The keto diet, as we know it, is dead.
That’s what founder and CEO of Bulletproof 360 Dave Asprey argued in his talk at Expo West, Why Keto As You Know it is Dead.
Keto is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that is making waves as a health and weight loss craze. According to dietitian Amy Keller, ketosis is a normal body process that occurs when the body runs out of glucose for energy and switches to burning fat. This process produces ketones. Ketosis can result from severely limiting carbohydrates (typically less than 30 to 50 grams per day).
Asprey discussed the state of keto and how to maintain the original integrity of its benefits without compromising valuable health principles. Asprey touched on the rise of the “keto bro,” extremely muscled and militant followers of the diet who follow an unsustainably extreme version of the diet.
For more information on the ketogenic diet, click here.
This type of thinking in the keto diet has a few problems, Asprey said.
- “Dirty keto” doesn’t work. Eating artificial sweeteners and “bad fats” to achieve a state of ketosis is counterproductive to a healthy lifestyle and sustainable results. Kept has to be more than just avoiding carbs in order to be beneficial.
- “Clean keto” doesn’t work for women long term. Asprey said that women shouldn’t be in ketosis all the time.
- “Bad fats” and fake sugars are keto too. Just because a food is keto friendly doesn’t make it healthy, just as something isn’t healthy just because it is gluten free. There are may ways to achieve ketosis that will not contribute to overall long-term health.
- Gut bacteria starve. The gut will make more toxins that cause inflammation when they have no carbs to eat, so it’s important to include at least some carbs in the diet.
Bad food makes you fat, even within a keto diet, Asprey pointed out.
“Most keto stuff out there doesn’t taste good at all,” he said, because of the artificial taste or Stevia aftertaste.
Bulletproof 360’s mission is “to help people perform better, think faster and live better using a proven blend of ancient knowledge and brand new technologies, tempered by research, science and measured results from our customers, top athletes, and medical professionals.”
Shop Bulletproof 360 products here.
Bulletproof 360 has a different approach to keto that is more well-balanced, Asprey said. The company believes the most important thing is how a product makes people feel. Then, Bulletproof 360 focuses on flavor and taste, convenience, impact on the world and cost for consumers.
Bulletproof 360’s collagen protein bars, brain octane oil, coffee and supplements are created to avoid a crash, jitters or headaches and to make being in ketosis easier for consumers.
Asprey also announced a new product from the brand launching in a few weeks (“You guys are the first ones to hear about it,” he told the audience). Innerfuel Prebiotic will supply fiber and reduce inflammation while in ketosis.
Click here for the recipe to make a power coffee recipe at home.
“We make products that radically improve your life so you can tap into the unlimited power of being human,” Asprey said in conclusion.
Can a keto diet be incorporated into the gluten-free lifestyle? The ketogenic diet restricts all grains, so it may be a natural transition for someone eating gluten free.
Elana Amsterdam, New York Times-bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, a website devoted to gluten-free and grain-free recipes, said she sees the connection between the two diets.
“If you’re already eating a healthy gluten-free diet that is free of processed foods, the next step would be eliminating grains, plus corn and potatoes, as well as fruit.” Amsterdam has found personal benefits in following the ketogenic diet. “It has helped both my gut and brain function better.”
