Is the Keto Diet Right for You?

The ketogenic diet, usually called the “keto” diet for short, is a very low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet. It was originally designed to help children with epilepsy and has also been used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, in the last few years, the keto diet has become very popular for people who want to lose weight or change to a healthier lifestyle. 

It may seem strange, at first, that a high-fat diet can help you lose weight. But here’s a quick overview of how the keto diet works: your body usually burns carbohydrates for energy, but when you limit your intake of carbohydrates and boost your intake of fats, your body switches from carb-burning to fat-burning. That switch puts your body in a state of ketosis, and in this state your body burns up fat reserves for energy. 

Thanks to social media, almost everyone knows someone who has tried the keto diet and experienced weight loss. And if you want to lose weight too, you’re likely interested in trying the keto diet for yourself. 

In this post, we’re going to look at whether the keto diet is right for you, and some ways to begin the keto diet, if you decide to try it. 

But let me add an important disclaimer: this blog post is not medical advice and does not pretend to be. I am not a licensed dietician and am not giving you any dietary advice. I encourage you to speak with your doctor or health care provider before trying out a restrictive diet like the keto diet. 

Ok, with that said...

Is the keto diet right for you?

As I mentioned before, the keto diet is very restrictive. There are plenty of foods that are barred from the diet such as whole grains, beans, and many fruits. That means you will be missing out on great sources of fiber. And fiber is needed for your digestive system. So if you're someone who suffers from digestive health conditions, keto may not be a good fit for you. 

According to Vanessa Spina, a Sport Nutrition Specialist and author of Keto Essentials, people with the following health conditions should not follow the keto diet

• Any stage of diabetes, kidney disease, or any pre-existing liver, pancreatic or kidney issues or conditions 

• Some rare conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy and other conditions could complicate and severely distress the pancreas, liver or kidneys 

• People with blood sugar issues such as hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes

• People with type 2 diabetes and on any medications for diabetes unless approved by your doctor and under doctor supervision

• People who are pregnant, nursing, or who have Gestational Diabetes

• Anyone suffering or recovering from an eating disorder

Whether you have any of the conditions above or not, it’s always recommended that you speak with your doctor before implementing the ketogenic diet. 

If you have done your due diligence, and you want to try the keto diet, there are plenty of versions out there to try. For example, the Diet Center has developed a clean keto diet that claims to offer such benefits as 

1. Highly effective weight loss

2. Targeted belly fat reduction

3. Appetite suppression

4. Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

5. Reduced risk factors for heart disease

6. Look better, feel better, and be healthier today

The great thing about Diet Center’s Keto Plan is that they offer a host of products in their Diet Store to choose from, so you can tailor your Keto Plan to your tastes. 

If you decide to try the keto diet, I wish you the best of luck. Many people have found weight loss success using it; however, no diet is right for everyone. If you try the keto diet and do not feel good, then listen to your body and talk to your health care provider.