Keto Ask Me Anything
I get asked some of the same questions about the keto diet everyday. Is keto bad for kidney disease? Can I do keto without a gall bladder? What about my cholesterol? In this Keto Youtube video, I help answer all of your keto questions!
If you would like me to do more Facebook live videos and keto Youtube videos, comment below or comment on my Youtube video on what you would like me to cover next!
TESTIMONY OF THE DAY
I had a great book signing the other day and the most amazing part was Lori who came to my signing in for my book The 30 Day Ketogenic Cleanse. 4 months later after following the meal plans…she lost over 40 pounds!
Most people I consult are doing keto totally wrong. Get fast results with the my NEW Keto School!
Click HERE to check out my NEW Keto School!
I would love for you to cover Keto for people with severe nut allergies. Since menopause I cannot eat anything, not even a trace, of nuts; this was devastating as I previously ate a lot of nuts!! Keto recipes without almond flour are particularly difficult to find.
I would love you tube videos. I’m interested in ongoing maintenance and living keto lifestyle without losing weight, and balancing electrolytes.
Thanks!
I’ve seen mentioned that protein should increase when we are older (more mature) rather than what I find on your calculator. Would it be possible to put in an age on your calculator? Even if nothing changes until after the age of 60. 🙂 I think those people starting out would then realize it doesn’t matter until you’re “more mature”. Lol I say this…rather than “older”
Yes, I would love to have more Maria And Craig Facebook Live and YouTube!
Hi,
I’ve been following you for 11 months now, as long as I have been on the Keto Diet. I have been very successful with the diet loosing over 20 lbs. I am planning on sticking with it as I am impressed with the health benefits. My husband also lost 20 lbs, he is no longer pre-diabetic, his blood sugar, triglycerides, and blood pressure are all way down. We both stopped taking anti-acids. Your cookbooks (I have two) have been great guidebooks for me. I’m 68 and my husband is 78. We exercise regularly and now can say we are in fantastic health in every way. Thanks for your work and help along the way.
Here is the question, and I bet it is an odd one because I have searched the internet for an answer and have only seen one other person who had a similar problem and was told he wasn’t hydrating enough. I drink water all day long so pretty sure that is not the issue. I know I’m in ketosis because my front teeth and gums and sometimes my tongue tingles or itches. You heard that right. My teeth and gums itch (weird, right?) and I know my metabolism is in ketosis. Do you have any idea why this might be? Not sure if it is an off-shoot of the ketone breath that people talk about. But when reading about that I thought that was related to the keto flu when first transitioning over. I stay in a pretty mellow .03-.05 level. Should I be concerned about this? Your thoughts?
Hmm, not sure. Possibly. But great job on your success!!
Allergic to nuts. What flour can i use? Help!!!!
Sometimes those allergic to nuts can still do coconut flour. Otherwise you can try this.
https://amzn.to/2Y2klYQ
Great info; thanks!
St. Paddy’s Day coming up, does Keto have a recipe of Corn Beef and Cabbage?
Yes, I have a recipe in my Instant Pot Cookbook! 🙂
https://amzn.to/2T0slpn
Can you discuss/explain why my hair started shedding after starting Keto? I would love to have it back. Starting my 4th year of Keto (type 2 diabetic who doesn’t want to be on meds). I take synthroid (10 years now) but the dose hasn’t changed in 8-9 years, so I’m thinking that might be to blame. Not enough proteins?
Any major change in diet will result in some hair shedding. It will stop after a couple months and grow back. Make sure to get enough protein, add l-tyrosine and take collagen and biotin to help limit it.
Add 1000mg l-tyrosine twice daily on empty stomach: https://amzn.to/2xcpsJs
Collagen (use coupon: MARIAMINDBODY for 5% off):
https://www.furtherfood.com/shop/further-food-collagen/
Biotin:
http://amzn.to/2yRWMVo
I’ve been struggling with getting into ketosis since last July! Also, not finding myself fat adapted. I’m 100 pounds overweight and have been type 2 diabetic since 1994 – right now I only take 0.6 of Victoza to manage my diabetes. I’m also 54 and had a hysterectomy (uterus & cervix only) in 2004. I also have several autoimmune diseases. My doctors are of no help. I tried OMAD with keto also. I’ve calculated and tracked macros, and I’ve not. I’ve always had a calorie deficit and changed it up when I stopped losing. I initially lost 23 pounds then put back on 12 and have not lost a single pound since last December…nor have I lost any inches. No matter what I try, it’s just not working. So I’d love to see a video explaining how someone like me can get into ketosis or become fat adapted. I wonder if it’s because my pancreas has been insulin resistant for so long that my body can’t go back to normal or if it’s that along with my other health issues. My A1c and my cholesterol increased after 7 months of doing keto. I am BEYOND frustrated. Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!
