In November 2015, I decided to give the ketogenic diet a try, but not until I had done my research and decided it was worth trying. Today, April 30th, I stopped following a ketogenic diet and here’s why.
I Got Very Ill
On April 16th, 2017, I became very ill. I was sick for almost a week. You’re probably wondering if the ketogenic diet made me sick, the answer to that is yes and no.
I Do Not Have a Gallbladder
My gallbladder was removed eleven years ago, and it was not a surgery I elected to have, it was an emergency surgery, that I had a few days after having my daughter by cesarean section.
I did not want my gallbladder removed, but after having a child and being very sick, I wanted relief. Testing was done, and the surgeon concluded that my gallbladder had to be removed.
So now you know why I do not have a gallbladder.
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat and very low-carb diet, and the gallbladder and liver should be functioning properly to produce the necessary bile for breaking down fat.
I took an ox bile supplement along with a digestive enzyme. But I guess it was not enough.
The day I got sick, I felt like I had a gallbladder attack. After this experience, I realized that I needed to stop following a ketogenic diet for my health’s sake.
I Had Belly Bloat
When I first started following a ketogenic diet, I did not have belly bloat. My belly was going down.
But the longer I followed a ketogenic diet; my stomach began to bloat.
Bloating was a sign that my body was not breaking down fat efficiently, but I chalked it up to getting adjusted to the ketogenic diet. I now know that was not the case at all.
It Was Stressful
I told a friend about what happened (ill) and why I would stop following a ketogenic diet.
My friend said that she was worried about me because she noticed that I was moving in the direction of being too restrictive. She also said that getting sick was divine intervention for me to stop following a ketogenic diet. I have to admit; my friend was right.
Following any diet can be a source of stress, but it is particularly stressful when you are consistently focused on consuming a high amount of fat and always monitoring carbohydrate consumption.
Weight loss was never the reason why I decided to try a ketogenic diet, but I see many who follow a ketogenic diet focus solely on weight loss and that bothered me too. Because I believe that if you want to keep the weight off, one must first get healthy, and then everything else falls into place.
Sidenote: I believe that when you eat a balanced diet (macronutrient balanced) that works best for you, exercise, get proper rest, and manage stress, weight loss is inevitable, if needed.
I eat the foods that I know are good for me. And the best thing about this is that I enjoy my food which allows me to have pleasure around my food without introducing unnecessary stress.
The day I decided to stop following a ketogenic diet, is the day I felt a sense of peace.
Final Words
I thought I could follow a ketogenic diet for the long haul, but my body let me know that the ketogenic diet had run its course. I am not a fool; I listen to my body because it knows the way.
I no longer label my diet or put myself in a box. If we look at other animals, they do not worry about how much fat, protein, or carbohydrates to eat; they simply eat the foods that work the best for their bodies.
I believe in a balanced diet. And some of you may ask, “What is a balanced diet.” Here’s my definition:
A balanced diet consists of a good macronutrient bala
nce of protein, carbohydrates, and fat that works best for your body. And at any given time, depending on your activity level or what’s going on in your life, your body will need more or less of a certain macronutrient.
I believe in eating a whole-foods based diet that consists of vegetables, fruit, protein, and healthy fats. And if dairy, beans, and grains work for me, I’ll eat that too, but a few of these foods don’t agree with me, so I don’t eat them.
I finally know what works best for me. And I decided to share why I stopped following a ketogenic diet in hopes of possibly helping someone on their journey.
The ketogenic diet was good while it lasted, but it is time to say goodbye and hello to a more balanced way of eating.
Thanks for sharing your experiment! And I love your definition of a balanced diet!
Welcome and thanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much for this! I have been paleo for about 3 years (successfully and happily!) and then this summer for some reason, thought trying keto was a good idea. I could have struggled thru the keto flu but I called out of work today because of it and I saw a future full of stress and constipation if I kept going with it. And, heart palpitations at work last night. Whew! Thank you for this post, this was quite timely for me. Can I ask, what percentages of your macros are you following now? Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Hi Caren,
Thanks for sharing your story with keto!
