KetoKraze

There are always fad diets every year that people seem to go crazy for, from weight loss pills, magic drinks, needles, and much more. Elimination diets are trendy and very unsustainable for most people. Ketogenic diet or lifestyle is a type of elimination diet but also so much more. Similar to the Atkin's Diet, Ketogenic diet restricts carbs, to send your body into a state of Ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state that occurs when your body can no longer burn glucose for fuel. Glucose is sugar; carbohydrates break down into sugars that your body can use for energy. When there is no glucose from restricting carbs and sugar, your body will produce ketones. This state will break down fat in your body and start using fat for fuel.

This diet is popular among fitness and nutrition communities because studies have shown that it will reduce your risk of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Ketogenesis is slightly different from the traditional low-carb diet such as Atkin's because it moderates protein intake. Typically, Ketogenic Diets are low to no carbs, moderate protein, and high fat.

Some people have adjusted Keto to work for them in specific ways. Leanne Vogel, a high fat enthusiast, practices “carb ups” to fuel her body because let’s face it, women’s bodies are complicated. "Carb ups" might be a good option for some women who struggle with hormonal imbalances throughout their cycle. Some people also partake in Carb cycling, in which you alternate between low and high carb days.

Classic Keto has many advantages and disadvantages. Keto can help people purge sugar and carb cravings and help them feel full longer. Eating good quality high-fat foods increases satiety.

Advantages:

• Can aid in weight loss
• Kills cravings
• Can help with Acne
• Improved cognition
• Reduce insulin levels

Disadvantages:

• Requires an adaptation period which can result in the “Keto flu.” (**Read more about this below)
• High anaroebic athletes may have trouble keeping their energy up with only fat.
• Keto is a restrictive way of eating. If you are used to higher carb foods, such as bread, potatoes, and rice, this adjustment can be tough. Some people just don't want to restrict high carb foods.

**Keto flu can set in within the first few days of eating keto; it is your body adapting to fat-fuelled instead of glycogen fuelled. This state can last up to two weeks and may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, low energy, and mental fog.

If you are considering doing Keto, here are a few helpful tips to get through Keto flu and get into a fat burning state faster!

1. Don’t be afraid of fat! We have been told forever to eat a low-fat diet. So, you must change the way you think not just the way you eat! We must adjust our beliefs about fat! Eat high-quality fats such as grass-fed butter, avocados, coconut oil, and high-quality meat. Fat will help give you energy while your body is adapting.
2. Electrolytes. Again, this may sound a little strange to you but make sure you are eating enough salt, magnesium, and potassium. That’s right; I said salt!
3. Water, water, and more water... drink a lot. There are so many benefits of water, to name a few: hydration, keeps your bowels moving, eliminates toxins, and more!

Overall, Ketogenic diets can be useful for many reasons from weight loss to preventing illnesses such as diabetes and Cancer. It can be hard for some to follow because of the restriction, but this diet can always be adapted to make this way of living work best for your body.