What Is Keto Diet? Should You Do It?

What Is Keto Diet?

Keto or ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet.  It entails significantly reducing carbohydrate intake while simultaneously increasing fat intake.

The ketogenic diet works by replacing carbohydrates with fat as the primary energy source for the body. Typically, the Keto diet comprises a maximum of 5% carbs and 60%-75% fats enabling the body to trigger ketosis[1].

Ketosis is a state of metabolism where fat is turned into ketones and used as a fuel source in place of glucose. Low carbohydrate intake means no glucose for instant energy; hence, the body must shift metabolism and burn fat instead[2].

There are up to 10 different varieties of Keto diets with the same principles but different approaches. These include:

Note, however, that research into the Keto diet is focused on Standard Keto Diet and High-protein Keto Diet, as does this article. While the above Keto variations give you options, there is minimal research into the long-term effectiveness.

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How Does Keto Diet Work?

To understand how the Ketogenic diet works, we need to understand the body’s metabolism process.

The body relies on glucose or blood sugar as its primary source of energy. Glucose is produced when carbs are broken down during digestion.

Glucose is an instant source of energy and is absorbed into the bloodstream immediately. Excess glucose, however, is converted to fat or adipose tissue and stored in the body for future use.

During low glucose states like fasting or prolonged exercise, the body breaks down the stored away fat for energy. The switch in energy source from glucose to fatty acid is known as Ketosis.

Now you know where the Keto diet gets its name from.

When ketosis is triggered by natural causes such as diet, the process is referred to as Physiologic ketosis. Physiologic Ketosis is safe for you because the acid-base homeostasis in the body is maintained.

During Ketosis, there is an elevation of ketone body fatty acids in the blood in response to low glucose levels. The liver produces the ketone bodies through ketogenesis, which occurs in the mitochondrial liver cells.

Ketone bodies are used as an alternative energy source for body cells and organs, including the brain.

The low carb intake required for the Keto diet naturally forces the body into a state of Ketosis known as nutritional ketosis. Burning adipose tissue for energy explains why the Keto diet is effective for weight loss.

Once you start on the Keto diet, Ketosis is usually triggered within three to seven days. Therefore, the key to reaping maximum health benefits from the Keto diet is maintaining the Ketosis state.

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What Food Can I Eat on the Keto Diet?

As a general principle, the macronutrient composition of a proper Keto meal is:

The limited carbohydrate consumption can appear to be quite restrictive because all the good stuff is carbs. Imagining a life without pasta, potatoes, or pastries can paint a rather grim culinary picture.

Carbs aside, however, there are still plenty of awesome food groups to make delicious meals with and fuel your body. Below are some healthy, tasty, and versatile food types you can enjoy while on a Keto Diet.

1. Seafood and Fish

Seafood and fish are rich in protein and packed with other nutrients like Vitamin B and potassium. In addition, fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids [7].

Some health benefits associated with omega 3 include increased insulin sensitivity and improved mental health.

Note, however, that some shellfish have trace amounts of carbs in their composition. Therefore, you may want to factor in the shellfish carb content when making your meal plans.

2. Non-starchy vegetables

In a Keto diet, low carb vegetables are preferable to starchy root vegetables. Above ground, vegetables have lower net carbs and are rich in Vitamin C, iron, and fibre.

Plenty of fibre in Keto meals is important because it slows down digestion allowing you to feel full for longer. In addition, non-starchy vegetables are also rich in antioxidants that protect body cells from damage [9].

Low carb vegetables are also great substitutes for tasty comfort carbs. Zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash, for instance, can replace pasta and spaghetti.

Other great non-starchy vegetables for the Keto diet include spinach, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, and cauliflower. That should give you plenty to work with.

3. Butter and Cream

Both butter and cream only contain trace amounts of carbs but are loaded with good fats. They

also contain CLA, which is associated with weight loss [10]

4. Cheese

Cheese is a textbook example of Keto-friendly food. It is high in fat, has close to zero carbs, and has the bonus of being quite tasty.

Other nutritional elements associated with cheese include calcium which is great for muscle mass and strength. Cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), linked to weight loss and general body wellness.[11]

5. Lean Meat and Poultry

Poultry and lean meat from grass-fed livestock are rich sources of high-quality protein. They are also rich in Vitamin B and minerals, including potassium, zinc, and selenium.

Meat is essential in low-carb diets like Keto because it helps preserve body muscle.

Meat from grass-fed livestock also contains higher CLA, anti-oxidants, and omega 3 compared to meat from grain-fed livestock. Therefore, you may want to consider this when shopping for your meat[12].

6. Avocado

Avocado is the poster child for the Keto diet. I bet every time you have searched keto diet online, and you must have seen an avocado.

Well, that is because avocados are super healthy. They are low in carbs but rich in fibre, mono-saturated fats, vitamins, and minerals like potassium.

Avocados have also been linked to improved cholesterol. They help reduce LDL or bad cholesterol while simultaneously increasing HDL, which is the good cholesterol, by up to 11%[8].

If you want to go vegetarian, avocado can also be a great substitute for animal fat.

7. Eggs

Eggs are another Keto diet staple. They are low in carbs and are rich in quality proteins.

