My Surprising Keto Journey: Why I Gave Up the Trend After 5 Years!

For years, I struggled to find the perfect equilibrium in life, which is why I initially gravitated towards the all-or-nothing approach of a ketogenic diet. About 11 years ago, my interest in healthy eating bloomed, pushing me towards gluten-free and low-carb options due to fatigue from my former high-carb lifestyle. This transition ultimately led me to the keto diet, which was lauded for its weight loss benefits and ability to regulate blood sugar levels, especially for those tackling conditions like type 2 diabetes and epilepsy.

Embarking on a New Culinary Adventure

Keto became a life-altering journey for me the moment I embarked on it in the fall of 2017. Food is a cornerstone of my family heritage, especially with two generations in the baking industry, so shifting to a keto lifestyle required me to reinvent my cooking game completely. Diving deep into the world of healthy fats and sugar substitutes, I found myself embracing this new culinary frontier.

Initially, the benefits were astounding—I shed pounds, felt more energized, and experienced mental clarity that made everything else seem manageable. However, dining out proved to be a challenge, as trusting restaurants with my strict dietary needs became a persistent worry. Keeping tabs on my ketosis became a tightrope act, and fasting often replaced what should have been a more balanced approach to eating.

From Passion to Pressure: Keto as My Job

My passion for keto took a professional turn when I joined a company specializing in keto coffee and supplements as a content marketing manager. There, I was surrounded by like-minded individuals, but soon it became overwhelming. The diet dominated every aspect of my day, and the pressure to constantly adhere to a strict eating regimen morphed keto from a lifestyle choice into my full-time job.

After leaving my role, the cracks began to show. I faced bouts of depression, weight gain, and chronic insomnia. Eventually, blood tests revealed alarming levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and sinking thyroid hormones, leading to a doctor-recommended regimen of supplements and synthetic hormones for the first time in my life.

A New Direction for Wellness

In late 2022, I sought guidance from an endocrinologist who encouraged me to rethink my commitment to keto, suggesting I no longer needed to abide by such a restrictive diet, especially since I lacked a chronic health issue that warranted one.

Gradually, I introduced healthy complex carbohydrates and fruits back into my diet. It was liberating to rediscover the joys of variety in my meals while I bid farewell to the keto-centric Facebook communities that had consumed so much of my time. By the beginning of 2023, I had a renewed spirit and a mission to embrace a more balanced lifestyle.

I experimented with a vegan diet for two weeks, rediscovering my love for bananas, lentils, quinoa, and more—foods I had largely shunned while staying true to keto. My diet evolved into one that celebrates lean proteins, healthy fats in moderation, and an abundance of plant-based foods. I even kick-started baking with natural sweeteners instead of the usual substitutes that once ruled my pantry.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and a Healthier Future

Looking back at my five years on keto, I now recognize that it instigated disordered eating patterns rather than leading me to a healthier lifestyle. Anyone pondering whether the keto diet is for them should absolutely consult with a healthcare professional.

Now two years post-keto, I’ve embraced forgiveness for my previous choices and prioritized mindfulness and gratitude in my everyday life. I commit to exercising five days a week, something I seldom achieved while on keto. The freedom I feel from stepping away from a restrictive regimen has made a world of difference. Life is now filled with variety, joy, and health, proving that sometimes, it’s necessary to let go of the “popular” paths to forge your own way to wellness! If you’re struggling with diets that seem too extreme, remember: balance can often bring you what restriction cannot.