How Celebrities Like Halle Berry and Mick Jagger Use the Controversial Keto Diet

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that shares similarities with low-carb diets like the Atkins diet. By restricting carbohydrate intake heavily, the keto diet forces the body to enter a metabolic state called ketosis.

In ketosis, the body converts fat into compounds called ketones and begins using them as its main source of energy instead of carbs. This transition can cause rapid weight loss and other health benefits for some people.

Foods Allowed on the Keto Diet

Foods encouraged on the ketogenic diet are:

• Meat like beef, chicken, bacon, sausage
• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Low-carb vegetables like leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers
• Avocados and berries in moderation
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy oils and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter

Food Restricted on the Keto Diet

Foods limited heavily or eliminated on keto are:

• Grains like bread, pasta, rice, cereal
• Starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas
• Beans and legumes
• Fruit except for small portions of berries
• Sugary foods like juice, smoothies, soda, desserts
• Alcohol

15 Celebrities Who Have Tried Keto

Given its rapid weight loss results, the ketogenic diet has attracted many celebrity followers. Here is a look at 15 stars who have given keto a shot along with how it impacted their health:

1. Halle Berry

Known for strict dieting to stay camera ready, Halle Berry has followed keto for years. She says pairing it with intermittent fasting amplifies fat burning while maintaining energy.

2. Vanessa Hudgens

To meet her physical demands while filming ticklish musical scenes in Grease Live, Vanessa Hudgens went keto. She said she had constant energy and never felt hungry thanks to the high-fat foods.

3. LeBron James

This basketball icon adopted a modified keto diet heavier on carbs to fuel his intense training. Going low-carb while eliminating junk food and soda helped him slim down while maintaining power.

4. Kim Kardashian

Kim has followed ultra-strict keto variants to drop baby weight fast before big events. But she has said such severe carb restriction is not sustainable long-term due to cravings and fatigue.

5. Gwyneth Paltrow

Always an early adopter of new diets, Gwenyth claims going keto for short stints provides mental clarity and reduces bloating. But she warns the restrictive nature makes long-term adherence difficult.

6. Lebron James

He decided to try keto after noticing declining athletic ability with age. Pairing keto with his fitness regimen, he lost weight and regained the explosive power that made him famously dominant.

7. Tim Tebow

Looking to keep up with younger athletes, this Heisman trophy winner went keto to successfully drop over 50 pounds. He says his customized keto diet provides constant, stable strength and stamina.

8. Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney turned to the keto diet to slim down after enjoying her curves at a heavier weight after having kids. She says keto gives her satisfying high-fat foods while melting fat fast.

9. Megan Fox

To bounce back fast after pregnancy, celeb mom Megan Fox used the keto diet paired with intense workouts. She continues eating high-fat and low-carb to keep her figure slim and toned.

10. Vinny Guadagnino

This Jersey Shore star adopted the keto diet to slim down after noticing weight gain in his 30s. He proudly flaunts his buff, ripped physique thanks to shedding 50 pounds eating bacon and butter!

11. Joe Rogan

Outspoken podcaster Joe Rogan became an evangelist for the carnivore diet, an extreme keto variant including only meat. He says going carnivore cured his energy issues despite controversies.

12. Jillian Michaels

This celebrity fitness trainer slammed the keto diet as unhealthy and unsustainable. She argues cutting carbs causes fatigue, poor workout performance, and other issues long-term.

13. Al Roker

Beloved TV personality Al Roker adopted the keto diet after failing to slim down through exercise alone. He successfully lost over 40 pounds and reversed his Type 2 diabetes going low-carb.

14. Mick Jagger

At 75 years old, the legendary Rolling Stones frontman credits his flashy footwork to the keto diet. He switched to fatty meat and fish paired with veggies to keep touring full throttle.

15. Kirsten Vangsness

The Criminal Minds actress turned to keto after struggling to lose weight on calorie-counting plans. She lost 30 pounds within months and reports feeling better than she has in 20 years!

The Controversy Around Keto

While many celebrities and people overall report impressive results going keto, it remains highly controversial. Critics argue it poses multiple health risks that make keto unsustainable and even dangerous for the average person.

Lack of Clinical Studies

Unlike proven diets, keto lacks long-term, large scale clinical studies on its safety due to its extreme carb restriction. Unknown risks may emerge years later.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Strict keto severely limits or eliminates entire food groups leading to potential vitamin, mineral, and fiber deficiencies over time without close monitoring.

Keto Flu Symptoms

Adapting to ketosis can trigger headaches, nausea, cramps, weakness, and mood swings from low energy levels until the body adapts to burning fat.

Negative Effects

Documented negative side effects like kidney problems, constipation, nutrient deficiencies, and a higher risk of heart disease are very concerning to critics of long-term keto adherence.

Overall the extremely restrictive nature makes safe keto adherence unlikely for average people without supervision by health professionals.

Trying Keto Safely

The keto diet may offer rapid benefits like quick weight loss, boosted energy, and reduced inflammation for some. But the risks and downsides are very real.

Anyone considering attempting the keto diet should first get their doctors approval, especially if living with health conditions or on medication. Working with medical and diet professionals ensures safety and sustainability.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.