What is the keto diet?

The Keto or ketogenic diet is a strict regimen that involves consuming very few carbohydrates and more fat-rich foods. In other words, you're forced to eat fat to lose weight! Not sure how this could actually work? Let's discover the origins and benefits of this unconventional method together!

What is the Keto or Ketogenic diet?

The Keto or Ketogenic diet offers a nutritional model that is rather contrary to the recommendations we usually follow when dieting.

The latter involves drastically reducing our carbohydrate consumption and, conversely, ingesting a lot of foods rich in lipids.

The goal of reducing your carbohydrate intake is to allow your body to enter a state of "ketosis." Hence the name of this unique diet! In short, this state involves forcing your body to draw on its fat reserves for energy. This is done by depriving it of its usual source: carbohydrates. As a result, it leads to fairly rapid weight loss.

When following a Keto diet , the foods to favor are oily fish, green vegetables, nuts, tomatoes, and peppers. Anything that includes rice, white pasta, fruit, and sugary drinks should be eliminated!

The Benefits of the Keto Diet

The Keto diet, although the subject of extensive scientific research, is not yet considered 100% reliable. Numerous studies are still underway on the subject. So be wary if you plan to embark on this type of weight-loss program. However, here are some of the weight loss benefits that this research has highlighted.

• More effective weight loss

 According to more than a dozen studies, the Keto diet is more effective for weight loss than other low-fat diets. People who followed this diet reportedly lost almost 1 extra kilo for the same calorie intake.

• Appetite suppressant effect   

According to several studies, the ketogenic diet is recognized as an appetite suppressant. This is due in part to the hormonal changes caused by this change in diet.

• Decreased fat storage

By drastically reducing carbohydrate consumption, the body is forced to use more fat to provide energy, thus reducing its storage.

If you're looking to start a ketogenic diet to lose a few pounds, remember that it's essential to do your research beforehand! Cutting out all these foods, such as grains, certain vegetables, and fruits, can lead to certain deficiencies, particularly in fiber and vitamins.  Also, since you're ingesting a lot of fat, it's important to be mindful of what type of fat you're consuming. Not all of it is good!

This drastic change in your eating habits is not to be taken lightly, which is why in some cases it is advisable to consult a nutrition professional. They will be able to guide you through your process and provide valuable advice!