The Keto Craze: Is it the Real Deal?

Every couple of years a new diet trend seems to appear promising easy, rapid weight loss or health benefits. Have you heard of the Keto Diet – short for Ketogenic Diet? The Keto Diet has much to offer and is backed by scientific evidence. The Keto Diet is not simply trend, but a sustainable change in lifestyle. Many “diets” offer short-term weight loss that require much restriction, suffering, and poor nutrition. With the Keto Diet, the idea is to consume healthy, substantial foods that satisfy hunger and fuel the brain and body. With typical/traditional American diets, which are high in carbohydrates, the body is fueled by sugar. In contrast, the Ketogenic Diet, which is high in healthy fats and protein, uses fat as its primary fuel source. When the body uses fat as energy, the body enters a state of “Ketosis.” The body and brain use fat consumed, as well as the body’s stored fat, while in Ketosis. There are numerous health benefits to Ketosis, including Type II Diabetes prevention and reversal, Heart Disease prevention, cognitive improvement, increased energy, inflammation reduction, as well as weight loss.

How does it work?

The Keto Diet guides individuals to change their eating pattern to Low Carb, Moderate Protein, and High Healthy Fats. Individuals should strive to consume 20 grams of net carbs or less per day. By following the Ketogenic Diet recommendations, individuals will feel full, satisfied, and energized. No more calorie counting, hunger pains, or diet-related suffering!

Isn’t fat bad for you?

Yes and No. Processed fats (ex. vegetable oil, sunflower oil, canola oil) are damaging to your health. However, many fats that we were told are unhealthy are actually good! Sources of healthy fat include butter, full fat dairy/cream, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, eggs, fat from meat, ghee, and lard. Healthy fats are a vital source of energy for our bodies and brains!

In the 1950’s, it was recommended that the majority of our diet should consist of grains (carbohydrates) with limited fats and sugar. Most continue to view the 1950’s food pyramid as a healthy guideline. However, our bodies process all carbohydrates (breads, pastas, cookies, cakes…and even fruits) as sugar. When there is excess sugar in the body, it is stored as fat. This is why over the past 60 years, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes rates have skyrocketed. Too much sugar/carbs results to excess body fat, which can lead to health concerns.

Fortunately, there is remedy – the Ketogenic Diet! Below is the KetoDiet Food Pyramid that outlines ketogenic food consumption recommendations. Note the tasty, satisfying foods such as bacon, salmon, avocado, eggs, cheese!