Weight Watchers Stock Is Getting Walloped Because the Keto Diet Is a Thing

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Weight Watchers stock was getting walloped on Wednesday, falling about 35% in morning trading after the Oprah-endorsed company—which is trying to shift its brand from weight loss to wellness—announced poor fourth quarter results and slashed its 2019 guidance on Tuesday.

Keto, the increasingly popular high-fat, low-carb diet, is cutting into the company's business, chief executive Mindy Grossman said on the company's conference call with analysts.

"We have a keto surge," she said. "It's a meme, it's not like a company, it's people have keto donuts, and everybody on the diet side look for the quick fix. We've been through this before, and we know that we are the program that works."

Weight Watchers stock (WTW) was down more than 33% in late-morning trading, to $19.83 per share.

What's new. The company said Tuesday after the market closed that it had earned $0.46 per share and brought in $1.4 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter. That was far below analysts estimates of $0.60 in earnings per share and $1.66 billion in revenue, according to Refinitiv.

And perhaps the worst news was the company's guidance. Weight Watchers said it expects to earn between $1.25 and $1.50 per share this year, far below analyst estimates of $3.50. That bleak outlook sent the stock tumbling almost 30% in a little over a half-an-hour of after hours trading.

The company's fourth quarter ended in December, and Weight Watchers' traditionally strong start to the calendar year during New Year's resolution season makes the low guidance particularly harsh.

Several analysts followed the negative news by downgrading Weight Watchers stock. Oppenheimer's Brian Nagel downgraded the stock from outperform to perform, citing the weak fourth quarter results and the company's "decidedly downbeat initial 2019 outlook, predicated on weak recruitment growth to start the year."

Key Bank's Edward Yruma said that for Weight Watchers, "there's no coming back from a weak January," and that he was downgrading the stock to sector weight. D.A. Davidson's Linda Bolton-Weiser said the results were "even worse than feared," and that she was cutting her rating to neutral from buy.

JPMorgan's Christina Brathwaite reiterated her underweight rating and said Weight Watchers stock was now her top short idea. Brathwaite's price target of $14 per share is about 28% below the stock's current level.

The back story. Weight Watchers has been an extremely volatile stock in the last couple of years. It ran up more than 500% between the March 2017 and July 2018, then dropped more than 60% to its current levels.

In October 2015, when Oprah Winfrey announced that she had taken a 10% stake in the company, the stock more than doubled over the course of a few days.

Moving forward. Expect more Oprah in 2019, Davidson's Bolton-Weiser predicts. The star's endorsement is a huge asset to the company and Bolton-Weiser wrote that Oprah will be more prominent in the company's ads over the coming month.

There's also execution. Management has lowered the bar significantly for first quarter results, and the question is now whether they'll clear it or if things will soften even more.

Write to Ben Walsh at ben.walsh@barrons.com

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We took a scientific look at the high-fat keto diet and the trendy Whole30 diet. Only one is doctor-recommended.

When people are in a hurry to lose weight, they often turn to fad diets that limit entire food groups.

Studies suggest the tactic can help dieters shave off extra pounds in the short term. But then it backfires, sending people back where they began on the scale or locked in a vicious cycle of gaining and losing weight — which can do long-term damage to the heart and lead to early death.

Two of the most talked-about fad diet plans these days are the ketogenic diet and the Whole30 plan. Here's the difference between them and what the science says about each.

Keto versus Whole30

Generally, the keto diet pushes people to eat fewer carbs and ramp up their fat intake, while Whole30 focuses on banning junk food, sugar, and some other convenient staples.

Here's how the basics break down:

The keto diet aims to get the body into ketosis. That's the state in which the body burns fat instead of carbs for fuel. To do that, most keto diets recommend people stick to about 30 grams of carbs a day, meaning there's barely any room for sugar, including natural sugars from fruits and vegetables.

Keto dieters are encouraged to eat creamy and fatty foods like avocados, oils, nuts, meat, eggs, cheese, and cream, along with certain vegetables like kale and cauliflower.

The plan does not allow many carbohydrates at all. Apples are essentially banned, as is milk (though cream and cheese are allowed, since they're fattier and have less sugar). It's also hard to eat some vegetables like carrots on the plan because of their sugar content. The diet requires daily mental math to calculate how much protein, carbs, and fat is needed to maintain a state of ketosis.

The Whole30 diet is often billed as a way to rework a relationship with food. It starts with a monthlong "nutrition reset," in which all grains, sugars, breads, desserts, alcohol, dairy, legumes, and processed foods are banned.

Whole30 followers are encouraged to eat mostly home-cooked meals rich in veggies, meat, eggs, fish, and fruit.

It does not allow alcohol, bread (including gluten-free varieties), whole grains, beans, sugar, dairy (including butter), peanuts, soy, MSG, processed snacks, legumes like beans, or "comfort" foods like pancakes or desserts. There's also no weighing yourself allowed during the first month.

But beyond these basic differences, there's another important distinction.

The ketogenic diet is a doctor-recommended strategy for some people who are obese or have epileptic seizures Keto dieters have to stay in a state of nutritional ketosis. Some test it with breathalyzers.Keyto

The ketogenic diet was developed in the 1920s as a clinical strategy for dealing with epileptic seizures in kids who weren't responsive to other treatments. Doctors found that the diet, in which the person gets 70% to 80% of their daily calories from fat and very little (if any) from carbohydrates, changed the way those people's bodies processed food. Results suggested the shift in eating patterns led to fewer seizures.

On a typical keto diet, it takes about five days of following the high-fat, low-carb plan for people to enter a state of nutritional ketosis, in which the body is running on fat. It's the same survival mechanism ignited when people are starving — the body shifts to using fat stores.

A typical macronutrient ratio on a keto diet would be about 70% to 80% fat, roughly 15% protein, and no more than 10% carbs. A well-planned keto diet should include plenty of fiber and other essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals from nuts and vegetables. That's drastically different from what Whole30 endorses.

Today, celebrities like LeBron James and the Kardashian sisters, as well as plenty of Silicon Valley biohackers and some scientists, adore the keto plan. Many followers say it helps reduce their appetite and eliminate brain fog. Some doctors have started recommending the strategy to people who are overweight or obese.

But the high-fat regimen isn't for everyone: Keto diets are not recommended for people who've had kidney or liver issues. And it's still unclear what the long-term health consequences of the diet are. Anyone thinking about trying keto — or any other restrictive diet — should chat with a doctor or registered dietitian before they begin.

Whole30 is popular, but nutritionists and experts are skeptical Amazon

The Whole30 plan, which debuted online in 2009, makes a comeback on Instagram every time a new year or swimsuit season rolls around.

Many people like its one-month food reset. But Whole30 isn't designed to be over after 30 days — rather, the idea is that after an initial month of severe restriction, dieters slowly reintroduce formerly banned foods into their daily eating plans, deciding which their body likes best.

Nutritionists are generally skeptical of the Whole30 regimen. US News & World report has consistently put the plan near the bottom of its annual diet ranking because experts say it's extremely hard to follow. Plus, the diet excludes healthy whole grains and beans, which research has found are great sources of nutritious dietary fiber that helps people stay satiated until their next meal. Fiber also helps maintain the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body, making fiber eaters more disease-free and less likely to develop cancer.

Simply put, Whole30 is not backed by science — a month isn't enough to reset your digestive system anyway.

"Thirty days isn't enough time to turn off systemic inflammation," Alessio Fasano, the director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Time magazine in 2016.

Instead of Whole30, plant-based diets with veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins (like beans) are the way to go, nutritionists say.

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Jenna Jameson showcases post baby weight loss transformation after dropping 80 lbs on Keto diet

Jenna Jameson showcases incredible post baby weight loss transformation after dropping 80 lbs using the controversial Keto diet

By Caitlyn Becker For Dailymail.com

Published: 10:27 EST, 22 February 2019 | Updated: 11:12 EST, 22 February 2019

She's shed 80 pounds on the controversial Keto diet and recently said she was upping her portion size in order to stop losing and maintain her current weight. 

Jenna Jameson took to Instagram to showoff her remarkable post-baby transformation with a new side-by-side photo on Thursday.

The new mom also shared a detailed description of exactly what she eats in a day on her restrictive program.  

'Here's an updated daily #keto what I eat in a day,' she began her long caption.

The model shared a side-by-side photo showing her pre-diet body in a black tank top and pair of grey leggings as she appeared the push a stroller on the left.

On the right, a much slimmer version of the 44-year-old sat perched on a bed in a black bra and panties.

In each photo Jenna has her signature blonde locks swept into a ponytail underneath the same millennial pink baseball hat, which appears much looser on her head after her nearly 100 lb weight loss. 

