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How the Keto Diet Changed My Life - Learn Why You Should Try It Too

If you’ve spent any time reading up on nutrition and diet, you’ll know that carbs are the villain of the piece. The ‘eat less carbs and sugar to lose weight’ message is everywhere, with one glance at social media or a scroll through news feeds revealing yet another article about how many grams of bread or teaspoons of icing someone should have for dinner. Fortunately, there are plenty of other people who think this advice is not only unhelpful but also potentially dangerous. Although high-carb foods are now seen as unhealthy, it doesn’t mean they don’t have their place in an optimum diet – just that they should be eaten in moderation.

By vildouzPublished 4 years ago • 4 min read
How the Keto Diet Changed My Life - Learn Why You Should Try It Too
Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash

We all have different bodies and different lifestyles. While some people thrive on eating lots of carbs every day, others feel much better when they keep their intake as low as possible. If your body responds well to a ketogenic (very low carb) diet, then by all means stick to it!

With this done-for-me keto meal plan I was able to completely change my life. Click here to Claim Your Personalized Keto Meal Plan.

What is the keto diet?

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that induces a state of what’s known as ketosis. In the absence of carbohydrates, the body begins to break down fat and produces substances called ketones, which are used as a source of energy instead. This process is often described as a metabolic shift, where your body starts burning fat as if it’s a backup energy source. The result is that you begin to shed pounds, have extra energy, and feel more alert and focused as a result. Keto diets have been around for a long time and have been used for therapeutic purposes for decades. Recently, they’ve become more mainstream and are now touted as a weight loss tool for anyone who wants to lose weight.

Why you should try the keto diet

Because it will change your life. Seriously, if you’re looking for some motivation to start the keto diet, here are the top five reasons why you should start today: - Improved energy levels - The ketogenic diet is often associated with a spike in energy levels. This is because the body uses ketones as an alternative source of energy rather than relying on sugars from carbohydrates. - Fat loss - Keto diets can be a great tool for weight loss if calories are kept in check. Studies have shown that people following ketogenic diets were able to lose 2-3 times as much weight as those following standard calorie-restricted diets. - Better mental clarity - The reason why keto diets are so effective for improving mental clarity is that they reduce inflammation in the brain – something that is often associated with poor mental clarity. - Improved gut health - Many people on low-carb diets experience a significant improvement in their gut health. This is because carb-rich foods such as grains and beans can cause digestive issues in certain people. - Saving the planet - It may sound crazy, but one of the best things about the keto diet is that it’s good for the planet. It’s estimated that if everyone in the U.S. followed a ketogenic diet, it would reduce the country’s carbon footprint by 37%.

What to eat and what to avoid

The ketogenic diet is high in fat – about 60% of your calories should come from fat, and the remaining 30% should come from protein. Then you should aim for a tiny 5% of calories from carbohydrates. The keto diet is also dairy-free. You’re likely to find that you experience a reduction in symptoms like bloating and flatulence if you remove dairy from your diet, so it’s definitely worth trying out. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, you need to be selective. While the typical ‘low-carb’ diet allows for unlimited amounts of vegetables, you’ll need to limit yourself on the keto diet. In terms of which vegetables are fine to eat, most people recommend sticking with the following: - Broccoli - This is one of the best vegetables for keto diets as it is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. - Celery - Celery is a great source of fiber, which is essential for a healthy gut. - Cauliflower - This is another vegetable that is high in fiber and contains a number of vitamins and minerals. - Spinach - Spinach can be a very useful addition to a ketogenic diet.

The benefits of a ketogenic diet

As we’ve already outlined, one of the main benefits of the ketogenic diet is that it can be particularly effective for weight loss. If you’re trying to lose weight, low-carb diets are an excellent option because they reduce your appetite and make you feel satisfied with smaller portions. Another benefit of the ketogenic diet is that it can help improve your diabetes levels. This is because the ketogenic diet can help lower insulin levels and reduce your reliance on medication. The ketogenic diet can also benefit your heart health. Although it’s not an ‘extreme low-carb diet’, it is often associated with a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.

How to follow a ketogenic diet

If you’re committed to giving the ketogenic diet a try, here are some tips and tricks that you might find useful: - Eat more fat - This might seem like a no-brainer given that the ketogenic diet is high in fat, but you need to up your intake. The key is to source healthy fats, such as avocados and coconut oil. - Eat high-quality proteins - Protein and fat are the two macronutrients that should form the bulk of your ketogenic diet. When it comes to protein, it’s important to choose high-quality sources. This might mean opting for wild fish and organic meats whenever possible. - Watch your portion sizes - Portion sizes are very important when following a ketogenic diet. You should aim for smaller portions throughout the day and eat as many vegetables as possible. - Try intermittent fasting - The ketogenic diet naturally leads to a reduction in insulin levels. If you really want to maximize the benefits, try to extend this low-insulin state by practicing intermittent fasting from time to time.

Final note

Ketogenic diets can be extremely effective for weight loss, but they are not always easy to follow. If you’re serious about following a keto diet, it’s important to be realistic with your expectations and know that it’s not a quick fix. If you want to reap the benefits of the keto diet while keeping your sanity, it’s a good idea to read up on how to get started. You might also want to use a keto app to stay on track.

With this done-for-me keto meal plan I was able to completely change my life. Click here to Claim Your Personalized Keto Meal Plan.

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vildouz

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    Written by vildouz