Open In App

Keto Diet: What is a Ketogenic Diet?

Last Updated : 04 Dec, 2023
Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

What you eat defines your health and personality. If you eat healthy, you will be healthy, whereas excessive consumption of junk food can result in negative effects on the body. Keto diet is getting more popular day by day. A large chunk of people prefer ketogenic diet supplements over anything else, as they are more helpful and beneficial in maintaining a holistic approach to health.

A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that can provide you with numerous health benefits. Many research studies have also stated that a ketogenic diet will help you lose weight and may improve your overall health.

Keto Diet: What is a Ketogenic Diet?

Do you want to know more about a ketogenic diet? If yes, then we have provided you with detailed information about a keto diet that can help you maintain good health. So, let us start to gain more information on the topic.

What is the Ketogenic Diet?

A ketogenic diet is a type of food consumption in which a very low amount of carbohydrates and high fat is consumed by an individual. The main aim of this diet is to reduce the carbs that you eat into a metabolic state called ketosis.

In the state of ketosis, the body becomes efficient at burning fat to produce energy. This state also turns the fat in the body into ketones in the liver, which can provide the required energy to the brain.

Remember that a ketogenic diet cannot be a permanent solution for the problems you are suffering from, but it can definitely help you promote good health and overall well-being. Additionally, this diet can also cause significant reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Ketogenic Diets and Weight Loss

Credible evidence from a leading journal states that a strong connection exists between ketogenic diets and weight loss. A keto diet can help you lose weight, preserve the muscle mass of your body, and reduce the chances of disease in the body. Research conducted also states that a ketogenic diet can be a more effective way to lose weight as compared to a low-fat diet, even after completing the calorie intake for the day.

Other studies conducted by health journals have also mentioned that a ketogenic diet can help in losing at least 2.2 times more weight as compared to other low-calorie options. Additionally, many health experts believe that triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels can also be improved by using keto diet products.

Remember that even if you are religiously following a keto diet, you still should check the labels and keep track of what you are eating in a day. One should keep track of the carbohydrates and fats they are consuming in a day. You should pay keen attention to your food choices if you are following a special diet.

How do Ketogenic Diets Promote Weight Loss?

A ketogenic diet can promote weight loss in the following ways:

  1. Protein intake increases: It increases the protein intake in the body. Some ketogenic diets are focused on increasing the protein intake that helps with weight loss.
  2. Gluconeogenesis: Your body is a powerhouse that can convert fat and protein into carbohydrates to generate energy. This process of gluconeogenesis can help in burning additional calories each day.
  3. A keto diet can suppress your appetite. Ketogenic diets are designed in a way that can help you feel full for a long period of time. The suppressing appetite benefit of this diet affects the hunger hormones positively, such as leptin and ghrelin.
  4. Improve insulin sensitivity: A keto diet can improve insulin sensitivity in the body, which can help in improving the metabolism and fuel utilization of the body.
  5. Fat storage decreases: A research study conducted suggests that a keto diet can reduce lipogenesis, which is the process of converting sugar into fat. One of the reasons for this is that excessive carbohydrates can be stored as fat, so when there is a lower intake of carbs, the remaining amount of fat can be used for energy production.
  6. It can aid in the fat-burning process. Many studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can increase the amount of fat you burn during activities like exercise and work. However, more research is required to support these claims.

The above ways can help you lose fat, but remember that weight loss is a journey, so one has to ensure that they are meeting the daily calorie requirements. Suddenly, cutting calories from the body can slow down your metabolism and may lead to weight gain.

Impact on Metabolic Diseases

Ketosis has various health benefits for an individual. Weight loss tops the list when talking about ketosis in detail. If you are consuming a ketogenic diet on a daily basis, there is a high chance that you will feel full for a long period of time, leading to less food consumption. Additionally, this diet also helps your body use the visceral fat while maintaining a lean mass. Other major benefits of ketosis for metabolic diseases are:

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases, affecting a huge chunk of the population. A keto diet can help patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, leading to a loss in weight, and can also help them manage their blood sugar levels.

Heart Diseases

A ketogenic diet can lower the risk of developing a cardiovascular condition in an individual. It can lower your blood pressure, improve HDL, or good cholesterol, and also reduce bad cholesterol.

Metabolic Syndrome

There can never be a specific condition where one may suffer from metabolic conditions. Various factors are involved that lead to the development of diseases in an individual. Consumption of a ketogenic diet can reduce the chances of metabolic syndrome associated with heart disease.

How to Follow a Ketogenic Diet?

If you want to follow a ketogenic diet, there are certain specific food items that you need to consume. They are as follows:

Meat

You can eat meat products like turkey, chicken, bacon and steak.

Fatty fish

Varieties like tuna, trout, and salmon can be consumed.

Eggs

One can consume omega-3 whole eggs and pastured eggs.

Other food items that can be consumed are:

  • Butter and heavy cream
  • Cheese
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Healthy oils
  • Low-carbohydrate veggies
  • Condiments such as spices and salts

Should You Try a Ketogenic Diet?

If you are trying to maintain good health or just need a break from your normal diet, then a keto diet can help you. There is no specific formula or condition that defines your choice of a ketogenic diet. It is a multi-factor diet associated with various food items. So, if you are diabetic or looking for weight loss options, then a ketogenic diet can help you.

Still confused about ketogenic diets? Don’t worry. Below, we have given a list of food items that can help you plan your diet:

  • Fatty meat
  • Fish
  • Sushi bites
  • Bell peppers
  • Dark chocolate
  • Boiled eggs
  • Strawberries
  • Cheese
  • Olives

Conclusion

A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet plan that can help you maintain an ideal weight and good health. Many doctors and health experts advise individuals to start a ketogenic diet if they are suffering from metabolic conditions or chronic conditions. Remember that before making any major changes to your diet, you should always take a doctor’s advice.

Additionally, if losing weight is your priority, then a keto diet can also be of help to you. There are many ways in which you can consume a keto product. Some of the ketogenic food items are listed above. One should try to maintain a regular connection with their diet and be consistent in whatever diet regimen they follow. It is true that sometimes you may find it difficult, but hard work and patience are the answers that can cater to your weight loss journey.

What is a Ketogenic Diet: Impact of Keto Diet on Weight Loss – FAQs

1. Is a ketogenic diet good for weight loss?

Answer:

If your major goal is to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, then a ketogenic diet can help you. A study found that a keto diet can help you lose 2.2% more weight as compared to others.

2. How much weight can I lose by consuming the keto diet?

Answer:

If you are strictly following a keto diet, then you can see visible results in one or two months.

3. Can I eat nuts in my ketogenic diet?

Answer:

Yes, you can consume nuts. Include bacon, turkey, boiled eggs, and chicken in your keto diet.

4. Is keto a rapid weight-loss regimen?

Answer:

A ketogenic diet is a rapid-weight-loss diet if one is following it properly. If you take up the correct amount of food as per the schedule, then you can lose up to 2 pounds in 2 weeks.

5. Keto or fasting, which is better?

Answer:

If you like fasting, then you must go for it, but remember, the ketogenic diet is well-planned and recommended more as compared to fasting. In fact, research also shows that people who tend to lose weight should follow a keto diet to see a visible reduction in weight in less than two weeks. So the choice is yours, but whatever diet you follow, try to be consistent and true to your regimen. Ignore the distractions and give your health a chance.



Like Article
Suggest improvement
Share your thoughts in the comments

Similar Reads