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While the Kardashian sisters can often be found shaking up a plastic bowl of their favourite to-go salads [3], there's one sister in particular whose eating habits and strict dietary restrictions have raised an eyebrow or two, and that's Kourtney Kardashian. The firstborn of the famous family absolutely looks like she's either superhuman or ageing in reverse [4], and she credits a lot of that to her strict all-natural diet [5]. The 38-year-old mum of three recently opened up about her "really positive experience" with the controversial keto diet [6] last year and why she's planning on doing the high-fat, low-carb diet again this year.
In a post on her app, Kourtney explained that she decided to give the highly contested diet [7] and lifestyle change a try after her doctor found high levels of mercury and lead in her body. The strict diet has been a topic of contention [8] for many dietitians and health professionals because of the state of ketosis your body goes into due to a lack of carbs. When your body is in a state of ketosis, it's metabolising fat instead of carbohydrates. While many are drawn to the keto diet for its weight-loss benefits [9], it takes time for your body to adjust to it [10], and it also takes time for your body to adjust to coming off the diet [11]. But for Kourtney, her experience was a success, thanks to some delicious recipes and tricks for fighting through her hunger.
"Keto diets are low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats," Kourtney wrote, E! News reports [13]. "Once I knew the ground rules, I was very strict and really stuck to it. I ate minimal carbs and no grains, beans or legumes. Instead, I focussed my meals on fresh vegetables and lean proteins."
She admits that she had some headaches and low energy the first week on the diet, but rewarded herself with a "treat yourself day" once a week. While everyone's body reacts differently to the diet, Kourtney made sure to test her ketone levels and blood sugar to make sure everything was where it should be.
Her meals included broccoli rice or cauliflower rice topped with protein [15]. "So I often ate grilled chicken and fish over broccoli rice, cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash," she wrote, quoted on People. I mixed in roasted vegetables, fresh salads with homemade dressing, and smoothies made with avocados and bananas."
Kourtney shared that in addition to the keto diet, she incorporated intermittent fasting [16] into her routine, which many dietitians recommend doing together [17]. But her key to fighting sugar cravings? Apple cider vinegar [18]. According to Well and Good, about 20 minutes after waking up, Kourtney starts her day [19] with water mixed with one tablespoon of organic ACV and consumes another tablespoon before eating dinner. She also credits collagen protein powder [20] to help curb hunger while intermittent fasting [21]. It sounds like Kourtney had it all figured out, which is why she plans on trying it again later this year.
As much as we're inspired to try the keto diet based on Kourtney's rave review, it's best to consult your doctor or a dietitian before starting.