Beach body: Jenna Jameson said she's 'cracking down' on her diet ahead of a Mexican vacation as she posted a revealing swimsuit selfie with toddler daughter in the background Wednesday

'I wake about 8 am and immediately make myself my favorite instant coffee from Nescafé with Stevia,' Jameson penned as she listed her daily diet.

'I then allow myself to get hungry,' she admitted. 'REALLY hungry. I usually start my first meal around 11am maybe 12 if I'm able.'

Jenna gave birth to her third child, Batel Lu Bitton, in 2017. She also shares two children, both nine, with her ex husband. 

'My new fun breakfast I've been making is fried sliced av ocado with an egg dropped in the hole with cheese on top. I eat three of these to break my fast,' Jenna continued. 

What she eats: She recently shared with her Instagram followers that she fasts from 6 p.m. to 11 a.m. and detailed her eating plan after shedding 80 pounds on the controversial Keto diet

'At around 4 I prepare boiled chicken thighs, I strip them, shred the meat and mix in my favorite Trader Joe's garlic spread, green onions, celery and it makes a yummy kind of chicken salad,' she said. 'I serve it over arugula and it's a game changer.' 

Recently, the star had explained that she'd achieved her goal weight and was focusing on maintaining versus losing. 

'Since I am in maintenance mode I will usually have one more small meal before I begin my fast. 

'But if I were in weight loss mode I would stick to a snack on pecans. Right now I would have a small bowl of zucchini noodles with salted butter and garlic salt,' she explained.

Jenna has been opening sharing her journey on social media with fans and detailing her meal plan, as well as recipes. 

'IVF warrior': She turned to IVF to get pregnant with daughter Batel, who turns two in April. And in an Instagram post Monday, the former porn star shared her thoughts about it

'I will have a how to on my new breakfast jam in my highlights very soon,' she promised. 

Just a day before the adult film star told followers that she had recently gotten a bit more stringent with her diet ahead of a Mexican vacation.

Alongside a very revealing swimsuit selfie taken with her toddler daughter in the background, the former porn star explained: 'Less than a week from vacation. The pack ing has begun! I'm also cracking down on my #keto to try to get lean and mean because more than likely I'm going to enjoy a few taco platters while in Mexico!'

'I even have begun quick circuit training while Batelli naps. They consist of pliés, lunges, sit ups, pushups and planks,' she added. 

The 44-year-old began the high-fat, low-carb plan in March 2018.    

Family: The father of her daughter Batel is her Israeli boyfriend Lior Bitton. She posted this snap of the three of them together on Valentine's Day

 

 

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Jenna Jameson Shares Before-And-After Photo To Prove Keto Weight Loss Takes Time

Jenna Jameson just shared a before-and-after photo of her keto diet progress.

In a new Instagram post, Jenna said her weight loss on the keto diet took time and urged followers to be patient.

Jenna has been on the keto diet since April 2018, and she's lost about 80 pounds.

Usually, when Jenna Jameson shares an amazing before-and-after weight loss photo, the before is wayyyy before she started the keto diet.

This time, Jenna's before photo shows how she looked two months into the keto diet—and the transformation is still pretty crazy.

Jenna shared her newest before-and-after photo on Instagram this Saturday with the caption: "This before and after shocked me when I checked the date of the before picture," Jenna wrote. "This was two months into #keto. I was feeling great and loved that my body had changed so much."

Jenna added that her transformation is "proof that you SHOULD NOT get impatient. Healthy weight loss takes time. I'm nearing a year of #ketolifestyle and I still see changes every week."

She ended on this note: "Remember any progress is good!!!! Slow and steady wins the race!"

This isn't the first time Jenna gave her fellow keto dieters a boost. Back in December, she urged people to keep trying to be healthier. "I hope this year brings all of you the fortitude to change our health for the better," she captioned before and after pics. "Because your insides matter, and when you take care of your cells, it translates to your outside AND your outlook! I've never felt more bright and present."

Jenna's also shared her exact keto meal plan and Trader Joe's grocery haul to try to help out other people who want to go keto.

And while the keto diet may not be a great fit for everyone, Jenna is definitely proof that you can change your lifestyle with a little patience and dedication.

Korin Miller Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men's Health, Women's Health, Self, Glamour, and more.

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Everyone's raving about the Keto Diet, but how safe is it?

Read our experts' opinions before you jump on the Keto bandwagon in an effort to lose those stubborn kilos

On the Keto Diet, saturated fats from oils can be consumed in high amounts, as well as smaller amounts of healthy unsaturated fats.Image: 123RF/Anaumenko

HOW IT WORKS

Odds are you've heard of the Keto Diet and have even considered trying it out to shake off those unwanted kilos. You probably know it's a high-fat, low-carb diet and wonder what makes it different to other, similar diets.

On the Keto Diet, instead of using sugar that comes from carbohydrates as a fuel, the body is forced to use ketone bodies, a fuel the liver produces from stored fat during a process known as ketosis.

Ashleigh Caradas, a registered dietitian based in Parktown North, Joburg, says: "It tricks the body into starvation because the body becomes starved for glucose and starts to burn its own fat for energy."

The fastest way to achieve this is by actually fasting, but the Keto Diet offers an alternative that allows you to eat.

How does this differ from the Banting Diet? The latter recommends you should eat minimal carbs, a large amount of fat and a medium amount of protein. On the Keto Diet, however, your protein intake is smaller as the end game is to reach a state of ketosis.

WHAT TO EAT

Caradas says 60 to 80% of your daily calories on Keto Diet come from fat. Protein intake should be moderate, meaning you can't eat big steaks, and all carbs are limited, even vegetables.

On a basic level, this is what you are allowed to eat:

Saturated fats from oils can be consumed in high amounts, as well as smaller amounts of healthy unsaturated fats.

Fruits are discouraged because they are rich in carbs but small portions of certain fruits, like berries, are allowed.

Carbohydrate-rich vegetables are restricted. Opt for leafy green vegetables that grow above ground.

Large quantities of meat are discouraged but low-carb unprocessed meats can be eaten.

Fish and other seafood is good.

DANGERS

Caradas says the Keto Diet is good for weight loss, especially for people who are insulin resistant or diabetic, but it comes with side effects. "Studies have shown that a long-term Keto Diet is harmful to the body."

One of the dangers in following a Keto Diet is that it's very high in saturated fat, which might be linked to an increase in bad cholesterol and heart disease.

When you cut out a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains, you could become deficient in nutrients and vitamins. If you are not consuming enough fibre because you are limiting these foods, you might experience constipation.

SHOULD YOU OR SHOULDN'T YOU?

Johannesburg-based registered dietitian and certified health coach Philippa Bramwell-Jones says the Keto Diet is hard to follow and requires rigorous preparation. She adds, "There are significant health risks from flipping in and out of ketosis. It is not a diet to take flippantly."

While she has had clients who have done very well on the Keto Diet (after thorough education on the subject), she has also had clients who have felt awful on it.

There are significant health risks from flipping in and out of ketosis. It is not a diet to take flippantly

Philippa Bramwell-Jones, registered dietitian

Her advice? "There is no hard-and-fast rule, as far as I am concerned. If a patient has a clinical condition, where there is scientific evidence that the Keto Diet would be of therapeutic value, then I would highly recommend trying it, with the support of a knowledgeable health professional or team. But, for the average person, I would encourage them to gain a full understanding of the biochemistry behind ketogenesis before jumping into it."

"We should start listening to ourselves and what works well for us. It's about understanding what works well for you, the individual, and ensuring that your primary focus is on benefiting your health based on your intuitive knowledge of yourself," Bramwell-Jones says.

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'Today' Show Star Al Roker Hits Back at Commenter Who Criticized the Keto Diet

Today weatherman Al Roker hit back at a Twitter follower who criticized him for following the controversial keto diet plan.

This comes weeks after Jillian Michaels and Al had a spat about the diet on social media.

Many nutritionists do not recommend the keto diet.

Just in case the internet didn't learn its lesson from the whole Jillian Michaels debacle, Al Roker, once again, reminded the world that he follows the keto diet and is proud of it.

This time around, it wasn't Jillian's takedown of the plan that got under his skin. When a dietitian tweeted at Al that it was "sad to see another famous person falling for a fad diet" after he posted a photo of his steak fajitas with the hashtag #Keto, the Today weatherman decided that he was not having it.

"There are so many sadder things in the world. Have a great day," Al shot back.

Al has made it very clear on Twitter and on the Today show that he is more than happy with his diet and doesn't plan on changing it anytime soon.

"I've been checking blood work and vitals every month, and my cholesterol has gotten better,'' he said while talking about his experience following the keto plan. "It was good to begin with. My blood pressure is great."

Good for Al, but what do the experts say about keto?

