Dr. Sarah Ballantyne is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the award-winning website, The Paleo Mom. She joins JJ in today's podcast episode to explore the ketogenic diet and talk about the best options for healthy weight loss. Listen as Dr. Ballantyne explains the pros and cons of the ketogenic diet, including the impact it can have on your metabolism and hormonal health. Dr. Ballantyne also shares her top tips for losing weight and keeping it off, with scientific studies to back up each one. Dr. Ballantyne has a Ph.D in Medical Biophysics and has lost 120 pounds herself – she's here to share her wealth of knowledge and inspiration with us all!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Sarah Ballantyne’s free 15-Part Paleo ABC’s by going to JJVirgin.com/paleomom.   Main Points From Today’s Episode ** Need to revise The ketogenic diet has shown some real therapeutic benefits in patients with neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. However, there are some problems with a diet that's designed to mimic starvation when it comes to overall health. A recent study showed that 1 in 6 patients on a long-term keto diet for epilepsy developed hypothyroidism. Most of these patients became hypothyroid within the first month. Getting enough sleep is crucial to weight loss. Studies show that folks consume anywhere between 10 and 25 percent more calories the day after getting 6 hours of sleep compared to 8 hours.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:12] Dr. Sarah Ballantyne’s career briefing [3:50] What is the ketogenic diet?  [5:33] Uses of the ketogenic diet in patients with epilepsy [7:17] The ketogenic diet has shown some real therapeutic benefits in patients with neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. [7:52] There are some problems with a diet that's designed to mimic starvation when it comes to overall health. [9:06]  Busting the myth that you have to be in ketosis to burn fat. [11:23] The importance of metabolic flexibility [12:46] How a long-term ketogenic diet can lower your basal metabolic rate  [14:32] Common side effects of the ketogenic diet [17:09] The impact that the keto diet can have on thyroid health [18:27] The connection between your thyroid and other systems in your body [19:30] A recent study showed that 1 in 6 patients on a long-term keto diet for epilepsy developed hypothyroidism.   [21:34] The relationship between insulin and thyroid hormones [23:00] How the keto diet can affect female sex hormones [27:57] Dr. Ballantyne’s top recommendations for weight loss include a higher protein intake and plenty of veggies. [30:21] Studies show that exercise boosts weight loss success by helping with hormone regulation. [30:57] Getting enough sleep is crucial to weight loss. [33:15] Dr. Sarah Ballantyne’s free gift includes awesome ideas, resources, food lists, priorities, and cooking tips. [34:13] Starting your day off with the right breakfast sets your metabolic tone for the day. The perfect and easiest way to do this is with JJ’s All-In-One Paleo-Inspired Protein Shake! [35:33] Listener’s question: JJ, how many carbs should I eat? [37:00] The source of your carbs matters. [37:35] The Sugar Impact Diet helps you figure out the right amount and type of carbs for you.   Mentioned in this episode: Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shake Sugar Impact Diet Jjvirgin.com JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube