California Keto
Farmer’s markets and fat
Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t a true ketogenic diet. Instead, the California Keto diet is a system of eating which gives up refined grains and other high glycemic foods. This isn’t a low carbohydrate diet, it’s a low glycemic carbohydrate diet. Many in California have by and large embraced the healthy fats, low glycemic carb movement, but they aren’t afraid of a Vegan meal or two either. A slightly lower carbohydrate and higher fat diet is a tune California Keto dieters can feel comfortable playing, that is as long as they keep histamine in check. Freshness of food is key for the California Keto diet, so make sure to hit up all those fantastic West LA farmer’s markets, or wherever you can get the best fresh produce in town. While it’s the lab tests that ultimately govern, it is more likely California Keto genotypes can eat a slightly higher fat diet without spikes in “bad cholesterol.”
What is the scientific basis for this diet? DNA assigned diets have recently shown strong efficacy in a number of peer reviewed studies. As we document on our science page, nutrigenomic diets have shown far greater potential for sustained weight loss than have ketogenic diets. Further, adherence to personalized diet plans is greater than generic diets.
With macronutrient ratios of 40% fats, 40% carbohydrates, and 20% protein, much of which comes from plant sources, the California Keto diet type is in a range very close to United States Dietary Guidelines for 2020 -2025. For example, the fat content of the California Keto diet is 5% greater than the upper limit of the traditional range for the Dietary Guidelines, and well below the overconsumption of fat recommended by many low carb groups.
Most closely related diet: Mosaic
Primary difference with Mosaic: Histamine clearance for the California Keto crowd may be on the low side, which is a problem Mosaic dieters are less likely to have. California Keto dieters also do not have the carbohydrate metabolism of the Mosaic group so they need to keep a closer eye on spiking blood sugar.
Biggest challenge: California Keto dieters can add healthy fats into their diets but their challenge is to balance fat intake with lipid markers like LDL-C. Even California Keto dieters, with their robust fat metabolism, can take things too far and eat too many healthy fats.
Red meat friendly? From a fat metabolism standpoint yes. From a histamine standpoint, will hinge on lifestyle, allergy, medication use, etc.
Keto friendly: Potentially, yes, although California Keto dieters may find they do better on a plant based ketogenic diet high in monounsaturated fats than a traditional keto diet which emphasizes saturated fats.
Carnivore diet friendly? Nope.
Does this diet type handle fermented foods? Not likely. Red wine, aged cheese and beer are big no nos. But also sauerkraut and kombucha when the histamine bucket is filling up.
What about pancakes and refined grains: Not as a staple. Carb scoring indicates it’s more likely that California Keto folks will have a tougher time controlling blood sugar.
Go to breakfast: black bean and scrambled egg tacos with grain free tortillas and steamed veggies.