An ITMO student, Yulia, has embraced a strict diet for the past six months as part of a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing preventative health measures over reactive treatment.

Yulia’s journey began when she experienced declining well-being, including fatigue, insomnia, and skin issues. Initially attributing these problems to acclimatization after moving to St. Petersburg and then to study-related stress, she eventually discovered vitamin deficiencies and digestive issues, hindering protein and trace element absorption.

Experimenting with trendy health foods like protein bars and soy meat initially worsened her condition, prompting a careful examination of product ingredients. This led to eliminating milk (except goat’s milk), gluten, and frequent small meals from her diet. Yulia now favors two to three substantial meals daily, focusing on proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber, rejecting the notion of five meals a day.

Switching to a keto diet resulted in an 8-kilogram weight loss and alleviated joint pressure. Yulia also voiced concerns regarding the abundance of nutrition blogs and self-proclaimed dietitians.

While initially difficult to forgo favorite foods, Yulia found that the cravings subsided over time, comparing it to overcoming a sugar addiction. She now enjoys foods like buckwheat, omelets, and salads.

Yulia describes feeling revitalized since adopting her new diet, experiencing improved sleep and energy levels.

Despite her friends’ differing lifestyles, Yulia maintains her dietary choices even at social gatherings. She allows herself occasional indulgences on holidays but generally avoids unhealthy options like chips.

She notes a growing trend among young people towards healthy eating and sports, expressing satisfaction at seeing classmates with homemade, nutritious meals.