The Truth About Keto Diets: Is It Right for You?

Sam Barfield
Aug 20
2 min read

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or listening to fitness podcasts lately, chances are you’ve heard about the keto diet. From celebrities to city professionals, everyone seems to be raving about it. But is it just hype… or could keto actually be the game-changer you’re looking for?

Let’s break it down.

What Exactly Is Keto?

The ketogenic diet (“keto” for short) is a high-fat, very low-carb eating plan. Instead of fuelling your body with carbs (like bread, pasta, and rice), keto pushes your body into a state called ketosis, where you burn fat for energy instead.

Carbs are cut low (usually under 50g a day)
Fats take centre stage (think avocados, nuts, olive oil, fish)
Protein stays moderate (chicken, eggs, lean meats)

The result? Your body becomes a fat-burning machine.

The Claimed Benefits

Keto isn’t just about weight loss – although that’s usually the main hook. People also report:

🔥 Rapid fat loss (especially in the first 4–6 weeks)

⚡️ More stable energy (no afternoon sugar crashes)

🧠 Sharper mental focus

💪 Better appetite control

The Downsides No One Talks About

Here’s the part Instagram won’t tell you. Keto can work… but it isn’t magic.

The “Keto Flu” – headaches, fatigue, and irritability when your body switches fuel sources.
It’s restrictive – eating out or grabbing food on-the-go becomes tricky.
Sustainability – most people struggle long-term without carbs.
Not for everyone – if you’re training hard, lifting weights, or doing HIIT, low carbs can
leave you flat.

Should You Go Keto?

The short answer: it depends.

Keto can be a powerful short-term tool if you’re looking to kickstart fat loss, improve insulin sensitivity, or break a sugar habit. But for many busy professionals, a more balanced approach is easier to sustain and delivers just as good results over time.

My Take as a Trainer

I’ve coached clients who thrived on keto, and I’ve coached others who crashed and burned. The key is always the same: your diet needs to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.

If you’re curious, we can explore whether keto could work for you—or whether a flexible, balanced nutrition plan would be better for your goals, energy, and long-term success.