The so-called Keto Diet is back in fashion, but what is it? Furthermore, is it the end-all, be-all solution for those who are interested in losing a few pounds?

What’s the Hype Around the Keto Diet?

Celebrities such as Halle Berry and Vanessa Hudgens are obsessed with the Keto Diet, but why (“These 5 Celebrities Are Obsessed With The Ketogenic Diet,” 2018)? It could be because of all of the cheese – yes, cheese.

Keto stands for ketosis, a process that the body goes through in which it burns stored fat (hence, the weight loss). The Keto Diet involves reducing your intake of carbohydrates and eating healthy fats (“What is Keto? Trendy Diet Allows for Plenty of Cheese and Fat,” 2018).

“Mostly, I encourage my patients to eat according to their appetites,” says Pegah Jalali, a doctor at the New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. “Your body can be in a ketogenic state at a range of calorie levels, and individual needs fluctuate day to day depending on activity and other factors.”

What Exactly is the Keto Diet?

If you choose to participate in a Keto Diet, you will eat approximately 80 percent fat and little-to-no carbohydrates. Some of the staples of a Keto Diet are fish, meat, eggs, dairy, oils and green vegetables (“What Exactly Is the Keto Diet, and Is It Safe?,” 2018).

When you first begin the Keto Diet, you may go through what some call the “Keto Flu.” Brain fog, nausea, and fatigue are all side effects of your body transitioning into ketosis, and they typically go away after a few days.

During the digestive process, our body breaks down carbohydrates. When it’s low on carbohydrates, the body looks for other forms of energy. The Keto Diet essentially forces fat to be released from our cells and turned into ketones, which can be used by the body for energy instead of carbohydrates.

Is The Keto Diet Right for Me?

Only you and your doctor can decide if the Keto Diet is something worth trying. It’s always best to consult a medical professional before adopting any new diet. Together, you can determine what your individual body needs in terms of vitamins and nutrients on a regular basis.

References

Hughes, Locke. “These 5 Celebrities Are Obsessed With The Ketogenic Diet.” Retrieved March 19, 2018 from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/g16641173/keto-diet-celebrities/.

Matthews, Melissa. “What is Keto? Trendy Diet Allows for Plenty of Cheese and Fat.” Retrieved March 19, 2018, from http://www.newsweek.com/what-keto-trendy-diet-allows-plenty-cheese-and-fat-842745.

Morgan, Kate. “What Exactly Is the Keto Diet, and Is It Safe?” Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.thecut.com/2018/01/what-is-keto-diet-foods-carbs-safety.html.