The ketogenic diet has been around for centuries, and has recently become popular in the United States and the United Kingdom, with many food companies and recipe websites advertising their keto meals.
But what is it? Well, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This happens as the body enters a phase called ketosis, which typically happens after a few days of eating less than 50g of carbs a day. To put that into context, one jacket potato has over 60g of carbohydrates!
Theoretically, this is a very effective way to lose weight, as you are essentially burning more calories than you are consuming. In fact, many people on the keto diet report losing 10lbs in a month!
In addition to weight loss, keto has also been shown to help improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and even cognitive function. So, if you are looking for a quick way to lose weight, the ketogenic diet may be right for you.
Some people swear by the keto diet, while others think it is just a passing fad. Some even say it is not healthy, particularly in the long run.
So, is the keto diet right for you? In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of the ketogenic diet and help you decide if it is a good fit for your lifestyle!
The pros of the keto diet
Keto can help you lose weight quickly and effectively.
Keto can help improve your cholesterol levels and blood sugar control.
Keto can help improve your cognitive function.
Sufferers of kidney problems may benefit from keto, as it can aid in the sustainability of your kidney’s main functions.
The keto diet is a relatively simple diet plan.
On the face of it, keto looks like the ultimate way to lose weight, and with millions of recipes on the internet offering meal inspiration, you could argue it’s never been easier.
However, there are some disadvantages to the keto diet.
The cons of the ketogenic diet
Keto is a very restrictive diet and like many fad diets, it can be difficult to stick to long-term, and as soon as you eat carbohydrates again, it can be easy to put the weight back on.
Additionally, there are medical risks involved if used long term, with some people suffering kidney stones and osteoporosis.
You may experience keto flu when you first start the diet. The side effects when you first start the keto diet include headaches, fatigue, and nausea, however they are usually temporary and will go away as your body gets used to the diet.
The ketogenic diet is not suitable for everyone as it can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.
So, should you try keto? Ultimately, the decision is up to you! Balancing the risks and benefits is down to your discretion.
If you are looking for a quick way to lose weight, keto could be a good option for you. However, if you have any medical conditions or are not sure if keto is right for you, it is always best to speak with a doctor or registered dietitian before starting any new diet.
Plus, here at Bodyline Clinic, our personalised medical weight loss plans have seen quick and sustainable weight loss in over 100,000 clients. If keto isn’t for you, but you still want to lose weight, get in touch today by calling 0800 995 6036 or filling out an online contact form.
