Ketogenic Diet: Pros and Cons

The ketogenic diet has become one of the more popular diets people choose to follow. It is high in fat and protein and low in carbs. Usually the keto diet only allows for 20 grams of net carbs throughout the day. Here is a closer look at how the ketogenic diet works.

Your body needs energy to function. Normally, this energy would come from carbohydrates which are then turned into glucose and used for energy. When eating a keto diet, the point is to put your body in ketosis, where your liver will break down fats to produce ketones, which are then used by the body for energy.

What to Eat on a Keto Diet

- Meats

- Fish

- Seafood

- Natural fats (such as butter and oils)

- Cheese

- Eggs

- Vegetables (but only the ones that grow above ground)

What to Avoid on a Keto Diet

- Fruit

- Potatoes

- Pasta

- Beer

- Rice

- Bread

- Donuts

- Soda/Juice

- Chocolate/Candy

Pros

- Promotes consumption of whole foods

- Limits refined sugars and refined carbs

- Decreases insulin levels which allow for easier access to stored fat

- Can be maintained indefinitely

Cons

- It restricts a whole food group, fruits, which are very high in micronutrients

- Due to decreases in insulin levels while eating keto, individuals that have Diabetes are cautioned before starting this diet. Please consult your physician.

- Due to the high fat content of the diet, individuals with heart disease, or individuals with a family history of heart disease, are cautioned before starting this diet. Please consult your physician.

- Not for everyone. Usually is better for individuals that do not have any underlying medical issues

- Requires a lot of discipline to maintain

What are your thoughts on the ketogenic diet? Have you tried it?