Vinny Guadagnino is fresh off a stint with Chippendales. Ripped, tanned and looking healthy, no one would ever guess that Guadagnino once struggled with his weight. Back in 2009, when Guadagnino entered the shore house, MTV used for Jersey Shore he was pretty generic looking. His looks, however, were in stark contrast to the looks of his housemates. His housemates were overly-tanned, overly-gelled, and overly-gymed, and that was just the guys. Paul ‘Pauly D’ Delvecchio, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino were all especially ripped and tanned. Guadagnino was soft in comparison back then, but today he’s just as cut as his co-stars, and he’s actually looking younger than he did when he joined the cast 10 years ago. So, how did he do it? A ketogenic diet.

The keto diet changed everything

Guadagnino admits that his mother’s home cooking was hard to pass up. From an authentic Italian family, Guadagnino was used to pasta, bread, and heavy doses of homecooked meals.  It wasn’t doing much for his waistline, though. Guadagnino made the decision to strip out grains, sugar, and processed foods in 2016, and the transformation has been pretty unbelievable.

According to The Hollywood Life, Guadagnino managed to shed more than 50lbs and debuted a rockhard physique. He alleges that he worked out rarely before giving the keto diet a try, claiming he just didn’t have the energy. After going keto, he allegedly found new strength and began to enjoy the gym. It’s safe to say that the diet alone didn’t get Guadagnino into the shape he is now, but it’s a significant factor.

What is the keto diet?

The keto diet requires adherents to give up all sugar, all grains, and all processed foods. Instead of using carbohydrates for fuel, the diet encourages followers to add healthy fats and more protein in their diet. Bacon, cheese, and fresh meats are in abundant supply for dieters. The addition of vegetables is highly encouraged, too, but most fruits are off-limits.

In short, dieters are forcing their bodies into a process called ketosis. According to Medical News Today, ketosis is a normal metabolic function that encourages the body to burn fat instead of its primary fuel source, glucose. The keto diet, by limiting carbs, starves the body of glucose, forcing it to burn fat instead. There is another benefit to the keto diet, claim adherents. The diet, because of its heavy protein content, keeps the dieter feeling fuller for longer, and it, allegedly, cuts down on cravings and snacking.

What does Vinny Guadagnino eat?

Guadagnino is currently trying to maintain his physique now, so he’s not entirely keto all the time. That said, even when he goes off the diet, he keeps his carb count low. In a recent Women’s Health video, Guadagnino invited fans into his home and into his fridge. His pantry staples aren’t what most people would expect, though. Keto has a bit of a reputation for focusing entirely on cheese and bacon. Guadagnino insists that’s not how he does it.

Instead, he keeps his fridge stocked with grass-fed butter, olives, coconut milk, organic vegetables, eggs, and grass-fed meats. He also keeps things natural. He notes that his food choices are always organic and free-range whenever possible. While the keto diet focuses on removing sugar from the menu, Guadagnino even manages to satiate his sweet tooth with dark chocolate. He aims for 90% cacao offerings when possible. Berrys are also on the list, but only in small servings.