For those of you who are passionate about food and fitness, you’ve probably heard of the ketogenic diet. Popularized by the writer and health advocate Mark Sisson, a ketogenic diet focuses on eating foods high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Its followers contend that by limiting carbohydrates and increasing fat consumption, you can influence your body’s metabolism in a way that encourages weight loss. Whether you believe the hype or not, it’s a diet that’s clearly been popularized by some prominent figures in the health community. But what if you’re on a gluten-free diet? Can you still lose weight on a ketogenic diet? Let’s take a closer look.
The Pros Of A Gluten-Free Diet
If you’re already committed to a gluten-free diet, then the idea of following a ketogenic diet probably doesn’t sound too daunting. You’re already excluding some foods that you believe are problematic, and the theory behind the ketogenic diet is to reduce your carbohydrate intake while elevating your fat intake. What’s more, you can benefit from the relatively high fat content of some of the foods that you’re already restricting, like nuts and seeds. Finally, foods that are high in fat, especially those that come from animal sources, are usually well-tolerated on a gluten-free diet, so you don’t have to worry about any adverse reactions. That said, keep in mind that the ketogenic diet is not appropriate for everyone, so if you’re not sure whether or not this is the right choice for you, then it might be a good idea to consult with your personal physician before making any major dietary changes. Aside from being able to lose weight, you might find that you’re better suited to a gluten-free diet if you have any of the following problems:
- celiac disease
- gluten sensitivity
- irritable bowel syndrome
- coeliac disease
In addition to helping you lose weight, a gluten-free diet can also help alleviate some of the problems that you experience on a daily basis. If you’re battling irritable bowel syndrome or gluten sensitivity, for example, then you might find that your symptoms are diminished after you go gluten-free. In regard to coeliac disease and celiac disease in general, a gluten-free diet improves the overall quality of life for those who are affected by these conditions. As you might imagine, being unable to ingest gluten puts a kink in the kitchen fun of those who are afflicted by these conditions. Thankfully, there are some great gluten-free food options out there, so you don’t have to limit your cooking options just because of your diet. In regard to the ketogenic diet, it’s important to remember that not all carbohydrates are created equal, so while most people will still argue that processed foods are superior no matter what your diet, there’s some truth to the fact that non-starchy vegetables can help lower your cholesterol. On the subject of cholesterol, remember that animal-based fats and cholesterol-rich foods can increase cholesterol levels in your blood. If you’re concerned about your cholesterol and you want to follow a diet that’s low in fat and high in vegetables, then you might want to consider the vegetarian diet. In any case, you should consult with your personal physician or dietician before making any dietary changes. Last but not least, the gluten-free diet allows you to follow the paleo diet, which promotes healthier aging through diet. Studies have shown that the gluten-free diet helps improve the overall wellbeing of those who adhere to it, and allows them to maintain their muscle mass while also reducing the incidence of chronic diseases. So, if you’re already committed to a lifestyle of healthy eating, you might want to give the gluten-free diet a try, and see if it makes a difference in your life.
Is The Ketogenic Diet Right For Everyone?
The ketogenic diet isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan, and as I mentioned earlier, it’s not appropriate for everyone. If you’re diabetic, then you’ll want to heed the advice of your doctor before making any major dietary changes. If you’re on any medications, then you might have to adjust what foods you eat in order to ensure that you stay within the recommended therapeutic range for the drugs that you take. Aside from medical reasons, there are a few other considerations that you need to make before starting a ketogenic diet. First, you need to decide whether or not to go entirely ketogenic, or to include some carbohydrates in your diet as long as you’re still adhering to the general guidelines. Some individuals argue that as long as you’re still including carbohydrates within your diet, then you aren’t really following a ketogenic diet. In either case, it’s crucial that you understand what you’re doing, and why you’re doing it. If you’re looking for a quick fix or a magical diet pill that will allow you to shed off those extra pounds, then you might want to avoid the ketogenic diet, as it doesn’t offer any shortcuts. The good news is that you don’t have to, as there are plenty of ways to lose weight without giving up all of the foods that you love. Instead, it’s about making healthy choices that can help you reach your goals.
Should You Try A Gluten-Free Diet For Weight Loss?
Although there are many perks to a gluten-free diet, if you’re only looking for a way to lose weight, then you might want to try a conventional diet first. After all, there are some individuals who will argue that you can’t lose weight on a gluten-free diet, which is flat-out wrong. Just because some people don’t respond well to gluten-free diets doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to lose weight if you try one. In fact, if you’re looking for a way to shed off those extra pounds, then you might want to give a gluten-free diet a try. But if that’s not your goal, then you might be better served by sticking with the tried and tested methods of losing weight. For example, consider trying a low-carbohydrate diet, or going on a conventional diet where you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits (fresh or frozen). In regard to the latter, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be on a diet in order to lose weight successfully. You just have to make healthier choices where you can, and be mindful of what you’re putting in your body. It’s also worth mentioning that some of the foods that are off-limits on a gluten-free diet are the very same foods that are typically targeted by dieters for loss. This is usually because these foods are filling, high in fiber, and don’t taste too bad once you get used to them. So, if you find that you have a difficult time resisting sweets and other high-carbohydrate foods, then you might want to give a gluten-free diet a try. Remember: everyone is different, so it’s important to listen to your body and see how you respond to different nutrients before making any kind of dietary change. That way, you’ll be sure that you’re not putting yourself in danger of becoming sick from doing something that you feel is beneficial to your wellbeing. In the end, it’s all about personal preference, as no two people are exactly alike, even if they all share the same body type and other basic demographics. What’s important is that you feel good in yourself, and that you’re leading a life that you feel happy and comfortable with.