Are you looking for a new diet to try in the upcoming year? If so, you’ve probably started doing some research into the type of diet that might work for you. There’s a lot of options out there – Weight Watchers, the Paleo Diet, the Atkins Diet, and more. With so many options, it’s hard to know which one you should choose.
During your search, you may have come across a diet called the Keto Diet. The Keto Diet is fairly new, and as a result a lot of people don’t know about it yet. To help you determine if this type of diet is a good choice for you, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Keto Diet?
The Keto Diet is a very low carbohydrate diet. Here’s how it works: when the body is low on sugars, it generates small fuel molecules called “ketones”. The body then uses these fuel cells, rather than fats, to give you energy. Essentially, when you switch to a Ketogenic Diet, your body switches to running mostly on fat, so that it burns off more quickly.
On the Keto Diet you will find yourself eating things like chicken, seafood, eggs, cheese and vegetables. These foods are all low on carbs, which is what the Keto Diet is all about. Some of the foods you’ll have to avoid are fruits, potatoes, breads, and anything with added sugar, like sweets or soda. Processed foods, sugary foods and starchy foods are all a no-go on the Keto Diet.
Benefits of the Keto Diet
Proponents of the Keto Diet claim it has several benefits. For starters, since you’re eating very few carbs, it helps you to burn off fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, the Keto Diet may help you to do that. Being on the Keto Diet can also help you to regulate your appetite. With your body burning fat 24/7, you’ll have a lower appetite, and therefore want to eat less.
Finally, a Ketogenic Diet can help to regulate blood sugar. This is especially important for people with diabetes, or who are at risk for diabetes. However, you should consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet, especially if you’re dealing with pre-existing conditions.
Drawbacks of the Keto Diet
Of course, like any major diet program, there are some drawbacks. For starters, the Keto Diet is very restrictive about what you can eat. Some diet programs say you can eat whatever you want, you just have to have more control over your portions. The Keto Diet isn’t like that. It cuts out major food groups and wants you to avoid them altogether. This can make it harder to stick to the plan.
The Keto Diet is also tough on your budget. For people who don’t have a lot of discretionary income, trying to stay on diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and meats can be difficult. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of extra money to spend on a diet, you may want to consider another program.
Third, if you’re a vegetarian, you may find the Keto Diet particularly restricting. Since it’s high on proteins, it relies mainly on meat to provide that source. While there are ways to have a protein rich diet as a vegetarian, it does make things a little more difficult.
How to Get Started on the Keto Diet
Does the Keto Diet sound like something you’d like to try? If so, here’s how you can get started. The first thing you’ll want to do is plan out a menu. Knowing what you’re going to eat throughout the week will help you transition into the diet. While you’re planning your menu, work on getting rid of any food in your house that isn’t a part of the diet. Either eat it before you begin, give it to someone if it’s unopened, or just throw it away. Once you start the diet, you don’t want the food around to tempt you.
After that, it’s time to get your new foods in. Head to the store and pick up your favorite foods – salmon, premium beef jerky, steak, avocado, broccoli, whatever. Go by the menu you made, and pick up stuff that you like to eat, but also that fits within the diet.
The rest is up to you. In the beginning you’ll be tempted to cheat on your diet but try to avoid the temptation. Remember your goal and opt for a food within the Keto Diet when you can. If you do cheat, don’t beat yourself up. Just get right back on the horse and continue with the plan.
If you can do all of this, you should have no trouble making the Keto Diet work for you. However, if you’re struggling with it, maybe this diet isn’t the right one. Consider your other options and maybe try out another plan. The best diet is the one you’re able to stick to, so don’t be afraid to try something new if the Keto Diet isn’t delivering the desired results.
