I tried it for 90 days and based on the positive results, I’ve decided to keep going. I ate 99% beef for the majority of this time, a little chicken, lamb, pork, fish. I failed a few times before getting the hang of it and have been strict for 90 days.
List of health issues:
- IBS (Mostly fixed)
- Depressions and Anxiety (virtually gone)
- Circulation (about the same)
- Dry Skin / pimples (lessened but variable)
- Fatigue (variable to IBS flare ups. Improved recently with D3 supplementation)
- Inflammation or general body pains (variable but improved)
Performance
It took me 6 weeks to adapt properly. Before that I would feel worn out halfway through my workout or shift. It was like I had a smaller gas tank and once I hit a point my body just wanted to rest.
I lost roughly 3-4kgs eating as much as I like. Caloric intake varied between 2,500 and 3,500 depending on how I felt. I would mostly eat two meals a day within an 8-10 hour window. After week 2 food cravings had subsided, what I used to think was hunger was really carbohydrate cravings. It’s no wonder your mood stabilizes on zero-carb/keto.
My strength in the gym has not been impacted. As long as my energy is ok then performance is good as ever. The weight-loss has lowered my body-fat % and I’m at my leanest (69-70kg). I’m very happy about my physique.
I feel more focused and driven as long as I’m not in a fatigued state. Fatigue had been ruling me some of the time but supplementing D3 has helped tremendously. I work evenings and we’ve just come into Spring, so it only makes sense. The mental clarity and lack of depression/anxiety is enough to keep me going with this diet. I don’t know whether to accredit that to ketogenesis, low inflammation, low allergy, nutrient dense animal foods or all of it.
Key Lessons
- Adaptation takes 100% commitment.
- You will fail. Try again.
- 6 weeks strict is a minimum to test results.
- Never make more than one change at a time. Stick to the foods you set.
- Be cautious of rendered fat. Too much results in diarrhea for some people.
- Be cautious of eating too close to bed time.
- Keep a diary. Track your symptoms and food consumption every day.
