderate-protein diet. The idea behind a ketogenic diet is to put your body into a state of ketosis.

Ketosis is the process by which your body survives when your food intake is not sufficient for your body’s energy needs. While in ketosis, our bodies produce ketones and uses them for fuel. This occurs when fats are broken down in the liver. Ideally, when in ketosis, your body would use fat as its main energy source since carbs are unavailable. Typically, those following a ketogenic lifestyle will consume fewer than 30 grams of net carbs every day. They eat a moderate amount of protein, and a high percentage of healthy fats, providing their bodies with a sufficient amount of fat to burn, and helping to improve metabolism and fat burning in the body.

When done poorly…

Unfortunately, with all the talk of a ketogenic lifestyle, many have attempted to make this work on their own. What often happens when people try this without guidance is they either hit a weight loss plateau or they end up gaining weight. In addition, it is entirely possible to mess with your hormones because you are depriving your thyroid of its preferred fuel source. Ketogenic living can leave you feeling incredibly depleted, if not done properly. Plus, you are significantly limiting your carbs, so if you love all things carby and delicious, then you will often feel deprived, which significantly decreases the sustainability of this lifestyle.

When done well…

While keto living can be disastrous when done poorly, it can also have significant benefits when done properly. Keto living done right can help you shed a significant amount of unwanted fat, and leave you feeling energized, focused, and able to think clearly. In addition, a ketogenic diet can contribute to the prevention of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's, and can improve the symptoms of PCOS. If you love healthy fats, then this is your dream lifestyle, as its foundation is healthy fat.

Here’s the real deal…

I can see obvious health benefits in the keto research that’s been conducted thus far, but I think people need to enter into this type of lifestyle with lots of guidance.

There can be huge benefits for those people who love healthy fats, but think this would be absolutely miserable for donut girls who love their carbs!

I actually tried the keto diet for two weeks under the guidance of an experienced mentor, and after that I can say carb cycling is truly the best way to harness the fat-burning benefits of a low-carb lifestyle while safe-guarding optimal hormone levels. Most people simply do not want to live a lifestyle of deprivation, and the truth is, most people would feel deprived living without carbs.

My one tip…

The one thing I do highly recommend in terms of implementing a ketogenic diet is that you consult someone who really knows what they are doing so you don’t jack up your hormones and put on extra weight. I entrusted the amazing Kate Jaramillo with my 2 week keto experience, and I loved learning from her. If you are interested in hearing more about Kate’s journey and advice for keto living, check out this podcast interview we did together.

If you are interested in the FASTer Way membership (and have already gone through a round of the FASTer Way To Fat Loss), head on over here to sign up.

If you have not gone through the FASTer Way to Fat Loss* and are interested in burning fat, building lean muscle, and getting in the very best shape of your life—while eating your favorite treats—then sign up for the next round!. We’re starting soon, so don’t wait!

*The FASTer Way To Fat Loss is not a keto-based program. We implement intermittent fasting, carb cycling, and effective workouts to turn our bodies into pro fat burners.