RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH: Lose 40 Pounds Or More Using "Intermittent Keto Fasting!"

July 25, 2023 by Instagram Keto Coach Tim Ernst and Founder of KetoShed40

Ketosis.  Is it dangerous to your health? Can it harm your thyroid & slow your metabolism? Or is it a powerful way to burn fat. Find out the SHOCKING truth here!

Ketosis.  It only takes a quick Google search to see it. The hottest diet of the past few years is the Keto Diet. In fact, it was the #1 searched diet of 2016.

Why?

First, it can and does work quickly for weight loss.

Second, it’s extremely therapeutic and diabetic friendly.

Third, it allows you to over-eat many of your favorite ‘fatty’ foods that your doctor would normally tell you are ‘off limits, but in reality they can be extremely healthy once the body enters a true state of what’s known as ‘ketosis’.

Yummmmm…. I can smell the steak and bacon sizzling right now.

Ketosis is a hot, hot, hot, topic, which is why everyone from all walks of life is jumping on the bandwagon…

Endurance athletes… bodybuilders… seniors… diabetics… heck, even Navy Seals are touting the amazing benefits of the keto diet.

In today’s article you’ll discover why this hot trend is bound to stick around for years to come.

Charlie Abraham had no success controlling his seizures as a child.

No medicine nor brain surgery helped.

When he was 5 years old, his family put him on the ketogenic diet (developed by Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic in 1924), and within a month he was seizure-free. He remained seizure-free even as an adult.

As a result, his family started the Charlie Foundation1 in 1994.

The Foundation is a global leader that tries to help epileptic patients through ketogenic diets. (Incidentally, when better meds came out to control seizures, the ketogenic diet was eventually ignored).

This foundation is also an educational resource center for anyone searching for information about the ketogenic diet.

The state known as ketosis results from following a very low carb ketogenic diet (VLCKD), which allows the body to shift gears from burning glucose to burning ‘ketones’ as its primary fuel source.

Normally, your body needs glucose to function properly. It’s your body’s primary fuel.

Your brain and central nervous system (CNS) run on glucose.

But when you carb-down drastically your liver has to ramp up the process of producing ketone bodies from fats.

Eventually, your body becomes “keto-adapted.” This means that it is now getting its fuel from fat and instead of glucose.

This process can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks on average but can take a few months in certain individuals.

In other words, the goal of the ketogenic diet is to get you into a metabolic state known as ketosis.

Once you enter ketosis, your brain and body begin to use ‘ketone’ bodies for a primary fuel source—instead of glucose from carbs and proteins.

Ketones, which are produced in the liver from fat, replace glucose as your bodies daily fuel source.

Because you no longer access sugar to burn energy and your insulin levels have been stabilized… your body has no choice but to use fat.

We’ve been told all our lives that our brains need sugar to function, but in the absence of sugar your brain has the ability to adapt to burning ketones to keep it functioning.

Ketosis is how the body makes sure that the brain can run on fat stores too.

The trick here is not only to avoid all obvious sources of carbohydrate (sweets, bread, spaghetti, rice, potatoes), but also to be careful with your protein intake.

If you eat large amounts of meat, eggs and the like, the excess protein will be converted into glucose in the body.

Large amounts of protein can also raise your insulin levels. This compromises optimal ketosis.

The biggest difference between this and the Atkins Diet is the restriction of protein.

On the Atkins, you could eat all the protein you wanted but not on a ketogenic diet because proteins can also be turned into sugar (a process known as gluconeogenesis).

The ketogenic diet you end up eating 70%-80% friendly fats.

This is how your body can automatically shift into ketosis known as a very-low carbohydrate diet (VLCKD) or KETO for short.

Although there are a few modified versions of the keto diet floating around on the web these days, here is the macronutrient breakdown of the original version that has all the documented research:

1.  Very high in fat (~70 – 80% of calories or 160-165 grams of Fat)
2.  Very low in carbohydrate (~5% of calories or ≤ 30 grams per day)
3.  Adequate protein (~ 15 – 20% of calories or 80-100 grams of protein)

Benefit #1 – Reduction In Epilepsy Seizures

The ketogenic diet is a proven medical therapy for epilepsy that’s been used since the 1920s.

