Are you thinking about starting a ketogenic diet but don’t know where to start? This guide will help give you a rundown of the basics of a ketogenic diet so you can decide if this is your next step toward overall health. A ketogenic diet is essentially a style of eating which has a myriad health benefits, from weight loss, appetite control , better maintenance of blood sugar levels, to treating inflammation. It could evel reverse the development of type 2 diabetes and helps control ADD, ADHD, seizures, and other neurological disorders.

The Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as “keto,” is a very low-carb, high-fat, moderate protein style of eating. It involves a drastic reduction of carbohydrates, replacing them with hight quality, high-fat foods. This reduction in carbs makes the body to go into the metabolic state known as ketosis, hence the name. In ketosis, our body becomes more efficient at burning fat from our own energy stores by turning fat cells into ketones in the liver, which are helpful for supplying energy to the brain. Ketogenic diets have numerous health benefits; here are just a few:

Weight loss

The ketogenic diet promotes weight loss by turning your body into a fat-burning machine. An increased speed of fat burning and a drop in insulin levels creates the ideal circumstance for weight loss without excessive hunger.

Boosted energy levels and mental performance

A ketogenic diet stimulates the flow of ketones to the brain, which enhances brain focus and performance and decreases brain fog. It also boosts energy levels as the heavy fat cells that cause lethargy are burned.  

Appetite control

A ketogenic diet supports better appetite control. As the body burns fat throughout the day, you have constant access to energy, which results in reduced feelings of hunger. This makes it possible for you to eat less and lose excess weight more easily while balancing your blood sugar levels.

Blood Sugar Control

The ketogenic diet controls blood sugar levels and may help reverse the development of type 2 diabetes. This happens as ketosis lowers blood sugar levels while reducing the inflammatory effects of higher insulin levels. It may also be helpful in preventing the onset of pre-diabetes.

Epilepsy

The ketogenic diet has been shown as an effective therapy for epilepsy because it may reduce inflammation while helping to reduce the side effects of some anti-epilepsy drugs.

Enhanced physical endurance

A ketogenic diet can improve physical endurance by providing constant access to energy by continuously burning fat. So you won’t bonk when your stores of glycogen are depleted.

Foods to eat

A ketogenic diet includes increasing the amount of the following foods in your diet plan.

·       Fatty fish: Salmon, trout, tuna, etc.

·       Pastured Raised Meat: Red meat, steak, chicken, turkey, etc.

·       Pasture Raised Eggs

·       Organic Grass Fed Butter

·       Unprocessed cheese, if you can tolerate dairy. You may also opt for goat sources.

·       Nuts and seeds, including almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp.

·       Healthy oils: virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil

·       Avocados

·       Low-carb veggies

·       Seasonings, including sea salts or himalayan salts, spices, and herbs

Foods to avoid

Foods high in carbohydrates should be avoided or limited. The following foods should be reduced or completely avoided while on a ketogenic diet.

·       Sugary and processed foods

·       Grains & starches

·       Fruit, with the exception of berries

·       Low-fat or diet products

·       Beans or legumes

·       Root vegetables and tubers

·       Condiments that contain sugar

·       Unhealthy fats (trans fats, omega 6 oils, i.e. canola oil)

·       Alcoholic beverages

·       Sugar-free diet foods

The ketogenic diet offers plenty of benefits, but, as with many eating plans, requires a change in mindset and a commitment to change. Consider giving it a test run for a few weeks to see if it is for you, and reap the rewards!

Join me on my Facebook page,facebook.com/drlaramay,  as well as Instagram & Twitter @drlaramay. Also, be sure to tune into my podcast on your favorite platform, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean or Anchor.Fm @Light Body Radio to get all the juicy info coming your way in a easily digestible format. I look forward to hearing your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Namaste,

-   Dr. Lara

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