First off, there is no straight right or wrong answer here. But if you ask Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, the Nutrition Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, she isn't too excited about the plan for one giant reason:

"Keto requires elimination of most dietary carbs to initiate a change in your metabolic state — which makes it tough to maintain long-term, and therefore, sets anyone and everyone up for failure when they can't maintain the diet's parameters. It's that cycle that leads to fear, isolation, and shame — and reverses a hormonal shift that occurs during ketosis that can make you feel hungrier than you were before you started dieting (and makes you that much more likely to gain back what you've lost and then some)."

Instead, London says it's better to stop relying on restriction and shift toward healthier eating habits through behavior changes that can last a lifetime.

"It's crucial to consider your whole lifestyle first when it comes to food and health — if you can't imagine never being able to eat popcorn at the movies or pasta at an Italian restaurant again, then it's likely not for you."

All of that considered, London recognizes that weight-loss plans are "highly personal and unique" to every person. No matter if you choose to go with keto or not, she advises that you should always consult with your doctor first before starting any weight-loss plan. What's more, if you're currently taking meds for diabetes management, it is absolutely crucial that you talk to your endocrinologist before trying keto.

Kayla Keegan News Editor Kayla Keegan is the news editor at GoodHousekeeping.com who covers all things in the entertainment, pop culture, and celebrity space.

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Al Roker Claps Back at Dietitian Who Says It’s ‘Sad’ That He’s on the Keto Diet

Al Roker is always ready to defend the keto diet.

The Today co-host, 64, is a big fan of the high-fat, low-carb plan, and frequently posts photos of his keto-friendly meals on Instagram and Twitter. Back in January, Roker tweeted a picture of his keto fajitas â€" an enticing spread of grilled steak, peppers, avocado and a leafy green salad, sans the tortillas.

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On Thursday morning, about a month later, a dietitian named Heidi Wells replied to the tweet, saying it’s “sad to see another famous person falling for a fad diet.”

Roker, who started the diet on Sept. 1, quickly followed up to defend his eating habits.

“Heidi, there are so many sadder things in the world,” he said. “Have a great day.”

Roker has fought back against keto haters before â€" in mid-January, the dad of two called out trainer Jillian Michaels for her rant against the diet.

After Michaels said keto is unhealthy and deprives people of essential nutrients in a video for Women’s Health, Roker took it upon himself to represent the diet.

“So @JillianMichaels says #Keto is a bad idea. This from a woman who promoted on camera bullying, deprivation, manipulation and more weekly in the name of weight loss. Now those sound like bad ideas,” he tweeted.

Roker explained on Today later that day that he’s seen his cholesterol and blood pressure levels improve ever since starting keto.

“My point is, what works for you, works for you,” he told Today co-anchors Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer. “There’s science on both sides that says it’s not a great idea and science that says it is a good idea.”

“I think it’s up to people â€" with their doctor, with their medical professional â€" [to make their own decision],” Roker continued.

Michaels later challenged Roker to a debate, which he declined.

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Jenna Jameson flaunts keto diet weight loss in workout gear

Jenna Jameson isn't done showing off her weight loss.

JENNA JAMESON SHOWS OFF KETO DIET WEIGHT LOSS, IS 'IN AWE' OF HER BODY

The keto diet enthusiast posted more before-and-after shots on Instagram this week and shared advice on how to avoid and overcome weight loss plateaus.

"I have hit several periods of zero movement on the scale. This is normal! Our body goes through ebb and flows with hormones, water weight, and frankly, having to poop," she wrote on Instagram Monday. "But what do you do if you don't see progress for weeks or even months? Well, here's what I do. First, I cut dairy. Dairy can be problematic for people because they overdo it! Cut it and it usually kickstarts weight loss again. Intermittent fasting will definitely help you over a plateau. My fasting schedule is quite simple... I eat hearty, healthy keto meals from 11am -6pm. Then I fast. It's important to listen to your body and adjust your fasting accordingly."

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She continued, "Lastly, stop eating foods that effect you negatively. There are certain foods that are keto, that just don't sit well with me. For me, almond flour can really mess with my tummy. Not sure why. I feel bloated and yucky if I indulge. So I rarely eat it. Moral of this post, connect to your body... listen closely and adjust. You've got this."

On Saturday, Jameson, 44, shared another snap from two months into keto compared with her current size.

JENNA JAMESON DEFENDS KETO DIET WHILE BREASTFEEDING

The former porn star has lost a whopping 80 pounds since beginning the keto diet in March 2018.

Her daughter Batel was born in April 2017.

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Eco-Keto and the Carnivore Diet are the biggest health trends to hit in 2019

The 'Eco-Keto' and 'Carnivore' diets are set to be the biggest health trends to hit in 2019 - so would you try them?

Eco-Keto and the Carnivore diet have been revealed as two of 2019 big trends

Adam MacDougall, a health economist, says each come with some benefits

He also says as they eliminate food groups, they have a fair share of drawbacks

Adam offers a meal plan for the Eco-Keto plan reveals foods for the Carnivore

By Emilia Mazza For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 18:24 EST, 12 February 2019 | Updated: 18:56 EST, 12 February 2019

Australian health and fitness economist and former professional rudby league player, Adam MacDougall (pictured), takes a closer look at this year's latest elimination diets

The 'Eco Keto' diet and the 'Carnivore' diet are set to be the trendiest ways to lose weight in 2019 - but are they worth the hype? 

The Eco-Keto diet is essentially built on principles of the now very well-known Ketogenic diet (a high fat, moderate protein, low carb eating plan), while the Carnivore diet is all about a meat-only approach.

Here, former professional rugby league player and Health Hacker host, Adam MacDougall explains what each diet offers, the potential draw backs of each one and what a typical day on a plate looks like for them.

What are the positive benefits of a Eco Keto diet? 

* Ketogenic diets have been proven to stabilise blood sugar and help burn fat 

* It puts the body into ketosis, which is a metabolic process that leads to the body being fuelled almost entirely by fat

* The Ketotarian diet, or the Eco Keto, is the optimal diet for fighting inflammation

* This is thanks to a high consumption of dark leafy greens which act as a probiotic 

* Fast fat and weight loss and quick changes in body shape

The 'Eco-Keto' Diet

The Eco-Keto diet follows in the footsteps of the Ketotarian diet, a vegan version of the Keto diet.

Adam, a health and fitness economist, said the basic principle behind a Keto diet is to force the body into a state of ketosis. The body enters a ketogenic state when it is starved of carbohydrates but not calories.

The Eco Keto diet is similar to the Ketotarian diet in that it's largely plant-based and revolves around a low-carb, high-fat approach. 

This version of the diet is a little different as there is a strong push for sustainability so followers eat mostly plant-based foods, shop locally and opt for cruelty-free products. 

Fat is also important and can include oils that are consumed directly.

Some advocates of the diet will add butter to their coffee or eat foods that are drenched in olive oil.

The Eco Keto, a more flexible variation of the Ketotarian diet, is a plant-based food program, however, it offers more room to consume non-meat products

The downside: 

Adam sai d the problem with Ketogenic diets of any description or any diet which eliminates foods, is that they tend to only be effective in the short term.

'Research has shown if you put a person on a controlled diet, they are going to see results in the short term,' he said.

'This is particularly true of low carb diets. Some carbs ingested by the body are stored in the form of glycogen. 

'Molecules of glycogen contain water and therefore the more glycogen you store the more water you retain in the process.

'So when you get on the scales after ditching carbs, of course, you are going to be a bit lighter than what you were before because the body isn't retaining fluid in the same way.'

He added elimination diets also came with the problem of being so restrictive that people decline social invitations rather than allow themselves to step outside the confines of the eating plan.

'They are very limiting as far as lifestyle goes. Ketogenic diets can cause bad breath (because of ketones) and mood swings and really hard to maintain over the long term.'

What does the Eco Keto diet day on a plate look like?

Breakfast: One egg or one tablespoon of peanut butter to a slice of whole-wheat toast or a smoothie made using vegan protein powder and soy

Lunch: 1/4 block of firm tofu served with vegetables or a 'fat salad' comprised of greens, avocado, walnuts, olives, cucumbers, red wine vinegar and Parmesan cheese

Dinner: At dinner you can combine vegetables with some grains without surpassing your daily quota of carbohydrates. An example of this might be crispy tofu with small quantity of brown rice

< p class="mol-para-with-font">Snacks: Use nuts and seeds for snack foods, which will also provide protein and fibre

What are the benefits of a Carnivore diet? 

People who follow the Carnivore Diet do so as a way to address an auto-immune condition or to attempt to lose weight. 

Benefits can include:

* Decrease in inflammation 

* Better recovery after a workout 

* The body runs off fats and proteins

The 'Carnivore' Diet

The Carnivore Diet is essentially a meat-only diet with some key vegetables. 