Traditionally it has mainly been used in children with uncontrolled epilepsy despite medication, but epileptic adults have also seen major improvements. Even to the point of removing all anti-epileptic medicines.

Benefit #2 – Obesity Prevention & Permanent Weight Loss

Ketosis is a state in which the body has an extremely high fat-burning rate. Even the brain runs on fat, via ketone bodies.

These are energy molecules in the blood (like blood sugar) which become fuel for our brains after being converted from fat by the liver.

Recent studies have shown that a low- carbohydrate, ketogenic diet can lead to weight loss and improvements in insulin resistance.

The amount of insulin in your bloodstream must be low. This encourages ketones to form. The lower your insulin, the higher your ketone production.

When you have a well-controlled, sufficiently large amount of ketones in your blood, it’s basically proof that your insulin is very low.

That’s what’s called optimal ketosis.

Benefit #3 -Reverses Type 2 Diabetes

Chronically elevated insulin levels is what leads to diabetes.

Eating a ketogenic diet is a great way to reverse diabetes because the low carb intake automatically stabilizes insulin levels.

In fact, studies have shown that ketogenic diets improve insulin sensitivity by 75%.

In one study 7 out of 21 participants were able to stop diabetes meds altogether. Impressive!

Benefit #4 -Increased Mental Focus

A common result of a poor diet is lack of mental clarity – also known as brain fog.

The inability to focus on a task or recall information is commonly a result of this.

Brain fog and a lack of focus, among other things, can be caused by having too much glutamate and very little GABA. What does this have to do with ketosis?

Research has shown that ketones have the ability to allow the extra glutamate to be processed into GABA efficiently.

This balance (increase in GABA production) helps to reduce the excess firing of neurons in the brain, leading to better mental focus.

An added benefit of more GABA production in the brain has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

Benefit #5 -Decreased Risk Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age.

It is associated with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance.

Because low carbohydrate diets have been shown to reduce insulin resistance, several studies have shown positive benefits of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) in overweight and obese women with PCOS.

Benefit #6 -Reduced Risk For Dementia & Alzheimer’s

Despite high glucose availability, people with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease have brains that simply can’t utilize enough of it to maintain adequate cognition.

Fortunately, ketones can act as an alternative energy source for these glucose-starved brains, which is why it’s no coincidence that ketogenic diets can improve symptoms and in some cases eliminate them altogether.

In people with “mild cognitive decline”, rather than full-blown Alzheimer’s, a ketogenic diet has been shown to improve memory.

Furthermore, if you’ve ever experienced ‘brain fog’ yourself, it could be from elevated ammonia levels and depressed GABA levels within your brain.

Ketosis increases brain glutamine synthetase, and brain glutamine synthetase mops up extra ammonia.

No more forgetting where the keys are or where you put your smartphone!

Benefit #7 -Normalizes Blood Pressure

Because the keto diet eliminates nearly 100% of fructose it can indirectly normalize blood pressure and potentially prevent blood pressure from rising to dangerous levels.

Here’s why: 100% of fructose consumed is metabolized in the liver.

The byproduct of fructose metabolism is higher insulin levels and more uric acid. Uric acid prohibits the production of nitric oxide, which increases levels of glucose, constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressure.

Simply put, a diet that is low in fructose intake, like a keto diet, can help ward off this ‘silent killer’, which is nothing to mess around with.

Benefit #8 -Healthier Cholesterol Levels

One of the biggest benefits of using a ketogenic diet is the improvement in HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Twelve studies including 1,257 patients examined the impact of a VLCKD (very low carb ketogenic diet) on HDL (the good kind) cholesterol.

The individuals assigned to a VLCKD achieved an average increase in HDL good cholesterol that was double that of the low-fat dieters.

