Detailed experience report on ketogenic diet supported with MCT oils and the comparison to ketosis through exogenous ketone bodies from Kevin

In the summer of 2019 I tried 100% bioavailable exogenous ketone bodies for the first time. The result was fascinating... Not only more energy, but also increased concentration brought me effortlessly through my everyday life. I now actively participated in activities such as meetings, where I used to almost fall asleep. I was able to hold out longer during sports without my muscles becoming exhausted afterwards.

But it is not only the energy that is so fascinating about the exogenous ketones, it is also the positive aura that generates it. Better mood and more motivation are only two of the "side effects".
After consuming the ketos for two months, I quickly dropped 7 kilograms. The only negative point for me was the availability at that time, because you had to order it directly from America.

For this reason I had a closer look to the ketogenic diet. I already was not a fan of sugar before, but from that point on I completely cut it out of my life. After a short time, the previously beloved sweets and baked goods only disgusted me as they were laying sticky on the supermarket shelves. After pasta I still feel full and all bad the next day. I just thought to myself, how could you live in such a state for so long? So pasta and the rest of the carbohydrates flew out of the shopping list and after that there was only ketogenic cooking.
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It is not easy to get into ketosis with the ketogenic diet. Most people do not consume enough healthy fats. Others eat too many carbohydrates or proteins. From that point of view, this diet is a big change at the beginning. Especially since this diet is a complete contrast to what we have learned about nutrition since school. In order to get into this phase more easily, I additionally took MCT oil. This oil helps you to get better into ketosis. Better- but not easier. You mix the oil with butter and coffee and then you have a so-called Bulletproof Coffee. Admittedly, this brings energy and prevents the feeling of hunger for at least 4-5 hours.
Well, that sounds quite simple, if it weren't for the stomach cramps from the MCT. The oil is like a natural antibiotic and already after half an hour you feel the "effect". In the beginning you can get diarrhea. With the time it should become more pleasant. I still have stomach cramps after 4 months when I take the oil. Maybe this was also because I chose a pure C8 oil.

Short explanation of MCT:
MCT are medium-chain triglycerides (compound of fats and oils). They are available in the variants C6, C8, C10, C12. The number describes the number of C atoms in the chain.

• C6 is unpopular; it tastes rotten and usually leads to stomach and intestinal problems.
• C8 is the most valuable oil and is actually pure energy. One tablespoon of C8 is said to bring as much energy as 18 spoons of coconut oil.
• C10 is metabolized more slowly, but is popular for combination with C8.
• C12, on the other hand, is cheap and easy to produce. And above all it is less effective. This MCT is good for the intestinal flora, but you also absorb a lot of it when you cook with coconut oil, for example.

The conclusion of the ketogenic diet:
I lost another 8 kilos in about 2 months. So I lost a total of 15 kg. Of course this is fantastic, but still quite tough and tedious. [Which diet isn’t tough…]
Fortunately I only eat in the evening otherwise the result would be quite different. You can't just go to the supermarket or restaurant/cafeteria at noon; you would always have to take your food with you. If you forget it, you have nothing. This can also be a challenge on the road or on holiday.
Another negative point are the complaints caused by the MCT oil. In a report I also learned that C8 kills bacteria and viruses and after a longer period of time it can be counterproductive for the intestinal flora. Whether this is true or not, I cannot say.

On the whole, I feel better than before, of course. But not as good as with exogenous ketone bodies. The diet and the oil put me into ketosis, but not as strong and easy as with exogenous ketones.
Last but not least, the simplicity. The diet is quite difficult for me to implement. Especially because the understanding of other people is not there for such a diet. What is this filth? It only gives you a Jojo effect! Are you crazy, eating only fat? Let's go to the MC Donalds! Let's go get a drought for lunch! ... These are just some of the statements the general public is making. They don't get it and unintentionally drag you back into the vortex. It takes a lot of mental strength to do that.

With exogenous ketones, the situation is quite different. It is simple, prepared in 30 seconds and arouses curiosity rather than rejection in people.

Therefore, after the two test phases I turn back to exogenous ketones. But I still keep the MCT oil in my back pocket for a little variety or to "clean up".