Most Common Questions About the Keto Diet

Curious About Keto? Common Keto Diet Questions

Whether you’ve tried Keto or not, you’ve most certainly heard about it because it’s become a popular diet/lifestyle for many over the past several years. It’s often compared to having similarities with the Atkins diet. I’ve compiled a list of the most common keto diet questions in hopes to answer any questions you might have about it.

 

Common Keto Diet Questions:

What Is a Keto Diet?

Keto is short for ketogenic, which essentially means a low-carb diet. So the keto diet focuses on a low carb intake but a high fat and protein intake. I prefer to call it a Keto lifestyle but you can call it whatever you’d like!

 

Reducing your carbohydrate intake forces your body to take fuel from stored fat instead of the sugar/glucose that comes from carbohydrates your body normally uses. When you reduce carbs like this it puts your body in a metabolic state called ketosis. When this happens your body then starts burning fat for energy. It then also turns fat into something called ketones in your liver which is known to supply energy for your brain.

 

The standard keto diet is often used for weight reduction but various studies show it can be beneficial for a number of other medical conditions.

 

Where Does the Keto Diet Originate From?

The ketogenic diet was developed by Dr. Russel Wilder at the Mayo Clinic in 1924. It was originally meant to be a potential solution for those with epilepsy. It was a popular treatment for about two decades until anticonvulsant medications were created. Those who are medication-resistant still go keto in hopes to treat their epilepsy.

 

Now, people often turn to keto not just because of issues with epilepsy, but many believe it helps reign in issues such as diabetes because it lowers blood sugar and insulin levels. Others believe it also helps in fighting against heart disease.

 

However, if you plan to make a lifestyle change like this, the first thing you want to do is check in with your doctor first. They can tell you if this change is right for you based on your body’s specific needs. In matter of fact, it’s a good idea to see your doctor on a more regular basis if you are concerned about your health, whether that means your risk for cardiovascular disease or concern for your blood sugar levels.

 

How Is a Keto Diet Supposed to Work for Weight Loss?

Many people try a low carb diet like keto for weight loss because (as mentioned before) it pushes the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates. It’s become popular because many people do see results. 

 

What Are the Health Benefits of Keto?

Short answer? A ketogenic diet can lead to rapid weight loss when you first start. This is because cutting carbs helps aid in cutting excess water from your body. This lowers your insulin levels. If you struggle with health issues related to your body fat, losing weight will help with those issues. It should increase your levels of good cholesterol and reduce triglycerides in your bloodstream that are a risk factor for heart disease.

 

Does a Keto Diet Have Side Effects?

A common side effect of a low carb diet like keto is “keto flu”. When you cut carbs your body goes into a state of ketosis. While this means your body is burning fat for energy, it means your brain is transitioning from how your body was previously using its energy.

 

Keto flu symptoms include fatigue, nausea, headaches, and muscle aches. After about the first week or two of your body getting used to the low carbohydrate intake, these symptoms should eventually go away.

 

To learn about other risk factors specific to you, seek medical advice from your doctor before starting your low-carb diet.

 

What Do People Eat on Keto?

Just like any diet, your specific food intake is important. Common foods people eat on Keto include:

• Eggs—With eggs it’s all about being a source of healthy protein and low in carbohydrates.
• Cheese—Cheese is great because it’s high in protein compared to carbohydrates and a great source of calcium.
• Seafood/Salmon—Seafood is great because it often provides protein and much needed omega-3 fatty acids.
• Meat and poultry—You never want to have too much protein so finding the right balance will optimize your chance at losing the body fat you want to get rid of.
• Vegetables—Green vegetables are a good thing! Just stay away from starchy ones.
• Nuts and Seeds—These small snacks are great for a high-fat diet because they are healthy fats.
• Coffee + Half and Half—Stay away from artificial sweeteners though.
• Dark Chocolate—That’s right. Even a small amount of dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth is okay since it’s often made with more cocoa and less sugar. They are also a great source for antioxidants. 

 

Food to Avoid on Keto

• Potatoes—Stay away from starchy vegetables (like corn and squash too).
• Sugary Foods—Cutting out sugary foods is an essential part to any diet if you’re looking to lose body weight.
• Bread/Pasta—If you’ve made it this far, this one should be obvious, since eliminating breads and pasta are essential to a successful low-carbohydrate diet.
• Alcohol—This may be a tough one for some of you but it is definitely beneficial to cut this out.

 

My website has tons of Keto-friendly recipes you can try out so you don’t feel this diet or lifestyle is limiting!

 

The Best Keto Chicken Recipes 

Keto Stuffed Hot Peppers

Coffee & Hazelnut Keto Ice Cream

Cheesy Keto Crab Cakes

 

Common Keto Diet Questions: Other Keto Questions?

If you have other keto questions, check in with your medical professional and/or nutritionist. Getting approval from your medial professional who is aware of your medical needs is important. One thing an article can’t tell you is if this diet or lifestyle will be ideal for you. The best way to come up with a plan of action for your health or lifestyle needs is starting at the doctor’s office.

 

The good news is, no matter what your body type, there are a handful of things you can do to ensure you are priming your body for optimal success. Such as, eating more whole foods, up your water intake, and increasing your activity level. What are your favorite ways to keep your body healthy?

 

Has this ‘Common Keto Diet Questions’ article helped you learn more about going keto? If you’re looking for more keto tips or recipes to help you along your journey to keto success, be sure to check out my Youtube and Instagram too!