In the world of weight-loss diets, low-carbohydrate, high-protein eating plans often grab attention. The Paleo, South Beach, and Atkins diets all fit into that category. They are sometimes referred to as ketogenic or “keto” diets. But a true ketogenic diet is different. And it’s not the type of diet to try as an experiment. While it also has been tried for weight loss, only short-term results have been studied, and the results have been mixed. We don’t know if it works in the long term, nor whether it’s safe,” warns registered dietitian Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Maurishire Akabidavis, 26, stumbled into the keto diet the way most people did in —on the internet and in conversation with friends. The low-carb, high-fat eating plan had been touted as a successful weight loss method by celebrities like Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian and Vanessa Hudgens. Like the product of any echo chamber, Maurishire quickly became convinced that she should join the masses. The keto diet seemed like a great way for Maurishire to finally take control of her eating habits. It provided strict guidelines that left little room for deviation and had a widely-known reputation for rapid fat loss. But one year later, Maurishire is among the many ex-keto dieters to express dissent for the highly restrictive eating plan. A typical ketogenic diet focuses on cutting down carbs and upping your fat intake to force your body to use fat as a form of energy, says Scott Keatley, RD, of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy.
With Michael J. Goss, PhD, RD. Given all the buzz, adopting a ketogenic diet may be the perfect weight loss plan, especially if you have diabetes, or want to try this approach to lose those troublesome extra pounds. Another advantage to the keto diet: It can help reduce systemic inflammation, which can have a variety of negative effects on your entire body. You can create meals that are appealing and delicious when following a keto diet. Photo: rf. Unlike some of the other popular low-carb diets, which typically are high in animal protein, the keto diet focuses on getting to the body to burn stored body fat instead of sugar as the main fuel. When body fat is broken down in the liver instead of glucose, s an energy byproduct known as ketones are produced. While like any diet, you need to find the right proportion and balance of macronutrients ie, fat, protein, carbs in order for your body to begin burning accumulated fat rather than stored glucose. The amount of fat you eat when following a keto diet is quite a bit higher than on most other diets.