Ketogenic diet: “The results can be very fast”

The ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, is recognized for its benefits in weight loss. Magali Walkowicz supports many people in this dietary change. In November 2022, she published two new books on this subject: The keto diet from A to Z And My keto journal. We asked her about the people she follows in her professional activity and the main advice she gives them.

LaNutrition: Who are the people you follow and why are they embarking on a ketogenic diet?

Magali Walkowicz: I do weight loss consultations. But as I am best known for my work in cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative pathologies, these patients represent the majority of my patient base.

What improvements can you see in these people and in how long?

The results can be very rapid, particularly in the case of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 and 1 diabetes where they are present from the first month. I also tell my patients who are afraid to get started for fear of too much frustration, give yourself 4 weeks. If in 4 weeks you don’t feel anything positive, we’ll let it go. It’s just 4 weeks of your life that will allow you to see if there is a dietary solution to take care of your pathology. On the other hand, if you feel better, even slightly better, then it may work. And after 4 weeks of the diet, after eating ketogenic, you will see that you will be in a different mood to continue the diet.

What are the difficulties often encountered?

The difficulties can be some frustrations at the start, some transit and energy problems, but as long as patients have solutions to overcome them, this remains anecdotal. Nothing insolvable in any case.

What is ketogenic flu?

This corresponds to a set of symptoms when the body enters ketosis, symptoms reminiscent of the flu: weakness, increased pain, nausea, etc. It is transient, it lasts between 5 and 10 days, it is more or less marked from one person to another. We must remember the positive, it is that the body is in the process of changing fuel, it is the sign that everything is falling into place correctly.

What oils do you recommend and how to consume them daily?

Priority MCT (or coconut) oil for the ketosis booster side and olive oil for the supply of monounsaturated fatty acids. But all oils are possible. I explain in The keto diet from A to Zhow to introduce them, balance them according to their intake of omega 3, 6 and 9. I generally take MCT oil outside of meals, in a drink. The other oils are used for cooking. For omega-3, I recommend getting them mainly from small oily fish and eggs from free-range chickens.

What seeds and nuts should you eat on a ketogenic diet?

Coconut, macadamia nuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, sesame, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds etc., to chew, in the form of powders, flours or purees. This makes for some pretty nice snacks, full of fiber, vitamins, minerals and good fats. In The keto diet from A to Z, I provide all the keys to select those that best meet everyone’s expectations. They are also the basis of keto breads and pastries since classic flours are prohibited in the diet.

What drinks, herbal teas, can accompany a ketogenic diet?

Absolutely all teas and herbal teas. Here too I give the keys to choose them according to everyone’s expectations in The keto diet from A to Z : draining, for liver and kidney health, anti-cancer etc. Then plain water obviously to stay well hydrated because the diet eliminates a lot of it, naturally carbonated water to recover electrolytes. Coffee is also possible, contrary to what you sometimes read about it.

Can you follow a ketogenic diet long term?

Yes, for life. Moreover, people following it in the context of neurodegenerative pathology have no interest in getting out of it. But depending on each person’s profile and compliance, it is possible to exit the diet and then move towards low carb or even low GI.

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