The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has become increasingly popular in recent years for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and increased energy levels.
The diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with healthy fats and proteins, which forces the body to enter a metabolic state called ketosis, where it primarily uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution, it can be a highly effective way to improve health and achieve weight loss goals when followed properly.
In this detailed beginner’s guide to keto, we will explore the basics of the keto diet, including its potential benefits and drawbacks, how to get started on the diet, what to eat on a keto diet, and tips for success. Whether you are new to the keto diet or simply looking for more information, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started on your keto journey.
Was ist die Keto-Diät und wie funktioniert sie?
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate. This type of eating plan forces your body to rely on fat for energy rather than glycogen from carbs. When there are limited options for glucose intake in the liver, the liver breaks down fatty acids into ketones – which then become the main power source for your brain and muscles instead of glucose.
A ketogenic diet is defined as high fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein intake regimen that puts your body into a state of nutritional ketosis, forcing your body to use fat as its primary energy source.
Different Types of Ketogenic Diets
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has become increasingly popular in recent years for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and increased energy levels. However, there are several different types of ketogenic diets, each with its own specific requirements and recommendations. Here are the most common types of ketogenic diets:
- Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD): The standard ketogenic diet is the most common type of keto diet and involves consuming a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet with moderate amounts of protein. Typically, the macronutrient breakdown for an SKD is 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbohydrates.
- Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD): The cyclical ketogenic diet involves following a standard ketogenic diet for several days, followed by a higher-carbohydrate refeed day. This cycle is usually repeated once a week or every few weeks. The idea behind CKD is to replenish glycogen stores and support athletic performance while still maintaining the benefits of ketosis.
- Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD): The targeted ketogenic diet involves consuming a small number of carbohydrates before or after exercise to provide the body with energy for physical activity. This approach can be helpful for athletes and active individuals who need more carbohydrates to support their workouts while still maintaining ketosis.
- High-Protein Ketogenic Diet: The high-protein ketogenic diet is similar to the standard ketogenic diet but with a higher protein intake. Typically, the macronutrient breakdown for a high-protein ketogenic diet is 60% fat, 35% protein, and 5% carbohydrates. This approach may be more suitable for individuals who are highly active or who require more protein for muscle building.
- Modified Ketogenic Diet: The modified ketogenic diet is a less restrictive version of the standard ketogenic diet that allows for slightly higher carbohydrate intake while still maintaining ketosis. This approach may be more suitable for individuals who find it difficult to adhere to a strict low-carbohydrate diet.
P.S. The information in this article mostly applies to the standard ketogenic diet (SKD), although many of the same principles also apply to the other versions.
Benefits of the ketogenic diet
The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of following a ketogenic diet:
- Weight loss: One of the primary benefits of the keto diet is weight loss. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fat and protein intake, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it primarily uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to increased weight loss and improved body composition.
- Improved metabolic health: The keto diet can also improve metabolic health by lowering blood sugar levels, reducing insulin resistance, and decreasing inflammation. These factors can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
- Increased energy levels: Many people report increased energy levels when following a keto diet. This may be due to the fact that the body is using fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, which can result in more sustained energy levels throughout the day.
- Improved cognitive function: Some studies suggest that the keto diet may improve cognitive function and protect against neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Better blood sugar control: Because the keto diet involves consuming very low amounts of carbohydrates, it can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. The keto diet may help reduce inflammation in the body, leading to improved overall health.
While the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution, it can offer many potential health benefits for those who are able to follow it safely and effectively. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.
Risks and drawbacks of the ketogenic diet
While the ketogenic diet, or keto diet, can offer potential health benefits, there are also several risks and drawbacks associated with this eating plan. Here are some of the main concerns to be aware of:
- Nutrient deficiencies: Because the keto diet restricts carbohydrate intake, it can be challenging to get enough of certain nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, especially if the diet is not well-planned.
- Keto flu: When first starting the keto diet, some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea, which are often referred to as the “keto flu.” These symptoms usually go away after a few days or weeks, but can be unpleasant in the meantime.
- Increased risk of heart disease: While the keto diet can lead to weight loss and improved metabolic health, some studies have suggested that it may increase the risk of heart disease in some people, due to its high intake of saturated fats.
- Difficulty maintaining the diet: The keto diet can be challenging to maintain over the long term, especially for those who are used to eating a higher-carbohydrate diet. This can make it difficult to stick to the diet and may lead to yo-yo dieting or weight cycling.
- Risk of developing kidney stones: Some studies have suggested that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet like the keto diet may increase the risk of developing kidney stones in some people.
- Restricted food choices: Because the keto diet is very low in carbohydrates, many foods that are traditionally considered healthy, such as fruits and whole grains, are off-limits. This can make it difficult to eat a balanced, varied diet.
It is important to note that not everyone will experience these risks and drawbacks, and the keto diet may be safe and effective for some individuals. However, it is important to approach the diet with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.
What Is Ketosis?
Ketosis happens when your body has burned through its supply of glucose (sugar) and begins using fat as fuel instead. This changeover is an adjustment that can take some time to get accustomed to, but once you do it feels effortless, with more energy every day. By restricting your carbohydrate intake, your body is forced into ketosis and it begins using fat as its primary energy source.
This process of fat adaptation can take a few days to a week+, but once the state is reached you will feel amazing and full of energy with none of the weakness or brain fog that comes after eating carbs.
what are some things not to eat on a keto diet plan?
On the ketogenic diet, be careful with fruit. It can be easy to have too many carbs from fruit, so stick to lower-sugar options like berries when you’re looking for a snack.
If you plan on following the ketogenic diet for an extended period of time, consider limiting alcohol consumption since it’s loaded with empty calories that are easily converted into glucose.
Here’s a list of foods that need to be reduced or eliminated on a ketogenic diet:
- Grains or starches
- Sugars or sweeteners of any kind, including honey, maple syrup, etc.
- Fruit juices
- Root vegetables and tubers
- Pasta, rice, quinoa, couscous
what foods are allowed on a keto diet plan
The best way to follow the ketogenic diet is by sticking to healthy, keto-approved foods such as:
- nuts and seeds
- fatty fish like salmon
- high-fat dairy foods like cheese, cream, and butter
As long as you do this, you should have no problem reaching your dietary goals every day.
Healthy keto snacks
In case you get hungry between meals, here are some healthy, keto-approved snacks:
- celery with cream cheese
- hard-boiled eggs
- nuts and seeds
- cucumber mousse
The Ketogenic Diet FAQs.
How much weight should you expect to lose on the keto diet?
Since the ketogenic diet is a very high-fat plan, it can be easy to over-consume calories. It’s important to make sure that you’re eating less than 1,800 calories per day on the keto diet if you want to lose weight.
How do you lose weight on a keto diet plan?
The best way to make sure that you’re losing weight on the ketogenic diet is by counting carbs instead of calories. This ensures that you’re getting enough food, but not too much. The goal should be to stick with under 1,800 calories on average, or less if you want to lose weight quickly.
How many calories should you eat on a keto diet?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb diet. It typically limits daily calories to between 1,200 and 1,800 per day for those following the plan. Protein shouldn’t make up more than 20 percent of your daily caloric intake during this time. You can track your macros using an app like MyFitnessPal to make sure you’re hitting the right ratios. Make sure you’re hitting the right ratios.
How much does the keto diet plan for weight loss cost?
The ketogenic diet is very low in carbs and high in fat, which makes it a fairly inexpensive diet to follow. In fact, many people can complete the program free of charge if they eat real food instead of buying special foods designed for the plan.
How long should you stay in ketosis?
It typically takes one to four days for the body to enter ketosis. Some people may experience benefits in just a few weeks, while others can take months before seeing any change. There are several signs that you’ve entered ketosis, with the most common being increased thirst or dry mouth. Other signs include decreased appetite, fatigue, bad breath, and morning headaches.
Where can I get a keto diet plan?
If you’re interested in trying the ketogenic diet, start by scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and send you for blood work to check your cholesterol levels and other health markers. They’ll also discuss any medications you’re currently taking to make sure there’s no negative interaction with the ketogenic diet.
It’s also important to consult a registered dietitian before starting this or any other new eating plan. They can help you figure out what foods are best for your individual needs and guide you through the process of making healthy choices when dining out.
If you want to check whether or not your body is in ketosis, a simple at-home test can be done to detect the presence of acetone in the breath. While most people will begin to enter ketosis within a few days, there are some who may not experience any results for up to several weeks.
Schlussfolgerung
The ketogenic diet has gained popularity as an effective way to promote weight loss, improve metabolic health, and increase energy levels. While the standard ketogenic diet is the most commonly followed, there are several other types of ketogenic diets that may be suitable for different individuals and goals.
The targeted ketogenic diet involves consuming small amounts of carbohydrates before and after exercise, while the cyclical ketogenic diet involves cycling periods of high-carbohydrate intake with periods of strict keto eating. The high-protein ketogenic diet involves increasing protein intake while still maintaining a low-carbohydrate, high-fat intake.
It is important to note that while these variations may offer some benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.
Ultimately, the most important factor in successfully following any type of ketogenic diet is to focus on consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods and to listen to your body’s needs. By doing so, you can achieve your health goals and experience the many potential benefits of the ketogenic diet.