I would make sure your macros are right:
http://mariamindbodyhealth.com/keto-calculator/
And maybe add some PSMF days each week. 😉
https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/?s=psmf
Trisha, I have been losing hair by the brush full too! I do not have a thyroid issue and I am not diabetic! Please tell me that the hair will come back. I am seriously considering a wig! Maria, please help the hairless!
Dear Maria; I started the keto diet last week after receiving my copy of Ketogenic cleanse. I live in a very rural area and do not have access to a lot of the ingredients listed. Do you have any suggestions ? Thank you, Linda
There are subs for most in the book (apple cider vinegar instead of coconut vinegar, etc). You can also get on amazon. 🙂
https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/keto-shopping-guide/
Can you talk more about cholesterol and the KETO diet. How do,you keep these numbers within normal limits ? Great into you gave on the video, thanks.
Here is some more great info:
Watch this video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jZu52duIqno
He shows how he manipulates his cholesterol based on how much fat he eats.
If you really want to know your heard disease risk, look at CAC score. Calcium score is a cheap (usually $100) and easy test that measures the plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. The score given correlates to heart disease (and overall death risk) by orders of magnitude better that total cholesterol every does. Total cholesterol is only a couple percent correlation in the statin companies own tests. CAC score of 100 (vs. 0) correlates at 800% increase in death risk!!
http://www.thefatemperor.com/blog/2016/8/10/repeat-after-me-calcification-score-blows-away-risk-factors-always?rq=cac
Also watch this about statin drugs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX1vBA9bLNk
And this at 22 minute mark especially about what causes heart disease:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpZIXWpN1og
Do you make a keto pate with either chicken or calf livers? I love liver – but I love pate even more! Thanks! 🙂
I have a Chicken liver pate recipe in this book. 🙂
https://amzn.to/2O3SB1d
I began the keto diet in June 2018. I had outrageous heart palpitations that seemed to be deminished with electrolyte water. Things seemed ok and I began to lose weight- from 145 to 130. Then suddenly in November I was driving and felt faint and as if I would blackout. I pulled over and called 911 not knowing if I was having a heartattack or stroke. The medical professionals suspected a panic or anxiety attack. I had to rule out a fib by wearing a monitor for a month where the palpitations and lightheaded ness continued. Finally I ended up not with a fib but on antidepressants. They have helped but I still have moments if foggy thinking. I have since gained 20 pounds even following the keto diet. I am reading your book “Secrets to Controlling Weight, Cravings and Mood”. It has helped but I still need to finish reading the book. Besides the afib, I was worried that my new arthritis meds might have caused the anxiety so I had to stop it to observe any improvement. My inflammation increased and I was in great pain. The keto diet did not help nor hurt my arthritis. I guess I’m asking for some advice on how to proceed with the diet.
This is complicated and I would be honored to help with a consult. 🙂
https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/my-services/
I need to add that until that night when I felt lightheaded driving, I had no anxiety nor any weighty stress. I am retired and was looking forward to Christmas, so I couldn’t understand why I would suddenly have attacks. Following the episode, I fell and broke my wrist. Today things are better but not totally to where I was feeling when beginning keto.
Hi Maria! I was hoping someone would ask about cholesterol, so I’ll do it: obviously we are all a little scared of cholesterol, because we grew up hearing it was bad. I think from my keto/grain brain reading, I have learned that cholesterol is good for your brain, and a lot of the hype linking it to heart disease has been a little misleading. However, I am obviously still nervous, especially after seeing my cholesterol jump from 184 before keto to 213 after keto. My HDL is high, but it also went down from 87 to 75. My LDL jumped from 79 to 125.
So long story short: is this ok? I had read in pro-keto articles/videos that your cholesterol will not change, but mine in fact has.
