14 Nov Keto: The Path to Improving Your Metabolic Health
Join us on the So Freakin Healthy podcast as Ben Nordemann delves into the ketogenic lifestyle, highlighting its potential to improve metabolic health and shift our dietary habits. Learn the basics of keto, how it tackles insulin resistance, and best practices for successfully navigating this transformative journey.
You can listen to the whole episode and find more information about our expert Ben Nordemann in the link below, or anywhere you get your podcasts
Introduction: A Dive into Keto with Ben Nordemann
This week on the So Freakin’ Healthy podcast, we were thrilled to have Ben Nordemann, founder of Go Keto, as our guest. Ben introduced us to the world of keto, exploring its roots and benefits not just as a diet but as a lifestyle aimed at improving metabolic health.
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
Ben gave a succinct explanation of the ketogenic diet, emphasizing its foundation on two fuel systems our body utilizes: carbohydrates, producing glucose, and fats, producing ketones. The keto diet focuses on shifting the body’s energy source from carbohydrates to fats, leading to clean, sustained energy without the glucose spikes.
Understanding Insulin Resistance
One of the core issues the keto diet addresses is insulin resistance. Ben explained that high carbohydrate intake leads to glucose accumulation in our blood, which is harmful to our arteries and tissues. Keto helps by reducing glucose levels, thereby minimizing fat storage.
Finding A New Me
The Urban Cleanse program with Danna was the beginning of my lifestyle change. Through Danna’s great support and championing, I have learnt over time that little and bigger steps were bringing me very far away on my journey toward improved health. Danna is a wonderful coach: she is patient and committed, she listens and she fully understood when I was having hard time and facing challenges (the journey was not always easy for me!). She constantly looked for solutions and tips to support me, championing me and gaining my trust. Before meeting her, I was convinced to know a lot about health and wellbeing but Danna made me discover much more and truly helped me to find a NEW ME. I am really grateful: thanks Danna!
Simply Amazing at What She Does
As a Functional Medicine practitioner I’m super picky on who I work with. Danna is simply amazing at what she does. I have sent her my patients with confidence, knowing that they are always well taken care of. If you are looking for a health coach, someone to guide you with your nutrition, or simply someone that can help you achieve a better state of health, then Danna is your gal. Oh, and she has some awesome online programs as well. Don’t forget to check them out!
A Lot More Than Nutrition
I started working with Danna half a year ago. I didn’t really know what to expect, I live in a different country and it’s online, but something about her confidence and energy drove me to her and it. I came for a nutrition change which was my highest priority, but got a lot more than that from her. Danna helped guide me though a lot of life questions and difficulties I’ve had in this during this time, she asked me questions and gave me goals to achieve that made me understand a lot of things, and cleared up my way. I like how she thinks out of the box and for my needs, and never have I once felt she was judgemental towards me. She was caring and positive and funny!!!!
GO DANNA! you are doing most needed work!!!!! Many Hugs and thanks
Exactly What I Needed
The Urban Cleanse is the perfect way to jumpstart healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes. It was exactly what I needed to improve my nutrition and overall health. The program provides an abundance of information, support and delicious recipes. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t worry, you will be more than satisfied!
Confidence in the Kitchen Skyrocketed!
We’ve been working together now for about a year and I heard about the program and getting confidence with cooking and I thought, wow, what a great idea. I love to cook, but I have virtually no confidence. I was very, very rigid. I could only work with recipes. I was very focused on exact measurements. I had no creativity at all in the kitchen and I wanted some help to get past that and to really be more comfortable, just grabbing stuff out of the fridge and making them come together. And I have to say after about six lessons, I’m definitely there. I’m a bit more, free-spirited in my kitchen. It has been an amazing experience and the recipes, oh my God. So delicious!
Danna Brought Hope and Light
After following Danna for years I finally took action and started working with her when I found myself going through an extremely stressful period. I was in a toxic workplace, preparing for yet another international move, and just feeling generally overwhelmed as a busy mom of young children. Danna brought hope and light to my situation. She provided a safe space and always had helpful tips, tricks, and suggestions to help immediately improve whatever was going on- but also thoughtfulness for long-term success.
You’re Worth It!
I first met Danna in February 2019. I had recently lost both my parents and split up with my long term girlfriend. In the grip of depression, I had stopped all fitness related activities, cut myself off from most of my friends, was binge eating badly & pretty much struggling to find a reason to continue. Needless to say, the first session was difficult and I remember struggling to keep it together as I Skyped her from a hotel in Scotland.
From that low-point, Danna has been one of a small group of people who helped bring me back from the brink. Working together on a daily basis (WhatsApp, Cara), she initially started to change my approach to nutrition, step by step … from reducing my coffee intake (14 a day with cream and sugar!), to moving to a balanced plate (50% carbs, 25% good fat, 25% protein), sourcing fresh, non-processed produce, to using “good” fat and eliminating dairy products, introducing time restricted eating and adopting a plant-based diet… among a 100 other things!
