First time keto - would like feedback pls

#21

All synthetic testosterone is bio-identical, that’s really a marketing term some TRT Clinics use. If you’re injecting Testosterone, it’s bio-identical. The only loophole to that (not really) is when crappy Uro’s prescribe “TRT”, but instead of Testosterone they give you Clomid, which will raise your Total T on paper, but nobody ever feels right on it, and it’s literally a fertility drug and not actual test.

To be fair though, it’s becoming a fad for Uro’s to try to get people on Clomid and Enclomiphene instead of Test, so although typically stupid, now, saying that is almost warranted.

Best treatment would be with a Clinic unless you know the doc or your PCP is willing to do it for you, but then you just have to watch for crazy outdated protocols like 200mg every OTHER week (that was a Urologist famous cookie cutter protocol) which is a huge red flag to RUN! That has you spiking and crashing constantly, not a good feel! Also not good for either your Testosterone or your Estrogen levels.

(B Creighton) #22

If you decide to go that route, I suggest requesting testosterone enanthate. Otherwise, you will undoubtedly get testosterone cypionate which is in a base of cotton seed oil… It is thinner, and cheaper, but cotton seed is one of the most sprayed crops. Enanthate is in a base of sesame oil. A little thicker, and has a slightly more shortened residual for some reason, but you can probably lengthen that out by injecting into belly fat. If you use GoodRx, you can usually find a vial in the $30s range.

You will probably also have to watch your hematocrit and iron levels. The best way to address that is to donate blood. As I suggested, also start on the 4 supplements right away, because otherwise your estrogen and DHT will probably go too high. I had a doctor suggest DHEA to me, but it did nothing to raise my T levels, and I believe only made aromitization into estrogen worse… my 2 cents.

(Bob M) #23

If you want to try exogenous ketones, this has some science behind it:

Expensive, though ($4/shot). I used this for a while on the days I was fasting until dinner. One shot in my morning coffee (no cream) in the morning. I honestly couldn’t tell much of a difference. But this is my 12th year of keto.

Edit: $120 = 30 servings, and I only took 2 servings per week (used it the two days I went into the office), so it lasted a while, 15 weeks.

(Marianne) #24

I recently started again. Thankfully, I didn’t gain all my weight back after a two year hiatus. Anyway, I’m keeping it simple per above - basically carnivore. My total carbs are less than 5/day. It’s just easier and fortunately, these are the food groups I enjoy the most - animal protein and fat. In spite of three years clean keto and 70 lbs. weight loss, I’m still fighting the eat, eat, eat formula. Crazy. Old habits die hard. This time around, I am trying to stick closer to my fat and protein macros, which are lower now because of my age and more sedentary lifestyle. Is this okay, or should I more or less disregard those?

(Joey) #25

My suggestion would be, while sticking to the menu items you know are consistent with a low carb WOE, then eat to your satisfaction. If you’re genuinely hungry, eat. If not really that hungry, don’t force it just because “it’s time.”

Your body knows best the answer to how much and when to eat - as long as you’re sticking with those choices you know are good for you.

:vulcan_salute:

(Brian Dixon) #26

I will likely do the same … very strict keto until I reach my weight goal, or a few pounds beyond, then switch to a “keto with occasional breaks” plan where I continue to go with keto, but go ahead and allow some exceptions … sides such as mac-n-cheese now and then, or go out for pie and not worry about it, then right back to keto. Historically, I gain 30 lbs over a few years, then diet (CICO) and suffer to lose it, repeat. I think the straight-keto (strict) with occasional exceptions will likely prevent the cycle of “gain 30# over 3 years” pattern that I’ve had.

(KM) #27

We unfortunately don’t have a great word for a person who’s adopted keto for life, the equivalent of “vegan” or “pescatarian” , but I’ve found that even if I don’t have a label, viewing my way of eating as a permanent change rather than a temporary intervention is … freeing, a relief. It’s a commitment to a healthy body I no longer even think about, and wrapped in the knowledge that this is “who I am”, the very occasional choice to do something out of character isn’t a huge concern.

I think your idea of strict for now, as you see fit later is a good one!!

(Brian Dixon) #28

For me, having something non-keto would be a very rare thing … and means that I’m not doomed for life to never have another slice of blueberry pie… LOL. Adopt keto as a permanent thing, however. My Parkinson’s needs it too, not just the waistline.

(B Creighton) #29

Ketarian… there… I’ve coined it!

#30

I just call it ketoer as I only saw that word for it - and it’s not necessarily for life. But the new norm for a (long) while.
IDK how to feel about ketarian but it sounds nice, better than ketoer :slight_smile:

(Brian Dixon) #31

:ok_hand: on Ketarian … I’ll go make my tin foil hat… :slight_smile: