Everybody wants to be healthy and fit because of the many benefits they bring. A healthy lifestyle is bound to make you feel good inside and out. Still, most people find it hard to stick to a diet because it mainly involves curbing appetite and limiting food intake.
So how does a weight-loss method that actually encourages a high-fat diet sounds to you? It may sound unbelievable, but this is precisely what comes to mind when one mentions the ketogenic method.
What is the keto diet and how does it work?
A myriad of ways to shed those extra pounds have been introduced throughout the ages, but the ketogenic diet is appealing to many because it allows consumption of food which we are normally taught to avoid when trying to lose weight such as meat and dairy.
The keto regimen promises to help you lose weight by following a diet plan composed of more fatty food, moderate protein and minimal carbohydrates. Since glycogen production, which the body needs for energy, comes from proteins and carbs, the increase intake of fat-rich food while limiting consumption of protein and carbohydrates sets the body into a state of ketosis. In this metabolic condition, the body is forced to convert the fatty acids into energy. A simple way to explain it is that the keto diet uses fat to burn fat. So if you love meat and other fatty-foods, the keto diet may be the solution to help you attain the figure of your dreams.
What are the benefits of the keto diet?
Advocates of the keto diet attest to the many ways that it improves overall health. The most obvious benefit is that it helps you maintain your ideal weight. Aside from that, the keto method also prevents onset of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. One long-term study showed how the keto diet aids in weight loss of obese patients.
The keto diet can also lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Other health benefits include improving brain functions and preventing memory-loss problems such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Is keto diet the right one for me?
Most people dread the idea of dieting because not everyone has the discipline and determination to let go of what some would consider comfort food. On the contrary, the keto diet will allow you to indulge in fatty foods. The notion that you do not have to deprive yourself and still lose weight makes the keto diet popular. However, health matters are a serious concern, so no matter how appealing it seems, it is not wise to blindly plunge into any diet program.
While a keto diet may be effective, some nutritionists claim that it can only bring short-term benefits. Some researchers also say that in the long run, a high-fat, low-carb diet may cause adverse effects on health. A keto diet is also not advisable for pregnant women and people with certain conditions such as kidney problems and Type 1 Diabetes. To prevent potential harmful effects, it is best to consult a doctor before diving into the keto diet craze.
How can you ensure success on a keto diet?
Once you know that the ketogenic diet is safe for you and decide to give it a try, not knowing the do’s and don’ts of this diet cause harm. Keto is a high-fat diet, but it does not mean you can consume everything fatty. Trans fat is still harmful, so stock up on food that are sources of good fats such as nuts and olive oil. Food to avoid will be carbs such as rice, bread and pasta. Each person is different so the amount of fat, protein and carb intake will vary. A dietitian can help create a customized meal plan for your keto diet.
Any diet regimen that promises to help you lose excess body fat without much effort is bound to be a hit. The success of any diet plan, though, will rely on the individual’s effort to research ways on how to do it properly and the commitment to stick to a healthy lifestyle.
