What Is The Ketogenic Diet?
You may or may not have heard about the ketogenic diet, which is often referred to as the “keto diet” or a “high fat low carb diet.”
It’s rapidly gaining in popularity and for good reason. Studies show amazing health benefits and it’s becoming the “go-to” diet for weight loss as well.
Years ago when I was struggling with anxiety and chronic fatigue I was trying every special eating plan out there and what ended up working the best for me was a low carb, high healthy fat, high protein diet, which interestingly enough is just what the keto diet is all about!
How Does The Ketogenic Diet Work?
Our bodies generally use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. Glucose is the easiest molecule for your body to use for energy and because of this, your fat molecules are not needed and end up getting stored.
You can put your body into a Ketogenic state or “ketosis” by restricting carbohydrates and increasing protein and healthy fats so that your body won’t have glucose to burn for energy and will instead use fat molecules as energy, which helps you lose weight among other things!
Honestly weight loss is just a great side effect.
The thing I love most about a ketogenic inspired diet is the balanced blood sugar I have, which helps me feel more relaxed and energized! This is seriously revolutionary for any mom!!
When you are in “ketosis” your body produces fuel molecules called “ketones”. Ketones are an alternative fuel for the body that are used when glucose is running low. Ketones are produced when you eat very few carbs and some protein.
Your liver produces ketones in the liver, from fat. From the liver they are then used as fuel throughout the entire body, including your brain!
Even though your brain is only about 5% of your body weight is uses 20% of the calories you consume, which means that the brain is incredibly sensitive to poor nutrition! I will write more on the brain/emotional benefits of “going keto” in an upcoming article.
The fastest way to get there is by fasting, which isn’t sustainable of course but you also produce some ketones by exercising.
Is There Another Way To Get Into Ketosis?
More recently there is an amazing new way to get more ketones into your body and reduce the hassle of adhering to a strict ketogenic diet. I’m experimenting with a new product and am LOVING it. I can’t tell you how much it’s increased my energy and balanced my mood!!
It’s been life changing!
I have much more to write on this subject. If you’d like to learn anything specific about the Ketogenic diet please comment below. I will be covering frequently asked questions, what you are and are not allowed to eat, the various health benefits, recipes and more! Stay tuned! This summer is going to be filled with tons of great Ketogenic info!!
I’d love for you to schedule a complimentary 10 minute health coaching call! My passion is helping women heal their bodies from stress, anxiety and depression through nutrition, and many lifestyle adjustments. If you are not already a client then you can take advantage of this one time FREE 15 minute consultation. Click below to reserve your chat! I can’t wait to help you:)
FREE 15 Minute Health Coaching Call
xo,
Hannah
