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Fun fact: Keto diet has been in use since the 19th century to help in the management of a host of disorders like pediatric epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, and even in managing Alzheimer’s. However, over the years, Keto has been revolutionized to become a revered weight loss approach by many including celebrities and athletes. Imagine a weight-loss strategy where you can still enjoy a sumptuous meal with losing weight as the end goal! Sounds perfect right?
However, this means that you will still have to consult with your physician or doctor for that matter before starting on a keto diet. A Keto diet is not for everyone. This is especially the case if you have other underlying medical conditions that could be exacerbated with such a diet. Don’t try a keto diet if you are pregnant or nursing, have blood sugar issues, thyroid disorders, or a history of kidney disorders to mention but a few. With that in mind, read on to find whether doing Keto is right for you or not.
What Is Keto?
This is a diet consisting of very low carbohydrates, high fat, and protein content. The essence of this diet is to put your body into Ketosis by which your body will instead of breaking down the carbohydrates and as a result of high fats in the diet, your body will produce Ketone bodies as there are no carbs to burn. In layman’s terms, the ketones will be used as fuel rather than carbohydrates.
A Keto diet should comprise fatty and protein-rich foods such as fish, meats, oils, and nuts which can be at times expensive. It’s for this reason that you have an inexpensive way of maintaining your fitness and health goals with keto shakes. Ensure to do your homework by going through online reviews on some of the best shakes that support a keto diet. Most are pocket friendly, game-changing, and they contain natural ingredients that will put you on the all-round Keto diet pronto.
Types of Keto Diets
There are a plethora of Keto diets that are all edged-in at helping you attain Ketosis and can also help to offer other therapeutic gains. They include:
- High Protein KD (HPKD) – As the name suggests, this is a high protein diet and it will be important if you first consult with your doctor to know of the health risks involved before trying it
- Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD) – This keto diet consists of moderate proteins and has been found to be effective and all-rounded
- Cyclical KD/Carb Backloading – In this diet, you’ll have days that you pack on more carbs than others. It’s however important that you follow the diet as prescribed by your dietician
- The targeted keto diet (TKD) – To gain more from this diet, you’ll have to consume carbs that support your workout routines. It’s also a standardized keto diet that’s also effective because it helps to give you the strength to accomplish your daily activities as well as your workouts
The Pros and Cons of a Keto Diet
As earlier mentioned, you’ll want to do your homework by conducting extensive research on some of the most effective keto diets out there. Additionally, knowing the caveats and health benefits associated with this diet will help you to make sound decisions on the same. Let’s take a look at both the pros and cons of the keto diet.
Pros
- Boosts metabolism and aids in the production of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHBs) – Energy molecules produced during Ketosis that protect the cells from oxidative stress
- Versatility – All the ingredients therein are geared towards weight loss as well as other therapeutic properties for the prevention and management of diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and pediatric epilepsy. Additionally, the collagen-rich treats help in muscle, skin, and nails maintenance and will also help to prevent acne.
- You get to enjoy a haughty meal full of fats without having to worry about adding more weight
- Improves women’s health especially those in the childbearing age – Women’s hormonal health varies from one woman to another. A keto diet could help prevent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and also help to reduce insulin resistance, something that could help in improving fertility.
Cons
- Strenuous to sustain due to the strict food and dietary restrictions
- The diet is deficient of other important nutrients such as fiber and vitamins that can be supplied by fresh fruits, veggies, as well as legumes
- The high-fat content can create havoc for your entire cardiovascular system
- Can cause side effects such as kidney complications and dehydration just to point out a few
There you have it! Now it’s up to you to choose the right diet for you; either the diets themselves or in any other forms that they come in such as shakes. Whichever option you go for, be sure to supplement it with some old fashioned workouts for better results. Remember, before you partake in a Keto diet; be sure to consult with your doctor especially if you have certain underlying issues such as kidney disorders.
