The ketogenic (keto for short) diet has become a fairly huge trend in the food world. It has often been compared to the Atkin's Diet and has actually been around for about 100 years. Below are some things that you simply should know when it comes to the keto diet.
The Keto Diet: An Overview
With the keto diet, the majority of calories come from fat. Ketones are released into a person's bloodstream with this kind of diet. This process can be slightly different for each person but generally speaking this is the desired effect with this diet.
If you are on a keto diet, it is necessary to increase the amount of meat, oils, and fatty foods that you consume on a daily basis. The body uses this fat to get energy as opposed to excess body fat. At the same time, you don't want to eat too much protein because that can block fat burning. Common foods associated with the keto diet include eggs, meat, cheeses, fish, and non-starchy veggies.
On the other side, there is an emphasis on consuming fewer carbohydrates with this diet. Anyone on the keto diet will want to avoid foods that have a high level of sugar and starch. This includes foods like pasta, bread, grains, ice cream, fruits, and more. By avoiding these carbohydrates, your body taps into its back up system and burns fat instead.
This means that a keto diet generally calls for about 70-75 percent fat, 20-25 percent protein, and 5-10 percent carbs. This ratio allows an individual to reach what is called a state of "ketosis". The body is tricked into using the fat for energy instead of the carbs. Health professionals agree that if you decide on a keto-based diet, three months is generally a good time to commit to it.
Though the 70-75 percent fat number is considered the standard for the keto diet, there are several different variations. Many people modify the percentages of what they eat so they don't necessarily fit what might be considered the textbook keto diet.
The keto diet also has a long history of helping people with seizures, epilepsy, and other serious medical conditions. Finally, many people with Type 2 diabetes follow a strict keto diet because it helps to lower their blood sugar levels.
The keto diet is certainly not something that everyone will want to try. However, many people swear by it and are happy they have discovered it. If you are thinking about going on the keto diet and are concerned it might not work for you, talk to a medical professional beforehand.
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