Ketosis on Passover

(Louis Rakoszynski) #1

Here is an unusual question which I need an answer to:

I have been strictly abstaining from all grain products, sugar, fruits, etc… for about 3 months now. I have lost around 25 pounds which was welcome, but mainly, I feel much better with respect to joint inflammation (arthritis), and for that I am incredibly greatful! Now here is my problem:
The Jewish holiday of Passover is coming soon, and on that holiday there is a requirement to eat matzoh (quite a lot of it) and to drink a lot of wine. This is a requirement of Jewish law, which all religiously observant Jews must adhere to. I am concerned that this might have some serious side effects that I am not looking forward to. I am thinking that it might be better for me to gradually go off the Keto diet starting a few weeks before the Holiday, so that my system would not be shocked as severely. Does this make sense? Any thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Lou

(Karen) #2

I guess there’s the expectation to eat matzo and drink wine AND no expectation, religiously, on how much. Try bites and sips.

I’m not Jewish so forgive any misunderstanding.

(Janelle) #3

My husband is Jewish but not terribly observant. I thought there was a type of health exemption? If not that, even these rules do not say how much you’re supposed to eat (or at least I could tell reading through). As to wine, it doesn’t have to be Manichewitz or Mogen David and “full cups” of wine is subjective as to glass size.

(As an aside, look at this atheist giving advice - lol. Marrying a Jew meant doing some research.)

(KetoQ) #4

Ah, you have the conundrum of feeding the body and the soul.

My sense is you won’t have serious side effects or shocks to the system. I’d stay strict keto until it is time to observe Passover. I was strict low carb for six months before the Thanksgiving and Christmas and Hannukah holidays.

You’ll likely add some water weight. The tough thing might be getting back on track.

Chag Sameach

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #5

Talk to your rabbi. Your ultimate, fundamental reason for eating a ketogenic diet is to restore your health, and you don’t want to put it at risk. Surely your rabbi can guide you in this matter.

Mind you, I am a Christian, but Christian theology takes the individual situation into account, and I believe that the early church got that from the rabbis of the day.

If you do decide that it is necessary to consume quantities of matzoh, then it might be wise to prepare yourself by eating some carbohydrate a few days in advance. That has generally the advice I’ve seen on these forums, anyway, when people talked about going on a cruise, or whatever.

Have a blessed Pesach, however you decide to handle things.

#6

Alcoholics are exempt from drinking wine on holidays. It stands to reason that carboholics and others harmed by carbs are exempt from eating carbs. Personal health/saving a life supersedes all other mitzvot; I mean if you were starving on Yom Kippur or about to drop from dehydration, you would be allowed to break fast. But I understand this could be subject to how orthodox you are. I would consult a rabbi if you’re still unclear.

(Carl Keller) #7

Can’t you make matzoh keto friendly by using almond flour instead of regular flour?

(Bacon for the Win) #8

My understanding…which comes from being raised in a Reform congregation, is that we are commanded to eat Matzoh instead of bread. But if we don’t eat bread, skipping the Matzoh should not be an issue.

(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :)) #9

Ah, now if there were only a good Keto Charoset. I used to love eating that stuff…but now I’m not even going to try more than just a small taste. t

I am planning on staying Keto for Passover, as I can’t really afford to have carbs. I’ll have to find something to substitute for the wine…maybe a grape-flavored Crystal Lite powder or something similar that’s zero carb.