The authors concluded that carbohydrate-restricted diets increase cardiovascular health because they improve HDL levels inside the body.

Bottom Line: A low-carb diet (typically under 50 grams daily) is an effective method in raising HDL cholesterol when compared to traditional weight-loss diets that emphasize reducing fat intake.

Benefit #9 -Reduction Of Acne

A very low carb ketogenic diet is one of the most effective ways to help reduce acne because it controls insulin.

Insulin can increase instances of acne because it stimulates the growth of skin cells and can block pores through several different pathways.

Benefit #10 -Eliminates Sugar Cravings

Most people who begin using a ketogenic diet struggle for the first few days.

This results from breaking their dependence on being addicted to burning sugars.

After a few days of eliminating carbs and other sugars from their diet the cravings will subside as the body makes the ‘shift’ into ketosis and starts burning ketones as a primary fuel source.

It’s not easy for anybody who loves their sweet treats, but if you can make it through the first 3 to 5 days you’ll be able to kick that sugar addiction to the curb!

Benefit #11 -Reduced Risk Of Cancer

One of the biggest benefits seen in this type of diet is the reduction in tumor cells.

Since sugar feeds cancer, not eating high carbs can starve out the cancerous cells.

Cancer cells love sugar! Refined carbohydrates like white sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and soft drinks are extremely dangerous for anyone trying to prevent or reverse cancer.

Sugar essentially feeds tumors and encourages cancer growth.

Benefit #12 -Reduced Symptoms Of ADHD

Observational studies support the idea that processed carbohydrates may be at the root of the ADHD12b problem.

In a large, well-designed study published in 2011, it was clearly shown that a diet change (including less sugar and processed food) reduced symptoms in most kids with ADHD.

Between Nov 4, 2008, and Sept 29, 2009 100 children were enrolled and randomly assigned to the control group or the low carb diet group.

When the children were reintroduced to a higher carb intake the relapse of ADHD symptoms occurred in 19 of 30 (63%) children.

Another possible explanation for why ADHD is controlled in lower carb diets is that large amounts of processed carbs may induce large swings in blood sugar.

As the blood sugar goes down rapidly again (an hour or two after a meal) the body may have to release stress hormones like adrenaline to avoid low sugar.

This may accentuate symptoms associated with ADHD. Avoiding processed carbs may stabilize blood sugars and thus avoid this problem.

People often confuse ketosis with ketoacidosis.

The former is natural, while the latter only occurs in uncontrolled diabetes. Ketoacidosis mostly affects people with Type 1 diabetes.

In fact, it is the leading cause of death of people with diabetes who are under 24 years of age.

Ketoacidosis is dangerous, but ketosis on a ketogenic diet is perfectly normal and healthy.

NOTE: If you have type 1 diabetes, you should not attempt to use a keto diet without talking with your doctor first.

By now you know that the primary trick to getting into ketosis is to avoid almost ALL obvious sources of starchy or sugary carbohydrates (sweets, bread, spaghetti, rice, potatoes).

However, if you eat too much protein (meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, seafood, etc.) the excess protein will be converted into glucose in the body—a process known as gluconeogenesis.

In other words, consumption of too much protein on a ketogenic diet can also raise your insulin levels, which can kick you out of ketosis.

Outside of monitoring macronutrients by increasing friendly fat intake, while reducing protein and carbs, there a few other proven methods that can help you get into ‘ketosis’ faster…

1. Fasting: A fast quickly induces ketosis.

You’re not eating anything, so your only option is to consume your own body fat.

And to offset the lack of incoming glucose, your brain will run partially on ketones.

It helps to be a strong fat-burner already, as you’ll start dipping into your body fat stores right away and everything will go more smoothly.

Anyone who’s fasted without being fat-adapted can attest—it’s not easy, but once you’re there it’s very easy to use some type of intermittent fasting without getting hungry.

