The ketogenic diet, or keto as it’s affectionately known, has barreled into the spotlight in recent years as a low-carb, high-fat approach to shedding pounds. Initially developed as a therapeutic measure for children grappling with epilepsy, this dietary regimen asks participants to say a firm goodbye to a range of staples: goodbye fruits, grains, starchy vegetables, processed snacks, alcohol, and of course, sugar. Social media stars, professional athletes, and celebs have been singing its praises, but lurking beneath those glowing testimonials are significant risks that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Harvard Health warns that while the keto diet can be effective for weight loss, it may lead to uncomfortable—and potentially serious—side effects, including nutritional deficiencies, constipation, mood swings, and even brain fog. Clearly, the keto journey is not all sunshine and rainbows.
While some folks sing the diet’s praises, others find its rigid boundaries far too daunting. That’s what Eat This, Not That! discovered when we spoke with individuals who took the plunge into a 30-day keto adventure, only to decide it wasn’t quite their cup of tea. Here’s a closer look at their journeys.
FAMILY: 43 Healthy Keto Snack Recipes for Weight Loss.
Searching for Solutions in Shape
Meet Kevin Saghy, the mastermind behind Earned Impression, a consulting firm focused on marketing and communications. With age creeping up on him, he turned to the keto diet in hopes of maintaining his shape. “The science around keto intrigued me. I thought, why not give it a whirl?” he quips, revealing his desire to find sustainable fitness solutions.
A Health Journey
Fast-forward to 2020, and we meet Tess Hilmo, a retired advanced research educator turned nutrition advocate. After being diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), a complicated condition resembling an allergy extravaganza, she found hope in keto, spurred on by others in the immunocompromised community. “It can be really debilitating,” she shares, highlighting her struggles with multiple food sensitivities. “I gave the ketogenic diet a try, cycling through it in 30-day segments for about half a year.” But was it a fix for her challenges?
The Carbs Conundrum
As many can attest, any dietary shift presents its hurdles, but keto might just take the cake—or rather, the bread. For Saghy, ditching carbs felt like parting with an old friend. “I’ve always had a weakness for carb-laden delights. But as a runner, those very carbs are my lifeline. Trying to cut them out felt like a bad joke played on me,” he notes, lamenting the struggle to fuel his body adequately.
Too Many Restrictions
While dipping into keto, Hilmo couldn’t ignore her growing concern about food diversity. In consultation with her husband, who happens to be a neurotrauma physician, she began to ruminate over the science of gut health. “He kept emphasizing how crucial a diverse array of plant fibers is for optimal microbiome function,” she gestures, illustrating how her quest for health took a turn. “Keto was eliminating all those essential high-fiber foods. It felt counterintuitive.” In the end, her research made it clear: nutrition wasn’t just about pounds lost; it was about health gained.
Glimpses of Success but at What Cost?
After a month on the keto bandwagon, Saghy noticed some positive changes—his scale registered a decrease. But the victory came with strings attached. “Sure, the pounds dropped, but at what cost?” he wonders. “I loved morning Bulletproof coffee, but those migraines were a real buzzkill. And I struggled to find my stride on long runs without my trusty carbs.” Grumbling, he learned the hard way that sometimes the scale doesn’t tell the whole story.
The Misery of Side Effects
Ultimately, Saghy threw in the towel on keto, with the side effects grabbing his attention front and center. “Those migraines? Pure misery. The dietary changes were simply too extreme for my body to handle,” he admits. “Instead, I found that basic calorie tracking, exercise, and resistance training yielded similar results—minus the hassle.”
What’s the Verdict on Keto?
The ketogenic diet might be a magic bullet for some, yet it certainly isn’t a panacea for all. The tales of Saghy and Hilmo demonstrate that while keto can help, it can also wield a heavy hand of limitations and side effects—making it an unfit choice for many. Before embarking on such a scrumptious yet stringent journey, take stock of your health, lifestyle, and what you truly want out of a diet. Perhaps a consultation with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian could shed light on whether keto is your golden ticket—or if there are more balanced options out there. Remember, the best diet is one that nourishes your body and soul without compromise.
And hey, if this story piqued your interest, don’t miss our take on the 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet. You never know what tasty temptations might be lurking!
Report By Axadle
