On Saturday, November 9, I had the honor of hosting a workshop on behalf of Keto Cool during the first national family day on the medical ketogenic diet, organized by Matthews Friends Netherlands/Belgium and EpilepsieNL. It was an inspiring day where parents, children, and professionals came together to share experiences and knowledge.
My workshop focused on a key question many families face: How can you make the ketogenic diet not just manageable, but also practical and enjoyable in daily life? While medical and dietary guidance form the foundation, it’s often the practical side—finding tasty recipes and fitting the diet into daily routines—that determines whether a family can stick to it.
Every Situation is Unique
I started the workshop by asking some simple questions: Who is already following the diet? Who is considering it? Who in the family is the diet for, and how old are they?
The answers were incredibly varied. Some families had been following the diet for years, while others were just starting out. Some were still unsure if the diet was the right choice for them.
What became clear very quickly was that every situation is unique. The needs of a young child are very different from those of a teenager seeking more independence. Factors like medical requirements, family dynamics, and living circumstances mean that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one family may be completely unfeasible for another.
This is why connection is so valuable. By talking to one another and sharing experiences, families can discover new ideas and insights tailored to their specific situations.
Our Story: The Inspiration Behind Keto Cool
This was the perfect moment to share our own story. Years ago, when our son started the ketogenic diet as a treatment for his epilepsy, we felt overwhelmed and often panicked. We were given a diet plan but had to figure out everything else on our own.
How do you prepare meals that are both medically compliant and enjoyable? What do you do when your child needs to bring treats to school? What do you pack for vacations? And how do you handle social events like parties?
Those early days were tough. But through trial and error—and with the help of others—we gradually found our way. On forums where parents shared their experiences, I came across the same questions and challenges repeatedly. It was comforting to see that we weren’t alone. I also discovered creative solutions I hadn’t thought of myself, like the Switch Witch.
The Switch Witch is a great example of how connecting with others can lead to creative solutions. My son was upset that he couldn’t eat candy during Halloween. Through a forum, I learned about this American concept: the candy he collected could be placed by the window at night. The Switch Witch would come and exchange it for a small gift. His sadness disappeared, and Halloween became fun again. Even his brother joined in.
These experiences inspired me to create Keto Cool—a platform to share recipes, tips, and experiences. But more than that, it’s a place to connect people. I know how valuable it is to exchange stories and advice, even across languages and borders. That’s why Keto Cool is designed for families in three languages, ensuring that as many people as possible can find support and inspiration.
What I Learned from This Day
This family day reminded me that everyone brings their own pieces of the puzzle. Sometimes those pieces fit perfectly, and other times you need to experiment. But by sharing and learning from each other, it’s always possible to make the ketogenic diet work.
The diet is so much more than just food—it’s a lifestyle you shape day by day. What inspires me most is the creativity and resilience I see when people come together. There’s always something new to learn and a fresh perspective to discover. I look forward to continuing these connections and working together to create a lifestyle that makes the ketogenic diet not just manageable but a sustainable part of family life.
Questions Addressed During the Workshop
- What are the experiences with the MCT diet versus the classic ketogenic diet?
- MCT Diet: This offers more flexibility as it allows for higher carbohydrate and protein intake, but it requires adjustment and can cause side effects like stomach upset.
- Classic Diet: This diet strictly follows a set ratio (e.g., 4:1) of fats to carbohydrates and proteins. It’s often easier for younger children or situations where exact ratios are crucial.
- What do you do when other children eat treats at school?
- Prepare ketogenic alternatives that look like what other children are eating.
- Bake or buy ketogenic sweets, such as keto cakes or snacks.
- Discuss with the school or other parents to create awareness and find solutions, such as handing out small gifts instead of treats.
- Do you need to maintain the ratio (e.g., 4:1) for each meal or only as an average over the day?
- This varies depending on individual needs and medical advice.
- Some children experience a ketone dip in the morning, increasing the risk of seizures. To address this, consider a higher fat meal in the evening or a fat bomb before bed to maintain ketone levels overnight.
- How do you handle the ketogenic diet during puberty?
- Adolescents must understand and be motivated to follow the diet.
- Discuss the benefits of the diet and involve them in meal choices.
- Peer pressure can be challenging, so informing friends and schools about the diet can help create a supportive environment.
- What are some ketogenic breakfast ideas?
- Smoothies, pancakes, omelets, or keto muffins are great options.
- What emergency medications can you use with a ketogenic diet?
- Emergency medications should always be discussed with your medical team.
- Midazolam nasal spray was mentioned by some participants, but recommendations may vary based on individual circumstances.
- What can you eat on the go, such as at a train station?
- Options are limited, but snacks like Bifi sausages, cheese cubes, macadamia nuts, olives, or coconut pieces can be pre-packed and taken with you.
- How do you handle food for parties or events?
- Bring ketogenic food that matches what others are eating.
- For trusted family or friends, share a recipe and clear instructions.
- When our son stays overnight somewhere, I send pre-prepared meals with detailed instructions for when to eat them.
- How can the ketogenic diet work for students?
- Students need to be more independent in cooking and planning.
- Simple weekly menus can make it easier to stay on track.
- Consider preparing meals in advance and freezing them for convenience.
- What is the role of medical nutrition in the ketogenic diet?
- Medical nutrition products like KetoCal provide precise ratios and essential nutrients.
- Discuss with your dietitian how these products can complement your meal plan, whether for baking, smoothies, or as travel-friendly options.
- How do you manage the ketogenic diet on school trips abroad?
- Ensure your child understands that they can only eat food specifically prepared for them.
- Provide detailed instructions and meals for chaperones and inform them of the diet’s importance.
- Consider translating an explanation of the diet into the local language.
- What can you pack for school trips where others eat fries, ice cream, or candy?
- Sweet snacks: ketogenic chocolates, pancakes, cookies, or fat bombs.
- Savory snacks: cheese chips, mini cucumbers with hummus, or coconut pieces.
- How do you handle eating out?
- Bring your own ketogenic meal and ask the restaurant to serve it attractively.
- In some cases, discuss dietary needs with the chef beforehand.
- Carry tools like a portable food scale and add extra fats (e.g., cream or mayonnaise) to modify suitable dishes.
- How much can children contribute to the ketogenic diet?
- Encourage them to help with meal preparation or choose recipes.
- Keep tasks age-appropriate; for example, younger children can mix or shape food, while older children can learn about measurements and ratios.
- What are tips for holidays or trips?
- Prepare meals and snacks in advance, and use a cooler for storage.
- Plan ahead to ensure compliance without stress.
- What are good high-fat snack options?
- Coconut pieces, macadamia nuts, olives, or homemade fat bombs are easy and portable choices.
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