Dr. Simonds and Michelle Kennedy, NP-C were back at the Raleigh office and streamed live for their Ask Me Anything event. They answered viewers’ questions about keto, B12 vitamins, and more.
Just a reminder that both offices are open and we’ll be happy to get you started before the new year. Whether you are a new patient or restarting, contact our office to schedule an appointment. The holidays are a perfect time to get started! We’re here to help, encourage and guide you along the way. We are a non-judgment zone!
Q: I’m Vegan, so keto probably won’t work for me. What else would you recommend?
A: Technically you can do keto as a vegan or a vegetarian, although it is a bit more challenging. But any dietary change is always challenging. So, if you really want to try keto, there are many resources available out there that can be helpful. Although we don’t have a lot of vegan or vegetarian patients, we do have guides and resources in our office.
Remember, keto is low-carbohydrate and doesn’t mean you have to consume tons of meat or fats. There are so many options for healthy fats and protein through non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and even avocados. You can also have soy, tofu, and tempeh for protein sources while on keto. It’s important to stay away from the junk food, regardless of diet. Calorie restriction also works too!
We have some vegetarian and vegan recipes available online through Dr. Simonds’ Instagram Page, The Casual Keto Doctor.
Q: How do I ensure I stick to my New Year’s weight loss goals?
A: We get this question all the time at the office! It’s all about prioritizing your health and weight loss. We know it’s not easy, but it’s about developing the mindset that your health is number one and a major priority. And, make sure you take advantage of any help that’s out there, whether from specialists or from the people in your life. It’s just like any other goal in your life, whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or any other time of the year.
Q: Do you all still have the HCG and vitamin B12 injections?
A: Yes, we do! The B12 injections are a combination of amino acids, b vitamins, and other natural compounds that are really helpful in supporting metabolic rate, detoxification, fighting inflammation, and benefits skin, hair, nails, energy, sleep, mood, and more. We call them the feel-good vitamins because when you feel good, you just do good.
No appointment is necessary for the Lipotropic injections and they can be administered by a medical professional on a walk-in basis. We are currently offering a BOGO special: Buy One Injection, Get One Free (Fat Burn Plus). $30.00 Savings.
For more information on HCG or Lipotropic Injections, Contact our office. We’ll be happy to answer any questions.
Q: I live far away from your office. Can I still become a patient?
A: Yes! We do have a distance program. We have a good number of patients that either live near the office and struggle to make it in or those that live a good distance away. We actually have many patients from the Wilmington area too!
However, we do need to see you in the office at least one time to establish a physician-patient relationship in the state of North Carolina. After that, we would be able to provide ongoing virtual visits.
Q: Can you tell me more about the benefits of Lipotropic injections? Do they suppress the appetite too?
A: Although Lipotropic injections have not undergone an evidence-based trial, the majority of people who try them feel benefits and like them. They are a combination of natural sources including vitamins, amino acids, and fat burners. They are specially compounded by a pharmacist to ensure that they are friendly to the body and split into two different injections; Super B and Fat Burn Plus.
These injections are much more than your standard B12 injection and have many other benefits. You can take these injections as often as once a week and can stop by anytime we’re open. No appointment is necessary and we also offer the injections in package deals. We are proud to offer these quality injections at an affordable price.
We tell patients that you won’t know how it affects you until you try it out. And, if you’re like most people you’ll be able to tell a difference and can even tell when it begins to wear off. The injections are quick, easy, and painless.
Yes, we do have patients report that their cravings are reduced and they have better control over their appetites. The vitamins do have some benefits to controlling blood sugar and insulin, which are key factors for weight loss, appetite, and cravings.
The injections are not a magical solution and are meant to be used in conjunction with other weight loss efforts. B12 vitamins are so much more effective in an injection form than when taken orally.
Dr. Simonds was a skeptic of the injections initially but found that so many patients were asking for them. After trying them himself, he was sold. They are a game-changer!
Q: I’m currently new to keto and looking for new recipes. Is there a difference between keto recipes and those recipes that are just low carb?
A: This is a great question! There are definitely a ton of recipes out there labeled low-carb or keto. Yes, there is a difference between low-carb and keto recipes and it comes down to fat intake.
In theory, true low-carb recipes are perfectly fine and the main difference is the fat content. The keto recipes generally use higher fat ingredients. As long as the recipe is low-carb and free from refined carbohydrates, sugar, flour, and other processed, unhealthy ingredients, it should be acceptable.
Along with the recipes on Dr. Simonds’ The Casual Keto Doctor, we also send out recipes via email every Tuesday for Tasty Keto Tuesday. You can sign up for our emails here.
Q: Just curious, what are your New Year’s resolutions?
A: Dr. Simonds: Earlier in the year, Dr. Simonds had to take steroids (Prednisone) due to a medical condition, which caused some weight gain. While he’s been off of the medication for a while, some of the lingering effects are still there. Therefore, Dr. Simonds has made exercise and working out a bigger priority and staying consistent. He’s also more and more convinced that naturally occurring saturated fats from animals are healthy for humans and is increasing his intake.
Michelle: I actually don’t do resolutions and really try to make it a priority all year to take care of myself, the people I care about, and my health. “Although I don’t do resolutions, I am a fan of them! I love helping patients come up with their resolutions and sticking to them.” – Michelle
