Keto 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Keto Diet
Okay, so we're a month into 2021, and you're still committed to your health goals - good job! It's not always easy, but investing in your health and wellness is a worthwhile effort.
One great way to invest in your health is through your diet. The keto diet, specifically, can improve your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, help stabilize your appetite, aid in weight loss, lower triglycerides, boost energy levels and improve brain function.
Convinced the keto diet might be right for you? Here's everything you need to know to get started on your keto journey!
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What is keto?
Ketosis is a metabolic, fat burning state that the body enters when it does not have enough carbohydrates to burn for energy. Instead, it burns fat and produces things called ketones which it can then use for fuel.
How to get into ketosis?
Some people turn to fasting to enter into ketosis. However, the best and most sustainable way to get your body into ketosis is by minimizing carb consumption and following the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet which mimics the natural conditions that push the human body into ketosis. Ketosis has the obvious benefit of weight loss but also increases brain function and energy levels.
How to maintain keto?
The best way to maintain ketosis for an extended period of time is to fuel your body with keto-friendly foods! The general consensus is that a keto diet should derive 70-80% of its calories from fat, 10-20% from protein and 5-10% from carbohydrates. Supplementing this high fat, low carb diet with consistent exercise, sufficient sleep and lots of water is a sure way to maintain ketosis and to get your body feeling healthy and strong!
Is the keto diet difficult to follow?
The ketogenic diet is easy to follow so long as you’re prepared! Sometimes eating outside of the standard American diet takes a little extra planning and effort, but in time keto will become less of a diet and more of a lifestyle.
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Here are two delicious on-the-go snacks to help keep you on track at the beginning of your keto journey: