The Journey (from sickness and obesity…)

How simple beginnings turned into an adventure, a learning experience, and desired outcomes.

When I went to my Gastroenterologist in 2017 for what is now the latest battery of tests, the results were as inconclusive as they were when my stomach pain began. However, the doctor came to the conclusion that it was time I take the idea of restricting my diet seriously.

He recommended I see a nutritionist and handed me a script with the words “FODMAP” written. This was the diet discussed often by such figures as Heather Von Vorous as being one of the most effective for IBS/IBD.

While on the FODMAP diet, I noticed a pattern: Gluten, Dairy, Cruciferous Vegitables, and even some High Carb meals were discouraged as triggers. Soluble fiber was emphasized over Insoluble Fiber and healthy Proteins/Fats exalted as an important variable. This is where the fundamentals aligned and lightening struck: The FODMAP Diet was a tweak away from being Keto Compliant.

What is Keto?

The Ketogenic Diet or Keto is a diet which harnesses the body’s natural fat burning processes to release Ketones as an alternative source of fuel. In a Ketogenic state, the body is not getting its fuel from outside sources like carbohydrates but instead is burning ketones, fat, and if done correctly, enters the stages of Autophagy.

What are the benefits?

• Increased Energy and Improved Cognitive Function.
• Aggressive Weight Loss.
• Improved Immune System.
• Feeling like you’ve hacked your body for weight loss when you need it.
• Being a part of the Community.

Keto wasn’t the only thing on my mind. At that point, I had been experimenting with Intermittent Fasting.

Before even beginning Keto, I had primed myself with a rudimentary Intermittent Fasting routine.

I found from the beginning that even with a terrible diet, weight could be regulated with fasting and with an excellent diet, weight could drop aggressively in people with water retention and insulin resistance.

Fasting has different benefits in different durations and in longer blocks, fasting can induce autophagy.

All in all, this combination has changed my life; not only with their results but with being one of the easiest diets I’ve ever had to follow.

The one big caveat is that a serious change in perspective is required and for me it was well overdue.

–M