Daughter afraid I am killing myself with keto

#1

I have been on my keto journey for 10 weeks and am feeling great and lost some weight. Apparently I talk about it too much, though, according to my family. I will say I am the sole cook in this house and excited about my progress so yes, I probably do.

My daughter, 16, was very emotional today about many things but spent the last hour alternating between crying, screaming and pleading with me to stop eating keto because I am “killing myself.” She says she has done tons of research and brought up Atkins and she thinks I am a “bacon addict” and don’t I know bacon is carcinogenic and will surely kill me? She has definitely been talking with her older cousin who is a hard core vegan and tends to extremes on all issues. My husband and I (he is supportive of me but not keto) tried to reason, tried to address her fears, talked about blood tests and future DXA scans I would get. I even agreed to give it a year and if things were a lot better (weight, lean body mass, blood work,etc) then I would consider stopping. I don’t know what else to say. She says I am brainwashed and need to just eat “normally.” Nothing we could say would alleviate her fears. So I agreed to stop talking about keto, and food in general. I know some of this is coming from the upcoming anniversary of her dad’s death (4 years). He died at 36 from complications of Type I Diabetes. Some of it is hormonal from that time fo the month from her time of the month. Even my adult son who somewhat supports keto was going on about bacon and saturated fats will surely clog my arteries long term and so I should cycle off at some point.

So now I am feeling emotional and just needed to vent. I am frustrated, sad, feeling wobbly.

Thanks for listening.

(Stacy Blanchard) #2

I’m so sorry. That must be challenging.
At first my son (17) and husband were very skeptical and did some arguing. I told them I would not discuss it untill they had watched “the Magic Pill” (I bought it on Amazon although I think you can get it free on YouTube) and “The Science of Fasting” (Free for prime members). My husband watched them both and began intermittent fasting and Keto because of the scientific explanations. If you or your family have not watched these, I highly encourage you at the very least if not you’re loved ones to view them. I think there are some powerful messages in the information. There is also a cardiologist that does preventative care. He hosts a podcast called “The Low Carb Cardiologist”. He has some experts/scientists/doctors on his podcast that really address the studies and science behind LCHF lifestyle. One thing I am doing is calling it be the name low carb high fat lifestyle because many people that know just a little about Keto are highly misinformed. Ketosis or Keto is a state your metabolism reaches through LCHF.
good luck

(Chris W) #3

That sugar film was epic for me and my daughter who was doubting it changed her tone, I also listen to all the 2keto dudes podcasts with her while driving. Hearing stories of people who have fixed themselves is powerful. Show here the stories, let her read for herself.

(Rob) #4

The Magic Pill (free on Netflix) is a winner of calm, well supported keto explanation. It would probably help her get a more balanced view. Did her cousin show her “What the Health”? If so she is the one who is brainwashed.
I wonder if showing her some of the stuff about how Keto manages T1D far more effectively than other things e.g. Troy Stapleton’s talks would hit home due to her dad or be too close to the bone for the same reason?

You can fight her point for point if you want. Zoe Harcombe and others destroy the bacon/red meat will kill you argument. Nina Teicholz covers the fats, Aseem Malhotra covers CVD and keto. Ivor Cummins’ stuff is fantastic basic science (e.g. Ketofest 2017). NONE of this is countered well by the vegans (though they do spew FUD wherever possible). This might be more than you want to do, however, she started it and NOT discussing will probably make her stew in her fear and you giving it up will only hurt you.

Best of luck!

(Steve ricci ) #5

My daughter, 17 saw the results and jumped on the band wagon. She gained weight after ankle surgery from an injury as a wrestler. She dropped 17 lb in 4 weeks. She is happy

#6

What a crazy world we live in! At one point I would have snuck binge eating carbage - and now I have to be discreet about not eating (IF/EF) and keto with those that don’t get it. Probably your plan to do less talking about it is best for now - but nothing says you can’t slip in a good podcast or movie once in awhile :wink:

#7

Thank you. She sat through some of The Magic Pill and That Sugar Movie but got up and left at some point. She says my podcasts are “disgusting” (I think she means the comments about bacon and butter :roll_eyes:)

(Jay AM) #8

Best to just stop talking about it and if she brings it up trying to start a fight about it tell her you won’t talk about it if she refuses to listen to any of your science materials.

(Stacy Blanchard) #9

That’s all you can do the rest will be your example and results. Just so you know, my son is still anti and angry when I talk to him about it. Oh well, even or growing up kids get to decide for themselves. But that means I get to decide for me too. Stay strong and know that your path is right for you.

#10

Thank you-I really needed to hear that!!

(Candy Lind) #11

She’s feeling conflicted, obviously because of the opposing viewpoints she’s getting, and is feeling the stress.

Might I suggest you sit down with her and “agree to disagree?” Tell her you are feeling great, that you are sorry she is feeling the way she is, but that this is the way you’ve decided to eat and you are NOT going stop, but you’re also not going to force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. She’s growing up and must learn how to make her own informed choices.

Suggest that she could ask a neutral science teacher or doctor/NP/PA to help her do some more research on the pros and cons of LCHF (AND vegan) lifestyles, and how to decide if a paper, video, or article is factual/uses good scientific method or is opinionated/biased. Tell her you can provide links to articles/videos/studies about whatever subject she wishes on the “pro-LCHF” side (thanks to this forum). I’ll be surprised if the vegan cousin is willing to do the same.

If she’s finding data/facts herself instead of feeling “force-fed,” she may come around, at least to the point she’s no longer in a panic. If she comes to you with arguments, our “SMTS” sub-forum and our many experts can help you with rebuttals. The main thing is for you to KCKO - especially the “KC!” I wish you luck. It’s difficult, I’m sure.

(Ron) #12

Fantastic parenting advice. Good response!:woman_teacher:

#13

Good ideas-thank you, I appreciate it!

(Omar) #14

my mom cries because I am not eating bread :grinning:

she said ok proceed on keto but eat bread :joy:

#15

:blush:

#16

Some great advice, can’t add to that! It’s understandable how scared she is after her Dad passed away…
But surely if things are a lot better with your weight & blood tests etc. in a year, it proves the point that the keto is healthy & doing you good, so why would you give it up & go back to the old unhealthy lifestyle where you gain weight? I understand you were trying to calm her fears, but be careful what you promise her when you do that.

(Bacon for the Win) #17

prove her wrong and stay alive! :smirk:

(Jay Patten) #18

The moment you were born, you began the long process of dying. Diabetes will do the job a lot quicker than bacon, lol.

(Ron) #19

Or simply - Sugar quicker than bacon!

(Jay Patten) #20

Yes.

Thinking that meat will kill a human being -an animal biologically designed to eat meat- faster than sugar just goes to show what kids are learning about nutrition.