While doing some research on ketogenic diets and rheumatoid arthritis, I came across this article by Dr. Brasco that I wanted to share.  It is written by a medical doctor, and is an easy-to-read summary of the science behind low carb diets, and the resulting benefits.  Not all medical and scientific articles are easy to read, but it’s important for all of us considering a low carb or ketogenic lifestyle to be familiar with the medical and scientific evidence accompanying these diets.  Only then can you make the best decision for your body.

I hope you enjoy the article!

I will celebrate my first 12 months of a ketogenic diet in February, 2016, and begin my second year.  I’ve been looking back at how I handled the first 11 months, and decided that should be the subject of a separate pos as there are some pretty funny stories that deserve their own space.

In looking ahead to 2016, I’ve set some aggressive challenges for myself:

1.  Run more.  Complete a 1/2 marathon in January or February, and continue training for an Ironman.

2.  Ride my bike more consistently, and become a better descender.  The mountains we ride aren’t going to get any flatter and I hate to make people wait on me while I descend!

3.  Drop 5-10 more pounds before our next cycling trip to France (late July, 2016) by eating less “questionable” foods and more of what I know to be ketogenic diet appropriate.

4. Manage ketosis through food and fasting alone, rather than relying on supplements.  This is one we’ve adhered to throughout the end of 2015, but it’s easier when you aren’t training for a big event.  I want to stick to this commitment even when I begin training in earnest again.  One thing I learned in 2015 is I don’t need them – the supplements were more of an expensive crutch than anything else.

5.  Eat less sugar.  Even though we try to avoid it, it is still in a lot of the foods we eat, and I plan to be more mindful of it in 2016.  Otherwise, I continue to crave sugar and it’s a tough cycle to break.

What are you committing to this year?  When making commitments or setting goals, it’s so important to make them manageable so you don’t get discouraged.  So as you are enjoying the start of 2016  I hope you’ll take time  think about what you are willing to commit to in 2016 to better improve your health.  And be realistic about it – set small, attainable goals to help you reach the bigger, more aggressive ones. (Notice I keep saying I’m going to train for an Ironman.  I’m not ready to commit to a date as I have several smaller goals to achieve first related to running).

Many of us fall into the trap of saying “I’m going to lose weight.”  What does that mean, really?  We know you have to change the way you eat and /or the physical activity  you engage in, so focus on those things as part of your smaller goals if weight loss is something you want to achieve.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2016 full of many blessings!