Yes. I’m jumping in feet first following one of the most strict, restrictive diets out there, the ketogenic diet. What is it?
What is a Ketogenic Diet?
A ketogenic diet is a very low carb diet (20 grams net carbs a day), with similarities to Atkins or other low carb high fat (LCHF) diets. A keto diet does restrict proteins and depending on what school of thought you choose to follow and/or believe, uses fat as a lever. The end goal is to put your body 
into ketosis.
What is Ketosis?
Your body is fueled by the fat stored in your body instead of glucose as insulin levels become very low. Ketones are created in the liver by turning fat into fuel.
What is the benefit of a Ketogenic Diet?
In the research I have done before diving into this six week plan, I found numerous potential benefits. The primary one I am concerned about is weight loss. I don’t have a lot more weight to lose, but a solid 25 pounds can go away and I’d feel much better. Other benefits:
- Increased mental focus
- Reversal of Type 2 diabetes
- Increased physical endurance
- Lessening seizures in Epilepsy
What are my Goals?
Clearly if I have improved mental focus and/or physical endurance, those are added bonuses! The main purpose I am participating in a six week 
challenge is to cut my sugar cravings. Weight loss is a close second reason, but my sugar intake is out of control.
As in the past, I am way more successful if:
- It is a set time. This boot camp ends after 6 weeks.
- There is a group of people going through all of this together.
- I have paid good money to participate in such a challenge or event.
Through all of my success and failures, I have learned where I am most successful and this bootcamp meets those criteria.
What about All the Posts about Moderation is Key?
I still stand by that a healthy diet does not have restrictions. Dessert, carbs, alcohol can all be enjoyed in moderation.
Considering that I’m still new at this weight loss thing, my inner pendulum is still swinging like crazy. And, somehow, during the past several months, my cravings for sweets have become ridiculous. It is no help that I constantly give in. So, I need to get the pendulum swinging in the other direction. Six weeks should be enough time to get my nutrition back on target and I can incorporate healthy carbs back into my diet. In addition, I can allow myself a dessert here and there. For me, these very strict, short term plans are like a reset button. I’m aware that things are starting to spin out of control and I need a reset.
What Will the Next 6 Weeks Look Like?
I’m not sure how these weeks will go and how my body will react. I will post updates each Monday as Monday is the start of each week. Part of the boot camp process is to take pictures weekly, take measurements weekly, and weigh in daily. Yes, I had to find and dust off my scale as I don’t use it anymore.
In addition I will give feedback regarding things that are going well and where I’m struggling. I’ll discuss the food I’m eating. Since I’m having surgery in three weeks, I can only exercise for half of the boot camp. It’ll be interesting to see how the lack of exercise effects my progress.
Again, living a healthy lifestyle is highly individual and what works for me might not work for you. My goal is to be very transparent in my health journey. It’s definitely not rainbows and roses and even when I hit goals, the hard work, mentally and physically still continue.
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