Are you thinking about changing your eating habits? Are you interested in the ketogenic diet recommended by a colleague? Learn about the pros and cons of the keto diet and decide if you want to eat completely differently than before!
The ketogenic diet has recently become very popular. Nutrition according to the principles of keto significantly affects the metabolic processes in the human body. In the keto diet we completely give up bread, pasta, porridge or potatoes, for example. Instead of these products, we consume, perhaps surprisingly, mainly fats. Why exactly them? It turns out that large amounts of them do not make us fat at all. Excess fat in the diet causes ketosis. This is a state in which the body obtains energy from already stored fat. The discovery of this relationship is a real revolution.
When switching to a ketogenic diet, we must prepare to consume fats in really large quantities. We must also be ready to completely eliminate carbohydrates. It is a mistake during the keto diet to eat meals that contain sugar. Fruits and vegetables are allowed in really small amounts. Ideal meals are those that contain fatty meat, fish, oils, cream and nuts.
We should choose unrefined, cold-pressed fats. Olive oil and avocado oil are also our base. A fruit that may (by way of exception) appear on our plate is avocado. As for vegetables, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers are allowed.
First of all, the undisputed advantage of the keto diet is weight loss. By eating according to the principles of this diet, we will lower blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels in the body. Ketosis is used in the treatment of epilepsy. Sometimes it is also used in diabetics. Studies indicate that the keto diet has a positive effect on diseases such as Alzhaimer’s and Parkinson’s. Patients who suffer from brain tumors, frequent migraines and sleep disorders also, can successfully introduce this dietary model.
The ketogenic diet will not work for everyone. Many people will find it difficult to strictly follow its rules. In addition, some people are not quite able to compose a variety of high-fat meals. Learning new eating habits requires a strong will and takes a long time.
The problem faced by those switching to a ketogenic diet is the lack of sugar in their daily diet. The lack of fruits and vegetables in our daily menu is also a disadvantage. It is worth taking properly selected supplements to support our bodies. Some people also struggle with persistent constipation, the source of which is the lack of fiber in the diet.
Wanting to go on a ketogenic diet, it is a good idea to consult a doctor or nutritionist. Failure to follow the diet can lead to ketoacidosis. This is dangerous for our health. Keto should not be used in obese people. Under no circumstances should the keto diet be used by people with kidney, pancreas and liver problems. It is these organs that have to cope with the new metabolism and the release of ketone bodies in much larger quantities than before. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also not think about keto.
main photo: unsplash.com/David B Townsend