Yeah, I believe I was aiming for 75-80% fat (really was too high for me, considering I don’t have a gall bladder). These days, I just eat a balanced diet, track my calories on my Fitbit, exercise, and I feel at peace doing these things.
All the best to you, Caren!
Hello Evelyn, I just watched your YouTube video and I am so glad I did! I just quit Keto as well. Same , I do not have a gallbladder and I have been taking the oxbile salt also. I have been doing Keto for about 6 wks and have had the Keto Flu off and on, and then I got very very sick two nights ago and my husband wanted to take me to the ER, but I said no. My heart was racing, nausea, diarrhea, dizzy(which is very alarming because I have had vertigo two times in my life).
I wandering if you would mind sharing what your symptoms were? I heard a few on the video, but was wandering if you had any others that were similar to mine. I am feeling better now, but still having nausea, especially in the morning.
I do plan on making an app. with a naturopathic doctor as soon as possible.
Thank you for sharing the video and I am so glad you are feeling better!!
Warm Regards, Dana
Hi Dana,
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experience with keto!
It sounds like your symptoms were related to keto flu, but it could also be a combination of keto flu and not having a gallbladder.
First of all, my upper abdominal area was hurting like it used to before the removal of my gallbladder. I had hot/cold sweats, got freezing (temperature), nausea, and low energy. I threw up too.
Glad you are doing better. You’re doing the right thing by following up with your healthcare professional.
I appreciate your feedback, and I wish you the best!!
Evelyn
I will never try ketogenic diet without a Gallbladder. It is very dangerous but you try this and give an example. At last you listen to your body that’s cool.
Hi Upchar,
Thank you for your feedback! 🙂
Hi Ev, sorry you had to go thru that.
I love carbs and we are having s hard time breaking up which is bad since I have too much belly fat
Once someone recommended me to try the KD for my son to control the seizures but with all his issues I didn’t want to risk it
Hi, Michelle!
My personal trainer recommended a book for me and I encourage you to check it out. The title of the book is
State of Slim. You might like it enough to give the program a try.
Yeah, that was me. 🙂 You have to do what you know works best for your child.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you. I’m going to go to Amazon and check it out. I just looooove to eat so much…especially comfort foods
I love this plan because it is done in three phases and the 2nd and 3rd phase allows for those comfort foods if you like. 😉 Let me know what you think.
Have a blessed week
Evelyn,
This blog post will bless so many who are right where you were and didn’t know what to do. You have blessed many with your transparency! God bless you!! ❤
Hi, Ms. Carolyn!
Thanks for stopping by! Sometimes it is hard being transparent, but it is always the best way to be.
Blessings to you!
I am so glad you are feeling better, Evelyn! So sorry that you had to go through all of that. I truly believe that we need to get back to the basics and eat real food, and as you said, keep it balanced! Good luck on your recovery! Evey
Hi, Evey!!
Thanks, I am much better!
Absolutely, real food and balance is the key! Thank you for the good wishes!
Take care!
Oh my, oh my, oh my! It is so strange how God answers our prayers. Evelyn, when you began to share with your readers and viewers about this diet, I worried about you and began to ask God to protect you as HE showed you what is best for you. The large amounts of fat were a real concern for me – especially since I knew you had taken so much care in eating well in the past. I am so glad that you have discovered what works best for you. One of the many things that I learned from you is to always listen to your body. It sounds like you took your own advice. Thanks for your transparency. You are a true example of what you preach. I look forward to your sharing more tips and recipes as you continue to coach others on leading a healthy life. Have a beautiful rest of the week!
Hi, Trinity! Thank you so much for praying for my protection! Wow, look at God, He answered your prayer.
Listening to our bodies is key and I really should have quit keto long before now, but sometimes, our bodies will get our attention one way or another.
I appreciate your support and value your feedback. It means more than you will ever know. Maybe one day we will get a chance to meet, my friend. 🙂
God bless you, Trinity!!