Making headlines all over the place is the Keto Diet. From magazines, to news outlets, and restaurants, everyone seems to be intrigued with this diet that is constantly trending across social media. For those that may have missed it, here is the down-low.
What is the Keto Diet?
The Keto (short for ketogenic) diet is a low-carb, high fat food regiment that causes weight loss by forcing the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates.
It works by forcing the body into a state of ketosis by adjusting the way food is turned into energy. Because there are no carbohydrates to draw from, fat is released from cells and turned into ketones.
What Can You Eat?
Below is a small example of the allowed foods.
Fats & Oils: Fatty Fish, Animal Fat, Lard, Avocados, Egg Yolks, Macadamia/Brazil Nuts, Butter, Mayonnaise, Coconut Butter, Olive Oil
Protein: Ground Beef, Bacon, Chicken, Ground Lamb, Steak, Liver, Almond Butter
Vegetables: Cabbage, Broccoli, Spinach, Green Beans, Mushrooms, Blackberries
Dairy: Greek Yogurt, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Mozzarella, Brie, Aged Cheddar, Parmesan
Nuts and Seeds: Macadamia Nuts, Brazil Nuts, Pecans, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Almond Flour, Unsweetened Coconut
Beverages: Water Broth, Coffee, Tea, Coconut/Almond Milk, Diet Soda, Alcohol.
Spices: Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Cumin, Oregano, Cilantro
Foods To Avoid!
On the Keto Diet, foods full of sugar and starch should be avoided.
Sugar: Soft Drinks, Fruit Juice, Sport Drinks, Vitamin Water, Candy, Cake, Cookies, Chocolate Bars, Donuts, Breakfast Cereal
Starch: Bread, Pasta, Rice, Potatoes, Chips
Beer and very sweet fruit with lots of sugar should also be avoided. Carbs are limited to 20-50 grams per day.
Before starting this diet, as with any diet you may be thinking of trying, you are always advised to consult with your physician, to make sure there are no health issues that would deem this a bad choice for your body.
I am personally a member of a few social media groups that are geared towards Keto beginners, and it seems pretty interesting. (I am an avid bacon-lover, and the diet calls for lots of bacon, so I will admit, that may be what draws me to it.)
The testimonials I have seen all indicate that this diet works great, despite the slow take-off. Some also admit that in the beginning, when the body is getting used to burning a different type of fuel, is rough. Getting past that hump, however, the results are nothing short of miraculous. The Keto Diet seems to be very effective for rapid weight loss short-term, but is there harm with long-term use? Despite this question, this diet is still widely accepted and appreciated.
The idea of having a list of approved foods, that will put the body in a state of ketosis is not new. The Atkins Diet, for instance, was a variation of this concept that gained widespread popularity in 2003 and 2004. For that reason, the Keto Diet isn’t so much a new fad, but rather a re-branded antique.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela Small
Student Author - Fall 2019
I am currently a student of Digital Multimedia, and one of the many “Senior” students here at Gulf Coast State College. After living a full life, which included raising 5 children (and 7 grandchildren, to date), I finally had time and opportunity to do something that was just for me. I am an aspiring web designer that is deciding on the direction my career will take., while enjoying all of the different studies within the field. I have a million hobbies, which include writing, collecting dolls, crocheting, and crafting. I enjoy DIY projects with family and friends. Anything that involves creativity, I probably like.
