The ketogenic diet has been around for almost a century, but only recently has it become a highly embraced sensation. The ketogenic diet has become widely accepted due to its ability to potentially help support weight loss, cognition, and even brain function.
The goal is to drive your body into ketosis. Ketosis is the body's response to fasting or very low carbohydrate availability. The objective is to switch your body's fuel source from glucose and glycogen to dietary fats. Typically, accepted macronutrients for the ketogenic diet are 5-10% of calories coming from carbohydrates, 70-75% coming from dietary fat, and 20% coming from protein.
SO, EAT TONS OF FAT? YUM! SOUNDS EASY.
You're probably thinking you can eat as much bacon as you want, all the best fried foods, and tons of baked goods! Not so fast. Follow these 6 simple tips to keto.
- Increase healthy fats like fatty fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and vegetables oils.
- Reduce saturated fats like fried foods, butter and fatty red meats.
- Make the most of your limited carbohydrates by consuming fiber-rich, nutrient-dense vegetables such as legumes, zucchini, asparagus, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and eggplant.
- Be sure to consume enough fiber throughout the day. An easy way to incorporate fiber would be to include foods such as beans and lentils.
- Stock up with on-the-go, keto-friendly products to carry with you in case you need a pick-me-up or a snack to get you to your next meal.