Diet (from the Latin Diaita – way of life) pertains to all of us as unique human beings and encompasses the foods we eat. Understanding we are different in body chemistry explains why ten different people can have ten different outcomes following the exact same protocol or diet.
Each change in diet is also a lifestyle change – each having a degree of discipline and commitment that may not be for suited for all.
What is the Keto Diet?
The Keto Diet has been newsworthy lately, proving a variety of benefits, yet that does not guarantee success of this diet for everyone. Research has shown improved results for neurological diseases, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, brain injuries, as well as weight loss and inflammation.
Keto diet consists of high fat (about 70 %), low carb (10%), and moderate protein (20%), shifting your body from a sugar/carb burner to a fat burner. This metabolic state of ketosis can be measured in the blood or urine (by strip tests) to ensure you are depending on ketones as an energy source.
Before reaching this ideal state, you may experience flu like symptoms, rashes, or itching. By doing some research for this particular lifestyle change, you may lessen or eliminate such reactions.
For example, hydration is important for the success of this diet, along with increasing electrolytes and trace minerals.
What to know before starting:
Before starting keto diet, it is important to know your gut terrain and your liver health which may warrant some type of cleanse or repair first. Sometimes it is necessary to build the terrain for the changes you are going to make.
Another idea is to ease into it and start by doing a low carb plan for a couple of weeks to see how you adapt to eliminating what has been a staple food source for most. Ordinary foods such as rice, pasta, potatoes or root vegetables are restricted on keto diet.
It is important to remain in the fat burning state so sneaking in a few sugary snacks is not an option. Keto diet limits your carbs and large amounts of protein, which drive up blood sugar and insulin the most. When the body does not have sugar as its main fuel…ketones are created from stored fat.
One of the approaches that has brought greater success with keto diet is intermittent fasting. Whatever time you start putting fuel into your machine has a direct affect on the outcome…so eating less often will suppress insulin further. This means choosing to eat all of the day’s calories in a six or eight hour window. Whether or not you choose to begin eating at noon…or 7a.m…. not eating 3 hours before bedtime should be a rule to follow.
You can also change up your fasting times when you develop this as a life style. More good news is…when the ketones are burning fat…many people experience diminished cravings and hunger. Eating more fat for fuel is not as calorie restrictive. You will find much information on the variety of good fats to keep it creative.
You can choose to depend on Google to inform you of the pros and cons of the keto diet – and you will find a plethora of menus and suggestions for eating responsibly. However, speaking to one of our knowledgeable Nutritionists at Better Living Wellness Clinic and Health Store will ensure that your particular needs are addressed, and your overall health taken into account before starting keto diet.