Eggs are also rich in Vitamin D and other nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin, and antioxidants. Moreover, although eggs have high cholesterol, they have been proven to modify LDL, hence reducing the shape of heart disease[13].

Other health benefits of eggs include improved eye health. Eggs also make one feel full for longer, enabling better appetite control hence lowering calorie intake.

8. Natural Healthy Oils

Healthy oils and fats are an essential part of the Keto diet because they are burnt for fuel. Therefore, coconut oil and olive oil are highly recommended for a Ketogenic diet.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are easily taken up by the liver and converted to ketones to produce instant energy[14].

Coconut oil also helps with weight loss.

Olive oil is a healthy mono-saturated fat ideal for the keto diet. In addition, it contains oleic acid, which has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Extra virgin olive oil is also rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation while improving arterial function[15].

9. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are low-carb, high-fat, and incredibly healthy. They are also rich in fibre.

Nuts and seeds like almonds, cashew, pecans, macadamia, walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are great snack options while on the keto diet.

The health benefits of nuts and seeds include healthy ageing and a reduced risk of heart disease.

10. Plain Yoghurt

Plain yoghurt is low in carbs but rich in protein.

Yoghurt makes one feel full for longer. Plain Greek yoghurt is also a healthy Keto diet snack.

11. Berries

Berries are a saving grace for the keto diet. Unlike other fruits, they are low on sugar and rich in fibre.

Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are also rich in antioxidants[16].

12. Butter and cream

Both butter and cream only contain trace amounts of carbs but are loaded with good fats. They also contain CLA, which is associated with weight loss.

13. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are powerful antioxidants.  They also contain flavanols that reduce the risk of heart disease[17].

Dark chocolate contains between 3-10g of carbs per ounce. So you may want to factor that into your meal plan.

14.  Unsweetened tea and coffee

Here are some beverages of choice to quench your thirst while on keto. Tea and coffee are both carb-free.

They also contain caffeine which is a stimulant for mental alertness. A dash of heavy cream in your coffee is great for Keto.

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What Foods Should I Avoid on a Keto Diet?

To keep your body in nutritional ketosis, there are some foods you should never touch.

Ideally, some of them might be healthy. For the Keto diet, however, they have too many carbs and will interfere with ketosis.

1. Grains

Grains like oats, barley, wheat, sorghum, rice, or rye are high-carb. Therefore, foods made from these grains, including brown bread and brown pasta, are not pro keto. 

2. Fruits

While fruits are usually considered healthy, they have too many carbs and sugar for the keto diet. So anything from apples and pears to mangoes and pineapples just won’t cut it.

Dried fruits like dates and raisins as well as fruit juice smoothies will have to go too.

You can, however, opt for low glycemic fruits like the berries discussed above. Lemons and limes are good for the Keto diet too.

3. Starchy vegetables

High-carb vegetables, while generally healthy, have too many carbs and not enough fibre. Fibre is important in the Keto diet as it helps with digestion and keeps you fuller for longer.

The culprits here are mostly below ground vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, beets, and cassava. Peas and artichokes are also starchy, so avoid them too.

4. Legumes

Legumes are nutritious, high-quality proteins. But they have too many carbs hence are not pro ketosis.

Avoid eating chickpeas, all types of beans, and lentils

5. Processed meat

Processed meat may contain hidden carbs infused during production. Check the package for nutritional information before purchasing processed meat, or avoid them altogether.

6. Honey

Although hone is the most natural food on earth, it just has too much sugar for keto.

7. Beverages

You will have to give up a lot of beverages. No sweetened tea or coffee, soda, ales, juices, smoothies, vitamin water, tonic water, or hot chocolate.

You can have as much water as you want, though. A slice of lemon or lime in your water is ok.

Unsweetened tea or coffee is also acceptable.

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Health Benefits of Keto Diet

Scientific research into the Keto diet has linked the diet to the following health benefits.

1. Weight loss

The Keto diet is rich in fibre and low in carbs letting one feel fuller for longer and limiting calorie intake. The fat-burning mechanism will also help one lose unnecessary visceral fat.

Research into weight-loss diets has shown that low-carb diets like Keto are more effective than low-fat diets. In addition, people on low-carb diets have more dramatic weight loss results over shorter periods[18].

2. Improved cholesterol

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are good fats, while low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are bad fats. The higher your HDL levels are relative to your LDL levels, the lower your risk of heart diseases and vice versa.

Fat is a better source of HDL compared to carbs. That’s why a high-fat keto diet is good for the heart.

Smaller particles of LDL mean higher LDL levels in the blood and thus greater risk of heart disease how the Keto diet works are that it morphs the LDL particles making them larger but fewer[19].

Fewer LDL particles mean reduced LDL levels in the blood hence reduced risk of heart disease.

3. Reduced blood sugar and insulin

Scientific research shows that reducing the amount of carbohydrates ingested drastically reduces blood sugar and lowers insulin levels[20].

People with type II diabetes on the Keto diet can reduce their medication by up to 50%. However, if you are on medication, ensure that you consult your doctor before taking up any diets.

