Keto Diet ! Everything you need to know

The ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps to control seizures in some people with epilepsy. It is prescribed by a physician and carefully monitored by a dietitian. It is stricter than the modified Atkins diet, requiring careful measurements of calories, fluids, and proteins.

Historically KD became popular in 20s & 30s as an epilepsy cure and in 70s it became popular for Children getting seizures.

What is Ketosis ?

The “keto” in a ketogenic diet comes from the fact that it makes the body produce small fuel molecules called “ketones”. This is an alternative fuel for the body, used when blood sugar (glucose) is in short supply. Ketones are produced if you eat very few carbs (that are broken down into blood sugar) and only moderate amounts of protein (excess protein can be converted to blood sugar).

Ketones are produced in the liver, from fat. They are then consumed as fuel in the body, including by the brain. This is important as the brain is a hungry organ that consumes lots of energy every day and it can’t run on fat directly. It can only run on glucose (blood sugar)… or ketones.

On a ketogenic diet your entire body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. Insulin levels become very low and fat burning increases dramatically. It becomes easy to access your fat stores to burn them off.

 

What is it like?

• The kinds of foods that provide fat for the ketogenic diet are butter, heavy whipping cream, mayonnaise, and oils (e.g. canola or olive).
• Because the amount of carbohydrate and protein in the diet have to be restricted, it is very important to prepare meals carefully.
• No other sources of carbohydrates can be eaten. (Even toothpaste might have some sugar in it!).

 

Keto and Weight Loss ( Keto Diet )

A new twist on extreme weight loss is catching up in US and like absolute idiots Indian populations is also jumping in the KD well .It’s called the “keto diet.”

People promoting the diet say it uses the body’s own fat burning system to help people lose significant weight in as little as 10 days.

Proponents say the diet can produce quick weight loss and provide a person with more energy. However, the diet is an unhealthy way to lose weight and in some instances it can be downright dangerous.

 

Are there any side effects?

• A person starting the ketogenic diet may feel sluggish for a few days after the diet is started. Once your body enters ketosis, you also begin to lose muscle, become extremely fatigued, and eventually enter starvation mode. Then it actually becomes even harder to lose weight
• Other side effects that might occur if the person stays on the diet for a long time are:
  • Kidney stones
  • High cholesterol levels in the blood
  • Dehydration
  • Constipation
  • Slowed growth or weight gain
  • Bone fractures

 

Keto diets should only be used under clinical supervision and only for brief periods. But there are many other ways to do it besides a fad diet that won’t keep weight off long-term

Some have taken the keto diet a step further, using a feeding tube inserted into the esophagus through the nose. Dieters adhere to a strict 800-calorie high-protein, no-carb diet administered through the tube by a slow-drip pump mechanism. Only black coffee, tea, or water is allowed in addition to the liquid diet.

End Note:

My dear readers food is neither punishment nor entertainment. It’s supposed to nourish you and make you one with life. If you are looking forward to losing weight it has to be a long term goal with a lifelong commitment. Like marriage you can’t expect to cheat on it with a fancy diet and expect it to work.

You are what you eat ! Period!!

So, next time you come across a fancy diet plan please ask yourself these.

• Is it good for the long term?
• Does it include regular exercise ?
• Does it meet your long-term health goals ?

 

If the answers are no for any one of above  then run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.