In many ways, it can be likened to the Paleo diet in that it promotes ditching carbs and pro cessed foods in favour of protein-based meals.

Paleo is built on the principles of eating the way our ancestors did, and as such dispenses with all processed foods.

Meat, fish and vegetables tend to be the main foods consumed while sugars, grains, dairy, and legumes are eliminated.

A full, or strict, follower of the Carnivore Diet will eat just meat and only drink water (stock image)

In a bid to explain the science behind the diet, Adam said there's an understanding that plants, specifically legumes, can produce lectins when consumed. Lectins have been found to increase inflammation and compromise gut health.

He says it's believed that anti-nutrients (lectins) produced by plants are behind a raft of health issues, in particular auto-immune problems.

'Proponents of the diet recommend tha t you eliminate everything from your diet except meat,' he said.

'Some will say you can still have coffee and tea, although strict adherents will say these are plants.'

What foods can you eat on a Carnivore Diet? 

 Red Meat:

 White Meat:  

Beef, pork, lamb, wild game, birds

Chicken, turkey, fish, seafood 

 Liver, kidneys, tongue, bone marrow, heart, brain

 Chicken eggs, goose eggs, duck eggs

 Heavy cream, cheese, butter, ghee

* A full, or strict, follower of the diet will eat just meat and only drink water. Whereas, others may include drinks like, coffee and tea, or other sources of fat like dairy products. 

Source: Biohackerslab.com 

The downside: 

Adam said that those embracing the diet may find they have positi ve results, not so much because they've started eating more meat but because they've stopped eating unhealthy food.

'The key with these diets is that when people go from eating a bad Westernised standard diet, of course, they will see benefits because their food intake is bad to start with,' he said.

'Eliminating things like soft drinks, lollies, processed foods, high amounts of dairy and high amounts of gluten means you are going to see some benefits in the short term.'

Adam said that while some think people are becoming healthier because they are only eating meat or only eating fat, it's moreso because they are eliminating bad foods.

'The problem with a lot of these sorts of diets is they focus on the macro-nutrient component (proteins, carbs and fat) and not the micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals),' he added.

'Whe n you eliminate these things entirely, you will obliviously be missing out on a lot of key nutrients that are very important for basic health and well being.

'When it comes to health and wellness, moderation works best. A more diverse style diet is better over the longer term because it gives your body everything it needs.' 

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Keto diets and heart health: What’s the risk?

Touted by celebrities as a quick way to lose substantial weight, the ketogenic diet might seem counterintuitive to good heart health.

After all, it’s a low-carb, high-fat diet rich in meats, eggs, nuts and dairy. Fruits, root vegetables, grain products and legumes all are prohibited.

The intake is designed to trigger the metabolic state of ketosis, a process that occurs when the body burns off fat as an alternate source of energy.

Typically, that source is a person’s carbohydrate intake, which is converted into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Although the “keto” diet has some detractors â€" fitness guru Jillian Michaels has slammed the regimen in recent months â€" it has produced results for clients of Susan Ryskamp, M.S., RDN, a dietician at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

“It can be very effective in treating and supporting weight loss,” Ryskamp says, noting that the act of ketosis “kind of mimics a fasting state in the body.”

What does that mean for your heart?

Losing even a moderate amount of weight on the keto diet can help lessen cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and, according to a 2017 study, result in lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and higher HDL cholesterol, which helps protect against heart disease.

A keto diet can also lower elevated blood sugar linked to artery-damaging inflammation.

Keeping track on keto

People on the typical keto diet plan should consume about 75 percent of their calories from fat. Proteins comprise 20 percent â€" and carbohydrates make up just 5 percent.

Cutting out low-quality carbs found in soft drinks and white bread, for instance, is a good idea for anyone, Ryskamp says. Sugar and starches raise the risk for obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Even with those omissions, vigilance is still needed.

The keto diet isn’t a green light to load up on butter and bacon, which can trigger the health issues you’re trying to remedy or avoid.

“Make sure that the fats you are eating are healthy fats and not processed ones,” says Ryskamp, who notes good sources include extra virgin olive oil, avocado, salmon (for omega-3 fatty acids), nuts and nut butters.

“From a cardiovascular standpoint, these are all better.”

Healthful, too, is a steady intake of green vegetables such as broccoli, celery, kale and spinach â€" all of which are permitted on the keto diet.

Those foods matter: A 2010 study of low-carb dieters found that those who focused on vegetable-based sources of fat and protein had a 23 percent lower risk of heart disease than those who relied more heavily on meat.

Weight gain after keto

Still, the long-term viability of keto isn’t clear.

While the short-term results are well-documented, there’s little research on whether following a keto diet is a safe or effective way to keep weight off indefinitely.

“Based on the literature, keto diets may be associated with some improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, and type 2 diabetes, but these effects are usually limited in time,” Ryskamp says.

Worse, she adds, many people gain back the pounds after stopping keto.

Research has found that weight, cholesterol and blood pressure fluctuations caused by yo-yo dieting can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke by 40 percent.

Says Ryskamp: “The best diet for an individual is one they can achieve the positive results they desire, such as steady, maintainable weight loss and improvement in biomarkers.”

Consult your doctor before starting a keto diet

Regardless of their health status, all patients should consult their doctor before going on the keto diet.

The reason: to rule out any existing concerns or ailments that could make the approach harmful to their heart or the rest of their body.

A small subset of people appears to experience increased cholesterol levels on a low-carb diet, so a family history of heart disease should be discussed.

“It is important to rule out a genetic condition like familial hypercholesterolemia, which is characterized by very high cholesterol levels and a high risk of heart disease,” Ryskamp says.

Because excess protein must be broken down by the kidneys, people with kidney problems should avoid keto.

Those with liver problems also face specific risk, as the diet involves higher concentrations of fat for the body to process.

Beyond that, dietary basics should be part of the conversation â€" as a keto regimen can present unique nutritional deficiencies for herbivores and omnivores alike.

“If you’re doing a very low-plant-based diet, you run the risk of not having adequate intake of some of your phytonutrients and micronutrients,” Ryskamp says.

“And it would be difficult for a vegetarian to adopt a ketogenic diet without taking some sort of supplement.”

It’s also a good idea to ask about checking in with your doctor more frequently.

Still, says Ryskamp: “As long as a patient is doing it well and we’re doing more good than harm, they should see positive results.”

Source: Michigan Medicine.

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Ketogenic diet weight-loss: Mom loses 205 pounds in 2 years

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Jan. 31, 2019, 5:20 PM GMT/ Source: TODAY

By Meghan Holohan

In 2009, Amanda Tysowski faced a lot of life changes. After buying her first house, she was in a car accident. During recovery, she couldn't work. As her finances tightened and stress mounted, she turned to fast food to soothe herself.

"I fell into a slump," the 31-year-old from Winnipeg, Canada, told TODAY, via email. "During a doctor's appointment … I had weighed 270 pounds. The doctor lectured me on 'morbid obesity' but I was in denial."

At her heaviest, Amanda Tysowski weighed 385 pounds. Her body hurt, she was unhappy and she could barely keep up with her toddler. diaryofashrinkingmommy/Instagram

At 5 feet 9 inches, Tysowski was always heavier than her friends by 20 or 30 pounds. But people told her she pulled it off so she didn't worry about what she ate, and she never exercised. She enjoyed indulgent meals with several alcoholic beverages and continued gaining weight. When she got married in 2011, she was 330 pounds.

After having her first child in 2013, she weighed 385 pounds.

"My body was miserable. I was in pain every day," Tysowski said. "As my daughter became more active, I really thought that this was the time I needed to do something about it."

She went to a weight-loss clinic, where the staff recommended supplements and a meal plan. It worked: In a year she lost 135 pounds to weigh 250 pounds. But she got pregnant again. This time she had such bad morning sickness that she only felt better when she ate.

"I told myself it would be OK, that I could just deal with this first trimester and get right back to it," she said. "I gained 90 pounds in those nine months, though I didn't see it."

When Amanda Tysowski was pregnant with her second child, she gained 90 pounds in nine months. diaryofashrinkingmommy/Instagram

After her son was born in 2016, Tysowski thought she could simply do what she did before. Yet nothing changed.

"I tried for six months and the scale did not budge," she said.

Tysowski started following some women who shared their weight-loss experiences on Instagram. Using them as inspiration, she started reading labels on food and researching healthy eating. That's when she learned about the ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate, moderate fat and protein diet. She decided to pair that with intermittent fasting in January 2017 to see if she could become healthier. Immediately, she realized she didn't understand what it meant to eat healthfully.

"I had not learned anything about food or how to plan meals for myself," she said.

She soon realized that eating vegetables and meat worked and she dropped weight. After she lost 100 pounds, she incorporated exercise and started going to a women's only gym, where she did cardio and weight lifting. Today, she walks daily and lifts weights twice a week.

