In my years of research about how to have the BEST health possible, especially the last few years when so much (sometimes TOO much) information is out there, there are some certainties I’ve learned!
Every person is different and no one diet fits everyone. Even in this keto lifestyle, each person has to decide what fits you best, depending on insulin resistance, health issues, age, hormones, fat adaptation, patience, commitment, and discipline. It is definitely a process that have certain steps to follow. That’s why it’s so important to have a support group. I cannot tell you how many people I’ve heard from that have tried keto for years (me included) but have been unsuccessful because it was just not the right protocol.
It excites me so much to hear about doctors that are practicing the ketogenic lifestyle with their patients and reporting tremendous success and reversals of serious health issues! I want to tell you one of my favorite stories. At the end of December some very special friends of ours called to ask for prayer for their precious 12-year old grandson Micah who had been having some problems with weaknesss, balance, etc. and was diagnosed with a serious brain tumor, an inoperable DIPG, and was immediately referred to St. Jude. And through some real God connections, they ended up in the hands of the top pediatric neurologist and staff and before ever really seeing Micah, he asked them to immediately put him on the keto diet! Amazing!! Micah and his family were very open and willing to do anything that could help. This last week they met with all three doctors who were “pleased with his activities in strength and function,” he “was much stronger” and that his scan looked “a little better”, “it’s stable and in their books that a win”! “The tumor is there but it is stable” “which for a DIPG, is a big thing. It’s asleep and we want it to stay asleep. That’s all positive to him”. Now here is one of the most exciting parts of the story! “He is tolerating the chemo; that, in itself is amazing. ALL have had mild reactions, a few have had severe side affects, but Micah hasn’t had any!” And he feels OUR DIET has most EVERYTHING to do with that! Ohhhh this little guy and his family need our continued prayers and we are praising God for ALL He is doing and the Drs. that believe in Food is Medicine!
All of us who have tried to do the keto diet want to know “what do I eat?” And the answers are all over the board depending on which train of thought you are listening to. But Dr. Boz makes it very clear that getting into ketosis is chemistry and until your body is fat-adapted, it is hard to get into ketosis and burn fat instead of glucose. For instance, if you are insulin resistant like me, you have to reduce the insulin to make ketones. And of course, every time you eat, you add insulin, which is another reason to fast so your body has a chance to rest and not take in insulin and a chance to burn fat. When Dr. Boz is asked, she says “eat more fat”. This has been something for me to unlearn since most of my life I’ve been told to cut back on fat. Keeping your carbs at 20 or below makes it easier to eat fat instead of carbs and get into ketosis.
So today I’m giving you a lifesaver for a fat to have on hand. My Southern Pimiento Cheese is a favorite in my cookbook. It makes a lot and is so delicious with zero carb pork rinds and/or celery. Enjoy!
Southern Pimiento Cheese
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
2 cup(s) Cheddar cheese, extra sharp, shredded from block
8 ounce(s) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup(s) mayonnaise, Hellman
1/4 teaspoon(s) garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon(s) cayenne
1/4 teaspoon(s) onion powder
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced, optional
1 4 oz. pimientos, chopped, drained
Shred the cheese. Place the cheese, cream cheese, mayo, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, minced jalapeno, and pimento into the large bowl of a mixer or processor. Beat at med speed, with paddle or process till blended and thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.