Our initial 6-month engagement was interrupted by a serious health issue … a triple bypass…. and I had to suspend our sessions which she agreed to without hesitation. However, during this time, Danna stayed in touch throughout and checked in with me multiple times during and after my operation to offer her support. Indeed, I remember a large crate of fruit arriving at the hospital the day I was moved from the intensive care unit with a kind note to enjoy!
Fast forward one year. We still meet bi-weekly. She still checks what I eat daily, offers feedback, advice and occasionally kicks my ass when I need it. Thanks to her (and that small group of specialists who helped me in so many ways), I’m largely free of my depression (I still have the occasional bad day). I eat largely a plant based diet and am much more selective about my food. My binge eating has dramatically decreased and my weight is stable and decreasing. I’m back training at the gym 3-4 times per week. I’m engaged again with all my friends and I’ve found the joy in living again!
So, thank you Danna from the bottom of my heart. I would not be here without your efforts, advice, humor and friendship. And, if you are reading this and find yourself struggling and identifying with some of the issues I mention, I can only recommend her in the highest possible terms. Hire her. It will make a difference. And, don’t forget – you’re worth it.
Lost Weight Without Trying
Danna has helped my fiancé to sleep through the night! …by helping me to eat in a more conscious way and to identify foods that have a noticeable affect on my body… which have reduced my (alleged) snoring?!! …he does sleep less in the guest room, of late 😉 Also, I am much more aware of what I am eating and have miraculously lost some weight (very literally without trying, though it’s a goal in the long run) AND, she is just a super positive and encouraging and enlightening person to talk with! Thanks lovely????
Best Investment I’ve Made
When I started working with Danna, I was always exhausted to the point of tears. I was also suffering from anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain, and was unable to lose any weight. She not only guided me and my family to make healthier choices on our diet, but also coached me into a better and more balanced lifestyle. She also encouraged me to push my doctors for answers, and I’ve found out I am coeliac. Danna was then essential to our transition to being a gluten-free household, offering plenty of healthy alternatives that became our new staples. Her programme was the best investment I’ve made for my own health and well being, and also my family’s!
Keto and Metabolic Health
Megan and Ben discussed how keto can directly impact weight loss and improve metabolic health by altering how our bodies process glucose and insulin. Ben shared insights on how the constant high carbohydrate intake can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
The Benefits of Ketosis
Achieving ketosis, where the body uses fat as its main energy source, has profound effects on energy levels, mental clarity, and even brain functioning. Ben pointed out the brain's preference for ketones over glucose, which might explain the clarity and energy boost that often accompany ketosis.
The Keto Flu and Transitioning
Transitioning into ketosis can cause what's known as the "keto flu," characterized by fatigue and other symptoms. Ben highlighted the importance of maintaining electrolyte levels and staying hydrated to ease the transition.
Avoiding the Keto Flu
I shared a personal anecdote about my and my father's journey into ketosis without experiencing the common flu symptoms, thanks to a regimen of electrolytes, bone broth, and adequate hydration.
Keto for Women: Hormonal Considerations
Keto’s impact on women, especially those of childbearing age, was another important topic. Ben addressed concerns regarding the hormonal fluctuations that occur during a woman's monthly cycle and how keto may still be beneficial without compromising hormone production.
Long-Term Keto and Transitioning
Considering keto as a long-term lifestyle was another focal point. Ben and Megan discussed transitioning from strict keto to a moderate carb intake once metabolic health is restored, aligning closely with principles of other low-carb diets like Atkins.
Measuring Ketosis: Methods and Tools
Ben shared various methods for measuring ketosis, including urine sticks, breath analyzers, and blood ketone meters. These tools help individuals track and understand their state of ketosis to fine-tune their diet.
Go Keto: Products and Services
To support those on their keto journey, Ben’s company offers a range of products and services, from keto-friendly foods to high-quality supplements, and valuable information to guide individuals toward healthier choices.
Conclusion: Towards a Healthier Lifestyle
As we wrap up this enlightening discussion, it's clear that the keto lifestyle offers substantial benefits beyond weight loss. With proper education and adaptation, keto can be a powerful tool in regaining metabolic health and making informed dietary choices. We eagerly await our next session with Ben to explore more about intermittent fasting and keto-friendly foods.
Danna helps incredible women understand just how incredible they really are – by working on self love, on healing their relationship with food, and giving their gut what it needs in order to support their health and livelihood. Her goal is to help others reach deliciously sustainable lifestyle changes. Enjoy life, and enjoy every bite of food you eat. No diets, no deprivation!
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