"I thought exercising was for weight loss, but I have found that it is like therapy. I feel better mentally," she explained.

In less than two years, Amanda Tysowski lost 205 pounds and transformed her life. diaryofashrinkingmommy/Instagram

So far, she's lost 205 pounds and now she weighs 180 pounds. She doesn't have a goal weight in mind, she just wants to be healthy and happy.

"Weight loss has been much more mental than physical," she said. "I am stronger than I have ever given myself credit for."

Tysowski shares advice for others hoping to lose weight.

1. Face yourself.

In the past, when Tysowski felt stressed or unhappy she turned to food to help. But she learned she had to address her problems to lose weight.

After losing 205 pounds, Amanda Tysowski feels happier and stronger than she ever remembers feeling. Bailey, Allison (206587566) / diaryofashrinkingmommy/Instagram

"I had to learn to deal with feelings instead of bottling them up and coping with food," she said.

2. You have to want it.

"Your why has to be bigger than your want," she said. "We spend an entire lifetime thinking about food (or not thinking about it) and in order for our bodies and health to change, we need to change those eating patterns. But it takes time."

3. Do your research.

While the keto diet appealed to Tysowski, it took a lot of research to learn how to eat. At first, she just swapped low-carb and sugar-free versions of foods for things she loved before. But then she learned how to be creative with her eating (and lost her taste for sweet foods). She is still following the keto diet today.

Even when it is cold out, Amanda Tysowski walks. Walking helped her lose weight and keep it off. diaryofashrinkingmommy/Instagram

"Another huge challenge was learning about what foods were OK to eat. You spend your entire life eating a lot of the same food, so mentally, having to think outside the box daily was a challenge, until it became the new normal," she said.

For more inspiration, check out our My Weight-Loss Journey page. If you're ready to start your own journey, sign up for our Start TODAY newsletter for extra support.

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After struggling with weight, Sioux City man loses 170 pounds through diet and exercise

SIOUX CITY -- Michael Searls is half the man he used to be ... give or take a pound or two.

The Sioux Cityan has gone from weighing 380 pounds to around 205 pounds  by changing his diet as well as working out five days a week.

Searls had been struggling with his weight after being involved in life-threatening car accident more than eight years ago. The crash left him with severe damage to the base of his arms and face while tearing his abdominal muscle.

"I had to remain sedentary for months on end," he explained. "Since the accident damaged my teeth, I couldn't eat solid foods for quite a while."

Searls' weight spiked during his recovery and it never really stopped.

"My accident occurred when I was 21, going on 22,"  he said. "My weight was up to 380 pounds just two years later."

+2 

An assistant manager at South Sioux City's Walmart, Michael Searls has lost more than 170 pounds after devoting his time to daily workouts at Planet Fitness as well as eating a fat-heavy, low carb ketogenic diet. Favored by such A-listers as Halle Berry and Tim Tebow, the keto diet allows your body to burn fat instead of carbs for fuel. 

Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal

That was quite a change for the 6-foot, 4-inch Maple Valley-Anthon Oto High School graduate, who had maintained a normal weight for most of his life.

"Growing up, I probably had a few self-esteem issues because my two younger brothers were skinnier than I was," Searls explained. "But looking at old photos, I know my weight at the time was fine."

After his weight gain, he never wanted to have his photo taken.

"I was in denial," Searls said. "If I didn't see how I looked, it couldn't be that bad, right?"

Also, he went out of his way to avoid seeing a doctor.

"I knew what the doctor would say," Searls said. "Lose weight."

Instead, he embarked on an endless cycle of diet and exercise.

"I took what was considered conventional knowledge and tried to apply to my lifestyle," Searls said, shaking his head. "It never worked out."

For instance, he would limit his diet to chicken and broccoli, which wouldn't satisfy his appetite. Or he'd start an exercise routine, loss weight before plateauing.

"I'd get into a pattern where the weight would come off and, then, it would stop," he explained. "It was frustrating."

In 2016, Searls tried another approach to weight loss. He joined Planet Fitness while incorporating a diet that eliminated all sugars and processed foods.

He also purchased a scale for the first time.

"The scale had a maximum weight of 350 pounds, so I thought I had a little wiggle room," he said. "When I stepped on that scale for the first day, I weighed 330 pounds. Guess I didn't have that much w   iggle room after all."

Gradually, Searls got his weight down to 295 pounds but he wasn't happy with his appearance.

Losing his job in 2018, his self-esteem plunged to an all-time low.  

"I figured things couldn't get worse," Searls said. "It was up to me to make things better."

Searls upped his workout routine while starting a ketogenic diet.

A popular diet for such A-listers as Halle Berry and Tim Tebow, the keto diet changes the way your body converts food into energy. Basically, a keto diet means a person will be eating mostly fat (up to 75 percent of a daily calorie count), some protein (around 20 percent) and a small amount of carbs (about 5 percent of so).

By eating a lot of fat and very few carbs puts a person in ketosis - a metabolic state that allows a body to burn fat instead of carbs for energy.

This is how Searls was able to lose 90 pounds in less than a year.

"I lift weights at Planet Fitness for an hour-and-a-half every morning," he explained. "Each day, I concentrate on a different body part."

+2 

At his heaviest, Michael Searls often found excuses to not have photo taken. Photos like this, taken with his younger brother, was the exception.

Provided

Then, Searls goes to work.

"I have a new job as an assistant manager for Walmart," he said. "That means I'm walking another 8 to 10 miles after my workout."

At around 2 p.m., every day, Searls will eat his sole meal of the day: a taco bowl he makes at home.

"The taco bowl consists of up to a pound of ground beef or pork, two whole avocados and a lot of veggies," he noted. "Since it averages out to around 1,700 calories, I'm certainly not depriving myself of food. Instead, I feel completely satisfied."

Indeed, Searls he needs no "cheat day."

"People ask me if I ever want to break down and get a pizza," he said, shaking his head. "Not really."

It helps that Searls has a supportive girlfriend.

"I think she was skeptical at first," he allowed. "Now, she's fine with it."

Searls loves the attention he gets at Planet Fitness.

"These people have literally seen the weight drop off me," he said. "Having their support means a lot."

Searls also said his work colleagues have been peppering him with questions about the keto diet.

"The keto diet isn't for everyone," he said. "It worked for me but that's no guarantee it will work for others."

Despite that, Searls no longer worries about the perils of plateauing.

"Before, I was dieting without really knowing what I was doing," he said. "Now, I understand what food does to your body and how a person can keep the weight off."

Plus Searls is getting close to what he considers ideal weight.

"I'm at 205 pounds today," he said. "I'd like to go down to 195 pounds."

Searls catches himself after saying that. He can't help but smile at his success.

"So much of your pride comes from your body image," he said. 'I've dieted before and lost weight before but it never felt like this. I don't feel sluggish anymore and I have so much energy. I feel great."

Plus he's been able to improve his health on his own terms.

"Nobody can tell you to change your life until you're ready to change your life," he said. "For me, this was perfect timing and I couldn't be happier with the way that I look."  

Copyright 2018 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Jenna Jameson Claps Back at Criticism for Breastfeeding on the Keto Diet

Former adult film star Jenna Jameson breastfeeds while on the keto diet — and she's sick of the uninformed, unsolicited criticism from mom-shamers.

The TV personality has been open about both her breastfeeding and weight loss journeys. But not everyone has been supportive of her ketogenic lifestyle — the diet advocates for low-carb, high-fat consumption — as she reaches two years of breastfeeding her daughter, Batel Lu.

"Let's talk breastfeeding and keto," the mother of three wrote on Instagram. "This subject is quite taboo it seems. A lot of naysayers rattle off falsehoods like 'you have to eat oats to produce sufficient milk.' Seriously ridiculous."

Jameson, who posted a side-by-side photo of her before and after she started the keto diet, added that she was once skeptical too. But after a week of carefully monitoring her breast milk supply while "slowly subtracting carbohydrates," Jameson noticed that she had actually increased, not decreased her overall production.

"I'm not quite sure why I thought processed foods contributed to my fabulous supply. I was absolutely wrong," Jameson wrote. "The moment I got into my full ketosis, my milk increased."

She ended her post by clarifying some other common misconceptions about the keto diet.

"I think a lot of people think Keto is all about bacon, salami, and copious amounts of cheese," she continued. "It's actually quite well-rounded with lots of organic veggies, fish and eggs. I am aware all women are not the same, but I think if you do your research, start slowly and monitor yourself…. nursing and keto go hand in hand."

Her final point that "women are not the same" is an important one. All bodies are diverse and have different dietary requirements. Just because Jameson claims to have lost weight by changing her diet postpartum doesn't mean every new mother can and should follow suit.

