Your body needs energy to function, but did you know your body favors one kind of energy source over the other? It automatically grabs carbs, leaving any extra proteins and fats to be stored for later. A keto diet helps you make full use of those neglected energy sources so you can increase your energy, lose weight, and enjoy various health benefits! Read through our Keto 101 guide to learn the basics about beginning a keto diet journey.
What is Keto?
A Keto diet is also known as a “Very Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet.”
(VLCKD) or shortened to a Ketogenic diet. It is where carbohydrates are drastically reduced, and the intake of fats and proteins is increased. This pushes the body to convert fats into energy in place of the missing carbs.
The earliest use of the Keto diet dates back to the 1920s. It was originally used to treat epileptic patients, and in some severe cases, it was reported there was a 30% to 40% drop in seizure episodes. The diet is still used to this day for patients suffering from epileptic seizures.
The keto diet also acts as a way for healthy people to jumpstart a sluggish metabolism or lose a few pounds. If done well with the aid of a nutritionist and
meal planner, people can stay on the diet for a year or more.
How Does the Keto Diet Work?
Insulin in your body leads to the breakdown of carbs into glucose for energy. When the carbohydrates are reduced, insulin levels drop. Your body breaks down stored fats as an alternative energy source.
The keto diet works by restricting your carbs to under 50 grams a day to enter ketosis (without depriving your body of essential glucose levels). This very-low-carb restriction is considerably healthier for your body than a full fast, and it allows you to stay in ketosis longer before you have to increase your carb intake again.
What are the Benefits of a Keto Diet?
Aside from burning those extra winter and COVID pounds, keto diets have a wide range of health benefits. Studies on the therapeutic benefits of a keto diet show that when it is done right, a keto diet may help:
- Reduce cancer risk
- Reduce the risk and better control Type 2 diabetes
- Reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures
- Reduced the risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease
What Foods Can I Eat on a Keto Diet?
A typical Keto diet is high in fats, moderate in proteins, and very low in carbohydrates. Here are some typical foods in a keto diet.
- Meats
- Fish
- Butter
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Heavy Cream
- Oil
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Seeds
- Low carb greens for fiber and essential vitamins
Work with a qualified nutritionist and meal planner to avoid nutrition gaps!
What is the Easiest Way to Start a Keto Diet?
The easiest way to start a keto diet is to find a keto-friendly meal plan delivery service, like what we offer here at Farm Fresh. You’ll get fresh, well-balanced, and pre-portioned meals ready to heat up and eat. It is the best way to ensure you get the right foods and nutrition during your diet, especially if you are just starting.
Are you in the San Diego or Orange County areas? Farm Fresh Meals offers individual keto-friendly meal plans to fit your needs. Let’s
customize your keto meal plan!