You may have heard of the ketogenic diet? Yes, it’s that diet everyone’s talking about. But why, you might ask? Well, that’s because this food plan can do great things.
It can help you lose weight, feel more energetic, and even clear your head. Let’s dive into what a ketogenic diet really is.
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
In short: It’s a diet low in carbohydrates but high in protein and fat. For comprehensive guide on how to start read our complete guide on the keto diet.
The goal: The idea is to get your body to shift from using sugar to fat as the main source of energy.
This shift leads to something called ketosis. In ketosis, the body is constantly burning fat, which can lead to faster weight loss and potentially better health.
How the Ketogenic Diet Works
You might be thinking that your body needs carbohydrates for energy, right? But it turns out that when you eat less than 50 grams of carbohydrates a day, your body finds another source of energy.
This usually takes 3 to 4 days. You then start breaking down proteins and fats for energy, which can cause your weight to drop. This is called ketosis. But it’s not a diet you’re going to live on forever, it’s more like a kick to help you kick-start weight loss.
You can get into ketosis faster by using the popular intermittent fasting method.
Who uses the Ketogenic Diet?
Think the ketogenic diet is only for those who want to lose weight? Well, not quite. Although many people use it to lose weight, there are also those who use it to manage medical conditions, such as epilepsy.
It can even help people with heart disease and certain brain disorders. But, and this is important, you should always talk to your doctor before starting such a diet, especially if you have type 1 diabetes or other underlying diseases.
Related: What about cholesterol?
Weight loss on the Ketogenic Diet
Now to the big question: does the ketogenic diet work for weight loss? The answer seems to be a resounding yes! You can lose more weight in less time compared to some other diets.
This is probably because you end up eating fewer calories over time as fat and protein make you fuller. There is also the idea that it takes more energy for the body to convert fat into energy than carbohydrates.
At the same time, over time you will experience hormonal changes that are good for your latent fat burning.
Ketogenic Diet: Good for Diabetes?
If you have diabetes, especially type 2, the ketogenic diet can help you control your blood sugar better. Many people who start low-carb see a big improvement in their blood sugar levels. But if you have type 1 diabetes, it’s extra important to talk to your doctor because your diet may require changes to your medication.
Ketogenic diet and epilepsy
Did you know that the ketogenic diet has been used for almost a century to treat epilepsy? It is particularly effective in children who do not respond to regular medication. For some, the diet can drastically reduce the number of seizures, and for a few, stop them altogether.
Possible side effects
No diet is without side effects, and the ketogenic diet is no exception. You may experience what’s called ‘keto flu’ in the beginning.
This includes headaches, irritability and bad breath. And sometimes the diet can be hard on your kidneys if you have kidney disease or impaired function. That’s why it’s important to drink plenty of water and talk to a doctor before you start.
In summary
So there you have it, a little dive into the ketogenic diet. It can be a powerful tool for weight loss and health improvements. But as with all diets, it’s important to talk to a health professional before you start.
Closure
Are you ready to start your journey towards a healthier life? The ketogenic diet could be just what you need. Remember, the best diet for you is the one you can stick to over time. Good luck!
Action plan
- Start with small changes: Reduce your intake of sugar and white bread.
- Plan your meals: Preparation is the key to success.
- Talk to an expert: Get personalized advice.
Want to know more?
Stay tuned for more information and in-depth articles on the ketogenic diet and how it can help you reach your health goals.
