To Keto or Not To Keto (Part 1)

What is all the fuss about keto? Keto seems to be on the forefront of peoples lips today, whether that is through talking about it or eating like it. What is keto and how can it benefit you? Keto is the term used for ketogenic, this is where the body, more specifically your liver, produces ketones when fat is the source of energy. We typically get our energy from glucose, which is supplied by the carbs that we eat. Keto is when you put your body in a state that it is burning fat instead of glucose. It can be done by the foods that you eat and/or by intermittent fasting. It requires you to take in a large percentage of healthy fats, moderate size of protein, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. The percentages typically work out to be about 70% fats, 25% protein, and 5% carbs, but those can fluctuate a little. A ketogenic diet has been known to help enable weight loss. Also, it has been known to help with different medical conditions, such as epilepsy, dementia, and more. It doesn't focus on cutting or counting calories, but focuses on making sure to take in the proper percentages of  whole fresh foods, such as vegetables, meats, and healthy fats/oils. There are plenty of companies that offer supplements to help "throw you into keto," but those can be expensive and honestly avoided if you monitor your food intake closely. Also intermittent fasting can be a great jump start as well. As with anything there is controversy on the keto topic, such as how long to stay on it, appropriate percentages, and much more.  Before diving head first on the keto train you would benefit from doing your own additional research to make sure it is the right plan for you. It is always best to talk to your health care provider before starting any sort of a diet or major lifestyle change. No matter what the diet or lifestyle you are living, a lifestyle without gluten is always one that you will benefit from and doesn't come with any side effects. Hopefully this article gives you a little more insight and explanation on the ketogenic diet and if it may be a right option for you. Keep an eye out for my continuation on the topic of keto with “To Keto or Not to Keto (Part 2).”