#myketostory: Anonymous

13173061_671507926351985_6997388071397557467_oSomeone who wanted to remain anonymous shared their story on our Facebook page. This is what a fighter looks like:

I developed anorexia nervosa as a teenager, around about 15 years of age. I was never hospitalized, but I probably should have been — I don’t know exactly what my lowest weight was, but it was around 100 pounds (I’m 5’10”).

Over the years, I’ve gone back and forth with various relapses.

Read the rest here: https://www.facebook.com/ketolounge/photos/a.665535346949243.1073741828.665175810318530/671507926351985/ 

#myketostory: Judi

Within the past year, Judi has made a major transformation using a ketogenic diet. Her story is on our Facebook page. Come show her some love!

13118992_10103041397651678_554225607550468449_nIt’s been year since I began my LCHF/keto lifestyle. One year ago I weighed 303 pounds. I felt awful and I had diseases that would only get worse if I did not change my life. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea were slowly taking my life away. I decided on May1, 2016 that I was going to fight. I would fight for my life. I would fight to keep my toes and feet. I would fight to keep my eyesight. I want to live as long as I can without pain. I want to see my grandchildren grow up. I was taking insulin every day in addition to oral medications for diabetes. I had terrible cholesterol labs. I was taking two different kinds of blood pressure medications. My face was attached to a CPAP machine every night. It felt like I was anchored to the nightstand. Things were getting worse month by month. That was it! I couldn’t go on without doing something.

Read the rest here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10103041397651678

#myketostory: Jess

Jess has bravely shared her journey with keto on our Facebook page. If you have a story to share as well, please come and post!

13124437_10208763810074392_5481167620627922756_nHi I’m Jess. 18 months ago I was over 230lbs, obese, depressed, withdrawn….working as a Personal Trainer and in gym management. Too tired to train, spin or be with others. Too tired to mow the grass, and participate in fun things. My body hurt all the time. I ate and drank and living in a small little world.

I knew I was in trouble and too scared to reach out for a doctor’s advice. I didn’t want to hear the words Pre-diabetic or worse, Diabetic. I didn’t have symptoms. I just was like held-captive.

My cousin and I decided we’d go Low carb together. 

Read the rest here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208763810074392

Deadly sugar discovered to alter hundreds of genes in your brain

Brad Hoppmann, a previous Vice President at TheStreet.com has published an article on recent studies conducted at UCLA on the effects of sugar on the brain and genes. If you have excess fructose in your diet it’s bad news.

By Brad Hoppmann

We’ve talked before about the dangers of consuming too much sugar. That’s because the average American is consuming upward of 300% above the daily recommended intake.

Fructose is a big part of this huge problem.

Last time we touched base on this topic, we dove into the inner workings of how fructose wreaks havoc on your body. Fructose can cause heart disease, liver disease, strokes, diabetes, arthritis and a whole bevy of potential health problems.

Today, the evidence against fructose grows even larger.

A new study from life scientists at University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) has found that hundreds of genes in the brain are damaged by fructose consumption.

Diseases linked to these changes range from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to Alzheimer’s disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.uncommonwisdomdaily.com/deadly-sugar-discovered-to-alter-hundreds-of-genes-in-your-brain-22626

Why you shouldn’t exercise to lose weight, explained with 60+ studies

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Vox has published an important article that breaks down the science of the correlation between weight loss and calories burned during exercise. The results might not be what you expected.

Welcome to Show Me the Evidence, where we go beyond the frenzy of daily headlines to take a deeper look at the state of science around the most pressing health questions of the day.

“I’m going to make you work hard,” a blonde and perfectly muscled fitness instructor screamed at me in a recent spinning class, “so you can have that second drink at happy hour!”

At the end of the 45-minute workout, my body was dripping with sweat. I felt like I had worked really, really hard. And according to my bike, I had burned more than 700 calories. Surely I had earned an extra margarita.

The spinning instructor was echoing a message we’ve been getting for years: As long as you get on that bike or treadmill, you can keep indulging — and still lose weight. It’s been reinforced by fitness gurus, celebrities, food and beverage companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, and even public-health officials, doctors, and the first lady of the United States. Countless gym memberships, fitness tracking devices, sports drinks, and workout videos have been sold on this promise.

