What You Should Know Before Trying the Keto Diet
The world of fitness is constantly seeing an influx of new diets, most of which are nothing more than fads. Keto diet may have started out as a hyped-up fad, but it has quickly become one of the most popular diets out there.
As it turns out, there are a bunch of benefits to pushing your body into ketosis. That being said, there are some things you need to know before you decide to try the keto diet. Keto may be simple in terms of what you can and can’t eat, but it definitely takes some planning and research.
Understand what Keto Really Means
The whole point of a keto diet is to force your body into a state of ketosis. In other words, you’re trying to deplete your body of glucose to a point where it starts to process fat as energy. Entering ketosis doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some people might experience well-known side effects, although most have no serious issues with the transition. What’s important is that you understand what going into ketosis means before you decide to try this diet. Being prepared for the switch from using glucose to using ketones is imperative, so make sure to do your research and make use of resources like this https://www.drberg.com/ blog so that you can make as informed a decision as possible when it comes to whether or not this diet is right for you.
Find the Right Kind of Foods
The Keto diet is based on eating fats and eliminating cabs. However, that might sound much easier than it actually is. The foods we eat today are complex, especially if you look at processed foods. Building a diet that is completely devoid of carbs might prove to be a challenge.
One of the major mistakes beginner keto practitioners make is to build a weekly menu using foods they haven’t really researched. As a result, they are constantly ingesting small amounts of carbs that serve as a barrier that keeps them from entering ketosis.
Building a healthy keto diet is all about knowing what you’re eating and not completely relying on one or two foods or supplements. Do your research and find the right kinds of foods or the best keto supplements for your plan.
Eat Foods you Actually Enjoy
Speaking of foods, you should really build your diet around foods that you enjoy eating. Don’t force yourself into a dietary plan that involves eating foods you don’t like. Such a plan is only viable on a short-term basis. Doing keto long-term using such a plan isn’t sustainable.
If you find yourself lacking diversity, you can always turn to keto supplements packed with BHB or Beta-Hydroxybutyrate - the main type of ketone that is produced by the liver when it enters ketosis. The experts behind this review of KetoCaNa explain exactly how keto supplements can help with your diet. If these supplements are taken consistently with your new diet, the desired effect may be attained sooner than later.
Expect Weight Loss
Although it’s true that a large portion of those who decide to try keto do so in order to lose weight, that doesn’t apply to everyone. Even though the keto diet in this form has been around only for a few years or so, we have gathered enough data that indicates a strong correlation between keto and weight loss. In fact, if you’re starting a keto diet, you should expect some weight loss no matter what your goals are. Keep in mind that this is normal in most cases.
There are Different Types of Keto Diets
Here’s one fact that most people don’t really know - there are many different types of keto diets. Going on a standard or high protein ketogenic diet is what most people think of when they think keto. However, more recent developments of this diet introduce tactical applications of carbs.
But wait, doesn’t consuming any amount of carbs means that you’re not in ketosis anymore? That is still true. However, bodybuilders and athletes have recognized the benefits of a modified keto diet where they’ll be in ketosis for 5-6 days, only to have 1-2 days of balanced carb diet. The point is that you have some wiggle room. Use it to find a diet that best works for your needs and your preferences.
Take Your Time
Going full keto is usually not something you can do overnight. There has to be a transitional period that will allow your body to get used to keto. Most beginners take time to slowly wean off of carbs. Don’t expect to wake up one day and ditch carbs. That’s a great way to experience the keto flu we’ve mentioned near the beginning of this guide.
Is Keto Safe?
So far all data gathered suggests that the keto diet is fairly safe. However, it’s always worth keeping in mind that we don’t know what the long term effects of keto really are.
This diet has been around for a few years in its current form, which leaves a small sample to base any conclusions on. That being said, as long as you listen to your body and take your time, you should experience no serious ill effects of keto.