Is keto killing my social life?

Food and drink are a big component of many social interactions and help to bring people together. So what happens when you are following a specific medical diet that excludes you from sharing in this same experience with others? In this video, I share more about how this has been a bit of a challenging aspect of using ketogenic therapy, and also what I'm doing to address those challenges.

MEDICAL KETO RESOURCES

You can find more about my keto coach Nicole Laurent and her work on her website:

HOW TO TEST YOUR KETONES (important for medical keto!)

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SOCIALS

#schizophrenia #schizoaffective #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #mentalillness #metabolichealth #keto #metabolichealth #medicalketo

[LivingWellAfterSchizophrenia]

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[lexisjones]

Day 11 of medical keto for my schizoaffective disorder! I can't wait to start feeling benefits😊 I'm especially hoping for more capacity and stability before I start school again this fall!!

[elysemurray]

I have been gluten free for 10 years and I promise social gatherings get easier with time. People know I will always hang out but I'm the weird one drinking water 🤷‍♀️

[hannah__jemima]

I'm following a strict diet for my brain fog which conventional Drs were not able to diagnose or treat. I took not being able to eat out or eat socially as a worthy price, because my symptoms are so debilitating. Have always been happy to prepare my own food for any occasion, as I do every day. But for many of us who choose to eat this way due to their health conditions, friends and family attack our choices, distance themselves or withdraw financial support as they're not able to understand, and for the chronically ill the stress of that can easily trigger health setbacks. It's heartbreaking when someone is too sick or financially disadvantaged to escape a living situation where that is going on. Like you said, food really is an emotional topic. It's great you have the capacity and support to navigate the social implications of your diet change in healthy ways and I love that you're raising awareness!

[arlenefisher]

It seems there are so many folks now days that eat various diets because of various reasons. For example: I don't eat gluten or sugar. My daughter doesn't eat dairy, gluten or meat. So, meals are planned around these things. I know vegans, vegetarians, etc. When the weather is nice you and hubby can have a picnic date !! With friends I would just explain you are on an eating plan for health reasons and will bring your own dinners. If they are real friends they will accept an explanation!! I admire your dedication to your health !!! You are a trailblazer that just might have a cure for many mental health issues !!!!

[tcancella]

I’ve been keto since September 2023, have experienced benefit, and yet it does impact socially quite a bit, even if I attend but just don’t eat at the event. Also impacts cooking for my family. I appreciate this video.

[sierraansley]

I've had to follow medical special diets for over 30 years so I know exactly what you're talking about. Pretty much everyone who follows special diets for any reason deals with this, so a lot of people have come up with a lot of strategies maybe some will work for you- probably some won't. First- it is valid for you to choose to eat however works for you, you're not imposing anything on anyone else, you don't owe anyone else an explanation, and it's ok if other people feel awkward. Your health is important and you have a right to do what you need to do. Personally, I've found that I simply tell people ahead of time in situations that might involve food that I have special needs and will be taking care of my food for myself. I've learned that if people insist on wanting to make something diet compliant for me, it usually won't work out unless they really know the special diet well, so I tell them thank you for the thought, I really appreciate it, but it's complicated so I'll just take care of it. This might mean that I bring my own food, eat before or after, etc. I'm nice but firm and then move the conversation on. Personally, I'm fine with being asked pretty much anything about my medical stuff, but if you don't want to talk about it just change the subject.

I still go to dinners, restaurants, etc, and just either bring my own (even to restaurants if I have to) or don't eat but still take part in the conversation. If I'm upfront and don't act awkward about it (I've been doing this for so long) people are usually not too weirded out or get over it quickly. I haven't eaten at all for the last 10 years (fed through IV) so that makes it weirded but easier. At restaurants I just say "nothing for me"- if they kind of insist, which almost never happens, I just say that I have a medical condition. You DO NOT need to explain yourself to anyone. They can deal with feeling awkward- it won't kil them, and you deserve to go out and be social whatever you eat. If someone is weird about eating my family's food, we plan non-food things. It's oik for other people to think what my family eats is weird. It kind of is, but we need to follow a lot of complicated dietary restrictions, most are things most people have never heard of. When my kids were little and went to birthday parties I would tell the parents, even if I didn't know them, that my kids had serious food allergies (or sensitivities, whatever that person could understand) and that I would be sending their food with them. It turned out that a lot of the kids liked my special diet food, even if they could eat anything, so I would send the whole cake if the parent wanted. At their school I knew what a lot of the kids could or couldn't eat so I would send "alternative" cupcakes, etc, that all the kids with special food needs could have if their parent wanted.

