Intro to the Keto Diet Part 1

Ah, the "Keto" aka ketogenic diet - where fat is the new black and carbs are the enemy. It's the trendiest diet in town and for good reason! If you're looking to ditch the sugar highs and blood sugar crashes, this diet might just be the one for you. In the keto world, you'll be saying goodbye to your beloved pasta and hello to juicy steaks and crispy bacon. You heard that right! This diet is all about high fat, moderate protein, and low carb, which puts your body in a state of ketosis, where it starts burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. So, buckle up and get ready to experience the benefits of a diet that will not only help you lose weight, but also improve your energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health. Get ready to join the keto-crazed community and discover a whole new world of food and healthy living.

Ketosis is the magical state where your body switches from burning carbs for energy to burning fat. Basically, when you restrict your carbohydrate intake, your liver starts producing ketones from stored fat to use as energy, and voila! You're in ketosis. This means that instead of constantly reaching for snacks, you'll feel more satisfied and have sustained energy throughout the day.  The production of ketones occurs during fasting, low-carbohydrate diets, or intensive physical activity. The production of ketones is beneficial for the body as it serves as an alternative source of energy. In addition, high levels of ketones in the blood (a state known as ketosis) can have therapeutic benefits for conditions such as epilepsy and can also help regulate blood sugar levels in uncontrolled diabetes. a keto diet, you'll aim to get about 70-75% of your daily calories from healthy fats, 20-25% from protein, and only 5-10% from carbs. This not only helps you lose weight, but also reduces inflammation, improves brain function, and can even help manage certain health conditions like epilepsy and type 2 diabetes. So, its time to hop on the keto train and wave goodbye to sugar crashes once and for all!

The principles of a keto diet include:

1. Low carbohydrate intake: limiting your carb intake is the first part of getting your body into a state of ketosis. This means saying goodbye to glucose, the body's primary source of energy that comes from carbs, and hello to burning fat for fuel instead!  Don't worry, you'll still get to eat, but the type of carbs you eat is important. Processed and refined carbs, like white bread and sugary drinks, are a big no-no, while low-carb foods like leafy greens and berries are a big yes-yes!

On a ketogenic diet, the amount of carbs you eat can vary, but typically ranges from 20 to 50 grams a day - a huge difference from the average American diet that has 200-300 grams of carbs a day. But the goal is to lower insulin levels and increase the production of ketones, which become the body's new source of energy. And trust us, the results are worth it - you can expect weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and a sharper mind, just to name a few benefits!

This shift in energy metabolism can lead to significant weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and improved brain function, among other benefits. However, it's important to work with a healthcare provider to ensure that this type of diet is appropriate for your individual needs and to monitor for potential side effects.

2. Alright folks, buckle up because it's time to talk about the second principle of the ketogenic diet - fat, fat, and more fat! That's right, on this diet, you'll be chowing down on the good stuff, and we're not talking about donuts (sorry, sugar lovers).  The idea behind high fat intake is to provide energy for the body instead of glucose from carbs. This means you'll aim for 70-80% of your daily calories to come from fat. And when we say fat, we mean healthy fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. You can also have some saturated fats, like those in coconut oil, butter, and animal products, but in moderation. Just make sure to steer clear of those sneaky trans fats found in processed foods.

When you eat all this fat, it triggers your liver to produce ketones, which become the new source of fuel for your body. And just like that, you're in ketosis, burning fat for energy instead of glucose. So, get ready to say goodbye to carb crashes and hello to sustained energy all day long.  In conclusion, on the ketogenic diet, you'll be indulging in delicious, healthy fats, which will not only taste great, but will also provide the energy your body needs to thrive. It's time to get your fat on!

Foods that are high in healthy fats include:

• Avocados
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Butter and ghee
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Cheese
• Eggs.

Time to talk about Principle #3 of the ketogenic diet, aka the protein party! This diet calls for a moderate to high intake of protein to make sure you keep your muscles strong while going low on the carbs. You'll aim for around 15-25% of your daily calories to come from protein.

When it comes to protein, it's all about quality, not quantity. You want to make sure you're getting the good stuff, so stick to high-quality, low-carb protein sources like meat, poultry, and fish (think beef, chicken, salmon, and tuna), eggs, dairy products (cheese, cream, Greek yogurt), nuts, seeds, tofu, and even certain legumes (but watch out for the carb count on those!).  Just remember, not all protein is created equal, and some can be hiding a ton of carbs. For example, legumes like beans and lentils can have more carbs than you might think, so if you're going for a strict ketogenic diet, you might want to limit or avoid them altogether.

