Finding balance has always been a challenge for me, leading me to adopt an all-or-nothing approach to dieting. I discovered that having boundaries in place works well for me, making the keto diet a perfect fit at the time. Around 11 years ago, my journey towards healthy eating began with going gluten-free and low-carb to combat fatigue caused by refined carbs. This eventually led me to embrace the ketogenic diet.
As a perpetual learner, I delved into researching the science behind keto before fully committing. While the ketogenic diet is commonly recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes and epilepsy for its ability to manage blood sugar and reduce seizure rates, I was intrigued by the possibility of weight loss through keto, despite not having either condition.
Food has always held a significant place in my life, with baking traditions running deep in my family. Transitioning to a keto lifestyle in 2017 meant honing my skills in the kitchen. I familiarized myself with incorporating quality fats and using sugar substitutes, fully immersing myself in this new cooking style.
Initially, I experienced the touted benefits of the keto diet, such as weight loss, mental clarity, and increased energy levels. However, maintaining ketosis proved challenging, especially when dining out and tracking net carbs. My dedication to keto even extended to my career, as I joined a keto-focused company, where I developed recipes and managed cookbooks.
Over time, I found that keto was no longer yielding the same positive results. I began experiencing weight gain, low moods, chronic stress, and insomnia. Seeking help from my primary care provider, blood work revealed concerning levels of LDL cholesterol and thyroid hormones. Despite medication and supplements, my health did not improve significantly.
As I navigated this health journey, it became evident that my body was no longer responding well to the keto diet, prompting me to reevaluate my approach to achieve optimal well-being.
Sterols weren’t impacting my endocrine system as needed, despite supplements addressing deficiencies. Yet, chronic stress and sleeplessness persisted, prompting thoughts of weaning off keto. Fearful of the potential mental and physical toll, it was time for a change. Seeking guidance, I consulted an endocrinologist in the fall of 2022. Advised to halt synthetic hormones and non-essential supplements, the decision to depart from keto emerged. With a plan unfolding, the reintroduction of complex carbs and fruits marked a new dietary chapter.
Cutting ties with keto-centric online communities, the journey to reclaim a healthy relationship with food began. As 2023 commenced, a shift to a vegan diet for two weeks heralded a rediscovery of wholesome foods once shunned. Embracing a well-rounded eating plan emphasizing lean protein, balanced fats, gut health, and plant-based fare, joy returned to the dining table. Eschewing sugar substitutes in favor of natural alternatives like dates and date sugar, the departure from erythritol ensued after considering cardiovascular risks. Black coffee replaced fat-laden versions, while indulging in bacon became a rare treat rather than a staple.
Reflecting on the keto era reveals a regret: recognizing its adverse effects on health only after suffering consequences. Acknowledging the diet’s role in triggering disordered eating patterns underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance before embarking on similar paths. Two years post-keto, forgiveness and self-care have paved the way for mindfulness, gratitude, and reconciliation with food-related guilt. Embracing a balanced exercise routine, a newfound sense of liberation emerges from shedding the constraints of an unsuitable lifestyle.
In retrospect, the journey away from keto signifies a pivotal turning point towards holistic well-being. By prioritizing health over stringent dietary rules, a profound shift towards self-compassion and nourishment unfolded. The acknowledgment of past struggles serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of self-awareness and informed decision-making. As the narrative continues to evolve, the liberation of letting go resonates as a testament to resilience and growth amid dietary challenges.
