Let's Veto Keto

     Many people are fans of the ketogenic, or "keto," diet which is characterized by consuming a low amount of carbohydrates and a high amount of fat. I'm calling out keto because it is a popular, current, and trendy diet, but honestly, any "diet," any weight loss program that promotes losing weight in an unhealthy manner by eliminating a food group, is at fault here. I want to help examine these fads and so that you can learn how to read closely for yourself to avoid potential harm.

     The keto diet is backed in the idea that consuming a small amount of carbohydrates will increase or promote weight loss. The phrase "low carbohydrates" can vary in amount depending on the individual, but typically, less than 50 grams per day is what those who subscribe to the keto diet aim for. In more extreme cases, 20-30 grams, or even eliminating carbohydrates altogether, is the goal.

     But what is a carb? A carbohydrate is one of three energy sources for the body to use which will be converted to fuel. This is called a macronutrient (the other two macronutrients are proteins and fats). By definition, macronutrients are REQUIRED for the human body. Carbohydrates are broken down into smaller particles called "glucose" which feed the cells of the body by providing nutrients. Energy from carbohydrates provide fuel for muscles (both voluntary and involuntary) and the brain. You can find in my thesis that glucose is necessary for optimal brain functioning, higher cognitive thinking, creating associations, and other high level operations. 

     So if carbohydrates are a necessary and required nutrient in the human body, can you see why eliminating them could be harmful? People even note that when beginning to go keto, they experience a "keto fog," which is characterized by fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration, among other things. Long term effects of this particular diet have not been studied, but I would imagine that this creates lasting damage if continued chronically or long-term.

     Carbohydrates are essential to the body. They provide numerous nutrients (vitamins and minerals) that have a variety of critical functions, such as cellular replication, defense, and protecting the body against invading pathogens. What is even more crazy to me about the keto diet is that carbohydrates are found NATURALLY in many foods. These include vegetables, fruit, dairy products, grains, and legumes. Serious keto dieters would argue against consuming fruits, as well as possibly dairy and vegetables. This elimination and extreme reduction in dietary carbohydrates leaves the body depleted of adequate nutrients.

     But enough keto-shaming, in all reality, no diet will last. In order to create a meaningful, healthy change, habits should and need to be self-motivated, not involve total food group or macronutrient elimination, should be consulted with a doctor or registered dietitian, enjoyable, and never taken to the extreme. Obviously, those of us with eating disorders should not subscribe to a specific diet unless our RD has us on a food plan. We tend to take many things to the extreme, which is incredibly dangerous, and dieting can lead to relapses in recovery. However, the keto diet, just like all before it, will fail and leave those who attempt it feeling ill, frustrated, and confused on why it didn't work. When a diet fails (note, not the person), that individual is likely to regain the weight and subsequently try another diet, thus enhancing the cyclical effects of dieting.

     Diets are a slippery slope. Lifestyle habits and changes that result in a positive and healthy being are what people should strive for. The longing for thinness never creates a person that is happy solely because of their physique. As I am realizing in recovery, it is easy to point out how extreme someone else is taking their health, but difficult to recognize in ourselves. Personally, I believe that if we all practiced acceptance of where we are at, a desire for healthy growth, do not subscribe to a diet, and reached out for assistance from others, I think we would be in a much healthier place, and not just physically. 

I started this blog as a memoir to share some of my life stories with you. My goal is that these encourage and educate you on how to live a more joyful, healthier, full life; one of hope.

I write about my fascination with whole foods, my love of Jesus, my struggles, my childhood stories, my passion for education, and my devotion to creating a healthy life (body, mind, and spirit) for every person in the world.