The Keto Diet: What Is It?

Have you heard people talking about losing weight and gaining energy and focus from the Keto Diet or Ketogenic diet?   Let’s dig in and find out exactly what the Keto Diet means.  


It gets its name because of this--- the goal of this diet is to force the body into a metabolic state called ketosis.  Ketosis is when the liver breaks down fat cells and turns them into ketones. Ketones are then used by your body to form energy.  


How Does Ketosis Happen--- Typically your body prefers to use carbohydrates and sugar as a quick method to form energy.  Because it is easy to break down carbs and sugars your body will ignore the fat cells perhaps leaving them in unwanted places.  This is exactly what you don’t want when trying to lose weight.


By reducing your intake of carbohydrates and sugars you are forcing your liver to breakdown fat cells into ketones.  This means your body will be pulling fat cells from unwanted places like your thighs, hips, and stomach into the liver to produce energy.


The Keto Diet = A Low Carb, Low Sugar Diet--- In order to drive your body into the ketosis state it is recommended to reduce your diet to 20g of net carbohydrates and 35g of total carbohydrates.  The net carbohydrates represent the total amount of carbs in a food item minus the fiber and sugar alcohols.


The Keto Diet = A Moderate Protein Diet—In order for your body to adequately reach ketosis it is important to not eat too much protein.  Maintaining 0.6-0.8g of protein per pound of body mass is recommended when following the Keto Diet.


So What Am I Supposed To Eat?--- The Keto Diet approved foods include: leafy greens, above ground vegetables, meat, high fat diary products, avocados, nuts, berries, seeds, and other fats such as coconut oil.


The goal is to eat high amounts of good fat, moderate amounts of protein, and very low carbohydrates.  Enjoy!


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