There’s just one problem: This message is not only wrong, it’s leading us astray in our fight against obesity.

To find out why, I read through more than 60 studies on exercise and weight loss. I also spoke to nine leading exercise, nutrition, and obesity researchers. Here’s what I learned.

Read the whole article here: http://www.vox.com/2016/4/28/11518804/weight-loss-exercise-myth-burn-calories

15 Cool Keto Recipes You’re Gonna Want To Try

I’ve pulled a list together of the most fun, unique, easy or just downright delicious recipes I’ve found that are worth your while. C’mon don’t be lazy. It’ll be worth it. Promise. Unless you don’t like delicious food and you suck. Then I can’t help you much. These are all Keto/Ketogenic, LCHF, low carb friendly.

1. Avocado Fries with Sriracha Mayo

Who does not want to eat these? Please introduce me to them. I’ll wait.

Recipe here: http://www.tasteaholics.com/recipes/low-carb-keto/avocado-fries/

2. Easy Baked Jalapeño Cheese Crisps

Because these are so simple to make and they look fancy as #$@%.

Recipe here: http://www.cottercrunch.com/gluten-free-low-carb-baked-jalapeno-cheese-crisps/

3. Baked Parmesan Zucchini

This one is ridiculously easy (and cheap!) to make and makes a great side dish for dinner.

Recipe here: http://damndelicious.net/2014/06/21/baked-parmesan-zucchini/

4. Paleo Zucchini Hummus

This looks GREAT and is good news for low carb diet hummus lovers. Commenters say it tastes just like the classic.

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Recipe here: http://www.paleocupboard.com/zucchini-hummus.html

5. Sriracha Deviled Eggs With Crumbled Bacon

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.

Recipe here: http://www.lacrema.com/sriracha-deviled-eggs-crumbled-bacon/

6. Spinach Burgers

Sub breadcrumbs for almond flour and you’re good to go.

Recipe here: http://thevillagecook.com/spinach-burgers/

7. Chorizo Chile Rellenos

The customization potential here is great. If you couldn’t tell from this list yet, I may be partial to Mexican food.

Recipe here: http://www.lowcarbmaven.com/chorizo-chile-rellenos/

8. Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Would probably go well with those Chorizo Chile Rellenos you’re making.

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Recipe here: http://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/mexican-cauliflower-rice

9. Spinach Pizza Crust

Supposedly much easier to make than the famous low carb cauliflower pizza crust.

Recipe here: http://www.sweetashoney.co/spinach-pizza-crust/

10. Cauliflower Crusted Grilled Cheese

BRB, crying.

Recipe here: http://kirbiecravings.com/2015/08/cauliflower-crusted-grilled-cheese-sandwiches.html

11. Bacon-Wrapped Guacamole-Stuffed Chicken

You’re welcome.

Recipe here: http://www.closetcooking.com/2015/07/bacon-wrapped-guacamole-stuffed-chicken.html

12. Stir Fry Zucchini Noodles

You could riff on this recipe forever. Pad Thai, Cold Sesame Noodles…i’m hungry.

Recipe here: http://diethood.com/stir-fry-zucchini-noodles/

13. Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Looks fun and easy.

Recipe here: http://www.onelovelylife.com/chicken-zucchini-poppers-gf-df/ 

14. Twice-Baked Mashed Cauliflower with Bacon and Cheese

This just looks really good. I would experiment with subbing with sour cream and/or cream cheese.

Recipe here: http://www.mamaeatsclean.com/2013/03/clean-and-low-carb-twice-baked-mashed.html 

15. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

How could I not end on this note.

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Recipe here: http://theketokitchen.blogspot.com/2013/06/cauliflower-mac-and-cheese.html

What’s great about these recipes is that you can customize and get creative depending on your tastes. Also, remember to eat your veggies people. This stuff is cool but pair it with the healthy, simple stuff too.

Also, what might be the coolest thing ever but i’m not counting as a recipe because if you can’t make this, you’re screwed in life is right here: http://www.bakingoutsidethebox.com/zero-carb-taco-shells/

Taco Tuesday changed FOREVER.