See my comments and links above. 🙂
Hi Maria and Craig, 364 days ago I came across your website, I immediately ordered every book you wrote and began the journey. I have always eaten low carb, as my body just required that of me. Now that I’m 57, I was struggling with the side affects of menopause and it seemed logical to cut the remainder of the small amount of carbs from my diet. For the most part, all of the side affects have diminished with only a few random hot flashes here and there. My weight is back to normal, on most days I weigh in at 114 and I’m happy with that. About six months ago, my husband who is 6’4′ and weighed in at 365 lbs. asked if he could join in on the Keto lifestyle and is down to 290 lbs. Needless to say, he feels pretty great and thinks I’m awesome for cooking his meals and helping him tract his macros. My point is that if I had not come across your website and your books, we most likely would be struggling with these issues. I don’t really want anything from you. I just want to say thank you! My husband is happy and on the road to better health and that makes me super happy. xoxoxo
You totally made my day!! Thanks for sharing your story! Great job!! 🙂
And please keep us updated with his progress! 🙂
I am doing 1270 + intermittent fasting after 3 weeks I lost 20 lbs but now I am gaining weight. Why, when I am following this protocol strictly, no cheating, just 2 meals a day am I gaining weight? Plus there are days when I feel hungry all the time. I have your cookbook but this is frustrating.
What are your macros? Grams per day of fat, protein and total carbs?
Hi Maria,
I had gastric sleeve surgery 3 1/2 years ago. I did well and lost 90lbs. I got down to 135 where I felt great. Within the last 6 months I started to gain and now I’m up to 150. My biggest issue I have is I can’t still eat large meals so I have to eat small frequent meals every 3 hours or else I get shaky and I don’t feel well. I bought your cleanse book but I can’t seem to INtermitten fast for more than a few hours without either feeling hungry or shaky. Is it okay to eat every 3 hours? Thanks
Yes, you can spread the meals out. 🙂
I love to see your live chats. I learn so much and always try to listen to any podcast that you speak on. Can you address stubborn belly fat? I have been following Keto way of eating for almost 2 years…with the past 6 months or so done counting total carbs and not net. I feel great, full of incredible energy and even moods. But I have very stubborn belly fat. I’m a female, age 36. I’m 5′ and at 110 lbs. I started counting total carbs at 118 lbs and lost 10 pounds keeping 8 off consistently. My body looks and feels the best it ever has. But, all of my excess weight sits on my stomach and I’m worried that it’s going to cause future health issues. Not to mention the vanity aspect of it, I hate looking pregnant. I do at least 30 minutes of activity every single day. Usually an outdoor walk/run for 2.5 miles three days a week, indoor rowing or elliptical machine for 20 minutes once or twice a week, and weight lifting three times a week. I also do ab exercises like a maniac almost daily. I’ve researched so many things and at this point I think it’s more my diet than lack of activity. I am trying to cut out dairy to see if that will help. I also struggle with hormonal cystic acne so I’m hoping saying goodbye to dairy will help that as well. I’m also at the point of giving up sweeteners. I’ve gone 3 days without having anything with Stevia in it. I don’t want to deprive myself for the rest of my life but I’m willing to do the extreme to get the desired results. Is there an underlying cause or causes that I might be missing here? Thank you in advance!
Thanks! I would try adding PSMF days a couple days a week. 🙂
https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/?s=psmf
Yes, 100% dairy free should help acne. 🙂
Hi Maria & Craig, my husband is a type two diabetic and we are both enjoying all your recipes. I find that baking either with Swerve or Monkfruit will make my husband have diarrhea. Is there a supplement that will help this? Thanks.
I don’t know of a supplement, sorry. But you could try switching to stevia. 🙂
https://amzn.to/2Y2kviU
Hola Maria! , I am a little desperate and I need your help. I am 25 lb overweight since I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 5 years ago. I am taking 0.100mg of levothyroxine every day. I have tried numerous diets ( counting calories, macronutrients, low carb, Mediterranean, low fat, …) but nothing worked. I started the Keto diet 4 weeks ago – following the advices of “Diet Doctor “, and after 4 weeks, I did not loose anything. When I tried the Ketosis urine strips, it shows 0.5.
