“Navigating the Dr. Eric Berg Approach: Keto, Fasting, and Fat Burning”

Krishika
3 min readSep 10, 2023

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Dr. Eric Berg is a chiropractor and health educator who has promoted various health and diet plans, including the Healthy Keto Diet Plan, intermittent fasting, and fat-burning strategies. It’s important to note that while Dr Berg has a following and his approach has gained popularity, the effectiveness of his recommendations may vary from person to person, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Here’s a brief overview of some of the key principles associated with Dr. Berg’s Healthy Keto Diet Plan, intermittent fasting, and fat burning:

  1. Ketogenic Diet: Dr Berg promotes a ketogenic diet, which is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet designed to put the body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body primarily burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to weight loss and other potential health benefits.
  2. Intermittent Fasting: Dr Berg advocates for intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. There are various intermittent fasting protocols, but one common approach is the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. Fasting is believed to enhance fat burning and improve insulin sensitivity.
  3. Healthy Fats: On the ketogenic diet, healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are emphasized. These fats provide a source of energy and help keep you feeling full.
  4. Low Carbohydrates: The diet restricts carbohydrates, especially refined sugars and grains. This is intended to reduce blood sugar spikes and insulin levels, which can promote fat storage.
  5. High-Quality Proteins: While protein intake is allowed, it’s generally moderate and focused on high-quality sources like lean meats, fish, and poultry.
  6. Vegetables: Non-starchy vegetables are typically encouraged because they provide essential nutrients and fibre without spiking blood sugar.
  7. Hydration: Dr Berg often emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated with water and consuming electrolytes, especially during fasting periods.
  8. Individualized Approach: Dr. Berg suggests that individuals may need different levels of carbohydrates and calories based on their unique metabolic needs, and his recommendations often involve personalization.

It’s worth noting that while some people may see positive results following these principles, there are also potential drawbacks and health considerations associated with long-term ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting. These include nutrient deficiencies, potential side effects like “keto flu,” and the need for careful monitoring, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Before starting any new diet plan, particularly one that significantly changes your macronutrient intake or fasting patterns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can help you determine if such an approach is suitable for your individual health goals and needs and provide guidance on how to do it safely and effectively. Additionally, they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your health and well-being.

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