Why did Peter discontinue the ketogenic diet? And what's his dietary strategy for 2018? (AMA #1)

Peter Attia MD11 minutes read

After experiencing positive effects on a ketogenic diet, the author switched to a diet focusing on avoiding junk food and bad carbohydrates, emphasizing whole foods. The author reflects on individual responses to diets, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a ketogenic diet with a family.

Insights

  • Individual responses to ketogenic diets vary, with personal experience being positive but recognizing not everyone responds as well.
  • Emphasizes the importance of avoiding bad carbohydrates and focusing on whole foods like potatoes and rice, rather than deliberately restricting carbohydrates.

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Recent questions

  • What are the benefits of a ketogenic diet?

    The individual experienced improvements in mental clarity, resilience, biomarkers, and performance on the ketogenic diet. It took 18 months to surpass aerobic function, indicating significant positive effects on overall health and well-being.

  • How does individual response vary on a ketogenic diet?

    The individual acknowledges that responses to ketogenic diets can vary, with personal experience being highly positive but recognizing that not everyone responds as well. This highlights the importance of understanding that each person may react differently to the same dietary approach.

  • What is the current diet approach after discontinuing the ketogenic diet?

    The current diet alternates between time-restricted and non-time-restricted feeding, focusing on avoiding junk food rather than deliberately restricting carbohydrates. This shift in focus suggests a more flexible approach to eating while still prioritizing whole, nutritious foods.

  • What foods should be avoided on the current diet?

    Emphasizing the importance of avoiding bad carbohydrates, the individual has a rule to not eat packaged foods and opts for whole foods like potatoes and rice. This strategy aims to promote better food choices and overall health.

  • How does the individual manage daily eating routines?

    The individual describes a daily eating routine that includes a high-fat shake for lunch, a Greek dinner with smoked salmon and lamb, and a big salad, with attention to glucose levels throughout the day. This structured approach to meals highlights a focus on nutrient-dense foods and mindful eating habits.

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Summary

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Transitioning from Ketogenic to Balanced Diet

  • Discontinued ketogenic diet after 3 years due to missing favorite high-carb meal, a curry stir-fry with rice, and certain fruits.
  • Experienced significant improvements in mental clarity, resilience, biomarkers, and performance on the ketogenic diet, taking 18 months to surpass aerobic function.
  • Acknowledges individual responses to ketogenic diets vary, with personal experience being highly positive but recognizing not everyone responds as well.
  • Current diet alternates between time-restricted and non-time-restricted feeding, focusing on avoiding junk food rather than deliberately restricting carbohydrates.
  • Emphasizes avoiding bad carbohydrates, with a rule to not eat packaged foods, opting for whole foods like potatoes and rice.
  • Describes daily eating routine, including a high-fat shake for lunch, a Greek dinner with smoked salmon and lamb, and a big salad, with attention to glucose levels throughout the day.
  • Mentions a preference for a variety of vegetables, rotating between lamb, beef, fish, and occasionally including potatoes or rice in meals.
  • Reflects on the challenges of maintaining a ketogenic diet with children, citing the inconvenience and desire for a broader array of foods for family meals.
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