What is a Ketogenic Diet?

Ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate (sugar) and high fat diet with moderate amount of protein. Ketogenic diet pushes the body into an artificial state of stress where the body consumes fat instead of sugars for its regular energy needs. This state is known as the state of ketosis hence the name ketogenic diet. Where fats are converted into special compounds known as ketones which work as a source of energy in the body instead of glucose. 

What to eat and what to avoid?

To follow a keto-diet, you can eat:

• Meat
• Fatty fish 
• Eggs
• Butter and cream
• Cheese
• Nuts and seeds
• Low sugar vegetables e.g tomatoes,green veggies etc.

You should avoid:

• Sugary foods e.g. soda, fruit juice, cake etc.
• Grains of starch e.g. wheat, rice etc.
• Fruits 
• Legumes 
• Unhealthy fats e.g. processed vegetable oils etc.
• Alcohol 

What are its uses?

Ketogenic diet is mainly used as a therapeutic measure for several diseases. One of its major uses is in drug resistant Epilepsy in children, however it has shown positive outcomes in patients with cancer, insulin resistance and Alzhiemers disease. It is now being used as a medium for weight loss as well.

Can it cause weight loss?

Keto diet pushes the body in an artificial state of stress where the body starts to consume fat as its main source of energy because there is a sugar deficiency in the diet. So in this state the fat reserves of the body are also mobilized and used to produce energy hence therefore it causes a very rapid weight loss.

Is it healthy to use a ketogenic diet for weight loss?

As tempting as it may sound, because of the rapid weight loss a keto diet can offer, but unfortunately it’s not as healthy as it was once considered. Keto diet is deficient in many important nutrients especially minerals and vitamins which can result in skin problems, hair fall and kidney stones. 

What are the disadvantages?

Ketogenic diet carries a number of unwanted outcomes like:

• Bad breath
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Temporary lack of energy
• Skin problems
• Hair fall
• Kidney problems
• Decreased appetite

How to use a ketogenic diet for weight loss?

Although the Ketogenic diet is not preferred by most nutritionists, it is still a popular way of losing unwanted weight. So if you are planning to start a keto diet for the sole purpose of weight loss you should consult your nutrition expert so he/she can advise you of some good diet plan and some additional food supplements in order to prevent any unwanted effects.

 

 

 

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