Additionally, Jameson's post raises another excellent point: What you eat while breastfeeding is important. Of course, that's not to say that everyone's diets will or should look the same during the process. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that breastfeeding women eat 450 to 500 extra calories a day to aid with milk production, and the only foods the ACOG specifically suggest not consuming too much of are fish high in mercury (like swordfish and king mackerel), coffee (more than 200 milligrams per day), and alcohol.  As always, you should consult with a doctor to find which foods are best for your body and your breastfeeding needs.

While we're not hopeful that all of the mom-shamers will back off from harassing Jameson online, we are optimistic that her most recent post will spark a meaningful conversation and inspire parents to figure out what's best for them. In the meantime, let's all allow Jameson to live her best life, OK?

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Keto diet elicits differing medical opinions

The keto diet was the No. 1 searched diet on Google in 2018. Keto pancakes and keto cheesecake were the fourth- and fifth-ranked food search terms.

But as the diet's popularity has increased, so has the controversy surrounding it.

It all begins with very low carbs.

A normal diet consists of about 300 grams of carbohydrates every day, but for people on the keto diet, about 20 grams is the limit. The low-carb intake is replaced with a high consumption of fats. It's similar to the Atkins diet, which was popular in the early 2000s.

When carbohydrates are restricted, the body turns to glycogen, a backup carbohydrate stored in the liver, for energy. When this supply of glycogen is depleted, the liver produces ketones for energy, a process known as ketosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. For people on the keto diet, the goal is to be in a constant state of ketosis, where instead of storing fats the body burns them.

Elizabeth Parks, a professor of nutrition and exercise physiology in the University of Missouri's School of Medicine, said the keto diet is sustainable and the criticism is often misguided.

"We know that people can do this forever," Parks said, referring to a study on the effects of low-carb diets on the heart. "From the metabolism standpoint it is sustainable."

Adam Whaley-Connell, professor of medicine in the division of nephrology and hypertension in the School of Medicine and associate chief of staff at Truman Veterans' Hospital, said while the short-term gains from a ketogenic diet are great for weight loss, the long-term effects can pose increased risks to the heart and kidneys.

"As a physician, I routinely tell people that these types of high-fat diets can have different implications for your health that may not be in your favor," he said.

For Brenda Breland, who has become a social media conduit for people wanting to go keto, there's an irony in the criticism and naysaying she's heard since she became a believer. "No one was worried about me when I ate chips and ice cream for dinner," she said, "but now because I'm doing keto, people think I'm going to die."

Becoming a believer

Six months after the birth of her second child, Breland wasn't happy. As a former college volleyball player, she wasn't used to feeling out of shape.

"I just wasn't in the best place, mentally or physically," she said. "I had a lot of anxiety and didn't feel like myself."

A friend introduced Breland, 29, to a keto drink supplement, and she decided to give it a go, hoping it would help her lose weight and feel healthier. After three months of drinking the supplement and changing to a low-carb diet, she decided to go full keto.

She didn't weigh herself, but she dropped from a size 6 to a 2 or 1 in the first three months, she said.

Breland begins her day drinking a ketogenic supplement that suppresses her hunger and helps her body stay in ketosis. She only eats between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For lunch and dinner, she sticks with leafy greens and meats, like a salad and a hamburger without a bun. It all adds up to about 1,400 calories per day, and she's now focusing on gaining muscle.

"After 7:30 at night I only drink water," she said. "I allow myself one treat meal on the weekend, where I'll maybe consume 80 to 100 grams of carbs instead of the daily 20."

Breland said she has never been in better shape physically or mentally.

"As a mom, I used to feel totally rundown at the end of the day with a lot of brain fog," she said. "Now I can keep up with my kids, with my work and everything going on around me."

Breland works out five days a week for 35 minutes during her lunch hour. Before going on the keto diet, she occasionally exercised and ate an unlimited amount of carbohydrates and sugars.

Long-term effects

Ashley Ritzo, a clinical dietitian for University of Missouri Health, typically does not recommend the keto diet to her patients. Her recommendations are based on the sustainability of the diet. "My philosophy on nutrition is to commit only to changes you can do for the rest of your life," she said.

For someone to sustain a ketogenic diet and maintain good health, they must be committed to including plant-based fats like avocados and nuts in their diet, she said.

"One of the problems is that some people end up eating too much of animal-based fats, like bacon," she said.

Whaley-Connell said research shows that high-fat diets in general can have negative health effects in the long-term, regardless of whether the fat comes from plants or animals.

"High-fat diets over time can induce kidney injury both functionally and structurally," he said. "It does not matter what the source of fat is."

Cardiovascular risks such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure can increase over time with a high-fat diet, he said.

That's why going on the keto diet under the supervision of a physician is important, he said. But he won't recommend it to his patients and explains that the long-term health risks outweigh the short-term weight loss results.

Parks is less persuaded by those risks.

"I wouldn't say there are no risks, but on the whole the risks are relatively low," she said. "If you are relatively healthy, it is not a dangerous diet to try. People who are diabetic should check with their doctor before they start the diet. Some diabetes medicines do not work well on the keto diet."

For her patients on low-carb diets, she recommends taking multivitamins, and making sure vitamin C is being replenished. Drinking plenty of water is important, as carbohydrates often supply most of the body's hydration, she said.

"Many people ask what the minimum amount of carbs you need a day is, which is controversial, but it's important to realize that your liver can supply the body with energy in other ways when on low-carb," she said.

Works for her

The hardest part of the keto diet for Breland is the negativity and criticism that surrounds the lifestyle.

"The lifestyle isn't for everyone, but for me, it is sustainable long-term," she said.

Parks, who regularly conducts weight loss studies at the MU School of Medicine, said the quick and large amount of weight loss that results from the keto diet, is explainable in part by three factors:

Losing water weight: Glycogen, the backup carbohydrate in the liver, is stored with water. During ketosis, glycogen becomes depleted and thus water is not being stored.

Less sugar means less stored fat: Sugar is a carb, and the carb intake on the ketogenic diet is very low. When fat is consumed with sugar, the body uses the sugar as fuel and stores the fat. When fat is consumed without sugar, the body burns the fat instead.

Cutting carbs means cutting calories: When a diet is restricted by something as common as carbohydrates, fewer food options are available to the person. With fewer food choices, people eat less.

For Breland, the lifestyle change came at no additional expense and was an easy transition, even with meals to prepare for two kids and a husband. "When I cook for my family, I just modify it for me," she said. "If my family has tacos, I have a taco bowl.

"When I switched to the this lifestyle, I reached out and tried to find a physician who practiced or was an advocate for the diet, and was never able to connect with one," Breland said. "As long as I am practicing a well-formulated ketogenic diet, my physician supports it."

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Jenna Jameson shares new higher calorie keto diet meal plan

After shedding 80 pounds post-baby, Jenna Jameson is increasing her caloric intake while still sticking with her beloved keto diet.

JENNA JAMESON SHARES BIKINI PHOTO AFTER MASSIVE KETO DIET WEIGHT LOSS

Jameson, 44, shared her updated meal plan on Instagram this week.

Like before, the former porn star starts her day with coffee, Stevia and sugarfree non-dairy creamer. When she gets hungry, she makes her signature "Bomblette," an omelet made with eggs, shredded cheese, chives and sometimes tomatoes and onions, which she says she has with a "huge [glass of] ice water."

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When her daughter, Batel, naps, Jameson prepares "tender white fish baked in the oven in butter with garlic," which she enjoys with an arugula salad or "savage cabbage," a whole cabbage cut into wedges and cooked with olive oil, salt, pepper and sometimes paprika.

Her final meal before bed is what she refers to as "beastie bolognese," which she makes with browned ground meat, organic tomato sauce, garlic, onion, garlic salt, kosher beef seasoning, oregano and parsley.

JENNA JAMESON SHOWS OFF KETO DIET WEIGHT LOSS, SAYS SHE'S 'IN AWE' OF HER BODY

She also notes in her bolognese recipe that while she maintains a kosher diet, those who don't can add cheese to their taste.

Before bed, Jameson enjoys mint leaves steeped in hot water.

The bestselling author has been vocal about her support of the keto diet, which she's adhered to since March 2018.

She's previously sworn off snacking and advocated for intermittent fasting.

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Jillian Michaels, who slammed the keto diet, bashes CrossFit: 'It stops being effective'

© Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for iHeartMedia Jillian Michaels arrives at the 2019 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards Presented by Capital One at the iHeartRadio Theater LA on January 18, 2019 in Burbank, California. The keto diet isn't the only trend Jillian Michaels has a problem with.

In a video filmed back in December but shared by Shape yesterday on the magazine's Instagram account, the personal trainer bashed CrossFit, listing multiple "issues" with the trendy workout.

