My Hair On Keto Healthy Hair
I had to share my experience about my hair on keto! Ketogenic diet has received much acclaim over the years and 2 years ago I embarked on my keto eating journey. For me, a person that is carb addicted, I found the diet to be a challenge. Consuming albeit "healthy fats" seemed foreign if not insane! I went into the eating program hardcore, following Stephanie Persons protocol which consisted of no cheese, virtually no nuts, very low carbs, moderate to low protein and lots of fat! I also did not use urine keto strips, I used a blood glucometer & a blood ketone meter. After several weeks, I was in ketosis! Although there are many versions of this diet which allow for cheese, milk and nuts, as well as higher protein - I followed Stephanie Persons protocol explicitly.
How did I feel physically & mentally? Great! How did my hair and skin react? Great! Although, many people claim they loose hair on keto - I believe this has more to do with depravation and virtual starvation. My eating was 75 to 80% fat! My body loved running on ketones - and as a bonus my hair was growing, glowing and strong. My usual acne disappeared and I lost over 12 pounds in 2 months. Some of my clients find this to trichotillomania help as well as using DIY hair mask for dry hair and healthy hair growth.
My take away, your body loves healthy fats, grass fed meats, leafy veggies, avocados and some coconut oil. I also joined a keto group that shared recipes and experience. As I stated this was a strict protocol. But then the final straw was the bone broth soup! I made the soup with cow knees, marrow, and all types of bones. I would cook the soup over 30 hours in a crock pot - my family could not endure the odor. My son told me that the house smelled like a morgue and that is all I could think of when sipping my soup!
The bad news - for me - it was unsustainable! When I took my first bite of pork belly I vomited. I just do not like animal fat and trying to substitute with MCT oils and coconut oil fat bombs started to make me sick. Although my body looked & felt fabulous and my hair was glimmering - I took my first bite of pizza! That knocked me right out of ketosis, the idea of a month of eating keto just to get back into ketosis was disheartening! I felt like a failure, but living for me also consists of enjoying food and an occasional glass of wine!
What did I do? I did not binge, instead I gradually started eating the foods I enjoy. Thankfully I love veggies so I kept those, I still eat a moderate amount of healthy fats such as salmon, eggs, avocados and fish. I stay away from processed food and do indulge on an occasional bowl of pasta and a few slices of pizza.
What happened to my hair & skin? Not much, by keeping the healthy fats in my diet my skin maintained its glow and elasticity. My hair is still shiny, but l experience some hormonal acne breakouts.
My take away! Keto works, but for me not so much! I am sure it is great for many and I wish it were sustainable. I am glad I tried it and kudos to those who can do it! Love to hear your experience.
