Isn’t Keto Too Restrictive? Uh, No.

/

Weight Loss Fluctuations (2.10.2025 to 2.16.2025)

If you have discussed that you’re following the ketogenic protocol—or if you’re merely considering doing so—you may be met with exaggerated eye-rolls, tongue clucking or otherwise unsolicited advice that eating appropriate servings of meat, fish, poultry, seafood, a few non-starchy vegetables and leafy greens will lead you to despair and death, that they’ll miss you when you’re gone.

“Plus,” you may hear, “it’s such a restrictive diet! You can’t eliminate an entire food group. That’s insane!”

I wonder if vegetarians hear the same thing about excluding 'an entire food group.' I think not. People who eat only plant-based foods are more likely to be applauded than scolded. Parades may be thrown in honor of the pure souls who swear off eating meat. What's up with that? I'm not throwing shade, but pointing out that contradictory arguments are sometimes used to make the same point.

Anywho, the idea that laying off carbs is an extreme nutritional approach is pervasive. Really? Does it make sense that a bowl of pasta with a side of crusty bread has more nourishment than, say, a lovely piece of salmon on a bed of greens and half an avocado or that ice cream is health food but a chicken thigh and broccoli is death on a plate? Really?

Putting aside the mishegas of which macronutrient is the most important or irrelevant, whether one is out to kill us but another is the staff of life, the idea that eating low-carb is untenable because doing so is prohibitive. Who can resist chips, chocolate bars, churros, and cheesecake? Doing so would leave us so few choices. What else is there for us if we don't eat popcorn, pasta, pancakes, and pretzels?

The short answer is: There are loads of choices.

The 'Page 4' food list is chock-full of tasty and satiating suggestions, and even that list isn't comprehensive. In making your menu decisions, pick a fatty source of protein, add a bit of veg (optional) and full-fat dairy (also optional), and enjoy! Not restrictive.

Do you know what is restrictive? Type 2 Diabetes is. Having to jab oneself with insulin injections is restrictive. Losing a foot due to chronic high blood glucose is restrictive. Fortunately, we can forestall those situations by opting for the ketogenic diet.

Passing on the french fries shouldn't be considered a hardship or

restrictive. Adjusting our perspective—and priorities—may be the most liberating thing we can do.

Remember: I can do this, you can do this. I promise.

A recent Youtube video from my channel.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor, researcher, or Ph.D., but instead, I’ve been fortunate to have had the time and resources to research the ketogenic diet, also known as LCHF (low carb/high fat). The information I share is based solely on my understanding of that research. We are all responsible for our own choices, including what we put in our mouths, and there’s no substitute for each of us checking things out ourselves. And I’m not a medical professional in any way. Go Keto With Casey is not a medical site. “Duh,” you might say. But best to make it clear to all. I welcome questions, comments, and even civil criticism. I’m still learning. So, if you have something to add, go for it. Links in this post and all others may direct you to affiliate links, where I will receive a small amount of the purchase price of any items you buy through those links. Thanks!