Since we started Hot Melt last year, we’ve had a few questions (understandably) that I want to address, especially because this is the information that runs rampant in the health space that needs to be squelched once and for all.
The first is that it’s unhealthy–and to that, I say solidly that NO it is not.
But it can be–especially if you’re on Pinterest pinning a bunch of fatty keto recipes that only address ketosis and not the nutrition you absolutely still need, regardless.
The second is that putting your body into ketosis isn’t “natural” and it is bad for you. All ketosis is is your body’s way of letting you know it’s starting to use fat as its primary fuel source, not sugar. It’s a sign, not a medical crisis!
Ketoacidosis, on the other hand, is a true medical issue and involves symptoms like shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and more–completely different than ketosis.
Another myth (and again, I’ve seen this perpetuated on Pinterest) is you can pretty much eat any fat you want, as long as you’re choosing fat over other macronutrients. SO not true! Your body STILL needs nutrients! And while bacon, butter, and cheese are certainly a part of the keto diet, it’s not ALL of it, and woe to those who go that route.
And lastly, you’ve heard this one, I’m sure–your brain needs glucose to operate. Where does glucose come from? Carbs! But here’s why you don’t need carbs to make that happen. There’s a process called gluconeogenesis which means you convert protein to glucose and that is what feeds your brain. As a matter of fact, there is science that supports that this is a superior fuel for your brain!
It’s a matter of adapting to running on fat vs sugar is all–it’s just getting there that can be problematic. The “carb flu” is a symptom of someone becoming fat adapted and brain fog might be one of those symptoms!
But the good news is it’s temporary–once adapted, people who have done it will tell you they’ve never had more clarity, dropped weight effortlessly, and feel fantastic!
I hope that helps you understand a little bit more about this keto diet stuff–
As a nutritionist, I’ve seen it all (hey, I’ve been doing this for 25 years!!) so for me, the biggest sticking point of course is the nutrition side of things. Getting those nutrients in is critical in the short run and in the long run.
We developed our own nutrient-rich version of keto called The Hot Melt Sprint and have seen amazing results in our own little exclusive Facebook group of Hot Melters. It’s really exciting to see their results!
Take a peek if you like at our Hot Melt–it’s pretty fantastic stuff (if I do say so myself, LOL)