"First of all, you've got what, maybe 20 to 25 movements that don't really vary? And you're doing them over and over and over again," she said. "So on one hand it stops being effective because you're not challenging the body from various angles of push and pull, with different varieties of exercises and different types of movements that work different modalities."

She continued, "And I know CrossFit (athletes say), 'Oh, we work all the modalities!' — but no, not really, so shouldn't you choose a workout that has a little bit more flexibility and strength so you get more mobility, not just power, which is speed and strength."

Instead, she advised a more balanced workout.

"A little agility work, maybe some endurance training," she said. "So that you're training in a more balanced way, to keep the body changing and keep your training more holistic by hitting all modalities of fitness."

Shape shared the video on its website in December but the Thursday post on Instagram by the magazine quickly drew eyeballs, with negative reactions filling up the comment section.

"I'd love to see her be thankful people are just out moving and working their bodies. How about a good job instead of u shouldn't do this or that!" one user wrote. "My husband lost 70 lbs with CrossFit 6 years ago and has kept it off. I'd say it works pretty good."

"What DOES she like? Oh, just her programs? Gotcha," another wrote with an eye-rolling emoji.

"She only likes what she can make money off of. Simple," another said.

"She's quickly turned into a crazy negative person. She bashes every thing," another wrote. "How about do what works for your body & you actually enjoy"

It's not the first time Michaels has gone after a health trend. The star, who rose to fame on "The Biggest Loser," ripped the keto diet in January. 

She slammed the trendy weight-loss regimen tied to everyone from Al Roker to Halle Berry because she says it starves the body's cells of essential macronutrients.

"I don't understand. Like, why would anybody think this is a good idea?" Michaels told Women's Health at the time, calling the keto diet a "bad plan, for a million reasons." 

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The Keto Diet Totally Made Me Gain Weight

Photograph by Twenty20

I should start by stating that I've done every diet known to humankind. I'm that girl.

That "No thanks … I'm not eating fruit after 7 p.m." girl. That "time for my sixth mini-meal of the day" girl. That "Yes, this cayenne and lemon juice drink does kind burn on the way out, but I dropped 12 pounds in 3 days" girl.

So, it should come by no surprise that when Pinterest told me about keto, the newest fad diet, it sparked my interest. And, after seeing actual people I knew lose copious amounts of weight eating bacon, I just had to jump on board.

Healthline describes the keto diet like this: "The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that shares many similarities with the Atkins and low-carb diets. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain. Ketogenic diets can cause massive reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels."

I will admit that my main motivation to start keto was the draw of the food. For me, it has always been food. Food has been my comfort, my nemesis, my reward and my punishment.

The idea of being able to eat bacon, cheese, butter and steak — all things that are usually so sadly restricted on most diets — and lose weight fast sounded almost too good to be true.

But true, it was! I dropped eight pounds in my first seven days and continued to drop pounds week after week. I stuck with it, having very few hiccups or "cheats" for months, continuing to lose weight and feel amazing.

Moreover, while my initial goals had all circled around weight loss, I was also thrilled to find that I felt energized all day, slept better than I had in years, never felt bloated or gassy and rarely felt hungry.

Fast-forward to Christmas 2018.

I entered the season feeling better about myself than I had in ages. I was slimmer, more energized and happier than ever before. I'd worked hard for this and decided I deserved a bit of a break. I told myself that I would try to stick to mostly keto foods and have those yummy holiday treats in moderation. Sounds reasonable, right?

I thought so, too.

That is until I weighed in on January 1 of this year and had managed to gain a whopping 12 pounds in two weeks with this attempt at "keto moderation."

"Kind of Keto" will make you fat.

The thing I didn't realize was this: While the idea of 80/20 (i.e., eating on plan 80 percent of the time and allowing treats 20 percent of the time) works for a lot of diets, on keto, it makes you fat. The reason behind this is that keto success relies solely on keeping your body in a state ketosis. One cheat will knock you right out of that low-carb window.

I was eating extremely high fat, as you're supposed to with keto, but also adding in high carb treats once in a while. Thanks to the "moderation" of those Christmas goodies, my ass was nowhere near ketosis, yet I continued to down my bulletproof coffee every morning, eat steak topped with Kerrygold butter and enjoyed fat bombs as usual.

The result was massive weight gain.

While my weight gain wasn't ideal, I'm eternally grateful that I only attempted to eat "kind of keto" for a few weeks and found out relatively quickly what effect it would have on my body.

Lesson learned: There is no such thing as "kind of" following keto. Keto with cheats is not like other diets with cheats. "Kind of keto" will make you fat.

But I also know from experience that this diet, if followed correctly, likely will help you lose massive amounts of weight and feel better than you ever dreamed possible. So, if you're just contemplating taking the keto journey, really consider if this is a lifestyle you can stick with forever. If it is, happy, delicious eating to you!

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Fitness coach, 25, reveals the EXACT diet and workout routine she followed to transform her physique - after struggling with binge eating for years

Fitness coach, 25, reveals the EXACT diet and workout routine she followed to transform her physique - after struggling with binge eating for years

A fitness blogger has revealed her previously difficult relationship with her body 

Anjuli Mack, 25, started her 'fitness journey' seven years ago

Initially she had no idea what she was doing and wasn't noticing any changes

Over the years her weight fluctuated and so did her negative self-image

Now she is able to balance her nutrition and exercise and has shared her tips 

By Billie Schwab Dunn For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:47 EST, 3 February 2019 | Updated: 22:23 EST, 3 February 2019

A fitness coach has revealed how she overcame her tumultuous relationship with her body to become a bikini competitor. 

Anjuli Mack, 25, from Auckland, New Zealand started her 'fitness journey' seven years ago which began as a form of stress relief. 

She started lifting weights at the beginning of university but at the time had no idea what she was doing.

'I was the only girl in the weights room and there weren't many big YouTube and Instagram girls to follow online so I started training with the guys in the gym,' she told FEMAIL.

Anjuli Mack, 25, has revealed how she overcame her tumultuous relationship with her body to become a bikini competitor

'They encouraged me to lift heavy and stop doing so much cardio. As my strength increased I began to love lifting weights - it felt SO good to feel strong,' she continued.

'My confidence improved and going to the gym became something I would choose over going out partying but on the occasion I did go out, I'd be in the gym the next day.' 

For her, working out never felt like a chore and the post workout endorphins made her 'feel amazing', which became an addicting high. 

Unfortunately although her exercise levels changed Anjuli didn't adapt her approach to her nutrition, she just ate more. 

She originally started her 'fitness journey' seven years ago which she began as a form of stress relief

She has documented her fluctuating weight and her relationship with her body on her Instagram account 

'I remember thinking, "I go to the gym so I can eat more". Of course more activity means that you can get away with more ca lories but I wasn't fuelling myself with the right foods, I had no idea what I was doing so I ended up gaining muscle but it was hiding underneath the fat from a university style diet of hall foods and study snacks,' she revealed.

'I started feeling like I wasn't progressing anymore because I wasn't looking any better.'

Anjuli was becoming frustrated as even though she was going to the gym five to six times a week she wasn't noticing any physical differences. 

Anjuli started lifting weights at the beginning of university but at the time had no idea what she was doing

'I tried many quick fix type fad diets such as keto diet and typical body builder type diets that I found online but I ended up developing a really unhealthy relationship with food and exercise as I was trying so many different things that weren't working,' she said.

'Unfortunately back then I had no idea about coaches or online programs so I was really stuck. I knew something had to change so I got a nutritionist and she helped me find a healthier relationship with food.' 

I tried many quick fix type fad diets such as keto diet and typical body builder type diets that I found online but I ended up developing a really unhealthy relationship with food and exercise 

It was at this point that she started educating herself and eventually realised that there are no quick fixes.

Now she understands that the only way you can achieve your goals of being healthy, strong and feeling confident is through putting in work - nutrition and exercise go hand in hand.

'It seriously took me years to get to this point and if there was one thing I could change about my journey it would be to hav e had someone help me from day one,' she said.

Anjuli was becoming frustrated as even though she was going to the gym five to six times a week she wasn't noticing any physical difference

'I tried many quick fix type fad diets such as keto diet and typical body builder type diets that I found online but I ended up developing a really unhealthy relationship with food and exercise,' she said

What is an example of Anjuli's day on a plate? 

First meal: Post workout cacao salted caramel protein smoothie made with 250ml unsweetened coconut and almond milk, 8g cacao, 80g frozen banana and 29g salted caramel protein 

Second meal: 125g chicken, 40g couscous, green salad and 100g mixed vegetables ⁣

Third meal: 125g fresh blueberries ⁣

Fourth meal: 160g beef fillet and 200g stir fry mixed vegetables with teriyaki sauce ⁣

Fifth meal: Rice, 125g chicken and 50 per cent less sugar ketchup ⁣

Sixth meal: Baby tomatoes on soy and linseed bread 

When she first started working out her average day on a plate would vary greatly, some days she would be really 'clean' and only consume broccoli, spinach, eggs, chicken and oats and other days she may have eaten a whole packet of cookies followed by a night out drinking.

