Keto Diets Aren’t Just a Fad
Posted on: November 29, 2017 in Category: Keto Diet
If you have even peeked at what the popular trends are in dieting right now, you’ve probably come across the keto diet. This low carb, high fat diet seems to be the saving grace for Instagram models and fitspo people alike. You can’t scroll through a weight loss feed without seeing someone thanking the keto diet for their success. Someone in your office is probably telling you about the great benefits of this diet they’re on. And you are probably rolling your eyes, shrugging, and thinking that the keto diet is probably just like any other diet, a fad.
But you might want to hold it on the eye roll. Keto diets aren’t just fad diets. They offer a lifestyle change that can have a dramatic impact on your health and happiness. It’s not just a quick fix, sponsored ad on your social media.
What Is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic (keto) diet is based on the idea of sending your body into ketosis. Normally, our bodies use glucose (sugar) for energy, and our bodies produce insulin to regulate our sugar levels. When your body has easy access to glucose energy, it stores fat. The goal of a keto diet is to limit your body’s access to sugar (carbohydrates) so it begins burning fat instead.
This fat burning process is achieved when your body enters ketosis. You reach this state by consuming significantly less carbohydrates and increasing your intake of protein and fat. Since carbs break down into sugar, eating less carbs means less sugar for your body to use as energy.
Keto Is About Change, Not Deprivation
A keto diet can feel like a dramatic change at first. You won’t believe how many “healthy” foods are actually full of carbs and sugar. But a keto diet is different from other plans; it doesn’t deprive your body of calories. Instead, you replace carb-rich foods with protein, lots of healthy fats, and minimal carbs from green, leafy veggies. You won’t go hungry on a keto diet, you simply have to train yourself to make good, keto-friendly food choices.
Benefits of a Keto Diet
The obvious benefit of a keto diet is weight loss. When your body continuously reaches states of ketosis, it begins burning larger amounts of fat. This, coupled with a moderate workout plan, will have you shedding the pounds. But its benefits go beyond the scale. On a keto diet you may:
- Have better control over your blood sugar:
- If you are pre-diabetic or have type II diabetes, you can see a significant improvement in your health. A keto diet keeps your blood sugar level low and at a manageable level.
- Increased focus throughout the day:
- You are less likely to have mid-day crashes caused by sugar.
- Not feel as hungry as often:
- Insulin can stimulate your hunger receptors. With less insulin in the blood, the less likely you are to experience hunger cravings.
- Improve your acne:
- High levels of sugar can cause some people to break out. A keto diet can leave you with clearer skin.
Starting a Keto Diet
Starting a keto diet is often best done under the eye of a medical professional. Without training, you may accidentally deprive yourself of much-needed nutrients. Scheduling a consultation with a diet specialist will help ensure that a keto diet is safe and right for your weight loss needs.