2. Don’t eat too late: Even just a “fast” from dinner to breakfast is enough time to induce a bit of ketosis.

By eating earlier and avoiding midnight snacks, you allow your body to start burning fat and converting it into ketones.

You’ll know it when you have funky ketone breath in the morning; it’s a sign of a good metabolism.

3. Consume medium chain triglycerides: Adding MCTs, found in coconut oil or isolated MCT oils, to a regular diet spurs the creation of ketones.

You don’t even have to reduce carbs dramatically, but don’t try a high-carb, high-MCT oil diet either.

4. Primal Endurance training: Low-level aerobic activity is awesome for starting ketosis.

180 minus your age equals the heart rate you need to stay at or under to maximize fat burning efficiency, lay your aerobic base, and upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis.

Do this on an empty stomach and you’ll kick start ketosis.

What To Avoid:

What To Eat:

Fatty meat or fish.
Cheese.
A handful of nuts or seeds.
Cheese with olives.
1–2 hard-boiled eggs.
90% dark chocolate.
A low-carb milk shake with almond milk, cocoa powder and nut butter.
Full-fat yogurt mixed with nut butter and cocoa powder.
Strawberries and cream.
Celery with salsa and guacamole.
Smaller portions of leftover meals.
Beef Jerky
Pepperoni slices
Cold cuts with cheese
Quest bars
Hard boiled eggs
Almonds
Peanuts
Celery with peanut butter or cream cheese
Tuna salad wrap
Avocado
Bacon

Pros:

1.  Can lead to a greatly reduced appetite

2.  Allows you to eat plenty of fat rich foods, which you may enjoy

3.  Normally leads to a loss in body weight

4.  May help improve cholesterol and heart health problems

5.  Can lead to a reduction in blood pressure

6.  Stabilizes insulin and blood glucose levels

Cons:

1.  May cause low energy levels but will improve over time.

2.  Requires a two week adaptation period in which the ‘keto flu’ may be experienced (extreme tiredness, brain fog, and not feeling so well overall).

3.  May lead to constipation.

4.  Can be easy to overeat in calories if you are not careful.

5.  Is not ideal for athletes as intense exercise is limited

6.  Is rather challenging to follow as you will never just be able to ‘eat’ – you’ll always need to plan out the macros of your meals.

Now you’re ready to join the legions who’ve gone keto.

You’ve got all the information and resources you need to get started with the keto diet, including the top foods to make sure you’re successful.

Remember, the keto diet is a high-fat, very-low carbohydrate diet. When in doubt, eat more fat!

We’d love to hear more about your experiences with the keto diet, and if you have any questions, please comment below.

One last thing…the keto diet can be a very, very powerful tool that can help people live longer, healthier lives.

We highly encourage you to share this valuable information with the people who matter most to you. It can be a game-changer!

Comments

Most people know me as the pioneer of Intermittent Keto Fasting™… For the past few years I've helped 100's of struggling men and women curb cravings, increase energy & lose fat to look and feel more confident in their own body.

However I wasn’t always a “fat loss expert." In fact...

In 2018 I was tipping the scale at a humiliating 243 lbs. Dragging my feet around the house with no energy for my wife and 3 kids because of my addiction to unhealthy food.

I tried tons of different diets to get back in shape...Low fat, high protein, smoothie detoxes, eating 4-6 small meals a day. And nothing worked.

Plus, I struggled to find a sustainable routine to fit my lifestyle as a busy parent and entrepreneur...

That’s when I created a unique eating strategy called: Intermittent Keto Fasting found in my KetoShed40 program

In just 7 short months, I lost 70 pounds, increased energy levels and my willpower came roaring back because my cravings for unhealthy foods completely vanished.

Today, I've coached other men and women who struggled with their weight by using my 4 Intermittent Keto Fasting phases found in my KetoShed40 program designed to increase energy, curb cravings, get healthy and lose weight.

Revealed: This 5 day meal plan has been used by 1000's of overweight men & women to easily lose between 7-11 pounds WITHOUT tracking calories, macros or even exercise!

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