Why Stephen Carter-Bailey Had To Quit The Keto Diet

The charming contestant from "The Great British Bake Off," Stephen Carter-Bailey, has won over viewers everywhere with his stunning cakes and even sweeter disposition. He was a finalist on "The Great British Bake Off" in 2017 and won three-star bakers, plus a few of the ever-treasured Hollywood Handshakes. He's gone on to win the "The Great New Year Bake Off" in 2019 and continues to make appearances at food festivals around the United Kingdom, per his website. 

Stephen Carter-Bailey appeared on Jonny Harvey's podcast, "I'm Coming Out," where they discussed a variety of topics, including Carter-Bailey's experience growing up both gay and Mormon, and facing homophobia both as a young boy and in his adult life. They also discussed Carter-Bailey's relationship with food, which he said he used to view as addictive. He's tried a few different dieting tactics throughout the years, one of which was the keto diet.

In a conversation discussing addiction, and more specifically food addiction, Stephen Carter-Bailey mentioned that he tried to manage his disordered eating by doing the keto diet, where he completely cut out all carbs. Carter-Bailey said he did not do it "the right way." He explained he "did it too quickly and for too long," on the "I'm Coming Out" podcast, and didn't enjoy the results. "I didn't eat any fruit or vegetables for six months," he told Jonny Harvey, "and so I lost a great deal of weight very quickly, which leaves you with more problems," he said. 

While the keto diet was a way for him to revisit his relationship to food, Carter-Bailey said it didn't ultimately solve his issues regarding his body image. That, coupled with the fact that he knew he wasn't eating in a way that was healthy for his body, led him to quit the keto diet after half a year. He's in recovery from his disordered eating, but said, "[he'll] never be over [his] food addiction." He's come up with different ways to manage it, and tries to consciously make smart decisions around eating. But he still enjoys himself, saying, "Everything in moderation, including moderation." We think that's a great mindset to have regarding almost all things.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).