Why Keto Isn't Working: A Closer Look at Diet, Lifestyle, and Personalization
Bad information isn’t your fault!
Picture this: you've been on the ketogenic diet for months, following all the "rules", reading every blog, and buying all the latest keto products. But the scale won't budge. You still feel tired all the time, and that promise of a "brain boost" seems to be just a far-off fantasy. Why is the keto diet failing you, even though it's working for so many others?
Well, I'm here to share some insights from my 20+ years of experience in health and wellness. I've seen countless women struggle with similar issues, and it often boils down to several key factors.
Keto is Not One-Size-Fits-All
You've probably heard all the success stories: people dropping weight, reversing insulin resistance, boosting their endurance, enhancing fertility... the list goes on. But here's the truth: the ketogenic diet isn't a magic bullet for everyone. Each person has unique health goals, and what works for one may not work for another.
Maybe you're on keto for weight loss, but your friend is on it to control her insulin levels. Your dietary needs will be different. For instance, if you're looking to reverse insulin resistance, you may need to be more stringent with your carb intake than someone who's on keto to drop a few pounds. Similarly, endurance athletes on keto will have different dietary needs to fuel their performance.
Gender Matters
Let's talk about women. Our bodies function differently from men's, and our dietary needs reflect this. Women might need more carbs than men and this is even more prevalent at different points in our cycle. Our bodies can be more sensitive to fasting, so those extended fasts might not work for every woman. Adjusting your carb intake and fasting schedule to your body's needs might just be the key to making keto work for you.
Beware of "Keto" Processed Foods
In an age where convenience is king, keto-approved processed foods are all the rage. But before you grab that keto-branded snack, take a moment to consider what you're putting into your body.
A study involving two sets of mice — one fed pellets and the other fed the same food but powdered — sheds light on this issue. All other things being the same, the mice eating powdered food gained more weight. Even though the diet was technically the same, the processing made a big difference. The same principle applies to our diets: whole, unprocessed foods are always a healthier choice than their processed counterparts.
The Fiber Fallacy
Some women rely heavily on fiber to "undo" the carbs they're eating, especially if they're dealing with insulin resistance. While fiber is often promoted as an important part of a balanced diet, it shouldn't be used as an excuse to indulge in extra carbs. Your body still has to process those carbs, and this could be hampering your progress.
Don't Fear Fat, Don't Cut Calories
Keto is a high-fat diet, but many people still harbor a fear of dietary fat. If you're not getting enough healthy fats in your diet, your body won't be able to stay in ketosis. Similarly, excessively cutting calories can slow your metabolism and hinder your weight loss efforts.
The Journey is Yours
After two decades of helping women navigate their health journeys, I've learned that personalization is key. A diet should not be a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for your friend, sister, or coworker may not work for you.
Feeling frustrated is natural. But remember, you're not alone. Your struggles are valid, and there's no need to feel ashamed. Change might not come overnight, but with the right guidance and adjustments, you can make the ketogenic diet work for you.
Through patience, compassion, understanding, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can find the right balance that fits your lifestyle and body. And remember, your worth is not defined by a number on a scale or the carbs you eat in a day. You're on a journey to better health, and every step you take, no matter how small, is a victory.