Both her training and her nutrition had no structure which is why she wasn't getting the results that she wanted.

These days her training is structured and tailored to her goals.

These days her exercise routine is made up of a c ombination of heavy weight lifting, circuits and working out outside, such as racing up mountains.

'My new style of nutrition doesn't involve depriving myself or binge eating - it is all about eating to nourish my body and to achieve my goals whilst not being afraid to have a treat here and there,' she said.

'At the time I didn't realise how the extra food and stress from lifting heavy was impacting my body but looking back my mental and physical health would have suffered.' 

When she first started working out her average day on a plate would vary greatly, some days she would be really 'clean' and other days she may have eaten a whole packet of cookies followed by a night out drinking

At the beginning of all of this Anjuli doesn't think she was 'mentally fit' as she found herself becoming more critical of how she looked.

She would often look in the mirror and feel her stomach rolls, her hips and her 'love handles'. She also thought her legs were 'too big'. 

'I didn't know how lean down and shed the extra fat so I felt self-conscious in a bikini too - this had never happened to me before,' she said.

'From the experience of ranging from 69 kilos at my heaviest to 57 kilos before competitions, which is the lightest I can remember being, and a lot of work on self-love over the years I realise that it's not the size of me that was causing my negative feelings or my self-conscious thoughts.

'It was the lack of control I had and the poor relationship with food and my body.'

These days her exercise routine is made up of a combination of heavy weight lifting, circuits and working out outside, such as racing up mountains

At the beginning of all of this Anjuli doesn't think she was 'mentally fit' as she found herself becoming more critical of how she looked

What is Anjuli's advice for success? 

- Remember to be kind to yourself and speak to yourself as you would to your best friend.  

- Think about your body as a whole being - how amazing is it that you have the ability to exercise, to eat, to work and adventure.

- Look after your body by nourishing it with foods, exercise and kind thoughts.

- Every time something negative pops into your head, replace it with a positive one or just let it go.

- Do not compare yourself to anyone else.

-Take control of your mind, your body and your life - empower yourself by doing things daily that make you feel amazing. 

When she is in control of her nutrition, feeding her body with foods that energise her and not make her bloated and fatigued, and working out she said she feels good, regardless of the aesthetics.

Anjuli explained that there have been a variety of things that were the catalyst for her changing her relationship with her body. 

'The first one was when I finished uni and went travelling. I wanted to make a New Years Resolution to change my body,' she said.

'I managed to drop a bit of weight and gain some muscle in 2016, seeing progress was SO rewarding. I decided a year later that I wanted to do my first ever WBFF Bikini Diva competition in the Gold Coast. I had about 16 weeks to prepare.

'This was the biggest challenge of my fitness journey and I loved it! I saw my abs for the first time and had gone from about 69 kilos to 59 kilos in the year.' 

When she is in control of her nutrition and feeding her body with foods that energise her and not make her bloated and fatigued and when she works out she said she feels good, regardless of the aesthetics

The second catalyst was post competing as she had been restricting herself for months, which makes it hard to control yourself when you don't have a goal in place and resulted her gaining a lot of weight back.

'I binged and treated my body the worst I had since university. I was over eating then trying to out exercise my bad diet. I was ruining everything and I developed a negative relationship with food and exercise all over again.

'I would cry a few times in the week, I was no longer myself - not the happy, positive and motivated Anjuli I knew.

'Every day I would wake up and say "I'll start tomorrow". Well tomorrow comes and goes but you never start.

'Four months after competing I realised that this HAD TO STOP. I couldn't keep doing this to myself, I was unhappy and insecure.'

'My new style of nutrition doesn't involve depriving myself or binge eating - it is all about eating to nourish my body and to achieve my goals whilst not being afraid to have a treat here and there,' she said

This led her to commit to a 12 week shred which resulted in her taking control of her life again. 

'My fitness journey has really been a roller coaster but I've found the results will come if you implement five key things: training, nutrition, hard work, consistency and patience,' Anjuli added.

'My weight will vary over time, as wi ll everyone else's. It has fluctuated a lot from the uni to traveling to competing and post competing.

'However, if there is one thing I could say to anyone that is looking to start their journey - the scales do not define you or your progress.'

The 25-year-old said she always encourages people to focus on the non-scale victories such as: clearer skin, more energy, better sleep, less cravings and clothes fitting better.

She said that focusing on how you feel instead of how you look or what the scale is saying will usually result in better results. 

'It is never too late to start! Write down your goals, create a plan, don't be afraid to ask for help and just put in the work to achieve them,' Anjuli added.

For more diet and exercise tips follow Anjuli's fitness account on Instagram. 

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Seniors develop keto diet snack

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From left to right: Charlie Stahurski, Candice Mazewski (the team's TA), Karen Zheng, Allison Streeter, Keelin Frank and Regan Doolin, all seniors in ACES, developed Keto Kups, a quiche-like snack food for people on the ketogenic diet.

Photo courtesy of Keelin Frank

From left to right: Charlie Stahurski, Candice Mazewski (the team's TA), Karen Zheng, Allison Streeter, Keelin Frank and Regan Doolin, all seniors in ACES, developed Keto Kups, a quiche-like snack food for people on the ketogenic diet.

Photo courtesy of Keelin Frank

Photo courtesy of Keelin Frank

From left to right: Charlie Stahurski, Candice Mazewski (the team's TA), Karen Zheng, Allison Streeter, Keelin Frank and Regan Doolin, all seniors in ACES, developed Keto Kups, a quiche-like snack food for people on the ketogenic diet.

Last semester, students Keelin Frank, Regan Doolin, Allison Streeter, Karen Zheng, Candace Mazewski and Charlie Stahurski decided to create a food product that followed the ketogenic diet for their class, FSHN 466: Food Product Development. They wanted to take a beloved frozen snack and "Keto-tiz-it" into a product that someone on this diet could eat. They ended up creating Ketotizit!, a startup that focuses directly on maintaining a ketogenic diet in a delicious way.

With a growing trend in the ketogenic diet — a high-fat, low-carbohydrate meal plan that forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates — these students developed a snack to help those with dietary restrictions still enjoy the meals they thought they couldn't eat.

They created Keto Kups: bite-sized snacks similar to a quiche. Hemp Hearts, a trending ingredient, are found in the crust to add a nice flavor and bring a higher fat content. They researched several recipes and trending flavors, finally deciding on buffalo chicken.

Stahurski, senior in ACES, shared his teammates of Ketotizit! actually went on a 48-hour ketogenic diet to see what consumers were experiencing when developing their product. They all realized they had a craving for high carb foods, such as pizza and bread, and wanted to design a nutritious product that could fight this craving for consumers on the diet.

"Ketotizit! is one of the first companies to develop a ketogenic frozen snack that only needs to be reheated. It allows for people on the ketogenic diet to come home from work or school to enjoy a quick convenient snack before preparing a keto dinner," Stahurski said.

 After developing the actual Keto Kup product, the team began to think of what its startup could offer and how Ketotizit! would analyze what consumers on the ketogenic diet were going through.

The team was paired with Patryk Swietek, senior in Business, who served as its business adviser in FSHN 466, the senior capstone class.

Swietek is a co-founder of Menu3, an augmented reality menu startup on campus. He volunteered to participate in this food development class as a business adviser and was one of the seven Business undergraduates  that advised a team.

"I mainly focused my attention on providing business guidance to the project, business, marketing and pricing strategies," Swietek said. "They built the product, and I helped create the strategy to get it in the hands of the consumers."

Frank, senior in ACES, was another Ketotizit! team member. She said the team was fortunate to be matched with Swietek as its business mentor. He guided members through various marketing resources, like social media, and helped the team decide which parts of Keto Kups it should really focus on, such as ingredients. 

"Ketotizit! is a food product made for people on the ketogenic diet, which makes it super interesting in itself," Swietek said. "Diets are not easy to maintain, especially the ketogenic diet, so providing an easy way to make that manageable is truly an amazing experience. Ketotizit! makes the ketogenic diet easier and even more enjoyable to do."

For their final presentation in the capstone class, team members had to make a Shark Tank-style pitch to judges from the food industry. They competed against the other teams in their FSHN 466 class and won funding to move forward and compete in the Cozad New Venture Challenge, with a goal of learning more about the business perspective of food innovation and product design.

"That was the day we really became a startup company," Frank said. "My favorite part of this whole experience was being able to take everything I've learned over my college career and apply it to make a product my team was proud of." 

[email protected]

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