The ketogenic diet is on the rise, thanks in part to celebrities like Kim Kardashian, who have helped popularise the diet in the mainstream media. Celebrities are often quick to jump on the latest health trend and the ketogenic diet seems to be the flavour of the month, but has this really been deserved?
While there are plenty of myths surrounding the ketogenic diet, there is also a wealth of evidence to suggest that it may be the best way to lose weight. But what is the ketogenic diet, how does it work, and what are the nutritional values? Here are the answers to all your questions.
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
First developed in the 1920s, the ketogenic diet – or keto diet as it is commonly known – is a low-carb, high-fat diet that allows for better energy production and weight loss. High fat content in comparison to carbs is essential for ketosis to occur, which in turn helps the body to enter a metabolic state known as ketosis. Once in ketosis, the body’s hormonal profile is altered and the body starts burning fats rather than carbs for energy.
When in ketosis, the body does not have access to carbohydrates for energy, making the ketogenic diet perfectly suited to anyone wanting to lose weight. However, as with most fad diets, there are several misconceptions surrounding the keto diet. First, it is not entirely clear whether or not the ketogenic diet is actually healthy. While research has suggested that following the ketogenic diet may be associated with several health benefits, further and independent research is needed to establish the diet’s exact advantages and disadvantages. Second, while in some cases the ketogenic diet may be effective for weight loss, it is by no means a universal solution.
How Does the Ketogenic Diet Work?
If you are unfamiliar, when you consume foods with a high water content, you stay hydrated. The same principle applies to the ketogenic diet. When you eat food items high in fat and low in carbohydrates, you create a calorie deficit, causing you to lose weight. In some cases, the diet may even cause the body to enter a state of ketosis, which is characterized by a higher fat content in the blood and urine. The ketogenic diet is highly effective at creating a calorie deficit and many people find that it is especially helpful for people who want to lose weight.
What are the Macronutrients in the Ketogenic Diet?
In addition to being low in carbohydrates and high in fats, the ketogenic diet is also low in proteins. Consuming protein-rich foods, such as meat, can help speed up the digestion process and provide the body with the necessary amino acids for growth and repair. However, the low protein intake may also have contributed to the development of malnutrition in people following the diet. The lack of protein also makes it harder for the body to repair and maintain proper muscle tone, especially after a long day of not eating. For this reason, it is advisable to eat eggs, lentils, and beans as part of your diet to make sure you have enough protein. The egg, for example, provides a good source of vitamin B12 as well as zinc and iron. These three nutrients are essential for the body’s normal functioning.
What are the Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet?
One of the primary disadvantages of the ketogenic diet is that it may be difficult to follow. Since the majority of the foods consumed have a high fat content, it can be difficult for the body to store the calories as efficiently as possible. This can lead to weight gain and an increase in cholesterol levels if unhealthy dietary habits are adopted. The other major disadvantage of the ketogenic diet is that it may not be suited for everyone’s dietary needs.
If you have a history of heart disease or diabetes in your family, you should consult your doctor before starting any diet, especially one that is high in fat. Your doctor may advise you to follow a diet that is less harmful to your health, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
What are the Advantages of the Ketogenic Diet?
From a health standpoint, there are numerous advantages to the ketogenic diet. First, it may be helpful for people with diabetes, as the high fat content in the diet helps to improve glycemic control. Second, research has shown that people who follow the diet may have a heightened sense of awareness regarding their health and the health of those around them. Third, since the ketogenic diet is high in fats, it may also help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Finally, it is easy to prepare and offers variety in the way that it can be followed. The majority of the foods needed to generate a ketogenic diet are easily available and cheap, which makes it a popular choice for households around the world.
Many people are turning to the ketogenic diet because it fits easily into their everyday life. Instead of worrying about whether or not they will have access to a gym or the motivation to go for a run, they can eat what they want when they want and lose weight as a byproduct. This is in part because the ketogenic diet reduces cravings, which may in turn make it easier for people to control their appetites. Finally, since it is so easy to prepare and adhere to, it may help to improve the overall quality of life for people who choose it as a lifestyle change rather than as a short-term weight loss diet.
The Rise in Popularity of the Ketogenic Diet
The popularity of the ketogenic diet has risen dramatically in recent years and it now has a following around the world. In 2020 alone, 9 million copies of the Atkins Diet Cookbook were sold, proving just how popular the diet has become. In the UK, one in every five people are now following a diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, with many people opting for the ketogenic diet as an easy way to lose weight. In the US, the number of people following the diet increased by 22% in 2019 and now stands at 16 million, including 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men. The ketogenic diet is also becoming a popular choice for parents who want to lose weight before the birth of their child.
Although the ketogenic diet is a popular choice for those looking to lose weight, many people are unaware of just how effective it can be. Many followers of the diet have managed to lose significant amounts of weight and many successful stories can be found on social media platforms like Twitter, where people following the ketogenic diet share their experiences and the results they have achieved.
Why is the Keto Diet So Popular?
Since the ketogenic diet is a popular choice for those wanting to lose weight, it is important to understand why it has attained such widespread recognition. Here are some of the reasons.
1. Celebrities Endorse it.
Thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Megan Markle, who have both publicly backed the diet and made it a central part of their lifestyle, the ketogenic diet is now becoming a fashionable option for people who want to lose weight. In 2020 alone, Kim Kardashian released two cookbooks – one for fast food restaurants and one for home cooking – demonstrating how easy it is to fit the diet into your everyday life. However, while the diet may be fashionable and easy to follow, it is still a fad diet and should be treated as such.
2. It is Easy to Prepare.
The ketogenic diet is fairly simple to prepare and does not require too much thought or preparation on your part. Many followers of the diet suggest that it is easier to follow because you do not need to prepare special meals or snacks to adhere to the diet. Unlike other fad diets, you simply need to avoid eating carbohydrates and instead focus on consuming high-fat foods. This may also contribute to the diet’s popularity among parents who want to lose weight before the birth of their child. Since they will not have access to a kitchen once their baby arrives, having easy recipes to follow may be a boon.
3. It Works for Some People.
While the ketogenic diet is not suited for everyone’s dietary needs, it has proven to be quite effective for several people around the world. If you are interested in trying the diet for weight loss, you should speak to your doctor first to see if it is right for you. Your doctor may be able to advise you on whether or not the diet will be suitable for your health in general. If you are not sure whether or not the diet will be suitable for your needs, then you should not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.