Over the last year or two, the word “keto” has popped up everywhere you look. Grocery stores, doctors' offices, gyms, and especially on the internet. What’s the deal?! The term keto refers to the ketogenic diet: a low-carb, high-fat diet similar to the Atkins diet. Keto limits your carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day. After 3-4 days, your body will likely be in a state of ketosis, a metabolic state that uses fat as the main source of fuel.
Boom! That’s why keto is so popular. The low amount of carbs makes your body burn fat quickly, resulting in a high amount of weight loss. Keto is also thought to help certain medical conditions and actually originated to treat neurological diseases such as epilepsy.
Although eating a keto diet has tons of benefits, it does also present some risks. The term “keto flu” is commonly used and refers to an upset stomach, dizziness, decreased energy, and mood swings that you may experience in the first week of the diet. Keto may also present some complications to those who are on medication for diabetes.
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What foods can I eat on the keto diet?
Restrictions of the keto diet may seem overwhelming, but there are actually tons of keto snacks that make this diet delicious and easy to follow. Here are some of our favorites:
- Meat - Meats like steak, chicken, bacon, etc. Aim for grass-fed when possible.
- Fish - Salmon and tuna are great sources of healthy fats.
- Eggs
- Cheese - Stick to unprocessed
- Nuts & Seeds - Almonds, flax seeds, chia seeds, etc.
- Low-Carb Veggies - Peppers, tomatoes, green veggies.
- High in sugar - Candy, ice cream, soda, etc.
- Alcohol
- Grains & Starches - Cereal, bread, pasta, rice, etc.
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Our favorite meal on the keto diet has to be breakfast. There are tons of keto breakfast ideas online to choose from. Our favorite keto breakfast has to be a sausage breakfast sandwich that uses two sausage patties in place of the bun! Don’t forget to pair your keto breakfast with some delicious keto coffee for added energy without the carbs… Energizing!
Is the keto diet for you?
There are pros and cons to any diet, so be sure to consult your doctor before any drastic changes. If your goal is to lose body fat, the keto diet may be a good fit for you.
