You have been jumping on the scales each day after a deadly 45 minutes workout, but time and time again, you get hit by nothing but disappointment and the numbers are too stubborn to go down. You hear about the Keto diet, but it seems like just another diet. It is demotivating and you have finally thought about ordering McDonald’s because apparently, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to lose weight – it is better to eat what you love instead. But, don’t give up too soon. What if we told you that a Keto diet can actually help? Let’s dig a little deeper and find out how…
What is the Keto diet?
The Keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is a low-carb, mild-protein, high-fat diet that can help you burn fat more effectively. More than 50 studies have shown that the Keto diet can result in weight loss, along with exercise and it has a lot of benefits. That's why more and more doctors are recommending it. The ketogenic diet is particularly beneficial in burning excess fat, reducing hunger, and improving type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndromes like PCOS or hormone imbalances.
In the weight loss diet world, low-carb and high-protein diets often become the centre of attention. The Paleo diet, low carb diet, and Atkins diet fall into this category. They are also sometimes referred to as the ketogenic diets but they aren’t the true form of it. A true ketogenic diet is different. Unlike other low-carb diets that focus on protein, this diet focuses on fat. Shockingly, when people are following this diet, they have to consume 90% of their daily calories from fat.
How does it work?
The working of this diet is all in its name. This is called a "ketogenic" diet because your body produces Ketones - It is an alternative fuel for your body and whilst on the Keto diet, your body uses these ketones as a source of energy. The purpose of the diet is to enable the body to use a different type of fuel. The ketogenic diet is not based on sugars (glucose) derived from carbohydrates (grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, etc.), but on ketone bodies, and when your body starts using fat as a source of fuel, you’ll start shedding weight pretty quickly.
In this diet, your daily food should look like something very heavy on the fat side, moderate on the protein side, and very low on the side of the carbs. If you want to get into this diet, make a habit of reading nutritional facts behind everything you buy – scratch out everything that is high on carbs and sugars.
The benefits of a Keto diet
1. Weight loss:
The ketogenic diet can effectively reduce weight and reduce risk factors for certain diseases. Traditionally, a low-fat diet is recommended for those looking to lose weight, but research shows that ketones are actually the best way to lose weight.
Unlike many diets, Keto doesn't increase your cravings and leave you hungry after eating a specific number of calories throughout the day. Ketones are a friendly and satisfying way to lose weight. In fact, you can lose weight without tracking calories.
2. Keto Helps people with PCOS and hormonal imbalances:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that can cause excess androgen, ovulation problems, infertility, and other problems like insulin resistance. A diet rich in carbohydrates can cause side effects such as skin problems and weight gain for PCOS patients. Researchers have found that a ketogenic diet can improve some PCOS markers like weight loss, fasting level sugars, and hormonal imbalances.
Many hormonal problems like PCOS – can take a toll on people as they introduce us to many diseases. A keto diet helps people with such problems as it significantly reduces insulin and blood sugar levels.
3. Keto helps your heart:
Choosing healthy foods is important when a person follows a ketogenic diet. Some evidence suggests that eating healthy fats like avocados instead of unhealthy fats like pigskin can help improve heart health by lowering cholesterol. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, the ketogenic diet lowers blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart diseases as people on this diet only consume good fats.
4. Keto reduces acne
First of all, don’t get this point wrong. When you start a ketogenic diet, you will possibly get acne because your body and the digestive system just isn’t used to heavy amounts of fats and a shift in all the things that are about to change. But hear us out when we say that a Keto diet can help people with acne problems.
Acne occurs for many reasons and can be related to diet and blood sugar in some people. A diet rich in processed and refined carbohydrates can negatively affect skin health by altering the balance of gut bacteria, leading to a significant increase in blood sugar levels – and guess what? A ketogenic diet is actually the opposite of this, that’s why it helps.
Ask your doctor.
Everything comes with good and bad sides as mentioned above. The risk of this diet is that it can cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, and constipation. A strict diet like the Keto diet can also lead to social isolation and eating disorders. Ketones are not safe for people with any type of pancreatic, liver, thyroid, or gallbladder disease. So, before you try any diet, make sure you have your doctor on your side.