Keto Connect's Journey: How Did It All Start?

Matt Gaedke and Megha, the founders of KetoConnect, started their keto journey in 2016. Matt, a former college basketball player turned computer engineer, discovered his passion for health and nutrition after cutting sugar from his diet in 2016. Megha, who had recently graduated from the University of San Francisco, School of Law, shared a similar passion for cooking and nutrition. Together, they decided to document their keto health journey through videos and recipes, which eventually turned into a full-time passion project.

Matt and Megha's keto journey

Matt and Megha, the founders of KetoConnect, are a keto couple living in Atlanta. They document their keto health journey through videos and recipes. Matt is a former college basketball player turned computer engineer, and Megha is a law school graduate. They started their keto journey and founded KetoConnect in 2016 after realizing their results from the keto diet were too good not to share.

Matt's passion for health and nutrition was sparked after he cut sugar from his diet in 2016. That same year, he and Megha started KetoConnect as a weekend side hustle, which has now turned into a full-time passion project. Their fun personalities and laid-back lifestyle make learning about nutrition enjoyable for their audience.

Through their platform, Matt and Megha aim to provide a global hub for people looking to transform their lives using the ketogenic lifestyle. They offer helpful resources, such as keto fast food and grocery guides, develop delicious recipes, and offer friendly advice to those striving to live healthier and happier lives.

The couple goes live on Instagram every morning, sharing the latest ketogenic research, their favorite recipes, and answering questions about dietary fat, calories, fiber, and sweeteners. They have also authored a keto eBook bundle, which includes various guides and recipes to help people on their keto journey.

Matt and Megha's journey with keto has not only benefited their health but also allowed them to connect with a community of people seeking a healthier lifestyle. Their relatable and engaging approach has made KetoConnect a popular resource for those interested in the ketogenic diet.

The ketogenic diet

On the keto diet, you'll be replacing starchy breads and sugary cereals with avocados, butter, and fatty cuts of meat. It's important to note that not all fats are equal; saturated fats from oils, lard, butter, and cocoa butter are encouraged, while inflammatory fats like processed mayo or vegetable oil are not. In addition, the diet recommends moderate protein intake, as too much can interfere with ketosis.

The keto diet has gained popularity due to its ability to aid in weight loss and improve health markers such as cholesterol levels and blood sugar management. It has also been shown to have therapeutic benefits for various health conditions, including epilepsy, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, acne, and potentially even cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

However, it's important to note that the keto diet is not without its risks. It is associated with an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is linked to heart disease. Other potential risks include nutrient deficiencies, liver and kidney problems, constipation, and fuzzy thinking or mood swings. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor and a registered dietitian before starting this diet.

Ketosis

The ketogenic diet is the most effective way to enter ketosis. This involves limiting carb consumption to around 20 to 50 grams per day and consuming high amounts of fat. The standard ketogenic diet typically consists of 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbohydrates.

During the initial 3-7 days on the ketogenic diet, the body transitions to a state of ketosis. This occurs as the lack of dietary carbohydrates forces the body to deplete its glycogen stores, which it keeps for energy. Once these stores are emptied, the body adapts to using fat for fuel as the liver produces ketone bodies ("ketones") for energy to replace glucose.

Ketones are a slower but more efficient source of energy than glucose. The body needs to break down fat from the diet and within the body to make ketones, unlike glucose, which is created when carbohydrates are consumed.

However, it's important to note that the ketogenic diet may not be suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as the ketogenic diet.

Health benefits

Matt and Megha, the founders of KetoConnect, started the keto diet in 2016 after experiencing positive results. They decided to share their journey and recipes through videos and other educational content.

