Why Keto Works for Weight Loss

But Fails for Performance with Dr. Mike T. Nelson

Keto is everywhere—again. But does it actually live up to the hype?

On the Energy Blueprint podcast, I pull back the curtain on some of the biggest keto myths. We’ll dig into fat loss, performance, “ancestral” eating patterns, and why the Inuit probably weren’t in ketosis (sorry, bro-science).

You’ll hear why keto can tank your power output by up to 8%, what the deal really is with exogenous ketones, and why metabolic flexibility—not extreme diets—is the ultimate cheat code for health and performance.

After 20+ years in the trenches, I’m giving you my unfiltered take—no influencer BS, just the science and practical applications you can actually use.

Timestamps:

00:15 – Guest Intro – Dr. Mike T. Nelson
05:21 – Why is keto almost a religion?
15:49 – Keto for fat loss
20:11 – Were our ancestors really keto?
28:24 – The benefits of ketosis brought forth by caloric deficit
38:23 – Do ketones make you perform better?
1:03:51- Ketones and brain health
1:06:54 – Keto and metabolic flexibility
1:17:17 – Negative side effects of very low carb ketogenic diet
1:22:23 – Exogenous ketones

Rock on!

Dr. Mike T Nelson

PhD, MSME, CISSN, CSCS Carrick Institute Adjunct Professor Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He’s an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. He’s been called in to share his techniques with top government agencies. The techniques he’s developed and the results Mike gets for his clients have been featured in international magazines, in scientific publications, and on websites across the globe.