What is a keto diet?
Keto has been a buzzword in the health and wellness world over the last few years. Are you still confused with what a ketogenic diet is? It’s simply a high-fat, low-carb diet where your body goes into a state of ketosis. Ketosis the body’s metabolic state where it is burning a substance called ketones. Simply put, your body is burning fat for energy instead of carbs.
We were all taught that eating fatty foods will eventually make us gain weight. The keto diet directly contradicts this claim! It’s not about restricting yourself from eating fats, it’s about eating the right fats. This includes foods that are high in saturated and monounsaturated fats aka healthy fats.
Now that you know a bit of the basics, here are some of the main reasons why you should give a keto diet a try. You may be surprised that eating more healthy fats can improve your health and wellness.
1. WEIGHT LOSS
One of the fastest ways to burn fat is to lower your carb intake. When on the keto diet, you eat as little carbs as possible which means you’ll be dropping weight almost instantly. This is good for those who are looking for a quick short term solution to manage their weight. For example, fitting into that wedding dress or slimming down for that special occasion that’s just around the corner!
2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Inflammation often leads to health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. Ketones are known to be an anti-inflammatory chemical in the body. A keto diet also promotes the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods, which are also high in omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and other health benefits.
3. REDUCED APPETITE & CRAVINGS
Proteins and fats are foods that are naturally more satiating for the body. Many health professionals encourage eating unprocessed whole foods and restricting the amount of processed foods you consume. Eating foods in their whole form allows you to receive all the nutrients which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Unlike other diets, you won’t feel hungry all the time while on a keto diet. Less hunger means less snacking along with smarter decision making when it comes to food.
4. IMPROVED BLOOD SUGAR & INSULIN LEVELS
A published study proved that a ketogenic diet can improve insulin sensitivity in those with type 2 diabetes. A keto diet can help those with prediabetes manage their sugar intake, due to its low carb nature. Carbs turn into sugars when broken down by the body. By following a ketogenic diet, some diabetics were able to reduce their insulin dosage.
5. BRAIN HEALTH
The brain thrives on glucose from carbs, but as you age it cannot function with glucose alone. This is where ketones come in. Ketones help to protect the brain cells from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. A ketogenic diet also helps to regulate brain function, preventing damage from overstimulation. This diet has proven to be so effective in treating neurological conditions, that the Mayo Clinic implemented it as a therapeutic treatment in 1924.
Dieting may not be for everyone, but when it has benefits like these mentioned it’s definitely worth a try! If you are someone who is looking for ways to boost your health with a keto diet, check out our new keto friendly menu here.