Transitioning from the Marines in 2015, I embarked on a journey to personally explore the realms of training and nutrition beyond what the textbooks taught me. My curiosity led me to try the ketogenic diet - albeit a slightly modified version to cater to my unique dietary and lifestyle needs. Here's what I discovered from my mini “experiment” and how it might help others considering the keto path.
The Keto Attempt: Customized for an Athlete
Understanding the importance of maintaining cognitive function and supporting my club hockey activities during undergrad, I settled on a daily intake of at least 120 grams of carbohydrates. This was more than what a strict keto diet prescribes, aiming to find a balance that would allow me to lose fat while still staying sharp and energetic. Like many others drawn to the keto diet, I was curious to see if it would help in shedding some unwanted pounds.
The Results: Not What I Expected
Indeed, the diet helped me get leaner. However, the benefits seemed to stop there. My journey on keto was marked by a series of unwelcome side effects:
- **Headaches and Brain Fog**: Concentrating became a Herculean task, and frequent headaches became a new norm.
- **Decreased Strength**: My performance at the gym took a significant hit. My squat strength plummeted from 365 pounds for 6-8 reps down to about 225 pounds on my best days.
- **Increased Sensitivity to Cold**: The leaner I got, the colder I felt – a sweatshirt became my constant companion.
In a 2022 study by Li, Y., the discussion highlighted that bodybuilders could maintain muscle mass and burn fat on a ketogenic diet. However, combining heavy cardio from hockey and daily exercises possibly pushed my body into a state of preserving my nervous system over anything else.
Health Considerations and Risks
The same study by Li, Y. (2022) also brought to light potential short-term risks associated with the ketogenic diet, such as increased creatinine levels in the kidneys, albeit still within the normal range. Moreover, the benefits for epilepsy patients on a ketogenic diet were highlighted, showcasing its potential for long-term health improvements under specific conditions.
Personal Experience vs. Universal Solution
After about 5-6 months on the diet, despite achieving a lean physique, the overall experience was far from positive in terms of mental and physical wellbeing. It became clear that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another, especially considering individual lifestyles and physical activities.
**My journey with the ketogenic diet taught me invaluable lessons about nutrition and listening to my body.** While it did not align with my lifestyle or physical demands, it may very well be the key for someone else searching for a sustainable and healthy way to manage their weight and health.
Remember, nutrition is deeply personal, and embarking on any dietary change should be done considering one's health and lifestyle, preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
What diet have you tried in the past that has or has not worked out?
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