Keto, Paleo, Atkins, Basic Low Carb, LCHF, Mediterranean Low Carb
Which one is right for me?
Let’s Talk about Keto questions and answers today…
1. What is the ketogenic (keto) diet?
The keto diet is an eating regimen that contains minimal carbohydrates. The carb intake on the keto diet is typically less than 30 grams per day. This means you’ll be consuming high amounts of heart-healthy fats and modest amounts of quality protein sources.
If you like bacon, steak, eggs, avocado, and cheese, among many other foods, then the keto diet is for you!
2. What does the ketogenic diet do?
The term ‘ketogenic’ refers to the process of your body (liver) producing organic substances known as ketones.
When you greatly limit your carb intake, your body needs to get its energy from another fuel source. In the case of the keto diet, your body starts to utilize fats for energy since glucose is limited. As a result, your body becomes “fat-adapted” and relies primarily on a metabolic process called lipolysis for deriving energy from fats. When your body carries out lipolysis, ketones are made by your liver (as a byproduct).
Once ketones are made in high enough amounts, your body enters a state called nutritional ketosis. Being in ketosis has a multitude of benefits for humans, especially for helping burn stored body fat for energy. This makes the keto diet ideal for those trying to lose weight.
3. What foods am I allowed to eat on the ketogenic diet?
Here’s an abridged overview of what the best keto diet foods are:
- All non-starchy, low-carb vegetables
- Whole nuts and seeds
- Avocados
- Butter, ghee, heavy cream, select low carb salad dressings
- Whole eggs
- Healthy food oils (olive oil, coconut oil, nut oils)
- Freshwater fish
- Condiments and sauces (as long as they contain minimal carbs)
- Herbs and spices
- Animal meats (turkey, chicken, beef, pork, organ meat, exotic game)
- Water, club soda, calorie-free sparkling water, unsweetened tea/coffee
- Full-fat, unprocessed cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, bleu cheese)
- Supplemental protein powders
4. What carbs sources are not permitted on the keto diet?
In general, you should not consume any of the following carb sources on the keto diet:
- Bread
- Flour
- Products made with flour and or sugar
- Grains (wheat, rice, oats, barley)
- Most fruit
- Soft drinks and fruit juices
- Candy
- Pasta
- Added and refined sugars
- Starchy vegetables (all types potatoes, corn, peas, carrots)
5. For your own safety, always consult your physician before starting any diet regiment.
There are many interesting information sources on the web to look through, study and answer all your questions or concerns about a Ketogenic diet plan. LC Foods does not recommend one low carb diet plan over another. LC Foods, of course, is here to help with wonderful low carb fresh baked and Keto Friendly mixes and products that are made with lots of butter, cream, sour cream, coconut and olive oil.