What is the ketogenic diet?

 

I’ve used the ketogenic diet extensively, and one thing is clear:

 

It can work tremendously well for some people, so long as they have a clear idea of what they want to achieve and what they expect from it.

 

Today, we’ll look at the diet itself, what benefit it offers, and how you might want to start using it.

 

What is it?

 

Very basically, the ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that you may find to be very similar to the well-known Atkins diet. The aim is to eat fewer carbohydrates and to get more of your calories from protein and fat sources.

 

Establish Your Goals

 

Before deciding to go on a ketogenic diet, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you hope to get out of it. Many people who consider keto do it because they struggle with weight loss. Your reasons might be different. In considering the ketogenic diet, it’s a great idea to consult with a nutritionist to see if it is right for you.

 

For example, you might have diabetes or prediabetes, epilepsy, or another condition and might be looking for a way to improve your nutrition and manage it better.

 

Whatever your case might be, take some time to consider it carefully. Keto isn’t a bad diet, but it might not be for everyone.

 

Having a clear understanding of your goals will also help you better communicate your situation to a nutritionist, should you choose to work with one.

 

Is The Ketogenic Diet Right For You?

 

The first step you should take when determining keto’s worth for you is to contact your doctor and explain your situation. Tell them why you want to go on the diet, and ask for feedback.

 

While most healthy people can go on such a restrictive diet, your doctor might have valuable insight for you. For example, ketogenic dieting is relatively safe for most people, but the diet restricts many fibrous foods (such as most fruits and grains). If your family has a history of digestive disorders or conditions like colorectal cancer, they might conclude the diet isn’t good for you.

 

If you decide to go on a keto diet, examine how you feel. Do you still enjoy eating? Do you look forward to meals? Do you daydream of demolishing an entire box of donuts?

 

For a diet to be successful, it needs to be something you can sustain. Some people do well on a ketogenic diet, while others feel miserable. It’s essential to examine how it affects you before deciding to keep going.

 

Five Excellent Benefits Of The Ketogenic Diet

1. It’s excellent for delivering some quick results.

 

Glycogen is the complex carb form we store in our muscles and liver. Each gram also draws about three grams of water. When you cut out carbs, you lose glycogen rapidly, leading to significant water losses.

 

This is why many people lose weight rapidly on a keto diet. 

 

2. It has an anti-inflammatory effect.

 

Most notably, keto has us consume many anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, avocado, eggs, olive oil, and fatty fish. It also restricts the intake of some foods known to cause inflammation, like processed grains, corn oil, and processed foods in general.

 

Research also shows that certain ketone bodies can help lower oxidative stress.

 

3. It’s easy to do.

 

While it may seem challenging, keto dieting is relatively straightforward. Despite not eating carb-rich foods, you still have many options for cooking.

 

4. It can be suitable for people who have a hard time losing weight.

 

Many people find weight loss success on a ketogenic diet because the lack of carbs naturally stabilizes their energy levels. Higher intakes of dietary fat, protein, and fiber are also great for feeling more satiated without eating many calories.

 

5. It can be helpful for cancer patients.

Some researchers speculate that the lack of carbs can help slow down tumor growth. Specifically, it seems that cancer cells need more glucose to grow and multiply. Given that keto deprives us of glucose, this can help slow down cancer development.