The ketogenic diet has been associated with several health benefits, including:

• Weight Loss: The keto diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss, even when compared to low-fat diets. It can lead to a reduction in body fat, especially around the waistline, which is a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
• Improved Heart Health: Contrary to popular belief, keto diets have been found to improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Sustained Energy Levels: By keeping blood sugar stable throughout the day, the keto diet provides increased and stable energy levels without the ups and downs caused by blood glucose spikes.
• Reduction in Epileptic Seizures: The keto diet has been used to treat refractory epilepsy in children, and clinical trials have shown a significant reduction in seizures, with some patients achieving zero seizures.
• Aid in Diabetes Treatment: The keto diet improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. It may even lead to a reduction in diabetes medications.
• Improved PCOS Symptoms: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. The keto diet has been found to improve insulin sensitivity, testosterone levels, body weight, and hormone levels in women with PCOS.
• Potential Acne Treatment: Early research suggests that the autophagic improvements caused by keto may improve skin health and reduce acne breakouts.
• Brain Disease Treatment: The keto diet is being studied for its potential in treating and reversing symptoms of brain-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, traumatic brain injury, ALS, Huntington's, and schizophrenia.
• Cancer Treatment: The keto diet may help shrink malignant brain tumors and decrease tumor sizes in various types of cancer. It has also been found to increase survival time in metastatic cancer when combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• Increased Longevity: The keto diet may increase lifespan by supporting cellular regeneration through autophagy, a biological process that restores and refreshes the body at the cellular level.

Keto diet plans

KetoConnect was founded by Matt Gaedke and Megha, a couple living in Atlanta, in 2016. Matt, a former college basketball player turned computer engineer, and Megha, a recent law graduate, were inspired to start KetoConnect after experiencing the benefits of the keto diet first-hand. The couple document their keto health journey through videos and recipes on their Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest accounts.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity as an effective method for weight loss and improving health. The diet involves reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with healthy fats, which puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

There are several versions of the keto diet, including the standard ketogenic diet (SKD), cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD), targeted ketogenic diet (TKD), and high protein ketogenic diet. The SKD and high protein ketogenic diets have been the most extensively studied. The SKD typically consists of 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbs.

On a keto diet, meals are based on meat, fish, eggs, butter, nuts, healthy oils, avocados, and low-carb vegetables. It is important to monitor your intake of carbohydrates, ensuring they make up only a small portion of your diet.

Day 1

• Breakfast: Veggie and egg muffins with tomatoes
• Lunch: Chicken salad with olive oil, feta cheese, olives, and a side salad
• Dinner: Salmon with asparagus cooked in butter

Day 2

• Breakfast: Egg, tomato, basil, and spinach omelet
• Lunch: Almond milk, peanut butter, spinach, cocoa powder, and stevia milkshake with a side of sliced strawberries
• Dinner: Cheese-shell tacos with salsa

Day 3

• Breakfast: Nut milk chia pudding topped with coconut and blackberries
• Lunch: Avocado shrimp salad
• Dinner: Pork chops with Parmesan cheese, broccoli, and salad

Day 4

• Breakfast: Omelet with avocado, salsa, peppers, onion, and spices
• Lunch: A handful of nuts and celery sticks with guacamole and salsa
• Dinner: Chicken stuffed with pesto and cream cheese, and a side of grilled zucchini

Day 5

• Breakfast: Sugar-free Greek, whole milk yogurt with peanut butter, cocoa powder, and berries
• Lunch: Ground beef lettuce wrap tacos with sliced bell peppers
• Dinner: Loaded cauliflower and mixed veggies

Day 6

• Breakfast: Cream cheese pancakes with blueberries and a side of grilled mushrooms
• Lunch: Zucchini and beet "noodle" salad
• Dinner: White fish cooked in olive oil with kale and toasted pine nuts

Day 7

• Breakfast: Fried eggs with mushrooms
• Lunch: Low-carb sesame chicken and broccoli
• Dinner: Spaghetti squash Bolognese

It is important to rotate vegetables and meat over the long term to ensure a diverse range of nutrients and health benefits. Additionally, keto-approved snacks can be included between meals to moderate hunger, such as nuts, hard-boiled eggs, keto-friendly snack bars, and bell peppers with guacamole.

When following a keto diet, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with food labels and plan meals in advance. Reading food labels will help you determine how different foods fit into your diet, and planning meals will make it easier to stick to the diet throughout the week.

Frequently asked questions