The ketogenic diet is not a new way of eating, however, it has become increasingly popular because IT WORKS! I am sure you are asking, “what is a ketogenic diet?”
A keto diet is well known for being a low carb diet, where the body produces ketones in the liver to be used as energy. It’s referred to as many different names – ketogenic diet, low carb diet, low carb high fat (LCHF), etc.
When you eat something high in carbs, your body will produce glucose and insulin.
- Glucose is the easiest molecule for your body to convert and use as energy so that it will be chosen over any other energy source.
- Insulin is produced to process the glucose in your bloodstream by taking it around the body.
Since the glucose is being used as a primary energy, your fats are not needed and are therefore stored. Typically on a normal, higher carbohydrate diet, the body will use glucose as the main form of energy. By lowering the intake of carbs, the body is induced into a state known as ketosis.
Ketosis is a natural process the body initiates to help us survive when food intake is low. During this state, we produce ketones, which are produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver.
The end goal of a properly maintained keto diet is to force your body into this metabolic state. We don’t do this through starvation of calories but starvation of carbohydrates.
This is how I jumpstarted my weight loss. I focused primarily on foods high in protein little to no carbs (this includes fruit!)
Here are just a few key benefits of a ketogenic lifestyle:
- Weight Loss – Scientifically, the ketogenic diet has shown better results compared to low-fat and high-carb diets; even in the long term.
- Control Blood Sugar – Keto naturally lowers blood sugar levels due to the type of foods you eat. Studies even show that the ketogenic diet is a more effective way to manage and prevent diabetes compared to low-calorie diets.
- Mental Focus – Many people use the ketogenic diet specifically for the increased mental performance. Ketones are a great source of fuel for the brain. When you lower carb intake, you avoid big spikes in blood sugar. Together, this can result in improved focus and concentration.
- Acne – It’s common to experience improvements in your skin when you switch to a ketogenic diet.
Hope you give this way of eating a try, it will change the way you think about food and give you the results you are seeking!
