What is Keto?
What is Keto?
June 03, 2019 at 9:15 AM
By now, chances are you’ve heard of the keto diet – either someone you know is on it and they talk about it a wee bit too much…or you’ve read about it and wondered what the difference is between a keto diet plan and the lower carb diet plans that were the rage just a few years back.
A keto diet is a cab conscious diet plan that may help a person burn fat more efficiently. How, you ask? Ketones are small fuel molecules and when glucose is lacking, they become the fuel source for your body. Glucose, a component of carbohydrates, is a simple sugar which is an important energy source for the human body. So if you limit the intake of carbohydrates, you will reduce the main energy source of glucose and your body will start to use ketones that the liver produces from fat and they are then the main fuel source for your body. So you’ll begin to use fat as your main source for energy, and once the body is using fat, you’ll begin to lose those extra pounds.
A keto meal plan differs from the low carb diets you’re already aware of in that you are limited in the amount of protein you consume, as protein is also turned into glucose.
Health Benefits of Keto
The obvious health benefit for many on the keto diet is weight loss. Many studies have also shown that a keto, low-carb diet leads to major improvements in most risk factors regarding heart disease:
- A keto diet plan can also lead to a decrease of fat molecules in your body called triglycerides, as they tend to increase your risk of heart disease.
- A lower carb keto diet will increase the amount of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
Keto diets can also lower your blood pressure, reduce risk of cancer, and may help with any brain disorders as well.
Keto Friendly Foods
There are many delicious, nutritious foods you can eat on the keto diet. Let’s begin with fish. Fish, especially salmon and other fatty fish that are high with omega 3 fats, are an excellent choice on the keto diet. Shellfish are good as well, as are calamari, octopus, squid, sardines, and similar choices.
Non-starchy vegetables are also keto friendly. Among these include kale, broccoli, zucchini, avocados, and cauliflower.
Meat and poultry like steaks and turkey or chicken do not contain carbs and are filled with high-quality protein and nutrients. Although all are keto friendly, grass-fed meat is the best choice.
Eggs are another great food for the keto diet. One egg typically only has one carb, and they help a person feel “full”. You can eat the yoke as well!
Olive oil and coconut oil are keto staples, and plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese are healthy, keto friendly foods as well.
Better and cream, nuts, olives, berries, dark chocolate, coffee, tea, water – ALL of these food choices can be on a keto diet plan.
In Closing...
While the keto diet does indeed have some proven health benefits, it’s important to check with your doctor or a health professional to make sure that it won’t have any adverse health effects for you. Get started today by contacting us now! We can't wait to hear from you!
If you are interested in learning more about ketosis or what the difference is between ketogenic diet vs. low carb diet - check out our blogs below!