Should you try the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic or "keto" diet has gained popularity in recent years as a weight-loss solution, but it's important to understand that this eating plan was originally developed as a medical diet to help reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures in children. The keto diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, with daily fat intake providing up to 90% of daily calories.

To achieve the keto state, the body must be forced to use a different type of fuel, ketone bodies, which the liver produces from stored fat. This requires depriving the body of carbohydrates, typically less than 20 to 50 grams per day, and can take a few days to reach a state of ketosis. Consuming too much protein can also interfere with the process.

The keto diet requires followers to consume a high amount of fat at each meal, with healthy unsaturated fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil being allowed, while saturated fats like palm and coconut oil, lard, butter, and cocoa butter are encouraged. Protein is also a part of the keto diet, but it doesn't discriminate between lean protein sources and those high in saturated fat like beef, pork, and bacon. Fruits and vegetables, which are rich in carbohydrates, are restricted, with leafy greens and some berries being the only options.

Ketosis and Its Risks: Is the Keto Diet Right for You?

However, this high-fat, low-carb diet comes with a number of serious risks, including an increased risk of heart disease due to the high intake of saturated fat, nutrient deficiencies, liver and kidney problems, constipation, and confusion and mood swings.

It's important to note that other popular low-carb diets like Atkins and Paleo are modified versions of the keto diet, but still carry the same risks if the intake of fats and proteins is excessive and carbohydrates are limited.

Before attempting the keto diet, it's important to talk to a doctor and a registered dietitian to understand the potential risks and ensure it's the right choice for you. While short-term success on a low-carb diet may be achieved, it's difficult to sustain and the weight is likely to return once a normal diet is resumed.

In conclusion, the keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan that has gained popularity for weight loss. However, it is important to understand its origin as a medical diet for reducing epileptic seizures in children and its potential risks. The diet can lead to increased heart disease, nutrient deficiencies, liver and kidney problems, constipation, and confusion and mood swings. 

Before starting the keto diet, it is crucial to speak with a doctor and registered dietitian to determine if it is the right choice for you and to understand the potential risks. Although it may result in short-term success, it is difficult to sustain and weight loss may return once a normal diet is resumed. That's why you may need our Custom diet Plan!