A few years ago, Halle Berry took to Instagram to share that she used to follow the Ketogenic diet to manage her diabetes. However, in a recent episode of The Tamsen Show podcast, the actor spoke about her lithe figure and the secrets behind her enviable physique.
“I’m on like probably 16 vitamins now. I have a whole list of stuff that I will not miss. I’m religious about it. I have studied all the different things that I’m taking… I believe in every single one of them, and I will not miss them no matter what,” the Catwoman star said.
Why did she discontinue Keto?
Sharing insights into her current diet, the actor shared that she has moved on from a Ketogenic diet to tackle her diabetes. “I used to be on keto because that’s how I manage my diabetes; and now I’ve learned at this stage in life that I need little carbs. I need that for energy because my energy levels are different, and I manage my sugar by cutting out other things. But there are little adjustments that I’ve had to make along the way as I’ve really understood what’s happening in my body.”
But what exactly is a Keto diet?
Vibhuti Jain, lead nutritionist and head of research and development, Lo! Foods, told indianexpress.com that a ketogenic diet, also known as the Keto diet or KD, is a diet plan in which an individual eats fats in high amounts, protein in adequate amounts, and very less carbohydrates.
“Low carb diets such as keto work on the hypothesis that reducing insulin (the main factor in diabetes) – the hormone that creates an anabolic, fat-storing state — induces weight loss and improves cardiometabolic function. Low carb diets are less stressful on the pancreas and insulin production than high-carb diets. If the body runs out of stored carbs, the liver produces ketones, a type of fat that can be converted into energy,” she explained.
Fitness routine
Berry’s fitness regimen has also seen a shift — from cardio to weightlifting. “I used to do a lot of cardio – right now, I do no cardio. I’m trying to put muscle mass on, so I lift weights now, and I never used to lift weights before. I only did my body weight with cardio – cycling and running. Now, I just do pretty much what I find boring, but it’s necessary for this stage of life – just heavier weights than I’ve ever lifted, and I do it probably two days more a week than I used to.
She shared that her main goal wasn’t to get muscles but stay healthy. “I was doing it to manage my diabetes. But I didn’t want to be muscly, and now I’m lifting heavy weights, and I’m still not getting muscly. I’m just like holding on to the muscle I have, and that’s important at this age.”
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According to Dr Yokesh Arul, MD in medicine, weightlifting can lower the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. “Weightlifting helps improve bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. The mechanical stress placed on bones during weightlifting stimulates bone remodelling and growth, leading to stronger and healthier bones,” he said.
Dr Arul also mentioned that weightlifting with proper nutrition can help women reduce body fat and achieve a lean physique.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
