For years, Silicon Valley has tried to engineer methods for living better, longer, and easier, with mixed results.

Some have even opted out of real food altogether, instead relying on products like Soylent, a bland but nutrient-rich liquid.

But for those looking to not just simplify their eating, but lose weight and curb their appetite, the ketogenic diet ("keto," for those in the know) has become something of a cult-favorite eating plan, even attracting the likes of Kim Kardashian and LeBron James.

People credit the fat-fueled-diet craze with helping them lose weight and stay full, because it turns on the same metabolism mode, called ketosis, triggered by starvation. It moves the body into a fat-store-burning state, instead of relying on carbohydrates for energy.

But as I recently discovered, the keto diet is not easy to follow.

It's true that by sticking to a low-carb, high-fat routine you're allowed to eat some traditional diet no-no's, like bacon, eggs, butter, and plenty of creamy salad dressing. However, keto dieters are limited in what else they can eat — not too many carrots, watch the berry intake, and forget about quinoa.

Ketolent (not the same brand as Soylent) theoretically takes all the work out of the keto diet, providing a ready-to-mix shake. When I found out about the product, I thought it was worth a try.

I had no idea what kind of wild ride I was about to endure.