I am 43 years old, have 4 children (5-14), teacher, I love to cook and I am very healthy. All my labs are perfect. I sleep more than 8 hours (I am exhausted when I go to bed) . What am I doing wrong? Do you have online consultations? Thanks!
My guess is you need to adjust your macros. I have a calculator here:
http://mariamindbodyhealth.com/keto-calculator/
I would be honored to help with a consult. 🙂
https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/my-services/
How often should macros be adjusted? Just starting out and know ill be losing quite a bit of weight fast! Thanks, I’m looking forward to this lifestyle change☺
If you are using our calculator, it is off of lean mass. So carbs below 20g and protein to your goal so the only thing you would adjust is lowering the fat. 🙂
Just wanted to say thanks for all the recipes and for sharing all your hard work so we can all live a better life!
Thank you!!!
Can you address constipation? I take 400 mg of Magnesium Glycinate every night and add salt to the water I drink everyday. I still find that I struggle with constipation. Do you have any suggestions? Can you also give me an idea on how much salt I should be using daily. I think I may not be using enough. I drink water all day so I know I’m getting enough fluids. I remember seeing something you wrote that you should be going to the bathroom twice a day. I’m lucky if it happens once a day and I’d really like to fix this. Every once in a while I’ll drink senna tea at night to ensure things move, but I don’t know if it’s really good to do that.
You want about 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt a day on food, in water, etc. This is great for getting more:
https://www.drinklmnt.com/product/LMNT-Recharge-electrolyte-drink
You can also add bifido bacteria and vitamin C 3-4 times a day.
https://amzn.to/2Wa2nSa
https://amzn.to/2HItNe3
I would like to start making smoothies using collagen protein powder and/or protein powder. I know that you recommend animal or plant-based protein powder. Do you recommend any brands and is it ok to use both collagen protein powder AND protein powder in a smoothie?
We always so to chew your calories. Eating a steak or some eggs will give you tons of vitamins and minerals that you just won’t get in the shake. But a good protein powder is Jay Robb:
https://amzn.to/2CsUTCq
And this collagen is great! (code: MARIAMINDBODY for 20% off!)
https://www.furtherfood.com/shop/further-food-collagen/
Hello Maria, I’ve searched your site but can’t find any info on keto breath and how to beat it. Are you familiar with this condition?
It should pass with time. I would avoid any bullet proof coffee or fat bombs and just do short brushing of teeth a few times a day until it passes. 🙂
Hi Maria,
I’m currently halfway through your book Keto adapted and have started eating Keto for a number of reasons. My doctor is totally in support as long as it’s adapted for me with 5-10 percent carb intake.
I’m curious about 2 things. First, how do I know I’m not eating too much fat. I use my fitness pal and it tracks for me but when I get 70,20,10 ratio( or close to it) it says I’m eating too much fat, and names a couple kinds. I don’t want to gain weight. I’m confused.
My second question is I need some good ( fast/easy breakfast ideas. Before keto I would have a protein shake, or fruit/yogurt, eggs/fruit. I don’t like eggs/alvacoda/bacon every day( maybe I’m crazy-haha). Most ideas I find have some combo of these.
Thanks!
Nyre Kirby
First, don’t track percentages. That leads to failure. Track grams. I have a calculator here:
http://mariamindbodyhealth.com/keto-calculator/
Only protein is a goal, fat and carbs are a limit. 🙂
I always tell clients to chew their calories. It registers leptin better and you get more micro-nutrients than you would from a shake. You can do a protein like fish, steak, etc instead. 🙂
I notice you use maple syrup extract. I thought that this would have been too high in carbs, Please could you explain. Also, please could you advise on a particular brand – I’m in the UK and we don’t have a great deal of choice.
Many thanks
Joe
Maple extract doesn’t have carbs. 🙂
Hello Maria.
Please advise if coconut cream is allowed on KETO. I cannot stomach butter or oils in my coffee. Therefore, I’m trying coconut cream in my coffee, it’s pretty thick and I use a tablespoon or more in my morning coffee and I like it!
Thank you.
Yes, it is ok. Just count the carbs in your totals. And I don’t recommend bullet proof coffee to anyone. 🙂
https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/harmful-effects-of-bulletproof-coffee-and-fat-bombs/