Hey there, health enthusiasts! It's Thomas here, Global Fitness Champion, Writer & Wellness Entrepreneur. Over the past seven years, I’ve completely transformed my health - exploring and experimenting with the plethora of diets and lifestyles at our fingertips. A regime that has remained consistent for me, heralding truly sustainable results is a low carb and ketogenic diet - a complete game changer for me.
Having a low-carb diet involves limiting your intake of carbohydrates. This often means that carbs contribute less than 26% of your daily calories.
Before we dive in, let’s be clear - cutting all carbs out is not the way to see results - instead, it’s important to aim for higher protein and lower carbs. Overall, these swaps have allowed me to see some truly remarkable changes in my body and wellbeing. I’ve noticed increased energy levels, improved mental clarity, and steady weight loss.
One of the most significant benefits I've experienced is the level of energy I’m able to access throughout the day. I personally was used to experiencing big crashes after indulging in carb-heavy meals. Instead, I now build my plate around protein-rich foods and sources of fibre - minimising my carb intake, I've managed to keep my energy levels stable from sunrise to sunset. Whether I'm going hard at the gym or tackling a busy day at work, I never have to worry about feeling sluggish or lethargic.
Prior to adopting a low carb lifestyle, I also struggled to shed stubborn fat around my waist that seemed determined to stick around. The best part is that it's stayed off. No more yo-yo dieting or endless cycles of frustration, trying to bulk and cut or maintain abs all year around.
My journey from burnt-out Restaurant Manager to Global Fitness Champion is a story for another day. But what I will say is this - my ‘norm’ is to now only fuel my body with high-quality proteins, healthy fats and fibre while cutting back on carbs. This lifestyle change alone has allowed me to maintain a healthy weight effortlessly whilst maximising my performance in life.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But Thomas, isn't it difficult to stick to a low carb diet?" Believe me, I get it. Breaking up with carbs can be tough, especially when you're used to indulging in all your favourite treats. But here's the thing: once you start seeing and feeling the incredible benefits of a low carb lifestyle, and how well your body functions, those cravings become a thing of the past. Plus, there are plenty of delicious low carb alternatives out there to satisfy even the most stubborn sweet tooth. Once or twice a week, I still love to treat myself with some quality sourdough and a croissant, but it comprises a relatively small part of my diet overall. Knowing how to indulge and enjoy life’s pleasures (in a balanced way) is so important!
Of course, no discussion of the low carb lifestyle would be complete without mentioning the ketogenic aspect. By shifting my body into a state of ketosis (a process that occurs when your body doesn't have enough carbohydrates to burn for energy. Instead, it burns fat), I've unlocked a whole new level of potential. Not only have I experienced accelerated weight loss, but I've also noticed improvements in my overall health markers, including blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
Low-carb diets do not need to be restrictive - in my opinion, they can actually encourage you to include a diverse range of healthy, nutrient-dense foods and to build your plate around other sources of energy (protein and fats). I aim for non-starchy vegetables, fruits that are naturally low in sugar, lean meats, and healthy fats. With any lifestyle change, it’s best to speak with your trusted healthcare professional to see if it’s right for you and your goals!
Follow more of Thomas's journey here.