In conclusion, protein is a vital part of the ketogenic diet, helping you maintain muscle mass while you go low on carbs. Just make sure you're getting the good stuff and watch out for sneaky carb-filled protein sources. Let's raise a protein shake and cheer to strong muscles!  Here’s a brief list of foods that will help kick start your keto journey:

• Meat, poultry and fish (beef, chicken, salmon, tuna, etc.)
• Eggs
• Dairy products (cheese, cream, Greek yogurt, etc.)
• Nuts and seeds
• Tofu and soy products
• Certain legumes (black beans, lentils, etc.)

 

Percentage of protein in some common foods:

• Chicken breast (cooked): 31% protein
• Salmon (cooked): 22% protein
• Eggs: 12% protein
• Greek yogurt: 11% protein
• Almonds: 7% protein
• Beef (cooked): 26% protein
• Cheddar cheese: 25% protein

 

1. Limit processed and high-carb foods: Foods to avoid on a keto diet include sugar, grains, legumes, and high-carb fruits. Processed foods and high-carb snacks should also be limited.  Limiting processed and high carbohydrate foods is important in a ketogenic diet as it helps to maintain a low carbohydrate intake, which is necessary for inducing and maintaining a state of ketosis.

Examples of popular processed foods include:

• Sweets and desserts (cake, candy, ice cream, etc.)
• Snack foods (chips, crackers, etc.)
• Fried foods (french fries, fried chicken, etc.)
• Processed meats (hot dogs, sausages, etc.)
• Sweetened drinks (soda, fruit juice, etc.)

Examples of high carbohydrate foods include:

• Grains (bread, pasta, rice, etc.)
• Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, etc.)
• Sugary fruits (bananas, grapes, etc.)
• Sugary drinks (juice, soda, etc.)

These types of foods can have negative effects on the body when consumed in large quantities on a regular basis, such as increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. They can also cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and insulin, which can lead to fat storage and make it more difficult to lose weight.  When following a ketogenic diet, consuming these types of foods can increase carbohydrate intake, which can kick the body out of ketosis and prevent it from burning fat for energy. This can lead to decreased weight loss, decreased energy levels, and decreased overall health benefits.

Now on to the often overlooked but oh-so-important aspect of keto dieting: tracking your micronutrients!  We know, counting carbs and fats can seem like enough work, but trust us, micronutrients are worth the extra effort.  You see, when you're following a ketogenic diet, you're cutting out a lot of the usual carb-rich foods that many of us rely on for our daily dose of vitamins and minerals. That's why it's crucial to make sure you're getting all the micronutrients your body needs from other sources.  But don't worry, you don't have to go full-on scientist mode and measure out every single vitamin and mineral. Just keep an eye on your overall intake of things like leafy greens, low-carb vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods will help you get all the micronutrients you need without knocking you out of ketosis.  Here’s a rundown on the main reasons tracking micronutrient intake will be a huge benefit to you!

 

1. Balancing Nutrient Intake: While the ketogenic diet focuses on macronutrient ratios, it's also important to ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Tracking micronutrients helps to ensure that the body is receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal health and function.
2. Avoiding Deficiencies: Following a strict low carbohydrate diet can increase the risk of certain nutrient deficiencies, such as those of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Tracking micronutrient intake helps to identify and prevent any deficiencies that may occur.
3. Maintaining Health: Adequate micronutrient intake is necessary for a variety of bodily functions and can impact overall health and well-being. For example, vitamin C is important for immune function, while vitamin D is important for bone health.

The best methods for tracking micronutrient intake include:

1. Using a Food Tracking App: Apps such as MyFitnessPal and Cronometer allow users to track both macronutrient and micronutrient intake. This can provide a comprehensive overview of nutrient intake and help identify any deficiencies.
2. Keeping a Food Journal: Writing down everything that is consumed in a day can provide a visual representation of nutrient intake and help identify any areas where improvements can be made.
3. Consulting a Dietitian: Consulting with a registered dietitian can provide personalized recommendations for micronutrient intake and help ensure that nutrient needs are being met.

It's important to note that while tracking micronutrients can be helpful, it's also important to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods in the diet. This will ensure that the body is receiving a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, rather than relying solely on supplements.

In conclusion, the keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can have some amazing health benefits when done correctly. We hope this blog post has been a helpful guide in getting you started on your keto journey. And don't worry, if you're feeling overwhelmed, Part 2 of this series is on its way! It'll be filled with delicious recipes and a detailed meal plan to make your life a whole lot easier. So sit tight, stock up on those avocados, and get ready to embark on a fantastic culinary adventure. Who knows, you might even discover a new love for healthy fats!

Note: A ketogenic diet should only be followed under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as it can have potential side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone. It's also important to focus on nutrient-dense whole foods and adequate hydration while following a ketogenic diet.