TL:DR You have the right to eat whatever you need to or want to. Other people can deal with it. Do what you want to do and have fun anyway. I guarantee you that there are people you know who will need to follow a special diet at some point to and will deeply appreciate having seen you handle the situation. Not saying this to dismiss your feelings- you're right on that food is central and your feelings are real and matter.

[laurieconover]

Thank you for sharing - my husband and I are on the Carnivore diet and and we are navigating the same 'waters' as you - but through creative ways to do social life, its not perfect but its working out - the rewards in being physically healthier and depression and ADHD calming, lowrring blood pressure and not becoming diabetic are incredible gifts! Keep on keeping on! ❤

[TheStuport]

This was a subject that really shines the light on The What, Why, and end result of choosing your Keto Diet Lauren and Rob! This helps me as a person who doesn't have these issues, but is well aware that they exist in others. I've learned so much following you two and I'm very grateful. What I love about your video's Lauren is that you absolutely Keep The REAL In Your REEL! No cover ups, no excuses, just pure "Here it is" in all it's Glory and at times unattractiveness! I appreciate how you and Rob are finding ways to compromise with the "roadblocks" you encounter on this journey! Thank you for sharing the good, bad, happy and sad that are results of Trying New Things! MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋

[TheGeogreOrwellShowHAMC]

Just judging you by some of your videos on YouTube have been a breath 🫁 of fresh air you come across as a authentic person despite your diagnosis and disability

[Diana_maranatha]

I’m sure y’all know this but I was just watching 2krazyketos and Rachel said if her ketones get above 3 her anxiety comes back. Her sweet spot is between 1 and 2. They mentioned a mice study too.
Really am encouraged by watching your journey. 💕

[CharlotteWinslow]

When i first went HCLF vegan years ago, it was challenging figuring out how to eat with others. After the years, i've become so creative with how i eat and order food in public and with friends, and it's become very easy. :) In due time Lauren! God bless you.

[plantfree]

👍 I’ve been keto for nearly 7 years now, but every new voice contributing to this topic adds something worthwhile. Nice coverage of the topics you tackled. 🏈

[sassysequence]

I feel like you can definitely do a work around with food. Like any kind of meat, vegetables, fat, and some carbs for the carby people. Burger without bun. Or sausage without bun. The hard thing is resisting temptation out and about, for me.
I actually had a bad dream last night that I was somewhere and just decided to eat this bread with chocolate chips in it.

[Emma.Valenti]

I don’t really comment often but this time I feel you. I have really strong allergies that allow me to trust very few restaurants. One contamination and I’m off to the hospital with an anaphylactic shock. How I’ve learned to get around it is simply bringing my own food to any restaurant and just going for the company. You don’t necessarily have to share the same meal in order to socialize. Plus I make the things that I can eat and I offer them to my friends and family. I think it’s a way to bring loved ones closer, in order to understand each other better and better every time. I bring my own food to my friends’ houses. I am not vegan, but allergic to eggs and dairy…but I still bake 😂 and with a little practice I fool my friends and tell them the Sacher I made is vegan only after they ate it 😅 and they usually can’t tell. We laugh about it. If you can’t make it normal, make it special ❤️ let them into your world with the joy that cooking brings. You love a keto snack you can’t stop eating? Share it with your friends and family! They will feel like you are actually bringing closer to you❤️much love 😘

[robertsmith]

My social life consists of saying hi yo one person once every few days.

[GizelleQuant]

Regarding ice cream bars : make your own!!! Keep your eyes peeled for a ninja creami. They’re noisy machines but it is one of the best kitchen purchases I’ve ever made, next to my sodastream 15 years ago and my instapot.

[WWS]

It's always good to see you lauren! I am living on disability and can't afford to eat out. I also have a restricted throat which makes it hard to eat dense food. I like to go to Starbucks to sit and have a coffee though I think their coffee too bitter. But I can't afford to do that often. My illness is too severe to drink a glass of wine or beer.

[infinitejest.]

I’ve become strict vegan to keep my cholesterol in check. This affected going out with folks. I was also tired of people asking me, “Aren’t you hungry?” “You’re so skinny.”
It is difficult. I agree. But over time it’s gotten easier. Some friends have prepared one dish just for me!
You have to do what you have to do. And you don’t need to explain.
Hang in there.

[suzannealsop]

My husband as he would describe is an extremely 'faddy' eater. So eating out/family time etc. has been tricky at times but we manage. Non-eating date suggestions you've probably already thought of: going to the cinema, going on a walk, a bike ride, museums, spa treatments. Where there's a will, there's a way 💚