Keto Brand Secrets: Al Roker's Weight Loss Journey

Al Roker has been very vocal about his weight loss journey and has praised the keto diet for his transformation. The TODAY show star has lost 40 pounds by following the ketogenic diet and has shared his favourite keto recipes on Instagram with his 833,000 followers. Roker has also defended the keto diet against criticism from celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels, who has called it a bad idea. Roker responded by saying that what works for you, works for you.

Al Roker's favourite keto breakfast

Al Roker is a big fan of the keto diet and has lost about 40 pounds as a result. He regularly shares his favourite keto-friendly recipes with his Instagram followers and the Today show audience.

One of his favourite keto breakfasts is an egg muffin. Roker starts his day early, at 4 a.m., with a workout, and at 5 a.m., after he's showered and dressed for work, he whips up a batch of his signature ketogenic diet breakfast.

> Beat six to eight eggs with a "dollop" of half and half or heavy cream. Using a jumbo muffin tin, fill in four to six spots with the egg mix. Put in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge. Top with grated cheese of your choice. Bake at 350 to 400 F until they're puffy and brown (about 30 minutes). Place one more chunk of cheese on top and put it back in the oven until it melts. Enjoy!

Al's recipe should make about four muffins.

Keto diet pill scams

While keto diet pills and keto protein shakes are everywhere, fraudulent marketing gimmicks and advertising tactics that claim Al Roker used a supplement instead of following the ketogenic diet plan are also circulating. In reality, Roker has never endorsed any keto supplements or pills.

> "The reality: The company can't support — or deliver on — those weight-loss claims. If you give your credit or debit account number, you get charged $60 to $210 every month — and it's almost impossible to get a refund. On top of that, you get enrolled in offers you didn't ask for — with more monthly charges."

Officials at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warn that dietary supplements do not require approval before they are marketed. They urge consumers to watch for these warning signs:

• Promises of a quick fix, for example, "lose 10 pounds in one week."
• Use of the words "guaranteed" or "scientific breakthrough."
• Products marketed through mass emails or in a foreign language.
• Products marketed as herbal alternatives to an FDA-approved drug or as having effects similar to prescription drugs.

In addition, fake endorsements from celebrities for keto pills have also been a problem. Model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen, for example, complained last year that her identity had been hijacked by a firm selling keto diet pills on Snapchat. Entrepreneur Lori Greiner, a star of ABC's Shark Tank, has also been victimized by fake keto endorsements featuring her on social media.

Al Roker's weight loss journey

Al Roker, the famed and beloved weatherman on NBC's Today, has had a long and challenging weight loss journey. At his heaviest, Al weighed 340 pounds and wore a size 54 in pants. His weight affected his marriage to journalist Deborah Roberts, as his unhealthy habits took a toll on their relationship. In his 2013 memoir, "Never Goin' Back: Winning The Weight Loss Battle for Good", Al attributed his weight gain to his food-filled childhood and his love for food.

Al's weight loss journey began in 2002 when he decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery. This decision was influenced by a promise he made to his dying father, Albert Lincoln Roker Sr., to lose weight. The surgery helped Al lose over 100 pounds. However, he later regained some of the weight due to various factors, including the hospitalization and subsequent death of his mother in 2011, which caused him to slip back into unhealthy eating habits.

In addition to the gastric bypass surgery, Al has also tried various diets and exercise routines to maintain his weight loss. He has been open about his experiences with the keto diet, which involves eating high-fat foods while avoiding carbohydrates to achieve a 4:1 ratio of fat to carbs and protein. Al has lost about 40 pounds on the keto diet and has defended it against criticism, emphasizing that individuals should make their own decisions about their diets in consultation with medical professionals.

Al has also adopted an exercise routine called the "slow method", which involves 30-minute high-intensity sessions three times a week. He has run half marathons and even completed the New York City Marathon in 2010.

Al's weight loss journey has had its ups and downs, but he has maintained a positive attitude and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. He has been open about his experiences to inspire others and provide helpful tips and advice. Today, Al maintains a weight of around 190 pounds and continues to inspire many with his transformation.