Apart from the above general health benefits, the Keto diet has also been proved to be efficient in managing the following health conditions:

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Will Keto Diet Help Me Lose Weight?

There is plenty of research and user testimonials that prove that Keto diet can indeed aid weight loss.

When you go on a keto diet, you have to cut down your carbohydrate intake drastically. Switching carbs for fibre-rich vegetables and quality protein will leave you feeling fuller for longer.

Feeling full will help you manage your calorie intake hence stop you from gaining weight.

Second, when the body is in a state of ketosis, it burns fat to produce ketones for energy. The body not only burns the fat available in your diet, but it also burns visceral fat.

Visceral fat is the unwanted fat deposited around the abdominal area. If you strictly adhere to the keto diet, all that flabbiness will go away.

There are plenty of testimonials about dramatic weight loss in just three to six months from people on the keto diet. However, there isn’t enough research into the long-term effects of the keto diet on weight loss.

Also, our bodies respond differently to different situations. So while keto can help with weight loss, it wouldn’t hurt to manage your expectations.

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Is There Any Health Risk?

The Keto diet is generally safe because nutritional ketosis is a natural process and has no potential harm to the body. In addition, the nutritious foods recommended for the keto diet will also help in the overall well-being of the body.

However, some people may suffer some side effects or two, especially on the keto journey. Here are some symptoms to watch out for.

Keto may put people with pre-existing conditions at greater risk too. If you have pre-existing conditions, consult your doctor before starting a keto diet.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should consult the doctor, too, before starting any diet plans.

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How to Start the Keto Diet

The most difficult part of any diet is always starting. Keto is no different.

While starting a Keto diet is no easy feat, here are a few things you can do to get you into the zone.

1. Know what to eat

The Keto diet is rather restrictive. There are so many ordinarily healthy foods that you cannot eat.

Find out which foods are pro keto and which ones aren’t.

It is not just about the quality of food; it is the quantity too. You can always look for a keto calculator to help you define your macronutrients and food quantities.

2. Have a meal plan

Now that you know what to eat determine what you will have for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. Having a meal plan will help you achieve your macronutrient and calorie requirements for the day.

3. Grocery shopping

Your diet has changed, so should the contents of your pantry. Buy only the food types that you will need to avoid temptations.

When shopping, check the nutritional information on products to avoid carb-rich products.

4. Meal Prep

While on a diet, convenience is key. Introduce convenience to your lifestyle by making meals in advance and freezing them for later.

You can also opt for easy prep meals like salads.

5. Know the side effects

Keto Flu may be harder on some than others, but it will occur. Be mentally prepared for it so that it doesn’t crush you.

One way of managing keto flu is by upping your electrolytes. Since the body produces more urine while in ketosis, consume more sodium and potassium to keep your electrolytes in check. 

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Typical Keto Diet Meal Plans

There are plenty of resources to help you with your keto meal planning. You can find 7-day, 14-day, and even 28-day meal plans.

Here is a typical 7-day keto meal plan.

A pro keto tip: eating the same breakfast will make it easier for you. Always rotate the meats because each provides different nutrients.

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FAQs

Can Keto diet prevent or control diabetes?

The Keto diet has been proven to lower blood sugar and insulin levels significantly. Low insulin levels reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes who are on the keto diet have reduced their medication dosage by up to 50%. However, if you have type 2 diabetes, you have to consult a doctor before making any decisions.

Does Keto diet allow for restrictions and preferences?

There are different types of the keto diet. So yes, you can select a keto diet plan that will accommodate your dietary restrictions and lifestyle preferences.

Is Keto diet nutritious?

While the keto diet restricts the intake of starchy carbs and sugars, it encourages other quality foods. Foods like leafy vegetables, cheeses, lean meat, poultry, seeds, and nuts are packed with vital vitamins and minerals.

So yes, the Keto diet is nutritious.

How much weight can you lose in a month of Keto?

It depends. There is no straight answer on how much weight you can lose over a specific period while on a Keto diet. This is because different people respond differently to the diet.

Can you lose belly fat on Keto?

The Keto diet has been proven to burn visceral fats. Visceral fats tend to lodge themselves between organs in the abdominal area.

The abdomen is the most difficult part of the body to get rid of fat, even with exercise. But because when the body is in ketosis, it can burn visceral fat too[29].

Note, however, that while the body burns fat while in ketosis, the weight loss is not targeted. So you have to wait and see if you lose belly fat.

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Summary

Keto diet sounds enticing, especially for people looking to lose weight and or improve their general metabolism. There are testimonials as well as research to back up the weight-loss claims. 

Like with any other diet, it is not simple because it requires a lifestyle overhaul. When starting keto, ensure that you are in a frame of mind that will accommodate the drastic dietary changes.

While keto has been purported to improve the management of certain illnesses like diabetes and Alzheimer’s, there isn’t enough research into the claims. If you have a pre-existing condition, please consult your doctor first before trying out the diet.

Apart from keto flu while transitioning to ketosis, keto is generally safe and healthy. The keto diet is a great lifestyle option even for people seeking to adopt healthier habits.

Related:

• What is intermittent fasting? Should you do it?
• What is The Mediterannean diet? Should you do it?

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