Briana Culberson’s Keto Journey and Success
For years, Briana Culberson and her husband, Ryan, were prominent advocates for the ketogenic diet, sharing their impressive weight loss and health successes on social media. The couple reported losing a combined 150 pounds and credited the low-carb, high-fat lifestyle with significant health improvements, particularly for Briana's ongoing battle with lupus. She revealed that the diet led to a dramatic drop in inflammation, which helped manage her symptoms and, as she stated, gave her her "health and her life back". She used their shared Instagram account to post keto-friendly recipes and updates, inspiring thousands of followers.
The Shift Away from Strict Keto
Despite her success, Briana’s commitment to the diet wasn't without flexibility. She would occasionally enjoy "cheat meals" for special occasions like birthdays, but her public endorsements of keto remained strong. However, the strict adherence began to wane following the birth of her daughter in 2022. Due to a lack of research on keto and breastfeeding, her doctors recommended a temporary shift to a different eating plan to support her daughter's weight gain, and her focus became exclusively on the baby's health.
In January 2023, Briana officially announced a more permanent departure from the ketogenic diet for her family. She explained that one of her sons was experiencing new medical issues, requiring them to "pivot from keto to a clean, whole foods diet". This marked a significant change in their household's approach to nutrition, moving from a rigid diet to a more holistic, wellness-focused lifestyle.
Her Current Diet: A Focus on Clean, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Briana's current nutritional philosophy prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, with an emphasis on a mostly animal-based diet. This intentional approach focuses on avoiding inflammatory ingredients and processed items that she believes led to poor health in the past. She has shared examples of her family’s meals, which differ markedly from her previous high-fat, low-carb routine.
- Dietary staples include: Meat (especially grass-fed/grass-finished beef), eggs, raw dairy, fruit, organic rice, and sourdough bread.
- Inflammatory foods are limited: This includes heavily processed foods, seed oils, and food dyes.
- Intention over perfection: Briana stresses that their journey is a "process," and while they aim for intentional food choices, they recognize that perfection is not the goal. The occasional treat is handled with a focus on overall wellness, acknowledging the potential for gut issues from highly processed items.
Comparison: Keto vs. Current Whole-Foods Diet
To better understand the transformation, here is a comparison of the key aspects of Briana's former keto diet and her current approach to eating.
| Feature | Former Keto Diet | Current Whole-Foods Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate Intake | Extremely low, often under 50g per day. | |
| Fat Intake | Very high to induce and maintain ketosis. | Lower and from high-quality sources, like grass-fed beef. |
| Primary Focus | Achieving and maintaining a state of ketosis. | Overall wellness, gut health, and nutrient density. |
| Food Choices | Meats, eggs, high-fat dairy, low-carb vegetables, and oils. | Mostly animal-based with a variety of whole foods, including rice and sourdough bread. |
| Flexibility | Very limited, with "cheat days" being rare and planned. | More flexible, with an emphasis on intention rather than strict rules. |
| Goal | Weight loss and managing lupus symptoms. | Holistic family health and sustained wellness. |
A Broader Health and Wellness Focus
Briana’s journey has evolved beyond just diet. As she prioritizes her and her family’s overall wellness, she has incorporated other non-food-related habits into her routine. This reflects a shift from viewing health solely through the lens of a strict diet to a more comprehensive lifestyle approach.
- Daily Walking: In late 2024, she shared that walking around her Oklahoma farm daily brought significant benefits, including better energy, mood regulation, and reduced aches. She even incorporated a weighted vest for added physical benefits.
- Lymphatic Drainage: Recognizing the importance of lymphatic health, she revealed her regimen includes dry brushing and using a vibration plate to improve lymphatic flow.
- Supplements and Skincare: She has shared her use of supplements like collagen and CBD products, focusing on overall health rather than just appearance. She has also openly shared her natural skincare routine.
- Fitness and Mindset: Her relationship with exercise has changed from a form of punishment to a celebration of what her body can do. She incorporates home workouts and time outdoors with her children.
Conclusion
So, to answer the initial question, is Briana Culberson still keto? The definitive answer is no. While the ketogenic diet played a pivotal role in her health journey, she has since moved on to a more sustainable, holistic, and flexible approach. Her family's current focus is on a clean, whole-foods diet that prioritizes nutrient density, overall wellness, and managing family health needs. Her transformation serves as an example of how personal health journeys can and should evolve over time based on changing needs and priorities. For more on her ongoing wellness journey, readers can follow her family's updates on their social media channels, or read about her recent wellness practices on Bravo's official website.
