Credits for This Photo: jessicapopp
I’ve been debating for months whether or not to post on what I think may be one of the most important diet changes anyone can make. The diet goes against everything I was taught in college and most everything you’ve heard from the medical profession but after reading more than 30 articles and a book by physician Timothy Noakes of South Africa I feel compelled to lay this diet out for you.
Some of you have already adopted this diet garnering awesome results. As a matter of fact my sister and brother-in-law adopted it right after Christmas and have lost 13 and 20 lbs. respectively and have gotten off all their diabetes medication except one. The diet stands current American dietary guidance on its head.
This is a low carbohydrate/high fat diet. A diet made up of 70% fats, 5-10% carbohydrates, and 20-25% protein. That’s right 70% fat! Many of you can literally feel your cholesterol going up as you read this and that’s okay. I want you to forget everything you currently know about diet because it’s wrong. Around 1977 the Department of Agriculture issued guidance that fat was bad and carbohydrates were best for preventing disease. Two to three years after that statement was issued heart disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia rates increased and have every decade since.
The ketogenic diet shifts the body from a carbohydrate (dirty fuel) burner to a ketone/fat (clean fuel) burner. If you’re over weight and/or have insulin resistance and are ready to make a serious change that will not only change the way you look but also change your health this diet is for you. Physician Tim Noakes is on a mission to change South Africa’s diet and health. Dr. Noakes lost his father to Type II Diabetes, but felt his own low fat diet and active lifestyle (running more than 70 marathons and being in excellent shape) would spare him from the disease. He was wrong and at age 61 was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. It was at this point that he decided everything he’d been taught was wrong.
Over the next few weeks if you choose I will help you change from a carbohydrate burner to an efficient fat burner. However, before beginning this life changing diet we need to prepare you for what’s coming.
Consult With Your Doctor If You Currently Have Health Issues, On Meds or Pregnant
If you are under the care of a physician, on medication or pregnant you need to consult with your doctor before starting the diet. If you are a Type I Diabetic, you will need to work closely with your physician as you make this change. For individuals with low insulin (Type I Diabetics) a fatal condition known as ketoacidosis can result when high levels of ketone bodies change pH in the body. With that said, under a physician’s care a ketogenic diet can be very beneficial even to a Type I Diabetic. For healthy individuals, the body will self-regulate pH and you have nothing to worry about.
Switch Fuel Systems
The ketogenic diet puts your body into ketosis. When in ketosis the body breaks down fatty acids to be utilized as energy. The by-product of this energy pathway is ketone bodies. Ketone bodies can be utilized by literally all tissues in the body. When in ketosis you are a fat burning machine, burning fat while you sleep, work and play. In addition, ketosis will fix insulin resistance and prevent it in the future. It’s a win/win against diabetes.
Mentally Prepare for the Low Carb Flu
You must be prepared for the first two weeks. While your body is going through the change from carbohydrate burner to a fat burner you will inevitably experience what is called the low carb flu. During this time, you will experience low energy, brain fog and flu like symptoms, however those who push through and endure will come out the other side feeling better than they have in years. Your concentration and ability to think clearly will increase exponentially due to the fact your brain thrives on keto energy.
Clean Out the Pantry
While initially the food you get to eat on this diet doesn’t look all that bad. After all who’s going to scoff at butter and bacon. However, after the first week or two simple carbs are going to be screaming your name. Brownies, cookies, and doughnuts will come into your dreams at night and the next thing you know you’re sitting on the floor in the cupboard at 1 A.M. with a bag of Oreo’s strapped on like a feedbag. Don’t give in! When you make the decision to do this get rid of all those things that can trip you up. I wish I could say it’s going to be easy but it won’t.
So, get ready to change your health. If you’re under the care of a physician or on medication make an appointment with your doctor, prepare yourself mentally for the low carb flu and clean out your pantry. I’m excited and I’m going to take this ride with you as well. Let’s do this.