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How Sugar Is Affecting Your Brain and Body

Mainstream media is starting to slowly incorporate more stories about the dangers of processed sugar and the ill effects it has on our systems. The popularity decline of sodas/soft drinks, increase in natural products and healthy food programs in public schools are examples of some trends that show that word is finally getting around and staying.

Check out this post by Tech Insider that features an infographic on how sugar affects you: http://www.techinsider.io/effects-of-sugar-on-your-body-and-brain-2016-4

how sugar affects your body and brainSkye Gould/Tech Insider

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My Personal #myketostory. Come share yours on Facebook!

Come to our Facebook page and post your success story from going keto. Here’s mine:

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Throughout my entire life I have consistently suffered through various medical issues. I was born premature and so growing up I had attributed my chronic issues to that. I’ve always had multiple digestive system issues and respiratory issues: chronic bronchitis and sinusitis to name a couple of things.

Progressing into my adult life I began developing more and more health issues. I continued to steadily gain weight without ever being able to lose it. I had persistent cystic acne, asthma, significant hair loss, frequently caught flus and colds several times a year and chronic pain throughout my body. I never felt well.

As the years went by despite developing a stricter, healthier diet my health issues worsened. I developed adrenal fatigue which led to extreme anxiety and chronic fatigue. My body was constantly in a very high inflammatory state and doctors told me I would develop an autoimmune disease eventually. I became allergic to wheat and developed sugar poisoning. I developed a serious form of eczema that spread across my entire body. I had a mass growing at the top of my spine and pre-cancerous cells I had to have surgery to remove. I had reproductive issues that I was advised may lead to infertility. I was developing advanced gum disease despite all my diligent care. Every day that I woke up I felt that I hadn’t slept a wink. I felt beyond fatigued with constant brain fog and malaise. I was in serious pain physically, emotionally and spiritually.

After countless doctor visits and zero answers or successful progression on their part I began to do a lot of research on my own. I did cleanses and elimination diets. I went vegan from vegetarian and even participated in a 21 day juice cleanse. I felt no better.

In 2014 as I continued to scour the Internet for information and solutions I found a diet protocol called Whole Approach that seemed to address a few of my issues. I decided to give it a shot and shockingly lost twenty pounds within the first month of trying it. This was an enormous breakthrough for me because I had not been able to lose any weight my entire adult life.

As I continued to read more and more I finally pieced together that my issue was that I had developed insulin resistance, which is a pre-diabetic state. This explained my bodily reaction to grains and sugars of any kind including fruits. All of my random health issues and symptoms that seemed to not be connected were all originating from one source: I had too much sugar running in my body and my body was shutting down.

It was such a deep, heavy relief to finally identify and understand this. Once I did I began to invest most of my time into learning what I could do to reverse my insulin resistance and immune system issues. I eventually stumbled upon the ketogenic diet and its principles and the results of administering it were as if a light was switched on in the darkness of my life.

After months of staying on a strict protocol everything, and I mean everything that plagued me began to be relieved and went into remission. As of today I’ve lost a total of sixty pounds, my allergies have disappeared, I rarely get sick, my hair grew back in fuller, my skin cleared throughout my body and face for the first time since I was a preteen, my chronic pain disappeared and I’ve felt awake and clear of mind in a way that is indescribable until it happens to you. I sleep soundly and normally now and I when I wake up in the morning I feel alert and ready to start my day. I honestly feel the greatest gift we can receive is given to ourselves in the form of self care and wellness. I’m so grateful I discovered how to save myself and I hope the same for all of you.

I’m currently trying to lose another forty pounds, still researching ways to better my self and increase my wellness and working on rebuilding my life that took a huge pause when my body was shutting down. I begin to not feel well in familiar ways if I eat grains and sugar and do my best to stay away from them completely. I’m always working on new recipes and meal ideas and trying to recruit (annoy) my friends into eating the same way with me. I honestly feel like I’m living a second life that I’m not taking for granted for being given. One that was given to me by myself. When it comes to my recovery, progression and evolution as a person, I’m currently still on my way and hope that I always will be.

‪#‎myketostory‬