Keto-friendly snacks

Al Roker has been a staunch defender of the keto diet, which he credits for his 40-pound weight loss. He has also been vocal about his dislike of celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels, who has criticised the keto diet.

Now, here are some keto-friendly snacks to consider:

• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are classic crunchy keto snacks.
• Cheese: String cheese, babybel, or assorted cheese slices.
• Avocado slices: A quick and easy snack with a sprinkle of salt.
• Deli roll-ups: Roll turkey, ham, or roast beef with cheese for a protein-packed keto snack on the go.
• Veggie sticks with guacamole: Slice cucumber, bell peppers, or celery and dip into guacamole for a refreshing, crunchy snack.
• Greek yogurt parfait: Mix Greek yogurt with berries (frozen berries are a great option here), chia seeds, and a drizzle of keto-friendly sweetener for a dessert-style treat.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Keep some pre-boiled eggs in the fridge for a quick, protein-filled snack.
• Keto trail mix: Combine unsweetened coconut flakes, nuts, and a few dark chocolate chunks for a keto-friendly trail mix.
• Caprese skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto toothpicks for a refreshing bite.
• Nut butter dippers: Dip celery or cucumber sticks into almond or peanut butter for a satisfying snack.
• Smoked salmon rolls: Roll up smoked salmon with cream cheese and a sprinkle of chives for a classy snack option.
• Pickles and cheese cubes: A tangy and creamy snack that mixes up your routine flavours.
• Seaweed snacking sheets: A salty, crispy, and chip-like snack.
• Celery with cream cheese: Spread cream cheese on celery sticks for a simple and easy snack.
• Egg salad lettuce wraps: Mix pre-cooked eggs with mayo and mustard, then spoon the mixture onto lettuce leaves for a quick salad wrap.

There are also some great keto-friendly snack options available to buy:

• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and sunflower seeds are all keto-friendly options.
• Cheese crisps: Crispy snacks made from real cheese.
• Beef jerky: A classic keto snack, just check the labels for added sugars.
• Pork rinds: A crispy, crunchy, and keto-approved alternative to carb-loaded chips.
• Nut butters: Individual packets of almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter are great for a quick energy boost.
• Seaweed snacks: Roasted seaweed snacks are light, crispy, and full of umami flavour.
• Veggie and dip combo: Celery and cucumber slices with full-fat cream cheese or a low-carb dip.
• Keto bars: Flavourful and satisfying, these bars are your sweet tooth's best friend.
• Dark chocolate: Opt for 70% cocoa or higher for a chocolatey treat without the sugar rush.
• Avocados: Creamy, satisfying, and loaded with healthy fats.
• Deli meats: Go for preservative-free, low-sodium options and enjoy them solo, with cream cheese, lettuce, or wrapped around pickles.

Al Roker's response to Jillian Michaels

Al Roker and Jillian Michaels have opposing views on the keto diet. While Roker is a proponent of the diet, Michaels has been very vocal about her stance against it.

In January 2019, Michaels, a fitness expert and life coach, criticised the keto diet in a video for Women's Health magazine, calling it a "bad plan" and saying she "can't understand why anyone would want to do it". She also listed several reasons for her dislike of the diet, including the absence of calorie restriction, the risk of missing out on important nutrients, and the potential for saturated fat risk.

Roker, a weatherman and presenter on NBC's "Today" show, took to Twitter to defend the keto diet and attack Michaels' methods. He referenced her appearance on the weight-loss show "The Biggest Loser", accusing her of promoting "bullying, deprivation, manipulation and more weekly in the name of weight loss".

Michaels responded to Roker's tweet with a video message, calling for a civil and intelligent debate on the topic. She also sent him a private email, the contents of which were not disclosed. Roker, however, stood his ground, citing his own positive experience with the keto diet and sharing that his blood work and vitals had improved since starting the diet.

The back-and-forth between the two celebrities sparked a larger debate about the keto diet, with some nutritionists and experts expressing concerns about its extreme nature and potential health risks. While some people have found success with keto, others caution that it may not be sustainable or safe for everyone.

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