Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE
If you’ve ever struggled with your health, battled chronic conditions, or felt overwhelmed by conflicting dietary advice, The Road to Metabolic Health offers inspiration and valuable insights. In his first book, Doug Reynolds, founder of Low Carb USA and the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP), chronicles his journey to reclaim his health and help countless others worldwide do the same.
Growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa, Doug enjoyed a childhood filled with fresh, home-cooked meals and sports, which instilled in him the value of community and teamwork. But his health began a gradual downward trend as he adopted low-fat dietary advice in his twenties. By age 50, Doug was 30 pounds overweight, suffering from metabolic health issues, chronic pain, and the lingering effects of an earlier car accident. Everything changed in 2015 when he discovered the ketogenic diet and the healing power of eating nutrient-dense, whole foods.
In this deeply personal account, Doug shares how embracing a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle not only helped him lose weight and regain his energy but also improved his mental health and chronic pain. He provides all the behind-the-scenes details of organizing the first Low Carb San Diego conference in 2016 — a pivotal event that sparked a movement and paved the way for more than 20 more conferences in the years that followed.
Doug also dives into the science of metabolic health, debunking myths about the ketogenic diet, exposing the dangers of processed foods, and highlighting the critical role of exercise. Along the way, you’ll find practical tips for improving your own health, inspirational stories from conference participants and expert speakers, and surprising tidbits — including the reason Doug now enjoys eating eggs after years of avoiding them because of their smell.
From founding the SMHP in 2018 to launching the Journal of Metabolic Health in 2023, Doug has been at the forefront of a global effort to combat chronic diseases through dietary and lifestyle changes. His message is clear: there is hope. Many conditions once deemed irreversible can be managed—or even reversed—with the right approach.
Whether you’re curious about low-carb living or a seasoned advocate, The Road to Metabolic Health is a compelling read that will leave you inspired to take charge of your well-being and join a growing community committed to optimal health.
